Name that National Park!! Oooops, the answer is on the picture. Zion National Park. Zion is stately, white/gray, and dignified, unlike Bryce Canyon that is pink and full of hoodoos.
Zion is right outside the town of Springdale, Utah which is just delightful and has many neat little places to stay. finding a good place to eat is a little more challenging. My favorite spot is Majestic View Lodge. Zion is not off the radar for Christmas time because of its desert location. Utah has to be the most beautiful of all the states, unless you have an affinity for green.
Great new show…Duets. Great music. So far, Jennifer Nettles, Kelly Clarkson, John Legend, robin Thicke, and folks they select to sing duets with.
Very unlike Idol.
I was actually somewhat surprised that Idol was still on the air. But they crowned some sort of winner the other night….11 seasons! Who knew?! Unfortunately……Robin Thicke just gets on my nerves…I don’t care how pretty he is.
He is sort of annoying but the others aren’t. The music is enjoyable.
My cousin lived for a couple decades in Rockville a small town just outside Zion Park. She used to hike in Zion frequently. Her other siblings fled to LA and NYC but she preferred the wilderness.
I wonder, do you get a chance to start over, or at least not lose a stroke, if this interferes?
http://www.myfoxorlando.com/story/18622336/plane-door-lands-on-south-florida-golf-course
Whew!
I found something scary out there….there was a range fire and I got to thinking about being back there, in essence in a canyon and being boxed in. I remember it being hard to breath the air was so smoky.
M-h, my cousin and her daughters were walking through the canyons and almost got trapped by a flash flood. I guess you have to be really tuned into the weather.
I think people die every year from that sort of thing.
They would have emptied the park and canyon and town if that fire had gotten much worse. Glad I didnt have to leave. Springdale is a very neat little town. And I remember where Rockville is. You go through it headed in to Zion. Do they still live there? You and Mr. Censored should go for a visit. The road is made of a different material in Rockville.
I trust you caught this one, Moon. Del. BM really does NOT represent us. What an embarrassment to our district and the Commonwealth. Seems as though he know thinks this of homesexuality.”But you know what that behavior does? It cuts your life by about 20 years,” Marshall answered. ”
http://www2.insidenova.com/news/2012/may/25/marshall-says-being-gay-cuts-your-life-about-20-ye-ar-1943048/
^NOW thinks… (too mad to type)
Expect more attacks in Spain. Al Q is claiming that Spain is former Islamic territory. I’ve been saying that they would claim this for years.
http://www.typicallyspanish.com/news/publish/article_34774.shtml
So that means Eastern Europe through Romania and Spain, along with the entire Mid East, plus parts of India, are all eligible to be targets of Al Q.
Take a look at these pictures!
http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/2012/05/the-american-west-150-years-ago/100304/
In the VAGOP debate this evening among their U.S. Senate candidates it looks like George Allen came out looking like a Senate contender while Bob Marshall came out looking like … Bob Marshall.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/4-va-republicans-seeking-senate-seat-debate-front-runner-allen-measured-in-his-responses/2012/05/25/gJQA4P00qU_story.html
How did Radtke do?
Romney Messes Up, Tells the Truth About Austerity
by William K. Black
Mitt Romney has periodic breakdowns when asked questions about the
economy because he sometimes forgets the need to lie. He forgets that
he is supposed to treat austerity as the epitome of economic wisdom.
When he responds quickly to questions about austerity he slips into
default mode and speaks the truth — adopting austerity during the
recovery from a Great Recession would (as in Europe) throw the nation
back into recession or depression. The latest example is his May 23,
2012 interview with Mark Halperin in Time magazine.
Halperin: Why not in the first year, if you’re elected — why not in
2013, go all the way and propose the kind of budget with spending
restraints, that you’d like to see after four years in office? Why not
do it more quickly?
Romney: Well because, if you take a trillion dollars for instance, out
of the first year of the federal budget, that would shrink GDP over
5%. That is by definition throwing us into recession or depression. So
I’m not going to do that, of course.
