Messiah

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

A River of Clouds

 In 2007 I visited Grand Canyon for several days.

 One of the days the canyon looked like this...

 It was filled with low clouds...

 From some vistas, it resembled the ocean...

 Mesas and buttes emerged from the fog like islands in the sky...

 Everything was frost-covered and icy...

A sprinkling of snow fell on the South Rim...

 The depths of the canyon were obscured...

 Trails were icy and slippery...

 The clouds rolled down the canyon like a river...

 The canyon swathed in mist...

Merry Christmas!

Topology

Self-consuming Torus

Writhing Stasis

Homeomorphism

Self-Swallowing Torus

Cube Sphere

Menger Sponge

Trefoil Knot

Obamacare: The Emperor is not as Forgiving...

I'm here to put you back on schedule...

Caution: Do Not Tip the Ancient Rocks!

 Some of the rocks in Goblin Valley are precariously perched

 A couple of guys decided to tip one over

What a tragedy!

  Now there are hardly any rocks left on the whole San Rafael Swell for future generations to tip over!

In typical irresponsible journalistic fashion, the national news media or local newspapers focused on elements of the story that seem not particularly accurate or relevant, but most liable to stir public outrage.

The two men in the short video are characterized as "Boy Scout leaders", though I see no evidence of that.

Also the rock is most particularly identified as an "ancient" rock, whatever impression that might be intended to convey.  Again, no evidence for such an assertion, no particular geologist or authoritative reference given to verify that the rock might have "ancient" or any other particular qualities that might lead us to venerate it beyond the "rockiness" of any other plain old ordinary chunk of geological material.

In general, in the absence of any other compelling evidence, I would suppose that most rocks could be considered quite "ancient" in terms of biological lifespans.

The news story reports that the men "could face class B misdemeanor or second-degree felony charges."  Apparently for assaulting an "ancient" rock.  Or felonious rock toppling.  Or even rockless endangerment.

I can just picture the authorities imposing stiff punitive measures against the underlying strata of dirt and rock that failed to support the toppled boulder.  There should be severe penalties for such an outrageous and culpable lapse, to make a public example of the whole incident.  This should insure that offensive "ancient" rocks will think twice before ever presuming to fall over again.  Thus we can ensure that deseret rocks continue stalwart to do their rockly duty.

Whether or not this was a thoughtless and irresponsible act, it is an obvious indication that the entire San Rafael Swell and other public lands in Utah must be locked up permanently to prevent any future malicious acts of felonious ancient rock tipping. Humans are harming the natural environment and should not be allowed. The state has effectively applied such preservation measures to the Range Creek area, no reason why such methods should not apply to ancient rocks in state lands throughout Utah.

Latest news from the pretty great state...

Apparently the Utah Congressman heeded my recommendations for vigilance against personal assault on defenceless ancient rocks.  He refers to this outrageous destruction as "desecration".   But to his dismay, found that there are no laws in the books to send such scofflaws to the slave galleys, or submit them to be publicly drawn and quartered.

I'd be interested to learn exactly how many visits Rep. Dixon Pitcher might have actually made to the Goblin Valley region.  It seems quite obvious that not many even come near the place.  But to tip rocks over is somehow "desecration". 

According to the Wikipedia, "Many consider acts of desecration to be sacrilegious acts. This can include desecration of sacred books, sacred places or sacred objects. Desecration generally may be considered from the perspective of a particular religion or spiritual activity.  Desecration may be applied to natural systems or components, particularly if those systems are part of naturalistic spiritual religion."

Not sure what religion Rep. Dixon Pitcher may personally associate with Goblin Valley, but I presume that the "desecrators" also have religious views.

Sorry to get so rocked out about this.  Reality seems so much stranger than any fiction could ever contrive...

Thinking About Moving Away

I have decided to move to a friendlier planet.  This one looks nice, maybe I'll try Saturn.  Cool name too.

As far as I know, the inhabitants of Saturn are very nice people, and they make new neighbors feel welcome.

Aliens have Invaded!

The Foil Hat crowd is afraid.

Deathly afraid.

We have a Democrat hate montage here, calling Republicans arsonists, terrorists, rapists, hostage takers. 

They're worried sick about Ted Cruz and the Tea Party.

But really, it's just more DC politics as usual...

