tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2505235057862498515Sun, 08 Sep 2024 14:56:43 +0000politicsEnergyravallioilbitterrootliteratureObamafly-fishingrantcommon sensereligionBushMcCainSarah Palinstreamside setbacksBrian SchweitzerabortiongasolinesportsmanT. Boone PickensBlue Man in a Red StateMissoulaNGOswindzoningGreg LemonLord Save Us From Your Followersbeercommon sense 2Cross CountryJohn PerkinsRobert SullivanThe Secret History of the American Empirebuy localfoodfree marketgun controlhealth caremass transitquotestbptrainwarATVsHillary ClintonIndianaKatie CouricKurt VonnegutNRANew YorkRick BassRick SantorumThe Wild MarshTom Robakbikingbuscarpoolcommuter railcreationismenvironmentalistevolutionfarmer's marketfuel economygreenhomeshomosexualityoptimal fuel efficiencyphilosophypoacherspoetryrecyclereducereel mowersocialismthermostatwalkingAmnesty InternationalBluebeardBreakfast of ChampionsCharlie GibsonDan CooperDavid BrooksDemocracy NowDenny RehbergEkinEugene McCarthyFoodRoutes NetworkGeorge WallaceGlenn BeckHaitiHamiltonHubert HumphreyIndianapolisIsraelJames DobsonJoe the PlumberLyndon JohnsonMadisonMartin Luther King Jr.Max BaucusMcClellanMitchell SloughMontanaOregonPalestineRainforest Action NetworkRichard NixonRobert KennedySam BrownbackScott McMillionThe September ProjectUrsula K. Le Guinacceleratinganimal activistappliancesarcherybook banningbumper stickerscarbon fibercensorshipco-opcoaleconomyelectricethicsfather's dayflex-fuelfluorescent bulbsgeothermalhikinghybridinsulationlinksmopedsracismreusesciencescooterssolarsubwaytaxtesla motorsThis page is designed as an outlet to share thoughts on Politics, Religion, Environmental Issues, Literature, Fly-fishing, or the Events of the Day. Read, enjoy, and share your thoughts.http://westforkblues.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (Francis H. Woods)Blogger148125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2505235057862498515.post-5387157515747519941Fri, 04 Jun 2010 20:00:00 +00002010-06-04T16:19:11.417-04:00BluebeardKurt VonnegutliteraturewarFrom chapter 8 - advice by an old newspaper editor to a young Rabo Karabekian... "'I never prayed before, but I'll pray tonight that you never go to Europe as a soldier.  We should never get suckered again into providing meat for the cannons and machine guns they love so much.  They could go to war at any time.  Look how big their armies are in the midst of a Great Depression! 'http://westforkblues.blogspot.com/2010/06/excerpt-from-bluebeard-by-kurt-vonnegut.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Francis H. Woods)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2505235057862498515.post-1245396511178204361Wed, 02 Jun 2010 21:30:00 +00002010-06-02T17:40:27.571-04:00literatureRick BassThe Wild MarshTaken from p.134 in the chapter "May"... "In our valley, we have but fifteen such gardens of any significant size left.  They require a minimum size of one thousand acres to be classified as potential candidates for wilderness designation - formal, permanent protection by Congress - and in order to qualify must not ever have had any roads built into them. Such has been the frenzy of http://westforkblues.blogspot.com/2010/06/excerpt-from-wild-marsh-by-rick-bass.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Francis H. Woods)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2505235057862498515.post-2497528118423371429Thu, 27 May 2010 17:00:00 +00002010-05-27T16:29:18.276-04:00fly-fishingliteraturepoetryI stand with a creel void of conquest - a lesson in life once more. You can not catch that which does not wish to be caught. But I am a fisherman.  So I turn, smile, and cast once more, Wading upstream, hat-in-hand. - F.H.W.http://westforkblues.blogspot.com/2010/05/fly-verse_27.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Francis H. Woods)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2505235057862498515.post-4463118461948142869Wed, 26 May 2010 15:00:00 +00002010-05-26T11:11:35.588-04:00bitterrootpoliticsravalliRavalli Republic -- Wolves, Constitution Hot Topics at Forum ... hosted by the Ravalli County Fish and Wildlife Association, Monday night. "Not one had a good thing to say about wolves, but they were all in favor of the Constitution," summarized Ravalli Republic reporter Perry Backus. A comical observation, but what did you expect from a dog and pony show hosted by an organization that has http://westforkblues.blogspot.com/2010/05/blame-it-on-wolves.