Like Living In The Discovery Channel

It amazes me sometimes how our everyday life can be like living in the Discovery Channel; that is, if we take a little time to really see what is going on around us.  I know that there are times we simply cannot take time to "smell the roses" due to some urgent event or emergency.  On the other hand, on those occasions when you do not find yourself pressed by some deadline or tied up by some unforeseen circumstance, I hope you will occasionally take time to look at what is going on around you.

Just this morning a couple of things happened that made me feel as if I were trapped in a filming of some nature show dealing with birds.  First, as I was driving on a street near my residence I was forced to stop by a stop sign at a T-intersection.  While waiting for traffic to clear, my attention was caught by what appeared to be a bundle of feathers hurtling across the way in front of me.  As I watched I was able to determine that the churning ball of feathers was in fact two mocking birds locked together in what, for mocking birds, must have been semi-mortal combat!  As the two birds clawed and pecked each other, they somehow managed to fly across the street and land on the sidewalk of the house directly in front of the stop sign.  Somehow before landing (or crashing!) the two quarrelers separated, both landing on their feet on the sidewalk.  Then both birds ran nearly side-by-side for a few feet, stopping in front of the single stair that went to the front porch.

I checked behind me to see that no one was waiting to turn, then I continued to watch the mocking birds as a strange thing happened.  The two birds stopped in unison, turned on their heels (umm...I suppose birds have SOMETHING LIKE heels?), and faced each other squarely.  The bird on the left began leaping straight up into the air, not flapping its wings at all.  When this bird stopped, apparently having leaped a sufficient number of times, the bird on the right did the same, leaping straight into the air, apparently "tying" the leaping skills of the first bird.  Not to be outdone, the first (left) mocking bird began a strange "dance" involving only its neck and head.  The dance consisted of strange movements, cocking and bobbing of the head, that were quite reminiscent of our own "walk like an Egyptian" dances.  This went on for about thirty seconds, at which time the second mocking bird then advanced a similar performance.

Once again I glanced behind me.  Luckily no cars were waiting so I continued to watch the mocking bird hoe down.  Unfortunately the show was at end.  Apparently the "Egyptian Dance" was the "make it or break it" contest, with the bird on the left being the "champion."  Although I, with mere mortal (and male!) eyes could discern no difference in the two birds' dancing skills, the outcome was obvious to victor and vanquished.  The victorious mocking bird strutted toward the loser, chirped or something, and the second bird turned and flew away.  I am not sure what the victorious bird "won" because as soon as the defeated one flew away, so did our champion.  I have to say that this strange ritual was so unexpected for me that I neglected to grab my camera to record it.  Snapps! as my daughter would say.  I have only seen this event once in my life, and I may well never see it again.  But if I DO, that camera will be turned on pronto!!

So, thrilled at what I had seen, but disappointed that I had not "filmed" it, I drove on to my residence.  Upon arrival, how could I know that I was about to be graced with another bird show?  But it happened!  My neighbor, two doors and one bird nest over, is the Sparrow Family.  Although neither of us have been to the other's home, we have shared a few special moments over the past nesting season.  Today, though, I once again saw a ritual I have never witnessed, although I have heard of it, and I know it happens to all birds that reach bird-age.  It is the day when the parent birds have to exercise "tough love" by kicking the children out of the nest.  Poor mothers and fathers everywhere, I can sympathize with you, and with Mr. and Mrs. Sparrow as well, when it comes to having to empty the nest.

The first thing that caught my attention was Mr. Sparrow sitting on the eave of the roof, and the three young Sparrow children perched beside him.  Then I saw the fourth Sparrow child, who was making quite a little noise.  This child Sparrow was somehow clinging to the side of the building and trying to get through the hole in the wall to its old, familiar nest.  But blocking the wall was Mrs. Sparrow, who was making an angry, scolding sound, while giving, what was I suppose, a very harsh look to her birdling.  But what really caught my attention was that the mother sparrow had her tail feathers spread in similar fashion to the way a male peacock opens his colorful tail fan.  Unfortunately however, the sparrow was using her tail feathers to block the entrance to the Sparrow residence.  Try as he might, the young Sparrow child could not get past its mother.

