Living in the 21sst Century is all that it's cracked up to be. Whenever a problem or a crisis arises it's nice to be able to have the solution right at hand. And technology, with skill and knowledge how to use that technology goes a long way to making our lives a little easier.

Take the following example as a "for instance."

Crafton Tree Service purchased a new facility in beautiful downtown Punkin Center earlier this spring. It's got plenty of room and sits on several acres, which can be good and bad.

Good, because they do have all that room. Bad, because someone has to keep the grass cut and the place looking nice.

Traveling the backroads in my travels between the Kennett and Dexter I have seen Frank Crafton out there on more than one occasion on the lawnmower. And even though it's a riding mower 90-degrees and plenty of sunshine make for a long afternoon.

Frank showed his thinking ability (knowledge, if you will) about how to use technology to solve his grass-mowing problem. He went to Briggs And Stratton.

Oh, I know most of you think you've already got Briggs and Stratton solving that same problem and you'd be right. However, I would venture to say that you don't have the same Briggs And Stratton being used by Frank.

Frank went out and bought three billy goats and has given them each a name; Briggs, And, Stratton. Pretty funny, but don't you feel just a little sorry for that poor goat named And?

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Another crisis

Everyone knows that dogs and chocolate do not mix. In fact, chocolate can be fatal to canines. Dog owners and dog lovers go out of their way to make sure their pet is never fed any chocolate. The problem is that the dog doesn't know chocolate is not something they're supposed to eat.

Recently Diane Risner was planning a birthday party for her 13 year-old. Part of the celebration included two pounds of chocolate candy. The candy got left out on the kitchen counter by, um, well let's just say another family member who was in a hurry to get to work.

The two pups picked up the scent of that candy right away.

By the time Diane got home the only remaining evidence was a bunch of trash on the kitchen floor. Well, that and a couple of sick puppies.

Diane called her Pet's Best Friend, who recommended a couple of home remedies. She tried them to make the dogs sick at their stomach. It didn't work and the next stop was the office of Dr. Mobley. We're glad to report that the puppies are doing fine.

Diane's mother, Isabel McNulty, who passed this story along said she asked Diane if it was possible for her to have a crisis that wasn't expensive.

There you go, technology; knowledge and skill to use that technology, and a little money will solve any problem.

At least anything that duct tape and WD 40 doesn't handle.

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From the mailbag

Last week I got an email from Cindy Hine who passed along the following"

"David has officially signed with California Baptist University to swim and play water polo. Their men's swim team has won their divisions (NAIA) national championships 3 years in a row and their water polo team is ranked in the top 20 in the U.S."

That's pretty impressive, and congratulations to "Little" David for his dedication to make this happen.

We were all set to run a photo of the signing just like we do for our athletes here, but she explained that it's not that big of a deal in California. No photos are taken and no press release is issued.

* * *

More mail

Baring emergency provisions, most changes in Missouri law occur on August 28 once the governor puts his signature on the bill.

Changes in traffic laws in California took place on July 1 according to Cindy. There was no indication when The Terminator signed them. I thought you might find them of interest.

"New Driving Fines for 2007

"1. Carpool lane - 1st time $1068.50 starting on 7/1/07

(The $271 posted on the highway is old).

Don't do it again because 2nd time is going to be

double. 3rd time triple, and 4th time license is

suspended

"2. Incorrect lane change - $380. Don't cross the lane

on solid lines or intersections.

"3. Block intersection - $485

"4. Driving on the shoulder - $450

"5. Cell phone use in the construction zone. - Double

fine as of 07/01/07. Cell phone use must be 'hands free' while driving.

"6. Passengers over 18 not in their seat belts - both

passengers and drivers get tickets

"7. Speeders can only drive 3 miles above the limit

"8. DUI = JAIL (Stays on your driving record for 10

years!)

"9. As of 07/01/07 cell phone use must be 'hands free'

while driving. Ticket is $285."

With the formal opening of Governor John M. Dalton Memorial Highway last Friday this just kinda seemed appropriate.

* * *

No cake

Last week everyone learned about Jewell Wayne Devault and Ruble Beaty celebrating the 39th anniversary of their birth.

I dropped by the library this week thinking there might be a little bit of birthday cake left over. No chance. In fact, Jewell Wayne didn't even share any of her birthday cake with her co-workers.

She said, rather smugly I might add, "I had my cake on Sunday."

And I guess she ate the whole thing.

Bud Hunt is the publisher of the Daily Dunklin Democrat.