Makeshift Memorial

Here's what it looks like at the Third Street entrance of Steele Indian School Park today:

One Lucky Dog

Meet Molly, a west highland white terrier, also known as "the Flying Dog." Sitting in her restrained portable pet carrier, Molly often would ride with her dad as he piloted a helicopter for the morning news show.

Yesterday at around midday, her dad - for whatever reason - decided not to take her along for this particular helicopter ride.

Her dad, Craig Smith, never came back. He was one of the two pilots killed in Phoenix yesterday.

Tragedy in Phoenix

The images on the left will be burned in my memory forever, I'm sure.

Yesterday, all five of Phoenix's news helicopters, along with one police helicopter, were monitoring the pursuit of a stolen vehicle. Then tragedy struck. Two of the choppers - one from KTVK (Channel 3) and KNXV (Channel 15) collided in midair and plummeted into a park below.

Each chopper carried a pilot and a photographer - all four were killed. Our local media was dumbstruck as this news story involved their own.

Ironically, no one on the ground was hurt. That is no small miracle when you consider this incident took place in central Phoenix, over and in a park surrounded by high rises and residential areas. The area's light rail is being constructed on Central Avenue along the park's western boundary. There is a hotel on the western boundary, a high school on the northern boundary. And to the east is the VA Hospital.

Eventually, the suspect involved in the stolen vehicles (he stole two) was arrested after barricading himself in a home on the far west side of Phoenix. He may possibly be charged on four counts of manslaughter.

The park and streets around it are currently closed. The NTSB is now conducting their investigation. Debris is scattered as far as 200 yards from the crash site. As far as the FAA can tell from the radio transmissions, the pilots were following procedure. But perhaps the helicopters were too close to each other. Monsoonal winds can be erratic, even when the weather is good (which it was). Some witnesses said it appeared that the two helicopters got "sucked in toward each other."

It doesn't appear that there has ever been an incident involving media-operated helicopters like this before. Kind of surprising when you consider how these choppers seem to flock together when there's a major news story. In Phoenix, if you see five choppers, you know it's big. To me, this seems to have been accident waiting to happen. The fact that it hasn't until now is a testimony to the skill of these pilot/journalists. I suppose now the FAA will be rewriting the rules on this.

I am rather familiar with Steele Indian School Park. It is where our church - in conjuction with two others on Central Avenue - hold its Easter sunrise service every year. I've also met with my Stephen Ministry care receiver there - it's a nice oasis in the middle of the city.

I wonder if my attitude toward that place will change, too.

There is so much regarding this story, so here a just a couple of additional links:
Story
Photos

Favorite Quote of the Week

"We had Lindsay Lohan booked on the show tonight, but apparently she was already booked."

- Jay Leno, The Tonight Show, July 25, 2007

2007 NBA Championship - San Antonio Spurs *

Now that former NBA referee Tim Donaghy is under investigation for betting on NBA games - including those he officiated - it could be very interesting as to what comes out of this mess.

It's bad enough that Phoenix Suns fans think they got hosed by horrible officiating in their playoff series against the Spurs. The fact that Donaghy called game 3 only adds fuel to the fire. And if others were involved in the Spurs' championship run this year? There will be hell to pay.

Lot's of folks would love to see Donaghy dead. I say place him under witness protection at least until the FBI gleans every bit of information they can (I think torture is justified since he was - after all - an NBA ref). Fine him an amount equal to whatever salary he made while he was gambling and give the proceeds to NBA charities. Then quietly take him out of protection so his mafia buddies can take care of him.

If it is found that other referees were involved, then obviously the NBA has some very serious problems.

First (but probably the least of their problems), is that the legitimacy of this year's NBA title is questionable at best. Perhaps they would have to add an asterisk next to the Spurs. Or better yet, just strip them of the title altogether (and to be truly fair, just don't give it to anybody).

Second, David Stern would need to resign as commissioner. Or face impeachment by the NBA owners.

Third (and probably the most serious), the NBA will have to struggle with their image and credibility. TV networks, sponsors, and fans will probably be more hesitant to dole out cash. If that's serious enough, the NBA could face extinction.

Pretty serious stuff.

Finally Some Relief

The monsoon has struggled to get started this year, but it was sure here this week. We'd been experiencing quite a number of 110°+ days right into mid-July, but this past week has been a different story. We've actually had some rather inclement weather. We even had two rainy afternoons to watch out our window at work. Cool! Really, it has been noticeably cool(er). Even on sunny days the temperature has struggled to reach 100°. In fact, with the humidity out there, this is probably the moistest monsoon I can remember for a long time.

