Spaghetti Bowl

If nothing else, three million miles behind the wheel of various vehicles has given me a decent view of some delightful and some extremely dangerous sights. On balance, I have concluded that the 460 mile gravel on the “haul” road in Alaska, the “Bear Tooth” highway in Montana, and the perilous off road passes through the Rockies are relatively tame compared to some urban interchanges.

Living in Las Vegas, one becomes accustomed to the terror, inconvenience, delay and exposure to driving ignorance which is the norm in the spaghetti bowl interchange. US 95 and I-15 come together with a variety of off-ramps and entrances to a highly congested downtown area adjacent to the facility. It is further complicated by ever tightening curving off-ramps which have lured many a high-profile outfit to destruction.

Even the bucolic surroundings on the south side of Joplin, MO and somewhat east at the junction of US 71 and I-44 provide a thrill a minute. Southbound 71 makes a sharp right at the bottom and accesses a shared exit with east bound I-44 traffic exiting to go north on US 71. The sharp curve allows one to enter I-44 traffic at only about 45 mph and attempt to regain the freeway’s standard 75mph while simultaneously dodging traffic trying to exit. Successful completion of the maneuver invariably evokes prayers of thanksgiving.

I could cite many more examples but I really think that this picture will tell you all you need to know.

If you live in any type of urban setting it should appear very familiar. This bizarre photo and forty others are available for your viewing at this web site. Warning: some are quite disturbing but each is very imaginative and capably done.

I can’t just let it go at that so I shall remind you of a simple fact. The same government which haunts your dreams and ruins you future, designs these interchanges. If you want to see what our health-care system will look like in the future; take one more look at the above picture.


In His abiding love,


Cecil Moon

Monday Morning Rant 96

The rain on the way to Miami, OK didn’t materialize so I was able to safely go and enjoy the fellowship with the Saints there. Morris Jones came down from Independence and gave the message. After his inspiring remarks, my good wife called and I hurried home to fight the beetle invasion. She indicated a plague of biblical proportions.

A couple hours later I arrived home and remembered she had gone to her nursing duties and there were none to be seen. I looked everywhere among the flowers, bushes, trees and in the grass. I was prepared to spray the armies of pesky critters but they were absent. I double checked around the house, the hollyhocks out back, the bushes out front and anywhere else half-dollar size creatures might hide.. No success. If you are an expert at resolving social conflicts please comment and explain how I tell my wife that I did not feel compelled to spray that which I could not see. This can not end well.

Our New Car Czar

I believe we are now up to about twenty “czars” to manage the recovery of various businesses and functions of government. These officials have been the result of White House appointments which require no congressional approval. Hey, some of them even speak English. I am including the supposed remarks from one of them for your enjoyment.

“Hi, I’m the new Chairman of GM. I don’t know anything about cars but I can guarantee you that myself and my management team of highly qualified MBA’s will interface on a daily basis with President Obama’s team to develop long-range strategies to effectively develop mutually beneficial synergies while still allowing GM to remain out-of-the-box when it comes to building brand loyalty and competitive outsourcing and business process re-engineering of our supply chain efficiencies to increase customer loyalty and targeted demand marketing pricing and advertising cost reduction implementation phase 1, 2 and 3 budget analysis factoring…”

Now don’t you feel better about all these new pricey executives?

It’s not all bad; you can now trade in your gas-guzzler for a huge tax credit against a new car purchase. I currently drive a 1993 Ford Explorer with 248,000 miles on it which would earn a $4500 tax credit since its mpg is around 18.5. The GM (Government Motors) dealers in our area are disappearing faster than Hazel’s deviled eggs at a church dinner so I have no idea where to find one. No ads appear in the local paper so that doesn’t help. As a veteran car buyer, I would be quite surprised if I could not engineer the same difference price without the trade and subsequent tax credit. Oh, I forgot; I don’t pay taxes on my retirement so I guess it doesn’t matter anyway.

Palin Wins the Pipeline Struggle

In a direct quote from the Washington Post on Friday we read: “TransCanada and Exxon Mobil, two rivals in a long-running battle over the construction of an Alaskan natural gas pipeline, have agreed to work together, and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, who courted TransCanada as an alternative to the big oil companies, praised the agreement.”

