Consider this question objectively if possible; how much appreciation, or elevation in carvings * and/or ceremonies, should be attributed to ‘killer whales‘ correctly known as Orcas? Perhaps at the top of the marine food chain, they prey on salmon, birds, seals, whales (especially young ones), and notably, even Great White Sharks!
True they are marvelous marine creatures. But it should not be overlooked; these apex creatures are the true killers of the sea! They bond in social networks and hunt much as wolfs do. Its been factually recorded they have ‘surgically extracted’ the highly fat rich liver out of Great White Sharks, of course leaving them to die, such is their amazing capability!
It’s typical for human media to highlight the beauty and grace of such large marine mammals, perhaps simply because they are more readily available and photogenic than others, otherwise known as the news ‘glamor’ factor.?
Interestingly they have now begun to target boats, and had some success at sinking at least one so far!
Without a doubt all other life on earth benefits human life in one way or another, as unappreciated as that may be. But only the Creator of all the diverse and beneficial life, marine or otherwise, actually deserves our adoration and accreditation; not birds, not marine animals, not unseen spirits, but only the Great Spirit and Creator of all life is truly deserving of our worship!
* I hasten to add that ‘worship’ is not, and was not, the intended purpose of pole carvers, as was so wrongly judged by Christendom in the past!
And that said, please take note of a scriptural passage relating to worship: “Therefore, since we are the children of God, we should not think that the Divine Being is like gold or silver or stone, like something sculptured by the art and design of humans*, True, God has overlooked the times of such ignorance; but now he is declaring to all people everywhere that they should repent.” (Acts 17:29,30)
There is no doubt the Taliban, now taken control in Afghanistan, are even more convinced that God is on their side! How very typical this is of humans throughout all of history, no matter how great or small the ruling empire may have been, or how many people they ruled over, Babylonians, Assyrians, Egyptians, Romans, British or American, just to name a few, all share this one religious thought; ‘God is on OUR side!’
Well I’ve got news for all forms of national sovereignty* the one and only true God and father of mankind Himself declares he is ‘not on your side‘! Not yesterday, not today, not ever!
The real distinction to be made is ‘claims to have God on YOUR side’, rather than being ‘ON SIDE WITH God’!
How can this be said? Of course the historical failures of virtually all human governments confirms this fact, but please read on;
First; consider the universally admitted fact that ‘we’ (namely all mankind) ‘are imperfect.’ If anyone doubts this basic truth please raise your hand!?
Second; similarly, why would God, our heavenly Father, support continuous changes of imperfect human governments, much less never ending wars and conflicts between them?
Third; as mentioned, if God actually supported a particular human government, why have not one of them successfully brought lasting ‘peace and security’ to its subjects , much less fair and equitable distribution of material benefits to its subjects, no matter how long it lasted!?
No ‘the jury is not out’. The plain fact is God has set an unalterable agenda for establishing ‘His’ rulership (i.e. sovereignty)! One government that will rule the entire earth. The Kingdom Jesus said we should pray for as recorded in the Bible at Matthew 6:10 *. Jesus himself being the King designate of that kingdom (a.k.a. government).
For 3.5 years Jesus demonstrated his exceptional love and miraculous abilities to heal mankind, claiming to be an ambassador and messenger from the Creator!
He left no doubt his designated rulership will bring true peace and security for all who adopt it. Any who willfully oppose it will simply be no more, that is God’s purpose, not support for imperfect unqualified human governments
* ‘Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10 KJV)
‘..the wicked will be no more…..But the meek will possess the earth and find exquisite delight in the abundance of peace…the righteous will possess the earth and they will live forever on it. (Psalm 37:10,11,29 NWT)
“Nationalism is an infantile disease. It is the measles of mankind.” Albert Einstein
You truly are God’s necklace of gold
a glorious jewel ever so bold
granting us light to clearly behold
Timing all life controlled by thee
serving earth’s nature ever so free
your sunsets artfully decorate trees
more lessons beyond what we can see
Please note; There never has, and never will be, an evolutionary jump, gradual or otherwise, from one genetic ‘kind’ to another!
I know that probably isn’t what you’ve been taught, or what the general media promotes, but I truly believe reasonable people will at least have serious doubts after considering some factual evidence.
For example; there has never been, nor ever will be, a ‘beneficial’ mutation!
Think about it; mutations, animal or vegetable, always result in degradation of some kind. Mutations simply do not result in improvements, period. In simple terms a mutation is a damaged DNA gene, causing defects or illness. And even though the theory of evolution dictates there has to have been millions of them to produce some significant change in life forms, there is simply no evidence this ever happened, not even one, except in science fiction such as ‘Mutants’ movies!
On the other hand there’s a a very natural and normal process called ‘entropy’! Entropy is literally thebreaking down to ‘disorder’ from something that is ‘ordered’. This applies to inanimate objects as well as animate (living) cells. Think about what would happen to your car if you were to park it in a farmers field and do nothing to it for years. In time it would deteriorate and eventually be reduced to little more than basic elements.
With living cells the same natural process is simply called aging (or ageing). Remember the Eagles song ‘All We Are Is Dust In The Wind’? Even better stated in scripture; “For dust you are and to dust you will return.” (Genesis 3:19)
The same principle applies to any living creature born with an abnormality, not withstanding the help of modern medical science. A defect will not and cannot be an improved version of any particular kind, much less be a ‘stepping stone’ to becoming an entirely ‘different’ kind of creature!
Indeed, all biological creatures, human or animal age, (atrophy) and die, returning to dust just the same as physical objects eventually do.
This is science fact, not fiction, and it cannot be ignored. Yet that is what is done by those advocating evolution.
To further demystify this theory; within the dog ‘family’, there are a great variety of animals, all related, from foxes to wolves to jackals and coyote’s, besides a countless number of domestic dog’s. Great diversity within the dog family for sure, and all genetically linked. Yet at no time has a ‘dog kind’ of animal ever been a ‘bird kind’, a ‘fish kind’, or an ‘insect kind’ of creature, or vice versa, except in human imagination!
This must not be confused with the well proven capability of most life forms to adapt to environmental conditions, so please ‘read my lips’….
‘Adaptation is not evolution!’ It simply does not result in a stepping stone or so-called big jump change to a different family kind of creature!
A good example is Darwin’s own observation of Finches. He noted there was a change in the size and shape of bird beaks as they ‘adapted to different food sources‘. But that ‘natural adaptation’ does not begin to support evolutionary changes from a bird kind of creature to some other kind!
Variations in each ‘family kind’ are often confused by the human designation of ‘species’. For example a wolf and a fox terrier may be regarded as different species, as categorized by anthropologists etc, but that does not make them different ‘family kinds’ of animal. The same is true of black or gray squirrels, varieties of moths, or even the 10,000 ‘species’ of birds!
In other word, differentiating creatures as different species does not necessarily separate them genetically, they may simply be a member of their own ‘family kind’. Describing animals within each ‘family kind’ as different ‘species’ merely tends to obfuscate reality.* Separation of family kinds by this arbitrary and often confusing method is a little like classifying basketball players as different from each other because they play on different teams, wearing different colored shorts!
The point is that there has never been fundamental changes within each and every ‘family kind’ so as to become a member of a ‘different family kind’.
And that includes us humans. For example; Asian, Caucasian, Negroid, Germanic, et al, are all simply members of ‘human kind’. All are of the very same genetic pool, not different ‘species’. Evolutionists designations not withstanding, humans are not, and never have been, part of the ape family kind, or any other family kind of creature.
Recent genome studies are adding more proof of this every day. Humans and apes are simply unrelated, that is a science fact.**
Therefore please do not be misled by a confusing and completely unsupported theory. So-called ‘transitional’ human artifacts, namely bits and pieces of bone which likely could be contained in a single travel trunk, and do not even begin to support the idea of millions of years of so called ‘dead ends’ as required by this theory, or its many variations. Evolutionary theories, based on the mythical idea of ‘millions of years’ of mutations has been so frequently revised and re-worked is not even just a single unified theory anymore.
No matter how many millions of year’s are suggested, basic well-proven scientific principals apply, and those principles completely contradict evolution. It will always remain just a theory no matter how frustrating that is for its advocates.
Frankly, in my view, the main proponents are those who are too proud to accept the obvious… namely; all life on earth, animal and vegetable, is so highly complex and detailed that it simply could not be other than the product of a power and intelligence far beyond our human understanding, well known in most cultures as the ‘Creator‘.
Creation, often described as ‘mother nature’, should not be marginalized by theories which attempt to undermine the glory and beauty of our blue marble planet, and especially not its wise, supremely intelligent Creator.
Indeed all life on earth, including ‘mankind’, gives abundant evidence of an awesome Creator, the one who made “each one according to its kind” so that everything was “very good”. (please read Genesis, chapter 1, in the holy Bible).
But if you are still in doubt, please view this very revealing Youtube video. If your not convinced of ‘divinity’ after seeing what this Mathematician has to say, there is nothing more to be said!
** International science team concludes; “During the last decade it was commonly accepted that humans and…. chimpanzees, only differed by 1.24 % in our DNA sequences. This (new) discovery shows that this figure is absolutely incorrect and, what is more, may be ten times higher.” Also; “Humans and primates are qualitatively different.” (extract from 2009 study), click here for… 2009 science team report
For views of a DNA scientist, visit my post: ‘Evolution vs Intelligent Creation’
Noted quotation: “The first gulp from the glass of natural sciences will make you an evolutionist, but at the bottom of the glass God is waiting for you.” Werner Heisenberg (father of Quantum Mechanics.)
There exists a symbiotic relationship between humans and animals. We only need to hear heartfelt, passionate, experiences of pet owners to confirm this truth! That we share genetics, perhaps even physical features in some cases, with other living creatures on earth is undeniable.* And who has not been humored by similarities, even resemblances to human characteristics in many plants and animals, including marine animals? (Bird of Paradise; Orchid Owl; and many more are not a fake pictures)
Humorous similarities in nature may contribute to belief in evolution. But is such reasoning the ‘only’ logical conclusion possible? I invite you to consider an alternative line of reasoning.
Consider famous artists, like Van Gogh, Michelangelo, or Leonardo Da Vinci. It doesn’t even take an expert to identify their particular works of art. Experts, or even qualified laymen can readily identify their distinctive style, subject matter, canvass, brush strokes, techniques and more!
