Translations

Thursday, May 12, 2022

MY THIRD 'BIONIC' TOOTH (published 5-12-2022; article #324)

 Introduction

This is a funny, “life, such as it was,” article. I had to find something to do, while I was bored, working at home!

My article of October 24, 2020 mentioned my second 'bionic' tooth. I got my first 'bionic' tooth, in 1982 – after having chipped an upper right tooth, when I'd bitten into a hamburger that had a bone fragment in it.

On Thursday, 2/3/2022, at the office, I decided to chew some gum. I chipped an upper, right tooth – on chewing gum! I can't make up this stuff folks! It happened. Apparently, they don't make forty-year-old fillings like they used to do.

2/11/2022

On 2/11/2022, Friday, I took the early afternoon (12 - 1:45 PM) off work (from home). My dentist cleaned and investigated. The mold was cast for my new (third) crown. I took the photograph, below, after the appointment. I'd saved the front part of my tooth that broke off and a few of the old (about 1982) fillings that had chipped out also.

 

3/4/2022

On Friday, 3/4/2022, my dentist set the temporary crown on my chipped tooth. The total time, including driving, was from 11:30 AM to about 12:45 PM. I remember swallowing Novocain. It was the fault of no one. It just happened. I returned home, to finish the work-at-home day. After work, I put together a new pole lamp, for my home office. I felt fine.

In the early evening, the Novocain that I had ingested had a variety of unpleasant adverse reactions. My mind was fuzzy. I had trouble walking. I was dizzy. I felt like crap! Mrs. Appalachian Irishman knows! After lying on the bed a while, about 8:30 PM or so, I started to feel better.

The next day, Saturday, I awakened, still tasting Novocain in my mouth! I was sluggish. By the early afternoon, however, I felt fine again. I did the usual trash haul and other chores, as usual.

Never, never ingest Novocain! It is not pleasant! See the WebMD article on “Novocain Injection.” It does NOT include details on Novocain INGESTION!

4/4/2022

Monday, 4/4/2022, was a “rich, full” day. My wife, fortunately, was on her spring break vacation week. Her aunt Mona Beckner (age 100) -- about whom I have written, in January and April, 2022 -- was hospitalized that day.

In the midst of aunt Mona's status, I had my usual monthly chiropractic adjustment, during my work-at-home lunch hour. Afterward, I was off work, for my final dental appointment. The total time, including driving, was from 2:30 - 4:45 PM. My dentist was overbooked. I waited. Finally, my third new crown ('bionic' tooth) was in place – with NO NOVOCAIN! I'll never agree to Novocain again!

Conclusion

Well, I finally decided to publish this little article. It's funny. It was “life, such as it was.” I had to do something, while bored and working at home today.

By the way, please await a future article. It will be about my future, undiscovered country!



5-9-2022 VE DAY RUSSIA - MY THOUGHTS, WITH REMARKS ON THE 2022 SLAVIC WAR: THE RUSSIAN INVASION OF THE UKRAINE (published 5-12-2022; article #323)

Introduction

My fourth and final article, of 5/8/2022, was “MOTHER'S DAY ON VE DAY (published 5-8-2022; article #321).” This article focuses my thoughts on VE Day in Russia, with remarks on the 2022 Slavic War: the Russian invasion of the Ukraine.

The inspiration for this article is “Откройте и закройте ящик и дверцу шкафа.” I will explain, in the conclusion.

VE Europe 5/8/1945 or 5/9/1945?

Some folks, in this once great nation, were aware that 5/8/2022 marked the seventy-sixth anniversary of the German surrender to the Allies – VE Europe. Russia was an ally, despite some uneducated folks, who think that Russia was part of the enemy Axis nations.

My 5/8/2022 article (mentioned above) linked to the History.com article, “V-E Day is celebrated in America and Britain,” by History.com Editors, last updated May 3, 2022, original published date November 16, 2009.

