From readers
GOOD FIREWORKS
Rave: “Just wanted to say thank you to those who made it possible for the wonderful fireworks display to be put on for the Prior Lake community on July 4. It was awesome!”
BAD FIREWORKS
Rant: “Could people please heed the laws regarding fireworks? For a week before and a week after the Fourth of July, we are subjected to numerous booms and blasts (some that rival the professional fireworks) every night while trying to enjoy our backyards and also when trying to get to sleep (some of us have to get up and go to work in the morning). Besides the noise of the booms and blasts, there is the danger of something going amiss and landing on a roof or on someone’s deck and starting a fire. These fireworks in our neighborhoods are being set off amidst many houses, not like professional fireworks that are set off at a safe distance from people and structures. If people want to flirt with danger and the law, that’s their choice, but please don’t subject my house and my peace and quiet to your illegal use of fireworks.”
ILLEGAL FIREWORKS
Rant: “Another Fourth of July has come and gone, and all of us who love this country did what we could to pay tribute to what we have been given. I find it a bit strange that so many people in the area choose to celebrate the birth of our nation and their patriotism to that nation by intentionally disregarding and disrespecting the laws of the state in which they live by shooting off illegal fireworks. I would think that if you really love your country, you would respect the laws enough not to go out of your way, and the state, to violate them.”
RECOGNIZE THE GOOD
Rave: “About two weeks ago, my 75-year-old mom, who has Alzheimer’s, took a walk in my Carriage Hills neighborhood and did not return for three hours. We contacted the police after about 45 minutes and gave them her description, age, etc. She was found down on County Road 21 beyond Cleary Lake. She had run into a gentleman on a bike and asked how to get back to Prior Lake. She told him she had Alzheimer’s and he called 911 to get assistance. When I picked my mom up, she was completely calm and said she just had a good, long walk. She told me she wished she had gotten the name of the man on the bike so she could mail him a thank-you note. Please let this be her thank-you note to him. We are forever grateful to this man on his bike for helping her. In today’s times, when we feel the need to warn our children not to speak or deal with strangers, it is so very nice to know that kindness still remains in the hearts of many. Our thanks and God’s blessings to this man.”
TAKING ADVANTAGE
Rant: “Outraged” writes: “Shame on you, manipulating the Disability Act so you can keep a 65-pound Rottweiler confined to your apartment deck. Legitimate therapy dog owners disclose their dog on a rental application, not after management receives complaints. Do you really think the shock collar will stop the lunging and barking at tenants coming home from work, children playing, or the elderly woman walking her granddaughter to the park? Therapy dogs are trained to assist, not to be shocked into submission. A doctor’s note, obtained six months after the fact, doesn’t entitle you to abuse provisions made for the truly disabled.”
From staff
SCIENCE OF FIREWORKS
Rave: I spent much of July 4 watching PBS documentaries about the American Revolution. Right before it was time to leave for the Ham Lake fireworks show, I saw a special about last year’s Independence Day celebration in Washington, D.C. and the pyrotechnic crew that produced it. It was interesting to see some of the science behind displays like the one I’d watch later that night. When I got to the show, I was amazed – not only by the fact that such a small town could put on such a great event – but by the skill and talent that each of those technicians put behind every second of their work. The added background knowledge definitely made for a more enjoyable experience. – Josh Chase
KIDS’ MOVIES THESE DAYS…
Rant: Being a person who makes his living off language and expression, I’m no fan of censorship – government-imposed, at least. I do, however, feel that writers, film directors and performers have a responsibility to exercise some amount of self-control – especially when preparing a work for a niche audience, namely children. I never thought I’d say this, but I’m becoming bothered by the seeming lack of taste – in regard to profanity – that I’ve recently noticed in kids’ movies. My wife and cousin run a daycare out of our home and occasionally, when I leave late or get home early, I’ll catch bits of these movies, which seem to have a growing number of words I’d have been slapped for using as a kid. It’s funny, because now that I’m old enough to say them, it drives me nuts to hear them – at least in inappropriate contexts. – Josh Chase
ONE MORE TIME FOR MJ
Rave: Because I don’t think Michael Jackson’s death has gotten the media attention it deserves (I’m being facetious, of course), I thought I would rave about him. So, here’s to the man who gave us “Thriller” and “Bad,” the man who posed on his toes, popularized a shiny glove and perfected the moonwalk. Although Jackson was involved in more controversy than most stars could ever drum up, I do believe that in death, people should be remembered positively. In saying that, now that he has been laid to rest, I hope he is allowed to rest in peace and his family can mourn in private. As a music fan, I have seen hundreds of shows, and I am proud to say my first concert was that of the “King of Pop” on his “Bad” tour. I was able to see that show with a family friend who was a photographer with the Pioneer Press at that time, and to this day I remember being blown away by his stage antics, dance moves and timeless tunes. Although that show was two decades ago, I still remember the feeling I had as a youngster when he performed “Dirty Diana” and “Man in the Mirror,” and of course the entire crowd knew who was “Bad.” I don’t respect or condone any of Jackson’s alleged activities with children, but I do know I can remember him for his music, which is simply timeless. – Shawn Hogendorf

Do you have a rant or a rave? Send us your musings:
E-mail: rantsandraves@swpub.com
Address: Prior Lake American, Attn: Rants and Raves, P.O. Box 538, Prior Lake, MN, 55372
Guidelines: Reader rants and raves should be no more than 175 words. The deadline is noon each Wednesday.
Rants and raves that are potentially libelous will not be printed or will be edited.
Submissions will not be refused because staff disagrees with their content. Anonymous submissions are acceptable; however, including a contact name and/or phone number is helpful for staff, who may have questions about the submission.
Rants and raves may be edited as space requires. All publication decisions will be made by the editor.