You Need A License To Embalm

A license is required in every state in order to drive a car. Maybe because it's proof of the knowledge and skill necessary to pilot tons of plastic and metal down the road without running into other cars, pedestrians or livestock. Or maybe not. Licenses are also needed almost everywhere to cut hair, give manicures, install plumbing and electricity, drive a cab, be a peace officer, doctor, dentist, pharmacist, boiler operator or mortician. All of these professions evidently have the potential to harm customers so education and testing is required to insure that persons performing these tasks know what they're doing. There is a profession, however, with a truly great potential to do harm, one that can cause the death of untold thousands and the destruction of immense quantities of wealth. Of course, that profession is elected politician. Holders of elective office, at least in the US, aren't required to show knowledge of anything or skill in any capacity. In this era they need to be somewhat telegenic and capable of reading a teleprompter but no test or license is involved in holding any elected office, from county clerk to US President. It seems kind of crazy that some individual has the ability to send troops to a foreign land without having ever been there or even knowing much about it. But that's how representative democracy works.

2015 NSC Velodrome All Star Team

These are the stars of this year's competition at the National Sports Center Velodrome in Blaine, MN. The designation is based on purely subjective criteria but these riders all made big impressions on the fans.

World masters champion Dan Casper and wife Linda Sone'.

Abby and Brandon Krawcyzk, married almost a year now, continue to be two of the most successful riders in their respective categories.

Junior rider Alec Guggemos has an astonishing present and a  bright future in cycling. Already a state Madison champion.

Ashley Murray is one of the new stars of an expanded women's peloton.

Matt Montesano is, as usual, one of the most exciting and athletic riders on the track.

Andrew Stevens, a consistent Cat 3 performer.

Margaux Claude, getting ready to put pressure on the women's 1-2 category.

Tim Mulrooney, veteran road and track rider and a member of the world's master's pursuit gold medal team.

Erin Young, an explosion on wheels.

Peter Moore, a national junior champion.

Kesha Zavalov, now a state Madison champion.

Ken Hum, Cat 3 speedster.

Experienced road veteran Lazlo Alberti dominated the track Cat. 3 scene in 2015.