Well, it's been a week since I posted; and I apologize. Time flies.
For the most part it's been a week of walking in the sun and elder care. Poor auntie fell ill a week ago Friday. I took her to the doc on Monday - diagnosis the same pulmonary/respiratory bug that's been plaguing the town for several weeks. She got a bunch of drugs. Then Wednesday we had to visit the the ER when she was feeling mighty poorly. Change of antibiotics. She appears to be on the mend.
I did some house cleaning while I was keeping my eyes on the ol' bird. Her living alone is now a VERY marginal proposition from a personal safety perspective. On the other hand, she swears that is what she wants. So if she falls and dies that would be her choice. And if she catches the place on fire there is enough space between her house and the neighbors that it is likely she (and her cat, Baby) would be the only fatalities.
On the other hand, on most days she is not really very happy. So one would think that perhaps there might be a better solution.
The only thing I do know for certain is that in three weeks or so I will be able to begin working in her yard, - something I really enjoy.
And on the mom front - second injection for arthritis in her back - not so effective. So we'll try it again in a couple of weeks.
Mom's trailer is in the darkest recesses of Switzer Village. But even there the snow is melting. So, in a week or so I may be able to clean the driveway. Then the roof. Then the siding. And by then it will be gardening time there too. Mom LOVES her yard. Gonna try to make it the best ever this year.
April BIG TIME FUN. Daughter Amanda will be up for a week mid-month for the folk festival. Who knows? I may have to attend some events myself. And we'll go out for supper...I'm counting the days.
And in other news, in the course of following the Libya saga, I have finally tumbled to Al Jazeera - English as one of the most interesting and informative web sites for news on the Middle East. It's an interesting perspective insofar as it does not interpret the latest tactical news of the war through the filter of U.S.Presidential politics. Al Jazeera does not regard Newt Gingrich's opinion on the matter (either his Monday opinion or 180 degree opposite Friday opinion) as being front page stuff.
I spent a little bit of time looking through the Al Jazeera website - searching various obscure and semi-obscure topics. I thought it was interesting that this story came up on top when I just searched Alaska.
Al Jazeera on Alaska
Unlike most U.S. websites, I didn't see an address where one can donate. Guess I'll have to look it up myself.... Seems to me like a bunch of Alaskan donations to building a mosque might be a very good idea.
So there you have it...
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Spring!
Well, the calendar says it's the first day of spring so I guess it must be true. Indeed, the past two days have seen temperatures in the low 40's during the day and some serious melting of ice and snow. Good riddance! Unfortunately at night the temp is still getting down into the low 20's so the glaciation ain't gonna disappear in a day or two. Still...definitely a hint of spring.
I've spent a lot of time this past week watching CNN. First the Japanese earthquake/tsunami/nuclear disaster and now the Libyan gig. It appears there is a chance that the corner has been turned in Japan - there is now electricity at the complex and apparently water is being applied to the nuclear fuel rods more consistently. Still, the situation can change in a heartbeat.
The Libyan situation remains a puzzle to me. I understand what the coalition says they want to do...protect civilians, particularly in the east of the country. What I do not understand is how this situation can be resolved in any reasonable period of time in the absence of Mr. Ghadaffi simply packing his bags and turning himself over to the International Criminal Court in the Hague (very unlikely) or some of his henchmen whacking the guy (not implausible - but certainly not guaranteed).
If he hunkers down and holds on it seems to me this situation could drag on indefinitely. Are we then going to arm the insurgents in the east and play for partition of the country? Or will the pressure build to put NATO boots on the ground?
Oh, and who's going to pay for this?
I've spent a lot of time this past week watching CNN. First the Japanese earthquake/tsunami/nuclear disaster and now the Libyan gig. It appears there is a chance that the corner has been turned in Japan - there is now electricity at the complex and apparently water is being applied to the nuclear fuel rods more consistently. Still, the situation can change in a heartbeat.
The Libyan situation remains a puzzle to me. I understand what the coalition says they want to do...protect civilians, particularly in the east of the country. What I do not understand is how this situation can be resolved in any reasonable period of time in the absence of Mr. Ghadaffi simply packing his bags and turning himself over to the International Criminal Court in the Hague (very unlikely) or some of his henchmen whacking the guy (not implausible - but certainly not guaranteed).
If he hunkers down and holds on it seems to me this situation could drag on indefinitely. Are we then going to arm the insurgents in the east and play for partition of the country? Or will the pressure build to put NATO boots on the ground?
Oh, and who's going to pay for this?
Monday, March 14, 2011
We the Sheeple
Yikes, what awful news. Today it sounds like Japan is on the brink of a Chernobyl style meltdown at at least one, and maybe several, nuclear power reactors. Very scary. And the devastation caused by the quake and the subsequent tsunami is mind-boggling. It now appears that the death toll will be well into five digits. And this in the country that is regarded as the most sophisticated in the world in terms of earthquake mitigation.