As I watched this inevitable ceremony, I had to wonder to myself whether it was possible that birds, on their level, have some sort of feelings, such as sadness.  I had to wonder if the mother sparrow felt some gnawing at her heart as she forced the little sparrow to seek shelter elsewhere.  For you see, Mr. and Mrs. Sparrow would return to this nest next year, as they had this spring and at least one spring before.  This was their home.  The Sparrow children would have to find nests of their own.  But I noticed something else, as well.  One of the Sparrow children that had been seated near Mr. Sparrow while all this was going on suddenly flew to the ridge of the roof of our building. The bird then began exploring the various nooks and crannies, apparently in search of a new nesting or resting place.  The the fourth sparrow baby had finally left the entrance to the nest and was now perched near its father.  Mrs. Sparrow still stood at the threshold of the Sparrow Residence, lately emptied of its younger occupants. 

Mr. and Mrs. Sparrow have not had a totally rosy summer with their children.  The month of June was unusually hot (okay, it was about PAR for Midland).  During the hottest part of that month, one of the Sparrow children died.  I suspected it was due to the heat, but I really don't know.  In any case, the Sparrows raised their remaining children, and in due time taught them to fly.  Now, I suppose today was that "due time" in which sparrow parents everywhere must force this year's supply of children out, so that there will be room next year for the new crop. 

So I was treated by nature to two exciting glimpses of what goes on in the world around us.  The two mocking birds were engaged in what was, to me a comical and entertaining display of antics, but what must have been a serious matter for the two birds.  Perhaps the "losing" bird was forever vanquished from the particular house and yard.  The Sparrow children learned the hard way that they were now on their own, and I felt some sympathy for them, and for their parents.  Yet I noticed also that their father was perched on the rooftop with them.  Yes, they would have to make a new life for themselves, but their parents would see them through the newness of it.  It was a somewhat sad event, but so full of adventure and hope as well, for the newly released sparrows.  I counted myself blessed for having seen these things today, and for the reminder to take time to notice the world, not just human busyness.

Austin On A Thursday Or UNISEX RESTROOMS HIT UT!!!!

I embarked on a sudden and unexpected trip to Austin, leaving West Texas last evening, then overnighting at my mother's residence.  Early this morning my SO and I drove into Austin.  I can assure you that MUCH has changed since I was last here.  Our destination was the University of Texas, where SO was to attend a work-related conference.  My job was to drive and wait, then drive again this evening.  That was alright with me, as I wanted to see Austin again.  I believe the last time I was actually "in" Austin was probably in the late 1990's, with the exception of a trip to Houston in 2006 or so.  On that trip, however, we were in a hurry and did not stray off of Highway 290. 

Be that as it may, upon reaching Austin this morning, I found that of course all the highways were totally changed, with new exits and overpasses galore.  Even the Tom Tom was intimidated by the "progress" made with the highways over the past two decades.  I was pleased with some of the change, though.  For instance, it was very easy for this tourist to reach the UT campus.  The Tom Tom regained its compusure after we left I-35 and got on Highway 45 or Loop 45, or whatever it is.  Then straight to Burnet Road.  A tourist friendly drive, it was.

Needless to say, after such a drive from the backwoods of Coryell County to the Austin metroplex, I had to seek UT's "facilities" right away.  This was all taking place in the Commons, by the way.  I sprinted through the Commons Cafe and located the Men's Room in the not-too distant distance.  As I approached the Men's Room, I had no idea the surprise awaiting me via signage posted near the restroom door.  I kid you not, there is a sign next to the doorway advising the "needy" person that, in addition to the men's and women's rooms, there is also available a UNISEX restroom nearby!  UNISEX RESTROOM?!!

I was actually in too desperate straits to explore the Unisex restroom, which was located in some distant area of the building.  But as I availed myself of the MEN'S facitlity, I began to ponder the implications of the Unisex restroom.  For instance...are there URINALS in the unisex restroom?  Are there stalls only?  Are there stalls AT ALL?!  I suppose UT is a progressive campus but I did not realize progress had progressed so far!  I realize that in today's world of sexual equality and social acceptance and all, nothing should be really shocking anymore.  I do not know if a unisex restroom is shocking to the world at large, but I was caught off guard.

