Forgoing Luxury

During this era of political dysfunction and reduced funding for both national and international aid programs, it seems appropriate that those of us with the means to do so might redirect our relative wealth from personal spending to the needs of less fortunate populations.

While I am not a socialist, I do believe that we humans need to step up when our government fails to do so; less personal consumption and more philanthropy seems especially appropriate during the reign of King Trump.  Most of us would agree that we can lead perfectly comfortable lives without choosing to purchase "high end products" or take extravagant vacations.

Indeed, the joys of life are rarely related to the money that we spend to experience them.  On the other hand, a commitment to sharing our wealth is always satisfying.

See also:  The Cost of Extravagance 

Aging and Independence

We humans hope to live a long, healthy life but many, perhaps most of us, do not wish to outlive our independence.  Achieving that goal is not always successful due to illness but staying active and adhering to science-based lifestyle recommendations increase our chances.

Attention to visual and hearing deficits is especially important since a safe interaction with our environment and effective communication with our family and friends help to stave off accidents, a common trigger of deteriorating health in older individuals.  Since our ability to absorb essential nutrients diminishes with age, a healthy, well-balanced diet is very important; a daily multivitamin tablet makes sense but most longevity-enhancing supplements, advertised on TV, are of dubious value.

Finally, the importance of acknowledging one's limitations is too often ignored and independence may be threatened by an unwillingness to ask for assistance, especially when facing high-risk tasks.  Pride should never be the cause of an early demise. 

The Prestige Bowl

Today's Super Bowl, in California, is more than the NFL Championship Game.  It is the place to be seen for the wealthy and the well-connected.  No doubt, private jets have already arrived from across the globe.

While tickets are said to average $6000-$7000, celebrities, corporate executives and their guests shell out far more for the suites.  Leading up to the game, we have heard from many of those wealthy individuals, publicly affirming their intention (i.e. qualification) to attend the game and, perhaps more importantly, its social events.

The gladiators themselves are rewarded handsomely for their willingness to risk serious injury and, down the line, chronic traumatic encephalopathy while sports betting services encourage TV viewers to wager their hard-earned money on every aspect of the contest.  Enjoy the Greatest American spectacle!  I will pass.

The Dolomites

Those watching the Winter Olympics from Italy, may have heard that the skiing events are being held in The Dolomites.  This range, in northeast Italy, lies within the Southern Limestone Region of the Alps.

Most of the land that is now Italy became part of Northern Africa when the Tethys Sea opened, some 200 million years ago, separating Europe and Africa.  When that Sea closed, beginning 50 million years ago, Italy was Africa's leading point as it drifted northward and rammed into Europe, lifting the Alps and associated ranges in the process; marine sediments from the Tethys thus form the southern edge of the Alps.  In areas where the sediments were rich in magnesium, the limestone took the form of dolomite (calcium-magnesium-carbonate).

Dolomite is found in many limestone formations across the globe.  Of interest to those of us in Missouri, it is widespread in the Ordovician limestone of the Ozarks.

See also: Italy and Africa and Oil and the Tethys Sea

Flashback Post LXXIII

As the Winter Olympics get underway in Milan, Italy, I have decided to repost my sentiments from August, 2024.

See: Thoughts on the Olympics 

Journalism & Freedom

The founder of the largest book distribution system in the U.S. has reduced staffing at the Washington Post by 30%.  One would think that Jeff Bezos, who began his lucrative career by encouraging Americans to purchase and read books of all genres, would respect the importance of journalism in this highly politicized country and across the globe.

Unfortunately, one suspects that this mass firing is more of a political than a financial move.  Having purchased the paper that brought down Nixon, Bezos, among the most wealthy individuals in America, seems to be reluctant to demonstrate independence during the reign of another corrupt and power-hungry President.

What can be more important than an aggressive free press when our Democracy is threatened and human rights are under attack?  As a vital election approaches, this drastic decision is especially suspect and unfortunate.

Trump & Groundhog Day

Yesterday, Americans were subjected to the silly, annual rites of Groundhog Day.  I suspect most of us are more enamored with the film than the ritual; in that film, a TV weather man (Bill Murray) is forced to relive Groundhog Day until he becomes empathetic and is able to express love.

In modern-day America, we now wake up each morning to learn that Our Dear Leader has released another Presidential order, attacking, suing or degrading one of his presumed enemies or expanding the power of his office.  Trump has not and will not learn from his cruel, selfish behavior.  Extreme narcissism negates a happy ending for him or for our country.

Incapable of kindness, empathy or compassion, Trump will never leave office voluntarily.  A third Impeachment will likely be the only means of putting an end to our ongoing Groundhog Day.   

The Thaw Begins

After two weeks of frigid weather and a period of heavy snow, a thaw has begun in central Missouri.  Though overnight lows may dip below freezing, afternoon highs are expected to gradually climb over the next ten days.