Freedom Is Not Free

I think the inscription on a wall at the Korean War Memorial in Washington says it all - "Freedom is not free."

Let us not forget that our own country's fight for independence continued for another seven years after we declared it. And even then, the British came back again in 1812 to try and take it away.

Let us not forget the gargantuan issues our country faced for decades until it was finally resolved in violent struggle. The Civil War was nearly America's undoing; instead, an entire segment of the population was liberated, and we became a stronger nation.

Let us not forget the juggernaut of Nazi Germany and its evil Axis of fascist allies who sought to shape the world in their twisted image. The struggle was monumental - and came at a very high cost - but it was necessary.

The struggle against Communism and it oppresive ways has manifested in many ways. One of the most visible ways is in Korea, where many perished as two mighty powers vied for control of the peninsula. Even today, the struggle remains an unresolved stalemate as both sides stare at each other across a 54-year-old cease fire line.

We went into Vietnam hoping to stem the tide of Communist agression; failing this mission would start a domino effect of losing the rest of southeast Asia. We flinched. Vietnam fell. So did Laos. And Cambodia. And Burma. In Cambodia, some one to two million people were eliminated in the killing fields by that murderous regime.

So what about Iraq? Are we going to flinch there, too? Granted, the war has proved difficult. Probably because we're playing too nice, too politically correct. But this war has not been any more difficult than any previous struggle.

I admire my fellow Americans for wanting peace. It is a good cause. It is just. It is honorable. But peace - like freedom - is not free.

We are dealing with an enemy that thinks America has gone soft and are more than willing to prove it. They don't understand the freedoms we enjoy. They have no Bill of Rights. They are intolerant of any religion other than their own. Whether you are Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu, something else, nothing else, or even some sort of Muslim, you are on their hit list.

This is a small but tenacious enemy. They must be dealt with over there or we will be dealing with them over here. Perhaps it's already too late. But we must be prepared to struggle.

Freedom is not free. That's not a suggestion. It's a fact. Let's not forget that.

Hot Time in the City and a Dubious Anniversary

Today marks a rather dubious anniversary. It was on this date seventeen years ago that the temperature in Phoenix reached 122° - the all-time high. Yikes. I remember a couple of days later commenting to a coworker that it felt noticeably cooler - it was only 118°. There's even a mathematic formula where the date equals the temperature: 6 + 26 + 90 = 122.

'Tis the season, I guess. Temperatures above 110° in the Sonoran Desert are actually a rather necessary precursor to the monsoon. The ancient Indians in the area also timed the monsoon as an event occurring after the cicadas arrived - and I've heard a few lately.

I am, however, thankful we did not hit 122° today. But the thermometer here at our house did record the highest temperature so far this summer - a mere 114°. I'll be glad when the monsoon arrives.

Fighting Amongst Themselves

It has certainly been a rather intriguing time in the Middle East lately.

In Lebanon, the Lebanese Army has crushed militants from the Fatah Islam group after a month-long standoff centered in a Palestinian refugee camp.

Meanwhile, after months of trying to get a viable government going within the Palestinian Authority, it appears that Fatah and Hamas are locked in a civil war in the Gaza Strip. Last week, Hamas virtually seized control of the government, and President Mahmoud Abbas declared a national emergency.

In Iraq, Shiites and Sunnis continue to fight each other as the U.S.-led coalition tries in vain to establish some sort of order there.

What a tangled web we weave.

Taking A Stand: Embryonic Stem Cell Research

"...and because I consider all your precepts right, I hate every wrong path. Your statutes are wonderful; therefore I obey them." Psalm 119: 128-129

"If this bill were to become law, American taxpayers would for the first time in our history be compelled to support the deliberate destruction of human embryos." President George W. Bush

"Unfortunately, because of the stubbornness of one man — President Bush — these people continue to suffer as they wait" Diana DeGette, D-Colorado

As maligned as our president is these days, George Bush has done something to remind me why I admire him and why I voted for him. He stood up against Federal funding of embryonic stem cell research, further supporting his assertion that this legislation "crosses a moral line that I and many others find troubling." I can't agree more.

In cases of rape, incest, or danger to the mother's health, I agree that abortion may be the only option. But otherwise it is immoral. Period. There is nothing you can say or show me that would justify it - not even the harvesting of embryonic stem cells.