What does one call a politician who, solely to advance his personal
political ambition, supports his Party’s efforts to coerce austerity
even though he knows that the austerity would cause a national
economic catastrophe and states that he, “of course,” would never
adopt such self-destructive austerity if he were president? Romney is
failing the tests of courage, integrity, and loyalty to our nation and
people.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/william-k-black/romney-austerity_b_1545454.html
@Morris Davis
Sorry, but commenting on Bob Marshall’s run for the Senate is like commenting on Dennis Kucinich’s run for the Presidency.
The 2012 Nationals, currently on top of the tough NL East, are built
around pitching and defense. They have allowed fewer runs than any
other team in MLB with the best pitching rotation in the NL plus
great young stars in the field . Only late May, but already feel a
twinge of pennant fever. Go Nats!
Morris Davis–did you mean to say horse’s ass? What is wrong with that man? He makes a fool of himself every time he speaks.
@D.V.Ant
I like animals and thought it would be unfair to use any of their parts or the by-products of their bodily functions as a basis of comparison to Bob Marshall.
Why does a religion have secret documents, a police force, a detention facility, its own banking system, and its own judicial system?
http://abcnews.go.com/m/story?id=16437993
I don’t know about a religion, but the Vatican is an independent country.
@Morris Davis
Where was author Dan Brown in all of this?
Excellent question, Moe.
@Cargo, which came first, the chicken or the egg?
@Cargosquid
Cargo – You’re right that it is a sovereign state, but it consists of a .17 square mile land area (108 acres) and 800 people who are all connected to the church. Maybe that’s part of the problem here: politicians who believe their highest duty is to a religion where church is state rather than church and state being separate.
The egg came first.
@Morris Davis
I’m not following your concern. The state powers only affect those within the state. It doesn’t transfer.
Now….. Sharia, on the other hand, is NOT restricted to one country. That seems closer to what you are describing. Religion, political, justice, and police powers all wrapped up inside a religious system.
hmmmmm….So who is Taliban Bob the spokesperson for? As an outsider, I don’t see a whole lot of difference.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/sky-meadows-state-park-delaplane
M-H, anytime “favorite parks” comes up, I have to put in a plug
for Sky Meadows. Started visting when my now grown children
were toddlers. It is a close by treasure and, if you want to add
a little extra, Paris is just a few miles down the road!
I LOVE Sky Meadows. Totally agree, Steve. It is little and beautiful. I love it in the fall.
It is also near Barrel Oak Winery. 2 birds with one stone, if you go to Sky Meadow first. If you go to BOW first, you won’t care about Sky Meadow.
@Cargosquid
Cargo – Your statement that state power doesn’t transfer outside the state is almost always right. That’s one reason I question the President authorizing US civilian CIA personnel to kill in Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia where US state authority is not applicable. There is, I believe, a difference where the Pope is head of church and head of state. Take divorce for instance, which is normally a state law matter. When a person with dual church/state authority issues an edict on divorce it applies within the limits of the state, but also across borders and throughout the religion. Or take abortion. An official elected to represent all of his/her constituents who votes pro-choice faces sanction by the church for not abiding by religious doctrine while exercising official duties. To whom does the elected official owe a duty in discharging official responsibilities?
And what is the answer? I think the elected official operates as an independent agent. I want the Church out of our state business. Frankly, what it does to me is makes me not want to vote for anyone Catholic because that person isn’t acting alone, as it were. If they do act independently, then they get what amounts to excommunication.
@Moon-howler
That was the concern of many back when JFK ran for President, including Dr. Norman Vincent Peale (The Power of Positive Thinking) who led a group of protestant leaders in urging their followers that JFK was not qualified for office because he was Cathloic and would be under the influence of the Pope in making policy. Peale argued that religion and politics should remain separate. My, how times have changed. Pasted below is a link to an article by Eleanor Roosevelt where she opposed the move to disqualify anyone from office because of religion or race. My, if only that were true. You can’t expect anyone to shed his or her beliefs and values when they are called upon to make decisions, but if that person is an elected official who swears an oath to support and defend the Constitution … period … then I think it is legitimate to inquire how competing interests and influences will be balanced.
http://www.gwu.edu/~erpapers/mep/displaydoc.cfm?docid=jfk60
We have discussed this and I agree. I had all the respect in the world for how JFK handled this issue. Actually, the whole family has remained independent from Vatican influence. Maybe there is something about not wanting to rile up the Kennedys….