This morning I took mom to the orthopod for another steroid injection in her back. We can only hope that this one will prove more effective. Time will tell.
I have also been following the ongoing saga of the Fairbanks Five. Another article in the Fairbanks News Miner this morning will, I suspect, be the source of nightmares for me for some time to come.
While much of Mr.Cox's tirade is no doubt hyperbole, I also believe it is likely an accurate statement of the contempt for which he and his like-minded pals hold not only the government but the rest of us as well.
This morning I took mom to the orthopod for another steroid injection in her back. We can only hope that this one will prove more effective. Time will tell.
I have also been following the ongoing saga of the Fairbanks Five. Another article in the Fairbanks News Miner this morning will, I suspect, be the source of nightmares for me for some time to come.
While much of Mr.Cox's tirade is no doubt hyperbole, I also believe it is likely an accurate statement of the contempt for which he and his like-minded pals hold not only the government but the rest of us as well.
“People get all wrapped around the axle about all these dumb ignorant masses. Look, this fight is 5 percent that believe in tyranny and are benefiting from it against 5 percent that believe in liberty and will stop at nothing to procure it. And the rest of those people, those 95 percent, are just inconsequential one way or the other.
“If they’re not going to stand up to tyranny they’re sure not going to give us any problems, they're basically spoils of war to whoever wins.”
Friday, March 11, 2011
Denny's Palace of Justice (Do you want fries with that?)
Well, another chilly day. About 15 degrees when I wheeled over to mom's for the morning chores. Not much wind though...I may take a drive out the road to see if there's any sign of marine life. Would sure like to get some killer whale pics...
I took auntie and her cat, Baby, to the vet yesterday. Baby needs a cortisone injection every couple of months to keep a psoriasis-like condition in check. They knocked her out and clipped her claws and drew blood. The cat is around 18 years old; but still seems to have a lot of reserves of ornery.
Auntie LOVES the vet clinic. She makes the rounds of everyone in the waiting room to meet and greet their doggies and kitties. It's pretty amusing. Both the pets and their owners regard the experience with a combination of bemusement and trepidation. Who is this somewhat odd old person? Perhaps auntie could get a job as the official vet clinic greeter.
I was a little concerned when auntie insisted on petting a chihuahua who was radiating a serious attitude; but the hound apparently decided that discretion was the better part of valor in this instance and my relative soon moved-on to a much more benign yellow lab.
All's well that ends well...
In other news, there was an interesting story in today's Anchorage Daily News about five"militia" types in Fairbanks who got busted yesterday for plotting to kill several Alaska State Troopers and a federal judge. I immediately went to the Fairbanks News Miner for further details.
It turns out this colorful crew of whack-jobs has been around for some time and are affiliated with the national Sovereign Citizens Movement. The lead dog of the Alaskan outfit is a loony by the name of Schaeffer Cox who has some serious tax evasion issues as well as a weapons charge or two pending. Yesterday he and his pals hit the jackpot with charges of:
I took auntie and her cat, Baby, to the vet yesterday. Baby needs a cortisone injection every couple of months to keep a psoriasis-like condition in check. They knocked her out and clipped her claws and drew blood. The cat is around 18 years old; but still seems to have a lot of reserves of ornery.
Auntie LOVES the vet clinic. She makes the rounds of everyone in the waiting room to meet and greet their doggies and kitties. It's pretty amusing. Both the pets and their owners regard the experience with a combination of bemusement and trepidation. Who is this somewhat odd old person? Perhaps auntie could get a job as the official vet clinic greeter.
I was a little concerned when auntie insisted on petting a chihuahua who was radiating a serious attitude; but the hound apparently decided that discretion was the better part of valor in this instance and my relative soon moved-on to a much more benign yellow lab.
All's well that ends well...
In other news, there was an interesting story in today's Anchorage Daily News about five"militia" types in Fairbanks who got busted yesterday for plotting to kill several Alaska State Troopers and a federal judge. I immediately went to the Fairbanks News Miner for further details.
It turns out this colorful crew of whack-jobs has been around for some time and are affiliated with the national Sovereign Citizens Movement. The lead dog of the Alaskan outfit is a loony by the name of Schaeffer Cox who has some serious tax evasion issues as well as a weapons charge or two pending. Yesterday he and his pals hit the jackpot with charges of:
- Conspiracy to commit murder;
- Conspiracy to commit kidnapping;
- Conspiracy to commit arson; and
- Tampering with evidence.
The FBI describes the Sovereign Citizen Movement as a domestic terrorism group.
Members of the movement do not believe U.S. laws apply to them and sometimes make their own license plates or create their own legal trials, according to the FBI. A group of Fairbanks residents recently conducted their own trial of Cox at Denny’s Restaurant.