"A woman should have the right to control her own body," is something I've heard argued, and I totally agree. With all the preventative measures out there - for both women and men, there's really very little excuse for an unplanned pregnancy. The problem these days is that too many people are not willing and able to take responsibility for their own actions. And parenting a child is an immense responsibility.

Another concern is that the harvesting of embryonic stem cells could encourage some women to get pregnant for the sole purpose of providing stem cells. They would essentially prostitute themselves to the health care industry who in turn would likely pay them as little as possible.

Stem cell research does not require embryonic stem cells. Just as it is no longer necessary to kill a rabbit to determine a pregnancy, it is also not necessary to terminate a human life to harvest stem cells. Duh! There is plenty of material out there. Embryonic stem cell research is just another way to justify abortion.

Stem cells offer us hope to potentially cure many dreaded diseases. I'm all for that. But stem cells do not have to be embryonic.

I have one of those dreaded diseases myself. I have type-II diabetes. I expect it will be my ticket to heaven sooner or later. So what? Even Lazarus - whom Jesus raised from the dead - eventually died again. We all die, and stem cell research isn't going to change that.

Too many people have already sacrificed their lives for my physical needs and my freedom. Indeed, Jesus sacrificed his life for my very soul.

Personally, if it ever becomes practice, I will ensure any medical directive of mine clearly states that I will not allow the life of a human embryo to be sacrificed in order to save mine. If such measures are taken against my wishes, then those medical personnel better hope it doesn't work. Because when I get better, I will sue the crap out of them.

Do you think President Bush is being stubborn? Do you think I am being stubborn? Fine. But know this - some things are right and true whether you believe in them or not. I've made my stand.

Back From Camp

Another summer music camp has come and gone...now I'm back home where it's nice and hot (whoopee).

This year's camp was a bit smaller as about a dozen kids we usually get from one particular church did not come this year. Too bad.

We also had a rather unfortunate and serious incident (of which I can't really elaborate) that resulted in sending one camper home. On Wednesday night, Pastor B and I drove back to Phoenix to take him home. Not something I ever want to do again.

Otherwise, it was a really great camp. The children wrote and performed a wonderful little opera. The weather was cool (even downright cold one day), and we even got to have campfires despite the fire danger.

From our church we had three children attend this year - they all had a great time. Their parents and grandparents can attest to that.

As for me, this was perhaps the best camp experience (even with the glitch) that I've ever had. There's just something about that place. I consider it one of my God places. As one of my fellow staff members said, it's a place that helps turn my spiritual life back to normal. Without a doubt, I prayed more this past week than I have been lately. I got to catch up with some old friends and make some new ones, all with whom there was much levity. My friends at church told me today that I looked more peaceful. Well, I sure feel that way. Onward and upward.

Ding Dong, the Bill is Dead

I was very pleased to see that the immigration reform bill that was being considered by Congress is dead - at least for now. For too many reasons to specify, it was a bad bill (and if it does get resurrected, I will go into detail at that time). I would even go as far as saying this bill was unconstitutional. One thing that is certain is that our Congress very nearly sold us out.

I have no problem with hard-working, law-abiding people who want to become U.S. citizens - in fact they make our country that much better, and they already contribute to the national economy. But this bill would have handed the keys of our country over to gang members, drug traffickers, terrorists, welfare leeches, and various other ne'er-do-wells.

Arizonans and the residents of other border states have made their voices clear on this crisis. We are fed up with the Federal government not enforcing the laws already on the books. It is the states now that have to take up the slack with tough legislation of their own.

Instead of taking junkets to Iraq and Afghanistan (and in Nancy Pelosi's case - Syria!), our congressmen need to come see what it's like right here. It's high time that Ted Kennedy get his fat ass down here.

Headed Off to Camp

I will be spending the next week at camp, so obviously I won't be blogging unless someone brings a computer with an internet connection. But it is, after all, about getting away from it all, isn't it?

There are some things I won't miss. Like the summer heat in Phoenix (although it hasn't been that bad this year yet). Like hearing about the continuing saga of Paris Hilton (can we serve some cheese with that whine?). Like work.

And who knows, maybe I'll even see one of those elk thingies.

Checking In

With everything going lately, I've been too busy to blog. So here's the latest:

Met The Future In-Laws
With J and R's wedding coming up in October, it was decided that we should meet with J's future in-laws. So we met for dinner at J and R's house last Sunday evening. Nice folks. Not surprising since they have such a nice son. Got to see the grandson, the future granddaughter, the grandpuppy, and grandcat also. It was a grand evening.

