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Jerusha Brown
Send your questions to: iknowbetter@sierracountyprospect.com
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Miss Brown hates giving advice!
Jerusha #118
Vol. II
December 29, 2010
Dear SCP Readers,
This my last column for 2010 and what a year it has been. There has been good times and bad times. This is a strange and wonderful century to be living in. I can only wonder how much will be different in 2011 as it seems the world is moving at warp speed. This column is devoted to my New Year Resolutions. Here they are:
#1 – I will not think so much.
#2 – I will not complain about thinking.
#3 – I will accept every name as given to me.
#4 – I will not suggest changing your name to anyone.
#5 – I will help Don and Jill quit smoking.
#6 – I will not swear much.
#7 – I will have my columns in on time.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #117
Vol. II
December 26, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
Did you make any resolutions last year? I looked back but I didn’t see any resolutions from you. One of your writers asked about them but you didn’t really give her a good answer except for changing her name. You thought it was a good idea, but I thought it was unrealistic. So what are your resolutions?
John Farmer
Calpine
Dear John,
I have been thinking quite a lot about what my New Year Resolution will be. I have one more column before the end of the year to disclose them. I think disclosing your resolutions is one more step on the road to humiliation when making resolutions. I have several options, the first is: to stop complaining about having to think. Then I could also resolve to stop focusing on names, ie: your name is John and Jonathan has such a nice ring to it. Is it possible your full name is Jonathan? I get letters from a John every now and then and when I write back I always think, oh my goodness am I writing a “Dear John” letter. It just strikes me as funny. Of course I mean no disrespect to you, I think John is a fine name. I think I should have a serious resolution, maybe to always be kind to others, although I already do that. I am never unkind, or at least I try very hard to always be kind, so that is not really a necessary resolution. Well, I will think about it and possibly give my resolutions in the next issue on the 29th, my last column of this year.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #116
Vol. II
December 22, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
There are 52 weeks in a year and the Prospect publishes twice a week, which would mean 104 columns by you each year. I have noticed that your last column was #115, which is more than 104. I think I recall that there was a week or two when you didn’t have a new column, so you can tell this is confusing to me. How can you have more columns than there are weeks in a year times two?
Meridith James
Downieville
Dear Meridith,
After a great deal of though and research I finally figured out what the answer is. You see, I began writing this column in June of 2009 and all of the columns until the end of the year were written in Volume I. Then on January 1, 2010 when I changed to Volume II I did not change the number of the columns written. So the first column this year was #30 which means that I am actually short columns this year, it is worse than I thought as I have only answered 86 letters this year. I try to answer every letter, so I am thinking my readers need to write more letters. If you don’t have a serious problem, that is okay, it fact it is better because I don’t want anyone to have serious problems although I will do my best to have good advice or at least a friendly reply. If you don’t have a problem, you might ask for advice for a “friend”.
Meanwhile Meridith, I noticed if you had a nickname it would most likely be Merry, which is so appropriate for this time of year. So Merry, Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year to you and to all my readers.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #115
Vol. II
December 19, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
I have read that Julian Assange, who was involved in the Wikileaks, may be charged in the criminal courts with revealing secrets. If this happens will Dick Cheney also be charged in the criminal courts with exposing the identity of CIA agent Valerie Plame? I respect your opinion because I think you are very smart. And have a very happy holiday season.
Bob Milkier
Sierra City
Dear Bob:
Your letter pleased me greatly, because I have not been told about being smart very many times. When someone recognizes how smart I am, I am very happy because of course it means the person is smart because they know I am smart. Julian Assange certainly has made a name for himself. I don’t know why would be charged with revealing secrets. He didn’t know those secrets before someone else revealed them, did he? I mean now I know them, so if I tell someone else about them in my column would I be in trouble? So it was Dick Cheney who exposed the identity of a CIA agent. I always wondered who did that. Thank you for informing me.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #114
Vol. II
December 15, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
Do you get a lot of mail? I heard my friends talking about you, but when I asked if they had written to you for advice, none of them admitted to it. I wrote to you once but you never answered me, and I was disappointed. Do you answer all your letters? I will write again if you think I should.
Sincerely,
Barbara Fishman, Sierra City
Dear Barbara:
Gosh, I looked back through my files and could not find a letter from you, I am certain I would have answered it if it came. Did you email it or send it through the U.S. Post Office. I always get my email and check it frequently. I can’t vouch for the U.S. Post Office as it goes through my editors. They are usually good about forwarding my mail, but if they weren’t I really couldn’t tell. I never thought of that before, it is possible I am getting all kinds of mail that I don’t receive. Of course that sentence doesn’t make much sense. If I were “getting” the mail then I would have it. I will have to speak to the editors right away. Thank you for alerting me to this situation.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #113
Vol. II
December 12, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
I just wanted to say that I was sorry to hear about the loss of you dog. We have two dogs in our household and they are like family now. They are great companions and even though they are small they alert me when a malicious critter comes into the yard such as a person or the bear, and are always there to play or hoping for a handout.
When you mentioned, in your October 31st letter, your dog in your household and how often and how much you liked to walk your dog and how great the companionship was I could tell you were very close. Then in your November 14th letter you mentioned how wonderful the companionship was but that you no longer had a dog ?. I know that must be hard and I just want give my condolences.
Maybe you could get a puppy or maybe two puppies from the woman in Pike City with all the puppies ?, and again enjoy the companionship I know you must be missing.
Sincerely,
Bobby Burington ~ Downieville
Dear Bob:
Bob is a little more formal than Bobby, although, I probably should call you Robert as I can see you read my columns closely. It is often embarrassing to be discovered with an inconsistency in ones columns. However, since you are clearly a fan of mine, I can see why you would be concerned with my dog, if I have a dog, or my loss of dog if I once had a dog. If you recall the dog column was concerned with someone who had dogs, or puppies one might say, who could possibly have the need of homes. I may have indicated I had a dog to not be asked to take another dog, or I might have talked about my dog because I have a dog. I think I am getting confused here. It is very complicated. But I assure you Robert, if I have a dog, she is fine, well fed and very spoiled. So I am so happy that you do love dogs and take care of yours. You are a good person.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #112
Vol. II
December 5, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
I was born in the east and I have always heard that easterners are smarter than those born in the west. Then I heard that babies who are born in the summer are smarter because they were in the mother during the cool and cold months and that is better for the baby’s development especially in the first trimester. So do you think the reason for me being smarter is I was born in August? I have often wondered why I am so smart?
Sincerely,
Marilyn Rassoon, Verdi
Dear Marilyn:
How interesting that you should bring this up. I am aware of this discussion and in fact have been part of a discussion on just this issue. It seems unlikely that being born a certain time of the year would make you smarter. Of course weather exposure and diet and a myriad of other factors could affect your brainpower but it isn’t really clear what exactly makes one smart. And then too, there are all kinds of smart. Some may have incredible knowledge about math or physics or even how to cook or sew but be lacking in smartness on very simple things. I can’t really think of anything simple right now, I am sure you realize with my trouble about thinking complicated issues through this would be a tough issue for me. One thing though is I was born in the east and my birthday is in the fall, so that could explain a lot about my smart level. Well, good luck and if you learn more, keep me in the loop.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #111
Vol. II
December 1, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
Let's keep in mind that Tom Jefferson personally enslaved 185 human beings by 1809. On one hand by his writings he seemed to have sincerely desired the abolition of slaverybut at the same time he proved to be incapable of acting consistent with any abolitionist sympathies. For example he gave his daughter 25 slaves as a wedding present . Then at the end of his life when he found himself in debt to the tune of $107,000.00 ( those are 1826 dollars) the only real liquid capital he had to pay the debt were his slaves but as he had several children from one of his slaves he continued the pretence that his slave children did not exist and therefore managed to see that they were run aways.
Thomas Jefferson was certainly a complex personality but hardly a shining icon for your newspaper in regard to truth telling , in my opinion .
Mac McIntosh
Former resident of Sierra County.
Dear Mac:
Thank you for this information about Tom Jefferson. I, myself, have nothing to do with him being pictured on the front page. You must realize there are many out there who still think the 17-1800’s were the way everything should still be run. I don’t understand that thinking myself, I am referring this letter to our Fringe Editor who undoubtedly will give you much more minutia detail than you provided to prove his point. He, unlike me, is highly educated, so he says.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #110
Vol. II
November 24, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
Gadzooks, have you ever seen a winter like this? We have so much snow and now it is going to freeze. I am tired of shoveling snow already. Do you have snow where you live? Do you have to shovel your own snow? Do you drive in the snow?
Sincerely,
Richard Saveron, Calpine
Dear Richard:
You do realize, don’t you, that winter does not arrive until December 21? So basically we are talking about a winter-like storm that arrived in the Fall. It really isn’t winter yet. As a matter of fact, this Thursday is Thanksgiving. Lots of people will be driving in this weather; I hope they will all be careful. The good thing is the rain and snow is supposed to stop but the not so good news is it will be very cold and the roads very icy. I hope everyone will be very careful and safe and have a wonderful Thanksgiving. I try to get someone to have pity on me and shovel the sidewalk.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #109
Vol. II
November 17, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
Next week is Thanksgiving Day. What do you do on Thanksgiving? Are you a good cook? I often wonder when I read your column if you are married and domesticated.
Sincerely,
Jim Wilson, Alleghany
Dear James:
Your letter was very personal and I think we should remain on a formal basis, therefore I have chosen to call you James rather than the informal Jim. On Thanksgiving I enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner like most of us who are fortunate. I like to do some volunteer work at a community dinner. My favorite part of Thanksgiving besides family and friends is having a turkey sandwich the next day. I also like pumpkin pie. I am not sure what you mean about domesticated. I live in a house and sleep in a bed. I am not about to discuss my personal life (the marriage question) with you. Are you married?
Sincerely, Jerusha
PS: I sounded a little grumpy there, so have a nice Thanksgiving.
Vol. II
Jerusha #108
November 14, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
I wrote to you two years ago about my pregnant dog. I wasn’t sure who the father of her puppies was and was concerned about her welfare. I don’t think you answered me as I read most of your columns and didn’t see anything about Samantha’s problem. Do you have an answer as the puppies are now 1-½ years old, Samantha is pregnant again, and I still don’t know who the father is? Is it okay to put the puppies into other homes without the dog father’s owner giving permission? I now have two adult dogs one female and one male, seven puppies and more on the way and I am running out of room in my house and yard.