Down at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area this afternoon, the amount of open water had increased, attracting a mix of gadwall, mallards, green-winged teal and ring-necked ducks.  Except for a northern harrier and a few members of the sparrow family, bird sightings were otherwise limited.

But the current forecast is reassuring, fortifying my conviction that February should be considered the first month of spring.  The birth of great horned owls, the nesting activity of magpie and crows, the northward migration of geese,  the drumming and hysterical call of flickers, increasing birdsong and the blooming of early bulb plants all signal the gradual change of seasons.  Following the extreme cold in January, the coming thaw will be especially welcome. 

Junco Road

Exploring one of my favored country roads on this sunny, cold morning, I only encountered five avian species.  But one of them, dark-eyed juncos, were especially abundant, foraging on and along the graveled road.

Small but hardy, these "snow birds" often fly up from the weedy borders of country roads as vehicles pass, their white outer tail feathers aiding identification.  This morning, as my pickup crawled past snow-covered fields, they were easy to observe as they scoured the gravel for windblown seed.  Most were of the slate-colored race, joined by some "Oregon juncos."  My conservative count for eBird was 125 along the 3 mile stretch of road.

Unlike our response to encountering large raptors in frigid winter weather, birders and suburbanites tend to pity small songbirds as they face the cold wind and snow.  But one need not worry about the gregarious juncos; they will head back to Canada or to the higher mountains before it gets too warm in the spring. 

One on One

Anyone who regularly reads this blog knows that I relish periods of solitude.  And, to be completely honest, I'll admit that I much prefer one-on-one interactions over social gatherings.

I find that time and conversation with another individual is much more enjoyable and meaningful than the chaos of parties and crowds, especially when attendees strive to gain attention with their stories of adventure or mishap.

This is not a judgement on my part; no doubt, life would be dull if we were all alike.  On the other hand, those of us who are not groupies are more likely to be criticized for staying in our comfort zone and, as a consequence, may tend to feel antisocial.  I contend that a preference for intimate conversations is not a vice; indeed, in my personal experience, they have been among the highlights of my life.

Defund ICE

There is no greater threat to our Democracy than what is transpiring in Minnesota.  The death of two young Americans at the hands of our own immigration enforcement service and the cruel lies of Trump and his Cabinet members necessitate a dramatic response.

ICE in its current form must be abolished and funding for immigration control must be significantly reduced.  If that requires a government shutdown, then so be it.  We must all be willing to deal with the inconveniences and economic effects of a shutdown if we truly want to put an end to Trump's assault on human rights.

This is not the time to "trim around the edges;" the Republican members of Congress must be forced to take decisive action.  Politics as usual is insufficient and the impeachment of those responsible for this crisis is imperative.

Let there be Light

Having just experienced one of the most severe winter storms in decades, many Americans hope for an "early spring."  While that may or may not seem to occur, relief is already evident in the cold, blue sky.

By late January, the lengthening period of sunlight is noticeable as a higher sun shines down on the snowy landscape.  Most of us would agree that bright sunshine makes cold weather more tolerable and, whether we understand the astronomical cause or not, we welcome the longer days that characterized the original homeland of our species.

No doubt, there will be more winter weather ahead but the sun will "gain strength" as its rays fall more directly on the Northern Hemisphere.  In the words of George Harrison, "Here Comes the Sun."   

Flashback Post LXXII

As the atrocities of the Trump Administration consume our attention and threaten our Democracy, the subject of my posts frequently drift away from Nature.  While she can be a source of comfort during this difficult time, we cannot ignore the fact that governmental policies threaten her welfare as well, a point I made in a post from August of 2023.

See: Politics, Religion & Conservation  

When Governments Kill Their Own

A month ago, King Trump warned the leaders in Iran that their killing of protestors would have severe consequences.  Since then, Trump's Ice thugs have murdered two Americans.

As in Iran, our Government blames the victims, calling them domestic terrorists and declining to investigate the action of those responsible.  Indeed, in Minneapolis, civil rights have been suspended and military rule has displaced democracy.

The solution to this crisis lies with our Senators and Representatives.  They must defund Ice and put an end to the reign of terror that Trump has unleashed.  If not, a National Revolution may soon unfold.

Addendum:  Please excuse my initial typo; only two innocent individuals have been killed (so far), unless we also count those who have died in custody or in foreign prisons. 

Life in Winter

On days like these, with snow falling and afternoon temperatures hovering near zero degrees F, it is easy to believe that nature has shut down.  Barren trees and freeze-dried plants dominate the landscape and hardy birds and mammals appear to be the only survivors.  Compared with the abundant and explosive life of late spring and summer, death and decay seem to dominate the season.

But in the trees, beneath the leaf litter, within the soil and in the bottom muck of ponds, a myriad of life forms await the spring.  The eggs and larvae of invertebrates, the bulbs, seeds and rootlets of plants, the networks of fungi and the hibernating hordes of amphibians, reptiles and mammals are very much alive.

