http://blog.mlive.com/bradosphere/Unique opinions and observations from columnist Brad Flory of the Jackson Citizen Patriot.enThu, 04 Apr 2013 05:04:30 PDTMovable Type Enterprise 4.29-advance http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/noUnique opinions and observations from columnist Brad Flory of the Jackson Citizen Patriot.bradospherehttp://feedburner.google.comhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/bradosphere/~3/zHhw9hd_d5Y/one_mans_strange_obsession_wit.htmltag:BradosphereBrad Flory | brad@lifeinplaid.comThu, 23 May 2013 12:32:30 PDTtag:www.mlive.com,2013:/opinion/jackson/index.ssf//4596.10608003 ]]>Progress so rarely makes life any simpler that I was bound to feel love-struck when meeting a technology that actually makes something easier.noProgress so rarely makes life any simpler that I was bound to feel love-struck when meeting a technology that actually makes something easier.Progress so rarely makes life any simpler that I was bound to feel love-struck when meeting a technology that actually makes something easier.tag:Bradospherehttp://www.mlive.com/opinion/jackson/index.ssf/2013/05/one_mans_strange_obsession_wit.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/bradosphere/~3/YjPZaAz8Rjs/even_in_jackson_economic_optim.htmlcat:Guest Columntag:BradosphereBrad Flory | brad@lifeinplaid.comTue, 21 May 2013 05:08:24 PDTtag:www.mlive.com,2013:/opinion/jackson/index.ssf//4596.10590910 ]]>Flawed or not, unemployment statistics do mean something. And they are headed in the right direction. Even more encouraging are recent developments with Jackson County's real-estate market. noFlawed or not, unemployment statistics do mean something. And they are headed in the right direction. Even more encouraging are recent developments with Jackson County's real-estate market. Flawed or not, unemployment statistics do mean something. And they are headed in the right direction. Even more encouraging are recent developments with Jackson County's real-estate market. cat:Guest Column, tag:Bradospherehttp://www.mlive.com/opinion/jackson/index.ssf/2013/05/even_in_jackson_economic_optim.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/bradosphere/~3/-CbM6cTIFW4/embracing_the_inner_dumbness_w.htmlcat:Guest Columntag:BradosphereBrad Flory | brad@lifeinplaid.comSun, 19 May 2013 05:04:07 PDTtag:www.mlive.com,2013:/opinion/jackson/index.ssf//4596.10569533 ]]>While driving, I was gripped by sudden obsessions to conquer the radio. I lunged toward the buttons and pushed randomly. A couple of times I drifted into the wrong lane of traffic, but no collisions resulted.noWhile driving, I was gripped by sudden obsessions to conquer the radio. I lunged toward the buttons and pushed randomly. A couple of times I drifted into the wrong lane of traffic, but no collisions resulted.While driving, I was gripped by sudden obsessions to conquer the radio. I lunged toward the buttons and pushed randomly. A couple of times I drifted into the wrong lane of traffic, but no collisions resulted.cat:Guest Column, tag:Bradospherehttp://www.mlive.com/opinion/jackson/index.ssf/2013/05/embracing_the_inner_dumbness_w.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/bradosphere/~3/YobKWyKKny0/doing_justice_to_the_citizen_p.htmltag:BradosphereBrad Flory | brad@lifeinplaid.comThu, 16 May 2013 06:08:58 PDTtag:www.mlive.com,2013:/opinion/jackson/index.ssf//4596.10556643 ]]>Former publisher Buck Weaver died in 2011, so he did not live long enough to see the "For Sale" sign now in front of the Citizen Patriot building. I doubt even Buck saw that coming.noFormer publisher Buck Weaver died in 2011, so he did not live long enough to see the "For Sale" sign now in front of the Citizen Patriot building. I doubt even Buck saw that coming.Former publisher Buck Weaver died in 2011, so he did not live long enough to see the "For Sale" sign now in front of the Citizen Patriot building. I doubt even Buck saw that coming.tag:Bradospherehttp://www.mlive.com/opinion/jackson/index.ssf/2013/05/doing_justice_to_the_citizen_p.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/bradosphere/~3/2757MyMo7cY/frankenmuth_love_affair_is_thi.htmltag:BradosphereBrad Flory | brad@lifeinplaid.comFri, 17 May 2013 08:08:04 PDTtag:www.mlive.com,2013:/opinion/jackson/index.ssf//4596.10544441 ]]>The main activity in Frankenmuth is eating fried chicken in two cavernous restaurants where servers bring food on platters. Dining there is a magical swirl of gluttonous pleasure.noThe main activity in Frankenmuth is eating fried chicken in two cavernous restaurants where servers bring food on platters. Dining there is a magical swirl of gluttonous pleasure.The main activity in Frankenmuth is eating fried chicken in two cavernous restaurants where servers bring food on platters. Dining there is a magical swirl of gluttonous pleasure.tag:Bradospherehttp://www.mlive.com/opinion/jackson/index.ssf/2013/05/frankenmuth_love_affair_is_thi.