In a recent Volkswagen Jetta commercial, a pleasant conversation between two friends is abruptly interrupted by a horrific accident. Fortunately there are no injuries thanks to the air-bag system in the Jetta. Similar experiences are provided by Allstate Insurance warning us to buy a policy to protect our automobile investment. And certain hospitals have warned us that, by not using the services of their doctors, we could place our lives in jeopardy. I can hardly wait for the bird flu pandemic to strike so I can find out which new product will prevent me from growing webbed feet. We recently drove across the heartland of America to visit four grandchildren in St. Louis, Missouri. The changing scenery with the early blossoming of tree buds and tulips gave us a short respite from Michigan’s frigid winter, and we got to listen to a myriad radio stations. Coming from the Rust Belt, I enjoyed hearing the hog belly reports and the noon price of soybean futures, instead of the latest unemployment percentages.

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