Of course, birds and some mammals depend on this hidden life to fuel their own winter survival.  We humans, relying on the convenience of grocery stores, too often fail to notice. 

A Crippling Winter Storm

If the current forecast is accurate (and they have become increasingly reliable), a major winter storm will move from the Southern Plains to New England and the Mid-Atlantic region over the next few days.  A broad swath of snow (north of its track) and ice (to its south) are expected to be crippling in some areas, especially related to travel and power outages.

This morning, a dome of Arctic air is dropping into the eastern 2/3 of the U.S., setting the stage for an atmospheric clash that will trigger the wintry precipitation..  The storm's central zone of low pressure will ride along the leading edge of this dome, sweeping Gulf of Mexico moisture into and above the frigid air. Farther east, the counterclockwise winds will pull in moisture from the Atlantic.

Perhaps the worst effect of the storm will be to magnify the entrenched notion among many Conservatives that global warming is a hoax.  What they do not understand (or prefer not to) is that climate change will augment the power and severity of all weather disturbances, whether they are hurricanes, thunderstorms or snowstorms. 

All the King's Men

Having backed Trump's vicious and inaccurate rhetoric about NATO and European countries, his Cabinet members now look like discarded puppets as Trump suddenly dropped his demands regarding an American takeover of Greenland and has eliminated his threats to impose crippling tariffs on those countries.

The Secretaries of Defense, State, Treasury and Commerce are especially diminished, as are numerous Republican members of Congress who refused to speak up as Trump ridiculed our Allies.  One wonders if they will learn from their international embarrassment or continue to support Trump's outrageous and demented whims.

Meanwhile, despite Trump's reversal, we have lost the trust of our European Allies and will not be able to rebuild it until another Administration takes over in Washington.

Castlewood State Park

The Meramec River rises in the Missouri Ozarks, southeast of Salem, and flows ENE for 218 miles to join the Mississippi in southern Metro St. Louis.  As it approaches that city, Castlewood State Park lines its northern shore, offering trail loops that run along the river, wind through forest and lead up to scenic bluffs that rise above the Meramec.

Today, my wife and I hiked the 2-mile river loop and endured the short but steep climb to overlooks atop the cliffs (photo).  In addition to the beautiful scenery, we encountered an excellent variety of birdlife, including wood ducks, red-tailed hawks, eastern bluebirds and several woodpecker species (among many other woodland songbirds).

Though it is clearly a popular State Park and well worth a visit, signage is absent along roads that lead toward the Park, which is south of Ballwin, Missouri.  We recommend that you consult maps before setting out for Castlewood State Park.

The Anti-MLK

Today we honor Martin Luther King, his life and his legacy.  Cut short by an assassin, his life was dedicated to protecting the rights of all humans, especially those in minority groups.

Now, almost 58 years after his death, America is "led" by a self-indulgent narcissist who could care less about the common man.  Focused on his personal power and consumed by his need for attention, he degrades those who do not worship everything he says or does.  In response, his Administration has condemned adherence to DEI principles and has focused on removing non-whites from positions of authority throughout the Federal government.

Let's hope that Trump is forced from office before civil rights are completely abolished in America. 

Freeze Out

Visiting Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area early this afternoon, I found that all water surfaces were frozen and that the thousands of ducks that were present for the past few weeks had moved on; only 16 American coot, huddled on a small island, were present to represent the waterfowl.

Other sightings included a couple of great blue herons, three ring-billed gulls, two red-tailed hawks and an American kestrel, not to mention a large, restless flock of starlings.

We expect a modest warmup this week and then another Arctic front by next weekend; I suspect the ducks will stay south for a while.  Whether we will encounter a significant number of migrant geese at Eagle Bluffs this season remains to be seen.

While Republicans Slept

King Trump has now been in office for one chaotic year.  Having pardoned the January 6 rioters, he moved on to attacking his political enemies; to date, almost all of those lawsuits have been unsuccessful.  He then enacted numerous, arbitrary tariffs on allies and foes alike, producing economic turmoil in the U.S. and across the globe.

Unleashing ICE thugs on Blue States and Cities, he has threatened the welfare of American citizens and trampled on the rights of immigrants.  In recent months, our King has committed war crimes on the high seas, kidnapped the illegitimate President of Venezuela and threatened to invade Greenland and Cuba.  Just in the last few days, he has expressed a willingness to invoke the Insurrection Act and has hinted that the upcoming midterm elections need not be held.

During all of this, the Republican members of Congress (with very few exceptions) have remained silent.  It was not until Trump launched an investigation of the Federal Reserve Chairman that Republicans began to awaken from their political slumber.  Why?  Because that move threatened their personal wealth.  Protecting their own welfare has been their overriding priority.