The train chugged up the hill with a load of coal. Suddenly, the brakes broke loose and three freight cars full of coal derailed, jumped the tracks, and rolled into a pile of lumber.
Five degrees below zero in Montana and three freight cars and lumber were snowed under.
Spring arrived. The coal, lumber and three freight cars covered by an avalanche and formed into a cave-like substance much like found in Carlsbad Caverns, here sparkling bright, there pastel with dents, bulges, smoothness, rough edges, and heavy rocks gathered in the transformation process.
Plant life, moss, ferns, and a feeling of soft coolness prevailed with an aroma of lilies of the valley.
July solidification took effect, the mud became stony and cemented into evenly formed smooth shapess creating the impression of magnified honeycombs dropped by a giant bee.
A September cocoon formed, and instead of a butterfly turning into a caterpillar, the objects, including the freight cars, logs and coal reshaped themselves in the dry autumn wind, slowly emerging into one massive web, gradually disintegrating as a giant cloud suddenly lifted them up over the mountain surrounded on all sides by space.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Commentary Regarding Homeless In Marin County
While the current shelter system apparently provides services for the unhoused and unemployed, and considering the fact that funds for such services are often allocated to the County of Marin, the funds are often spent for overhead instead of providing housing and job training and/or employment.
Subsequently, the places and agencies receiving considerable funds and who claim to resolve social dilemmas while exacerbating the situations create a revolving door for homelessness.
Instead of being subjected to control, selfish interests and manipulation, the disenfranchised need a voice in their pathway to "normalcy" required by the management of the current shelter situation.
Since the church community has become involved in providing temporary housing for Marin County men and women, there has been improvement in the morale of the displaced persons, and there needs to be a continuation of respect and sincere interest in that regard.
The safety and health concerns for those who are at risk is considerable, and in addition to other suggestions in this proposal, there needs to be private study areas and a library as well as telephone and computer facilities for job seeking and also a recreational area for games such as card games and billiards.
Also, an issue that has not been previously addressed that exists in Marin County is the number of unemployed who loiter on the street corners creating a nuisance and illegally absorbing the resources that are intended for American citizens.
Perhaps there could be a re-evaluation of the funds for various causes instead of creating additional disbursement agencies.
Subsequently, the places and agencies receiving considerable funds and who claim to resolve social dilemmas while exacerbating the situations create a revolving door for homelessness.
Instead of being subjected to control, selfish interests and manipulation, the disenfranchised need a voice in their pathway to "normalcy" required by the management of the current shelter situation.
Since the church community has become involved in providing temporary housing for Marin County men and women, there has been improvement in the morale of the displaced persons, and there needs to be a continuation of respect and sincere interest in that regard.
The safety and health concerns for those who are at risk is considerable, and in addition to other suggestions in this proposal, there needs to be private study areas and a library as well as telephone and computer facilities for job seeking and also a recreational area for games such as card games and billiards.
Also, an issue that has not been previously addressed that exists in Marin County is the number of unemployed who loiter on the street corners creating a nuisance and illegally absorbing the resources that are intended for American citizens.
Perhaps there could be a re-evaluation of the funds for various causes instead of creating additional disbursement agencies.
The Cost of Illegal Immigration to the American Taxpayer
http://kevincolby.com/2008/07/27/the-cost-of-illegal-immigrants-to-the-american-taxpayer/
Talk Show Hosts Urged to Defend Michael Savage
By Chelsea Schilling
© 2009 WorldNetDaily
A well-known right-leaning radio firebrand whose face has become a staple on cable TV news shows has vowed to speak out against the U.K.'s blacklisting of Michael Savage – and he's demanding that the nation's talkers join him.
Bill Cunningham, Cincinnati host of 700 WLW who replaced Matt Drudge on the Sunday night Premiere Radio Network talk show, is best known for being scolded by John McCain after he referred to President Obama as "Barack Hussein Obama" during the presidential campaigns. He pledged Sunday to talk about Britain's ban every week on his live show, aired in more than 200 markets, until the U.K. removes Savage's name from its blacklist.
"If the kings and queens of talk radio do not arise and stand with Michael Savage, they're going to start picking us off one at a time," Cunningham told WND. "If we don't stand with Michael, there'll be no one left to stand with each of us when the FCC or the British government or the American government comes after us. I see it as personal because if Michael Savage falls, who are they going to pick on next?"
Cunningham pledged, "Every Sunday between now and the end of time, I will talk about Michael Savage, support Michael Savage and encourage boycotts of everything British until they free Savage from this fatwa that was issued by the British government."