Sincerely,
Bertha Ellton, Pike City
Dear Bertha:
I do recall getting that letter from you, and I am sorry that I didn’t answer. I put it aside to think about and most likely became distracted. If you have small dogs like miniature terriers it is probably more manageable than a large dog such as a Labrador. Dogs are wonderful companions and can even be healthy for you by making sure you are out walking and exercising with them. I myself do not have a dog although I have thought about bringing one into my home. You probably realize the thinking part would be the problem as that always bogs me down while making decisions. I did wonder why you have not taken your female dog to the Veterinary to be made less vulnerable to pregnancy, and that made me wonder if your male dog had been neutered. The answer to that question could be the answer to another question. Well, good luck.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #107
Vol. II
November 10, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
Once, on my birthday, no one seemed to notice or care about it. I got kind of depressed. Then someone told me that if I didn’t tell people it was my birthday, how did I expect them to know. But if I tell people it is my birthday won’t it seem like I am asking for presents? I don’t know what to do, everyone knows when Christmas and Chanukah is but birthdays are more secret.
Sincerely, Martha Thompson, Loyalton
Dear Martha:
Does your community have a birthday calendar like the Downieville Lions Club does? People put their birthday on the calendar and then they get cards and lots of people telling them Happy Birthday. That is a really nice thing. I don’t see why you can’t tell them it is your birthday. Of course it is always better to tell them a few days in advance so they have plenty of time to buy a gift too. I think getting presents is the best thing about birthday. I love to give presents as much as getting them. Another thing you can do is write in your birthday on friends date book and you might even put a reminder a week in advance to buy a gift for you, just to help them. That has worked for me. Well, happy birthday dear, have a good one and many more.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #106
Vol II
November 7, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
This year has been one of the fastest years I have ever experienced. Did you notice that the months just zoomed by? I can’t even remember what happened this summer. It doesn’t even seem like we had a summer. Now we are planning Thanksgiving, then will come Christmas, Chanukah and Kwanzaa and then it will be New Years. Why does this year seem so much shorter than usual?
Cicely Swanden, Sierra Valley
Dear Cicely:
This year was very short, I agree. Although there are still the same amount of days in each month, somehow they all passed very swiftly. Of course February only had 28 days. In 2008 there were 29 days in February so it was longer and that could explain somewhat why this year was shorter, although we will have to wait until 2012 for the next February with 29 days. What is surprising is that you know about Kwanzaa. It is a relatively new celebration in the United States although it was actually started in 1966 by a Professor Maulanan Karenga at CSU in Long Beach and lasts for 7 days from December 26 to January 1. It is a celebration of African Heritage and not a religious holiday. It is a lovely tradition and I applaud you mentioning it.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #105
Vol II
November 3, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
You may not get this in time for the Wednesday edition as it is early morning and yesterday was the election. Were you surprised at the results. I mean, holy cow, Jerry Brown will now be the Governor again. Did you notice that two of our old county supervisors, Pat Whitley and Brooks Mitchell are now on the Loyalton City Council, plus a carpetbagger from Alabama, Jim Beard. I can’t wait to see what happens next. The local Sheriff, Judge and Supervisor election in Sierra County sure was a squeaker. I am worried about the school financial situation as Measure C failed, I was sure we would support our schools. So what did you think?
Barbara Buton, Alleghany
Dear Barbara:
Yes, you are right, the election was a nail biter this year. I, too, am disappointed about Measure C. I think the problem might have been because of the hospital bond that the City of Loyalton voters had a few years ago. They are still paying for that bond and there is no hospital. Well, I only hope we can find a solution and continue to have schools and the best education, as we do now. Carpetbagger is such an interesting term, however, Jim Beard seems to be a fine fellow, even if he does talk funny. Good news for Pat Whitley to be on the Council, her expertise in government will be useful for the hard times the City is facing. Sierra County had the highest percentage of voter turnout in the state, we should all be proud.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #104
Vol II
October 31, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
Yesterday, I went over to my grandparent’s house in Calpine to check on them, as they are getting elderly. My grandfather has a serious, very painful, health problem and so he has a medical marijuana prescription and has to smoke it now and then. I think he is very careful and doesn’t seem to be under the influence of drugs much, so I am not worried about him becoming addicted. But when I got there, I could smell the odor of marijuana and knew it was a very recently, like just a few minutes before I opened the door. So normally, I wouldn’t be concerned but when I asked where Grandpa was my grandmother said he had gone fishing and left before breakfast. Her friend Vivien was there visiting and when I mentioned I could smell marijuana smoke they both started giggling. I think they might have smoked some of Grandpa’s medicine. So what should I do?
Sincerely,
Robert Smith, Sierraville
PS: I changed my name and the towns just to be safe.
Dear Bob:
First, I want to tell you to relax and not worry too much about your grandparents. It sounds like they did a fine job of raising their children, who in turn raised a wonderful son, who cares about his family. I don’t think there is much you can do or anything you should do. Your grandparents are grown up and able to make reasonable decisions about their own lives. Nobody was being hurt, and although it might seem wrong for your grandmother to be smoking pot (let’s call a kettle a kettle) that doesn’t belong to her, she may have your grandfather’s permission. Not that she should be smoking it if she doesn’t have a prescription, but maybe she does, you could ask her, but is it really your business to ask her personal medical questions. You can tell her you are concerned but most likely she will tell you to mind your own business. Well, shoot, I really don’t have a good answer except don’t worry and let sleeping dogs sleep. Do they have a dog? Dogs are good to have, they keep you company and are nice to take for walks. I have a dog and I walk her a lot. I also have cats, and they all like each other. I don’t have any birds, I like them but am worried the cats might not, or else they might like them too much, if you get my drift. Well, thanks for writing and good luck.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #103
Vol II
October 27, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
Hi, this is the first time I have written to you. Do you get letters from people more than once? I was thinking about asking a question but then if you answer it and I had a follow up question, would you answer that too or is it just one question per person? If you could let me know I would be appreciative because it is an important question. You could write and answer me at my address or in your column if you like. Waiting to hear from you. Oh, and what are you on Halloween?
William Wainster
Loyalton
Dear William:
You realize that you did ask me a question in your letter, don’t you? Because I am giving you an answer in this letter, means there was a question in yours. I believe you want to know if it is possible for you to send more than one question. Well certainly you could. As a matter of fact, you could just write to me and not ask a question and I might respond anyhow. Sometimes questions are really difficult to answer so I just try to do my best by talking about common interests. We have a common interest. You have a question and I question what it is. But once again this answer is getting very complicated and I just hate complications, they make you think. On Halloween, I am usually me, I have tried to be somebody else, but it just doesn’t work, I still am me.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #102
Vol II
October 24, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
When will this election be over? I am so tired of having to watch and listen to political ads on the television. My mail is full of flyers and stuff from the candidates. It is so awful, it is worse than the NPR fundraising week. I mean what’s with that, why can’t I listen to the radio in peace.
Sincerely with frustration,
Jonathan Grant
Alleghany
Dear Jonathan:
You have asked some relatively easy questions. The election will be over on November 2. Usually by midnight all the results are in, unless of course there is a really, really close outcome and someone demands a recount. Fortunately, there are no advertisements during a recount. We should be pleased the post office gets all the mail it does during a campaign as that helps to keep it open, the money paid to the post office helps jobs, and printing the material and signs creates jobs too. Maybe we should have campaigns year round, now that I think about the jobs created. Meanwhile about NPR, if you would make regular donations, it makes the fund raising period shorter. Thank you for writing. I hope this answers all your questions.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #101
Vol II
October 20, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
My friend always answers the phone by saying, “What?”. Do you think that is polite? Wouldn’t it be better if she said, “Hello, how are you”? Or how about just hello? It seems like most everyone says Hello, except her, why is that?
Sincerely,
Marianne Dossly, Sierra City
Dear Marianne:
I feel your pain. I also have a friend who answers the phone that way. I wonder if she is the same person. Does your friend live in Sierraville? I use to wonder why she said “what” when she answered the phone. But then, I thought about it for a long time and decided that “What” really is a good way. People call you for some reason, so asking what makes sense. When you are on the street and you call out to a friend, don’t they usually respond, “what”? People rarely say “hello” on the street, actually they usually say, “oh, hey” or “hi”. So maybe that analogy isn’t the best. Why does this bother you so much? It seems like a reasonable answer to me. It just makes common sense, but then we don’t want to discuss common sense, as there really is no common about it.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #100
Vol II
October 17, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
Are telephones going out of style? It seems that people communicate with distant friends by email more and more and by telephone less and less. Why is that?
Caesar Gabino
Loyalton
Dear Caesar:
Well the good thing about email is that it allows one to answer when one wishes and not interrupt a thrilling moment of television. Say you are watching Stephen Hawking’s presentation of What Made the Universe Be the Universe or even a fascinating DVD of Thomas Gerald Schumann discussing the merits of being Unconscious or is that Consciousness, I’m not to sure it is confusing and causes one to think quite a lot. Being trapped on the phone when you may want to eat or go potty or maybe just sit and stare into space is no fun. Some people just don’t like the telephone, especially when they care more about the paint on a house and whether or not it “really” needs to be painted, instead of visiting friends, I mean why would someone fudge about the state of a house’s paint condition, sometimes I think… but wait, what were we talking about? By the way do you read Italian? I need to translate a postcard.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #99
Vol II
October 13, 2010
What should I do when I asked a friend to buy some turkey for me and she did, and I took it home with me, and I stopped at my mom's and had to fix her lamp, and I left the adopted dog in the car, and when I came back I had a very neatly opened deli bag with no turkey left in it and a very happy dog?
Minervas R. Shattered
Sierra City
Dear Minnie:
Strangely, this sounds like something that happened to a friend of mine. My friend’s dog very carefully opened the plastic wrapping around the turkey and did not eat any of the wrapping, just the turkey, I can’t remember the name of the dog, but my friend’s name was Miriam and her dog was happy too. Now I know another dog, who once ate some Brie in foil wrapping and that dog ate the foil and all, luckily the dog was okay, however the foil has never made an appearance that we know of. I think you should be very happy, Minnie, that your dog did not eat the deli bag.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #98
Vol II
October 10, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
I have heard that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce collects money from foreign governments and corporations for "dues" and then spends it to influence American elections. Do you think that the influence of foreign countries on our elections threaten our democracy and our independence? Has our Supreme Court made this possible with their recent ruling allowing corporations to spend freely on U.S. elections without divulging the sources of the funds?
