As I write this, I cannot feel my toes. My nose is running. My skin is dry and sloughing off layers. I'm cranky and I have a mild case of the blues. I have the urge to pop people in the nose just for smiling and saying, "Cold enough for ya?"
No, I don't have major medical problems. I have what is known as L.I.D. - Living in Indiana Dysfunction. It strikes hundreds of millions of Hoosiers each March, which is really saying something because only about 6.5 million people actually live in Indiana.
A recent study identified Indiana as one of the top 10 most depressing states in the country, according to Health magazine. Indiana ranked number nine in a Gallup poll.
I have a couple of problems with this study. Number one, this is not exactly the prime time of the year to ask people in Indiana if they are happy. This is the time of year when every single person who celebrated when that little, furry con-artist the groundhog said, "Spring is just around the corner!" is ready to make a big hefty batch of groundhog stew. It's been six weeks since he laid that load of crap on us and there's still snow in the forecast. What gives, groundhog? You have some explaining to do. I say we string his little, hairy butt up and ...
Forgive me. My L.I.D. is acting up again.
Second, Hawaiians were ranked as the happiest people in the country. I just have to ask, really? You asked people in California, Florida, and Hawaii how happy they are and they ended up being happier than people in Indiana. And that's making news. Huh. Not exactly science at work there, is it, fellows? Did the fact that we all head to those states this time of year for spring break not clue you in? Do you seriously have to spend taxpayer money to take inane polls? Well, do you?
Oops. There it goes again; Indiana dysfunction rearing its ugly head.
Finally, the results of this poll were based on telephone interviews. That means people were making those random calls that most normal people have blocked, avoid, or have the good sense to curse and hang up when they receive one. That's what normal people do.
Therefore, let me put forth the theory that this poll is based on the opinion of morons. These people sat down and took the time to rate various aspects of their lives on a scale of 1 to 100 for complete strangers who randomly picked their names out of a phone book. That is not something that people with normal functioning brains would do. You don't share that kind of thing with strangers on the phone! You post it on the Internet for the world to read.
Never fear, my fellow L.I.D. sufferers! Soon it will be spring, although much later than that furry, little, soon-to-be-stew critter told us it would be, and the Hoosier funk will dissipate. Our L.I.D. won't be back until August when we just want to pop someone in the nose for smiling and saying, "Is it hot enough for ya?"
- Rebecca Todd is a freelance writer and the author of the book "What's the Point?" available at booklocker.com. Contact her at btodd@tds.net.
I’ve not kept it a secret that I find people who dress their dogs in clothes to be, to put it nicely, somewhat more than just eccentric. And many friendly, helpful readers out there have not kept it a secret that they really wish I would not express my views about dogs dressed as humans.
Distrust of government secrecy has been elevated to an exceptional level with the disclosure the Justice Department covertly examined two months of Associated Press phone records to determine who leaked details to the AP about a foiled terrorist plot.
It sounds like the plot from a dystopian libertarian novel. The word “patriot” and the phrase “educating on the Constitution and Bill of Rights” triggered heightened scrutiny from the most intrusive agency in the federal government.
The action at the bird feeder has been spectacular lately: Cardinals, finches, songbirds in impressive variety crowding around all day long in search of sustenance. It is truly gratifying …
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Someone had to take the fall for President Barack Obama thoughtlessly drawing a “red line” threatening serious consequences if Syria used chemical weapons. It turns out that it is the president himself.
There were other issues that had potentially greater financial impact or will leave a more resolute imprint on people’s lives, such as Medicaid expansion and Common Core.
It’s a bleak scenario. A massive earthquake along the New Madrid fault kills or injures 60,000 people in Tennessee. A quarter of a million people are homeless.
It’s a bleak scenario. A massive earthquake along the New Madrid fault kills or injures 60,000 people in Tennessee. A quarter of a million people are homeless.
Commentary
Discussion
The pain and torment of L.I.D.
By Rebecca Todd CNHI
As I write this, I cannot feel my toes. My nose is running. My skin is dry and sloughing off layers. I'm cranky and I have a mild case of the blues. I have the urge to pop people in the nose just for smiling and saying, "Cold enough for ya?"
No, I don't have major medical problems. I have what is known as L.I.D. - Living in Indiana Dysfunction. It strikes hundreds of millions of Hoosiers each March, which is really saying something because only about 6.5 million people actually live in Indiana.
