By Chuck Doud
The Madera Tribune

I did not know about this until reading about it over the weekend, but there is a field of study out there called evolutionary psychology. Those who are doing the studying say evolution tends to favor those with the most moral outlooks.

There’s basically no evidence to support this other than the assumptions of psychologists who have not found paying jobs in any other research. In fact, most evidence points the other way. The cave people who killed the most animals and also killed the most cave people were the ones who seemed to survive, rather than the ones who wanted to sit around the campfire and sing “Kum bay ya.” The Roman Empire was built at the point of a sword, not by community organizing.

Religion and philosophy prospered only after armies and navies made it possible.

That doesn’t mean there weren’t religionists and philosophers who were operating independently of the armies and navies, but there is nothing to suggest that those noncombatants were favored by evolution. In fact, they probably got themselves slapped around a lot if they attempted to interfere.

Eric Feline, writing in The Wall Street Journal, tells the story of a Harvard scientist, Marco Hauser, who was found guilty of misconduct in his study of the morality of nature. He wrote the book “Moral Minds: How Nature Designed Our Universal Sense of Right and Wrong.” After they read it, some scientists got aboard that train and began writing that morality was strictly an evolutionary survival mechanism.

But Hauser faked some of his research, and thus some of his conclusions. It appears he, himself, missed the evolutionary-morality bus, and instead threw himself under it.

Religion and philosophy keep us reminded of what is right and wrong, because as humans, we know right and wrong often are in flux. That is especially true when Congress and the Legislature are in session.

Cats, on the other hand, are born knowing what is right and wrong. Having lunch is always right. Not having lunch is always wrong. Everything else is commentary.

By Chuck Doud
The Madera Tribune

The efforts by local doctors who are from Pakistan to raise money for flood relief in that unfortunate country is well worth supporting.

These folks could quietly have given on their own, and let it go at that, but they are aware of the vast extent of the disaster.

Imagine — 1,600 people dead and 875,000 homes lost. On top of that, crops have been washed away, infrastructure has been destroyed, and the flooding has created a rich breeding ground for all kinds of disease.

Right now, news outlets are talking about the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. That catastrophic storm killed 1,836, and destroyed some 276,000 homes in New Orleans and along the coasts of Alabama.

The flooding has affected a fifth of the land area of Pakistan. Homes and businesses are still being destroyed in some areas as rains continue, and many more people will die due to disease and injuries.

About $1 billion in aid has been pledged by other countries to help Pakistan, but think of this: Almost $200 billion has been spent over the past five years repairing the damage from Katrina, and the spending hasn’t stopped. Where will Pakistan get $200 billion to repair what is now far more damage than Katrina caused?

Some donors are waiting to give until they can be assured that the Pakistani government will use the money wisely, or that the Taliban won’t confiscate it.

However, the money being collected here won’t be going to the government, and certainly not to the Taliban, but rather to trusted organizations known to the local doctors.

If you want to know how to donate, call Dr. Mohammad Ashraf, 673-2259. They have formed a 501(c) 3 corporation to administer the money, and to make it completely tax deductible for any donor.

By Chuck Doud
The Madera Tribune

We have been reading and hearing a lot lately about the fear of deflation — and I don’t mean a flat tire.

For years — for the lifetimes of most of those now living — prices and wages have been going up. If they go up without a commensurate increase in productivity, that is inflation, and the result of inflation is that money becomes gradually worth less over time.

When deflation occurs, prices and wages go the other way. Prices go down and wages go down — but the value of money, almost miraculously goes up.

Although the idea of deflation scares the Armani underwear off the big money people on Wall street, a little bit of deflation might do some good on Main Street.

Wall Street investors like the companies in which they own stock to raise their prices. When they do, profits go up, at least until inflation catches up with the increases. That is called the inflationary spiral. When prices go up, people want higher wages, and when they get them, prices go up again, and there you go.

But on Main Street, when prices go down — and that doesn’t happen too much any more — then local people are more likely to flock to local stores, because their dollars will be worth more.

You might ask, “How can they do that if wages go down, too?” Well, that’s because of the deflationary spiral. It is easier for companies to drop their prices in response to competition than it is for small firms to quickly drop their wages. Wages would first have to stabilize, and then fall gradually.

But in both cases, the value of the dollar would rise.

According to some economists, Japan is experiencing a minor deflation.

In the U.S., we are seeing a deflation in housing prices, both for used houses and new. There are other signs of deflation, too. If they continue, this could be an interesting time.