George Williams
Pike, Ca
Dear George:
I keep telling you people, and by people I mean my readers, that I am an advice columnist. How can you expect me, of all people, to answer questions like yours? I certainly don’t understand what is so hard for you to understand that I don’t have the ability to think about really complicated stuff. When I try to think about something like that my brain just shuts down. For heavens sake, the United States Chamber of Commerce taking money from foreign governments to influence our elections that is just nonsense, why would a U.S. Chamber of Commerce do something like that, it just doesn’t’ make sense. Our Supreme Court allows foreign governments to influence our elections, why would they do that? I’m getting dizzy. I need to go lie down.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #97
Vol II
October 6, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
Do you know what Physicists do? Why is so hard to understand what they are talking about? Sometimes I read an article about Physics and I always get confused. Is it true there are things you can’t see? The other thing I wonder about are the molecules, are they really all separate and could you put your finger in the spaces of a body. Am I whole or just a bunch of little particles?
Susan Maribel
Alleghany, CA
Dear Susan:
My goodness, you do think a lot. Where have you been reading this stuff? I have wondered many times about the same thing. I do realize there are many different views of any situation, and someone else’s reality may not be mine. I have noticed that if I stub my toe, it does hurt, and it seems as if my particles were not connected the stubbed thing would just go in-between the molecules, however there is evidence that we are not really solid, we are made up of a lot of water, now is water solid? That is the question. Right now, I need to quit thinking because it is confusing me.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #96
Vol II
October 3, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
How come you write about things in such a flip way? Don’t you care about global warming? What about the economy and the way education is taking a back seat to everything else? What about the upcoming election? Do you even have an opinion on how to vote? Sometimes I just think I will never read your column again because you are so dumb. Are you dumb? What is wrong with you?
Richard Mussel
Verdi, CA
Dear Richard:
I was thinking about just calling you Dick, but then thought better of it. You might not like me using a familiar nickname with you, as it seems you don’t like me. Well you have never met me, so maybe you just don’t like what I write. I have told my readers many times how to ask me questions. It seems you just don’t pay attention. There are seven questions in your letter and it would just take me too long to answer them all. Strangely, I have been asked many times about the dumb thing but I am not sure how to answer. If I were dumb would I have this column? At any rate I do have an opinion on how to vote.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #95
Vol II
September 29, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
I am hot! Much of the Arctic ice has melted; much of the Antarctic ice has melted. Much of the Greenland ice has melted. The glaciers have retreated all over the world. Los Angeles just had the hottest day ever recorded, since they started recording in 1877. Why do so many people deny the obvious?
John Boiler
Sierra County
Dear John:
Why are you talking about Los Angeles if you live in Sierra County? Do you really live there and wish you were here? I can understand that. Los Angeles is pretty hot most of the year. I was there once years ago in December and it was really hot. It has been hot in Downieville this week. I don’t know why people deny the obvious although I don’t know exactly what obvious you are talking about. It sure is hot now; this summer was a pretty cool summer in Downieville. I think it had something to do with the Iceland Volcano cooling off the atmosphere. If we could have a couple of big eruptions and then maybe a small meteor hit the earth that would cool us off for a few years. Obviously I am wandering all over with this answer, but freethinking is a good thing, sometimes you think about something that no one else has thought of.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #94
Vol II
September 26, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
Did you see the moon Wednesday? It was so beautiful and very big too. Do you think the moon is bigger in the Mid West, East or West? Someone told me the moon was really big in Montana and in the mountains it is smaller. The moon on Thursday was the Harvest Moon. The full moon of September arrived on the same night as the autumnal equinox, which occurred September 22 at 11:09 p.m.), to mark the official start of the fall season in the Northern Hemisphere. That is the first time since 1991 and won’t happen again till 2029. Did you know that?
Belinda Bates, Calpine
Dear Belinda,
You know I keep telling people; I am here to give advice. What kind of advice can I give you if you don’t ask for it? Your questions are interesting. Yes, I saw the moon. I agree it was beautiful. No, I did not know that this was the first time since 1991 and it won’t happen again until 2029. Thank you for sharing this information.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #93
Vol II
September 22, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
I am informed that this Thursday, September 23rd at Downieville Community Hall at 6 pm and Friday September 24 at Loyalton Social Hall at 10 am are the last times to comment on the FEMA flood maps for Sierra County. It is said that those with loans on their property may be required to get flood insurance depending on those maps. My question is: Why do one hundred year floods seem to occur every fifteen years?
Ian Wheat
Sierra Valley
Dear Ian,
Actually one hundred year floods could occur in any year. There is no specific amount of time needed between floods to become a 100-year flood. According to Wikipedia, a great source of information and misinformation. A 100-year flood has approximately a 63.4% chance of occurring in any 100-year period, not a 100 percent chance of occurring.
It is wise to have flood insurance whether you have a loan or not. If your home is destroyed during a flood, you will need to rebuild even if you have not loan. If you do not insure your property, you will not be eligible for federal disaster assistance funds. The government wants us to take responsibility; if one chooses to own a home in a flood area then one should insure it.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #92
Vol II
September 19, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
My sister often does things that I don’t approve of. For example, she never puts away her dishes; there are always dishes in the strainer on the sink. They are washed and clean, but she doesn’t put them away in the cupboard. I also know that she has gone to the saloon in town in the evening, I am sure she isn’t drinking but she sits at the bar and talks to people. I think people think she drinks, should I do something about this?
Sincerely, Mary Ellen Finch, Sierra City
Dear Mary Ellen,
I changed your name a little, well I just kept the initials the same, so no one will be able to tell whom you are, unless they know you really well. There isn’t much you can do. I suppose if you live in the same house, you could move. Did you know when you wipe your dishes with a dishcloth you transfer germs back onto the dishes; it is really good to let them air dry. The other thing, about going to the bar, it is really setting a good example for people, they see you can go to the bar and engage in conversation and don’t need to drink. Of course you could ask her to be sure and buy a soda so she isn’t depriving the owner of the bar a paying customer. Do you know if your sister approves of everything you do?
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #91
Vol II
September 15, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
Downieville has a great tradition of friends and strangers meeting at the bench outside of the Downieville Grocery Store, weather permitting. This is a very nice way for old friends to meet and to encounter strangers, too. I have learned to be more tolerant of opinions different from my own and to understand them better. Why don't other towns develop this tradition?
Gerald Payne, Downieville
Dear Jerry,
I can call you Jerry, can’t I? It seems you have mistaken a place for something else. I am well aware of what you speak. I don’t think “Downieville” has the tradition. I think the people who visit the bench regularly have a tradition. Because the bench is in a well-trafficked area, many people stop by and chat for a while, both local and tourists. If a town, like in town managers etc, developed this tradition it would be something else, not what exists at the bench in Downieville that is totally spontaneous and ebbs and flows with the river. I am also fairly certain one should not end a sentence with “, too”, although wrong I may be.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #90
Vol II
September 8, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
Have you really answered 89 questions because the number by the title changes twice a week. It doesn’t seem as though you could have that much information. How do you get to know so much?
Barry Welch, Sierra City
Dear Barry,
Actually, if you look again, you will see this is Volume II of II so there must have been a Volume I in which there were many more answers. Unless I didn’t start over from the beginning like in Volume II #1. I can’t remember. Then how do I know so much is a mystery. I do read a lot. Some of my friends call me “Miss Know It All”, I don’t really think they are being friendly when they say that. One of the things I know for sure is – I don’t know what I don’t know.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #89
Vol II
September 5, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
Sometimes your columns are really long and other times only a few sentences. Why is that? I know you often have a lot to say without saying much, but how do you decide to answer shortly or longly?
Mildred Enstin, Goodyear Bar
Dear Mildred:
I think it is so interesting that you spelled Goodyears Bar without the “S”. I have seen it both ways sometimes with the “s” and sometimes without the “s”. I always mean to look it up and find out which is the correct way to say it. Goodyears Bar or Goodyear Bar. Somehow I always forget to look it up until I see it spelled differently, like now. Also, I am not sure that longly is a word.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #88
Vol II
September 1, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
There is an old saying "Divide and Conquer". There is a passive version of that, "Allow yourself to be divided and be conquered". There are those who consider themselves patriotic but who are dividing us, turning one group against the other, and turning this nation into a dysfunctional entity which cannot concentrate on solving the most pressing problems of clean energy, education, environment, health, economy, defense, etc. Those members who wish to stop any solution or amelioration whatsoever stymie even Congress. What is going on in their heads? Why are these people, who I think honestly consider themselves patriotic, obstructing any solution to our problems?
Quinton Price
Loyalton
Dear Quinton:
Why am I suddenly getting such difficult questions? My first response is; how the heck should I know? I am supposed to be an advice columnist. Giving advice is my specialty. Getting political questions all the time is frustrating. Who is being divided and conquered? What the hay are you talking about? It seems you are just whining about some people somewhere without offering any solutions. I say stop whining and be part of the solution.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #87
Vol II
August 29, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
In the years after the first world war, Germany had a prolonged economic crisis. The people turned to demagogues and hate mongers who scapegoated minority groups, mainly Jews and Gypsies, and foreigners . Do you think that there is a danger that something like that will happen here in the U.S., only with a different minority?
Martin Brane
Sierra County
Dear Marty.
Are you talking about the current trend to be angry at all Muslims or practicers of Islam. Actually I am not sure what the correct terminology is for Middle Eastern religions. Actually there are many religions in the United States because we are “one nation under God”, not just one particular God although there most likely is only one God and everyone is talking to the same God, only in many different ways and languages. Actually there are hatemongers in the United States right now and they turn their hatred on whoever seems to be the easiest target depending on what’s going on. Anything could happen anytime. We just have to remember to always step forward and say that’s not right. We are all in danger when good people choose to do nothing…. Somebody said something like that once. I’m not sure who but if somebody reading this knows please write and tell me.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #86
Vol II
August 25, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
Why is it so hot?