Russians have continued to celebrate VE Day, on May 9th, annually. I wonder why this once great nation does not celebrate on May 8th annually. The lack of celebration in this nation is regrettable.

Why do Russians celebrate VE in Europe Day a day late – on May 9th, not May 8th? The time zone was the difference. Germany surrendered on 5/8/1945, at 11:01 PM. Russia was already into the early hours of 5/9/1945. Historynet.com has a good article that explains. See "Why Does Russia Celebrate V-E Day on May 9? If the Nazis surrendered May 8, why do the Russians celebrate on May 9?” by Michael Y. Park, 4/29/2022.

5/9/2022

On 5/9/2022, Monday, I heard a few, uneducated, TV broadcasters state that 5/9/2022 marked the anniversary of “the Russian victory over Germany, in World War II.” I had to laugh! First, Russians call World War II the Great Patriotic War. Second, Russia, alone, did not defeat Germany. The Allies (including Russia) defeated Germany.

By the way, World War II did not end completely, until 8/14/1945, V-J (Victory in Japan) Day, when the Japanese surrendered. On 9/2/1945, Japan signed the surrender documents, on the USS Missouri. The information is common knowledge. I learned it in grade school.

2022 Slavic War: The Russian Invasion of the Ukraine

The articles of Tuesday, March 8, 2022, and Sunday, March 20, 2022, include my comments on the 2022 Slavic War (as I call it).

Since 2/24/2022, various legitimate media sources have continued to provide an abundance of details, on the Russian invasion of the Ukraine. The tragic loss of life, injuries, damage, and chaos continue daily. The ongoing conflict is demoralizing, as an understatement.

Russians are divided. Some favor the war and side against the Ukraine. Others despise the war and side with the Ukraine. Other legitimate (not propaganda) media sources and friends (brothers and sisters in Christ) provide me with valid news.

No nation is without fault – in many areas – for many reasons. The demise of morality is global and has been ongoing for decades – if not centuries or millennia. The Ukraine is not without its faults – neither is Russia.

I see media sources that fault the Ukraine, for the Russian invasion of the Ukraine. Some media sources fault NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization), for the Russian invasion of the Ukraine. Some media sources fault Russia, and Vladimir Putin particularly, for the invasion.

I know individuals, who fault Vladimir Putin. I know one individual, who has stated, “this time Putin is not the villain.” That individual has a reasoned opinion. I do not agree. I respect the intellect of the individual – not his opinion.

History of the Ukraine

Britannica.com has an in-depth article on “History of Ukraine,” by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. The article contains links to many other website sources, for additional reading.

The Ukraine, for centuries, has had the unfortunate geographic location that has been ripe with various aspects of control. Since December 1, 1991, the Ukraine has been an independent nation – with various difficulties and achievements that the article documents.

The Russian invasion of the Ukraine (the 2022 Slavic War) may have been the fault of several. Vladimir Putin is the main villain.

The Moscow Times Serendipitous 5/12/2022 Email

I had started this article yesterday. I'm glad that I waited, to publish, today. I am on The Moscow Times mailing list.

Today, at 12:49 PM, I was one of many, who received an email, “Letter by Michele A. Berdy, Arts Editor and Columnist.” While in Moscow (10/1/1994 - 9/30/1999), Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I especially enjoyed reading her columns on Russian language! They helped educate us, in the rich nuances of Russian words, word use, and sentence structures.

The 5/12/2022 email letter linked to Michele Berdy's The Moscow Times article, "The Dots Were All There. We Just Couldn’t Connect Them.” By Michele A. Berdy. Updated April 6, 2022; reprinted by permission of POLITICO LLC, Copyright 2022 POLITICO LLC. The Politico article, by the same title, is by Michele A. Berdy, published 3/27/2022, 06:55 AM EDT. I suggest highly that you “sit and read a while, with a cup of coffee,” that article. I did, except I sipped on water.