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/bradosphere/~3/X8J4mCGIAEw/movie_with_no_dinner_shameless.htmltag:BradosphereBrad Flory | brad@lifeinplaid.comFri, 10 May 2013 07:59:05 PDTtag:www.mlive.com,2013:/opinion/jackson/index.ssf//4596.10525872 ]]>Charity may or may not be enough to stop hunger, but it is unpleasant to imagine where we, as a community and a country, would be without it during these past few years. noCharity may or may not be enough to stop hunger, but it is unpleasant to imagine where we, as a community and a country, would be without it during these past few years. Charity may or may not be enough to stop hunger, but it is unpleasant to imagine where we, as a community and a country, would be without it during these past few years. tag:Bradospherehttp://www.mlive.com/opinion/jackson/index.ssf/2013/05/movie_with_no_dinner_shameless.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/bradosphere/~3/XIL9lqTKb5Y/kentucky_derby_addict_explains.htmltag:BradosphereBrad Flory | brad@lifeinplaid.comThu, 09 May 2013 05:06:22 PDTtag:www.mlive.com,2013:/opinion/jackson/index.ssf//4596.10511610 ]]>The Kentucky Derby infield is discreetly mentioned on TV as "a party." That sounds nicer than the more accurate description, which is "an amazing concentration of drunks, exhibitionists, borderline criminals, and college students burning through their parents' credit cards."noThe Kentucky Derby infield is discreetly mentioned on TV as "a party." That sounds nicer than the more accurate description, which is "an amazing concentration of drunks, exhibitionists, borderline criminals, and college students burning through their parThe Kentucky Derby infield is discreetly mentioned on TV as "a party." That sounds nicer than the more accurate description, which is "an amazing concentration of drunks, exhibitionists, borderline criminals, and college students burning through their parents' credit cards."tag:Bradospherehttp://www.mlive.com/opinion/jackson/index.ssf/2013/05/kentucky_derby_addict_explains.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/bradosphere/~3/MNqlqBenqU4/practical_advice_to_the_class.htmltag:BradosphereBrad Flory | brad@lifeinplaid.comTue, 07 May 2013 05:08:47 PDTtag:www.mlive.com,2013:/opinion/jackson/index.ssf//4596.10498454 ]]>Be nice to people in middle management, because they have the worst jobs in the whole organization. Plus, some of them will be very big bosses someday.noBe nice to people in middle management, because they have the worst jobs in the whole organization. Plus, some of them will be very big bosses someday.Be nice to people in middle management, because they have the worst jobs in the whole organization. Plus, some of them will be very big bosses someday.tag:Bradospherehttp://www.mlive.com/opinion/jackson/index.ssf/2013/05/practical_advice_to_the_class.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/bradosphere/~3/dQUGvjIEnP4/confessions_of_a_part-time_veg.htmlcat:Guest Columntag:BradosphereBrad Flory | brad@lifeinplaid.comMon, 06 May 2013 05:50:50 PDTtag:www.mlive.com,2013:/opinion/jackson/index.ssf//4596.10474443 ]]>Being a part-time vegetarian turned out to be remarkably easy. Finding vegetarian food that is not disgusting takes very little effort. I've gone meatless at least 150 times, and it has not killed me or destroyed my self-esteem.noBeing a part-time vegetarian turned out to be remarkably easy. Finding vegetarian food that is not disgusting takes very little effort. I've gone meatless at least 150 times, and it has not killed me or destroyed my self-esteem.Being a part-time vegetarian turned out to be remarkably easy. Finding vegetarian food that is not disgusting takes very little effort. I've gone meatless at least 150 times, and it has not killed me or destroyed my self-esteem.cat:Guest Column, tag:Bradospherehttp://www.mlive.com/opinion/jackson/index.ssf/2013/05/confessions_of_a_part-time_veg.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/bradosphere/~3/xu2THe2-0dw/justice_in_real_life_courtroom.htmltag:BradosphereBrad Flory | brad@lifeinplaid.comThu, 02 May 2013 05:30:31 PDTtag:www.mlive.com,2013:/opinion/jackson/index.ssf//4596.10463598 ]]>A vast majority of people accused of crimes are guilty. That's why something like 90 percent take plea bargains. Criminals are often stupid people caught red-handed doing stupid things. noA vast majority of people accused of crimes are guilty. That's why something like 90 percent take plea bargains. Criminals are often stupid people caught red-handed doing stupid things. A vast majority of people accused of crimes are guilty. That's why something like 90 percent take plea bargains. Criminals are often stupid people caught red-handed doing stupid things. tag:Bradospherehttp://www.mlive.com/opinion/jackson/index.ssf/2013/05/justice_in_real_life_courtroom.