A recent study identified Indiana as one of the top 10 most depressing states in the country, according to Health magazine. Indiana ranked number nine in a Gallup poll.
I have a couple of problems with this study. Number one, this is not exactly the prime time of the year to ask people in Indiana if they are happy. This is the time of year when every single person who celebrated when that little, furry con-artist the groundhog said, "Spring is just around the corner!" is ready to make a big hefty batch of groundhog stew. It's been six weeks since he laid that load of crap on us and there's still snow in the forecast. What gives, groundhog? You have some explaining to do. I say we string his little, hairy butt up and ...
Forgive me. My L.I.D. is acting up again.
Second, Hawaiians were ranked as the happiest people in the country. I just have to ask, really? You asked people in California, Florida, and Hawaii how happy they are and they ended up being happier than people in Indiana. And that's making news. Huh. Not exactly science at work there, is it, fellows? Did the fact that we all head to those states this time of year for spring break not clue you in? Do you seriously have to spend taxpayer money to take inane polls? Well, do you?
Oops. There it goes again; Indiana dysfunction rearing its ugly head.
Finally, the results of this poll were based on telephone interviews. That means people were making those random calls that most normal people have blocked, avoid, or have the good sense to curse and hang up when they receive one. That's what normal people do.
Therefore, let me put forth the theory that this poll is based on the opinion of morons. These people sat down and took the time to rate various aspects of their lives on a scale of 1 to 100 for complete strangers who randomly picked their names out of a phone book. That is not something that people with normal functioning brains would do. You don't share that kind of thing with strangers on the phone! You post it on the Internet for the world to read.
Never fear, my fellow L.I.D. sufferers! Soon it will be spring, although much later than that furry, little, soon-to-be-stew critter told us it would be, and the Hoosier funk will dissipate. Our L.I.D. won't be back until August when we just want to pop someone in the nose for smiling and saying, "Is it hot enough for ya?"
- Rebecca Todd is a freelance writer and the author of the book "What's the Point?" available at booklocker.com. Contact her at btodd@tds.net.
I’ve not kept it a secret that I find people who dress their dogs in clothes to be, to put it nicely, somewhat more than just eccentric. And many friendly, helpful readers out there have not kept it a secret that they really wish I would not express my views about dogs dressed as humans.
May 17, 2013
Distrust of government secrecy has been elevated to an exceptional level with the disclosure the Justice Department covertly examined two months of Associated Press phone records to determine who leaked details to the AP about a foiled terrorist plot.
May 17, 2013
The federal government recently announced new regulations for buying fast food.
May 17, 2013
It sounds like the plot from a dystopian libertarian novel. The word “patriot” and the phrase “educating on the Constitution and Bill of Rights” triggered heightened scrutiny from the most intrusive agency in the federal government.
May 17, 2013
The action at the bird feeder has been spectacular lately: Cardinals, finches, songbirds in impressive variety crowding around all day long in search of sustenance. It is truly gratifying …
For my neighbor.
That’s what it’s like at his feeder.
May 14, 2013
On April 27, Dr. Jeff Butts demonstrated a rare form of servant leadership as he participated in the Go Love Indy westside service project.
May 13, 2013
Everyone presumes that Sen. Chuck Schumer, the media-hungry Democrat from New York, wants to be the next Senate majority leader. His performance in the negotiations over the Gang of Eight immigration plan should bolster his case for an eventual promotion.
May 13, 2013
Someone had to take the fall for President Barack Obama thoughtlessly drawing a “red line” threatening serious consequences if Syria used chemical weapons. It turns out that it is the president himself.
May 13, 2013
There were other issues that had potentially greater financial impact or will leave a more resolute imprint on people’s lives, such as Medicaid expansion and Common Core.
May 13, 2013
It happens every year at this time; I make a little dandelion whine. So here goes.
May 10, 2013
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Complete Report:
Part I: Are We Prepared? | Part II: Disaster Dollars
Part III: Lessons Learned | Part IV: Warning Signs
Part V: The Big One
Watch live at 10 a.m. EST as President Obama speaks on Monday's deadly Okla. tornado.
May 21, 2013 1 Photo
It’s a bleak scenario. A massive earthquake along the New Madrid fault kills or injures 60,000 people in Tennessee. A quarter of a million people are homeless.
May 19, 2013 3 Photos 3 Stories
Complete Report:
Part I: Are We Prepared? | Part II: Disaster Dollars
Part III: Lessons Learned | Part IV: Warning Signs
Part V: The Big One
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