Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Sunday, March 28, 2010
The Fourth Amendment
Here is the fourth amendment to the U.S. Constitution: "The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated; and no warrants shall issue but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched and the person or things to be seized."
This amendment means that the government must go to a judge with clear evidence as to the need to search someones personal property and the judge must study the evidence and determine whether or not to issue a court order to allow the government to search a specific area of someones property and the court order would only allow the government to search for one specified item. Even before 9-11, the fourth amendment was taking a beating. After 9-11, all levels of government began spying on ordinary people without a court order. Unfortunately, even many Americans think that it's ok for the government to conduct unwarranted searches if it will help us defeat whatever our latest enemy is. I for one am not giving up my rights.
This amendment means that the government must go to a judge with clear evidence as to the need to search someones personal property and the judge must study the evidence and determine whether or not to issue a court order to allow the government to search a specific area of someones property and the court order would only allow the government to search for one specified item. Even before 9-11, the fourth amendment was taking a beating. After 9-11, all levels of government began spying on ordinary people without a court order. Unfortunately, even many Americans think that it's ok for the government to conduct unwarranted searches if it will help us defeat whatever our latest enemy is. I for one am not giving up my rights.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Book Review, Sounder by William Armstrong
Sounder by William Armstrong 116 pages. "Sounder" is the story of a family of Black sharecroppers and their dog Sounder living in the deep south sometime in the early 20th century. The family struggles to survive, and one night out of desperation to feed his family the father steals a pig. The racist criminal justice system of the time is swift and brutal. Sounder is nearly killed by a Sheriffs' shotgun and the father is sent away to prison. I first read Sounder when I was a boy, and it is one of my favorite books. I recommend it to everyone.
The following is a passage from Sounder. " There ain't no dog like Sounder," the boy said. But his father did not take up the conversation. The boy wished he would. His father stood silent and motionless. He was looking past the rim of half-light that came from the cabin window and pushed back the darkness in a circle that lost itself around the ends of the cabin. The man seemed to be listening. But no sounds came to the boy.
"Sounder was well named. When he treed a coon or possum in a persimmon tree or on a wild-grape vine, his voice would roll across the flat-lands. It wavered through the foothills, louder than any other dog's in the whole countryside."
The following is a passage from Sounder. " There ain't no dog like Sounder," the boy said. But his father did not take up the conversation. The boy wished he would. His father stood silent and motionless. He was looking past the rim of half-light that came from the cabin window and pushed back the darkness in a circle that lost itself around the ends of the cabin. The man seemed to be listening. But no sounds came to the boy.
"Sounder was well named. When he treed a coon or possum in a persimmon tree or on a wild-grape vine, his voice would roll across the flat-lands. It wavered through the foothills, louder than any other dog's in the whole countryside."
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Flower in the forest
I found this lone flower growing in the forest. I don't know what kind of flower it is, but it was nice to find a sign of spring.
Bears
A Bear used this tree to mark its territory. 
I suspect that the claw marks are fairly old, because I have never seen a Bear in this area.
Skunk Cabbage
I found this flower of a Skunk Cabbage growing in a local stream. The flower of the Skunk Cabbage is much more attractive than the mature plant.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Third Party
Most Americans are locked into the idea that you have to be either a Democrat or a Republican. Even most independents think that that they have to vote for one or the other of the two partys. The fact is, the U.S. constitution says nothing about a "two- party system". In my opinion, both major political partys are corrupt and we need at least a third major political party to counter the power of the Democrats and Republicans. I urge every American to find (or found) an alternative political party that suits your beliefs and support that party's candidates in the next election.
Book Review, A Rumor of War
A Rumor of War By Phillip Caputo.The Vietnam War experiences of Marine officer Phillip Caputo closely paralels the tragic circumstances of Americas involvement in Southeast Asia. Phillip Caputo was a young Lieutenant in the United State Marine Corps when President Lyndon Johnson ordered Caputo's division to South Vietnam.
The original mission for the Marines was to guard airfields, but that quickly expanded to patrolling the countryside around the airbases and beyond. Caputo became frustrated when he lost men to booby traps and ambushes and was unable to fight an enemy that preferred to fight a guerilla war.
In the end, Lieutenant Caputo was accused of ordering two of his men to murder two Viet Cong suspects. Caputo was acquited of the charges, but his descent closely mirrors America's descent into unreasoning violence at the height of the war.
The original mission for the Marines was to guard airfields, but that quickly expanded to patrolling the countryside around the airbases and beyond. Caputo became frustrated when he lost men to booby traps and ambushes and was unable to fight an enemy that preferred to fight a guerilla war.