Tell your government to stay away from censoring talk radio and manipulating news coverage: Sign WND's Petition to Block Congressional Attacks on Freedom of Speech and Press now!
U.K. Home Secretary Jacqui Smith defended her decision to ban Savage Tuesday, saying, "In his radio broadcasts, Mr. Savage has spoken about killing 100 million Muslims, and he has spoken in violent terms about homosexuals."
The U.K. list also includes Hamas leader Yunis Al-Astal, former Ku Klux Klan grand wizard Stephen Donald Black, neo-Nazi Erich Gliebe and radical American pastor Fred Phelps, known for his virulent anti-gay protests at funerals. Phelps' daughter Shirley Phelps-Roper also is on the list. But Cunningham said he believes it is outrageous to link Savage with members of the Ku Klux Klan and radical Islamists.
"Michael Savage in his life has never committed a violent act against anybody. He doesn't encourage or incite violence," he said. "All Michael Savage does is make me think. The thought police, whether in Britain or in America, should leave free-thinkers like Michael Savage alone."
Cunningham said he wishes the kings and queens of talk radio would speak up for Savage because he believes the British government or the FCC will target them next.
Asked why he thinks the nation's talk radio hosts haven't already voiced their support for Savage, he replied, "I think there are two reasons: One is competition. Maybe they think that if Michael Savage leaves the airwaves it'll give them more time clearances on more stations. I think that is short-sighted. Secondly, Michael Savage is a bit radioactive, and they don't want to engender commercial boycotts of their own shows."
But Cunningham said Fox News' Sean Hannity is a good friend of his, and he fully intends to address the issue with the radio and television host.
"The next time I talk to Sean, I'm going to ask him why he hasn't spoken up for Savage," he said.
While Cunningham said he hopes the Obama administration would be courageous enough to come to the defense of Savage, he doesn't think it will happen.
"I guarantee that if the British government had issued a fatwa against left-leaning politicians, if it had banned Ed Schultz who sits in the front row of Obama's news conferences, I bet the Obama administration would get the ban lifted," he said.
"But because it's Michael Savage, who's on the opposite side of the political spectrum as Obama, they keep their damn mouths shut."
He said the "Clintonistas" and the "Obamamaniacs" are working together to marginalize talk radio, and regardless of Savage's appeal to Hillary Clinton to call on the British government to withdraw the ban, the secretary of state is unlikely to act.
"That is a voice crying in the wilderness because Hillary and Obama want people like Savage to shut up," he said. "In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if before they did this, somebody in Gordon Brown's administration contacted Washington and told them, 'Hey, we're about to do this to one of your talk-show hosts,' and they said, 'Go get him. Let's see if it works. Let's see if the talk radio community will shut up.'"
On his website, Savage is appealing to his listeners to contribute to his legal fund as he considers action against the home secretary. Cunningham said listeners should also boycott Britain. He and his wife had planned to go to London in September, but they canceled the trip after the blacklist was released.
In the meantime, Cunningham will continue to demand an apology from Jacqui Smith and the U.K. – every Sunday on his show until the ban is lifted.
"I don't agree with some things Michael Savage says, but I will fight to the death for his right to say it," he said. "That's the essence of the First Amendment. He may say some things that I wouldn't say, but damn it, he's got the right to say it."
© 2009 WorldNetDaily
A well-known right-leaning radio firebrand whose face has become a staple on cable TV news shows has vowed to speak out against the U.K.'s blacklisting of Michael Savage – and he's demanding that the nation's talkers join him.
Bill Cunningham, Cincinnati host of 700 WLW who replaced Matt Drudge on the Sunday night Premiere Radio Network talk show, is best known for being scolded by John McCain after he referred to President Obama as "Barack Hussein Obama" during the presidential campaigns. He pledged Sunday to talk about Britain's ban every week on his live show, aired in more than 200 markets, until the U.K. removes Savage's name from its blacklist.
"If the kings and queens of talk radio do not arise and stand with Michael Savage, they're going to start picking us off one at a time," Cunningham told WND. "If we don't stand with Michael, there'll be no one left to stand with each of us when the FCC or the British government or the American government comes after us. I see it as personal because if Michael Savage falls, who are they going to pick on next?"
Cunningham pledged, "Every Sunday between now and the end of time, I will talk about Michael Savage, support Michael Savage and encourage boycotts of everything British until they free Savage from this fatwa that was issued by the British government."
Tell your government to stay away from censoring talk radio and manipulating news coverage: Sign WND's Petition to Block Congressional Attacks on Freedom of Speech and Press now!