This is a win in so many ways. What the Post doesn’t report is the battle Gov. Palin waged to get the OK from the Alaska legislature and the ability to get the two principals to talk turkey and finalize the deal. What is at stake is a 1700 mile pipe line from the rich gas fields in Prudhoe Bay, AK on the Beaufort Sea to a terminal in Alberta. It involves a shared cost of $30 billion for a pipeline which will carry 4.5 billion cubic feet a day when complete. Completion will not be anticipated until 2018. Details on the exact route were not available but a huge portion will come through Canada.

Given the accelerating costs of fuel and the waning of the crude oil fields around Prudhoe, this constitutes an important answer to part of the energy problems we face as a nation.

In the process, Gov. Palin demonstrated a bulldog tenacity to get all involved to hammer out an agreement. While the influx of all that construction activity will have a meaningful affect on the Alaskan economy (and Canada’s) it will mean even more to those in the United States who want to adjust the thermostat on a chilly night.

I personally drove the “haul road” to Prudhoe Bay in 2006 to verify what all the fuss was about. As predicted, I found that most of the criticisms of further projects in that region were from people who have never stirred past the northern suburbs of the District of Columbia. My first observation was the impact on the wildlife which was present in grand abundance. Caribou love the pipeline because it’s warm. Shore birds love the pools around the rigs because they are largely clear. The rest of the critters, foxes, musk oxen, and the smaller animals act pretty much like wild creatures do everywhere; except for a lack of fear of men.

Having lived in coastal Louisiana, I am very familiar with oil rigs and found the ones in Alaska to be extremely well maintained and environmentally scrupulous in contrast. The biggest difference was the high level of scrutiny of visitors to protect the site.

This project will provide actual jobs in the private sector. This is a welcome relief from employment figures based on increased hiring by the government. What a concept!

And finally,

I had a rare treat late this afternoon. Between the new deck and the forest is a mowed space about 12’ deep and at a steep angle leading down to the day lilies. I glanced out the window, no doubt attracted by movement outside, and saw a beautiful Whitetail button buck grazing on the slope. Because of the glare off the window, I remained unseen and the dogs were clueless. I have seen deer on the property before but never 13’ from my desk.

We also added another species of bird to the list this week. A couple of days we have hosted a pair of mourning doves in the surrounding trees. They show little interest in the feeder but add another dimension to the mix. That brings the total to fifteen different types, not including the larger ones that soar by on occasion. I do thank God for providing His creatures for my continuing enjoyment.


In His abiding love,

Cecil Moon

The Economy is so Bad that …..

In the face of rising prices, falling salaries, defunct banks, failing auto makers, corrupt politicians, and a tidal wave of “Czars,” you are probably ready for the All-American cure all: a little giggle. The following came over the “inner-tubes” to off-set the terrors of the Obama administration.

The economy is so bad that....

CEO's are now playing miniature golf.

Jewish women are marrying for love.

Even people who have nothing to do with the Obama administration aren't paying their taxes.

If the bank returns your check marked "insufficient funds," you call them and ask if they meant you or them.

Hot wheels and Matchbox stocks are trading higher than GM.

Obama met with small businesses to discuss the Stimulus Package: GE, Pfizer and Citigroup.

McDonalds is selling the 1/4 ouncer.

Parents in Beverly Hills fired their nannies and learned their children's names.

A truckload of Americans was caught sneaking into Mexico.

The most highly paid job is now jury duty.

Dick Cheney took his stockbroker hunting.

People in Africa are donating money to Americans.

Mothers in Ethiopia are telling their kids, "Finish your plate, do you know how many kids are starving in the US?"

Motel Six won't leave the light on anymore.

The Mafia is laying off judges.

Exxon-Mobil laid off 25 Congressmen.

And finally--Congress says they are looking into this Bernard Madoff scandal. Hey, neat! The guy who made $50 billion disappear is being investigated by the people who made $750 billion disappear!!!

There you have my contribution for the day to the therapy of laughter.


In His abiding love,

Cecil Moon

Fifty Righteous Men?

So the final card has been played in the unending game of idiocy on the subject of gay marriage. Ms. Prejean has relinquished her valued “crown” in the Miss California pageant. Actually, it was seized from her on a trumped up (pun intended) charge of failure to appear at scheduled events. Her position on the gay marriage issue had nothing to do with it—yeah, right!

My sympathies go out to the management of the pageant. However, by allowing the emotionally charged and controversial question of the judge to a contestant, they sanctioned the entire matter. Whoever gave the job of judging a beauty contest to a flaming homosexual should be the one who should be canned. Their failure to recognize the inflammatory nature of his possible questioning was grossly in error. One official resigned and no doubt should have been followed by others in a supervisory capacity.

