My old friend Chuck (Of Two Minds Blog) is always good for a provocative thought or two. Today’s no exception as he muses about the unthinkable–maybe the rest of us would be better off if we just let all those insolvent banks and investment firms slide into bankruptcy? That woke me up faster than the first cup of coffee!

Perhaps the Bush administration sees it the same way. After all, it seems to be doing everything it can do destroy the economy. Record high oil prices? Why not drive them higher with more saber rattling against Iran? Great idea, guys. $143 and counting, according to this morning’s news.

Seen online this morning: “Its summer time in the UK and the Hawaiian party theme is making a comeback due to the excitement and the splendor of different colours.” And those folks living in London apparently have their own source for their Hawaiian accessories.

The Baltimore Sun reports on an ukulele jam in the Atomic Pop store in Hampden.

“The ukulele always kind of brings out the eccentrics, so you get a lot of variety in players,” said Jay Sztuk, an architect from Arnold who brought his 5-year-old grandson to the show. “It allows people to be goofy because there aren’t the same kind of expectations as if someone came out and played cello. You expect it to be funny.”

I see that Evan Dobelle is still spinning the same tall tales as president of Westfield State College.

From day one, Dr. Dobelle had big plans for the school. “I was really brought in here to take it to another level, and I think we’re on our way to do that.” he says.

But Dobelle says he’s still fighting perceptions that come along with a more affordable, public college. “We want to be an institution that is the first choice for students, the best and brightest in Massachusetts and New England. And we want to be able to increase our online opportunities, international opportunities, and diversity.”

Dobelle also has plans to get offices and dorms downtown, to give the City of Westfield an economic boost. He says he enjoys changing Westfield and the state, by helping to educate its students.

Been there. Heard all that. I can’t help wondering how Dobelle’s latest stint in academia is going to end.

That about says it. It’s just too early in the week for my brain to be in gear. And it’s a short week, with Friday’s 4th festivities. Hopefully Kaaawa will remain quiet and largely fireworks free, since the cats really don’t like those loud noises.

Here’s another little glimpse of Kaaawa taken just after 6 a.m. a few days ago.

As always, click for a larger version.