In the end, Lieutenant Caputo was accused of ordering two of his men to murder two Viet Cong suspects. Caputo was acquited of the charges, but his descent closely mirrors America's descent into unreasoning violence at the height of the war.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Saturday, March 20, 2010
12 angry men
Today, I watched a movie called "12 Angry Men" with Henry Fonda. 12 Angry Men has no car chases or spectacular special effects, just great drama and acting. After a trial, 12 men in a jury room decide the fate of a young man accused of murdering his father.11 of the jurors vote in favor of guilt, but the character played by Henry Fonda isn't so sure. Fonda challenges the other Jurors to examine the evidence more closely. Eventually, cracks appear in the evidence and votes change in favor of innocence. Eventually, there is only one holdout ( Lee J. Cobb) who still favors guilt. In my opinion, Mr. Cobb should have received an Academy Award for his acting in the final scenes of the film.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2011373634_apusbonusesforregulators.html
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2011373634_apusbonusesforregulators.html
My comment: I always thought that employers gave bonuses for doing a good job. It turns out that was all wrong. Employers actually give bonuses to retain valuable employees that do not do their job.
My comment: I always thought that employers gave bonuses for doing a good job. It turns out that was all wrong. Employers actually give bonuses to retain valuable employees that do not do their job.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
The last Wolverine
The following is an item from the March 16, 2010 edition of The Seattle Times." "The last wild Wolverine in the Wolverine state is dead. Michigan environmental officials say hikers discovered the body of a 28-pound female in a creek on Saturday. It's been centuries since Wolverines made their home in the state, and officials suspect this one may have come from Canada."
Monday, March 15, 2010
the plague and the fire"The Plague and the Fire" By James Leasor is the true story of two disasters that struck the city of London in 1665 and 1666. Like most cities of the Middle Ages, London was lacking in even basic sanitation. Waste of all kinds was discarded into the street and there was little interest by the city government or ordinary citizens to clean it up. Filth attracted rats and mice, and old London had a large population of both.
Certain fleas that live on rats and mice can cause Bubonic Plague. Bubonic Plague is a dangerous disease that is named after the black swellings of those infected with the disease. At the time of the Middle Ages, there was virtually no treatment for Bubonic Plague or any knowledge of how it was spread. The London municipal government made the horrific decision to quarantine entire families even if only one member of the family was infected. This resulted in many needless deaths. There were no real hospitals to deal with the many that were sick, so the city government created "Pesthouses". Most that were ill resisted going to the pesthouses, because they believed correctly that the pesthouses were just places to die.
The plague ran its course in about a year and killed nearly 100 thousand people. The fire started soon after the abatement of the plague. It is believed that the fire started in a bakery. Fires were common in a city with no building codes and many wooden structures. Once again the city government and the royal family did little to prevent a disaster. By the time, the authorities realized how bad the fire was, it was too late. The Great London fire burned most of the city to the ground, but fortunately most people were able to escape. After the fire, new laws and building standards were passed to prevent another catastrophe.
The Plague and the Fire is an excellent history of a particular time and will interest even those who don't like reading history.
Certain fleas that live on rats and mice can cause Bubonic Plague. Bubonic Plague is a dangerous disease that is named after the black swellings of those infected with the disease. At the time of the Middle Ages, there was virtually no treatment for Bubonic Plague or any knowledge of how it was spread. The London municipal government made the horrific decision to quarantine entire families even if only one member of the family was infected. This resulted in many needless deaths. There were no real hospitals to deal with the many that were sick, so the city government created "Pesthouses". Most that were ill resisted going to the pesthouses, because they believed correctly that the pesthouses were just places to die.
The plague ran its course in about a year and killed nearly 100 thousand people. The fire started soon after the abatement of the plague. It is believed that the fire started in a bakery. Fires were common in a city with no building codes and many wooden structures. Once again the city government and the royal family did little to prevent a disaster. By the time, the authorities realized how bad the fire was, it was too late. The Great London fire burned most of the city to the ground, but fortunately most people were able to escape. After the fire, new laws and building standards were passed to prevent another catastrophe.
The Plague and the Fire is an excellent history of a particular time and will interest even those who don't like reading history.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Elk Visit
Last night, I heard a noise outside my cabin. It is unusual to hear anything after dark other than the occasional car. I went outside to investigate and found a female Elk rummaging through the brush.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Sugar in childrens cereals
This morning I was looking at the list of ingredients on a box of "Fruit Loops" cereal. The number one ingredient is not corn or wheat, it is sugar. To be fair, Fruit Loops is not the only cereal marketed to children that is full of sugar. Many childrens cereals are loaded with sugar. The United States has a tremendous problem with Diabetes and Obesity. I think the least the government could do would be to pass regulations lessening the sugar content of breakfast cereals.