After completing my business in the Men's Room, I returned to the hallway where I again read the sign concerning the Unisex Restroom.  Oddly enough the Unisex restroom is located near the Commons business office.  Why so far from the "regular" restrooms, I had to wonder. Anyway, I thought about making a trip to the unisex restroom just to see what it was all about, but instead just went to the Commons Cafe and purchased a DP to calm my nerves.  Oops, sorry Nurse Cheryl!  She does not like me to drink DP.  For the most part, I do not drink a lot of DP out of respect for her, but I did resort to this medication this morning.  And no, I did not make that maiden voyage to the Unisex Restroom.

But it turns out the Unisex Restroom sign was not the only sign of interest this morning.  Not at all.  As I was exiting the Men's Room I saw another informative sign.  Yes, the sign was very informative but was a little bit out of place in my opinion.  You see, this sign advised restroom patrons that they should consider the possibility of whether they were pregnant or not.  That's right!  The patrons of the Commons Men's Room should consider the possibility of their pregnancy.  If one IS pregnant, then that person is advised by the sign to remember that consuming alcohol while pregnant COULD BE harmful to the unborn child. 

And here I thought the Unisex Restroom was progressive.  It is really NOTHING compared to the possibility of a bunch of pregnant male UT students running around campus!  I must say this has truly been a day of surprises.  But I fear now for the local beer industry.  I mean, what if a large percentage of UT males get pregnant at the same time?! Sixth Street, brace yourself for the coming crash!

Weak Mexican Government's Only Weapon - Criticize the United States

In recent times, as the (legal) Mexican government has become increasingly frustrated at its futile attempt to curb the violence and death associated with Mexico's "War On Drugs (WOD)," government officials from President Calderon on down have increasingly turned to criticism of the United States as a means of saving official "face."  President Calderon, for instance, continually rails about 1) Texas gun dealers selling firearms to the cartels, or 2) the American appetite for illegal drugs fuelling the drug war in Mexico.  Absent from Mr. Calderon's continual tantrums is any real program for bringing the WOD to some kind of conclusion.  I propose to Mr. Calderon that his government cease buying weapons from various "legitimate"arms dealers until he can clear cartel infiltrators from the armed forces and national police.  Once President Calderon stops the leak of firearms from the government's own arsenals, only then should he rebuke Texas gun dealers for the relatively small percentage of guns that reach the cartels from their shops.

Today various Mexican officials are "condemning" the fatal shooting of a Mexican citizen, allegedly by officers of the United States Border Patrol.  The only account of the shooting comes from the victim himself, who turned up in a Mexican hospital in Matamoros.  The victim stated that he was shot by the Border Patrol.  Although there is as much reason to doubt this account as there is to believe, let us assume for the moment that the person was indeed shot by a Border Patrolman.  It turns out, as a matter of fact, that Border Patrol agents in Brownsville did indeed shoot at a Mexican national the same day that the victim turned up in the Matamoros hospital.  Agents reported that a man they were approaching for questioning suddenly produced a pistol and commenced firing at the officers.  Sure enough, the officers returned fire.  The officers in fact believed the person was hit, but then made his escape across the border into Mexico.

Now, I don't know about you, but when my parents raised me, they taught me to respect police officers.  They also explained to me that many police officers carry firearms.  When someone then either shoots at an officer, attempts to stab an officer, or uses some other means of lethal force against the officer, the officer will generally fire his service weapon toward the offender to stop the use of such lethal force.  I realize that not everyone had parents who explained these things to their children, but I have to believe that by the time a person reaches adulthood, he or she has seen at least one police officer at some point, whether live or on TV.  I have to believe that most people realize that if they attempt to murder an officer, and do not succeed, then nine times out of ten the officer will respond.  Further, I believe that most people figure out, even without their parents' assistance, that the officer in question will most likely respond to a deadly threat by applying deadly force of his own.  There really is not a big surprise here.

The Mexican government, not being raised by my parents, and apparently in spite of the ongoing WOD, has chosen to condemn the United States officers who acted in their own defense.  One official even stated that United States officers were using a "disproportionate amount of deadly force" during border confrontations with Mexican nationals.  I believe these government officials are decrying this incident because they are so frustrated with their disability to curtail violence in Mexico, nor are they making headway against the cartels.  But even in these conditions, Mexican officials should have the character to publicly recognize that officers have a right to defend themselves against deadly force.  Further, they should recognize the hypocrisy in criticizing policemen for defending themselves, given the extreme measures used by federal police and the military against drug dealers throughout Mexico.