I submit for your consideration, that, similarly, all life on earth is likewise a perfectly identifiable product of a single creative Artist! His distinctive style, brush strokes, and ‘living subjects’, being easily recognizable throughout the earth.
In fact, DNA of ALL life, greatly adds to the credibility of this line of reasoning! More and more it has been revealed that genetic building blocks of DNA are, not only common, but ‘nearly identical’ to all other life forms. Amazingly, all life on earth is based on the very same DNA constructs!
This is far different from the concept each individual life form is an accidental result of some unknown force of necessity. It is not an over-simplification to say that, to the extent that geneticists have been so far able to analyze DNA/RNA, only minor differences account for all the diversity of life on earth!
Yes we all share a very common basic makeup, from man to plants and animals! Simple comparisons might be an auto assembly line producing many different models of cars using the very same construction methods, or Lego blocks used to build an unlimited number of designs. Of course the building DNA strands of life are immeasurably more complex than those simple examples! *
The point is, just as works produced by famous artists clearly identify those creative geniuses, fundamental makeup of all life forms on earth provides a major identifying mark for a singular, incomparable, Artist-Creator! For more detailed DNA information go to my post: Evolution vs Creation.
With all that said, there are distinct differences between humans and all other forms of life on earth. As the ultimate Artist-Sculptor he’s made mankind the ‘apex production’ of his earthly works, how? By generously granting humans qualities in his very own likeness!You might say we are, spiritually, his self-portrait in love, wisdom, justice, and power!
Clearly every form of life has unique features, abilities, and appearances to it alone. Yet we need to acknowledge human capabilities exceed all other life forms on earth. For example; ‘conscience; and free will’!
While those exceptional and unique characteristics have been suppressed and eroded by the many adverse conditions today, there is no denying they do exist from the day we are born. And when properly trained they provide a supreme separation from the animal kingdom granted by our Artist-Creator.
In conclusion I want to emphasize the known common fundamental makeup of all life on earth provides strong evidence of an awesome ‘Artistic Creator‘ **. One who not only designed endless forms of life using genetic programming only beginning to be understood by mankind, but described by scriptural inspiration literally thousand of years before modern discovery! ** At the same time he’s granted humans superior attributes in His very own likeness, plus a free will to develop them!
Contributed comment:
“It is interesting that in some basic ways all animal creation follows a closely designed formula with overlapping characteristics. Eat, drink, eliminate, cohabit, bring forth offspring, etc., yet humans are several notches above… and consciously worship, design, plan, innovate, improve, etc. Is life on earth designed? Only the uninformed would say no! What about our future,… only the uninformed would say it has been left to chance in the hands of problematic human creations that seem to not recognize limits…”
* e.g. a mere teaspoon of DNA has a nearly ‘infinite’ data storage capacity!
** “Your eyes even saw me as an embryo; All its parts were written in your book Regarding the days when they were formed, Before any of them existed.” (Psalm 139:16)
Ergo: “For his invisible qualities are clearly seen from the world’s creation onward, because they are perceived by the things made, even his eternal power and Godship, so that they are inexcusable.” (Romans 1:20)
Please visit JW.org for more encouraging scriptural information!
I’d like to address an issue that I believe has confused many of us, namely; ‘does the well-proven age of dinosaur’s support the theory of evolution?’
If this issue hasn’t confused you, good for you! However, as a result of colorful media, e.g. ‘planet of the apes’ etc. there may very well be a large percentage of the population who are, at the least, confused about this matter.
If that is the case with you, please allow me to shed some light on this subject. First of all, the age of the dino’s is certainly a well-proven fact. A great many fossils present a fascinating picture of what a great variety of creatures, large and small, may have looked like, even if much of that evidence has led to controversies as to their appearance, form, or functions, such as whether they were predators, grazers, or whatever.
And yet as interesting as they are, and their past existence indisputable, according to experts in the field, The dinosaurian paradise ended some 60 million years ago.
interestingly, no one can point to any ‘transitional’ creatures either prior-to or after their existence among the fossil record either. What do I mean by that?
Very simply put, there is no evidence of ‘evolving, mutating, or experimental’ creatures, in other words creatures that were ‘dead-ends’. as would most certainly have to be the case in uncounted millions if a blind evolutionary process was responsible for either bringing them into existence, nor afterward over millenniums of time!
The general belief is that their demise was due to a meteor striking the earth and triggering a massive environmental change.
In fact, just as we see separate and distinct ‘kinds’ of living creatures today; mammals; birds; fish; and insects; all of which appear ‘suddenly’ in the fossil records, the very same was true of the dinosaurs. Just as with the dinosaur age, there remains not just one ‘missing-link’ but virtually millions of ‘missing-links’ that would have to have occurred in order to support the idea of evolution. In short the evidence of that kind of process is completely absent.
But I digress from the point of this blog, so allow me to specify it; not only does the existence of dinosaur’s in no way support the pseudo scientific theory of evolution, neither does it support the idea of ‘simultaneous’ existence of ‘modern man’- no matter how stretched and fractured that theory has become since Chuck Darwin introduced it.
The distinct and well-defined Dinosaur Age is dated as having existed at the earliest about 60 million years ago, ‘long before’ the very sudden appearance of bones of so-called ‘modern man’. Of that there is little or no dispute at all.
This means there has never been, and never can be, the slightest connection between the dinosaur age and humankind, no matter how much that idea has been imagined. That gap simply cannot be filled by the fossil record or by any other means, Its just that simple.
To summarize; there is simply no support for a connection between dinosaurs and mankind by evolution or otherwise!
While there is no denying the reasons ‘why’ dinosaurs existed or were created, the answer may lie in present day beneficial resources being exploited as a possible result of their existence and demise, but that is speculation only.
One thing for sure; the appearance of both dinosaurs, and ‘modern’ man seems very purposeful even though well separated in time, in other words neither of these events were accidental!
Its my hope this post might at least assuage the mythical ideas presented for public consumption by the entertainment media, such as ‘cave-men’ and such like.
For a very thorough scientific analysis of ‘Evolution vs Creation‘ please visit this post!
Is it possible for our puny human brain to actually be in touch with the Creator of all things? Arguably its a question philosophers and thoughtful people have struggled with since the beginning of written history.
For instance speaking of human history, year after year archeological discoveries confirm entire ancient civilizations now being uncovered in South America and elsewhere were ‘primarily’ based on worship of an all powerful god in one form or another!
In truth its simply no exaggeration to say there is an innate desire in all humanity to communicate with a supreme Creator! And with limited knowledge, many societies have conferred this desire on objects of wood, stone, or the stars, in the vain hope they would be heard and benefit therefrom.
Is so-called ‘modern man’ really so different? Or is technology filling that very same role today? Its a fair question considering how much focus of attention is given to it in all its material forms, from smart phones to orbiting satellites.
Of course its obvious to thinking people a far, far, superior entity does exist, which some refer to an unidentifiable ‘first cause’ of all life on earth. Yet ever more true science clearly points to a life-giving Creator of all genetic forms. Generations of observant mankind observe abundant visible evidence of this.*
Indeed this belief is also backed up by inspired ‘prophetic scriptures’ that provide positive reinforcement of that evidence, in spades! For just one example about 300 specific Bible prophecies describing the life of Jesus hundreds of years earlier were completely fulfilled down to the letter!
Can it therefore be said there is solid evidence to base real hope and belief on other than lifeless wood or stone; effigies; icons; paintings; and, yes, technology, but rather on an invisible all-wise and loving spiritual God who cares for us!
Albert Einstein epithet; “Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind.” [Science, Philosophy and Religion]
In fact scientific confirmation is being added every day, consider this….and keep in mind this was written thousands of years before DNA confirmed it;
“Your eyes even saw me as an embryo; All its parts were in your book Regarding the days when they were formed, Before any of them existed.“(Psalm 139:16 NWT Bible) Hebrew a scripture written by King David.
Another example; “He (God) stretches out the northern sky over empty space, Suspending the earth upon nothing” (Job26:7 NWT Bible)Again, recorded scripture written thousands of years before space travel confirmed this fact, during a time when most of mankind believed the earth stood on on the back of a turtle or an elephant or had some other ignorant idea!
These are just a couple of examples of the accuracy and authenticity of inspired holy Bible.As if simple observation of all life and newly understood ecological systems on planet earth were not enough in and of themselves!
Furthermore, he has promised to restore this sadly damaged planet to its optimal condition, including all mankind…. “….he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” And the One seated on the throne said: “Look! I am making all things new.” Also he says: “Write, for these words are faithful and true.”(Revelation21:3-5)
“He is the Maker of the earth by his power, The One who established the productive land by his wisdom And who stretched out the heavens by his understanding.” (Jeremiah51:15)
Please visit JW.org for much more news and information a free study of the Bible, you’ll never regret it!
Isn’t it exciting to hear there may be earth-like planets, namely those that orbit suns similar to our own, perhaps even in abundance ‘out there’ in the universe?! Yes, but let’s take a step back and analyze ‘why’ its exciting for a moment.
Could it be that our human emotions are based on hope? What I mean is this; based on human history, (I refer to written history and not speculative pre-history), there have been many technological accomplishments, however, sociologically not so much, or to put it simply, human relations have, for the most part, been an abysmal failure.
Arguably, history has recorded that modern man is pretty much a failure in human relations. For instance when has there ever been an extended period in at least 2000 years that hasn’t included wars, genocides, oppression, atrocities, ad infinitum!
IMHO failures throughout history have engendered a present day ‘faint hope’ that somewhere, somehow, mankind will find relief, or to put it another way, ‘salvation’, from his earthly experience. (I would also submit this is the very basis of the ‘theory’ of evolution.) In other words an attempt to absolve humanity from our blood stained past, and even more so, its present!
Its no secret that the dramatic increase in world population has brought about the prospect of mass-extinction, despite enormous potential for increase… why? In a nutshell; the answer is clearly human mismanagement, be it environmentally, politically, or economically!
But I digress; returning to the aforementioned possible planetary discoveries; what is it that really excites us about them? Isn’t it all about finding relief from our human failures? The vain hope that if there is life on other planets it may somehow point the way to discover or make human life somehow successful, an existence that has eluded us on earth!?