Mary Snowdon
Sattley
Dear Mary:
It is hot because we are just a few miles, in spacedom of course, from the sun. The sun makes it hot. It is hot in Downieville too.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #84
Vol II
August 22, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
Why is it that politicians running for office think that the worst thing they can say about their opponent is that the opponent will raise taxes. Taxes are the price we pay for civilization. Without taxes we would not have schools, Medicare, law enforcement, social security, fire protection, roads, national defense, etc. We need to tax those who can afford to be taxed in order to save our country from chaos. During the administrations of Eisenhower and Kennedy taxes were much higher than they are now, yet we were more prosperous. So why do we tend to believe the lobbyists and politicians who lie to us and tell us we can have it all without paying for it?
Yours,
Tom Schumann,
Downieville
Dear Thomas:
What a good question. You deserve to be called Thomas as you are really thinking there.
Well first of all, I don’t know why you think politicians lie to us. Lobbyists may lie to our representatives but most of them are just doing a job and probably not lying just trying to do a good job for their employers. The same as politicians. We elect them to represent us. It appears from your letter you are happy to pay taxes and understand why we have them and also understand government’s role in society. Everyone should be taxed who is employed and makes a living. It makes sense that those who make more would pay more. We as a nation really have a low tax rate. Some people who don’t understand the importance of taxes seem to resent having to pay anything, while others, Warren Buffett is a good example, while he pays his share of taxes he is also known as a great philanthropist.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #84
Vol II
August 18, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
In just two weeks it will be September. How did that happen? Do you realize we have to start thinking about Thanksgiving and then Christmas? The holidays are supposed to be so much fun, but I am already dreading them. There is so much to do and so little time. My friend says she is ready for Christmas in July; she does all her shopping very early. Is that a good idea?
Sincerely, Susan Portman
Sierra City
Dear Susan:
I hear you, for sure, not only do I have to get ready for Thanksgiving and Christmas but Chanukah falls into my mix of gifts. Plus I have five family birthdays between now and the end of the year. Luckily for me, one of the things I love to do is give presents. It is always fun to find something especially for the person. Something that will have meaning and bring a smile, but it sounds like you are feeling a little overwhelmed. Don’t you just hate those phrases, “I hear you”, “it sounds like you”, they just drive me bonkers. It feels like patronization or something worse… forgive me for using them in my reply to you, however it must be said it does sound like you need to rethink your outlook. Fun is where you find it. Look for the joy and don’t be so hard on yourself.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #83
Vol II
August 15, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
Recently there has been a lot of talk in the news about the Mosque being built in New York City. Somehow, there is a big discussion about whether it is respectful to build a Muslim church near the site where the Twin Towers were attacked. I think it is a good thing, I know there are many Christian churches in that area and the addition of another house of worship shouldn’t be a bad thing. I know only a few of the fundamental Muslims were responsible for the attack. When another faith does something bad we don’t blame the institution or at least we shouldn’t. This is such an emotional subject it is hard to write about without upsetting someone who feels differently than me. I am even a little afraid to even talk about it with my friends. What do you think?
Sincerely, Allison Flightman
Loyalton
Dear Allison:
Thank you for being courageous enough to write about your thoughts. You should never be afraid to talk to your friends, and remember, we live in America, we can talk about anything we want. We have freedom of speech, freedom of worship and almost any freedom you can think of. Well we are not free to smoke marijuana unless there is a medical prescription, that is a hot topic now too. Some people are for legalizing it and the biggest argument for legalization is the government making more tax money. That is kind of an odd argument because there are lots of thing we could put a tax on and make it legal, so where do we stop. Should we legalize burglary as long as you pay taxes on your illegal gain. I don’t know. But then I am a member of Carrie Nation, where all booze and drugs would be banished. But I digress. I think the Muslim community in America mourns the events of September 11, 2001 as much as all other faiths. It was a horrible event brought on by the machinations of a few bad men and we should remember that and not blame all Muslims as we do not blame all Germans for the Holocaust. So take heart and remember we are Americans and are nation that was established on freedom of religion.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #82
Vol II
August 11, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
The summer is almost over and my kids are actually eager to return to school. I am not sure if it is because of the opportunity to learn new information or because the economy kept us from going to Disneyland this year. I don’t think I am concerned that they want to be back in school but should I be, it seems most kids don’t want their summer to end. Meanwhile back to school clothes shopping looms on the horizon do you think they will be all right with spending money on school clothes instead of a vacation.
Sincerely, Mary Alice Young, Sierraville
Dear Mary Alice:
You are right, summer is almost over and it feels like it never began. How can that be? Just yesterday it was winter, one day of spring and then summer. Well, maybe summer is just starting and Fall will be when winter happens and then… I’m getting confused. I have to commend you on your thrifty ways, one of the reasons we are in the fix we are is because of overspending and it is wise not to spend money you don’t have. I’m not sure that sentence makes sense; certainly there is something wrong with the grammar and sentence construction. This is making me think I should be going back to school for some more English instruction. I also wonder if I am suppose to capitalize the seasons like I did fall… Fall because it has other meanings... gosh this is a hard question.
Did you realize your initials spell MAY like the month of May?
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #81
Vol II
August 8, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
I read your column every week and sometimes I go back and read previous ones because I get a little confused about your advice. It seems like your advice isn’t always the best advice even though I can see you are very insightful and worry about your readers. Do you always take your own advice or do you have another source when you are worried about something?
Sincerely, Don Randall, Alleghany
Dear Don:
Advice is in the eyes of the beholder. Most likely that phrase would work with almost anything, like “Ice cream is in the eyes of the beholder.” I wonder why ice cream popped into my mind just then. It is morning and usually I don’t think about ice cream until the evening. After dinner, and then the thought of vanilla ice cream with Ovaltine on top mixed with a little non-fat milk to turn it into a milkshake is more than I can bear. So I have to do it.
My best adviser was my Grandmother, she gave me lots of information I still follow. For instance, never put your shoes on a table, now that makes a lot of sense. Why would anyone want to put dirty shoes on top of a table? However my grandmother sealed the deal with me by adding, “shoes on a table means there will be a death in the family.” Now who would put their shoes on the table after hearing that statement? She also told me not to kill any living creature, not even an ant. You can imagine my dismay when ants invade my kitchen. I say lots of prayers for little ants during the cleanup process.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #80
Vol II
August 3, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
Why do some people ride down the street with their windows open and the radio blaring? That happens a lot, even in our small town but I have never understood why people do that. Do you have an idea?
Marilyn Janson
Sierra City, CA
Dear Marilyn:
Strangely, a car just drove by on my street with music blaring. It was a weird beat and seemed to have some bad language. My neighbor was outside with her children and I felt bad for her. But, too answer your question, I really don’t know. Which makes me think of a friend of mine who hates to hear me say, “I don’t know.” He wants me to say what I think even if I don’t know. Sometimes I think I don’t know but then I do often speculate about something, I hate speculating out loud when I don’t know for sure because I most likely am wrong, I have learned that I am often wrong about things. Probably the person playing the music loud is craving attention and this is one of the easiest ways to get attention, like little children doing something annoying. Of course that is just speculation and it could be as simple as they really like the song so they turn the music up and the windows are open because they don’t have air conditioning or maybe they do have AC but they are saving gas by not using it…. Oh, I don’t know. I do have many ideas about a lot of things, too many to write about today.
Sincerely, Jerusha
(#79 is misfiled on the old Ask Jerusha page)
Jerusha #78
Vol II
July 21, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
My brother, a really smart guy with a great wife and children, has different political opinions than I do and he gets angry if I express an opinion but he gets to say whatever he wants to. What should I do?
Adelaide Brown
Sierra City
Dear Addy:
My, that is an old fashioned name I haven’t heard in a long time. My grandmother was named Adelaide, so I feel as though I know you.
You know brothers are family and as family you have to love them even when they don’t agree with you. Just keep loving your brother and remember all the good things about him. Maybe avoiding any kind of political discussion with him would be a good thing. Other than that, I don’t know what to tell you. My brother is a really good guy too.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #77
Vol II
July 18, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
I have recently benefitted from a great public service that Sierra County offers. As buses do not travel through most of Sierra County and people sometimes need public transportation, the van service offered by Golden Rays, Sierra Public Transit is a wonderful benefit to the people of our county. I wonder how many of our residents know of and appreciate the value and convenience of this form of transportation. Have you ever had occasion to use it?
Tom Schumann
Downieville
P.S. Someone once told me that girls who are chaste are seldom chased. Is that true?
Dear Tom:
Yes, you are right it is a wonderful service. Evidently you used the western side of the county transportation. There is also an equally wonderful service based in Loyalton. It works great for everyone. There are regular trips scheduled and also you can plan for an individual jaunt to a medical appointment or like you, I believe you needed to get to the train station in Auburn and it is wonderful the van was available to take you, as at times the van is busy with other trips. Of course the van drivers are the key to the process, without them we would all be stuck at the creek. Kudos to Lou Foxworthy and Jack Marshall. The eastern drivers are equally wonderful, but I don’t know their names.
As to your absolutely inane question about girls, you are absolutely out to lunch, you must be suffering an absent politeness gene.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha Brown
Send your questions to: iknowbetter@sierracountyprospect.com
Old Ask Jerusha columns are Here.
Miss Brown hates giving advice!
Jerusha #152
Vol. III
May 11, 2011
Dear Jerusha,
I get a lot of junk mail, most of which I throw out without even looking at it. It seems like such a waste of paper and trees. Of course I recycle it but it still seems like a terrible waste. The people who ask for money might just send requests once or twice a year but instead they send their requests many, many times each year. What can I do to stop or reduce this flow of paper?
Arthur Arbol
Sierra County
Dear Art,
I decided to call you Art rather than Arthur because your letter was particularly annoying at this moment in time. Thank goodness for junk mail. You must realize that many rural post offices are being threatened with closure, including right here in Sierra County. If it weren’t for junk mail there would be hardly any business for those small post offices. Then what would people who do not own nor have the skills for computers and email do? What about those wonderful love letters and cards to Grandma, where would they go? So stop whining about junk mail, Art, and start writing letters and use the post office before we lose them totally. You can see how calling you Art instead of Arthur helped me to be nicer to you, even though your obtuseness irritated me.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #118
Vol. II
December 29, 2010
Dear SCP Readers,
This my last column for 2010 and what a year it has been. There has been good times and bad times. This is a strange and wonderful century to be living in. I can only wonder how much will be different in 2011 as it seems the world is moving at warp speed. This column is devoted to my New Year Resolutions. Here they are:
#1 – I will not think so much.