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Francis H. Woods)6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2505235057862498515.post-7228935406771472723Wed, 19 May 2010 05:00:00 +00002010-05-19T01:00:04.562-04:00Breakfast of ChampionsKurt VonnegutliteratureOh, Vonnegut... "Breakfast of Champions" left me torn. On one hand... I found "Breakfast of Champions" to be an immature collection of rantings complete with illustrations. The frequent reference to assholes and "wide open beavers" that was at first necessary to set the dark tone for the book, quickly segued into something that would only captivate an adolescent (think "Catcher in the Rye"). Oh, http://westforkblues.blogspot.com/2010/05/review-of-breakfast-of-champions-by.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Francis H. Woods)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2505235057862498515.post-4007228206852403294Mon, 17 May 2010 18:00:00 +00002010-05-17T14:28:17.041-04:00fly-fishingliteraturepoetryThe dissonant nay-sayers from the asphalt of life are diluted by the chorus of songbirds and the ramblings of the river.No longer am I a cog in the human machine. I am in tune with the stream, preparing to cast a simple melody. - F.H.W.http://westforkblues.blogspot.com/2010/05/fly-verse.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Francis H. Woods)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2505235057862498515.post-8584175465800846583Sat, 15 May 2010 15:00:00 +00002010-05-15T11:46:29.944-04:00fly-fishingMagazines and newspapers dressed in photographs of trout, fly-rods, and remote waterways draw my attention like fish to a fly.  The images are a combination of sport and solitude and are glimpses of the secrets held within its pages, a tease I find difficult to ignore.  Today's New York Times printed an article on floating a lesser known section of the Colorado River, below the Glen http://westforkblues.blogspot.com/2010/05/watery-destinations.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Francis H. Woods)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2505235057862498515.post-3708624832543786239Thu, 06 May 2010 17:30:00 +00002010-05-06T13:51:06.155-04:00gasolinereel mowerThe bottom line is that a long day of shopping the big name box stores for a reel push mower didn't pay off. We returned home tired, dejected, and a little upset. Fortunately, there was a silver lining. The few mowers we did give the once-over gave us a better idea of what we were looking for, or to be more accurate, what we were NOT looking for. So, we left Big Box Store U.S.A. behind and http://westforkblues.blogspot.com/2010/05/reel-happy.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Francis H. Woods)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2505235057862498515.post-5226106721203765576Wed, 28 Apr 2010 17:00:00 +00002010-04-28T13:14:50.385-04:00hikingNew YorkIs there a better way to take in the rhythms of nature,burn off a few calories,explore new territory,recreate on the cheap,and reclaim your sense of calm,than hiking?Hiking is therapy in old tennis shoes.The family and I have continued investigating local parks and trails since our move to the Empire State, just traded gymnosperm for deciduous, clear mountain streams for muddy brooks, and http://westforkblues.blogspot.com/2010/04/hiking-in-harriman-state-park.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Francis H. Woods)10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2505235057862498515.post-7829602497549453290Thu, 22 Apr 2010 13:30:00 +00002010-04-22T09:55:53.682-04:00gasolinerantreel mowerYesterday, the shit hit the fan... or the reel, as it is.The weeds in the yard are getting a bit long, long enough that we could no longer ignore them. So the other day, I came to the conclusion (with a lot of persuasion from the wife) that after putting it off as long as I could that it was time to buy a mower. (Sighhhhh...)Now, mowing our lawn isn't a big deal. We don't have a sizable yard http://westforkblues.blogspot.com/2010/04/reel-tragedy.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Francis H. Woods)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2505235057862498515.post-6847910258854149629Tue, 30 Mar 2010 14:00:00 +00002010-03-30T10:30:15.232-04:00bitterrootravalliRavalli Republic -- Hunters Need to Get Involved to Save WildlifeTony Jones, President of Ravalli County Fish and Wildlife Association, writes a call to action in today's Ravalli Republic, to motivate hunters and fisherman* to get organized to save the valley's big game animals... so that hunters can kill them later.As Mr. Jones states, hunting is a boon to the economy of Ravalli County. It http://westforkblues.blogspot.com/2010/03/response-to-valley-viewpoint-by-tony.