For example, remember the classic Sci-Fi movie “The Day The Earth Stood Still”? An alien galactic envoy arrives to warn scientist and leaders that independent robots were authorized to enforce galactic peace. They were said to be programmed to obliterate any planet who threatened a galactic peace protocol by the misuse of atomic power! (A very human approach no doubt!)
In conclusion, I submit that mankind as a whole is missing the ‘woods for the trees’. What I mean by that is the greatest human to ever live provided us with the way out of our failed human condition, the only sure way to achieve what many are now seeking in the stars.
He told us what to seek, how and where to find it, and the result would be nothing less than everlasting life on a paradise earth! Therefore, shouldn’t that be our primary focus? Because whether we seek it or not, earth is scheduled for exactly that ideal future by its eternal Creator! Indeed, have faith: it really will happen, with, or without, our personal benefit, right here on planet earth!
The media elevates an entertainer’s sad death (eg Gordon Downie and so many others) but are unable to provide any explanation as to ‘why we die’, and/or true consolation!
In fact religious elements shamefully fail to provide the well explained reason for the cause of (natural) death in Scripture *, and/or even worse frequently misrepresent God’s future purpose for all mankind!
In fact God’s plan and ability to provide life after death is not only clearly explained in scripture, but there are numerous well documented cases of resurrection, the greatest of these being that of his son Jesus Christ!
Those grieving the loss of loved ones can read of these examples and find comfort from them. In fact there is abundant evidence a general resurrection ** NO NOT IN HEAVEN BUT RIGHT HERE ON OUR BEAUTIFUL PLANET EARTH! THAT is God’s future purpose for all those who humbly seek his approval, and, owing to his mercy, even those who do not!Their extended future life being determined by future, not past behavior!
*Matthew 5:12 “ That is why, just as through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because they had all sinned.
**Matthew 24:15,16: ” ….. there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.Because of this I always strive to maintain a clear conscience before God and men.”
I’ve touched on this subject before but am compelled to add to it because of ongoing observations. As a senior citizen, I feel very blessed to have been able to observe ‘some’ of nature throughout many years now, without being a back-woods hermit or luddite*.
Though I cannot claim to have been on African Safari’s, or an explorer in deep sea quests, yet from my viewpoint and experience it is utterly obvious that we have only begun to appreciate the complexity and diversity of life on planet earth.
That complexity and diversity of life on earth speaks volumes to me. It says that there is a power and intelligence far beyond human capability, yet still within our capacity to appreciate… if we are humble enough.
Humility is sadly lacking in most of humankind. Philosophers throughout the ages prefer to theorize, even that somehow we may only exist in a dream world. Descortes famously said ‘I think therefore I am!” A complex belief that internal thought and doubt are the only things we can trust. Even today’s science suggests by sheer accidental means we have developed into the ultimate life-form on earth. Even worse, that we are capable of managing our own affairs, and even all other life-forms of the earth wisely. Clearly real facts have proven otherwise!
These assumptions, supported by never-ending, conflicting and unsupported fanciful theories, strikes me as the greatest weakness of our kind, otherwise known as absolute arrogance!
Countless generations of mankind including first nations peoples, have proven beyond a doubt we desperately need superior guidance to manage our affairs in order to care for all life on earth, including the environment. This may well be the simple, primary purpose for mankind’s existence!
Its becoming more obvious to thinking people every day; this unique and beautiful planet was never intended to be managed in isolation from its designer and builder. Isn’t it about time we humbly and respectfully acknowledge that basic truth?**
*luditte: a person opposed to new technology or ways of working.
** He is “the Creator of the heavens, . . . the Former of the earth and the Maker of it.” (Isa 45:18) He is “the Former of the mountains and the Creator of the wind” (Exodus 20:11) and He is “the One who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all the things in them.”
In general the expression ‘over the moon’ means exceptional feelings of course, and many of us share them with NASA today. However the Artemis crew’s views also adds new thoughtful meaning.
Tonight I add to their appreciation by personally observing the stunning beauty of a radiant full moon (May 1st 2026)!
In contrast the visual impressions of the ‘far side’, from all camera views simply show a dull ‘brownish surface material’! To me that ‘dark side’ emphasizes the contrasting nature of ‘our near side‘! How so?
Although still to be verified, there appears to be a reflective surface aspect to ‘our near side’ of the moon that is significantly dissimilar to the dark side. Check this out! *
If so what could this unique ‘reflective‘ surface material be attributed to..? Indeed, what well known feature has the moon always presented for us earthlings? Needless to say it is, and always will be, ‘a shining light‘ * for all mankind
The blanket of fine, loose, fragmental material covering the entire visible surface of the Moon is often called lunar soil, though it lacks the organic content of Earth’s soil it consists of pulverized rock fragments, mineral grains, and tiny glassy particles called agglutinates.” (biology insights)
Yes, I’m suggesting the near side of the moon has been especially designed for us by a grand and loving Creator!
* And God went on to make the two great luminaries, the greater luminary for dominating the day and the lesser luminary for dominating the night, and also the stars. Thus God put them in the expanse of the heavens to shine upon the earth and to dominate by day and by night and to make a division between the light and the darkness. Then God saw that it was good. (Genesis 1:16-18)
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The following excerpt regarding prospects for mars habitation is not related but very interesting:
Exposure to the unmediated Martian environment isn’t just hostile to human beings; it’s immediately lethal. While it may be possible to create a habitable environment on Mars, those habitats would be closer to hermetically sealed space stations or submarines than frontier settlements. (by freelance writer Alan Bradley’s ‘five myths’ about habiting mars)
Just in the USA about 50,000 people died by suicide in 2025, many being youths. How incredibly sad is that!? No doubt prospects for youths and even adults was severely impacted by the Covid-19 virus and variants – just one cause for some to give up on life.
My point in addressing this tragic issue is somewhat related to John Milton’s epic poems; ‘from paradise lost to paradise regained’ * but not entirely…please read on;
No doubt the absence of hope is the root cause of many if not most suicides! Clearly then, what is needed is real hope for the future based on solid facts.
Where can we find such real hope in a world that consistently engenders economic greed; government corruption; destruction of the environment; crime and violence; and the list goes on!?
The promise of ‘a return to paradise’ is a main theme of scripture. And scripture has been proven to be just as reliable as the rising of the sun. How can this be said? To begin with most scripture is recorded history of God’s dealings with man. That being the case, it’s possible to compare the biblical record with the known facts of history. Does it meet that litmus test, indeed it does! In fact many times the previously doubted Bible record has been proven correct when new archaeological and/or other factual historical evidence comes to light.
Indeed scriptures have shamed critics and proven to be accurate beyond any contradiction time and again, including references to known science; for one example the Psalmist said ‘his makeup was written down in a book before he was born’! ** A perfectly clear reference to only recently known DNA! And again, the scriptures refer to the ‘circle of the earth hanging on nothing‘, *** a fact we have only visually confirmed in recent times! But these words were written thousands of years before science confirmed them. Obviously the Bible was ‘inspired’ by the one who created these wonders we have only begun to appreciate!
The answer my friends is ‘written on the wind’, in a manor of speaking. The rotten conditions that exist on our beautiful planet are not in keeping with its purpose at all. **** Little wonder so many people feel hopeless. We naturally and rightly wish for a better world, a united world of mankind living in peace and security with plenty for all! And that is exactly what is promised for those who exercise faith in our Creator’s promise to regain paradise lost!
‘And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the former heaven and the former earth had passed away,’…. ‘And God himself will be with them. And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away’…. ‘And the One seated on the throne said: “Look! I am making all things new.’….’Also he says: “Write, for these words are faithful and true.'(see Revelation 21:1-5)
**** “For too long, we have been waging a senseless and suicidal war on nature. The result is three interlinked environmental crises: climate disruption, biodiversity loss and pollution that threaten our viability as a species.” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres
Curtis & Leroy saw an ad in the Kentville Advertiser Newspaper in
> Kentville, N.S. and bought a mule for $100.
> The farmer agreed to deliver the mule the next day.
> Te following morning the farmer drove up, and said: “Sorry, fellers, I
> have some bad news for you, the mule died last night.”
> Curtis & Leroy replied; “Well then, just give us our money back.”
> The farmer said; ” Can’t do that…I went and spent it already.”
> They said; “Okay then, just bring us the dead mule.”
> The farmer asked; “What in the world ya’ll gonna do with a dead mule?”
> Curtis said; “We gonn’a raffle him off.”
> The farmer said; “You can’t raffle off a dead mule!”
> Leroy said; “We shore can! Heck, we don’t haft’a tell nobody he’s dead!”
>
> A couple of weeks later, the farmer ran into Curtis & Leroy at the Co-Op grocery store and asked: “Say…what’d you fellers ever do with that dead mule?”
> Curis, said; “We raffled him off like we said we wuz gonn’a do.”
> he added; “Shucks, we sold 500 tickets fer two dollars a piece and made a profit of $898.”
> The farmer said; “My Lord, didn’t anyone complain…?”
> Curt is said; “Well, the feller who won was really upset. So we gave him his two dollars back.” Curtis and Leroy now work for the government. They’re overseeing investigation of the Senate and the spending scandal.
This is a re-print of a well-circulated email I received. I do not know the author, but am very impressed with the logic offered, perhaps you will be also…?
By Jason Carlson and Ron Carlson
Is the Bible the Inspired Word of God?
During a question and answer session at a recent speaking engagement, a university student asked me, “Why do you believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God?” Now this is a very interesting question; and probably one of the most important questions any Christian could ask themselves. What is so special, so unique about the Bible that Christians believe it is literally the inspired word of God?
In answering this student’s question, I encouraged him to consider the following facts about the Bible:
First, the Bible is not just one single book. This is a more common misconception than many people realize, especially with people who do not come from a Judeo-Christian background. Rather than being a single book, the Bible is actually a collection of 66 books, which is called the canon of scriptures. These 66 books contain a variety of genres: history, poetry, prophecy, wisdom literature, letters, and apocalyptic just to name a few.
Second, these 66 books were written by 40 different authors. These authors came from a variety of backgrounds: shepherds, fishermen, doctors, kings, prophets, and others. And most of these authors never knew one another personally.
Third, these 66 books were written over a period of 1500 years. Yet again, this is another reminder that many of these authors never knew or collaborated with one another in writing these books.
Fourth, the 66 books of the Bible were written in 3 different languages. In the Bible we have books that were written in the ancient languages of Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic; a reflection of the historical and cultural circumstances in which each of these books were written.