As far as gay marriage is concerned, the people of California have spoken by rejecting it via Prop 8. The President of the United States (no doubt influenced by his Muslim roots) has rejected it. Blacks have almost universally rejected it. Evangelical Christians have certainly been onboard in rejecting it. About the only ones who don’t are those who embrace homosexuality either in spirit or in practice and a few denominations of the World Council of Churches who have, in my view, a fuzzy view of biblical interpretation.

Personally, I don’t care if two guys decide to bunk together and spend the next decade arguing about whether the new drapes should be puce or mauve. In a sexual culture which is not renowned for monogamous relationships, I see faithful unions as a fiction which will be difficult to maintain anyway. About the only time I can get excited about it is when the subject of adoption of children comes up. Since it is scientifically established that the behavior is not genetic, the example set by parenting should not be foisted upon innocent children.

So, in the final analysis, does it any of it matter? No, not really, because it only serves as one more opportunity to fill the news cycle with meaningless drivel to avoid facing the issues which do have critical importance. We have seen the “swine flu” epidemic rise and fall in media importance in direct equivalence to occluding various functions of the onrushing federal takeover of government. Letterman’s tasteless “humor” occupies the headlines as the much more important government takeover of the auto, financial, and healthcare industries continue apace.

Our current administration, with the complete compliance of the major media, is using the shallowness of America’s taste to obfuscate their nefarious seizure of the government in total opposition to the intent of our founding fathers. Heinrich Himmler would be proud! This administration is in the process of bloodlessly accomplishing what the massive military might of the USSR, Germany, Italy, and Japan could not.

My final thought is one which should not be confused with a throw away line to appease my readers of faith: God help us all! This is of such magnitude that only He can render a remedy. Lot challenged God in Gen. 18:24 to allow the survival of Sodom (“because their sin is exceedingly grievous” v. 20) if He could find fifty righteous men. In subsequent verses the number was reduced to ten. When that failed, God mercifully allowed Lot and his family to escape and you probably know the rest of the story. Can we as a nation, locate fifty righteous men? Again: God help us all!

In His abiding Love,

Cecil Moon

Monday Morning Rant 95

Today was Jan’s birthday (don’t ask!) and I went with her to church and had the pleasure of listening to Lee Parsons one more time. Let me assure you he is still against sin. He also mentioned something that is all too rare in modern sermons: the terrors of hell. He rightly warned that as surely as their will be the delights of heaven, there remains the possibility of hell which defies description for those who don’t quite get the program. He made no assumptions on the personnel make up of either destination but did offer plenty of guidelines.

Posted by “Anonymous”

There is currently a considerable kerfuffle going on concerning anonymous blogs and comments. Arguments are being made on both sides in defense of and stridently against the policy of hiding behind any pen name while voicing a personal opinion.

Some see the danger of positively identifying oneself as the author as it could well lead to professional problems or family issues. Others point to the founders often using pseudonyms in presenting positions on the formation of the country. All in all, those who favor the alias or simple “anonymous” are really saying “listen to me because I know I’m brighter than you but I don’t chose to expose myself.

Since I personally misplaced the record of my “blogspot” log-in long ago, I can appreciate those who post comments to Zion Beckons and use “anonymous” as their ID. These same folks also sign their posts and leave me no doubt who they are. In most cases, I know them personally and have their emails. Otherwise, I rarely post anything which has no ID.

My personal feeling on the matter is abundantly clear. Of the 430 plus entries on Zion Beckons, each clearly attributes the authorship to a specific person. I personally know each of these persons and not just by email. If we can not verify who the poster is; we don’t post it. I am not interested in reading personally anything which has no source. Further, I have little interest in comments which don’t have the courage of their conviction. Although we have our childish moments, we are all adults and should have no shame in offering our opinions.

This is not to say that we find every utterance agreeable. We are human and subject to criticism; some of which is justifiable. The founders of the nation used anonymity for protection from unjust rulers and persons who would persecute them for their words. This is not the case in America—yet! With our freedoms in free fall, it is difficult to predict when we may have to change our policies for the protection of all concerned. We shall deal with that contingency when the day arrives.

Until then, to be properly respected in your opinion, provide a recognizable signature and lend the appropriate value to your voice.

