Quick Hits of the Week

• So, around the first of this month, Congress passed a law forbidding welfare money from being used at liquor stores, casinos, and strip clubs. Let’s ignore, for a second, the fact that this legislation is nearly impossible to enforce. What I want to know is, if people are spending their welfare money on those things, how are they able to pay for groceries and keep their lights and heat on? Yes, I’m being a bit facetious. I know that there is waste in the system, and people can and do receive far more than they need for their basic necessities. At the same time I know single moms who are struggling to make ends meet without being able to receive any welfare, because they have the audacity to stay employed. You get more of what you reward, and less of what you punish. What does this current system encourage more of?

• I just recently came across BA Expat, a blog by a young entrepreneur named Zack. I look forward to reading more from him. The post that got my attention was his 10 Easy Ways to Improve Your Life Today.  While I already do a few of these things, but I’m challenged to add a couple of the others in the next month. For example, I know it’s past time to de-clutter my closet (not to mention a few other areas of my life).

• As the father of three future teenagers, I’m always looking for good advice to put in my back pocket to teach them about dating when they’re ready. Perry Noble from Newspring recently delivered a pair of punch-lists of unacceptable behavior, one for the men and another for the women, when dating. Dating relationships lead to marriages. Leading my kids to have high standards for the people they date (and to live to high standards themselves) means that my wife and I can be relaxed and suppotive when each wedding day comes.

• Speaking of weddings, brides are usually smiling on their wedding day. I don’t know about these wedding photos, though. Her smile is kind of painted on. And what guy needs help getting dressed? A tuxedo isn’t that complicated. Anyway, after the ceremony, their honeymoon consisted of a cross country tour in a stylish custom RV, and when they got back they moved into the house of her dreams.