And finally, these 66 books were written on 3 different continents: Africa, Asia, and Europe. Once again, this is a testament to the varied historical and cultural circumstances of God’s people.
Think about the above realities: 66 books, written by 40 different authors, over 1500 years, in 3 different languages, on 3 different continents. What’s more, this collection of books shares a common storyline- the creation, fall, and redemption of God’s people; a common theme- God’s universal love for all of humanity; and a common message- salvation is available to all who repent of their sins and commit to following God with all of their heart, soul, mind and strength. In addition to sharing these commonalities, these 66 books contain no historical errors or contradictions. God’s word truly is an amazing collection of writings!
After I had shared the above facts with this student, I offered him the following challenge: I said to him, “If you do not believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God, if you do not believe that the Bible is of a supernatural origin, than I challenge you to a test.” I said to the student, “I challenge you to go to any library in the world, you can choose any library you like, and find 66 books which match the characteristics of the 66 books in the Bible. You must choose 66 books, written by 40 different authors, over 1500 years, in 3 different languages, written on 3 different continents. However, they must share a common storyline, a common theme, and a common message, with no historical errors or contradictions.” I went on to say, “If you can produce such a collection of books, I will admit that the Bible is not the inspired word of God.” The student’s reply was almost instantaneous, he emphatically stated, “But that’s impossible!”
“But that’s impossible!” It truly is impossible, for any collection of human writings. However, the Bible passes this test. The Bible contains 66 books, written by 40 different authors, over 1500 years, in 3 different languages, on 3 different continents, with no historical errors or contradictions. The entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, bears the mark of Divine inspiration.
The next time you encounter someone who asks you why you believe the Bible is the inspired word of God, try sharing this challenge with them. Better yet, don’t wait until you’re asked, just go ahead and share this challenge with a friend today. You don’t even have to mention the Bible up front, just ask them if they think it would be realistic to assemble such a collection of books. After they say, “But that’s impossible!” you’ve got a ready-made opportunity for sharing the truth of God’s word with somebody!
Supplemental: What did Isaac Newton have to say about the Bible? Click on this link: Isaac Newton on the Bible.
Scientists say we are reaching a tipping point for many of earth’s normal life cycles. What is a tipping point you may ask? It is a point estimated to be where there will no longer be any possibility of natural environmental restoration!
As depressing as the current slide towards a world that is at its ‘tipping point’, amazingly restoration is still possible! Not by all those who have contributed to its destruction, such as failing governments of all kinds, and greedy merchants, to name just a few contributers.
“You must pray, then, this way: Our Father in the heavens, let your name+ be sanctified Let your Kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also on earth.” Indeed that is the only real remedy for the downward spiral of environmental conditions, AND ongoing human suffering!
Thanks for visiting, and please also visit my post here for further encouragement:
Please take note; There never has, and never will be, an evolutionary jump, gradual or otherwise, from one genetic ‘kind’ to another! In actual fact there has never been, nor ever will be, a ‘beneficial or progressive’ mutation!!
I know this is not what you have been taught from unwitting sources and blind news reports. Just think about it; mutations, animal or vegetable, always result in degradation of some kind. Mutations simply do not result in ‘improvements’ or ‘advancements’ genetically, period. In simple terms a mutation is a damaged DNA gene, resulting in defects or illness. Much less the speculated millions of them to produce some significant change in life forms! No, there is simply no evidence this has ever happened, not even one, except in science fiction such as ‘Mutants’ movies!
On the other hand there’s a a very natural and normal process called ‘entropy’! Entropy is literally the breaking down to ‘disorder’ from something that is ‘ordered’. This applies to inanimate objects as well as animate (living) cells. Think about what would happen to your car if you were to park it in a farmers field and do nothing to it for years. In time it would deteriorate and eventually be reduced to little more than basic elements. Exactly the same process happens to living cells, only much more quickly!
With living cells the same natural process is simply called aging (or ageing). Remember the Eagles song ‘All We Are Is Dust In The Wind’? Even better stated in scripture; “For dust you are and to dust you will return.” (Genesis 3:19)
The same principle applies to any living creature born with an abnormality, not withstanding the help of modern medical science. A defect will not and cannot be an improved version of any particular kind, much less be a ‘stepping stone’ to becoming an entirely ‘different’ kind of creature, as the theory of evolution requires!
Indeed, all biological creatures, human or animals age, (atrophy) and die, returning to dust just the same as physical objects eventually do.
This is science fact, not fiction, and it cannot be ignored. Yet that is what is done by those advocating evolution.
To further demystify this theory; within the dog ‘family’, there are a great variety of animals, all related, from foxes to wolves to jackals and coyote’s, besides a countless number of domestic dog’s. Great diversity within the dog family for sure, and all genetically linked. Yet at no time has a ‘dog kind’ of animal ever been a ‘bird kind’, a ‘fish kind’, or an ‘insect kind’ of creature, or vice versa, except in human imagination! Once again as the theory of evolution depends.
This must not be confused with the well proven capability of most life forms to adapt to environmental conditions, so please ‘read my lips’….
‘Adaptation is not evolution!’ It simply does not result in a stepping stone or so-called ‘big jump’ change to a different family kind of creature!
Contrary to popular opinion, Darwin’s own observation of Finches proves this point. He noted there was a change in the size and shape of bird beaks as they ‘adapted to different food sources’. But that ‘natural adaptation’ does not begin to support evolutionary theories, namely any change from a bird kind of creature to some other kind!
Variations in each ‘family kind’ are often confused by the human designation of ‘species’. For example a wolf and a fox terrier may be regarded as different species, as categorized by anthropologists etc, but that does not make them a different ‘family kind’ of animal. The same is true of black or gray squirrels, varieties of moths, or even the 10,000 ‘species’ of birds!
In other word, differentiating creatures as different species does not necessarily separate them genetically, they may simply be a member of their own ‘family kind’. Describing animals within each ‘family kind’ as different ‘species’ merely tends to obfuscate reality.* Separation of family kinds by this arbitrary and often confusing method is a little like classifying basketball players as different from each other because they play on different teams, wearing different colored shorts!
The point is that there has never been fundamental changes within each and every ‘family kind’ so as to become a member of a ‘different family kind’.
And that includes us humans. For example; Asian, Caucasian, Negroid, Germanic, et al, are all simply members of ‘human kind’. All are of the very same genetic pool, not different ‘species’. Evolutionists designations not withstanding, humans are not, and never have been, part of the ape ‘family’, or any other family kind of creature.
Recent genome studies are adding more proof of this every day. Humans and apes are simply unrelated, that is a science fact.**
Therefore please do not be misled by a confusing and completely unsupported theory. So-called ‘transitional’ human artifacts, namely bits and pieces of bone which likely could be contained in a single travel trunk, and do not even begin to support the idea of millions of years of so called ‘dead ends’ as required by this theory, or its many variations. Evolutionary theories, based on the mythical idea of ‘millions of years’ of mutations has been so frequently revised and re-worked is not even just a single unified theory anymore.
No matter how many millions of year’s are suggested, basic well-proven scientific principals apply, and those principles completely contradict evolution. It will always remain just a theory no matter how frustrating that is for its advocates.
Frankly, in my view, the main proponents are those who are too proud to accept the obvious… namely; all life on earth, animal and vegetable, is so highly complex and detailed that it simply could not be other than the product of a power and intelligence far beyond our human understanding, well known in most cultures as the ‘Creator’.
‘Creation’, should not be marginalized by theories which attempt to undermine the glory and beauty of our blue marble planet, and especially not its wise, supremely intelligent Creator.
Indeed all life on earth, including ‘mankind’, gives abundant evidence of an awesome Creator, the one who made “each one according to its kind” so that everything was “very good”. (please read Genesis, chapter 1, in the holy Bible).
But if you are still in doubt, please view this very revealing utube video. If your not convinced of ‘divinity’ after seeing what this Mathematician has to say, there is nothing more to be said!
** International science team concludes; “During the last decade it was commonly accepted that humans and…. chimpanzees, only differed by 1.24 % in our DNA sequences. This (new) discovery shows that this figure is absolutely incorrect and, what is more, may be ten times higher.” Also; “Humans and primates are qualitatively different.” (extract from 2009 study), click here for… 2009 science team report
Quotation: “The first gulp from the glass of natural sciences will make you an evolutionist, but at the bottom of the glass God is waiting for you.” Werner Heisenberg (father of quantum mechanics!)
What’s it like to view the earth from outside the space station? After 9 spacewalks NASA astronaut Mike Fincke puts it this way;”…seeing the whole cosmos of creation….it’s just awe-inspiring”.* Other astronauts have this to say: “I felt very insignificant in that vastness of space,” Ms Sharman says. “Seeing Earth so clearly, the swirls of clouds and the oceans, made me think about the geopolitical boundaries that we construct and how actually we are completely interconnected.”
Ms Stott says she loved living with six people from different countries “doing this work on behalf of all life on Earth, working together, figuring out how to deal with problems”. Astronaut Kimiya Yui recently (2025) observed; “The views from the ISS are all spectacular, but the collaboration between Earth and the starry sky is simply the best,”
However, in spite of such well informed expressions, the focus since mankind has achieved ability to circle the earth in orbit, has arguably become the exploration of ‘other’ planets, besides the moon. So my question is ‘why’? Hasn’t it become abundantly obvious to all thinking people, the earth, often called ‘mother earth’* is the very special, very specific, home of mankind? Just how much scientific, factual. evidence is needed to verify this very basic, very obvious, truth?! Exploration is apparently a natural trait of humans. However as has often been said; we actually know less about what’s in deep ocean waters than we do about near space! Doesn’t that suggest the great emphasis on space exploration is a strange, even ‘unnatural’ bias for major exploration efforts? Is our insatiable appetite for plundering valued resources even being extended beyond earth now!?
(quotation) “Maybe the most amazing fact about Earth is that it’s the only planet we know that supports life at all. A lot of things had to go right for this to be possible. For one, our planet is perfectly distanced from the sun in what scientists call “the Goldilocks zone” because it’s not too hot and not too cold
The Earth is also protected from solar radiation thanks to its magnetic field, and kept warm by an insulating blanket we call the atmosphere. And most important, it has the right building blocks for life — mainly water and carbon.