Historic Zionista Gathering in Provo

A small and brief but happy convocation of several Zion list members.  Bob and Rusty were in town for General Conference, come down from the north country in Washington.  Family from California showed up at the door at the Cobabe home the night before, and were included in the gathering at Tucanos Brazillian Barbeque.  Truly heavenly food and Celestial-class company.  A good time was had by all.

 The places laid in anticipation...

 Bob and Trevor prepare to dig in

 Rusty is put in charge of the handy signalling device that summons the server to our table to replenish our plates

 Bob enjoys the mango ice cream concoction while the others smile

Bob did generously offer to share a taste, and Rusty took him up on it, but two of the others in the group finally broke down and ordered their own

 

Jim Cobabe, Mary Cobabe, Rusty Taylor

David Norris and friend Ann, and Trevor Holyoak, our ever-gracious host

Home Health Care and Infusion Therapy

Grandma and Tumu

Grandma and Tumu

Grandma intently watching TV

Grandma with Tumu and family

Grandma with Tumu and family

Wife and youngest child

Grandma and Tumu's older child, Tumu administers infusion therapy

Darlene dressing Grandma's PICC line

Darlene taking care of the PICC line

Darlene and her kids come for Trick-or-Treat

An interesting little adventure in the Cobabe household the last couple of weeks.  A chronic and pernicious infection prompted surgical emplacement of a PICC line to deliver high-tech antibiotics.  Home health nurses helped Grandma Cobabe get the stuff she needed to get better.

Darlene was elected to make the early-morning visits.  One morning Grandma and Jim both forgot to wake up, and she was left standing on the front porch at 6:00 AM, waiting in the cold dark morning for someone to answer the door.  I finally heard the doorbell ringing, and dragged myself out of bed.  Grandma was sleeping so sound, she didn't even roll over when the bell rang, and I had to go give her a shake to roll out of bed.

We especially enjoyed twice daily visits from Tumu.   He brought his family with him to visit on Conference Sunday.  Grandma had fun playing with the kids.

Visitors to the Cobabe home always enjoy the family apple tree wall hanging quilt.  It has an apple for all the Cobabe kids and grandkids, beautiful handicraft by Valerie.

New Zealand

Wiki:  New Zealand

Web page:  New Zealand Auckland LDS Mission

Auckland City Center

Auckland is New Zealand's largest city and main transport hub. The region is home to some 1.5 million people and and is also the largest Polynesian city in the world. Imagine an urban environment where everyone lives within half an hour of beautiful beaches, hiking trails and a dozen enchanting holiday islands. Add a sunny climate, a background rhythm of Polynesian culture and a passion for outstanding food, wine and shopping, and you’re beginning to get the picture of Auckland, our largest and most diverse city.

 New Zealand:  Travel Information Links

Auckland:  Travel Information Links

Mauri Haka

Wiki:  University of Auckland

Wiki:  Mauri Culture

Wiki:  Mauri Language

Wiki:  New Zealand Hospital Facilities

Wiki:  Auckland City Hospital

LDS Links:  Senior Missionaries

LDS Links:  Church Service Missions

Polynesian Cultural Center:  Service Missions

Home Videos

Video clips from Bill Cobabe Family home movies, around 1970...
No small inkling of what each of us was destined to become.

Mary and Kathy pirouette, Jim scampers
Note the '57 Chevy that speeds by in the background

Mary models a new outfit

Tom poses in someone else's underpants

Sand Dune Park

Bill swings away

Grandpa Norris takes a slide

Tom's new cardigan (smart enough to ditch the stupid bow tie!)
Jim in new jacket
Mary and Kathy
new wardrobe and coiffure
reflect true elegance and style

Mary, Kathy, Jim, Bill, Tom

Bill pushes Tom down the stairs

but helps him up

Tom stalking something in the Irises

Princess Patricia models a new outfit
Swimming at Cobabe apartments in Redondo

Kathy's birthday at the park
The baby must be - Cindy
Tom kidnaps an empty stroller

Dad and Grandpa Norris 

Toting the station wagon pad
As usual, Jim takes a backward approach on the slide

Segregation - beyond "racism"

 

I lived in the South for a while, but never noticed any of these signs of segregation.

