Kudos

I continue to be impressed with the technological advances our society makes each day. In an article release be the Associate Press ("Patch may one day let you skip the needle", CNN.com 11/7/06) an innovation is on the way that may be able to replace painful vaccination shots with a patch. Whether or not this technology will ever be accepted and widely used is debatable, but the impacts it could make on society are certainly not. I am grateful myself for the innovation as it will possibly allow be to circumvent needles in my future, but I am most grateful for the countless lives this may save. This technology allows vaccinations to be shipped world wide, without the dangers of needing a syringe or the need for refrigeration. The impact this could have on the health of developing countries is immeasurable. It will take time before the innovation is available for widespread use, but those responsible (and others making similar innovations) should be commended.

Where is the respect?

I am disappointed with the Daily Iowan's sports coverage on Monday November 6. I can understand that the headline must go to the upset of Iowa football at the hands of Northwestern, but do we really need four front page football articles, and how does the Field Hockey team making an incredible run through the Big Ten Tournament to become Big Ten Tournament Champions not get the front page? It is shameful that this campus focuses so much attention on football, and other sports loose out on the attention they so deserve. I want to wish the Field Hockey team luck as they head off to Winston-Salem, N.C. for the opening rounds of the NCAA Championship. I only hope that if they return to Iowa City with good news that its not buried in the back pages behind more football disappointments.

Stay Active

Now that the flurry that was the 2006 mid-term elections are over, I urge people not to put the issues that were central to the election (and even those that weren't) to the back burner. We need to stay in the game and be sure that those elected stick by the issues they committed to. Even if the person you voted for didn't get elected, its up to you to make sure that the candidate that was elected understands that you are a constituent too, and your voice counts the same as everyone else. Let's be sure we hold all those elected accountable for their actions, and be sure that they understand how we feel before they make decisions.

IF YOU DON'T VOTE, YOU CAN'T COMPLAIN

I thoroughly enjoyed this sign of a neighbor's, because it really is that simple; I don't want to hear any nagging from the folks who don't get out to the polls. Excuses that it doesn't really matter to you don't cut it, because there is at least one issue in this debate that everyone can relate to. It shouldn't take a wrong against you or your family for you to decide its time to vote. Voting is not only a right but, more importantly, its a responsibility. Use it wisely.

Think Before You Speak

It's unfortunate that the majority of the public likely agrees with the letter written in reference to the landscaping along Fleur Drive ("A weed by any other name....", DM Register 11/06/06). Unfortunate because those responsible for that landscaping should be commended not criticized, because their efforts are making this a cleaner Iowa. A well maintain natural landscape helps water absorb down to the water table where it belongs rather than allowing surface runoff or point loading like in storm sewers. True, most farmers see some of the intrusive species of prairie grasses to be a nuisance, but that probably comes from that fact that the prairie grasses are native to the area and adapt well, were the corn, soybeans, and other row crops are definitely not native. The letter also refers to the long root system in negative light, which is also unfortunate, because it is those long roots that help absorb more water. All in all the letter is so far off base and far fetched it upsets me deeply. Not only should the area not be mowed, it should be replicated throughout the Des Moines area and Iowa. Bioswales (roadside natural plantings) are a perfect way to replace the age-old curb and gutter system, and provide Iowa with an extremly cost effective way to clean its waters.

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