Take note of this quote by ethnobotanist and anthropologist Wade Davis: “The fact that carbon dioxide combines with water, sparked by photons of light, to give us the food we eat and air we breathe – That’s the formula of life” (i.e. learning how the Kreb’s cycle converts the sugars assembled by photosynthesis into cellular energy through aerobic respiration, “was a miracle to me.”)
If we are truly curious to learn more about life, why not focus our attention on life on our wondrous, beautiful, even mysterious planet, instead of making haste to explore other planets, planets so far proven to be completely lacking in the countless features of our earth, not to mention any form of life.? * And all such efforts creating serious, if not dangerous, competition between nations no less!
If you had a house needing repairs, but it was still fundamentally sound, would you simply ignore it to pursue some other far less attractive place in a hostile neighborhood? No, the logic of space exploration, as stimulating as that may be for us it simply does not meet the litmus test of sanity! But then what grandiose human activity ever has? E.g. consider the ongoing environmental damage caused by the industrial revolution with all its now known attendant detrimental consequences to the environment, not to mention damage resulting from the ‘nuclear age’, or as yet untold harmful consequences from the computer age!
Isn’t it crystal clear by now all mankind is, and has been, complicit in destroying planet Earth whether knowingly or unknowingly?
Yet there is a genuine hope for the future, not by the hands of mankind, rather in spite of mankind! Indeed the Creator of this beautiful ‘blue marble’ well knows how to restore his perfect creation, to remove any and all who are exploiting or causing shameful environmental damage!
* * Note: “…his invisible qualities are clearly seen from the world’s creation onward, because they are perceived by the things made, even his eternal power and Godship,..” (Romans 1:20)
* Indeed the euphemism ‘mother earth‘ may be quite apropos’ given all components of the human body are most likely only found on earth – including 60% water. This begs the question; ‘Who is the Father of the Earth?’ The one who used those components to create all the awesome and complex life forms from those components! Think about it!
* “…Mars is effectively one big desert.” (the words of Professor Rabinovich, Stevens Institute of Technology in New Jersey. In our Creators’ own reliable prophetic words: * “….look! I am creating new heavens and a new earth; And the former things will not be called to mind….” (Isaiah 65:17) …”and to bring to ruin those ruining the earth.” (Revelation 11:18) Thanks for viewing!
My comment: ‘The Book of life’
“Earth is a book, our Mother indeed, chapters are seasons, timely to read. Plans for all life, real pages to turn. Cover to cover, lessons to learn. Noble blue marble, a world in decline, soon to be fixed by He who designed!”
Recent airplane ownership of a Piper tri-pacer afforded me the opportunity to invite some local neighbors along with family to explore one of our BC coastal gems.
With picnic lunches and eager families we took off and landed in less than 30 minutes on one of the small pristine Gulf Islands * just South of Nanaimo.
It was uninhabited in those days, the 70’s, with a cleared grass center right down the middle about 2500′ from shoreline to shoreline, a little rough but perfectly ok for my venerable ‘milking stool’ Piper, so nick-named due to its high landing gear.
It took a couple of flights to transport all of us from my Butler-Howroyd home airfield in North Saanich, but worth it. Kids fished off rocks at the Southern end, and we all enjoyed the brief outing away from city life.
When time came for a return flight, I found the battery weak on my yellow bird. Spinning the prop by hand to start the engine now became necessary. With throttle and brake set, I cranked until nearly exhausted without result! Likely a flooded fuel issue. Spinning the prop in reverse finally cleared it, and thankfully the faithful Lycoming engine roared to life. I’m not sure what we could have done if it hadn’t started!
Two round trips and a day on a tiny gulf island. It was a memorable experience for us all.
* Hudson Island, named after the Hudson’s Bay Company, (31 Acre Island) next to much larger Thetis Island.
Here is a slightly edited version and PLEASE NOTE: HORRIFIC DOCUMENTED CASES OF CHILD ABUSE IN THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THIS REPRINT.
By secular standards, the Catholic Church is a corrupt organization and
Federal authorities should treat it like one!
Neil Macdonald · CBC News · Posted: Aug 26, 2018 4:00 AM ET | Last Updated: August 26, 2018
WARNING: This column contains disturbing details
Imagine for a moment that a big, admired multinational corporation, one selling a beloved product, was employing large numbers of male pedophiles and rapists, operating in rings all over the world, and that their crimes had been uncovered in Australia, Ireland, Canada, the Philippines, Belgium, France, Austria, New Zealand, Argentina, Chile, Britain, Germany and the United States, and, further, that senior executives had systematically covered up and suppressed evidence, transferring and enabling hundreds of predators, betraying thousands of victims.
What would happen to the company is not terribly difficult to imagine.
At a minimum, the U.S. government would likely use its Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) law to go after not only the rapists and molesters, but also the company’s executives, up to and including its CEO if possible, seizing the company’s assets and seeking the harshest possible prison terms. That’s the sort of thing RICO was invented for. The company would almost certainly collapse. But of course no company’s warranty guarantees everlasting life, and no company maintains that its CEO is chosen by God.
Grand jury report: (continued) The Roman Catholic church does, which is the only explanation for why, after the release of a grand jury report that detailed more than 1,000 cases of sexual abuse in Pennsylvania over several decades by more than 300 predators in clerical collars, many of whom are still alive, millions of American Catholics continued to attend mass.
(DISGUSTING GRAPHIC DOCUMENTED CASES ARE DELETED FROM THIS REPRINTING HERE)
‘We showed no care for the little ones’: Pope’s letter vows to end sex abuse, coverups
Pennsylvania’s attorney general, Josh Shapiro, told reporters last week that high church officials “routinely and purposefully described the abuse as ‘horseplay’ and ‘wrestling,'” choosing to transfer the pedophiles to other congregations (where they’d have a whole new selection of horseplay partners), or send them away for prayerful reflection before returning to duty.
Unfortunately, though, Shapiro said, the statute of limitations has run out in most of the cases, or the priests involved had died. Pity, Shapiro was implying, because if they could, authorities would vigorously pursue and prosecute and imprison not only the perpetrators, but their enablers and protectors. Or not. Actually, probably not. Inevitably, that scale of prosecution – we are talking about inflicting severe damage to the Catholic Church in the United States – would require steadfast political will, and seriously, what politician seeking re-election wants to alienate 24 per cent of Americans, many of whom, despite clear evidence of the church’s moral rot, insist on believing it is infallible? Pope Francis released an open letter to the world’s Catholics after the Pennsylvania revelations, basically repeating the company line. (Alessandra Tarantino/Associated Press)
The same goes elsewhere. Revelations of horrors in all the above-mentioned Western countries (here in Canada, there was documented abuse in Quebec, British Columbia, Ontario, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, where the church’s Mount Cashel orphanage was operated as sort of a prison for child sex slavesresulted in dismissals of some church officials, some lawsuits and a handful of criminal convictions, but not much more than that.)
Each time, the Pope or one of his high subalterns would lament human frailty, and drone on about the sacred duty to protect the most vulnerable, while privately fighting to thwart civil suits or conspiring to keep facts from investigating authorities.
Pope Francis, who enjoys the most saintly reputation of any recent pope (except for John Paul II, who was actually made a saint, despite all the ugly revelations on his watch) released an open letter to the world’s Catholics after the Pennsylvania revelations, basically repeating the company line: gosh, sorry, that was terrible, we must do better, God bless you all, go in peace.
Noting first that “most of these cases belong to the past,” (don’t all cases belong to the past?) the Pope banged on for 2,000 words about feeling the pain of the vulnerable, and the necessity of ensuring it doesn’t happen again (and again and again and again), but his central theme was expressed right off the top in a line from Corinthians: “If one member suffers, all suffer together with it.”
Yes. Of course. Let’s compare the spiritual suffering the Pope claims the revelations have caused him to that of a child being sodomized by an adult stalker in a clerical collar, a monster the boy probably doesn’t think he’s even allowed to complain about.
Resisting change
The right thing for the Pope to do would be to waive his sovereign privilege (he is a sitting head of state), and invite criminal authorities to freely and fully access church records worldwide, and drain the holy swamp. He might also consider at this stage ordaining women, because women are God’s creatures too, perfectly able to spiritually guide the faithful, and, umm, don’t tend to rape children.
But the privileged old men who run the church aren’t going to allow any of that. They’re a bit like gun control opponents, opposing an obvious solution on doctrinaire grounds.
There actually have been a few attempts to use the RICO statute against priests, notably in Cleveland, but jurors did not convict
When former Oklahoma governor and former federal prosecutor Frank Keating, a practicing Catholic, compared the church’s obsession with secrecy to the Mafia’s, Cardinal Roger Mahony of Los Angeles demanded his ouster from a church board examining clerical abuse. Keating resigned from the panel.
Mahony, who covered up sexual abuse by priests in California, according to church records, retired peacefully at age 75. Only after a court order compelled the Los Angeles archdiocese to open its files on abuse was Mahony gently rebuked by the church.
The National (news cast)
Pope Francis condemns priestly sexual abuse.
Pope Francis condemned priestly sexual abuse and its cover-up by the Catholic Church, in a public letter. In addition to demanding accountability, Francis begged forgiveness for the pain suffered by victims and said Catholics must be involved in any effort to root out abuse.
By any secular standard, the Catholic Church is a corrupt organization. It in fact sets the standard for impunity.
Cardinal Bernard Law, who presided over the coverup of the church’s famous Boston sex abuse scandals, was plucked and brought to Rome by Pope John Paul II, where he resided until he died at the Vatican, beyond the reach of American prosecutors.
Earlier this year, after Bishop Juan Barros of Chile was accused of covering up clerical abuse, Pope Francis denounced the accusers’ “calumny.” When it turned out that there was merit to the accusations, and that the Vatican had been informed of the problem, Francis claimed he’d been misinformed. A few weeks later, all 34 of Chile’s bishops tendered their resignations. Francis eventually accepted three of them.
And now, Catholic activist Susan Reynolds has gathered thousands of signatures on a letter demanding the resignation of all American bishops. It would be the right thing to do, but at a guess, the very notion amuses America’s bishopry, comfortable in their armour of piety.
RICO, aggressively deployed by federal prosecutors using wiretaps, search warrants and informants, would be far more effective. They can’t all flee to Rome.