#2 – I will not complain about thinking.
#3 – I will accept every name as given to me.
#4 – I will not suggest changing your name to anyone.
#5 – I will help Don and Jill quit smoking.
#6 – I will not swear much.
#7 – I will have my columns in on time.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #117
Vol. II
December 26, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
Did you make any resolutions last year? I looked back but I didn’t see any resolutions from you. One of your writers asked about them but you didn’t really give her a good answer except for changing her name. You thought it was a good idea, but I thought it was unrealistic. So what are your resolutions?
John Farmer
Calpine
Dear John,
I have been thinking quite a lot about what my New Year Resolution will be. I have one more column before the end of the year to disclose them. I think disclosing your resolutions is one more step on the road to humiliation when making resolutions. I have several options, the first is: to stop complaining about having to think. Then I could also resolve to stop focusing on names, ie: your name is John and Jonathan has such a nice ring to it. Is it possible your full name is Jonathan? I get letters from a John every now and then and when I write back I always think, oh my goodness am I writing a “Dear John” letter. It just strikes me as funny. Of course I mean no disrespect to you, I think John is a fine name. I think I should have a serious resolution, maybe to always be kind to others, although I already do that. I am never unkind, or at least I try very hard to always be kind, so that is not really a necessary resolution. Well, I will think about it and possibly give my resolutions in the next issue on the 29th, my last column of this year.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #116
Vol. II
December 22, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
There are 52 weeks in a year and the Prospect publishes twice a week, which would mean 104 columns by you each year. I have noticed that your last column was #115, which is more than 104. I think I recall that there was a week or two when you didn’t have a new column, so you can tell this is confusing to me. How can you have more columns than there are weeks in a year times two?
Meridith James
Downieville
Dear Meridith,
After a great deal of though and research I finally figured out what the answer is. You see, I began writing this column in June of 2009 and all of the columns until the end of the year were written in Volume I. Then on January 1, 2010 when I changed to Volume II I did not change the number of the columns written. So the first column this year was #30 which means that I am actually short columns this year, it is worse than I thought as I have only answered 86 letters this year. I try to answer every letter, so I am thinking my readers need to write more letters. If you don’t have a serious problem, that is okay, it fact it is better because I don’t want anyone to have serious problems although I will do my best to have good advice or at least a friendly reply. If you don’t have a problem, you might ask for advice for a “friend”.
Meanwhile Meridith, I noticed if you had a nickname it would most likely be Merry, which is so appropriate for this time of year. So Merry, Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year to you and to all my readers.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #115
Vol. II
December 19, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
I have read that Julian Assange, who was involved in the Wikileaks, may be charged in the criminal courts with revealing secrets. If this happens will Dick Cheney also be charged in the criminal courts with exposing the identity of CIA agent Valerie Plame? I respect your opinion because I think you are very smart. And have a very happy holiday season.
Bob Milkier
Sierra City
Dear Bob:
Your letter pleased me greatly, because I have not been told about being smart very many times. When someone recognizes how smart I am, I am very happy because of course it means the person is smart because they know I am smart. Julian Assange certainly has made a name for himself. I don’t know why would be charged with revealing secrets. He didn’t know those secrets before someone else revealed them, did he? I mean now I know them, so if I tell someone else about them in my column would I be in trouble? So it was Dick Cheney who exposed the identity of a CIA agent. I always wondered who did that. Thank you for informing me.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #114
Vol. II
December 15, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
Do you get a lot of mail? I heard my friends talking about you, but when I asked if they had written to you for advice, none of them admitted to it. I wrote to you once but you never answered me, and I was disappointed. Do you answer all your letters? I will write again if you think I should.
Sincerely,
Barbara Fishman, Sierra City
Dear Barbara:
Gosh, I looked back through my files and could not find a letter from you, I am certain I would have answered it if it came. Did you email it or send it through the U.S. Post Office. I always get my email and check it frequently. I can’t vouch for the U.S. Post Office as it goes through my editors. They are usually good about forwarding my mail, but if they weren’t I really couldn’t tell. I never thought of that before, it is possible I am getting all kinds of mail that I don’t receive. Of course that sentence doesn’t make much sense. If I were “getting” the mail then I would have it. I will have to speak to the editors right away. Thank you for alerting me to this situation.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #113
Vol. II
December 12, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
I just wanted to say that I was sorry to hear about the loss of you dog. We have two dogs in our household and they are like family now. They are great companions and even though they are small they alert me when a malicious critter comes into the yard such as a person or the bear, and are always there to play or hoping for a handout.
When you mentioned, in your October 31st letter, your dog in your household and how often and how much you liked to walk your dog and how great the companionship was I could tell you were very close. Then in your November 14th letter you mentioned how wonderful the companionship was but that you no longer had a dog ?. I know that must be hard and I just want give my condolences.
Maybe you could get a puppy or maybe two puppies from the woman in Pike City with all the puppies ?, and again enjoy the companionship I know you must be missing.
Sincerely,
Bobby Burington ~ Downieville
Dear Bob:
Bob is a little more formal than Bobby, although, I probably should call you Robert as I can see you read my columns closely. It is often embarrassing to be discovered with an inconsistency in ones columns. However, since you are clearly a fan of mine, I can see why you would be concerned with my dog, if I have a dog, or my loss of dog if I once had a dog. If you recall the dog column was concerned with someone who had dogs, or puppies one might say, who could possibly have the need of homes. I may have indicated I had a dog to not be asked to take another dog, or I might have talked about my dog because I have a dog. I think I am getting confused here. It is very complicated. But I assure you Robert, if I have a dog, she is fine, well fed and very spoiled. So I am so happy that you do love dogs and take care of yours. You are a good person.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #112
Vol. II
December 5, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
I was born in the east and I have always heard that easterners are smarter than those born in the west. Then I heard that babies who are born in the summer are smarter because they were in the mother during the cool and cold months and that is better for the baby’s development especially in the first trimester. So do you think the reason for me being smarter is I was born in August? I have often wondered why I am so smart?
Sincerely,
Marilyn Rassoon, Verdi
Dear Marilyn:
How interesting that you should bring this up. I am aware of this discussion and in fact have been part of a discussion on just this issue. It seems unlikely that being born a certain time of the year would make you smarter. Of course weather exposure and diet and a myriad of other factors could affect your brainpower but it isn’t really clear what exactly makes one smart. And then too, there are all kinds of smart. Some may have incredible knowledge about math or physics or even how to cook or sew but be lacking in smartness on very simple things. I can’t really think of anything simple right now, I am sure you realize with my trouble about thinking complicated issues through this would be a tough issue for me. One thing though is I was born in the east and my birthday is in the fall, so that could explain a lot about my smart level. Well, good luck and if you learn more, keep me in the loop.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #111
Vol. II
December 1, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
Let's keep in mind that Tom Jefferson personally enslaved 185 human beings by 1809. On one hand by his writings he seemed to have sincerely desired the abolition of slaverybut at the same time he proved to be incapable of acting consistent with any abolitionist sympathies. For example he gave his daughter 25 slaves as a wedding present . Then at the end of his life when he found himself in debt to the tune of $107,000.00 ( those are 1826 dollars) the only real liquid capital he had to pay the debt were his slaves but as he had several children from one of his slaves he continued the pretence that his slave children did not exist and therefore managed to see that they were run aways.
Thomas Jefferson was certainly a complex personality but hardly a shining icon for your newspaper in regard to truth telling , in my opinion .
Mac McIntosh
Former resident of Sierra County.
Dear Mac:
Thank you for this information about Tom Jefferson. I, myself, have nothing to do with him being pictured on the front page. You must realize there are many out there who still think the 17-1800’s were the way everything should still be run. I don’t understand that thinking myself, I am referring this letter to our Fringe Editor who undoubtedly will give you much more minutia detail than you provided to prove his point. He, unlike me, is highly educated, so he says.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #110
Vol. II
November 24, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
Gadzooks, have you ever seen a winter like this? We have so much snow and now it is going to freeze. I am tired of shoveling snow already. Do you have snow where you live? Do you have to shovel your own snow? Do you drive in the snow?
Sincerely,
Richard Saveron, Calpine
Dear Richard:
You do realize, don’t you, that winter does not arrive until December 21? So basically we are talking about a winter-like storm that arrived in the Fall. It really isn’t winter yet. As a matter of fact, this Thursday is Thanksgiving. Lots of people will be driving in this weather; I hope they will all be careful. The good thing is the rain and snow is supposed to stop but the not so good news is it will be very cold and the roads very icy. I hope everyone will be very careful and safe and have a wonderful Thanksgiving. I try to get someone to have pity on me and shovel the sidewalk.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #109
Vol. II
November 17, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
Next week is Thanksgiving Day. What do you do on Thanksgiving? Are you a good cook? I often wonder when I read your column if you are married and domesticated.
Sincerely,
Jim Wilson, Alleghany
Dear James:
Your letter was very personal and I think we should remain on a formal basis, therefore I have chosen to call you James rather than the informal Jim. On Thanksgiving I enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner like most of us who are fortunate. I like to do some volunteer work at a community dinner. My favorite part of Thanksgiving besides family and friends is having a turkey sandwich the next day. I also like pumpkin pie. I am not sure what you mean about domesticated. I live in a house and sleep in a bed. I am not about to discuss my personal life (the marriage question) with you. Are you married?
Sincerely, Jerusha
PS: I sounded a little grumpy there, so have a nice Thanksgiving.
Vol. II
Jerusha #108
November 14, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
I wrote to you two years ago about my pregnant dog. I wasn’t sure who the father of her puppies was and was concerned about her welfare. I don’t think you answered me as I read most of your columns and didn’t see anything about Samantha’s problem. Do you have an answer as the puppies are now 1-½ years old, Samantha is pregnant again, and I still don’t know who the father is? Is it okay to put the puppies into other homes without the dog father’s owner giving permission? I now have two adult dogs one female and one male, seven puppies and more on the way and I am running out of room in my house and yard.