D-Day; come and gone

Saturday was two things to most Americans. It was a day of remembrance for the men and women of many nations who gave their all. Our allies provided mutual support to gain those bloody beaches. Our own troops did the job they were assigned and the ground upon which they managed it is hallowed. Persons born that day are now eligible for Social Security and the continuing benefits of the sacrifice of those men. Has it been that long?

Sixty-five years ago it was a day of terror for some Americans as they watched their friends and buddies sink into the water with fatal wounds before they even reached the beach. It is small wonder that they often were reluctant to relive those hours and speak about it. To face death is a very private matter. To survive, when friends do not, presents questions in the mind which are never answered satisfactorily. Those who have not faced it will never fully understand. It’s not because they don’t care, of course they do: it’s just that one really has to face the reality of it to know.

Once the beach-head was secure, they realized that the job was just barely underway. They were fully aware that the horror of that day would be repeated on the next as they faced a constant enemy. For now, they were content to curl up in the sand, rest and pray they would be whole to continue on the 7th. The matter was accomplished by youngsters 18, 19, 20, for the most part. The cadre was seasoned but the “men” were for the most part kids. We trusted them to do the job and they did it.

These men are rapidly disappearing in our neighborhoods, churches, and families. We have only one left in our congregation. Today it is hard to imagine Nappy Roberson manning his station on a navy ship patrolling over “iron bottom” sound between Tulagi and Guadalcanal. He made it! My old neighbor of six years (’55 to ’61), John Plummer, now gone, survived D-Day and made his way to Bastogne for the Battle of the Bulge and left a leg in Europe and became a POW. He came home to marry, father three kids, and work every day until retirement. Neither ever complained.

As a life long member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, I have met many men with similar experience. It has been a distinct privilege to be in the company of these quiet heroes. While you still can, I urge you to seek them out and speak with them. They have much to share and to teach. Introduce your kids and grandkids and let them learn the meaning of honor, duty and devotion to country. While you are at it; a thank you would be appropriate. They have, after all, given you their all.

And finally

Life on the ridge continues apace. The biggest excitement around this end of the branch is the arrival of a great crested flycatcher earlier this week. He is a large bird about 8” to 9” with a modest crest, two white chevrons on his wings and a light yellow lower belly. He didn’t hang around too long and ignored the feeder.

As a birthday gift, we went to the nursery and Jan picked as many items as she pleased to be planted here and there. Almost all are in and seem to be thriving. The three new juniper bushes are the pick of the litter and continue the plantings outward from the new deck along the side of the garage.. I’ll have to admit, this place is looking almost civilized. Her day lilies are blooming and really enhance the periphery of the property. As is normal, God is good. Our hope is that you are finding enjoyment in your surroundings at least the equivalent of ours.

In His abiding love,

Cecil Moon

December 2008—Revisited

This video was featured on Iowahawk way back in December 2008 just before America turned socialist. He decries the role of a wizard who foretells the future but I have to disagree. His prescience is uncanny even though it doesn’t work in predicting Power Ball numbers.

Check it out and see the future for yourself.

In His abiding love,

Cecil Moon

Monday Morning Rant 94

The beat goes on.. Does that date me? Inasmuch as I haven’t heard anyone else say it in years I suppose you may rightfully allege I am dredging up the past. But the “beat” does indeed continue. The resounding ker-plunk of falling businesses, the thunderous roar of outrage/joy over the Sotomayor appointment, the gleeful approval of the first couple’s night out in New York, and the “ka-ching” of Congress adding trillions more to the debt all work in concert to produce a cacophony rather than a solid beat. It produces a noise which does make, and is, a racket.

Why Are Conservatives so Mean?

As the attack on conservative principles increases by the day, I believe that it is important to air any precise, lucid appraisal of conservatism one can find. I located a short video by Klavan on this very subject. I strongly recommend you click on the link and determine for yourself if you agree or disagree.

I understand fully, your reluctance to adopt a label be it conservative, liberal, or for that matter; gringo. It does make life easier for the demographers, pundits and those who need an accurate definition of the object of their hate for the day. It helps to firmly identify those with whom one shares a system of belief. Unlike the Democrat party which is sharply divided at the moment over a disagreement about the president’s approach to government.

