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.