Sincerely,
Bertha Ellton, Pike City
Dear Bertha:
I do recall getting that letter from you, and I am sorry that I didn’t answer. I put it aside to think about and most likely became distracted. If you have small dogs like miniature terriers it is probably more manageable than a large dog such as a Labrador. Dogs are wonderful companions and can even be healthy for you by making sure you are out walking and exercising with them. I myself do not have a dog although I have thought about bringing one into my home. You probably realize the thinking part would be the problem as that always bogs me down while making decisions. I did wonder why you have not taken your female dog to the Veterinary to be made less vulnerable to pregnancy, and that made me wonder if your male dog had been neutered. The answer to that question could be the answer to another question. Well, good luck.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #107
Vol. II
November 10, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
Once, on my birthday, no one seemed to notice or care about it. I got kind of depressed. Then someone told me that if I didn’t tell people it was my birthday, how did I expect them to know. But if I tell people it is my birthday won’t it seem like I am asking for presents? I don’t know what to do, everyone knows when Christmas and Chanukah is but birthdays are more secret.
Sincerely, Martha Thompson, Loyalton
Dear Martha:
Does your community have a birthday calendar like the Downieville Lions Club does? People put their birthday on the calendar and then they get cards and lots of people telling them Happy Birthday. That is a really nice thing. I don’t see why you can’t tell them it is your birthday. Of course it is always better to tell them a few days in advance so they have plenty of time to buy a gift too. I think getting presents is the best thing about birthday. I love to give presents as much as getting them. Another thing you can do is write in your birthday on friends date book and you might even put a reminder a week in advance to buy a gift for you, just to help them. That has worked for me. Well, happy birthday dear, have a good one and many more.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #106
Vol II
November 7, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
This year has been one of the fastest years I have ever experienced. Did you notice that the months just zoomed by? I can’t even remember what happened this summer. It doesn’t even seem like we had a summer. Now we are planning Thanksgiving, then will come Christmas, Chanukah and Kwanzaa and then it will be New Years. Why does this year seem so much shorter than usual?
Cicely Swanden, Sierra Valley
Dear Cicely:
This year was very short, I agree. Although there are still the same amount of days in each month, somehow they all passed very swiftly. Of course February only had 28 days. In 2008 there were 29 days in February so it was longer and that could explain somewhat why this year was shorter, although we will have to wait until 2012 for the next February with 29 days. What is surprising is that you know about Kwanzaa. It is a relatively new celebration in the United States although it was actually started in 1966 by a Professor Maulanan Karenga at CSU in Long Beach and lasts for 7 days from December 26 to January 1. It is a celebration of African Heritage and not a religious holiday. It is a lovely tradition and I applaud you mentioning it.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #105
Vol II
November 3, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
You may not get this in time for the Wednesday edition as it is early morning and yesterday was the election. Were you surprised at the results. I mean, holy cow, Jerry Brown will now be the Governor again. Did you notice that two of our old county supervisors, Pat Whitley and Brooks Mitchell are now on the Loyalton City Council, plus a carpetbagger from Alabama, Jim Beard. I can’t wait to see what happens next. The local Sheriff, Judge and Supervisor election in Sierra County sure was a squeaker. I am worried about the school financial situation as Measure C failed, I was sure we would support our schools. So what did you think?
Barbara Buton, Alleghany
Dear Barbara:
Yes, you are right, the election was a nail biter this year. I, too, am disappointed about Measure C. I think the problem might have been because of the hospital bond that the City of Loyalton voters had a few years ago. They are still paying for that bond and there is no hospital. Well, I only hope we can find a solution and continue to have schools and the best education, as we do now. Carpetbagger is such an interesting term, however, Jim Beard seems to be a fine fellow, even if he does talk funny. Good news for Pat Whitley to be on the Council, her expertise in government will be useful for the hard times the City is facing. Sierra County had the highest percentage of voter turnout in the state, we should all be proud.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #104
Vol II
October 31, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
Yesterday, I went over to my grandparent’s house in Calpine to check on them, as they are getting elderly. My grandfather has a serious, very painful, health problem and so he has a medical marijuana prescription and has to smoke it now and then. I think he is very careful and doesn’t seem to be under the influence of drugs much, so I am not worried about him becoming addicted. But when I got there, I could smell the odor of marijuana and knew it was a very recently, like just a few minutes before I opened the door. So normally, I wouldn’t be concerned but when I asked where Grandpa was my grandmother said he had gone fishing and left before breakfast. Her friend Vivien was there visiting and when I mentioned I could smell marijuana smoke they both started giggling. I think they might have smoked some of Grandpa’s medicine. So what should I do?
Sincerely,
Robert Smith, Sierraville
PS: I changed my name and the towns just to be safe.
Dear Bob:
First, I want to tell you to relax and not worry too much about your grandparents. It sounds like they did a fine job of raising their children, who in turn raised a wonderful son, who cares about his family. I don’t think there is much you can do or anything you should do. Your grandparents are grown up and able to make reasonable decisions about their own lives. Nobody was being hurt, and although it might seem wrong for your grandmother to be smoking pot (let’s call a kettle a kettle) that doesn’t belong to her, she may have your grandfather’s permission. Not that she should be smoking it if she doesn’t have a prescription, but maybe she does, you could ask her, but is it really your business to ask her personal medical questions. You can tell her you are concerned but most likely she will tell you to mind your own business. Well, shoot, I really don’t have a good answer except don’t worry and let sleeping dogs sleep. Do they have a dog? Dogs are good to have, they keep you company and are nice to take for walks. I have a dog and I walk her a lot. I also have cats, and they all like each other. I don’t have any birds, I like them but am worried the cats might not, or else they might like them too much, if you get my drift. Well, thanks for writing and good luck.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #103
Vol II
October 27, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
Hi, this is the first time I have written to you. Do you get letters from people more than once? I was thinking about asking a question but then if you answer it and I had a follow up question, would you answer that too or is it just one question per person? If you could let me know I would be appreciative because it is an important question. You could write and answer me at my address or in your column if you like. Waiting to hear from you. Oh, and what are you on Halloween?
William Wainster
Loyalton
Dear William:
You realize that you did ask me a question in your letter, don’t you? Because I am giving you an answer in this letter, means there was a question in yours. I believe you want to know if it is possible for you to send more than one question. Well certainly you could. As a matter of fact, you could just write to me and not ask a question and I might respond anyhow. Sometimes questions are really difficult to answer so I just try to do my best by talking about common interests. We have a common interest. You have a question and I question what it is. But once again this answer is getting very complicated and I just hate complications, they make you think. On Halloween, I am usually me, I have tried to be somebody else, but it just doesn’t work, I still am me.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #102
Vol II
October 24, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
When will this election be over? I am so tired of having to watch and listen to political ads on the television. My mail is full of flyers and stuff from the candidates. It is so awful, it is worse than the NPR fundraising week. I mean what’s with that, why can’t I listen to the radio in peace.
Sincerely with frustration,
Jonathan Grant
Alleghany
Dear Jonathan:
You have asked some relatively easy questions. The election will be over on November 2. Usually by midnight all the results are in, unless of course there is a really, really close outcome and someone demands a recount. Fortunately, there are no advertisements during a recount. We should be pleased the post office gets all the mail it does during a campaign as that helps to keep it open, the money paid to the post office helps jobs, and printing the material and signs creates jobs too. Maybe we should have campaigns year round, now that I think about the jobs created. Meanwhile about NPR, if you would make regular donations, it makes the fund raising period shorter. Thank you for writing. I hope this answers all your questions.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #101
Vol II
October 20, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
My friend always answers the phone by saying, “What?”. Do you think that is polite? Wouldn’t it be better if she said, “Hello, how are you”? Or how about just hello? It seems like most everyone says Hello, except her, why is that?
Sincerely,
Marianne Dossly, Sierra City
Dear Marianne:
I feel your pain. I also have a friend who answers the phone that way. I wonder if she is the same person. Does your friend live in Sierraville? I use to wonder why she said “what” when she answered the phone. But then, I thought about it for a long time and decided that “What” really is a good way. People call you for some reason, so asking what makes sense. When you are on the street and you call out to a friend, don’t they usually respond, “what”? People rarely say “hello” on the street, actually they usually say, “oh, hey” or “hi”. So maybe that analogy isn’t the best. Why does this bother you so much? It seems like a reasonable answer to me. It just makes common sense, but then we don’t want to discuss common sense, as there really is no common about it.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #100
Vol II
October 17, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
Are telephones going out of style? It seems that people communicate with distant friends by email more and more and by telephone less and less. Why is that?
Caesar Gabino
Loyalton
Dear Caesar:
Well the good thing about email is that it allows one to answer when one wishes and not interrupt a thrilling moment of television. Say you are watching Stephen Hawking’s presentation of What Made the Universe Be the Universe or even a fascinating DVD of Thomas Gerald Schumann discussing the merits of being Unconscious or is that Consciousness, I’m not to sure it is confusing and causes one to think quite a lot. Being trapped on the phone when you may want to eat or go potty or maybe just sit and stare into space is no fun. Some people just don’t like the telephone, especially when they care more about the paint on a house and whether or not it “really” needs to be painted, instead of visiting friends, I mean why would someone fudge about the state of a house’s paint condition, sometimes I think… but wait, what were we talking about? By the way do you read Italian? I need to translate a postcard.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #99
Vol II
October 13, 2010
What should I do when I asked a friend to buy some turkey for me and she did, and I took it home with me, and I stopped at my mom's and had to fix her lamp, and I left the adopted dog in the car, and when I came back I had a very neatly opened deli bag with no turkey left in it and a very happy dog?
Minervas R. Shattered
Sierra City
Dear Minnie:
Strangely, this sounds like something that happened to a friend of mine. My friend’s dog very carefully opened the plastic wrapping around the turkey and did not eat any of the wrapping, just the turkey, I can’t remember the name of the dog, but my friend’s name was Miriam and her dog was happy too. Now I know another dog, who once ate some Brie in foil wrapping and that dog ate the foil and all, luckily the dog was okay, however the foil has never made an appearance that we know of. I think you should be very happy, Minnie, that your dog did not eat the deli bag.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #98Vol II
October 10, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
I have heard that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce collects money from foreign governments and corporations for "dues" and then spends it to influence American elections. Do you think that the influence of foreign countries on our elections threaten our democracy and our independence? Has our Supreme Court made this possible with their recent ruling allowing corporations to spend freely on U.S. elections without divulging the sources of the funds?
