Schoolhouse Rock… NOT
I recently wrote an op-ed (I’ll link here if it’s published) on a bill passed by the Kansas House and Senate, which was awaiting the governor’s signature. The major problem with the bill was the legislators’ use of an oft-maligned (mostly for good reason) tool in the Kansas legislative process – the “gut-and-go”, combined with “declaring an emergency” final action …
Table-hood Watch
If you’ve ever worked from home, you know there are sometimes you need a change of scenery. A coffee shop, a library, a bustling restaurant, or even a sports bar with dozens of screens during March Madness… Just for example… A LinkedIn contact, Shannon Watson, recounted a recent such visit in a post last week. She asked a woman working nearby …
Voting Nerd ACTIVATED!
In the midst of trauma, fear, and global chaos, I am hopeful about this year. WHY? What in the world would give me that feeling? I LOVE LOVE LOVE voter engagement. The more people act in neighborhoods and communities (a TON of action steps in our Serve60Sharp newsletter), show up (even protesting), and vote, the more representative our elected bodies become. You …
Best of 2025!
For the last Friday of 2025, we’re joining the “Wrapped” trend. First and foremost – thanks for reading – it’s no fun to keep writing if no one is reading… If you read it they will keep coming! Day with the most reads: September 22 Top 5 most read: Earned most new subscribers: The 2025 Sharp Sheet If this was forwarded to …
Part 2: Bill of Rights
This week features the 2nd half of the Bill of Rights, where, by the focus of these amendments, it becomes pretty obvious that most of our Founders were attorneys! Amendment VI In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall …
Bill of Rights
We had so much fun celebrating Constitution Day with an 8-piece reading of the U.S. Constitution, we thought the Bill of Rights should get the same treatment! The first 10 amendments to the Constitution (originally proposed as 12) were passed by Congress in September 1789. It took more than two years to achieve the required number of states, ratifying on …
Community Colleges: Your Next Step?
A few weeks ago, this newsletter spotlighted your role as a patron (taxpayer) of your area’s community college. Let’s discuss that a little more… The intent of this newsletter is to provide low-commitment, high-impact tips to serve your neighbors and community. Many of those tips have involved equipping yourself with information in order to serve as a resource to those around you. …
BOGO Your Lunch Meeting
I’ve often joked about my “Methodist Guilt”: Years of CROP Walks, canned food drives, and mission trips make me think twice about: As I was on the way to another lunch meeting this week at a local restaurant, listening to the news about: Read that again. I’ll wait. Methodist Guilt – ACTIVATED. But what can I do NOW? As I’m sitting …
The 2025 Sharp Sheet
The 2025 Sharp Sheet is the latest edition of my recommendations for races in the KC Metro area. Skip on by if this doesn’t apply to you! TWO IMPORTANT points to remember: DeSoto Edgerton Gardner Lake Quivira (uncontested) Lenexa Merriam Mission Mission Hills Mission Woods Olathe Overland Park Prairie Village Roeland Park Shawnee USD 229 Blue Valley USD 233 Olathe …
Expansion Deck: Thank You Wave
This week’s tip is a hyperlocal version of Thank You Wave Wonders from March of last year (also a rehash of the glories of the Zipper Merge). Take that highway wave and turn it around – to your neighbors. In our previous homes, I’ve always been a “neighbor waver” – maybe it’s my rural roots, but if I’m driving less than 40 …