Peregrine Cam: Fledglings

For many years we've had a pair of peregrines nesting in the high buildings of Salt Lake. This year we are lucky to have live cameras allowing us to watch the nest. Two young peregrines, hatched on May 30th and already are ready to fly. The male took his first flight yesterday. The female is not quite ready and is expected to test her wings in the next few days.

Here's a link to the web cam where you can watch this fascinating sight. Be patient. Activity is not on a scheduled basis. Camera 1 gives you a wider view good for seeing take offs and landings. Camera 2 is a close up of the nest.

I'm sorry I missed the flight, though I check in as often as I can on these magnificent raptors. I did take a screen shot of the mother with two babes when just a few days old, and another today of the young male trying his wings. Can you believe how much these guys have grown in just one month?

KSL has the story and video of one of the first flights.

UPDATE: I think the falcons have flown the coop. Other than a quick visit by the mother peregrine at noontime today, I haven't seen any sign of them in the nest. Does anyone have further info on where they are now?

Happy Father's Day

A couple days early, but not knowing what this weekend may hold, I thought I'd better post this now. Hope all you dads have a great day on Sunday. And I hope someone gives you a very nice cake, unlike those seen at CakeWrecks. Enjoy!

How'd I miss Palin vs Letterman

I guess I'm working too hard, but I completely missed this important news event and now I feel so out of touch. It seems Letterman made a joke about a Palin daughter, without specifying which one. And then mama bear Palin and papa bear Palin got on their respective Facebook pages and smacked Letterman down for making lewd suggestions about their underage daughter, completely forgetting, it seems, that they actually have another daughter who, in fact, is admittedly sexually promiscuous -- and of age. And then Letterman apologizes, sort of, clarifying that his intended target was not the underage girl. But we all knew that, didn't we? And so did mama and papa Palin. But they saw an opportunity for some righteous indignation, and jumped at the chance, deliberately misunderstanding to their advantage. But the whole thing is clear as glass to anyone who cares to look.

So now I'm all up to date on important stuff. Let's see now, was there something going on in Iran?

Who'll Stop the Rain?

CCR asks the pertinent question.

I survived the DTV switch

Jeez, is it over yet? There's been a steady build of tension toward this big event--the day the whole country lost analog and switched to digital TV. All the television stations have hammered this message to us every day for many months. They have begun to seem a bit like the prognosticators for Y2K. Remember that? The whole world of technology was going to crash and burn when the calendar flipped over to the new millennium? Only it didn't. And, likewise, the world didn't end today when a some people who simply weren't paying attention could no longer watch TV.

As for me, I still have the old TV, but in March I canceled Dish TV and bought one of those converters and an antenna, hooked it up, scanned for my channels, and have been set ever since. I find it exciting that I've already saved over $300 by canceling Dish - but that's another story.

The television manufacturers and dealers are raking in a bit of a windfall right now as those who did not get converter boxes are buying new digital TVs. Nothing wrong with that, it can only help stimulate the economy. And today the neighborhood was crawling with Comcast trucks. I have to believe cable and satellite services are getting a bump out of this, too.

I plan to buy a new TV this year, but I'm going to wait until the TV sales drop off and we see some really good sales. In the meantime, I have an extra converter box if anyone needs one. I actually bought two, but never hooked up my second TV.

If you bought a new TV, here are some locations where you can take the old one for recycling.

By the way, why are the television stations still telling people what they need to do to receive the digital signal? If people are watching, they're already getting the signal. Those who aren't receiving the signal are also not watching the broadcast. Duh! Please stop the news stories about DTV. Anyone who doesn't know about it by now is too stupid to benefit from any further news stories.

Mid-June in Utah? Unexpected cool, wet weather

A year ago at this time, it was so hot, I was having trouble keeping my tender spring plants alive. Growth was way behind. This year, just the opposite. It's nice really. Not only are we saving the cost of watering our yards, we are saving on air conditioning. I've had windows open for days now with just momentary closings for blowing rain.