There is, as you well know, a strong segment of the lunatic left who feel betrayed by “the one's” reluctance to move the Marxist agenda at warp speed instead of the speed of light. Currently he is insisting on at least maintaining some vestige of Constitutional application of the law instead of just “ruling” by ukase. On the other hand some of the saner heads in the majority in congress are slowly objecting to the breakneck recklessness emanating from the White House.

Congratulations!

As an American citizen you now own 1/320,000,000th of General Motors. With an investment of your tax dollars of roughly 100 billion dollars for their recovery and the preservation of the United Auto Workers, that would come to about $312.50 for you and each member of your family. How does it feel to be a wealthy investor?

As a downside to this happy news, let me remind you that ownership not only allows you to enjoy the profits but also carries the responsibility for additional incurred debt. Oh, did I mention the interest which will accrue, unpaid because the government is broke, on the unpaid loans as an investment in a failing business plan. Don’t worry about it too much because GM (now: Government Motors) will now be making the ever popular green cars so much in demand domestically and the world over. With a set of adjusted prices, they will let you drive one home for probably less than $100,000.00.

It’s all OK though because now you can “feel good” about the excessive retirement programs and comprehensive health plans available for non-productive former employees.

Ain’t Marxism great? (note: end of snark!)

More on Sotomayor

Dave Kopel had an observation on the comparative response to the Sotomayor appointment and the previous behavior on some Republican appointees.

“The Democrats who tried to block Roberts and Alito appear to have suffered no adverse consequences. [And, I should have added, neither did the Dems. who filibustered Miguel Estrada, who, like Sotomayor, is a Hispanic with an impressive life story.] Sotomayor is on the wrong side of fairness, empathy, the Constitution and the American people in regards to firearms ownership (Maloney v. Cuomo; United States v. Sanchez-Villar); wealthy people using the government's eminent domain power to extort money from small business (Didden v. Village of Port Chester); and a racial spoils system for government employees (Ricci v. DeStefano)."

As usual, it all depends on whose ox is being gored. There are those who might assume that my criticism is accompanied by a measure of racism. In response, I offer the following: I have been in business partnership with an Hispanic gentleman. My close neighbor in Las Vegas was Hispanic, an extremely hard working friend who kept the best maintained house in the neighborhood. I have a history which goes back decades and includes uncounted trips to the Mexican interior driving on each occasion to destinations which included the Federal District, Acapulco, Guymas, and other delightful destinations on both business and pleasure. The regard for these folks is predicated on mutual respect, friendship, ethics, and faith the same as all my other acquaintances regardless of race or national origin.

Margaret Goodwin on Protest

This young woman is an outstanding speaker. Her message is pertinent and typical of the address one sees and hears at a Tea Party. Her location is on the steps of the capitol in Salem, Ore. but the substance of her remarks would be appropriate anywhere. Please observe her delivery and watch her eyes. I do not detect notes, Teleprompters, or any other crutch to aid her thoughts. She is obviously speaking from the heart; well prepared and passionate about her topic. For a total stutter free delivery, check her out here.
United States Map

A friend forwarded this piece and I couldn’t resist sharing it

”A father wanted to read a magazine but was being bothered
by his little girl, Shelby. She wanted to know what the United States
looked like.

Finally, he tore a sheet out of his new magazine on which
was printed the map of the country. Tearing it into small pieces, he gave it to
Shelby and said, 'Go into the other room and see if you can put this
together. This will show you our whole country today.'

After a few minutes, Shelby returned and handed him the map, correctly
fitted and taped together. The father was surprised and asked how she
had finished so quickly. 'Oh,' she said, 'on the other side of the paper
is a picture of Jesus. When I got all of Jesus back where He belonged,
then our country just came together.'”

And finally

Let us both hope that I am successful in uploading the pictures I have taken this week. I must apologize for my clumsiness in matters digital. Look forward to seeing birds (yes plural and of different breeds) perching on a 5” platform on the bird feeder. As I type I look out and see a male cardinal and an indigo bunting sharing the feeder. Earlier it was another cardinal and a male gold finch chasing each other around the dish in search of breakfast. Since I observe from 10’ through a window which is opaque from the outside, I can watch unseen the antics they produce. What a delight!

The day lilies are in bloom as are the roses. The Asiatic hybrids are threatening to bloom also and the New Guinea impatiens are a happy addition to the deck. Regretfully, the peonies have come and gone. The current temperature is 90º, God’s in His heaven and all’s right with the world—at least here on the ridge. My prayer is that you are enjoying equivalent blessings.

In His abiding love,

Cecil Moon