The Grandpuppy Visits
We got to see Zoe again on Monday evening. Zoe had some surgery on a fractured front leg recently, and she now seems no worse for the wear. I think Princess can attest to that. Zoe has grown a bit since she last visited and is probably two or three times bigger than Princess. When I got home, I was being told to go rescue Princess from her "mauling" - and indeed she was pretty wet around the neck and sides from all the dog slobber. But closer observation of their antics revealed that Princess was the chief instigator (gotta love a little dog with attitude) and Zoe was just being a puppy. Princess, as usual would let Zoe chase her around and around the chair, then turn around and get in her face. Zoe's usual defense was body-slam Princess and sit on her. Funny and cute.

Nice BBQ at Church
For the Memorial Day weekend, it was decided by our Congregational Care Committee (of which I am now a member) to hold a barbeque. I was volunteered to flip burgers on the church's new charcoal grill. Hmmm. Standing by an open fire on a May afternoon in Phoenix. Actually, it wasn't too bad - we were in the shade (although it was just a palm tree). Lucky, the church cat, layed in the grass next to us - no doubt hoping for a handout or an accidental drop. The food turned out great. The best part of it was the fellowship with my fellow griller and our kitchen helpers. I'd do that again in a heartbeat.

Princess Goes to the Vet
Princess was overdue on her shots so I took her in Thursday for her exam. All is well with her, although she seems to have allergies (which I've noticed whenever she's been out on the grass for a while). I don't think she was too traumatized, but between the thermometer, two shots, and (pardon my sharing of TMI) an expressing of her anal glands, Princess didn't seem to appreciate the extra attention toward her rump. I made it up to with a trip to Petsmart.

Camp is Coming Up
A week from now I shall be packing for my week at summer music camp. Should be fun as always, even with the challenges one normally faces when dealing with that many kids. Mingus Mountain is my favorite "God place" and I look forward to spending some time up there.

Open Letter to David Stern

NBA Commissioner David Stern, you defended your decision to suspend Phoenix Suns players Amare Stoudemire and Boris Diaw on ESPN Radio's Dan Patrick Show yesterday.

In your opening comments, you said, "One of the things we did was put in a rule that said nobody leaves the bench, so if the players were not playing, it means they violated the rule. It means they either didn't know about it . . . or they knew about it and they forgot about it or one of the six assistant coaches that were there didn't grab them fast enough. So these players took themselves out."

Okay, so we're playing by the rules as far as the Suns players go. I can accept that on the basis of the rules alone. So what about Tim Duncan and Bruce Bowen? They also left the bench during a rather physical play (which involved only INCIDENTAL contact) during the second quarter. Here's the video in case you missed it. Doesn't the rule apply to Duncan and Bowen?

You were asked if this rule was subject to interpretation. You said, "No."

Again I ask, doesn't the rule apply to Duncan and Bowen? According to your interview, it does. Therefore DUNCAN AND BOWEN MUST SERVE A MINIMUM ONE-GAME SUSPENSION. What part of that do you not understand?

You questioned Stoudemire's and Diaw's intent for leaving the bench. Did you really? Or did you just come to your own conclusion without asking them? For that matter, did you question Duncan as to why he left the bench (I know why Bowen left - more on that later)? What the hell did you assume his intentions were?

Here's one of your better quotes: "It's being decided because two Phoenix Suns who knew about the rule forgot about it, couldn't control themselves and didn't have coaches that could control them. And don't you forget it."

'"And don't you forget it." ???' What was that for? How old are you, Mr. Stern?

You sit there and harp about the Suns assistant coaches not being able to control their players. So where the hell were the Spurs assistants when Tim Duncan who wasn't playing but was ON THE COURT WITHIN THE THREE-POINT STRIPE DURING PLAY? Obviously not doing their job. The video (here it is again in case you still missed it) clearly shows BRUCE BOWEN pulling Duncan back to the bench where (in your words) he belonged. And don't YOU forget it!

You rant and rave about how Stoudemire and Diaw were twenty feet from the bench before being called back. But I guess it's okay if Tim Duncan goes onto the court during play, even if he's not playing. Granted, if he had wandered twenty feet away from the bench, he'd be in the paint and he'd be pretty obvious (guess you have to give credit to Duncan's smarts on that one). So did Duncan stay within some magical, yet invisible, line? Where's that in the rules?

Again, let me quote you: "Is it a red-letter rule? Absolutely." Given the outcome, I'd say you bent the rules for your Golden Boy, Tim Duncan.

