NPR, gray hair, and money

Last evening the Phactors attended a fund-raising event for the local national public radio station, very posh, very interesting and engaging speaker, OK food (what do you really expect?), and everyone dressed up nicely.  A great many of the attendees are among our larger social circle. The F1 and her BFF attended because one of her parents is very generous, and without question they were the youngest people in the room except for a couple of student interns who were working the reception desk or waiting tables.  At 33 they were the youngest by a lot.  This tells you what age group has money and supports NPR, and they all have gray hair. What was sort of worrisome was the virtual absence of 40 and 50 something people.  The average age must have been in the upper 50s at a minimum.  TPP has a whole slew of colleagues in this age range, but none of them attended.  Nor did many others of this age. Do younger couples need baby sitters which are hard to come by on high school football Friday nights?  Is it just a matter of disposable income?  Or is the next generation going to drop the ball when it comes to supporting the arts and things like NPR?  Last evening's demographic was not encouraging.

Wanted: Patron of Botany

What with all the gains in wealth at the top end, the Phactor wants some trickle down. For a mere $10,000 per year you can be my patron! Please understand, most of this money will help feed students because even given a meager faculty salary, especially here in Lincolnland, that much money won't help restock the wine cellar. So not only will you be supporting really interesting botanical research, but bunches of students will be able to eat macaroni and cheese because of your support, and it's a tax writeoff. Oh, yes, you probably don't pay taxes, but it's still biologically charitable. Think of all those acknowledgements for helping understand rainforest ecology and restoration of prairies. Patrons will even be allowed to assist with the field research especially when the treatment is eradication. So, be one of the first 10 patrons to sign up. Contact me at the email address provided on the side bar.