Cox has previously appeared as a public figure as gun rights activist and a legislative candidate. He unsuccessfully challenged Republican Rep. Mike Kelly in 2008.
He is a leader of the Alaska Peacemakers Militia and the Second Amendment Task Force. He has helped organize multiple gun-rights and personal freedoms rallies, including the 2009 “Freedom Fest” at the Carlson Center. Cox is a member of a “Liberty Bell network,” which sends out mass notifications to assemble a crowd of witnesses when a member believes his or her rights are being violated.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Bring Forth Fruits
Well, the weather moderated for a day or two - still sunny but diminished winds and daytime highs in the mid-30's. Quite pleasant by recent standards. Although there is more wind, a little snow and a bit colder temps in the immediate future. However the word "rain" has made its first appearance in weeks - perhaps the middle of next week.
I have been doing some driving around and have a few winter pics. Last week I was out by the shrine and saw about thirty sea lions and a pod of killer whales close to the beach. Very cool. No camera. So this week I have been revisiting the turnouts on Lynn Canal in the hope of getting a repeat performance. Nobody home. Nothing. Nada.
Still, it's right pretty out there.
In other news, took mom for her follow-up appointment at the orthopod on Monday and to her primary care doc today. She's gonna have another spinal injection next week. The first one helped a bit with her arthritis and there is a good chance the second one will be even more effective. And we're trying to get her night time leg cramps and restless leg syndrome under control. She hasn't been sleeping well of late which is a huge quality of life issue. Stay tuned...
Meanwhile, I have enjoyed the media and Facebook discussions of the recent Supreme Court ruling on the Westboro Baptist Church freedom of speech case. I have to concur with the court's decision. And for my money, this group is pretty much the gold standard/acid test for one's willingness to put one's money where one's mouth is as far as First Amendment Rights go. They are truly disgusting.
Indeed, their attorney's statement after the decision is pretty much in a class of its own as described in Politico on March 6.
Unless you are a literal minded reader of holy writ in which case I guess it means we should all bring forth bananas or melons or something.
On the other hand - bring forth fruits could be one's god's command to spawn queers who, I believe, are regarded as "fruits" in some quarters.
On the other, other hand, "fruit" in the UK can refer to an eccentric or insane person...a definition which, if accepted in this context, would suggest that the Reverend Fred Phelps has scored big points with the Almighty with his progeny.
Who can say?
God certainly does work in mysterious ways...
I have been doing some driving around and have a few winter pics. Last week I was out by the shrine and saw about thirty sea lions and a pod of killer whales close to the beach. Very cool. No camera. So this week I have been revisiting the turnouts on Lynn Canal in the hope of getting a repeat performance. Nobody home. Nothing. Nada.
Still, it's right pretty out there.
Great lighting at the Shrine of St. Theresa
Yet another Mendenhall Glacier shot
The little lake in front of Amalga Harbor
Blowing about 30 knots down Lynn Canal at Amalga Harbor
In other news, took mom for her follow-up appointment at the orthopod on Monday and to her primary care doc today. She's gonna have another spinal injection next week. The first one helped a bit with her arthritis and there is a good chance the second one will be even more effective. And we're trying to get her night time leg cramps and restless leg syndrome under control. She hasn't been sleeping well of late which is a huge quality of life issue. Stay tuned...
Meanwhile, I have enjoyed the media and Facebook discussions of the recent Supreme Court ruling on the Westboro Baptist Church freedom of speech case. I have to concur with the court's decision. And for my money, this group is pretty much the gold standard/acid test for one's willingness to put one's money where one's mouth is as far as First Amendment Rights go. They are truly disgusting.
Indeed, their attorney's statement after the decision is pretty much in a class of its own as described in Politico on March 6.
WESTBORO ATTORNEY: OBAMA, JUSTICES GOING TO HELLThe only thing that puzzles me about this is the several references to a requirement on all of our parts to "bring forth fruit." I'm no biblical scholar; but I assume she means we all should procreate.
The attorney who won the Supreme Court case last week affirming the Westboro Baptist Church’s right to stage anti-gay protests outside military funerals suggested on Sunday the high court’s nine justices are going to hell.
“I have no objective indicator otherwise. The default for mankind is hell unless you bring forth fruits meet for repentance. The assumption is that you will end up in hell when you quit your life on this Earth,” attorney Margie Phelps said during an appearance on “Fox News Sunday.” Phelps is the daughter of Westboro’s founder, the Rev. Fred Phelps.
“There is a duty of every human to bring forth fruit meet for repentance,” she added. “I have seen no evidence of that in a single leader in that nation.”
“So the justices are going to hell? The president is going to hell?” asked Fox host Chris Wallace.
“Absolutely on the president," Margie Phelps replied. “The president is going to be king of the world before this is all said and done, and he is most likely the beast spoken of in the Revelation.”