This column is part of CBC’s Opinion section. For more information about this section, please read this editor’s blog and our FAQ.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neil Macdonald
Opinion Columnist
Neil Macdonald is an opinion columnist for CBC News, based in Ottawa. Prior to that he was the CBC’s Washington correspondent for 12 years, and before that he spent five years reporting from the Middle East. He also had a previous career in newspapers, and speaks English and French fluently, and some Arabic.
More by Neil Macdonald
CBC’s Journalistic Standards and Practices|About CBC News
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I left rather late in one afternoon and flew directly from Victoria airport over Georgia Straight and coastal mountains to the 108 airstrip. It was (is?) an excellent paved strip capable of handling larger airplanes as intended. However as the sun set I was amazed at the total absence of anyone in the vicinity, including a nearby store and golf course!? In fact even while I spent the night under the stars in a sleeping bag right on the golf course, yet I never saw a single person! To this day that is puzzling.
It was intended only as a quick educational trip to 108 ranch resort 300 miles from Vancouver B.C. Block Bros. Realty a well known Vancouver real estate firm beginning in 1960’s Vancouver, had sponsored, and financed this recreation retreat. In spite of considerable investment and promotion it never succeeded as hoped for several reasons. For more information on this project go here: http://108 Ranch Resort by Block Bros. Realty
Despite the reasons for its eventual failure, including driving distance from Vancouver, Henry Block * had developed notable features, 18-hole PGA golf course, clubhouse, swimming pool, restaurant and lounge, and a 20-room lodge, which were completed by 1972, to encourage investors.
I was very intrigued by it as a youthful Realtor in Vancouver. So sometime after acquiring my pilot’s license, and airplane, I decided to take a quick trip from my Victoria base to take a look at it.
In any case the next day, perhaps because of some disappointment at the 108, I decided to fly South before returning home. As I did I noticed a small airstrip next to Green Lake and decided to land and have a look. It was a very dry dusty landing, but just across the road there was a ‘dude ranch’* where a family from the lower mainland was vacationing that welcomed me! Somewhat overwhelmed by their hospitality, I ended up joining an evening around open camp fire, but not before a trail ride that was an experience of a lifetime in the afternoon! See this great video on the Flying U Ranch!: * * * Flying U dude ranch
With very limited ‘horse sense’, I was invited to join the family galloping (and I do mean full speed) through a forested area you could hardly call a trail! I hung on for dear life as small trees and bush brushed my legs and threatened to rip me off my steed, it really was the experience of a lifetime!
Afterward we drank some beers around a large and hospitable camp fire under a starry night. I could not believe how fortunate I was, and only wish I had my own family with me there. Once again I slept in my sleeping bag out in the open under an awesome Caribou sky as can only be fully seen far away from city lights.
The next morning I took off early in a huge cloud of fine dust from the short dirt airstrip, and after doing a low pass or two over the ranch, headed South to Vernon. At an airstrip shop there I found partners who had sold me a Mooney airplane previously. As fellow pilots, typically, they gave me the keys to a vehicle in order to briefly spend a few sunny moments on a lakeside beach! However, it was past time to head home and I did so that afternoon.
Only less than a two day experience, but as memorable as ever can be for me!
From deep within her bowels came a foreboding, muffled, BrrruuUMMPUMPP!
Like a wounded beast with its belly ripped open, the pride of B.C. Ferries ‘Queen of Prince Rupert’s’ fate was sealed. Thirty-five hundred tons momentum rammed her onto Haddington Reef, fifty miles from the Northern tip of Vancouver Island.
Moments earlier, throbbing engine vibration masked the quick rise and fall of our ship’s deck underfoot. Always in tune with his ship, Captain Callan sensed the aberration even in his sleep. Sitting bolt‑upright in his elevated Captain’s chair, he pushed off the armrests and reached the central bridge console in two strides. Grasping large twin aluminum control handles, he arcing them back ninety-degrees against stiff hydraulic pressure, neutralizing forward thrust. Another ninety degree arc forced nine meter (30′) stainless steel props into full reverse pitch!
Five decks below, engine machinery thrashed wildly. Our ninety-nine metre (325′) ship shuddered and bucked like a startled mare!
It was ‘too little, too late’. As quickly as it had begun, all ships’ movements abruptly ceased. Suddenly it was eerily quiet!
For early rising passengers strolling the passenger deck, the braking force felt much like a sudden stop in heavy city traffic. Only minor injuries were reported.
It was just after 0600 hours (six a.m.) Saturday, August 12th 1967.
Most passengers and crew were aroused from sleep by the abrupt silence of diesel engines and cessation of motion. Many were in small, overnight cabin berths.
Back on the bridge, the Captain bowed his head momentarily, as if experiencing actual physical pain. He suddenly looked much smaller than his tall, lanky, middle-aged Anglo Saxon frame.“That’s it. . .” He stated stoically through clenched teeth, to no one in particular; “We’re on it.”
Struggling to comprehend the meaning of his words, my mind raced back recalling recent events. We had departed Prince Rupert, B.C. in mid-afternoon on our regular Southbound summer schedule, with nearly a full load of passengers and vehicles. To maintain the twenty hour one-way schedule, we sliced through a thick summer fog at normal cruising speed of almost eighteen knots (about 20 m.p.h.). In such fog conditions, navigation fully depends on ships’ radar and well-defined charts, much like an airliner flying solely on instruments. Only a few minutes had passed since a three-man bridge crew began their six-hour ‘morning watch.’ I was one of two relieving Quartermasters, a.k.a. Helmsman.
Captain Callan was present on the bridge also. His concern for safety in heavy fog conditions had kept him up most of the night, backing up the watch keepers. (Ironically, some speculate that Captains presence on the bridge ‘contributed’ to the accident owing to an unconscious reliance on his support.)
My own responsibility for that first hour on watch was to assume a fog ‘lookout’ position on the port side of the wheelhouse (bridge), and to alternate on the helm with the other quartermaster hourly. On the wheel, we steered a course ordered by the Watch Officer.
Pre-dawn morning coffee was just beginning to kick in for crew, while the Captain was now understandably dozing in his traditional oak chair on the Starboard side of the bridge. As we headed for our home port of Kelsey Bay on Vancouver Island, first light was just beginning to filter through the surrounding cotton-like fog and gloom. It was like floating in a big wet cloud. Fog ‘lookout’ is an oxymoron since the only thing actually visible was our bow wave some eighty feet below the bridge lookout position. With the port wheelhouse window open, I listened intently for horns or whistles. The idea being to try to detect any small boats that may have escaped radar detection. It was difficult to hear anything over waves of throbbing vibration from our twin diesel engines. Boring through that soggy, porridge‑like coastal fog at full normal cruise speed was normal routine in mid-August.
Wiping freezing condensation from my eyebrows, I zipped up a heavy seaman’s jacket. For his part, the Officer of the Watch had seemed to confirm our ships’ precise location by checking both short and long range radar screens. He peered down into their cone shaped hoods for several moments as soon as he had assumed the ‘con’ as officer of the watch.
The ship’s position, course, and speed, became his exclusive responsibility when bridge control was turned over to him. This was true even with Captain present, (unless the Skipper assumed that role by clearly stating he was “taking the con”).
Steering between B.C.’s many coastal islands and the mainland requires skillful multi-course adjustments on the ‘Inside Passage’ route. Fjord-like passages such as the fifty-mile long Grenville Channel near Prince Rupert are narrow for a ship the size of ours. Observing ‘rules of the road’ with a mixture of other marine traffic, large or small, is always vital.
Clearly it was the deck officer who bore the burden for any navigational errors. Regardless, as soon as we struck the reef, I too felt a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach!
Just before we struck the reef, I observed kelp vegetation on the surface of the water, passing down the port side. However, since this was only my second two-week tour of duty on the Prince Rupert run, I quietly asked my senior (Quartermaster) partner if that should be reported. Fatefully, he shook his head, dismissing it as trivial information. Apparently kelp can in fact grow and/or appear anywhere in coastal waters, however in hindsight, it was my concern that it may have been an indication we were already off course.
At that precise moment all else seemed perfectly normal because we were blinded by the fog. The Watch Officer, after checking radar, had stepped into the radio shack, aft of the bridge, in order to review weather forecasts.
He was chatting with the Radio Officer when we first grazed the rocks.
Shock, mixed with some feelings of guilt, at first numbed this young husband and father. Thank God, facts would soon reveal that a last minute change of course could have led to an even more tragic consequence, perhaps even a ‘Titanic-like’ disaster, rather than prevention!
Regardless, in one brief moment, two hundred and ninety-nine passengers and several dozen crew members were forced to accept a new reality; we were now dead-center in a serious maritime accident. In fact we were all just catching up to what the Captain had instantly realized; our ship’s hull was seriously damaged and held by a submerged rocky reef or shoal.* He quickly blew our ships loud horn 6 or more times as per marine emergency procedure, and ordered the ships’ radio officer to broadcast; ‘pan pan pan’ then international distress signal!
When fog later cleared, the ship was within sight of First Nations fishing community Alert Bay, on Cormorant Island, just a few miles away!
In the eerie silence following the grounding, Captain Callan only sagged for a moment. Then with British ‘stiff upper lip’ grit he quickly regained his composure, taking charge of himself and his crew. Immediately after sounded the ships horn 6 or more times he ordered the evacuation of all passengers and most crew members! There was no way of knowing if we would remain on the reef, or even capsize as the tide went out! It soon became clear that all crew members’ drew needed strength and courage from the Captains calm display of authority.
As chance would have it, my emergency station assignment was designated ‘bridge messenger’ allowing me to personally witness unfolding events on the bridge, right alongside the Skipper. If other means of communication failed, my job was to relay messages and instructions throughout the ship, including the engine room crew if necessary.
Below the car deck level, matters quickly became critical. Engine room engineers and oiler assistants were shocked to see their beloved twin-diesel engines literally bounce up and down half a meter (19″) when we first hit the rocky sea bottom. Then machinery had nearly flown apart as the Captain hurriedly reversed prop pitch.
That was enough to put the fear of God in them, but now sea water began flooding into fuel tanks and engine room spaces. They only needed to be told once to shut down whatever they could and evacuate up steel ladders to the car deck.
Meanwhile, on the upper decks, catering staff, making up the majority of total crew members aboard, took care of frightened, rudely awakened passengers by directing them to lifeboats, and life-rafts. The seamen deck crew also went to their assigned emergency evacuation stations.