Conclusion

How did “Откройте и закройте ящик и дверцу шкафа inspire this article, you ask? On Friday, 5/6/2022, my non-bionic right shoulder had started giving me fits. I suspect a crossover reaction (as the medical folks call it) from my “bionic” left shoulder. My middle back “fun” started on 4/25/2022. I've had chiropractic adjustments on 4/28/2022, 5/5/2022, and 5/9/2022 – not the usual monthly “tune ups.”

When I opened a drawer or cabinet, with my right arm, my right shoulder “talked to me” enough. The expression “open and close the drawer and cabinet door,” in Russian, came into my mind. I could say everything, in Russian, except “drawer.” Somewhere in my brain, the Russian word for “drawer” was hiding. I had to find it! I did! It is “ящик!” I had to use the Interweb to find the word that was locked in the deep folds of memories. Check out the Language Drops search for “drawer” in Russian, at “What is the Russian word for 'Drawer'?” Other, similar, Russian words are listed. I knew the other Russian words. I remember “ящик” now! I found it, hiding under a fold of memory, in my brain!

Russia needs to close its open “drawer,” on its invasion of the Ukraine. That “drawer” should never have been opened. Vladimir Putin is the villain.


Monday, May 09, 2022

ADVANCE KNOX UPDATE: I AM IMPRESSED & ENCOURAGED (published 5-9-2022; article #322)

 Introduction

To my Knox County area readers, aren't you happy that the morning clouds turned to crisp, blue sky! The last three days of clouds, storms, and rain are gone! To my readers in other states and nations, I hope that y'all are doing well.

This article is follow up to my first article yesterday, “ADVANCE KNOX PSYCHOBABBLE UPDATE: CRICKETS STILL CHIRP (published 5-8-2022; article #318).”

As a side note, the Advance Knox Comments Section has not yet published my 5/6/2022, at 5:17 PM, comment. They don't have to do so. My article yesterday published the comment. I have the email from Advance Knox that thanked me for my input.

The Phone Conversation

The gentleman, whom I mentioned yesterday, in my article on this topic, called me, at 9:30 AM on the dot! The six weeks of awaiting a phone call were over! The gentleman and I talked forty-five minutes. (I took an extended break, from my work-at-home day!) The conversation was pleasant and informative.

First, as educated and experienced country boys, we shared the snapshot stories of our lives. We got to know each other. We are both educated country boys, who were raised right. We share the same God-given values.

After having become acquainted, we conversed about the Advance Knox “spider web” of bureaucracy. The gentleman appreciated my analogy. We discussed several points. I won't go into all the details. I remember them.

The bottom line is that the spider web of Advance Knox bureaucracy appears to drive the same agenda that I am driving. Hiking, I have pushed through many spider webs, to get to a ridge line. Advance Knox seems to be pushing through the spider webs.

What is the agenda? The fifty-eight entities and individuals that compose the spider web of Advance Knox appear to want to keep rural areas rural, to restrict the developer-driven attempt to build more “McMansion” subdivisions, to reduce the profound traffic congestion, and to use common sense, as Knox County continues to grow.

Sidetrack on Northerners vs. Yankees

We can't stop folks in other states from moving into the county. I don't blame the folks who are trying to get out of “blue” states, as they are called. “Blue state” “Socialist Utopian Oblivion” planning is the incubator for USSA “Socialist Utopian Oblivion” planning.

Please allow this sidetrack. I must define, again, the difference between a northerner and a Yankee. I quote from my very first article, “HOW TO PRONOUNCE 'APPALACHIAN' (First Article; Published 3/6/2006).”

Oh, regarding "Yankee," there is a difference between a northerner who simply moves into Appalachia and a Yankee! A northerner may have been born somewhere else, but he is proud of Appalachian values, heritage, and culture and tries to fit in, without trying to change us. A Yankee, on the other hand, is a haughty, arrogant, blankety blank who thinks that he knows it all and comes down here to educate us "poor, dumb folks." A Yankee tries to force his politically correct "tolerance" on us (a contradiction in itself), and we just laugh at him behind his back--or do worse if he gets too uppity! Now, do you understand the difference? Good!