The Supreme Court upheld a lower court ruling that the First Amendment protects the right of the Topeka, Kan.-based church to picket military funerals – even if its message is hateful. During protests, Westboro members frequently shout anti-gay slurs and hold signs reading “God hates fags” and “Pray for more dead soldiers.”
Margie Phelps said the Supreme Court’s ruling was God’s will.
“This case put a megaphone to the mouth of this church,” she said.
Unless you are a literal minded reader of holy writ in which case I guess it means we should all bring forth bananas or melons or something.
On the other hand - bring forth fruits could be one's god's command to spawn queers who, I believe, are regarded as "fruits" in some quarters.
On the other, other hand, "fruit" in the UK can refer to an eccentric or insane person...a definition which, if accepted in this context, would suggest that the Reverend Fred Phelps has scored big points with the Almighty with his progeny.
Who can say?
God certainly does work in mysterious ways...
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Privatize This
Another winter day...although it is overcast and a chance of snow showers. Still windy. This is getting old...
In other news, I just printed off 60 or so pages of stuff related to an old Department of Health and Social Services legal issue - a dispute between Fairbanks Memorial Hospital and the department going back to 2005. I can only read a couple of pages at a time before I am overcome by emotion - not necessarily of a good kind. I will be deposed next week and will do my best to be on good behavior and to answer all the questions my memory permits.
The subject of the dispute relates to a departmental program that was the bane of my existence for most of my 15 years with the department. There were bills on the subject every year that invariably turned into nasty spats among health care providers and their numerous lobbyists as well as plenty of administrative snarls with the program when the legislature was not in session. Ugh.
On the bright side, my reaction to revisiting this old news confirms my relative contentment with retirement and my resolve to never again darken the doors of the hallowed halls of the legislature and/or executive branch of state government again. Been there. Done that.
Also on the bright side, it appears that mom's cortisone injection has given her considerable relief for her back pain. And with luck she will continue to improve in the next few days. It's not a cure for arthritis, of course, but she will be very content if she is able to putter around without almost unbearable pain. Time will tell...
Finally, one last Hawaii picture which I provide for the purpose of relating a story I meant to tell earlier but that slipped my mind. The pic was taken on my ATV adventure on the hills above Kaanapali and Lahaina.
Note the ship anchored offshore to the left of the tree. One morning I saw it steam by Kaanapali and then anchor off of Lahaina - three miles off Lahaina. On the whale watch cruise the captain identified it as an ammunition ship - probably awaiting rendezvous with a carrier battle group.
The next day I was having a burger and a beer in Lahaina and struck-up a conversation with a guy who was a Navy man stationed on the ship. I was surprised to learn that most naval support vessels are privatized - crewed for the most part by merchant mariners. Some ships are owned by the government and some not. I'm not really sure why this dumbfounded me - but it did. For some reason I had assumed that oilers, ammunition carriers and the like were all commissioned U.S. Navy vessels. Pretty critical stuff.
What makes me think there's a big fat Halliburton contract in the woodpile here somewhere?
In other news, I just printed off 60 or so pages of stuff related to an old Department of Health and Social Services legal issue - a dispute between Fairbanks Memorial Hospital and the department going back to 2005. I can only read a couple of pages at a time before I am overcome by emotion - not necessarily of a good kind. I will be deposed next week and will do my best to be on good behavior and to answer all the questions my memory permits.
The subject of the dispute relates to a departmental program that was the bane of my existence for most of my 15 years with the department. There were bills on the subject every year that invariably turned into nasty spats among health care providers and their numerous lobbyists as well as plenty of administrative snarls with the program when the legislature was not in session. Ugh.
On the bright side, my reaction to revisiting this old news confirms my relative contentment with retirement and my resolve to never again darken the doors of the hallowed halls of the legislature and/or executive branch of state government again. Been there. Done that.
Also on the bright side, it appears that mom's cortisone injection has given her considerable relief for her back pain. And with luck she will continue to improve in the next few days. It's not a cure for arthritis, of course, but she will be very content if she is able to putter around without almost unbearable pain. Time will tell...
Finally, one last Hawaii picture which I provide for the purpose of relating a story I meant to tell earlier but that slipped my mind. The pic was taken on my ATV adventure on the hills above Kaanapali and Lahaina.
Lahaina and Lahaina Roads with the Island of Lanai in the background
The next day I was having a burger and a beer in Lahaina and struck-up a conversation with a guy who was a Navy man stationed on the ship. I was surprised to learn that most naval support vessels are privatized - crewed for the most part by merchant mariners. Some ships are owned by the government and some not. I'm not really sure why this dumbfounded me - but it did. For some reason I had assumed that oilers, ammunition carriers and the like were all commissioned U.S. Navy vessels. Pretty critical stuff.
What makes me think there's a big fat Halliburton contract in the woodpile here somewhere?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