The very idea of church authority marking people not to receive communion because of how they vote. Moe is right. Is the allegiance to the Constitution or what? I was horrified the first time I saw that. It is unAmerican, in my mind.
We had someone try to have that done to one of our supervisors for no real reason other than his political party. I read that letter every time I start to soften and tell myself this isn’t really happening. That is one of those things you save. You have seen it haven’t you?
@Morris Davis
I agree with you to a point concerning the CIA killing, depending upon the circumstances as we are in a state of war vs non-state characters.
To whom or what does a representative owe his allegiance?
The Constitution.
If a Church sanctions a representative for his political decisions…fine. He has a personal choice to uphold his values and his religion’s. One’s values always influence political decisions which is why candidates should be thoroughly examined. Said rep has the choice to leave said church. A candidate that votes Pro-life will face sanctions from the liberal side. Either way, representatives will face sanctions from SOMEBODY. As long as they follow the Constitution, they are on safe ground.
Not fine by me if a church sanctions an elected official for decision of state. That is when the church and I have serious issues. The church shouldn’t be involved at all in a person’s political life.
An anti choice vote will cause the pro choice, not the liberal community to rise up on hind legs. There will probably be a few conservatives in there too. Reproductive rights don’t fit into your nice little niche.
If the Concert on the Mall suddenly started looking familiar, it is because it is last year’s show on now.
The Capitol Police stopped this years show because of dangerous weather moving in to the area.
Why can’t a church sanction a member that refuses to abide by that church’s doctrine and refuses to uphold the principles of said religion?
Political decisions are no different than any other decision. Actions have consequences.
@Cargo
Because they are interferring with our govt. How about War? What is the official Catholic Church (since that is really who we are talking about) on War? Do those politicians get the same smack down? How about immigration? How about those who vote to put all sorts of restrictions on immigration? I know the church’s position there also. They are not consistent and they are using their supposed power to attempt to control our government.
I am a great believer in the Kennedy speech to the ministers of greater Houston. You know that I spread the wealth around with my distain for religion getting involved in matters of state. There are no sacred cows in my world.
I watched the concert on channel 22 PBS, and they continued the show. Gary Sinise repeated the bad weather warning, but then said the concert would continue, and it did. The bad weather never came.
Channel 26 shut it down and put up last years recording. You would think it would be consistent. Are you sure you weren’t watching last years starting around 9 pm?
We got all sorts of messages etc that it wa down.
I saw the part also where Gary S said to leave but that they would keep the show going. Then all that changed.
Faux News just said the entire concert stopped and transitioned into last year’s concert. Maybe you just didn’t remember it. I didn’t either but they announced that is what was happening on 26. http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/memorial-day-concert-on-national-mall-shut-down-by-thunderstorms/2012/05/27/gJQAHkWQvU_story.html?tid=pm_national_pop
@SA
@Moon-howler
But ALL candidates make decisions on their values. Basing a decision on religious values is no different than basing a decision because you believe that Planned Parenthood is a good idea.
Every representative bases decisions upon and may get sanctioned by groups to which they belong. If a representative makes decisions based upon church teachings and is still within the boundaries of the Constitution…. no problem. If you disagree with those decisions, then vote against him. Its the same as the representative who believes in the church of man made global warming or the belief in the effectiveness of banning guns.
Church teachings influence decisions. AS DO ALL OTHER MATTERS OF PRINCIPLE. The Catholic Church is just another source of influence. While the Church is against abortion, they were quite liberal in the ObamaCare argument, believing the propaganda that the law would not affect them. They are quite liberal in the illegal immigration argument. Church teachings are quite consistent. Its the MEMBERS of the Church that are not consistent.