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/bradosphere/~3/m2RoRFuJafg/old_age_not_for_this_97-year-o.htmltag:BradosphereBrad Flory | brad@lifeinplaid.comTue, 30 Apr 2013 05:04:18 PDTtag:www.mlive.com,2013:/opinion/jackson/index.ssf//4596.10451184 ]]>Friends are amazed by Eugene McIntee's great condition, and for good reason. He weighs 147 pounds, same as when he played quarterback for Parma High School in 1934. He doesn't use a cane or hearing aid. His eyes are bright and his mind is sharp.noFriends are amazed by Eugene McIntee's great condition, and for good reason. He weighs 147 pounds, same as when he played quarterback for Parma High School in 1934. He doesn't use a cane or hearing aid. His eyes are bright and his mind is sharp.Friends are amazed by Eugene McIntee's great condition, and for good reason. He weighs 147 pounds, same as when he played quarterback for Parma High School in 1934. He doesn't use a cane or hearing aid. His eyes are bright and his mind is sharp.tag:Bradospherehttp://www.mlive.com/opinion/jackson/index.ssf/2013/04/old_age_not_for_this_97-year-o.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/bradosphere/~3/DrpQdBU7M2Q/jackson_freedom_fest_where_we.htmlcat:Guest Columntag:BradosphereBrad Flory | brad@lifeinplaid.comSun, 28 Apr 2013 05:04:48 PDTtag:www.mlive.com,2013:/opinion/jackson/index.ssf//4596.10429344 ]]>One black member cautioned that white people may be uncomfortable walking around Jackson's south side for a planned progressive dinner at predominantly black churches. I cannot claim to believe he is dead wrong.noOne black member cautioned that white people may be uncomfortable walking around Jackson's south side for a planned progressive dinner at predominantly black churches. I cannot claim to believe he is dead wrong.One black member cautioned that white people may be uncomfortable walking around Jackson's south side for a planned progressive dinner at predominantly black churches. I cannot claim to believe he is dead wrong.cat:Guest Column, tag:Bradospherehttp://www.mlive.com/opinion/jackson/index.ssf/2013/04/jackson_freedom_fest_where_we.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/bradosphere/~3/UsvGc9TljGo/jacksons_alarming_vanishing_ac.htmltag:BradosphereBrad Flory | brad@lifeinplaid.comThu, 25 Apr 2013 05:03:08 PDTtag:www.mlive.com,2013:/opinion/jackson/index.ssf//4596.10416407 ]]>Jackson's residential property was listed at a true cash value of $952 million in 2007. Today, it is down 43 percent to $545 million. Poof! Forty-three percent is gone. noJackson's residential property was listed at a true cash value of $952 million in 2007. Today, it is down 43 percent to $545 million. Poof! Forty-three percent is gone. Jackson's residential property was listed at a true cash value of $952 million in 2007. Today, it is down 43 percent to $545 million. Poof! Forty-three percent is gone. tag:Bradospherehttp://www.mlive.com/opinion/jackson/index.ssf/2013/04/jacksons_alarming_vanishing_ac.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/bradosphere/~3/MwN3r1JF3VI/gun_owners_did_not_thwart_the.htmltag:BradosphereBrad Flory | brad@lifeinplaid.comTue, 23 Apr 2013 05:08:39 PDTtag:www.mlive.com,2013:/opinion/jackson/index.ssf//4596.10403360 ]]>Simple math shows almost 80 percent of gun owners had to support background checks. Gun owners do not all think alike and we did not kill that legislation.noSimple math shows almost 80 percent of gun owners had to support background checks. Gun owners do not all think alike and we did not kill that legislation.Simple math shows almost 80 percent of gun owners had to support background checks. Gun owners do not all think alike and we did not kill that legislation.tag:Bradospherehttp://www.mlive.com/opinion/jackson/index.ssf/2013/04/gun_owners_did_not_thwart_the.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/bradosphere/~3/PK6yz7TCc8c/rebuilding_the_economy_one_bro.htmltag:BradosphereBrad Flory | brad@lifeinplaid.comSun, 21 Apr 2013 05:07:02 PDTtag:www.mlive.com,2013:/opinion/jackson/index.ssf//4596.10388774 ]]>Three mornings have now passed and I have neither seen nor heard from Contractor Two. He moved on like a prairie wind and never said goodbye or wished me luck with my home-improvement dreams.noThree mornings have now passed and I have neither seen nor heard from Contractor Two. He moved on like a prairie wind and never said goodbye or wished me luck with my home-improvement dreams.Three mornings have now passed and I have neither seen nor heard from Contractor Two. He moved on like a prairie wind and never said goodbye or wished me luck with my home-improvement dreams.tag:Bradospherehttp://www.mlive.com/opinion/jackson/index.ssf/2013/04/rebuilding_the_economy_one_bro.