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Francis H. Woods)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2505235057862498515.post-3560306206117792017Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:00:00 +00002010-02-08T14:37:19.844-05:00trainG: Dad, where are we going?Dad: We're taking a ride on a train.G: Is it a big train?Dad: Yes.G: Why are we riding the train?Dad: We have some errands to run in the town South of us.G: Why?Dad: Because some things need to get done today. Hold my hand.G: Daddy, why do I have to hold your hand?Dad: Because we're crossing the street and I want you to be safe. O.K., now look both ways.G: http://westforkblues.blogspot.com/2010/02/train-trip-with-lil-g.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Francis H. Woods)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2505235057862498515.post-202240826740513351Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:00:00 +00002010-01-28T10:18:11.476-05:00OregontaxUSA Today -- Oregon Voters OK Tax Hikes on Wealthy, BusinessesIn order to help close a budget gap, the Oregon voters increased income tax from 9% to 10.8% on single filers making over $125,000 and married filers making over $250,000. The annual minimum business tax will rise from $10 to $150, a tax unchanged since the 1930s. Oregon has no state sales tax.Best, least original comment to this http://westforkblues.blogspot.com/2010/01/i-always-did-like-oregon.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Francis H. Woods)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2505235057862498515.post-8697620949450564389Wed, 27 Jan 2010 15:00:00 +00002010-01-27T10:33:04.435-05:00politicsWhere money equals political influence, the Supreme Court's ruling on corporate contributions to political campaigns has further reduced the importance or influence of "We the People..." over our elected representatives, something not lost on all the justices of the high court.But as The Button Valley Bugle points out, perhaps this decision comes at an opportune time, when Americans are http://westforkblues.blogspot.com/2010/01/supreme-opportunity.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Francis H. Woods)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2505235057862498515.post-1693337966388187147Tue, 26 Jan 2010 16:30:00 +00002010-01-26T11:40:48.330-05:00politicsquotesUrsula K. Le GuinI am not a quote fanatic, but being a student of history, I often find that what was said in the past is applicable to the present and can guide us in the future... provided we listen. Three quotes to digest:"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." - Franklin Delano RooseveltThe often quoted line was uttered by FDR during his inaugural address on March 4, 1933. It was meant to calm and http://westforkblues.blogspot.com/2010/01/three-quotes-for-today.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Francis H. Woods)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2505235057862498515.post-4628244782348334460Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:00:00 +00002010-01-25T10:30:26.533-05:00HaitirantWe are a generous nation. Our response and commitment to the quake victims in Haiti was both swift and substantial and it can be measured in dollars, food aide, volunteers... and by the number of American reporters that showed up in the first hours after the quake in Port-au-Prince. Unfortunately, Americans have a tendency towards the tabloid (ex. Tiger) and sensational (ex. Jersey Shore) and http://westforkblues.blogspot.com/2010/01/what-happens-when-cameras-leave-haiti.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Francis H. Woods)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2505235057862498515.post-9142875443495451770Tue, 19 Jan 2010 15:00:00 +00002010-01-19T10:59:28.638-05:00bitterrootpoliticsravallireligionThere is always an ample supply of silly (and slightly scary) rhetoric coming from the Root that provides me with hours of free entertainment, without tuning in to FauxNews. A couple of recent articles have been especially interesting (and alarming).From 1/12/2010:In a guest editorial, Dan Tomlinson asserts that global warming must be a hoax because... Ya, I could not determine how he came to http://westforkblues.blogspot.com/2010/01/silliness-in-bitterroot.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Francis H. Woods)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2505235057862498515.post-530371349264064945Fri, 08 Jan 2010 23:00:00 +00002010-01-08T19:56:24.473-05:00literatureRick BassThe Wild MarshToday, when surrounded by the chittering of newbie parents, I often recall what it was like to be childless and in similar company - the sense of being trapped, cornered, ensnared in unwanted conversation, and providing the customary head-nods to show sympathetic agreement despite having no understanding nor interest in the trials of parenthood. Good times.Of course, having a three year-old of myhttp://westforkblues.blogspot.com/2010/01/excerpt-from-wild-marsh-by-rick-bass.