Those seaman (deckhands) took charge of loading and launching our four, fifty-two-person, fiberglass lifeboats, and many life rafts. Carefully they lowered passengers down to water level and cleared the ship.
All crew members did their jobs well in this hour of test. In only ninety minutes all passengers had evacuated the ship and safely arrived in Alert Bay or were en route there. Many passengers were transported by helpful Alert Bay fish boats. These had quickly responded to our emergency radio calls, or the ship’s whistle, cautiously maneuvering through fog banks to locate and assist us.
Those local fish boats also towed some of the lifeboats and life-rafts to Alert Bay dock, tied together chain-like so they wouldn’t get lost in the fog. Less fortunate boats were rowed with oars manned by ship’s crew members, or slightly bemused passengers!
Despite the fog, or perhaps because of it, there were few signs of panic. Of course there was little sense of abandoning a ‘sinking ship,’ since the flagship of B.C. Ferries fleet was solidly grounded, showing no signs of leaving her perch anytime soon. Few passengers realized how close we had come to a real tragedy.
Gratefully, I now understood that a last minute attempt to alter course, if caused by my reporting kelp on the surface, would not have avoided our grounding. In fact, any emergency turn or action might well have created an even more serious disaster!. Rather than coming to firm halt, crosswise on top of Hadington reef, we could easily have gone to the bottom, in minutes by a more glancing bottom strike, with the loss of many lives!
As it happened, the only injuries were a few bumps and bruises when we came to a sudden stop.
As fog burned off in early afternoon sunshine, passengers and crew joined local onlookers in amazement at the strange sight. The receding four and one-half metre (15′) northern tide now created the optical illusion the Queen of Prince Rupert was rising out of the water.
(thick bunker ‘C’ oil is visible below high tide line, also covered life boats. Firmly held by the reef, while surrounding tidal water dropped, gave the impression a giant undersea creature was raising her on its back. News reporters soon arrived in float planes, circling the unique sight, camera’s clicking as fog banks lifted. At maximum low tide the ship’s water line was more than two meters below normal.
Very fortunately the ship remained nearly level with no apparent threat of capsizing despite her ungainly appearance. Sludge-like ‘bunker c’ fuel oil leaking from her punctured hull was clinging to the sides, completing the sad picture – a picture soon to be published around the globe.
Over the next twelve hours, tidal action continued to carry oil and sea water in and out of lower decks, including crews’ quarters, engine room machinery spaces and mixing with surrounding kelp beds. It was a minor ecological disaster and not a pretty sight!
With passengers safely ashore, a salvage plan was soon put into action. Professional scuba divers arrived on the scene to survey the hull damage and quickly located a number of gashes and punctures. Fiberglass insulation bats were packed into two of the largest holes, eleven meters (36′) and three and one-half meters (11′) each, by fifteen centimeters (6″) wide, located near the keel.
With incoming sea water somewhat abated, powerful high capacity pumps brought alongside on a barge began extracting tons of sea water, reducing it to a manageable volume. To further lighten her load, forty cars were cautiously driven off across timber planks onto a barge, a dangerous job accomplished by volunteers, mostly from crew members.
Ocean going Island Tug and Barge Company towboats arrived on the scene the next day. Just before high tide at 1900 hours (seven p.m.), with other boats acting as stabilizers, they tried, but at first failed, to re-float the stricken ferry. Finally, but after several attempts, the white, blue, and oil streaked Queen of Prince Rupert quietly and gracefully slid off the rocks, her dignity only slightly restored.
Everyone now held their collective breath to see if she would remain afloat! Straining pumps maintained the status quo against the incoming sea water.
With another forty-seven cars, trucks, and recreation vehicles still chained to the car deck, the ship was towed across Broughton Straight to Vancouver Island, dead slow, to preserve those temporary patches. Achoring in the safety of shallow waters off Port Hardy for 24 hours, an emotionally drained skeleton crew ‘diligently’ monitored water volume throughout the night. Divers reinforced the temporary patches. In the morning with everything appearing stable, it was decided to attempt a risky, thirty-six-hour slow-tow to Burrard Dry dock in North Vancouver.
While en route, we anchored for a few hours in Nanoose Bay on Southern Vancouver Island after water pumps quit owing to contaminated fuel. A decision was made to off-load the remaining passenger vehicles, and reunite them with anxious owners waiting on shore. Again using wooden planks for ramps, vehicles were ‘tipsily’ transferred to a barge and taken ashore.
With generators off-line, the normally air conditioned ship became like a floating sauna in August heat. Those of us acting as a skeleton crew had to sweat it out all the way to the destination port. Numerous curious boaters circled our lifeless vessel as we traveled down Georgia Straight between Vancouver Island and the mainland. Finally we passed under scenic Lions Gate bridge and entered Vancouver Harbor. Many local residents turned out to watch our passage as radio stations broadcast regular progress reports.
The good news! Many passengers, mostly Americans, involved in the accident actually spoke highly of their experience. Not only had serious hardship been almost miraculously averted by the solid grounding, but residents of Alert Bay proved to be gracious hosts during their brief stay there.While they had waited for transportation to Vancouver Island, passengers were temporarily ‘bivouacked’ on cots in the Alert Bay (Indian) school, were entertained by traditional native dance, and served a ‘potlatch’ salmon dinner. For tourist passengers, this turned out to be a ‘highlight’ of their vacation. A few even returned to travel again on the refurbished Queen of Prince Rupert ferry in subsequent seasons, (perhaps hoping for de ja vu!)?
Surprisingly, the entire incident resulted in a ‘media event’ throughout the world, publicity that nearly offset the 1.5 million dollar repair costs, because subsequent seasons were fully booked, especially by American tourists who became aware of British Columbia’s beautiful ‘Inside Passage’ route! It seems that ‘any publicity is good publicity.’
All aboard B.C. Ferries, eighth largest maritime fleet in the world (in 1967).
* Haddington Reef is described as “a bank of glacial material embedded with boulders” by Oceanographer Dr. W.H. Mathews.
Several commenters pointed out that I was taking it as a given that the Bible was the touchstone with which these other books must conform. I have been at pains to point out that it isn’t me saying that, but Muslims and Mormons themselves who claim to believe the Bible, and claim that their books are additions to, not replacements of, the Bible. Still, it is true that I do have a prejudice in favor of the Bible. I admit to believing the Bible is inspired, (ed: by God).
Why do I believe the Bible, and the Bible alone, is from God? Frankly, since I’ve been studying it all my life, it would take me longer than the space available in this column to answer that, but let me just hit some of the highlights.
Science: The Koran says the sun sets at night in a pond. (Sura 18:86) The Book of Mormon speaks of diseases “to which men were subject by the nature of the climate.” ( Alma 46:40) It was a common belief in Joseph Smith’s day that some diseases were caused by the climate. Malaria, for example, was believed to be caused by the humid air of a swamp, (mal = bad, aria = air) rather than being transmitted by the mosquitoes that lived in the swamp. Bible writers were not swayed by the non-scientific beliefs of their time. While it is certainly no science book, what it says conforms with proven scientific fact. For example, it describes the earth as round, and hanging unsupported in space. This at a time when most of the human race believed the earth was flat and supported on the back of a huge elephant.
Prejudice: The Koran incites prejudice against Jews, Christians, and even ‘ignorant Arabs’: “The Arabs of the desert are the worst in Unbelief and hypocrisy, and most fitted to be in ignorance.” (Koran 9:97) The Book of Mormon incites prejudice, stating that dark skin is a curse and white skin is a blessing: “And their curse was taken from them, and their skin became white like unto the Nephites.” (3 Nephi 2:15; see also 1 Nephi 13:15) The Bible is entirely without prejudice: “God shows no partiality. In every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.” (Acts 10:35)
God’s justice: The Koran says the wicked will burn in Hell. The Book of Mormon says the wicked will burn in Hell. The Bible says the wicked will cease to exist. (1 Samuel 2:9; Job 3:17; Psalm 37:9,10, 34, 38; Psalm 104:35; Proverbs 2:22) Jesus’ sacrificial death: The Koran says Adam repented and God forgave him. Hence no one inherited sin, and there is no need for a ransom. The Book of Mormon says Adam repented and God forgave him; I agree with the logic of the Koran: If we didn’t inherit sin from Adam, why do we need Jesus’ sacrifice? Nevertheless, the BoM still speaks much of it, and calls on all to believe in Jesus. The Bible says: “Through one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin, and so death passed on to all men inasmuch as all sinned.” (Romans 5:12)
Wisdom: For me, the most powerful reason for believing the Bible is its wisdom. People who have lived – knowingly or unknowingly – by Bible precepts have had better lives than those who have not. Some of those precepts are:
Treat others as you would wish them to treat you.
Happy are they who realize their spiritual poverty.
A man who loves silver will never get enough silver.
Do not offer to remove the speck from your brother’s eye when you have a plank in your own.
A tranquil heart makes for a healthy body, but jealousy is like bone cancer.
Man’s anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness.
There is more happiness in giving than in receiving.
Take a minute to ponder that last one. Look around at your neighbors. Many of them seem to be living by the principle that there is more happiness in getting. “When I get that car… when I get that house… when I get that girl, then I’ll be happy.” Left to their own devices, these people could go through their entire lifetimes without ever discovering the truth that there is more happiness in giving. That’s because this is God’s thinking, not human thinking.
For me, this is a “Wow!” point. The wisdom of the Bible is the best proof of its inspiration.
If you believe the Koran is inspired, if you believe that the Book of Mormon is inspired, I have one challenge for you: Show me a “Wow!” point from either of those works. To qualify as a “Wow!” it must be a principle that is true, profound, and something most humans don’t seem to be following, something they would never think of on their own. Oh, and one more thing: It needs to be a principle that was not already covered in the Bible. Because, Koran believer, Book of Mormon believer, it is your contention that God had more to say after the Bible was finished. And it’s my contention that He did not.
Self-awareness alone certainly cannot be the sole criteria, since thousands of species don’t appear to qualify for that.
So what exactly defines ‘life’? I may not be qualified to answer this question unequivocally, however in my humble opinion
Life is ‘a state of shared existence’ granted by a benevolent eternal Creator! He alone is the author and originator of all life, since he alone has existed forever, having the power and desire to share ‘His timeless existence’ with others, just how many ‘others’ is a question we may never come to know!