That first article continues to draw readers! I have had many comments, with my replies, over the years. The last comment, with my reply, was on 4/13/2015. Now that I have educated my readers, again, on the difference between a northerner and a Yankee, I will move on!

Conclusion

If someone, anyone, from Advance Knox had called me sooner, based on my 3/29/2022 request, I would have been more impressed and encouraged.

The gentleman's call to me today impressed and encouraged me. My comment, today (5/9/2022, 4:50 PM), on the Advance Knox Comments website is:

Update to my 5/1/2022 comment: a fine, educated, country boy, who is part of the Advance Knox spider web of bureaucracy, called me today (5/9/2022), at 9:30 AM on the dot. We talked 45 minutes. I am impressed and encouraged. My opinion now is that Advance Knox is doing all that it can, to prevent urban sprawl into mostly rural areas and to use wisdom for new growth in the county. The gentleman is welcome to arrange a face-to-face visit with me. I'd like to look him in the eye and tell him thanks, in person! Advance Knox, y'all keep on doing right, for us! Thank you. See my 5/9/2022 article, on my website, Appalachian Irishman.

I wonder if they will publish my 5/9/2022 comment. We will see.

I hope that the gentleman, when he is in our area, calls me, as I had invited him to do so. I'd like to sit down, with a cup of coffee for both of us, to talk in person.


Sunday, May 08, 2022

MOTHER'S DAY ON VE DAY (published 5-8-2022; article #321)

Introduction

Happy Mother's Day, on VE Day, y'all! This is my final, fourth, article today. I had written, but not published, the first three yesterday. Molly (our 'ol puppy) had other late afternoon and evening plans!

At 4:48 PM, as I write now, the sun is starting to break through the clouds – finally. Friday was “fun,” with hard rain, then sun, then repeat sequence – all that day. Saturday, at least, was cloudy, with on and off rain. I hope a sunny pattern is starting.

Mother's Day 2022

My article “5/9/2021: MOTHER'S DAY, ON VE DAY (RUSSIA), IN MIDST OF MEMORIAL SERVICE” had placed life in “such as it was” context last year.

This is Mother's Day number twenty-two, since Mom (Betty Lou Wood Ferrell, 11/24/1932 - 12/27/2000) went to see Jesus.

I have written notes on annual calendars for decades. I have saved all the calendars. On my 2000 calendar, I see that Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I were in Rogersville, with Mom, Dad, and family, at the homeplace – from 5/5/2000, Friday, through 5/12/2000, Friday, when we drove back to our little Knoxville apartment. Before we returned to Knoxville, on 5/12/2000, I had taken Mom to one of her outpatient therapy appointments. On 5/13/2000, I sent Mom a dozen roses. My wife and I were with her family, for her mother (Phyllis Ann House Gordon, 4/10/1941 - 4/30/2017), on Mother's Day (5/14/2000) – which was the birth month and day of Mom's younger brother, Robert Allen Wood (5/14/1939 - 1/18/1941). My wife and I were back in Rogersville, on 5/18/2000 (Thursday). The dozen roses that I had sent Mom, for Mother's Day, were still fresh. On Saturday, 4/15/2000, Mom had been discharged to home! Her 110 days in two hospitals were over! In May 2000, Mom was weak, but she was at home! Hope was abundant then!

On Mother's Day twenty-two without Mom, I remember the events around Mother's Day 2000 – Mom's final Mother's Day on earth. Happy Mother's Day, Mom! You are still the best example of a Christian, whom I have ever known! I love you, Mom!

VE DAY 2022

Did y'all know that today (5/8/2022) is the anniversary of VE Day? History.com has information, in the article, “V-E Day is celebrated in America and Britain,” by History.com Editors, last updated May 3, 2022, original published date November 16, 2009. VE Day is celebrated in Russia, on May 9th annually – as the article mentions and as Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I remember.

