Quit Anthropomorphizing Everything

                                                               The Common Bobcat
The Bobcat and Caracal Story

 I really haven't given a great deal of thought to the plight of the abandoned circus animals and misunderstandings between humans and betwixt man and beast since reading  John Irving's "Avenue of Mysteries". Wherein a profoundly deprived 'Dump Child', Lupe with a medical condition is revered for her uncanny insights.  Unfortunately, she tests her supernatural gifts and is eaten by an abused circus lion. The lion simply did not understand anger transference issues. Nor, did it appreciate human cognition.

My only personal experiences with wild animals occurred when I was six years old. A wealthy eccentric couple in Belmont Heights near St. Barts mistakenly cut loose an ocelot pet. Thus ending my expensive and protective private grammar school education.

The only other slightly remarkable experience with wildlife occurred with my older son Mark when he was around three-years old. We visited the Japanese Deer Park near Knotts Berry Farm. The park invited children and their parents to an enclosed pen to feed the deer. Inside the pen was an old fashioned bubble gum dispenser that contained deer treats for a quarter.

As I turned the handle after placing the quarter in the machine the noise triggered a deer stampede. I was able to put Mark on my shoulders until the caretakers arrived and we were transported to an emergency hospital where I was treated for a broken toe and other minor abrasions. By the way, you can't do much to treat a hairline fracture of the big toe--it just hurts for weeks.  Subsequently, the deer park was shut down for health reasons and lack of funds.  
 
Okay, so back to present. I renewed my interest in the exotic pet problem yesterday when I watched  the above linked caption of National Geographic Wild, The Grumpy Bobcat and Caracal. It's about  two abandoned old and grumpy exotic pets who became pals, (sort of ). Sweet story until the grumpy de-clawed bobcat got a little too weird due to age-related illnesses and the grumpy de-clawed caracal resorted to his wild animal instincts and freaked out on him. Because that's what wild animals do.

That's why people who buy or trade in exotic animals are the scum of the earth.  Please consider donating to verified worthy causes for the protection of abused wild animals and to stop the exotic trade market.

DON'T CRY WOLF--State of Washington v. Trump

                                                            Lesson of the Day

The Executive Order halting visas and entry by seven predominately Muslim nations' citizens from entry to the USA is judicially restrained temporarily, pending hearings for a permanent injunction. The U.S. Court of Appeals unanimously and unequivocally denied the Executive Branch request for Stay of the U.S. District Court's temporary retraining order.

Stay Denied, Yes, we have jurisdiction, Yes, the states of Washington and Minnesota have standing. Yes, the President's executive orders are reviewable by the Courts in matters pertaining to their constitutionality  No Stay, the executive branch has not shown irreparable harm nor demonstrated it will prevail on the merits.

Agility vs Mobility

             

                                   Aaron Rodgers-Green Bay Packers Quarterback-Credit Wiki

It's freezing outside today, we've had a cold snap that dumped snow and freezing conditions in Montana-good for the skiers next week, not so much for people with muscle and joint issues. 

Most of my writer friends from AC/Yahoo know what it's like to get dumped, we did have a good time while it lasted and many are still pals on Facebook. So, in keeping with what inspires us, that being the nuance of language and usage: What is the difference between "agility vs mobility" in describing physical abilities. 

This query came up while I watched the Green Bay versus Chicago being played in Chicago. The outside temperature is about 10-degrees and as most of my friends know--Chicago cold is brutally cold and damp. 

I commented that Aaron Rodgers, currently having some calf problems, a hamstring injury and other players might be having some "agility" problems playing in these blistering weather conditions. In the Fox News half-time report, Howie Long, former NFL Raider's super star and commentator, stated the players were having some "mobility" issues playing in the weather conditions. Mr. Long is an expert, but he doesn't have the deep understanding of language as one of his former team mates, Bobby Chandler who sat in front of me in a Uniform Commercial Code class many moons ago. 

So, being naturally curious I looked up the differences between the two words.  So giving credit where credit is due, I refer everyone to physical trainer, Erik Korem blogspot. 

Erik's explanation of the differences between mobility and agility provide a good starting point for a discussion on the subject. It appears you can have both mobility and agility issues playing in frigid weather, but I favor agility as applied to Aaron Rodger's calf injury and hamstring concern.

 



 
 

Visit Canyon Ferry Lake 2016: Clear and Bluer than Blue

                                      click link   Canyon Ferry Lake--August 21, 2016 (photo credit MAS)


If you are thinking about a getaway in the late summer or fall 2016--check out Canyon Ferry Lake, Montana. This year we have been blessed with an algae-free swimming, fishing and recreational opportunities.

There are numerous day campgrounds, Court Sheriff is one of my favorites. Enjoy a day of fishing with boat ramps available; some with a fee and others free. In addition, there are private and public facilities available, but call first to make sure there is a space that fits your needs.

We stopped by the somewhat recently established Norwegian Wood & Highlander Bar & Grill.

                                                                   

                                                           Scottish Highlander Example 
 
As most locals will tell you the golf and restaurant was the Mickey Mouse Ranch owned by Harold and Carmen Poulsen. We spent many enjoyable spring days watching the Scottish Highland calves.    I hadn't been back since they sold their Mickey Mouse Ranch. The Poulsons spent some 53 years making things nice and having one heck of a good time together.

Harold Poulson passed away on the very same day of my return on August 21, 2016. He was 90 years young.What a wonderful life Carmen and Harold enjoyed.

Mary Anne Simpson's Somewhat Perfect Day In Photos

                                         Bicycle Tower Outside Cinemark 8 Theater

Jason Bourne did not disappoint.  There's a good chance we will see him again sometime. Hopefully sooner than the last time we met up.

 Loving these interesting coffee drinks @Starbucks and super customer service.                                                   

                                             
Fish Tacos with Kate & Gracie and a new hat & necklace.

A big shout out to all my friends and families on Facebook who took the time to wish me a joyful day.  Thanks to my brother for the funny card and Mark for the always enjoyable phone call.  I'm looking forward to a weekend meetup with Derek, Kaitlyn and Harlow.

Thanks Canada for the cold snap and the beautiful rain.  I was hoping it would rain all day. but as a nightcap it will do. Lastly, thank you John Irving for writing Avenue of Mysteries.
                                                    

Boston Strong - Carole King & James Taylor - "Up on the Roof" - LIVE

Don't Throw That Rock--It May Be A Collector's Item

Larry Eichhorn, (Montana Standard Photo)

Montana is called the "Treasure State", but who knew it is home to a variety of fossilized sea creatures such as nautilus, clams, coral and star fish. Some 250 to 450 million years ago Montana like most of the region was covered by a shallow inland sea.

Recently, I attended the Helena Mineral, Gem and Fossil Show. The price of admission for adults was a mere $2.00, but the education and fun was worth a ticket to Disneyland.  The Helena Mineral Society hosted the event with contributors from around the state.  The hands on panning for garnets and other crystals cost 50 cents. Additionally, the society members offered an in depth discussion of the history and identification of various rocks and crystals. Including sapphires, agates, garnets and many more.

Montana offers families the opportunity to get outside and enjoy its rich geological history. The Montana Standard Newspaper shared the story of Larry Eichhorn, known as fossil man. It is a great read so please click on the link. For more information about Montana's paleontology and geological
history check out Wikipedia Montana Paleontology.

Spring is here in Montana and the weather is fine. If you are looking for a great place to travel the by ways and back roads in search of some mighty fine rocks--Think Montana.

Links for Montana: Geology.com