Dick Nachbar  

Old timer journalist here, long removed from formal institutions of education, tries to keep eyes and ears open for more learning.

This week delivers April 22, the-54th anniversary of first Earth Day advocating major cultural change in our country.

Old adventurer here, born and raised in Minnesota River Valley hometown Jordan, has long been pestered by unexplained sneezing bouts blamed on “hay fever.” During current 80th ride on Planet Earth circling Boss Star, this traveler pondered patterns in this “Sneezer Stuff…”First 22 years of earthly ride centered around hometown activity.

Following “Banana Belt” Winter, our late March four-day shot of real Winter brings reminder of past March-April experiences, sometimes bringing questions at what’s happening as past adventures wither with age…March-April is major transition season.

Recent PBS TV fundraiser documentary focused on 1990 Ken Burns production of “The Civil War.” Background explanations--filming techniques, journal readings and historical commentaries captured this journalist’s attention and wonder, wondering about today’s politics compared to that of Lincoln’s time—both “Civil Conundrums.”“National conundrum” is what Burns’ film narrator called our 1860’s Civil War.

Calendars recorded March lamb’s entrance on this annual trip around Boss Star.

Recent PBS TV presentations and metro newspaper reports stirred wonderings and feelings about Minnesota Indigenous history leading to European takeover and aftermath.

February, Black History Month, saw PBS deliver many TV documentaries on this subject.

Last week’s journal entry, “Key Conundrum” recounting key fob/balky vehicle’s computer confusion, elicited unprecedented feedback to date; upcoming local newspaper publications may produce even more.

Recent rash of motor vehicle key challenges raised caution flag here as high-tech brings “Key Conundrum,” trumping old-fashion strategy of hiding spare key somewhere on vehicle’s outside.Conundrum begins with new-fangled key fobs for remote lock/unlock, alarm horn and security sensors intended to reduce risk of vehicle theft.