The Moscow Times remains a good source for all news in Russia – especially on the Russian invasion of the Ukraine. The May Day (May first) annual celebrations, in Russia, were limited and included protests against the war. In Moscow, the Victory in Europe events (5/9/2022) are scaled down and will probably involve more protests against the war.

This once great nation does not hold annual VE Day celebrations (or very few, if any), sadly. The sacrifice of allied soldiers should be honored every year. The Russians still do that – despite Putin's invasion of the Ukraine. Many Russians oppose that invasion.

I pray that this once great nation and Russia would return, or turn for the first time, to biblically-based morality, which comes from God. If so, at least much of the current chaos would cease.

Conclusion

My Mom was a peacemaker. I have tried to be as well. On this Mother's Day on VE DAY 2022, may peace on earth come, as millions of individuals, around the globe, get right with the Good Lord and change their ways!

My fourth article is complete. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman is mashing potatoes. I'm hungry. Thanks for reading today! Y'all keep turnin' right and goin' straight out there!


INCARNATIONS IN WORLD RELIGIONS - GRAVESIDE DEBATE (published 5-8-2022; article #320)

Introduction

This is my third article today. My next and final article will be about Mother's Day on Victory in Europe Day. The USSA still celebrates Mother's Day (or “birthing person” day, as some ungodly socialists call it – incorrectly). The USSA gives Victory in Europe (VE) Day a passing glance annually.

In my Good Friday, April 15, 2022, article, I wrote, for 4/14/2022, Thursday, “the graveside service for aunt Mona was at 1 PM.” A first cousin, of my wife, on her mother's side, was at the graveside service.

This male, first cousin to my wife, has a mind for intellectual discussion and debate – in an aggravating sense. He does not have self-confidence problems. In fact, he thinks himself to be a man of profound brilliance – smarter than anyone else near him. Over the decades, I have enjoyed several occasions, in which I have taken him down a few notches, intellectually. It's not bragging. It's just facts.

Graveside Debate on 4/14/2022

After the graveside service, for aunt Mona, this man (older by a few years) struck up a conversation with me. The conversation started with the honoring of Mona Beckner, appropriately. As I suspected, he switched gears, into a conversation on morality, politics, and theology. I, of course, was prepared to engage him, in this, inappropriate, graveside debate. He started it. I had to stand my ground.

Morality

The recent news -- regarding the leaked USSA “Supreme” Court document that could overturn Roe v. Wade -- had not started yet. The man had started the conversation on the state of morality in this once great nation. We seemed to agree that folks need to return to biblically-based morality that originates in God – the Divine Supreme Lawgiver.

The man stated that the murdering of unborn children (euphemistically called abortion) was wrong. We agreed. He stated, however, that those who affirm the “right to life” do not help mothers, who carry their unborn children in their wombs. I disagreed and cited various groups that are known, which affirm life and provide various services to women, who carry life inside their wombs.

Of course, the man starts a debate on a topic of close agreement. He then builds to topics of disagreement, in his effort to “educate” those, who are not as “educated” as he is. I knew the pattern.

By the way, the murdering of unborn children is an evil that has been in this once great nation, since 1973. I hope that it is about to end.

Politics

The next debate topic, as the man continued to build to his main debate topic, was on politics – especially on socialism. He was surprised that I knew that the USSA government was socialist, in many areas. The man thinks that socialism is the “utopia” for the people.

I cited the five years that Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I lived in Russia (10/1/1994 to 9/30/1999). I used my coined phrase, “Socialist Utopian Oblivion,” to his amazement. The man seems to be ready for that oblivion. I am not. We did not agree.

Theology

That debate topic brought us to his final debate topic – theology, specifically on “incarnations.” I kept trying to turn the conversation with this man to spiritual matters, for his everlasting benefit. The discussions on morality and politics were side tracks. I don't know if this man is ready everlastingly. I don't think that he is.