There are those who point to this year's cool weather and say it's proof there is no global warming. First, one year is not indicative of a trend. Second, the impact of global warming is climate change--shifting zones of temperature and precipitation. Unfortunately, some use this cool spring to hide their heads in the sand and ignore actual facts.

Have you noticed anything unusual this year in your own yards? I'm seeing mushrooms growing in the myrtle bed. And tons of little green grasshoppers--I know those will be trouble later. And mosquitoes. All my flowers are already looking gorgeous.. I know we're going to peak early. Hope I have enough color to last the summer. Most of the plants will bloom twice with a dead-heading or shearing.

Officials are warning that the wet spring is growing a bumper crop of wild grasses and other plants on our mountainsides, and this is more fuel for the inevitable hot months of summer when fire danger is high.

Let's have a weather-appropriate video. The great Ella Fitzgerald, Stormy Weather.

Free entrance to national parks for three weekends

I'm a big proponent of the wonderful national parks in our state, so I was excited to hear this news of free entrance that will be available on three weekends this summer:

In Utah, that means the famous Grand Circle of Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands and Capitol Reef national parks will waive admission fees of $3 to $25 during the weekends of June 20-21, July 18-19 and Aug. 15-16.

The purpose of the free admission is to entice visitors who are possibly staying home this year due to the economy. Of course, this isn't a big savings in the bigger picture of the cost of a vacation, so it may or may not help. But it may serve to remind people here in Utah what great vacation destinations we have in our own backyard.

For those who think you need to be young and athletic to enjoy the parks, you'll be surprised. Many areas are accessible without hiking, while, others can require extreme physical fitness. If you want a less physical trip, try Bryce Canyon where you can drive to all the lookout points, and have lunch at the old lodge.

For those who really like to drive (I know I'm repeating myself here), I recommend the truly beautiful and amazing Highway 12 from Torrey to Bryce Canyon. From either direction, it's just an amazing drive through ever-changing scenery. Be sure to stop at the view points and soak in the vistas.

I never cease to be amazed at the number of Utahns who tell me they've never visited a national park in Utah. People who've lived here their whole lives. It's a missed opportunity. Perhaps the free weekends will entice a few of those to give it a try and visit these very accessible and wonderful areas. Travel information is readily available online.

A new author at RedStateBlues

I am so very pleased to announce that another author will be joining me here at RedStateBlues. This is someone I've known literally all her life, and I know she has some important ideas to add politically and otherwise. It's my daughter, Jenn!

Jenn's politics were no doubt influenced by her dad and I, but she has her own unique take on things, and believe me we don't always agree. So this should be fun.

Look for posts from 20-something Jenn from time to time. She'll post when she has something she wants to say. I'll still be here as well, so you may have to notice the name on a given post in order to know whom to blame.

Welcome, Jenn. It will be great to have some perspective from another generation. I'm excited to have to your contributions!

Resurgence of credit card offers

I'm sitting here doing a little shopping online. I found a great coupon for 25% off and free shipping at Coldwater Creek, and then found some really great bargains in their online outlet. So picked up a few items and I'm ready to check out, when now I'm faced with another offer -- an additional 20 percent off if I open a Visa account with them. Since I only spent $50 today, that saves me $10. But I have to admit, I'm tempted to go back and pick up a couple of other things that I was borderline on and then passed up.

Still, do I need another Visa card?

Maybe you've noticed this too. Everywhere you go people are offering discounts if you'll pick up their credit card. At the tire shop last week. At Pier I. And of course, every department store you visit--it's part of the checkout pitch.

So what's the deal? When we had the big crash a few months ago, all the credit card offers that arrived daily in the mail virtually stopped. Credit cards not only were not freely offered. Many were arbitrarily canceled. I received a notice from Key Bank that a credit card I hadn't used in four years would be canceled unless I used it within 90 days. Then it was canceled in just 30 days. No matter, I have one Visa card that I use and pay off every month, so I didn't need that one.

In the meantime, I've had notices from everyone from Home Depot to J.C. Penney that their policy for my account has changed. Interest rates are higher, penalties are higher. Even that doesn't worry me. I only use those accounts when there is an offer of "no interest" for some period, and then always pay off the balance before interest kicks in.