U.K. Home Secretary Jacqui Smith defended her decision to ban Savage Tuesday, saying, "In his radio broadcasts, Mr. Savage has spoken about killing 100 million Muslims, and he has spoken in violent terms about homosexuals."
The U.K. list also includes Hamas leader Yunis Al-Astal, former Ku Klux Klan grand wizard Stephen Donald Black, neo-Nazi Erich Gliebe and radical American pastor Fred Phelps, known for his virulent anti-gay protests at funerals. Phelps' daughter Shirley Phelps-Roper also is on the list. But Cunningham said he believes it is outrageous to link Savage with members of the Ku Klux Klan and radical Islamists.
"Michael Savage in his life has never committed a violent act against anybody. He doesn't encourage or incite violence," he said. "All Michael Savage does is make me think. The thought police, whether in Britain or in America, should leave free-thinkers like Michael Savage alone."
Cunningham said he wishes the kings and queens of talk radio would speak up for Savage because he believes the British government or the FCC will target them next.
Asked why he thinks the nation's talk radio hosts haven't already voiced their support for Savage, he replied, "I think there are two reasons: One is competition. Maybe they think that if Michael Savage leaves the airwaves it'll give them more time clearances on more stations. I think that is short-sighted. Secondly, Michael Savage is a bit radioactive, and they don't want to engender commercial boycotts of their own shows."
But Cunningham said Fox News' Sean Hannity is a good friend of his, and he fully intends to address the issue with the radio and television host.
"The next time I talk to Sean, I'm going to ask him why he hasn't spoken up for Savage," he said.
While Cunningham said he hopes the Obama administration would be courageous enough to come to the defense of Savage, he doesn't think it will happen.
"I guarantee that if the British government had issued a fatwa against left-leaning politicians, if it had banned Ed Schultz who sits in the front row of Obama's news conferences, I bet the Obama administration would get the ban lifted," he said.
"But because it's Michael Savage, who's on the opposite side of the political spectrum as Obama, they keep their damn mouths shut."
He said the "Clintonistas" and the "Obamamaniacs" are working together to marginalize talk radio, and regardless of Savage's appeal to Hillary Clinton to call on the British government to withdraw the ban, the secretary of state is unlikely to act.
"That is a voice crying in the wilderness because Hillary and Obama want people like Savage to shut up," he said. "In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if before they did this, somebody in Gordon Brown's administration contacted Washington and told them, 'Hey, we're about to do this to one of your talk-show hosts,' and they said, 'Go get him. Let's see if it works. Let's see if the talk radio community will shut up.'"
On his website, Savage is appealing to his listeners to contribute to his legal fund as he considers action against the home secretary. Cunningham said listeners should also boycott Britain. He and his wife had planned to go to London in September, but they canceled the trip after the blacklist was released.
In the meantime, Cunningham will continue to demand an apology from Jacqui Smith and the U.K. – every Sunday on his show until the ban is lifted.
"I don't agree with some things Michael Savage says, but I will fight to the death for his right to say it," he said. "That's the essence of the First Amendment. He may say some things that I wouldn't say, but damn it, he's got the right to say it."
Marin County Grand Jury Gives a Nudge on the Homeless Issue
THE MARIN civil grand jury's call for the county to do more to provide emergency shelter for the homeless represents a strong and independent assessment of a critical shortcoming in local government's response to a growing need.
The grand jury's recommendation couldn't come at a better - or more economically urgent - time.
Supervisor Steve Kinsey said the county is reassessing its homeless strategy.
Such an assessment is overdue.
The county's emergency winter shelter was housing 60 people when it was closed last month for lack of funding. Those 60 people were left to fend for themselves - making a compelling case for the need for more beds for the homeless in Marin. The county's other shelters already were full.
The grand jury report, "Marin's homeless - The 'invisible' problem that won't disappear," urges the county to shift its strategy and create a full-time coordinator of homeless services to provide the leadership needed to effectively address Marin's growing homeless problem.
The report also recommends that homelessness be one of the board's five top priorities.
Marin is not doing enough - "not even close," the grand jury says, especially when compared to other Bay Area counties.
The grand jury is right: There is poverty in the paradise known as Marin, and pretending the problem doesn't exist is just wrong.
The number of homeless is evident from the local shelters that turn people away because they don't have enough space.
Posted: 04/27/2009 12:08:29 AM PDT, Marin Independent Journal
The grand jury's recommendation couldn't come at a better - or more economically urgent - time.
Supervisor Steve Kinsey said the county is reassessing its homeless strategy.
Such an assessment is overdue.
