In my column today, I start with some very “heavy” subjects and then get lighter. Some things that have come up lately; some things that come up always. To give this column a try, go here.

Recently, I have had some items about Kansas. How did it start? I think it started when, in a column, I listed the states I have not yet visited. One of them is Kansas. A reader recommended that, upon hitting Manhattan, I head straight to the dairy bar at Kansas State. Another reader now says,

But you have to try the dairy bar at South Dakota State, in Brookings. They actually invented one of my all-time favorite ice-cream flavors: cookies and cream.

’Tis true. But back to Kansas State. George Hawks habitually signs himself “A Retired Old Geezer Fighter Pilot.” That is one of my favorite demographics, as it happens. He writes,

Dear Jay: I saw the recommendation from a Kansan to visit the Kansas State University Dairy Bar. I second the recommendation. They have the best ice cream ever! And Kansas State has much more to offer than ice cream. They actually educate students.

My wife and I are both Kansas State University graduates in chemistry. We started the “George and Linda Hawks Scholarship Award in Chemistry.” We started it in the early 1990s. It isn’t a large fund, but we add to it every year, and it has helped a number of students.

We visit the university every so often to check in with the Chem Department. The head of the department is Dr. Christer Aakeröy, an impressive leader.

My wife and I are very proud of being K-State grads and would urge others to contribute to their alma mater to help kids get a good education. You don’t have to be super-wealthy to make a difference. We certainly are not. But we have seen the difference our fund has made.

I did not go into chemistry as a career but fulfilled my lifelong dream of flying fighters in the USAF. However, the degree in chem taught me to think and to base decisions on facts and data, not feelings.

By the way, my wife and I met in chem classes and were married in June 1967. We celebrate our 57th anniversary soon.

Marvelous. And go Wildcats.

By the way, I have not been to Kansas, but I know lots of Kansas place-names. Why’s that? Glad you asked. Eons ago (1984), I was an intern in the office of Senator Bob Dole (R., Kan.). My main task was to deal with constituent mail. So I know me some Kansas.

A final point: In this age of e-mail, how often do you know where a person is writing from?