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/bradosphere/~3/AsSeU4B98Nc/armory_arts_promise_as_public.htmltag:BradosphereBrad Flory | brad@lifeinplaid.comThu, 18 Apr 2013 05:05:11 PDTtag:www.mlive.com,2013:/opinion/jackson/index.ssf//4596.10373553 ]]>If Jackson cares about maximizing Armory Arts as gathering place for local people and visitors, some credible organization must take over on "the community side."noIf Jackson cares about maximizing Armory Arts as gathering place for local people and visitors, some credible organization must take over on "the community side."If Jackson cares about maximizing Armory Arts as gathering place for local people and visitors, some credible organization must take over on "the community side."tag:Bradospherehttp://www.mlive.com/opinion/jackson/index.ssf/2013/04/armory_arts_promise_as_public.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/bradosphere/~3/xStF2_Co2CQ/building_a_stronger_marriage_t.htmltag:BradosphereBrad Flory | brad@lifeinplaid.comTue, 16 Apr 2013 05:14:51 PDTtag:www.mlive.com,2013:/opinion/jackson/index.ssf//4596.10361324 ]]>Dr. Phil won't say it, but I will: Sometimes the best way to preserve a loving, nurturing relationship is to avoid talking. noDr. Phil won't say it, but I will: Sometimes the best way to preserve a loving, nurturing relationship is to avoid talking. Dr. Phil won't say it, but I will: Sometimes the best way to preserve a loving, nurturing relationship is to avoid talking. tag:Bradospherehttp://www.mlive.com/opinion/jackson/index.ssf/2013/04/building_a_stronger_marriage_t.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/bradosphere/~3/fBtn82vaoNU/even_locals_can_appreciate_186.htmlcat:Guest Columntag:BradosphereBrad Flory | brad@lifeinplaid.comSun, 14 Apr 2013 10:44:09 PDTtag:www.mlive.com,2013:/opinion/jackson/index.ssf//4596.10347578 ]]>Cheap inmate labor not only built Jackson as an industrial city, it turned a nice profit for the prison. Factory owners paid about 33.5 cents per day for inmate labor in the early years, but prisoners received 5.5 cents.noCheap inmate labor not only built Jackson as an industrial city, it turned a nice profit for the prison. Factory owners paid about 33.5 cents per day for inmate labor in the early years, but prisoners received 5.5 cents.Cheap inmate labor not only built Jackson as an industrial city, it turned a nice profit for the prison. Factory owners paid about 33.5 cents per day for inmate labor in the early years, but prisoners received 5.5 cents.cat:Guest Column, tag:Bradospherehttp://www.mlive.com/opinion/jackson/index.ssf/2013/04/even_locals_can_appreciate_186.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/bradosphere/~3/JSdwIMuhRyA/taking_a_number_from_the_new_d.htmltag:BradosphereBrad Flory | brad@lifeinplaid.comThu, 11 Apr 2013 05:06:10 PDTtag:www.mlive.com,2013:/opinion/jackson/index.ssf//4596.10334831 ]]>"Are you guys trying to make Jackson County offices more like the Secretary of State?" I asked. In case she missed the point, I added, "Because people don't like that."no"Are you guys trying to make Jackson County offices more like the Secretary of State?" I asked. In case she missed the point, I added, "Because people don't like that.""Are you guys trying to make Jackson County offices more like the Secretary of State?" I asked. In case she missed the point, I added, "Because people don't like that."tag:Bradospherehttp://www.mlive.com/opinion/jackson/index.ssf/2013/04/taking_a_number_from_the_new_d.htmlhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/bradosphere/~3/R7VexCn-Doo/armory_arts_villages_revised_r.htmltag:BradosphereBrad Flory | brad@lifeinplaid.comThu, 11 Apr 2013 07:00:12 PDTtag:www.mlive.com,2013:/opinion/jackson/index.ssf//4596.10321853 ]]>People may remember the history of Armory Arts Village differently because many Jackson movers and shakers slathered the idea with wild optimism. The word "transformation" was thrown around like grass seed on a bare patch.noPeople may remember the history of Armory Arts Village differently because many Jackson movers and shakers slathered the idea with wild optimism. The word "transformation" was thrown around like grass seed on a bare patch.People may remember the history of Armory Arts Village differently because many Jackson movers and shakers slathered the idea with wild optimism. The word "transformation" was thrown around like grass seed on a bare patch.tag:Bradospherehttp://www.mlive.com/opinion/jackson/index.ssf/2013/04/armory_arts_villages_revised_r.htmlnonadult