Late Winter snow
There hasn't been much snow in the lower elevations this winter, but we did get some late winter snow today.Traffic Stop
Yesterday, I was driving home when I was pulled over by the State Patrol. Apparently the officer saw me drinking from a bottle and he thought it was beer. I was actually drinking from a water bottle.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Defense Spending
The following is an item from the March 12, 2010 edition of The Tacoma News Tribune: "The Pentagon said Thursday that the cost to build its next-generation fighter jet has doubled to as much as $113 million per plane since 2001.
The bad news about the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Program, delivered Thursday to Congress, was swiftly denounced by lawmakers, who said runaway spending on major weapons systems has become all too common.
The jets were supposed to cost $50 million per fighter nearly a decade ago. Some of the increase to $113 million can be attributed to inflation and an increase in the price of some materials.
According to congressional watchdogs at the Government Accountability Office, plans to buy some 2,450 aircraft will cost the military $323 billion-almost half of what the Pentagon spends each year,including on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan."
My Comment: The United States has the highest military budget in the world. No other country even comes close. When American schools, hospitals, libraries and nearly every other government service is being forced to cut back. Why are we spending so many precious tax dollars on guns?
The bad news about the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Program, delivered Thursday to Congress, was swiftly denounced by lawmakers, who said runaway spending on major weapons systems has become all too common.
The jets were supposed to cost $50 million per fighter nearly a decade ago. Some of the increase to $113 million can be attributed to inflation and an increase in the price of some materials.
According to congressional watchdogs at the Government Accountability Office, plans to buy some 2,450 aircraft will cost the military $323 billion-almost half of what the Pentagon spends each year,including on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan."
My Comment: The United States has the highest military budget in the world. No other country even comes close. When American schools, hospitals, libraries and nearly every other government service is being forced to cut back. Why are we spending so many precious tax dollars on guns?
Thursday, March 11, 2010
The Pond
When I was a boy, one of my favorite places was a large pond not far from my home. The pond was surrounded by huge Rhododendrons, Alder, Douglas Fir, and Western Red Cedars. The main body of the pond was roughly oval and covered about an acre. A narrow channel at one end led to a shallow area that was about a third the size of the larger section.
I would often spend hours fishing or just watching the activities of the wildlife that lived in and around the pond. Blue Jays, Robins, Crows and other birds shared the trees on the shore. Above the pond Dragonflies darted back and forth hunting for Mosquitoes and other flying insects. There were also several species of water insects that inhabited the pond. One of the most interesting was the larva of the Caddis Fly. The larva of the Caddis Fly constructs a floating home from whatever materials are available, until it grows into an adult Caddis fly. Diving Beetles carry a tiny bubble of air that enables them to stay underwater until the air runs out. Water Boatmen have oar-shaped limbs and "row" their bodies through the water.
Green Tree Frogs clung to the branches of Alder Trees on the shore. Bullfrogs sunned themselves at the water edge. At the first sign of danger, the Bullfrogs would leap into the nearby water. The natural camouflage of Leopard frogs blended perfectly with the water plants in the shallow area. The Western Newt was the ponds only Salamander. I remember catching a Newt once. The bewildered eyes of the Salamander looked at me, and I let him go.
Fishing was one of my favorite activities in those days. The first fish that I caught was a Trout from the pond. There were also Catfish, and Sunfish, but I am not sure if any of the fish were native to the pond. I no longer go fishing, because I hate the killing.
In 1977, the pond was drained and covered with dirt. Eventually several houses were constructed at the site. I still very much miss the pond. I still find it hard to believe that someone could destroy something so beautiful and full of life.
I would often spend hours fishing or just watching the activities of the wildlife that lived in and around the pond. Blue Jays, Robins, Crows and other birds shared the trees on the shore. Above the pond Dragonflies darted back and forth hunting for Mosquitoes and other flying insects. There were also several species of water insects that inhabited the pond. One of the most interesting was the larva of the Caddis Fly. The larva of the Caddis Fly constructs a floating home from whatever materials are available, until it grows into an adult Caddis fly. Diving Beetles carry a tiny bubble of air that enables them to stay underwater until the air runs out. Water Boatmen have oar-shaped limbs and "row" their bodies through the water.