George Williams
Pike, Ca
Dear George:
I keep telling you people, and by people I mean my readers, that I am an advice columnist. How can you expect me, of all people, to answer questions like yours? I certainly don’t understand what is so hard for you to understand that I don’t have the ability to think about really complicated stuff. When I try to think about something like that my brain just shuts down. For heavens sake, the United States Chamber of Commerce taking money from foreign governments to influence our elections that is just nonsense, why would a U.S. Chamber of Commerce do something like that, it just doesn’t’ make sense. Our Supreme Court allows foreign governments to influence our elections, why would they do that? I’m getting dizzy. I need to go lie down.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #97
Vol II
October 6, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
Do you know what Physicists do? Why is so hard to understand what they are talking about? Sometimes I read an article about Physics and I always get confused. Is it true there are things you can’t see? The other thing I wonder about are the molecules, are they really all separate and could you put your finger in the spaces of a body. Am I whole or just a bunch of little particles?
Susan Maribel
Alleghany, CA
Dear Susan:
My goodness, you do think a lot. Where have you been reading this stuff? I have wondered many times about the same thing. I do realize there are many different views of any situation, and someone else’s reality may not be mine. I have noticed that if I stub my toe, it does hurt, and it seems as if my particles were not connected the stubbed thing would just go in-between the molecules, however there is evidence that we are not really solid, we are made up of a lot of water, now is water solid? That is the question. Right now, I need to quit thinking because it is confusing me.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #96
Vol II
October 3, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
How come you write about things in such a flip way? Don’t you care about global warming? What about the economy and the way education is taking a back seat to everything else? What about the upcoming election? Do you even have an opinion on how to vote? Sometimes I just think I will never read your column again because you are so dumb. Are you dumb? What is wrong with you?
Richard Mussel
Verdi, CA
Dear Richard:
I was thinking about just calling you Dick, but then thought better of it. You might not like me using a familiar nickname with you, as it seems you don’t like me. Well you have never met me, so maybe you just don’t like what I write. I have told my readers many times how to ask me questions. It seems you just don’t pay attention. There are seven questions in your letter and it would just take me too long to answer them all. Strangely, I have been asked many times about the dumb thing but I am not sure how to answer. If I were dumb would I have this column? At any rate I do have an opinion on how to vote.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #95
Vol II
September 29, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
I am hot! Much of the Arctic ice has melted; much of the Antarctic ice has melted. Much of the Greenland ice has melted. The glaciers have retreated all over the world. Los Angeles just had the hottest day ever recorded, since they started recording in 1877. Why do so many people deny the obvious?
John Boiler
Sierra County
Dear John:
Why are you talking about Los Angeles if you live in Sierra County? Do you really live there and wish you were here? I can understand that. Los Angeles is pretty hot most of the year. I was there once years ago in December and it was really hot. It has been hot in Downieville this week. I don’t know why people deny the obvious although I don’t know exactly what obvious you are talking about. It sure is hot now; this summer was a pretty cool summer in Downieville. I think it had something to do with the Iceland Volcano cooling off the atmosphere. If we could have a couple of big eruptions and then maybe a small meteor hit the earth that would cool us off for a few years. Obviously I am wandering all over with this answer, but freethinking is a good thing, sometimes you think about something that no one else has thought of.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #94
Vol II
September 26, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
Did you see the moon Wednesday? It was so beautiful and very big too. Do you think the moon is bigger in the Mid West, East or West? Someone told me the moon was really big in Montana and in the mountains it is smaller. The moon on Thursday was the Harvest Moon. The full moon of September arrived on the same night as the autumnal equinox, which occurred September 22 at 11:09 p.m.), to mark the official start of the fall season in the Northern Hemisphere. That is the first time since 1991 and won’t happen again till 2029. Did you know that?
Belinda Bates, Calpine
Dear Belinda,
You know I keep telling people; I am here to give advice. What kind of advice can I give you if you don’t ask for it? Your questions are interesting. Yes, I saw the moon. I agree it was beautiful. No, I did not know that this was the first time since 1991 and it won’t happen again until 2029. Thank you for sharing this information.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #93
Vol II
September 22, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
I am informed that this Thursday, September 23rd at Downieville Community Hall at 6 pm and Friday September 24 at Loyalton Social Hall at 10 am are the last times to comment on the FEMA flood maps for Sierra County. It is said that those with loans on their property may be required to get flood insurance depending on those maps. My question is: Why do one hundred year floods seem to occur every fifteen years?
Ian Wheat
Sierra Valley
Dear Ian,
Actually one hundred year floods could occur in any year. There is no specific amount of time needed between floods to become a 100-year flood. According to Wikipedia, a great source of information and misinformation. A 100-year flood has approximately a 63.4% chance of occurring in any 100-year period, not a 100 percent chance of occurring.
It is wise to have flood insurance whether you have a loan or not. If your home is destroyed during a flood, you will need to rebuild even if you have not loan. If you do not insure your property, you will not be eligible for federal disaster assistance funds. The government wants us to take responsibility; if one chooses to own a home in a flood area then one should insure it.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #92
Vol II
September 19, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
My sister often does things that I don’t approve of. For example, she never puts away her dishes; there are always dishes in the strainer on the sink. They are washed and clean, but she doesn’t put them away in the cupboard. I also know that she has gone to the saloon in town in the evening, I am sure she isn’t drinking but she sits at the bar and talks to people. I think people think she drinks, should I do something about this?
Sincerely, Mary Ellen Finch, Sierra City
Dear Mary Ellen,
I changed your name a little, well I just kept the initials the same, so no one will be able to tell whom you are, unless they know you really well. There isn’t much you can do. I suppose if you live in the same house, you could move. Did you know when you wipe your dishes with a dishcloth you transfer germs back onto the dishes; it is really good to let them air dry. The other thing, about going to the bar, it is really setting a good example for people, they see you can go to the bar and engage in conversation and don’t need to drink. Of course you could ask her to be sure and buy a soda so she isn’t depriving the owner of the bar a paying customer. Do you know if your sister approves of everything you do?
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #91
Vol II
September 15, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
Downieville has a great tradition of friends and strangers meeting at the bench outside of the Downieville Grocery Store, weather permitting. This is a very nice way for old friends to meet and to encounter strangers, too. I have learned to be more tolerant of opinions different from my own and to understand them better. Why don't other towns develop this tradition?
Gerald Payne, Downieville
Dear Jerry,
I can call you Jerry, can’t I? It seems you have mistaken a place for something else. I am well aware of what you speak. I don’t think “Downieville” has the tradition. I think the people who visit the bench regularly have a tradition. Because the bench is in a well-trafficked area, many people stop by and chat for a while, both local and tourists. If a town, like in town managers etc, developed this tradition it would be something else, not what exists at the bench in Downieville that is totally spontaneous and ebbs and flows with the river. I am also fairly certain one should not end a sentence with “, too”, although wrong I may be.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #90
Vol II
September 8, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
Have you really answered 89 questions because the number by the title changes twice a week. It doesn’t seem as though you could have that much information. How do you get to know so much?
Barry Welch, Sierra City
Dear Barry,
Actually, if you look again, you will see this is Volume II of II so there must have been a Volume I in which there were many more answers. Unless I didn’t start over from the beginning like in Volume II #1. I can’t remember. Then how do I know so much is a mystery. I do read a lot. Some of my friends call me “Miss Know It All”, I don’t really think they are being friendly when they say that. One of the things I know for sure is – I don’t know what I don’t know.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #89
Vol II
September 5, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
Sometimes your columns are really long and other times only a few sentences. Why is that? I know you often have a lot to say without saying much, but how do you decide to answer shortly or longly?
Mildred Enstin, Goodyear Bar
Dear Mildred:
I think it is so interesting that you spelled Goodyears Bar without the “S”. I have seen it both ways sometimes with the “s” and sometimes without the “s”. I always mean to look it up and find out which is the correct way to say it. Goodyears Bar or Goodyear Bar. Somehow I always forget to look it up until I see it spelled differently, like now. Also, I am not sure that longly is a word.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #88
Vol II
September 1, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
There is an old saying "Divide and Conquer". There is a passive version of that, "Allow yourself to be divided and be conquered". There are those who consider themselves patriotic but who are dividing us, turning one group against the other, and turning this nation into a dysfunctional entity which cannot concentrate on solving the most pressing problems of clean energy, education, environment, health, economy, defense, etc. Those members who wish to stop any solution or amelioration whatsoever stymie even Congress. What is going on in their heads? Why are these people, who I think honestly consider themselves patriotic, obstructing any solution to our problems?
Quinton Price
Loyalton
Dear Quinton:
Why am I suddenly getting such difficult questions? My first response is; how the heck should I know? I am supposed to be an advice columnist. Giving advice is my specialty. Getting political questions all the time is frustrating. Who is being divided and conquered? What the hay are you talking about? It seems you are just whining about some people somewhere without offering any solutions. I say stop whining and be part of the solution.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #87
Vol II
August 29, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
In the years after the first world war, Germany had a prolonged economic crisis. The people turned to demagogues and hate mongers who scapegoated minority groups, mainly Jews and Gypsies, and foreigners . Do you think that there is a danger that something like that will happen here in the U.S., only with a different minority?
Martin Brane
Sierra County
Dear Marty.
Are you talking about the current trend to be angry at all Muslims or practicers of Islam. Actually I am not sure what the correct terminology is for Middle Eastern religions. Actually there are many religions in the United States because we are “one nation under God”, not just one particular God although there most likely is only one God and everyone is talking to the same God, only in many different ways and languages. Actually there are hatemongers in the United States right now and they turn their hatred on whoever seems to be the easiest target depending on what’s going on. Anything could happen anytime. We just have to remember to always step forward and say that’s not right. We are all in danger when good people choose to do nothing…. Somebody said something like that once. I’m not sure who but if somebody reading this knows please write and tell me.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #86
Vol II
August 25, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
Why is it so hot?