But when it comes to credit cards, I don't think I'm typical. No doubt many people are making monthly payments and paying some pretty exorbitant rates of interest. I'm trying to figure out now where this is heading.

I believe that one of the factors in the collapse of our economy has been the irresponsible use of credit by consumers and the irresponsible promotion of and policies for credit by financial institutions. It made sense that the credit card offers would dry up after the crash. So what's with this new resurgence? What's the catch? You know there is one.

Incidentally, there is an opt-out option: "You can choose to stop receiving "prescreened" offers of credit from this and other companies by calling toll-free 1-888-567-8688." Seriously, I ought to do it. Is it worth saving $10 today just one time, and then ending up with a credit card?

One of the reasons I hate having too many credit cards is my own and others' bad experiences with the numbers being stolen and used to make purchases. Just a year ago my Visa was used by a kid in New Jersey to buy a computer online. In that situation, Dell called my home to confirm the purchase since the shipping address was so far from the billing address. When I informed them it was not my purchase, they shipped the computer anyway and then in the following weeks I had to jump through hoops getting the charge removed from my account. No, I really don't like credit cards.

And believe it or not, I'm still tempted to sign up for this card. We Americans are hopeless!

UPDATE: You'll be glad to know I resisted the card offer. However, I did go back and purchase a few more items with the original 25% discount coupon before completing my order.

Decision today on Prop 8

At 10 a.m. Pacific time today, the California Supreme Court will hand down its decision on three challenges to Prop. 8, the California proposition to outlaw gay marriage. Not only California is waiting with bated breath, but all of the U.S. I don't think the arguments over this issue will end with the decision which ever way it goes. In the long term, I believe gay marriage will be accepted all across the country. Gay marriage is gaining more and more acceptance among Americans who think it is only right and fair, and that the law should apply equally to all citizens. It's just a matter of time. Patience is required.

Still I think everyone on both sides of this issue are very interested to hear what the court has to say today.

UPDATE: The court has upheld Prop 8 on the challenge that the state constitution may be amended by voters. The ruling does not address gay marriage but only the ability of voters to amend the constitution. The ruling also says that all existing gay marriages will remain legal and intact.

Oh beautiful for heroes proved

Remembering my high school classmates whose names appear on the Viet Nam memorial wall.

Verne Johnson, PFC, Marine.
Boyd Newbold, SP5, Army.
Val Robinson, Sgt., Army. .
Mark Steiner, 2Lt, Army.
Gary Vogrinec, PFC, Army.

Ephraim, Utah: racist or not?

I was disconcerted to read the following news story this week. Ephraim is a small town ensconced in the middle of redneck, ultra-conservative, rural Utah. But even this was unexpected.

A cemetery board has rejected a proposal to fly a Mexican flag alongside the banners of other nations in Ephraim's city cemetery.

Flags from the United States, Great Britain, Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland are already displayed in a monument at the central Utah cemetery.

The Snow College Hispanic Student Association petitioned the board to add the Mexican flag to reflect the growing Latino population.

Board member and City Councilman Terry Lund says the monument honors city founders, not those who came after. Lund says the city will allow the Mexican flag — and others — in Canyon View Park, which is under construction.

Ephraim was incorporated by Anglo settlers in 1868. Before the end of the Mexican-American War in 1848, the area was part of Mexico.

Let me repeat that last part for you in case you missed it. "Ephraim was incorporated by Anglo settlers in 1868. Before the end of the Mexican-American War in 1848, the area was part of Mexico."

But not unlike American Indians, Mexicans who lived here first must learn that history actually began when we Anglos arrived.

In my not-so-humble opinion, Ephraim exhibits the ugly prejudiced side of conservative Utah. Let's hope they rethink this and agree to allow the Mexican flag to be flown in the city's cemetary.

Gardening

I'm not posting my gardening activities here at RedStateBlues any longer, but I have a new post with pics on my My So-Called Life today.