What is happening now?  The idea of abolishing any form of segregation is almost a mania.  In California, it seems that even the idea of segregation of public bathrooms for boys and girls is now passé, even illegal.   Not that I find anything particularly objectionable about sharing bathrooms.  The house I grew up in had bathrooms that were shared - we took turns.  But the rationale for this idea in California does not appeal to my own sensibilities.

In my thinking, the problem today is the mistake of confusing form with substance.  Our contemporary culture makes us slaves to the letter of the law.   "For the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life." (2 Cor 3:6)  The letter of the law prohibits segregation, whether it be on the basis of race, sex, age, or what have you.  But real segregation has its roots in personal enmity, and that dwells in our hearts and in our minds.

Caught in The Matrix

In this scene from the film, Morpheus explains to Neo that people inside The Matrix are a part of the system which is "our enemy".

"...Most of these people are not ready to be unplugged. And many of them are so inured, so hopelessly dependent on the system, that they will fight to protect it..."

Book of Remembrance

In the First Presidency Message this month, President Eyring reminds us all to recognize, remember, and give thanks to the Lord for all His the bounteous blessings.  Eyring quotes from President Kimball,

Please follow the counsel you have been given in the past and maintain your personal journals. Those who keep a book of remembrance are more likely to keep the Lord in remembrance in their daily lives. Journals are a way of counting our blessings and of leaving an inventory of these blessings for our posterity.  (Spencer W. Kimball, "Listen to the Prophets")

This blog fulfils two purposes for me.  It serves as my personal editorial page, and as my personal Book of Remembrance.

Though I don't always express it in obvious ways, I am ever grateful for Heavenly Father's providence.

In the Book of Mormon, Alma testifies,

...All things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator.  (Alma 30:44)

In the Doctrine and Covenants, we have further prosaic testimony about the nature of God and His creations,

  He comprehendeth all things, and all things are before him, and all things are round about him; and he is above all things, and in all things, and is through all things, and is round about all things; and all things are by him, and of him, even God, forever and ever.

  And again, verily I say unto you, he hath given a law unto all things, by which they move in their times and their seasons;

  And their courses are fixed, even the courses of the heavens and the earth, which comprehend the earth and all the planets.

And they give light to each other in their times and in their seasons, in their minutes, in their hours, in their days, in their weeks, in their months, in their years—all these are one year with God, but not with man.

  The earth rolls upon her wings, and the sun giveth his light by day, and the moon giveth her light by night, and the stars also give their light, as they roll upon their wings in their glory, in the midst of the power of God.

  Unto what shall I liken these kingdoms, that ye may understand?

  Behold, all these are kingdoms, and any man who hath seen any or the least of these hath seen God moving in his majesty and power.  (Doctrine and Covenants 88-41-47)

The banner of this blog, a photograph of Mount Timpanogos, represents my reverence and gratitude for Heavenly Father's magnificent creations.  He has blessed us beyond our ability to receive it.

I borrow a beautiful photo of a Columbine in blossom, from my long-time Internet friend Dave Kennison.

 Another beautiful glade of flowers on the Wasatch Plateau, photographed by my sister Beth.

The very earth upon which we stand, the air we breathe, the beauty and freedom of the hills, the trees and flowers, even the rocks and flowing waters.  All of it testifies of the great love that our Heavenly Father blesses us with.

For all these blessings, and many more, my heart overflows with gratitude.  My life has been filled with many good things, and I am joyful and thankful.  

And inasmuch as ye do these things with thanksgiving, with cheerful hearts and countenances, not with much laughter, for this is sin, but with a glad heart and a cheerful countenance—

Verily I say, that inasmuch as ye do this, the fulness of the earth is yours, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and that which climbeth upon the trees and walketh upon the earth;

Yea, and the herb, and the good things which come of the earth, whether for food or for raiment, or for houses, or for barns, or for orchards, or for gardens, or for vineyards;

Yea, all things which come of the earth, in the season thereof, are made for the benefit and the use of man, both to please the eye and to gladden the heart;

Yea, for food and for raiment, for taste and for smell, to strengthen the body and to enliven the soul.

And it pleaseth God that he hath given all these things unto man; for unto this end were they made to be used, with judgment, not to excess, neither by extortion.

And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments. (Doctrine and Covenants 59:15-21)