I heard your radio interview with Dan Patrick and I've got to say that you came off as an arrogant SOB with a serious case of foot-in-mouth-disease (refer to your quotes above and below). A couple more of your choice quotes included: "You better stop that!" and "You don't understand anything!" While Mr. Patrick was simply asking you (in a professional manner) the questions that America wants to know, you came off as sarcastic, condescending, patronizing, defensive, offensive, and unprofessional (I come off that way in this letter because it seems the only way you know how to communicate).

My biggest pet peeve is people who don't follow the rules. You're so quick to quote book, chapter, and verse on the rules, yet you hesitate to impose them on the Spurs. What's really up with that?

While not necessarily the case, this has every appearance of foul play. The public isn't as stupid as you may think, and this looks like a fix. Like it or not, the NBA now has a serious image problem. Perhaps the only way it can be restored is if the rules are followed and penalties imposed - even on Duncan and Bowen (oh my God!).

As I conclude my letter to you let me offer another of your quotes: "If I had a team, I would make sure that my players never the leave the bench and so would you." Well, Mr. Stern, you have 30 teams and you are responsible for all of them - including the Spurs (imagine that).

Well if I had one those 30 NBA teams, I would be asking for your immediate resignation. Your actions or lack thereof clearly demonstate a lack of integrity and/or competence to handle the immense responsibility you have. Also, be careful what you say in public - it can be quoted back.

You are quick to place the blame on players, coaches, and even the owners. But the responsibility is yours. If you are so steadfast in your decision, why didn't you come to Phoenix? Can't handle a few "boo's?" Gee, even the Spurs can do that.

To defend your position with the fans is absolutely mandatory. But what you have done is discounted the fans. And that is not good for the NBA. Time to step down, Mr. Stern. What are you waiting for? This is your written invitation.

Spurs Rewarded For Dirty Play Against Suns

With precious time ticking down on the game clock, Steve Nash expected to be fouled. I think we all expected Nash to be fouled. It's part of the game of basketball.

But I find it hard to believe that anyone - including Steve Nash - that Robert Horry would blast his way at Nash like a Mack truck. Talk about a sore loser. That is not basketball.

Deservingly so, Robert Horry is serving a two-game suspension. But Suns players Amare Stoudemire and Boris Diaw are also suspended for tomorrow night's game, simply for getting up off the bench. There were other players and coaches involved in the near-melee. But the actions of one punk (I can't call him a man) cost the Suns more. It does not make sense, and it cannot help the image of the NBA one bit.

Stoudemire was right when he publicly called out the Spurs and called them a dirty team. Last night's antics only prove it more. But David Stern and the NBA do not have the balls to call them out.

I find it hard to believe that the fans in San Antonio are so proud of their team. It's quite possible that the Spurs may advance to the Western Conference finals, and then the NBA Championship. But it will be a hollow and dirty victory. Just like when the Mexican army won the Battle of the Alamo (stick that in your pipe and smoke it, San Antonians).

Perhaps you disagree. Perhaps you think I'm one of the whining Suns fans. Yes, rules are rules. But rules are not absolute. And if you think what happened is right, then stay away from me - I don't want to know you. You have much more serious issues to deal with.

Personally - win or lose - I hope the Suns beat the living snot out of the Spurs.

Uncanny Resemblance

You know, I always thought future Hall of Fame pitcher Randy Johnson looked like he came out of the Civil War (especially when he wore the mullet).

I discovered I wasn't too far off the mark when we visited Gettysburg. Standing atop Little Round Top is a statue of General Gouveneur K. Warren. If you were to put a baseball in his left hand, he'd be a dead ringer for Randy Johnson, scowl and all.

Serving as Chief Engineer for the Army of the Potomac, General Warren went to Little Round Top to assess the situation when he noticed the Confederate forces maneuvering towards the unoccupied mountain. Warren acted quickly to commandeer a regiment to rush in to defend against the Confederate attack just in the nick of time, thereby protecting the Union left flank and saving the Union forces from a disastrous defeat. Gouveneur Warren is considered by many to be the savior of Gettysburg. He was the ace that day, just as Randy Johnson has been the ace on many a day.

By the way, do you know who else was at the Battle of Gettysburg? Major General Abner Doubleday - mistakenly credited as the inventor of baseball (but he did patent the cable car that still runs in San Francisco!). But I do digress...

I don't believe in reincarnation, but wow - the resemblance between Johnson and Warren is uncanny.