Salem-News.com Family articles

Random Musings

A ranging view of the ideas circulating in one writer's mind.

(AGOURA, Calif.) - Sometimes there are many ideas fighting for attention in my mind, covering all the subjects I tend to write a column about, but each isn’t worthy of its own full-length coverage.

Consequently, I collect them. So, in no particular order, here are my current random musings.

Missing Forest Grove Boy Found Cold but Unharmed

The boy was located shortly after midnight.

(MANNING, Ore.) - Officials say a nine-year-old Forest Grove boy who was visiting family friends became lost in the Manning area Wednesday night.

He was found nine hours later, cold but unharmed, according to Washington County Sheriff's Office Spokesman, Sgt. David Thompson

Tualatin Shooting Leaves Two Dead & Two Injured

It's been a long day in Tualatin, where a fatal shooting shattered lives Tuesday.

(TUALATIN, Ore.) - Yesterday afternoon, Tualatin experienced a tragic event where two people were killed and two others were injured.

As officers responded to the scene, it became clear that other bystanders could have been killed or injured had it not been for the quick reactions of bystanders to seek safety and shelter.

Mormon Church Supports Nondiscrimination Ordinances for Gay People

In a surprise turnabout move, the Church of Latter Day Saints now backs gay rights.

(SALT LAKE CITY) - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has declared its support of nondiscrimination regulations that would extend protection in matters of housing and employment in Salt Lake City to those with same-sex attraction.

The Church said the Salt Lake City Council’s new nondiscrimination ordinance “is fair and reasonable” and balances fair housing and employment rights with the religious rights of the community.

Asperger`s Syndrome Wives Need Understanding

Those who stay in a relationship with an Asperger’s-afflicted mate should do everything possible to be independent socially and financially.

(BOSTON, Mass.) - Asperger's Syndrome is a neurological disorder considered as high-functioning autism. Individuals with this syndrome have difficulty with social aspects of intelligence. This manifests itself as a notable lack of "common sense."

The presence of Asperger in children is getting more attention now, but the undiagnosed adult is not yet well recognized. Because these types of brain disorders seem to be more common in men, many times wives have trouble getting the support they need.

Why Sex With a Partner is Better

Oregon research shows why a mate provides an evolutionary advantage over self-fertilization.

(EUGENE, Ore.) - OK, it takes two for human reproduction, and now it seems that plants and animals that can rely on either a partner or go alone by self-fertilization give their offspring a better chance for longer lives when they opt for a mate.

That's the conclusion gleaned from more than 100 mini-evolution experiments involving nematode worms (Caenorhabditis elegans) at the University of Oregon.

Cat House

A lighthearted look at frolicking feline fun for your Friday.

(CALGARY, Alberta) - “Cats are a standing rebuke to behavioral scientists wanting to know how the minds of animals work. The mind of a cat is an inscrutable mystery, beyond human reach, the least human of all creatures and at the same time, as any cat owner will attest, the most intelligent.” (Lewis Thomas)

While I’ve lived with many cats in my life—when married, we had as many as three cats in the household—Max, the tabby in the picture, is the first cat with whom I’ve had ever had an individual bond. Max was given to me on March 31, 1997 by Colleen Way, a woman I was dating at the time.

The Funniest Wedding Vow Ever Recorded (VIDEO)

They say a healthy sense of humor is very important in a relationship, and it looks like this couple will do just fine.

(SALEM, Ore.) - A couple's hilarious wedding video is making big strides on YouTube and in national media. The clip which is titled "waffle wedded wife" begins with a beautiful wedding scene, just before the couple-to-be offers their vows. The title of the clip gives you a clue, but you won't believe what happens.

The proud dad and father-in-law Tim Engstrom, who by the way is officiating the vows for the couple, explained that the wedding began with an organ player who didn't know when to stop playing.

Keizer Woman and Children Escape Apartment Fire (VIDEO)

A smoke alarm rouses a mom and her two small boys during a dangerous apartment fire.

(KEIZER, Ore.) - Keizer firefighters were called out at 11:46 p.m. Thursday over a report of a fire in an apartment complex on Plymouth Drive NE in Keizer.

Captain Brian Butler says firefighters arriving on scene at 11:50 p.m. called for a second alarm. Fire crews rolling up, "observed fire from the rear of the building on the second floor".

Who Said Marriage Should Be Work?

While I agree to some degree that marriage is work, it’s the amount of “work” that is worth discussion.

(AGOURA, Calif.) - I recently learned some statistics that surprised me, but upon reflection they really made sense. What do you think the rate of divorce is between first, second, and third marriages? Think about it. I didn’t and came to the wrong conclusion.

It’s pretty much agreed by most experts that first marriages end in divorce about 40-50% of the time. What surprised me is that the divorce rate increases with second marriages to something like 60% and more, while third marriages end in divorce at least 70% of the time.