This existential concept may only be grasped by contrasting it with death, the complete absence of ‘any’ existence!
When viewed from outer space, the earth itself could be described as a biological jewel, teaming with temporarily existing life in stark contrast with surrounding space – and every other known object in it.
Indeed, due to His abundant quality of generosity and love, our life-giving Creator has chosen to share his own eternal existence with creatures both fleshly and spiritual in nature. The fleshly ones, particularly humans, on an ideal, environmentally perfect, planet we call earth. What’s more all life appears to exist in a universal ‘space-time’ continuum of his making.
I submit this is a rational explanation strongly implied by the Apostle Paul…
“..by him we have life and move and exist, even as some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also his children.’” (Acts 17:28)
‘…The One who stretched out the heavens, Who laid the foundation of the earth, And who formed the spirit of man within him.” (Zachariah 12:1)
Not often, but occasionally I see an article that I believe is worth sharing with those who may have similar likes as me. The following is reproduced from a Nice News (nicenews.com) subscription for non-commercial information purposes. Imho empathy is as essential to human life as the air we breath and hope you will find it as positive as I do…
Babies Begin Developing Empathy Around 18 Months, Study Says
Past research has shown that the human brain is hardwired for empathy and forming relationships, but at what point in our development do those characteristics emerge? A new study, published in the spring edition of the journal Cognitive Development, says it’s earlier than you may think — at about 18 months of age.
Around the same time that babies are learning words beyond “mama” and “dada,” walking on their own, and starting to feed themselves, they’re also developing the first inklings of “empathic concern,” the scientists say. They reached this conclusion by analyzing 127 mother-child pairs, bringing them in for behavioral experiments when the children were 6, 10, 14, and 18 months old, per a press release from the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich.
The researchers tracked the children’s response to another person’s “simulated pain,” finding that their concern in reaction to the strangers’ “distress” was most pronounced by the 18 month point. They also discovered that a mother’s emotional intelligence affects the child’s.
“The more sensitively mothers responded to the needs of their infants, the greater the capacity of the children was in their second year of life to show empathic concern for a stranger,” the release reads, with study author Markus Paulus adding, “Children learn from [caregivers] how to deal with negative emotions. As a result, they are subsequently able to apply these lessons themselves.” (italics added)
Please Note the comment: ‘Children learn from caregivers!’
It was 1982 I think. We were living in a modernized log cabin in Rock Creek. Located halfway across B.C. close to the US border crossing at Midway. It was an 8+ acre property backing on the Kettle river, last pristine one in BC some said.
I had little or no experience as a farming type but was hoping to become self-reliant, much like the hippy movement preceding that time. So when my acreage grew a fairly profitable crop of hay, I hired a neighbor with a machine to bail it for a shared percentage. Then, with the help of a visiting friend, we stacked the hay in anticipation of sales.
Some hay did sell, but a fair amount remained unsold. Noticing a large old International 4×4 pickup truck for sale along the highway one day, I offered to swap hay for the truck, partly because hay was difficult to keep. Surprisingly we made a trade; the beginning of another real life adventure for me.
My oldest daughter had secured a job eight miles away in Midway, so it occurred to me I should trade that unused behemoth for something she could use for transportation to work.
So one cold clear winter day I struck out on a back road, (Highway 33 Kelowna to Rock Creek *) and soon realized that heavy old beast, likely with age-hardened tires, was completely unstable on that icy winter road! While transiting an elevated section at slow speed, it began to spin uncontrollably! With no way to stop it, I bailed out and helplessly watched, spell bound, as it slid off the road, almost in slow motion, thundered down a 25′ bank and came to a stop with a loud bang, slamming onto a large bolder!
That was just the beginning! First I tried to restart, but ironically the ignition key broke off! At that point I thought this was definitely not my day and the truck would be a write off. Not to mention traffic on that back road was few and far between in those days. Also day’s were short with temperatures below zero at that time of year. But surprisingly a tanker truck came by before long. Driver seeing the situation stopped, gratefully I related my plight including the broken key. (This is where the story becomes truly miraculous! )
Without a word of a lie, that tanker truck driver handed me a ring full of keys he said he had no more use for, and astonishing, one of the keys on that ring worked in my vehicle’s ignition, which started right up! However being wedged up on that large rock it would not move. The driver had waited, so I climbed aboard, only slightly optimistically of finding more help somewhere down the road.
Now several miles further along there was a rare off-road dwelling came into view, so I riskily offloaded in hopes of obtaining ‘any’ help. To my utter amazement the self-reliant owner offered exactly what I needed, namely a heavy solid steel pole not less than 6′ long and 2″ diameter! (I have no idea what its intended purpose was.)
Almost as miraculous as the ignition I soon thumbed a ride back to the truck with that large steel pole in a small, convertible Triumph sports car, with the top down! Indeed the top had to be down to accommodate that large steel pole. The driver was disregarding low temperatures, while enjoying a crystal blue daylight winter sky.
Returning to the crash site, I was soon able to leverage that old bullet proof truck off the bolder with the steel pole,* * started it up, and crawled parallel to the road until able to climb back onto it! I know this all must sound unbelievable, but I swear it is the truth. And there’s even more to this story!
To return the steel pole, I drove the several miles and pulled off in the lenders driveway. At that very moment there was a loud bang under the hood! Battery damage when the truck hit the rock cracked it open and caused it to explode, spraying battery acid all over the engine compartment! It instantly occurred to me that if that battery had exploded earlier, I would once again have been stranded!
At that point I thought my good fortune must surely have run its course, but wait.. On hearing my plight the generous homesteader told my to ‘go down to his basement and take any one of his spare batteries being kept on chargers’!!
Needless to say I was dumbfounded by all this unexpected help. In conclusion; I made it to Kelowna right at sundown and stayed overnight in a motel. The very next day I was able to substitute that old beast of a truck for a reliable old Mazda! (In fact that is yet another surprising story!) That car served my daughter well for transportation to her job in Midway.
* Hwy 33, Rock Creek to Kelowna, is now ‘greatly improved’ road.
** “Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it, and I shall move the world.”
My friend’s wife wanted to reunite with her hubby in Cranbrook B.C. where he was temporarily assigned by his employer, Zerox Corp.
I was a willing pilot with a Mooney M20A airplane. So his wife and I flew from Victoria to Cranbrook. A critical decision was made along the way.
Flying mainly at low altitude following the trans Canada highway, I attempted to take a shortcut over some low-range interior mountains but soon realized even lower clouds were obscuring terrain. So I made an abrupt reverse-course knife-edged turn back to the visible highway. It frightened my passenger but was a prudent decision. However, now fuel became a serious concern. Yet just after sunset, we landed at Cranbrook’s uncontrolled* airport.
Next day the three of us planned to return home. However solid valley overcast prevented normal VFR (Visual Flight Rule) departure. After several checks of MOT (ministry of transport) aviation weather reports, and questioning a very confident recent arriving private jet pilot who said it was just a thin layer of valley overcast, (from his point of view piloting a jet mind you), I decided to risk flying through that overcast for a VFR ‘on-top’ direct flight home.
We took off in my well planned Northerly direction away from all possible obstructions. It was like flying in a big damp cotton-like cloud strictly on instruments. Climbing slowly, being fully loaded with fuel and two passengers. As several minutes ticked by I stayed focused, this was no private jet after all. Finally we broke through into brilliant sunshine above the overcast and I immediately made a sharp turn 90 degrees to a Westerly heading. Gradually we climbed to about 8,500 feet, then leveled off with slightly nose down and fine tuning the fuel mixture. Now we were on ‘the step’ as it is called by experienced pilots for optimal cruise speed of about 135 knots, or 155 mph.
From then on it was CAVU (clear and visibility unlimited) with very memorable views of truly magnificent, pristine, snow covered Coastal Mountain peaks!
Accurate course setting brought us directly over an important ADF (auto direction finding) beacon located South of the Okanagan Valley.
Continuing over coastal mountains, across the Fraser valley and Georgia Straight, we landed without incident right after sunset at our home airport, Victoria Int’l.
Another personal flight experience I will always fondly remember!
During several years of flying experience, I had the opportunity to explore a number of private airstrips in the Northwest. One of these was located on a privately owned island only a few miles from my home airstrip on Southern Vancouver Island, just across the border in Washington State.
To go there required a preliminary landing at Friday Harbor on San Juan Island to clear U.S. Customs first. Then, with the invitation of a local Victoria pilot, it was on to ‘Spieden Island’, a three mile long 550 acre ridge-backed island, reportedly once owned by John Wayne. It’s just North of much larger San Juan Island. At the time, a short and a-la-naturale central airstrip greeted us.
It may not have required exceptional piloting skill to land there, but it wasn’t exactly a ‘piece of cake’ either. Up-hill and rocky, with an approach through the trees, it was nevertheless very worthwhile.
The first time I went there I was solo in my plane, having followed the aforementioned guide in his airplane, and he introduced me to the caretakers, a Mormon couple, who were very friendly. This was in the ‘70’s so I have no idea what has transpired since that time, although I heard the business idea wasn’t a success. (more details can be found here: http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=19940619&slug=1916258)
At the time however, they were employed by investors that had envisioned the entire Island as an elite African hunting game reserve for celebrity clients! In fact they had actually imported African game animals, including gazelle’s, giraffes, and even a tiger!
I was given a courteous tour of the island, in an African safari style zebra-stripped open jeep mind you. I did not see any giraffe or tigers, (evidently poachers stole some of them), but there were many gazelle sized deer who seemed to thrive there, not least because of the man-made shelters provided for them. There was also a recently constructed massive African style hunting lodge built from timbers logged on the Island, with a huge floor to ceiling stone fireplace at one end and private rooms off the main lodge room.
Later, back on the Saanich Peninsula near Victoria, I was told by some local residents on the higher hills that they had seen giraffe and other animals on Spieden Island with and without binoculars. This was just one example of many enjoyable flying experiences out of the Butler-Howroyd airstrip on the Saanich peninsula on Vancouver Island, which is sadly no longer in existence.
Our Sun
You truly are God’s neclace of gold
a glorious jewel ever so bold
granting us light to clearly behold
Timing all life controlled by thee
serving earth’s nature ever so free
your sunsets artfully decorate trees
more lessons beyond what we can see
Earth Rise!