High praise for Utah's Guv, except from his own state

We're all aflutter here in Utah over the announcement that our own Governor Jon Huntsman has been appointed by the Obama administration to serve as U.S. ambassador to China. The R party in this reddest of red states has been complaining endlessly that the guv is too moderate and some are saying they will be glad to see him move on. Truly he has fought an uphill battle with the wingnuts of the legislature to bring about some important legislation like the much-needed reform in liquor sales. But Huntsman is a diplomat, and just when it looked like things weren't going to happen, some backroom negotiating got the necessary votes on-board. You can't help being impressed that the guy can get things done.

It's significant that a Democratic president reached across party lines for this appointment, especially considering Huntsman has been mentioned as a contender for the 2012 presidential race.

MSNBC has high praise for Utah's governor, and points out the criticism he's had from the far right:

Fluent in Mandarin Chinese from his days as a Mormon missionary in Taiwan, the 49-year-old Huntsman is a popular two-term governor who served in both Bush administrations. He has made a name for himself advocating a moderate agenda in one of the nation's most conservative states.

Huntsman made headlines recently for encouraging the Republican Party to swing in a more moderate direction if it wanted to bounce back from the 2008 elections, angering some conservatives.

Obama's 2008 campaign manager, David Plouffe, said Huntsman is a Republican who "seems to understand the party has to adjust — not stubbornly believe that everything is OK and it is the country that has to change."

Huntsman's positions on the environment and other issues have led some to consider him a potential contender for president in 2012.

He signed an initiative that would set a regional cap-and-trade effort to reduce global warming. In a 2006 speech at Shanghai Normal University, Huntsman spoke of the need for China and the U.S. to work together on environmental issues.

"The United States and China must be good examples and stewards of the Earth. We must match economic progress with environmental stewardship. The effects of industrialization are felt worldwide," Huntsman said then.

Throughout his tenure as governor, Huntsman's background as a diplomat has been evident. He preferred to win over opponents in private meetings rather than using his bully pulpit to give rousing speeches.

One of his most significant achievements was loosening the state's restrictive liquor laws over the objections of many in heavily Mormon Utah in an effort to make the state more appealing for visitors. It was a feat many here didn't think would be possible in Huntsman's lifetime.

Huntsman has drawn the most attention for stating he favors civil unions for gay couples even though he backed a state constitutional amendment passed in 2004 that prohibited same-sex marriage.

Huntsman's comments on civil unions drew the ire of conservatives in Utah and elsewhere.

Utah always seems to be in the spotlight for bizarre or negative news stories. It is a welcome relief to have the national media focus some positive attention on our state and its top executive. The fact that the state elected a moderate Republican says something about the electorate.

With Huntsman stepping down, Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert will serve in his stead until 2010 when a special election will be held. I'm truly hoping the R's bring out the most conservative candidate they can find. Red state Utah has moved ever so slightly toward the center and if the Democrats can put forth a likeable moderate candidate, there is a good chance we can elect that person.

Former Rep. Jim Hansen and I agree

Wow, I seriously never thought I could say those words and mean it, but Utah's former representative, Republican James Hansen talked some serious sense on the topic of voter redistricting.

While the Republican-dominated Utah Legislature fiercely defends its constitutional right and expertise in the once-a-decade task of redrawing voter districts, former U.S. Congressman Jim Hansen begs to differ.

"I don't know anybody who screws up more when it comes to reapportionment," Hansen, a former state House Speaker and Utah's longest-serving U.S. House member when he stepped down following the last redistricting.

He applauded the initiative effort that Fair Boundaries Coalition recently launched to put the formation of an independent redistricting commission on the Utah ballot in 2010.

"When the petitions come out, I'll be the first to sign," said the former 11-term congressman from Farmington.

The bounds set in 2001 were especially horrible, Hansen added.

"They were trying to get (Democratic Congressman) Jim Matheson," Hansen said. "That's the voters' job, not the place of the Legislature."

Well what do you know. I don't expect to hear any Republicans in the legislature agreeing with Hansen, but I'm pleased he said this anyway. Honesty. It's refreshing.