I got my papers from the animal shelter, went to get my tags for my four dogs and was told I had to pay $50 per dog per year because my dogs were not spayed. I didn’t even know such a law had been passed. They told me they only had to post the meeting for 72 hours and it was on the computer, but I don’t have a computer and I don’t go to the courthouse to check on items for the meeting. There was nothing in the paper about a special meeting so nobody knew about it. It was passed.

How many people have $50 for a tag in these hard times, especially seniors? We the people of Madera County need to get together and protest this law. I had two dogs die on the operating table in the past 10 years from surgery, and all of the ones that are spayed are overweight and not as healthy.

It’s wrong to be forced to spay your animal. The people come over illegally and never vaccinate or tag their dogs and that’s where the problem is — all the dogs running all over loose and having puppies that no one wants.

Most people and seniors have their dogs tagged and vaccinated. They take care of their dogs and don’t let them run loose, and they should not be forced to pay for people who don’t tag their dogs.

This should not be allowed to pass until it’s in the paper and the people have their say. This price is ridiculous and wrong until the people know and can protest this.

Anna Parksion,
Madera

By Chuck Doud
The Madera Tribune

It seems a shame that all those recalled eggs are being thrown away. They could be cracked, pasteurized and sold as liquid eggs in cartons, says the Food and Drug Administration.

The old rules about eating eggs still apply, of course. As long as the salmonella investigation is under way, don’t eat raw eggs, as you might in eggnogs or home-made energy drinks, and don’t eat eggs that come out of the carton cracked. Those cracks could allow germs to get inside and make you sick.

A few years ago, food experts cautioned us to stop eating eggs over easy. “Order them over medium, and they will be cooked through,” was the advice at the time.

So, being a good boy, I have followed that advice. When the server in a restaurant asks how I want my eggds, I tell him or her, “over medium.” She writes that down, and about 10 minutes later brings them hot to the table. When I cut into them, I might get what I ordered — an over medium egg — or I might get an over-easy egg (as often as not) or I might get a hard egg.

To me, an over-medium egg should be cooked all the way through. No runny white, for example. However, there should still be some give to the yolk — just enough so one can dip one’s toast into it.
If you don’t get that when you order, start ordering scrambled eggs. They usually come out just fine — fluffy and cooked through, but not hard. Of course, one can’t dip one’s toast into the yolk of a scrambled egg, which is a bit of a loss.

Mrs. Doud always gets my over-medium eggs just right. I think she could go to the FDA and give egg-cooking lessons, and the FDA people then could fan across the country and teach others.

Meanwhile, as a nation, we are throwing away millions of eggs left and right. I find that eggs-asperating.

Masjid Madera, 16334 Road 26, has been vandalized on three separate occasions, said sheriff’s department spokeswoman Erica Stuart on Aug. 25.

Deputy Jeff Thomas recovered a brick Aug. 24 that was apparently thrown at a wall of the center Friday. He also seized a cardboard sign, which was discovered at the mosque Aug. 18. Then, sometime Aug. 24th night, two more signs were placed on the property.

Martha Herman, teacher: “Don’t promote violence with violence; it only perpetuates the cycle.”

Andrew Gorbatiy, college student: “America has freedom of religion, right? Protesting with violence is wrong. My (Ukrainian) parents were persecuted by the Soviets because Stalin said he was the only god.”

Mike Johnson, dialysis technician: “We have no right to accuse others or assume Muslims have negative motives in any way related to terrorists’ acts.”

Kendall Jones, principal: “I am saddened by the fact people are unable to practice their religion in peace.”

Chris Brett, driver: “Vandalism is always wrong and a hate crime is never the solution to a problem.”

Satnam Singh, student: “Not every Muslim is a terrorist and I am not a Muslim. Every person should have the right to worship their god.”

All comments are edited for length and content. Because of content or space limitations, some comments may not be published. More than one comment from the same person during the same week will normally not be published. Please limit calls to two minutes or less.

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“I must be a little dense,” began a man’s call. “I thought the casino out on (Avenue) 17 was a dead issue. I’m against it and I think if you took a survey of Madera they would be against it. Everyone should stand up and holler ‘no casino’ three times real loud. Maybe the city council, county council, council council, whatever they call themselves need to realize the people do not want a gambling place here.”

A few callers said otherwise after reading about the casino remaining a possibility. “That’s great. I think it will bring jobs, and most of all tax dollars for improvement to the city and county.”