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Francis H. Woods)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2505235057862498515.post-7918995229775916648Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:30:00 +00002009-09-16T12:53:38.469-04:00health careMax BaucuspoliticsUSA Today -- Sen. Baucus Unveils Health Bill Without RepublicansPolitico -- Health Bill Puts Heat on SnoweMax Baucus releases his version of Health Care, one that does not contain a public option to compete against the insurance biz, and Republicans show that their opposition has more to do with the "game" of politics than the issue of health insurance for all Americans.--Question: If a less thanhttp://westforkblues.blogspot.com/2009/09/baucus-health-care-bill-doa.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Francis H. Woods)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2505235057862498515.post-7131891904218927015Mon, 07 Sep 2009 14:00:00 +00002009-09-08T10:18:29.131-04:00New YorkrantMentalityNew York City brings together a diversity in spoken language, skin hues, and culture. But there is one thing most New Yorkers share, a manufactured obliviousness to other people.It is interesting to witness a person fain ignorance to your presence as you pass them on the sidewalk, even when the two of you are the only two people within eyeshot... in any direction... in a residential areahttp://westforkblues.blogspot.com/2009/09/front-porch-musings-from-ny.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Francis H. Woods)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2505235057862498515.post-5566309537544960041Fri, 04 Sep 2009 17:00:00 +00002009-09-04T13:04:45.397-04:00Glenn BeckObamapoliticsUSA Today -- Planned Obama Speech to Students Sparks ProtestLesson plans sent to schools originally suggested that students write letters to themselves "about what they can do to help the president." That language prompted conservative radio host Glen Beck to say the White House goal is the "indoctrination" of children.No, Glenn. "Indoctrination" is the goal of FauxNews....but seriously, http://westforkblues.blogspot.com/2009/09/craziness-to-whole-new-level.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Francis H. Woods)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2505235057862498515.post-397362936330021426Wed, 12 Aug 2009 02:30:00 +00002009-08-11T22:30:00.632-04:00health carepoliticsHow many of them do you think don't have health care?http://westforkblues.blogspot.com/2009/08/i-got-mine-screw-you.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Francis H. Woods)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2505235057862498515.post-3646943749635840664Tue, 11 Aug 2009 14:30:00 +00002009-08-13T08:29:31.596-04:00ravalliIt's difficult to find news of any consequence anymore on the morning & evening news programs, because most of the air time is devoted to the latest celebrity death or reality star fiasco (Kate who? Michael, who cares?) But every morning I give The Big 3 the benefit of the doubt and allot them 15 minutes to convince me that they are serious for my attention. Most mornings the 15 minutes endhttp://westforkblues.blogspot.com/2009/08/thats-why-i-read-ravalli-republic.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Francis H. Woods)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2505235057862498515.post-318963241371066856Thu, 06 Aug 2009 13:00:00 +00002009-08-06T09:17:23.851-04:00politicsscienceUSA Today -- Report Urges Separation of Science and StateThe "Science for Policy Project," headed by the former House Science Committee chief Sherwood Boehlert, a retired Republican from New York, and Don Kennedy, former editor of 'Science,' suggests conflict over stem cells, climate and other science "has left the U.S. with a system that is plagued by charges that science is being 'politicized.'http://westforkblues.blogspot.com/2009/08/good-sense-on-politics-and-science.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Francis H. Woods)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2505235057862498515.post-1832864386612146752Wed, 05 Aug 2009 19:00:00 +00002009-08-05T15:09:27.543-04:00free marketIndianaObamasocialismMSNBC -- Obama: 'Unleash prosperity for everybody'The President is in the Elkhart, IN area discussing reinvestment in America. Elkhart has been particularly hard hit during the downturn, experiencing a 15% rise in unemployment and is a microcosm of the much larger issue playing out across the U.S. Every state in the union will receive a portion of the $787 billion economic stimulus funds.Right http://westforkblues.blogspot.com/2009/08/obama-in-hoosier-state.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Francis H. Woods)0