I'm guessing Russia's Vladimir Putin missed some of his favorite TV shows last week because he was enjoying watching his grand plan play out in the United States as Democrats, Republicans and our President took turns playing the lead in Washington's 3 Ring Circus.

          Thursday Dr. Fiona Hill testified the Russian intervention was aimed at both Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton with the single goal to disrupt America's election in any form possible.

          Understand, Russia didn't particularly care who won the election as long as they created chaos. In fact, they were probably more surprised by Trump's victory than we were.

          As things stand in Washington now no one has a chance to win.

          If you are a Democrat you are excited because you have successfully built the case against President Trump and you will soon be sending this matter to the Senate for trial, but while this may feel good now one has to wonder how it will feel when the Senate refuses to convict the President?

          Republicans, you have been strong and consistent defending every facet of this question except the President's innocence. One does have to think your less than stellar attempts to discredit some pretty impressive Americans will prove to be embarrassing in retrospect.

          Yes, you may prevail in the end, but the outcome will certainly not be much of a victory.

          And of course, President Trump is again at the center of attention and able to deflect bad behavior without showing any sign of a conscience. He's about worn out his Twitter account and it looks like he will survive for another fight, but history may not be kind.

          And as our ongoing American circus runs it course Putin sits in Russia laughing and likely high 5-ing with his supporters because their plan to make America look discombobulated, disorganized and vulnerable is working better than they could have ever dreamed.

          America will survive, but we are giving up a lot of world-wide creditability, and you can believe me when I say that's Creditability with a capital "C."

          There's Something to Think About and I'm Steve Sauder

          The roots of United Way of the Flint Hills run deep. It began in 1938 when a group of local business leaders formed the Emporia Community Chest in hopes of improving the quality of life for our community’s residents. In that first year, the Community Chest raised $29,530 in ten days and exceed their goal by $6,000. Through the years, the funds raised by the Community Chest continued to grow and today is raising nearly $600,000 a year.

          As the years passed, the Community Chest changed its name six times and expanded its service area to include all of Lyon County, as well as Chase, Coffey, Greenwood, Morris, Osage, Wabaunsee, and Woodson Counties.

          I share this because the annual United Way Drive is now underway and KVOE's Ron Thomas is this year's Drive Chair - a job he willingly accepted but really didn't need.

          Most know Ron seldom says "no." He's a community asset helping efforts in all shapes and sizes in addition to his leadership responsibilities here at Emporia's Radio Stations.

          So, when Ron agreed to lead the United Way Drive it became my hope that his involvement signaled how important this campaign is and that it deserves our sincere support.

          Monday I asked Ron when the Drive might end? he replied, "when I say it's finished."

          Understand this too, Ron Thomas seldom misses a goal. And that includes this one even though it became way more difficult when his veteran

United Way Executive Director Jamie Reever resigned just after the Drive started.

          Ron didn't flinch - despite the fact he starts his KVOE days at 3:30 A.M., - he just re-doubled his United Way efforts.

          So, that's today's message. Ron Thomas needs and deserves our help. Many of you have already pledged, but if you are impressed by Ron's commitment to the United Way you might amend your pledge up a little.

          If you've not pledged yet or never helped the United Way give us a call here at KVOE, 342-1400 and we will get you the forms required.

          This cause is great. Whether it’s this traditional fundraising campaign, or work helping communities following a disaster, or implementing new and exciting programs such as Dolly Parton's Imagination Library with over 100,000 books already in kids hands or LEAP dealing with lifestyle and Alzheimer's, the United Way of the Flint Hills works hard to serve all members of their communities.

          Ron Thomas and the United Way are worthy of your consideration!

          There's Something to Think About. I'm Steve Sauder

          Today, my recommendation for a series to watch on your television if you are old or planning to get that way.

            The Kominsky Method is an American comedy web television series that paints a surprisingly poignant – if a little paint-by-numbers – portrait of life and aging, elevated by two top-notch performances by acting legends according to Wikipedia.

          Sandy Kominsky, played by Michael Douglas, is an aging acting coach who, years earlier, had a brief moment of success as an actor. Alan Arkin plays his longtime agent and best friend.

          Both men are closing in on 80 years of age and experiencing classic life-changing adventures us older people face.

          Forgetting names comes first, then the word they want to use starts becoming elusive, followed by physical changes most of us in our 70's are starting to understand. It deals with the lighter side of challenges like having an aging romantic partner, losing a loved one and trying to figure out adult children. Simply going to the bathroom can provide challenges plus all those other things that are harder to accomplish as we grow older.

          If you are 70 or more you know of what they speak. If not, you soon will. In any case, these guys are hilarious.

          Recently, The American Film Institute honored the Kominsky Method its' three top awards - Best Series, Leading Actor and Supporting Actor.

          In a disclaimer of sorts if a touch of raw language or adult talk offends you the Kominsky Method might not be for you. It's not awful language, a few bad words are uttered.

          There are 8 shows in each season running just 23 minutes each, so it's perfect for several nights of binge-watching. You will have trouble turning this off.

          Netflix is a streaming service that costs about $10 a month that offers a wide variety of movies, TV shows, and original series. If you like TV it's a bargain!

          If you have a Smart TV all you do is sign up for Netflix. Otherwise, you'll need a device your Internet provider can help you with. Beware: once you get Netflix you will get hooked.

          And, the Kominsky Method is just the tip of the iceberg, but a really funny series, especially if you are in my age range.

          I’m Steve Sauder

            I had so many ideas for today it was confusing - School Bond outcome, President Trump, the relentless Democrats in Congress, the don't confuse with the facts my mind is made up Republicans in congress and of course some really funny stories from FaceBook.

            But, they all can wait because my really neat next-door neighbor posted this on FaceBook and it is really timely.

            Author Gus Speth titled his thoughts: "We scientists don't know how to do that" and then wrote:

• I used to think top environmental problems were biodiversity loss, ecosystems collapse, and climate change.

• I thought with 30 years of good science we could address these problems.

• But I was wrong.

• The top environmental problems are selfishness, greed, and apathy.........and to deal with those we need a spiritual and cultural transformation. - and we scientists don't know how to do that.

      My interpretation of this message is - it's time for prayer. If you don't embrace that practice it might be a good time to start. Because we do need help!

      I'm Steve Sauder