The county's emergency winter shelter was housing 60 people when it was closed last month for lack of funding. Those 60 people were left to fend for themselves - making a compelling case for the need for more beds for the homeless in Marin. The county's other shelters already were full.
The grand jury report, "Marin's homeless - The 'invisible' problem that won't disappear," urges the county to shift its strategy and create a full-time coordinator of homeless services to provide the leadership needed to effectively address Marin's growing homeless problem.
The report also recommends that homelessness be one of the board's five top priorities.
Marin is not doing enough - "not even close," the grand jury says, especially when compared to other Bay Area counties.
The grand jury is right: There is poverty in the paradise known as Marin, and pretending the problem doesn't exist is just wrong.
The number of homeless is evident from the local shelters that turn people away because they don't have enough space.
Posted: 04/27/2009 12:08:29 AM PDT, Marin Independent Journal
Monday, May 11, 2009
Alone
Like winds in flight,
A strange delight,
My world is real and so is yours,
We hear a different tune.
I notice flutes, you notice voices
I see the moon, you count the stars,
The world is full of choices.
I stand alone, you stand alone,
We enjoy our aloneness.
Two people enjoying their aloneness together.
And yet we are bold to say,
We are alone.
A strange delight,
My world is real and so is yours,
We hear a different tune.
I notice flutes, you notice voices
I see the moon, you count the stars,
The world is full of choices.
I stand alone, you stand alone,
We enjoy our aloneness.
Two people enjoying their aloneness together.
And yet we are bold to say,
We are alone.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Forward Through the Past on a Beautiful Afternoon
Some time ago, I was privileged to visit Village North, an elite community near the sea, and a friend invited me to his yacht.
We enjoyed a lovely afternoon preparing our lunch, hoping the lobster and onion salad would deter the competing seagulls.
Another yacht captain invited us to join him and his crew for a voyage around private islands, and we returned at sunset.
Many choices,
Few Choices.
We were where we wished to be instead of dreaming of somewhere else because the place was better than the dreams.
Fresh air felt like an angel's kiss.
Suddenly, we were in the light again.
Quiet shadows observed the feathered sky.
We awoke from the daydream and heard the veil of ocean on the sides of our yacht with the soft promise of afternoon.
Golden threads wove through time.
We stood still.
Time stood still.
We moved on.
We enjoyed a lovely afternoon preparing our lunch, hoping the lobster and onion salad would deter the competing seagulls.
Another yacht captain invited us to join him and his crew for a voyage around private islands, and we returned at sunset.
Many choices,
Few Choices.
We were where we wished to be instead of dreaming of somewhere else because the place was better than the dreams.
Fresh air felt like an angel's kiss.
Suddenly, we were in the light again.
Quiet shadows observed the feathered sky.
We awoke from the daydream and heard the veil of ocean on the sides of our yacht with the soft promise of afternoon.
Golden threads wove through time.
We stood still.
Time stood still.
We moved on.
Thank You For Now
This poem is a celebration of the present moment, remembering the best of yesterday and gathering pearls of wisdom for tomorrow.
We need to try to forgive ourselves
When loved ones are gone.
We don't really miss them,
We miss loving them,
We saw them as a reflection of us,
Not as they were.
Sometimes we feel angry
Because we didn't really like them.
Society says we should,
So we create another image.
We were blind to their imperfections
And kind ways.
Now we see them as God sees them.
We are afraid to change,
To forgive,
Hoping positive images will find us.
Those we loved,
And time surrounded by space,
Helped to form our character.
When I am alone in a beautiful mansion,
Or in an abandoned cabin in wooded hills,
I live in the now,
When you were here,
I lived in the future,
Hoping we would soon be together.
I really don't know you.
I thought I did.
The telephone doesn't ring,
And I am grateful for the times
You thought I loved you for you.
Thank you for now.
We need to try to forgive ourselves
When loved ones are gone.
We don't really miss them,
We miss loving them,
We saw them as a reflection of us,
Not as they were.
Sometimes we feel angry
Because we didn't really like them.
Society says we should,
So we create another image.
We were blind to their imperfections
And kind ways.
Now we see them as God sees them.
We are afraid to change,
To forgive,
Hoping positive images will find us.
Those we loved,
And time surrounded by space,
Helped to form our character.
When I am alone in a beautiful mansion,
Or in an abandoned cabin in wooded hills,
I live in the now,
When you were here,
I lived in the future,
Hoping we would soon be together.
I really don't know you.
I thought I did.
The telephone doesn't ring,
And I am grateful for the times
You thought I loved you for you.
Thank you for now.
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