The Catholic Church is only one of many influences on representatives. They are no different than any other organized group.
I gave 2 examples of church teaching that are ignored when politicians do not follow: immigration and war. You totally ignored my point which was that they are inconsistent. I sure haven’t seen anyone being denied communion for voting to go to war or to legislate very strict, draconian immigration policies. Let’s go with another example: what is the church’s position on the death penalty? Are people who participate in lethal injections who are catholic denied the sacriments? No. Another inconsistency.
It seems they have zeroed on on legal practices and deny lawmakers sacriments based on their teachings rather than on our law of the land. Roe is very legal. So basically, they are attempting to control policy by punishing legislators who do not do their bidding. Since that only works for their own flock it sounds like a good reason for me to screen for that reason.
Now, having said that, I fundamentally believe that religion should not knock a person out of being an office holder. That presents a dilemna.
You obviously don’t mind having Catholic rules being your laws. I obviously do.
Moon, I don’t know, but I did watch last years concert. Jessica Sachez (spelling?) from American Idol sang several times, and sang the closing song America the Beautiful. I figure she was unknown last year, but maybe that’s not the case. Do you recall her singing last year?
What else did Jessica Simpson sing? What a voice that kid has!
I am glad you figured out what happened. Do we know if 22 and 26 both did that?
Moon, I don’t get it. I just went and read the concert schedule listing the entertainers for this year, and I saw every one of them on channel 22. I think the Wapo has got it wrong. Either that or I’m dealing with a parallel universe (Fringe reference).
Ok, got it! Here is what took place:
WASHINGTON, May 27, 2012 — **** FULL PROGRAM TO AIR FROM 9:30 – 11 PM (ET) FEATURING FOOTAGE OF MAY 27 BROADCAST EDITED WITH FOOTAGE FROM MAY 26 CONCERT DRESS REHEARSAL****
I started watching it at 9:30, and so I saw the dress rehearsal added to the spot where it was shut down.
http://www.sacbee.com/2012/05/27/4520474/may-27-live-broadcast-of-pbs-national.html
So neither one of us are crazy. LOL Thanks. I wish I had seen seamless dress rehersal rather than seamless last year.
“Some gave all”……the Obama Administration’s Tax Policy!
“Some lied, many died” … a 4 word assessment of the Bush administration squandering our troops and our money on an invasion that was based on false pretenses.
@Morris Davis
Remind me again why Obama hasn’t pulled us out of Afghanistan yet? I agree about the Bush administration, but your guy can’t fix stuff like he said he would!
@Moon-howler
I’m a bad Catholic, though. I accept my failings as a Catholic. Abortion is murder according to Catholic doctrine. Wars are not anathema to Catholic doctrine. I’m unsure as to death penalty. Being against liberal immigration or illegal immigration policies is not considered a mortal sin, whereas abortion IS considered a mortal sin. Church Doctrine is LITERALLY spelled out. Enforcement, left up to humans, is as inconsistent as whomever is doing the enforcement.
So, if a politician feels the need to go against Church doctrine….there’s confession and there’s leaving the Church. There is also the fact that many Catholics, having gone against Church sacrament, do not take Communion. My mother did not for decades because she divorced my father. Years of prayer and talking with priests convinced her that she was forgiven and returned to Communion.
Sometimes one has to make a choice. Just because something is legal does not make it right.
I thought I responded, Cargo, but I don’t see it now.
Abortion isn’t murder according to US law. It is a legal procedure. Catholics can believe what they want as can anyone of other religions.
There are also people out there who think that capital punishment is murder. However, it is legal in most states, therefore, not murder.
From everything I have read, official church position is that man doesn’t put others to death…what is that…the moment of conception until natural death?
There is inconsistency. I don’t ask that Catholics change their belief on abortion. I ask that the church stay out of state business. Under no circumstances should a church put pressure on our lawmakers that involve matters of eternity.
