by Joe McKenzie
Closer: Saw a Cox Internet installer parked at Roselawn Cemetery. The truck had the slogan - Bringing us Closer. Why not? Technology is amazing. Someday, future techies will find a way to bring us closer with the dead by communicating via our microchip and their microchip, with embedded and projected memories through an updated version of AI - and well, other creative tech. And, why not? Of course, it’s a simple reminder to make more frequent contact with our loved ones now, while we are alive. We can be close by communicating and sharing experiences and stories now. But, they’re working on good things to bring us closer in the future too.
Distressed: Is your home distressed? No, this isn’t about politics. Saw a pre-distressed sign slotted on a post-distressed chain link fence on E. Elm Street near the under-utilized Riverside Park: Sell Me Your Distressed House As Is. The phone number was from Colorado. Do we have distressed homes in Salina? Absolutely. They’re in every town. I wonder if these signs are in other parts of town. The condition of as is could be enticing to folks who do not have the energy to straighten things up for company. And the offering price? Well, that could be depressing.
Neurogenesis: There are occasional reports, I think, that say brain cells could be capable of regenerating. I guess much of the junk we eat and drink kills brain cells. But, we don’t think about that as we enjoy or abuse life. How often do you think about killing your brain? Doesn’t it take care of itself? Interesting that if thoughts, concerns, worries, plans to improve our life or buy fast food all come from our brain, why doesn’t the brain just generate healthy, positive, life-affirming thoughts and ideas for living and interacting that don’t kill it’s own cells or self. Does yours? Or am I not listening to my brain? Clearly, that’s beyond my (I would say feeble, but my brain fought back on that word as an offensive cliche) basic (here it lobbied for robust or vigorous) brain.
Cursive: Way up high on a brick building in Lawrence, there is a simple sign in block lettering that reads: Try Writing Cursive. It looks like it’s been there awhile. How did they paint those printed letters so neatly? Upside down from the roof? Scaffolding with a template? The mural project might add more words/phrases/quotes/questions (graffiti art or Jenny Holzer conceptual art)) in surprising locations in downtown Salina to surprise us. It might be fun. In cursive? Just something different to make or help us think. We need occasional prompts like this to wake us up. Do we need cursive? Maybe, they meant to say try writing curses.
Poor Kitty: Saw a cat strutting alone on W. Elm Street and wondered if pets had any understanding of the socio-economic situation of their humans. Rich dog/Poor Dog?
A litter of kittens in a distressed, but loving house? Seems like if they have love and attention, enough to eat and safe shelter - wait, was that ever the heart of humans? American humans? I can’t imagine too many pets at the Salina Animal Shelter demanding to see the address on the application for adoption, asking to see the age, size and make of their vehicle. Likewise, when rescuing a pet, most people do not try to find a pet who used to live in a McMansion or who has had advanced education, though good social skills would be nice. And, once adopted, our pets sure do become beautiful.
