“A HEN who had lost her sight, and was accustomed to scratching up the earth in search of food, although blind, still continued to scratch away most diligently. Of what use was it to the industrious fool? Another sharp-sighted hen who spared her tender feet, never budged from her side, and enjoyed, without scratching, the…
C+K Factor (Courtesy and Kindness)
The Bumptious Among Us & How They Get That Way
The word, bumptious, has found recent currency, mostly in political discourse, but the Trumpian allusion is not what I’ve in mind. Nor will this be a plea for others, always others, to be kinder and more considerate. Rather, I’ll explore the seeming lack of courtesy (rudeness) which is central to being bumptious. What promotes rudeness?…
A Fable for Intolerant Times: Tom’s Tale*
Once in winter, a flock of wild turkeys made its circuitous way across farmlands and through forests. There were two dozen, young and old. One turkey, Tom by name, somehow mangled his foot and could not keep up. He called to the flock and asked them to slow down, but no one responded. When the group…
Not The DMV*
April 19, 2026 It must be catching: Ben Wylder, writes of his experience at the Ashland, Oregon DMV. For the full accolade go here. An extract follows: “I don’t know if anyone else in Ashland has had this experience, but as an Ashland newcomer, I feel utterly compelled to report something that I did not…



