Beech Tree News Network

We often bemoan how things change. For instance, I have always enjoyed coloring with my children and my grandchildren. But, I don’t think I’ve seen an adult coloring book or realized their popularity. According to a Daily News article (July 19, page 9C), they are on the best-seller lists. Coloring reportedly – and unsurprisingly – helps people relax. Since adults like word and number puzzles, why not coloring? Change is not always a bad thing.

One change, reported earlier this year by BeechTree News (http://www.beechtreenews.com/articles/free-meals-butler-county-elementar...), is that all elementary and middle school meals will be free in the Butler County schools this year. Undoubtedly, this is one indication of the poverty in our county. I read a news article recently, explaining that even though Kentucky’s cost of living is lower than many states, it is harder to find a job here. Some say the scarcity of jobs reflects Kentucky’s unsatisfactory labor market, and others say the growth of low-paying jobs has contributed to Kentucky’s slow economic growth (Daily News; July 3; 1A, 6A). Regardless, the free meals for elementary and middle school children will help local families tremendously. I appreciate the free-meal grant money – I just wish (and school officials would likely agree) that it could have included high school students, too.

Another change is our growing understanding of obesity. New research has provided another reason for American obesity. The authors of the working paper “Can Changing Economic Factors Explain the Rise in Obesity?”  (http://uwrg.gsu.edu/files/2015/02/2015-1-1_Courtemanche_ObesityRise.pdf) found that the density of restaurants and supercenter/warehouse clubs are related to obesity. Density of these establishments in an area significantly increases the probability of weight loss attempts. The researchers suggest that cheap food sold in bulk has contributed to the obesity problem. I agree that cheap – and good – food is definitely a temptation.

Finally, in recent weeks, we’ve seen the beginning of a significant change: several have announced that they are running for their party’s 2016 presidential nomination. When the choices are so varied - more than a dozen Republicans and a handful of Democrats, it’s hard to predict who will win the party nomination, much less the presidency. And, according to comedian Dick Gregory, “Political promises are much like marriage vows. They are made at the beginning of the relationship between candidate and voter, but are quickly forgotten” (http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/political_5.html#vbSWfkPLrqXd...). We may see and hear more news coverage about these individuals than the majority of us wants to know; but, that is also a part of this change process.

Though, we grumble about change, some changes are good, and some are not so different at all. Irene Peter said, “Just because everything is different doesn't mean anything has changed” (http://www.quotegarden.com/change.html). Since coloring helps people relax, maybe I should find an adult coloring book and some colors to add to my basket of magazines and Sudoku puzzles. I’m thinking a 24-count Crayola box: I’d have 24 choices for change.