I, for one, expect and hope that police officers, of all agencies and in any nation, will continue to use force to protect themselves, including deadly force, if necessary.  I hope that police officers never reach a point that they wonder about legalities and public opinion instead of defending themselves when situations arise in which lethal force is involved.  Knowing that criminals are often armed, I expect and demand that police officers have the equipment at their disposal to protect me and my family against lethal threats.  Accordingly, I hope that Mexican officials will stop trying to divert attention away from their failed WOD by falsely accusing United States law officers of using excessive force when they respond to armed criminals with deadly force.  The Mexican police and military are certainly no strangers to the use of deadly force, killing hundreds of armed criminals each year.  President Calderon and his officials must recognize that their inability to effectively execute in the WOD does not mean that officers in the United States will allow themselves to become victims of Mexico's dangerous criminals.  Mexican officials must also recognize that their constant whining and tantrums are not solving their problems, but only alienating their allies across the Rio Grande.

Independence Day 2012

It is that time of year again, time to celebrate the day the rebellious British colonists in America declared their independence from the oppressive English crown.  After a war that went on for eight years (sounds like a couple of recent wars?), two things happened.  The British government, and especially the British people, tired of the war.  The expense of fighting an overseas war was bringing down the national economy, and the people were sick of losing their loved ones in a war that just never seemed to end.  Secondly, the rebels had won a few significant battles, thus gaining the support of the French in the continuing war effort.  Given all of these factors, the British felt it was in their best interest to stop the conflict.  Nonetheless, the rebellious colonists, now citizens of the new United States of America, had won a great victory against all the odds.

Now, in 2012, as it is time to celebrate the anniversary of this great nation's Independence Day, it is truly ironic and outrageous that our service men and women are fighting and dying in foreign lands for the rights and liberties of oppressed peoples (a most noble cause) while here at home American citizens are almost daily losing more and more civil liberties as our government grows evermore powerful.  This huge institution feeds on itself, and growing ever larger, invades each and every aspect of our personal lives.  Further, we as American citizens are among the highest-taxed people in all the world.  I feel almost certain that if our forefathers, the victors of Valley Forge, were here today they would have long ago availed themselves of our government, with its out of control taxes, and now its blatant disregard of the very document that gave it birth back in 1776.

I hope everyone has a great celebration tomorrow with friends and loved ones.  I hope we all remember the heroes who founded this nation, who fought and died to be free.  I hope we will remember those people, a few years later, who once again fought the British in 1812, winning our freedom from the Crown for all time.  But once the celebrations are over, the fireworks exploded all over the nation, I hope we will all go to work to win back our freedom that our own government has taken from us, especially after the tragic and criminal events of 9/11/01.  Our government, through George Bush II, forced on us the so cruelly named USA PATRIOT Act that robbed us of so many rights which are STILL protected by the United States Constitution.  Later, President Barack Obama, so hailed by the people and so heralded by himself to be the president of hope and change, has himself taken every opportunity to further the erosion of our civil rights and civil liberties, through his executive orders and the despicable National Defense Authorization Act.  But remember, my friends, these two men did not act alone to take away our liberty, nor COULD they have done so alone.  Remember, all of us, that our so-called REPRESENTATIVES, that is our Senators and Congressmen, not only failed to protect us from the tyrannical actions of these two failed presidents, but furthered the erosion of our liberty by passing these terrible laws and their extensions later on.

After the food is gone, the fun and games are over, and we have returned to our daily lives, I hope that we will educate ourselves as to what is going on.  We should demand of our political representatives that these liberty-stealing laws be repealed.  Failing that, we should let our representatives know that they are not long for the offices they hold.  With the next election, we should let our voices be heard by voting only for those who will truly support liberty.  Unfortunately, we only have two viable choices for the office of President of the United States.  The current President has been shown to be a true enemy of our Constitution and our personal liberty.  The Republican candidate initiated an Obama-like health care plan in his own state.  It is likely that we could expect more of the same from him.  So he is not an especially palatable "alternative" to Obama, but at least he is not violently and openly unpatriotic to this great nation.  Still, it will be tough for many people to vote against Obama, simply because he is the Democrats' choice, no matter his blatant disloyalty to this nation.  But I hope as many as can will sacrifice their loyalty to the Democratic party and instead join with other Americans in the effort to remove this most unpatriotic President from an office he never deserved in the first place.

God Bless America