Mary Snowdon
Sattley
Dear Mary:
It is hot because we are just a few miles, in spacedom of course, from the sun. The sun makes it hot. It is hot in Downieville too.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #84
Vol II
August 22, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
Why is it that politicians running for office think that the worst thing they can say about their opponent is that the opponent will raise taxes. Taxes are the price we pay for civilization. Without taxes we would not have schools, Medicare, law enforcement, social security, fire protection, roads, national defense, etc. We need to tax those who can afford to be taxed in order to save our country from chaos. During the administrations of Eisenhower and Kennedy taxes were much higher than they are now, yet we were more prosperous. So why do we tend to believe the lobbyists and politicians who lie to us and tell us we can have it all without paying for it?
Yours,
Tom Schumann,
Downieville
Dear Thomas:
What a good question. You deserve to be called Thomas as you are really thinking there.
Well first of all, I don’t know why you think politicians lie to us. Lobbyists may lie to our representatives but most of them are just doing a job and probably not lying just trying to do a good job for their employers. The same as politicians. We elect them to represent us. It appears from your letter you are happy to pay taxes and understand why we have them and also understand government’s role in society. Everyone should be taxed who is employed and makes a living. It makes sense that those who make more would pay more. We as a nation really have a low tax rate. Some people who don’t understand the importance of taxes seem to resent having to pay anything, while others, Warren Buffett is a good example, while he pays his share of taxes he is also known as a great philanthropist.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #84
Vol II
August 18, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
In just two weeks it will be September. How did that happen? Do you realize we have to start thinking about Thanksgiving and then Christmas? The holidays are supposed to be so much fun, but I am already dreading them. There is so much to do and so little time. My friend says she is ready for Christmas in July; she does all her shopping very early. Is that a good idea?
Sincerely, Susan Portman
Sierra City
Dear Susan:
I hear you, for sure, not only do I have to get ready for Thanksgiving and Christmas but Chanukah falls into my mix of gifts. Plus I have five family birthdays between now and the end of the year. Luckily for me, one of the things I love to do is give presents. It is always fun to find something especially for the person. Something that will have meaning and bring a smile, but it sounds like you are feeling a little overwhelmed. Don’t you just hate those phrases, “I hear you”, “it sounds like you”, they just drive me bonkers. It feels like patronization or something worse… forgive me for using them in my reply to you, however it must be said it does sound like you need to rethink your outlook. Fun is where you find it. Look for the joy and don’t be so hard on yourself.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #83
Vol II
August 15, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
Recently there has been a lot of talk in the news about the Mosque being built in New York City. Somehow, there is a big discussion about whether it is respectful to build a Muslim church near the site where the Twin Towers were attacked. I think it is a good thing, I know there are many Christian churches in that area and the addition of another house of worship shouldn’t be a bad thing. I know only a few of the fundamental Muslims were responsible for the attack. When another faith does something bad we don’t blame the institution or at least we shouldn’t. This is such an emotional subject it is hard to write about without upsetting someone who feels differently than me. I am even a little afraid to even talk about it with my friends. What do you think?
Sincerely, Allison Flightman
Loyalton
Dear Allison:
Thank you for being courageous enough to write about your thoughts. You should never be afraid to talk to your friends, and remember, we live in America, we can talk about anything we want. We have freedom of speech, freedom of worship and almost any freedom you can think of. Well we are not free to smoke marijuana unless there is a medical prescription, that is a hot topic now too. Some people are for legalizing it and the biggest argument for legalization is the government making more tax money. That is kind of an odd argument because there are lots of thing we could put a tax on and make it legal, so where do we stop. Should we legalize burglary as long as you pay taxes on your illegal gain. I don’t know. But then I am a member of Carrie Nation, where all booze and drugs would be banished. But I digress. I think the Muslim community in America mourns the events of September 11, 2001 as much as all other faiths. It was a horrible event brought on by the machinations of a few bad men and we should remember that and not blame all Muslims as we do not blame all Germans for the Holocaust. So take heart and remember we are Americans and are nation that was established on freedom of religion.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #82
Vol II
August 11, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
The summer is almost over and my kids are actually eager to return to school. I am not sure if it is because of the opportunity to learn new information or because the economy kept us from going to Disneyland this year. I don’t think I am concerned that they want to be back in school but should I be, it seems most kids don’t want their summer to end. Meanwhile back to school clothes shopping looms on the horizon do you think they will be all right with spending money on school clothes instead of a vacation.
Sincerely, Mary Alice Young, Sierraville
Dear Mary Alice:
You are right, summer is almost over and it feels like it never began. How can that be? Just yesterday it was winter, one day of spring and then summer. Well, maybe summer is just starting and Fall will be when winter happens and then… I’m getting confused. I have to commend you on your thrifty ways, one of the reasons we are in the fix we are is because of overspending and it is wise not to spend money you don’t have. I’m not sure that sentence makes sense; certainly there is something wrong with the grammar and sentence construction. This is making me think I should be going back to school for some more English instruction. I also wonder if I am suppose to capitalize the seasons like I did fall… Fall because it has other meanings... gosh this is a hard question.
Did you realize your initials spell MAY like the month of May?
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #81
Vol II
August 8, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
I read your column every week and sometimes I go back and read previous ones because I get a little confused about your advice. It seems like your advice isn’t always the best advice even though I can see you are very insightful and worry about your readers. Do you always take your own advice or do you have another source when you are worried about something?
Sincerely, Don Randall, Alleghany
Dear Don:
Advice is in the eyes of the beholder. Most likely that phrase would work with almost anything, like “Ice cream is in the eyes of the beholder.” I wonder why ice cream popped into my mind just then. It is morning and usually I don’t think about ice cream until the evening. After dinner, and then the thought of vanilla ice cream with Ovaltine on top mixed with a little non-fat milk to turn it into a milkshake is more than I can bear. So I have to do it.
My best adviser was my Grandmother, she gave me lots of information I still follow. For instance, never put your shoes on a table, now that makes a lot of sense. Why would anyone want to put dirty shoes on top of a table? However my grandmother sealed the deal with me by adding, “shoes on a table means there will be a death in the family.” Now who would put their shoes on the table after hearing that statement? She also told me not to kill any living creature, not even an ant. You can imagine my dismay when ants invade my kitchen. I say lots of prayers for little ants during the cleanup process.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #80
Vol II
August 3, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
Why do some people ride down the street with their windows open and the radio blaring? That happens a lot, even in our small town but I have never understood why people do that. Do you have an idea?
Marilyn Janson
Sierra City, CA
Dear Marilyn:
Strangely, a car just drove by on my street with music blaring. It was a weird beat and seemed to have some bad language. My neighbor was outside with her children and I felt bad for her. But, too answer your question, I really don’t know. Which makes me think of a friend of mine who hates to hear me say, “I don’t know.” He wants me to say what I think even if I don’t know. Sometimes I think I don’t know but then I do often speculate about something, I hate speculating out loud when I don’t know for sure because I most likely am wrong, I have learned that I am often wrong about things. Probably the person playing the music loud is craving attention and this is one of the easiest ways to get attention, like little children doing something annoying. Of course that is just speculation and it could be as simple as they really like the song so they turn the music up and the windows are open because they don’t have air conditioning or maybe they do have AC but they are saving gas by not using it…. Oh, I don’t know. I do have many ideas about a lot of things, too many to write about today.
Sincerely, Jerusha
(#79 is misfiled on the old Ask Jerusha page)
Jerusha #78
Vol II
July 21, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
My brother, a really smart guy with a great wife and children, has different political opinions than I do and he gets angry if I express an opinion but he gets to say whatever he wants to. What should I do?
Adelaide Brown
Sierra City
Dear Addy:
My, that is an old fashioned name I haven’t heard in a long time. My grandmother was named Adelaide, so I feel as though I know you.
You know brothers are family and as family you have to love them even when they don’t agree with you. Just keep loving your brother and remember all the good things about him. Maybe avoiding any kind of political discussion with him would be a good thing. Other than that, I don’t know what to tell you. My brother is a really good guy too.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #77
Vol II
July 18, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
I have recently benefitted from a great public service that Sierra County offers. As buses do not travel through most of Sierra County and people sometimes need public transportation, the van service offered by Golden Rays, Sierra Public Transit is a wonderful benefit to the people of our county. I wonder how many of our residents know of and appreciate the value and convenience of this form of transportation. Have you ever had occasion to use it?
Tom Schumann
Downieville
P.S. Someone once told me that girls who are chaste are seldom chased. Is that true?
Dear Tom:
Yes, you are right it is a wonderful service. Evidently you used the western side of the county transportation. There is also an equally wonderful service based in Loyalton. It works great for everyone. There are regular trips scheduled and also you can plan for an individual jaunt to a medical appointment or like you, I believe you needed to get to the train station in Auburn and it is wonderful the van was available to take you, as at times the van is busy with other trips. Of course the van drivers are the key to the process, without them we would all be stuck at the creek. Kudos to Lou Foxworthy and Jack Marshall. The eastern drivers are equally wonderful, but I don’t know their names.
As to your absolutely inane question about girls, you are absolutely out to lunch, you must be suffering an absent politeness gene.
Sincerely, Jerusha
Jerusha #76
Vol II
July 14, 2010
Dear Jerusha,
I have just visited the Downieville museum. It is a great place to visit to discover the history of Sierra County. There were many people visiting from other areas both in California and outside of California. But there were almost no local residents of Sierra County. The locals are missing out on a great entertainment. Why don't they come? Have you seen this great museum?
King Hussein
Jordan
Dear King:
Unfortunately I realize that you speak with somewhat forked tongue, as I happened to be standing on the corner of Main St and Commercial St while you went whizzing through town on your motorcycle. It was difficult to see which motorcyclist you were as you were in the midst of a crowd of other bikers. I think you were the one who smiled, winked and waved. Was that you? Well, I couldn’t really tell about the wink and the smile as your helmet was very dark and I know you meant to wave. I was curious why the CHP officer parked in the middle of the intersection didn’t care that no one in your motorcade of several SUV’s with bodyguards and Secret Service did not stop at the Stop sign. I suppose there are benefits to being Royalty.
We heard you stopped in Sierra City for lunch or at least ice cream and coffee; we were very disappointed you did not stop in Downieville. We are just as nice as the folks in Sierra City plus we have a great pizzeria, the Gallows Café. We certainly hope if you once again ride through Sierra County, you will take the time to stop at the Downieville Museum. Wasn’t Sierra County beautiful? Please come back again only next time, slow down and enjoy the lilac bushes.
Sincerely, Jerusha
PS: If you had been there you would realize the locals do come to the museum all the time, many times.