Green Tree Frogs clung to the branches of Alder Trees on the shore. Bullfrogs sunned themselves at the water edge. At the first sign of danger, the Bullfrogs would leap into the nearby water. The natural camouflage of Leopard frogs blended perfectly with the water plants in the shallow area. The Western Newt was the ponds only Salamander. I remember catching a Newt once. The bewildered eyes of the Salamander looked at me, and I let him go.
Fishing was one of my favorite activities in those days. The first fish that I caught was a Trout from the pond. There were also Catfish, and Sunfish, but I am not sure if any of the fish were native to the pond. I no longer go fishing, because I hate the killing.
In 1977, the pond was drained and covered with dirt. Eventually several houses were constructed at the site. I still very much miss the pond. I still find it hard to believe that someone could destroy something so beautiful and full of life.
Mudslide, Flooding
This is a picture I took of the cleanup of a mudslide that occurred in November of 2009.
Logging
This is a photo I took of an area that had been recently logged. Modern logging only uses a few people. A huge machine cuts the trees at their base and loads them onto trucks. Eventually, tree seedlings will be planted. Natural forests have a variety of tree and plant species, but usually only one tree species is replanted in logged forests. Sometimes herbicides are sprayed on the replanted forests to prevent the growth of other plant species.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Ticks
Today, I found a Tick attached to my back. I don't know how long it had been on my back, but it was dead. I pulled the creature off without any trouble. I now hope that I haven't recieved an infection from my unwelcome visitor. I have a great love for animals, but I am disgusted by creatures that try to feed on me. I suppose even Ticks must have some purpose in the web of life.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Pesticide Free Lawn Care
The following is an item from the Ask Mr Green column by Bob Schildgen and appeared in the March-April 2010 edition of Sierra magazine.: "Hey Mr. Green, I usually don't use herbicides or pesticides on my lawn, but I'm planning to sell the house and wanted to appeal to more buyers, so I used them. I noticed the robins were gone right away and didn't come back. Is this connection possible after one application?
Answer: "It is indeed possible that pesticides whacked your robins. According to our friends at the Audubon Society, there are a dozen pesticides approved for home use that could kill birds. The roster of these toxic substances (some of which may be harmful to humans) is at http://bit.ly/pesticidechart.
U.S. farmers take heat for their pesticide use, but the sad fact is that the country's home owners recklessly slather on the stuff in far greater concentrations. According to the EPA, households apply 85 million pounds to 17 million residential acres, or 5 pounds per acre, while farmers use about 1.4 pounds per acre on 815 million acres of crops and pasture.
We've already done enough harm to the birdies-like my beloved bobolinks and eastern meadowlarks, whose populations have dropped more than 50 percent over the past 40 years. So let's hope and pray that the real estate crash doesn't prompt millions of panicked home owners to dump yet more pesticides on their lawns to regain property value. I'd hate to see birds become the latest victims of greedy banking schemes and derivative sharks.
It's easy to learn to care for gardens with minimal or no use of pesticides;check out:http://bit.ly/lawncare
Answer: "It is indeed possible that pesticides whacked your robins. According to our friends at the Audubon Society, there are a dozen pesticides approved for home use that could kill birds. The roster of these toxic substances (some of which may be harmful to humans) is at http://bit.ly/pesticidechart.
U.S. farmers take heat for their pesticide use, but the sad fact is that the country's home owners recklessly slather on the stuff in far greater concentrations. According to the EPA, households apply 85 million pounds to 17 million residential acres, or 5 pounds per acre, while farmers use about 1.4 pounds per acre on 815 million acres of crops and pasture.
We've already done enough harm to the birdies-like my beloved bobolinks and eastern meadowlarks, whose populations have dropped more than 50 percent over the past 40 years. So let's hope and pray that the real estate crash doesn't prompt millions of panicked home owners to dump yet more pesticides on their lawns to regain property value. I'd hate to see birds become the latest victims of greedy banking schemes and derivative sharks.
It's easy to learn to care for gardens with minimal or no use of pesticides;check out:http://bit.ly/lawncare
Friday, March 5, 2010
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
I have a simple question. How is it that one United States Senator can block legislation that millions of Americans are in need of. For several days, Senator Jim Bunning of Kentucky, apparently on a whim, decided to put a "hold" on a bill that would extend unemployment and other benefits to hundreds of thousands of Americans. The leader of the Senate, Harry Reid was forced to plead with Senator Bunning to change his mind. Meanwhile, thousands of Americans were in danger of losing their income while Mr. Bunning had his temper tantrum. This is no way to run a republic. The Senate needs to end all of this outmoded parliamentary nonsense, including the filibuster and start passing bills with simple majorities and up or down votes.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
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