Another caller said, “after reading that the next hurdle has been cleared by the casino on Avenue 17 I can hardly wait. I know there are people against it, but our economy is so bad here it can only help. Look what the mountain casino has done in support of Fresno and Madera. They gave a big grant to help with the new Youth Center and that’s just one thing.”

A woman “went to the hospital to have some tests done. Afterward, I ask one of the volunteers if she would please call me Dial-a-Ride. She refused. When I asked again, she picked up the phone and pretended to call Dial-a-Ride. I ended up calling them myself and didn’t get home until late.”

A lady “placed an ad for an English-speaking gardener. The lady who took my ad changed it to Spanish-speaking gardener. I got hundreds of calls from people that only spoke Spanish. The reason I put English only because I speak English, not Spanish. I hope these people would learn to write the ad as written by the customer.”

“Your coverage of the recent annual rib cook-off left a lot to be desired,” said a gentleman. “Good photos, but your reporter, Elsa Mejia, doesn’t seem to be able to get names or titles right. One of the volunteer judges was long time Shades of Grey vocalist Bud Sanders, yet she wrote his name as Buzz. The leader of the Elks Lodge is called the exalted ruler. It may sound a little uppity, but the title, and the history behind it, is deserving. She wrote president. A little more attention to detail by Miss Mejia would have made for a better read.” (WEBMASTER’S NOTE: Bud Sanders provided his name to the Tribune reporter as “Buzz” and confirmed it when she showed the name to him in writing at the event. If the name was in error, she could hardly be blamed.)

A woman who left her name, said, “in response to (people calling about) mistakes in the Tribune, pat yourself on the back. You’re more informed by reading the Tribune than most in the nation. I commend you. Even noting the mistakes you’re reading. Good for you.”

A woman “wanted to comment on last week’s caller that complained about illegals being on welfare. I disagree. Studies show that the majority on welfare are Caucasian, white people. You should get your facts straight.”

A lady said, “I think all schools should make kids wear uniforms. It would prevent problems with dress codes.”

A woman had a “message for John Stafford, Madera School District Superintendent, and his e-mails to CSEA (California School Employees Association). You’re not supposed to be using it for that.”

Yet another woman said, “The CSEA wants to have another vote to oust president Rachel Cam. I think that’s wrong. I sure don’t want Alice and don’t want the merit system.”

A similar comment from a female said, “The merit system can go out the window and Alice can go with it. I think Rachel is doing a great job and next time we vote I’d like to vote the merit system out. I know a lot of people that feel the same way.”

Online contributor Victor Sandoval said, “I’m glad we have the constitution to approve healthy programs like the one we’re working in Madera. It’s exciting to see progress in military efforts. Trust me, I know what it’s like to start over. I hope it follows the way its meant to be.”

“Invasion of illegals from other countries into the United States is an act of war, no mistake about it” said another online contributor. “(Problems happen) every day in our country because of illegals, and it is not just along the border states. They are taking our kindness, Bill of Rights, (and the 14th Amendment), and twisting it to meet their evil needs as criminals that hide behind their religion of hate.

“People need to know that the Madera County Courts will not allow you to borrow a pen when writing them a check,” writes a woman online. “They say it is due to budget. They stood there with a pen in their hand and told me I would have to leave and come back with a pen. When I took the issue up, it was then stated it was also a safety issue. I told them if it was a safety issue, then pens would not be allowed in the court house … then how would I write a check?”

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Thank you for your calls. Remember, the Red Line is open for your messages 24 hours a day by calling 674-4478 or by visiting maderatribuneredline.com on the Internet.

By Duane E. Furman, Ed.D.
For The Madera Tribune

We are down to the stretch. The San Joaquin Valley Paleontological Foundation is moving into the beautiful new Discovery Center near Fairmead, and members are working furiously to be as ready as possible for opening on a limited basis Sept. 1.

We can begin to schedule individuals and groups to come and see the results of an effort that began in 1993 with the official discovery of fossils at the Fairmead Landfill.

As personnel of Madera County continue installation of sprinkler systems, landscaping, and other touches to the site, members of the foundation, volunteers, and local businesses will prepare the interior of the building. This includes installation of exhibits, situating of electronics and obtaining items for the Center store. A pre-field-trip curriculum for teachers will be prepared. And a multitude of other things will need attention. It’s a little like you preparing to move into your brand new and almost completed home.
A grand opening is scheduled for Oct. 3.

Some things for you to anticipate include the reception area where visitors will be greeted and prepared for their Discovery Center experience. As you explore the center you will find a variety of exhibits, experiences, charts, displays, videos, and views. With time each of the exhibits, displays, and experiences will grow, be enriched, modified or changed.