Mr. Howler says there is not difference in abortion and contraception because both are mortal sins. Mortal sins are degreed or gradated. I haen’t seen a person denied communion because of the use of contraception.
Will someone please tell Fox News, aka Faux News that they ARE part of the mainstream media.
I find their constant ciriticm of msm really stupid.
Did Marinm ever make it back from the Christening or is he still partying? Great pics on facebook.
please note new blog email address:
[email protected]
It is very similar to the other one but hopefully doesn’t have that THING being mailed around. If you have my “house” email, continue to use it. I will gladly give it to you if you email me. I am just not going to post it on here. I want a layer of protection, if you get my drift.
Where is Steve Randolph? I feel an overwhelming need to paw the ground and snort and make bull noises so our friends the bulls will keep up their charge.
M-H, not quite ready to do a happy feet dance. Let’s see if the rally
continues through at least Friday.
I jsut want to stir them up and remind them that they are supposed to stamp and charge. They forgot how.
The kids are now official members of the Church. YAY! The pictures turned out very well and Mia slept through almost the entire service. She only woke up when she had water poured on her head. Screamed for a few and then went back to sleep.
The boy tried to baptism himself by grabbing the shell. It was funny.
Watched the Indy 500 and Coca Cola 600.. This weekend is always good for racin’.
Knocked off a few items from my honey-do list. My plan on forcing my wife to call me My Lord is not proceeding as planned. I will need to adjust and may need to use forms of trickery to accomplish the mission.
Hope everyone had a safe and fun Memorial Day weekend.
@marin, sounds like a good time was had by all.
If the church caught yours, count mine as the ones that got away. Well, the kids got baptized JV but the grandkids all escaped. YOUR church has its eye on one of my gkids though. I am assuming you know that the JV refers to?
We need to remember that the 2012 Presidential race will be
between a Mormon and an incumbent Afro-American (with a Catholic VP).
Who would have bet of that 10 years ago?
I would have probably said between a Mormon and a bi racial president but ……to answer your question: NO
I thought a woman would be president before this and after listening to the curbside when Hillary ran….no. I don’t think that will happen for a long time. Secondary culture was stronger than I thought.
I reminded myself that former male slaves had the right to vote at least on paper 75 years before any woman, white, black, asian, hispanic, or Indian. Oddly enough, Mormon women were some of the first women to get the vote in America. Of course, it was for nefarious reasons.
I thought we would have had both by now , a black and a woman. Collin Powell made his choice. In many ways he also brought us Obama, an outcome he should not now be forgiven for. I won’t be Hillary but that first is also close at hand.
I assume Moon you are referring to the vote given to women in Utah in the early 1870s and supported by eastern women in orderto bring an end to Polygamy. Polygamy did not end until the 1890s and not because of those living it so much as a decision that it was better to be a State within the United States rather than be ruled by the federal government from afar. I wonder it they would make that trade today? In any case those same eastern establishment women who never got the vote took it away from the Utah women
THIS is different. I remember bridge construction being halted because of POSSIBLE nest disturbance.
http://blog.heritage.org/2012/05/09/interior-looks-to-expand-permits-for-killing-bald-eagles-to-accommodate-wind-energy/
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, a division of the Interior Department, is considering loosening regulations on the killing of bald eagles, the national bird of the United States, to accommodate the development of wind energy sources.
A draft regulation first filed in April would allow businesses to apply for 30-year permits allowing them to kill bald eagles in the course of other legal activities. The length of those permits would be a six-fold increase over the five-year window allowed under current law.
“I’m not saying its the start of the Zombie Apocalypse, but when a dude bites off another dude’s face and doesn’t react to being shot…perhaps we should consider it.”
Everyone BUY MORE GUNS and AMMO!!!! Failing that at least get a cricket bat and remember, aim for the head.
http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2012/05/29/reports-miami-zombie-attacker-may-have-been-using-bath-salts/
Here….I’ll HAND you Gov. McDonnell on a silver platter!
http://www.wtop.com/120/2882193/Governor-Drones-over-Va-great-right-thing-to-do