Among the exhibits available:

* A dire wolf exhibit, presenting an opportunity to compare present wolves, coyotes and foxes of the northwest to those of the previous Fairmead era.

* A Columbian mammoth display. This will be a dual treat because the interior display of this largest creature from the site will be augmented by another in front of the center, a creation of the artistry of Chris Sorenson, a well known metal sculptor.

* Three different sloths were represented in the area; the bone structure of the one you will see will amaze you. You also will be surprised that a creature that ate plants would have such an amazing defense system.

* The smilodon, a saber-toothed cat, is California’s state fossil. You may have seen the skull of one in the Madera County Library in Madera. Eight-inch fangs caused this creature to be greatly respected.

* A camel is represented in the collection. Yes, a camel. A relative, an early representation of the llama, also was present here long ago.

* Scientists are impressed by small critters which were a part of the past, and are often still present. While the large animals were eliminated by changes in climate or other happenings, small creatures, some of which burrowed in the ground, more frequently survived. The Discovery Center will have a display containing a gopher, vole, pond turtle, and snake. We need help here. If you know anyone who is or has been a taxidermist, we sure could use examples of small creatures, which survived changes in time, to display in this exhibit and add to the scientific knowledge of students and other visitors (phone 674-4659).

* There were three species of horses in the Fairmead area, and the center will contain a model of the short-faced bear and other exhibits, complete with pictures and explanations.

* Adjacent to the center, you will find a watering hole, representing the source that drew so many creatures to this place. We plan to stock the pond with Sacramento perch and other fish and plant life that were a part of that environment.

* A mock dig awaits students on the other side of the building. There, they can dig, find replica animal fossil pieces and identify their finds through an attached number, with the creature from which the fragment originated.

* The gift store-concession booth will present an opportunity to have a snack and find a souvenir for the occasion. A display will answer the question, “What is a fossil?” A child’s arts-and-crafts area will be featured. A paleontologist will be present working on fossils and being available to the visitors. An area featuring valley sea creatures and dinosaurs will be a rotating exhibit.

The Fossil Discovery Center of Madera County was created to improve science education, bring scientists from all over the world to enhance their knowledge, bring business to Madera County through the tourism industry, instruct out citizens and be a place of pride for the area.

The center will also advertise agriculture and other products and opportunities for engaging with the county.

Please join the membership of the Foundation, visit the Discovery Center, and be a volunteer, docent, or sponsor to this new and important addition to the many values of Madera County.

You can obtain more information at www.MaderaMammoths.org.

By Chuck Doud
The Madera Tribune

Last night’s celebration of the annual Lifetime Achievement Awards presented by the Madera District Chamber of Commerce reminded us once again how much can be accomplished by individuals who make the right choices, who work hard and who put forth the effort and financial commitments to build their community.

As the federal government adds money to the country’s cash flow in an effort to produce jobs, last night’s honorees remind us that jobs in many cases are a local byproduct of an entrepreneur’s risk-taking and effort.

Don and Cathi Warnock, who own Warnock foods, now employ more than 100 people, but they started with no employees.

Bill Dawson, at his Round Table Pizza restaurant, has had hundreds of people over the years on his payroll.

Dim and Don Sambueso, proprietors of Gus’ Food Lockers, credit their employees with helping keep the business going through its second generation of Sambueso ownership.

Elvan and Eleanor Newcomb, through the 42 years they operated Newcomb Tractor, employed dozens.
And retired MUSD founding superintendent Duane Furman was the de facto employer of thousands over the years in the public schools.

All those employees, for the most part, spent their wages locally, helping to create more jobs — in stores, in professional practices, and in trades.

Last night’s honorees also contributed time and money to community organizations, and they continue to do so. They don’t sit and wait for the city to take care of them. They start out by working to take care of the city.

In that regard, memorial honoree Jerry Venturi, who died last year of cancer, gave us the joy of music. Those of us who still mourn the loss of his performances will be forever happy we heard him play.

Madera is a better place because these folks are among us. They are the true “stimulus package.”

Thank you for your article on the Traveling Wall and its visit to Chowchilla.

When my wife and I visited the site on Saturday morning, we were told that the people who erected the wall the day before found themselves short on help and short on materials. CertainTeed provided lumber and a work crew to assist, and the Wall was erected in time. CertainTeed deserves recognition and thanks for this.

Thanks!

T.W. Murray,
Madera