The man indicated that the incarnation of God the Word, who became the God-man, Jesus the Christ, was the final incarnation of God. He argued that “god” had incarnated himself, in many forms, such as Buddha, the Dalai Lama, Viṣṇu, etc. The man attempted, as usual, to “overwhelm” me with his knowledge on the topic.

I stood my defensive ground. I enabled the man to understand that I have studied world religions. I had known, for decades, what he thought that he was “teaching” me. Several “incarnation” myths predate the fact of the Incarnate Word. At one point, in the man's continued affirmative, I retorted, “Cite your sources!” Some of his claims are not substantiated, as I know. The man didn't ask me to cite my sources. I, however, do so, in the next heading.

Cite Your Sources!”

In this heading, I cite my sources. I reference only website sources. You can read them, as you decide to do so.

On incarnation, the Encyclopedia.com article “Incarnation” (by John Haught, updated 6/8/2018) defines the term “incarnation,” explains its usage, and provides information on “incarnations,” in the various world religions. The article is informative only. It does not argue for or against any world religion.

On world religions, the online learning platform, Course Hero, has a “World Religions” course that has very good information, which I have known for decades. The course lists and explains the world religions, without arguing one over the other. The course is informative only.

Of worthy note, to a Christian apologist, Answers in Genesis has a “World Religions” topic section that references several articles, on the various world religions. By starting their, one can “dig a little deeper,” as needed. The articles affirm, validly and soundly, the facts that prove the incarnation of the eternal God, the Word, who became the Christ – as the only true incarnation.

From Apologetics Press, I read, again, the following articles, which I had read years ago.

“Jesus Christ–Unique Savior or Average Fraud? [Part I],” by Kyle Butt, M.Div., AP Staff, Reason & Revelation, Deity of Christ, Divine Life and Doctrine, from issue R&R Volume 21 #2, published February 1, 2001. The article cites several incarnation myths, with references. Each alleged incarnation is established as myth.

“Jesus Christ–Unique Savior or Average Fraud? [Part II],” by Kyle Butt, M.Div., AP Staff, Reason & Revelation, Deity of Christ, Divine Life and Doctrine, from issue R&R Volume 21 #3, published March 1, 2001. The article concludes that the Incarnate Word, who became flesh, as Jesus the Christ, is faith based on facts.

“Why Christianity? Why the Bible?” by Kippy Myers, Ph.D., Reason & Revelation, Doctrinal Matters, Faith and Reason, published January 31, 1994. The article compares world religions, establishes the credibility of the biblical record, and affirms Judeo-Christian – as the only true religion.

Conclusion

My wife's first cousin, on her mother's side, affirmed, proudly, that he has read The Koran. He was surprised, when I told him that I have had a copy of The Koran for decades. I have read much of it – until I grew tired of its repetition and its copying from the Old Testament in the Bible. He also knows that I have had a copy of the Bhagavad-Gita, since my first short-term mission trip to India (in 1989). I have read some of it. It reads as mythology. By God's grace, I led several Muslims and Hindus to Christ. I was trying to convert my wife's cousin to Christ. I planted seeds, again, at least.

At the conclusion of my Good Friday, April 15, 2022, article, I wrote:

Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life. He asked Martha if she believed him. I am sure that Martha did. Aunt Mona Beckner did. She enjoys the heavenly bliss of many, who have gone on before her.

Do you believe? Resurrection Day is coming!

At the conclusion of the inappropriate graveside debate, on 4/14/2022, I looked my wife's first cousin in the eyes, shook his hand, called him by his first name, and said, “keep turning right and going straight!” (It was my way of trying to encourage him to salvation in Christ.) He looked down, at his shoes, as he shook my hand. He said nothing. He would not look me in the eye. I walked back to our truck, where Mrs. Appalachian Irishman was waiting.

Do you believe, cousin-in-law? Resurrection Day is coming! It is not blind faith. It is faith based on facts that I can prove.


MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU (published 5-8-2022; article #319)

Introduction

Were you tired of the “may the fourth be with you” jokes on 5/4/2022? I thought that they were funny.

May the Fourth 2016

In my 3/29/2021 article, “MY 'BIONIC' JOURNEY, SO FAR: 3/29/2016 to 3/29/2021,” I wrote:

As in Star Wars, “May the 4th be with you!” On May 4th, my 15 days at Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Center were done. I could manage to transition from wheelchair to our 2008 Honda Civic passenger side, with painful effort trying to move my right leg, from knee down, forward enough to fit inside the car. (The seat was back as far as it could go.) I was home. It felt good. I was inside. I could see Molly (our 'ol puppy) through the windows. Family, friends, and neighbors started to visit, at certain times.

My stage one (3/29/2016 – 5/4/2016; 36 days in two hospitals) was over. I moved on to stage two.

May the 4th 2022

May the 4th 2022 was a Wednesday. My '06 Nissan Frontier and I had endured the drive to and from the “Hadean Realm” office, on Monday and Tuesday. I worked at home – doing the same job – Wednesday through Friday. It's the new normal that started, for me, on 4/11/2022.

On May the 4th 2022, I remembered May the 4th 2016. I am glad that I endured stage one. I am still in stage four (life, “such as it is,” continues).

Conclusion

Well, this was my “somewhat humorous,” second, article today. The next (third) article today will be theologically profound.

May the force of God be with y'all! The force of God -- as well as family, friends, and neighbors – still sustains me, in my ongoing “multi-trauma” recovery. I am in my sixth year of healing.

Thanks, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman, for all your help! I know that you forgive my glib Irish tongue, when my 'bionics' aggravate me – especially since Friday. Why does my non-bionic right shoulder bother me? Is it a crossover reaction, again? God, please, by your providential force, help me endure yet another “fun 'bionic' moment!” I've had enough of them! I'm used to them. I am still standing! I ain't breathing hard!


ADVANCE KNOX PSYCHOBABBLE UPDATE: CRICKETS STILL CHIRP (published 5-8-2022; article #318)

Introduction

Greetings! In my first 5/1/2022 article, one of the four sub-sections – for Tuesday, 3/29/2022 – was on “Advance Knox Psychobabble.” I need to dedicate this complete article to the topic. Yes, I know. It's another “poly-tics” (many ticks) article. I apologize. I must write this one, to get it off my mind.

With regret to my readers, who are not in Knox County, Tennessee, this article is not relevant – except for your passing interest. To my Knox County readers, you are welcome to read – to join the struggle – and to protect your interests – as I am doing. You are welcome to share this article, as long as you cite this source.

As a side note, during the afternoon of 5/7/2022, my website article views, at that moment in time, for the last seven days had included: United States 176. Russia 87. Germany 22. Sweden 13. France 10. Poland 8. Netherlands 6. Belgium 5. Saudi Arabia 5. Ukraine 5. Czechia 4. United Kingdom 4. Hungary 4. Austria 2. Belarus 2. Spain 2. Israel 2. Luxembourg 2. Canada 1. Other (not known) 8. That is 368 views in seven days, or just over 52 daily. In April 2022, my total views were 1,900, which is about my usual, monthly viewer total.

The Psychobabble, since 5/1/2022 (May Day, Sunday)

On 5/1/2022, via https://advanceknox.org/comments, I entered the following “Public Input:”

From a section in my website (appalachianirishman.com) article, 5/1/22: "On 4/4/22, I replied to the 4/4/22 email that I had received, from contact@advanceknox.org. I stated, as I had requested, in the 3/29/22 virtual meeting, that I was still awaiting a phone call from those folks. I had and have requested phone conversation with Advance Knox. As of this date, Advance Knox has not called me. The crickets chirp only."

On 5/6/2022, at 5:17 PM, via the same “Public Input” website, I entered the following:

See my 5/1/2022 comment. On 5/3/2022, a gentleman left me voice mail, when I could not answer. On 5/4/2022, I left the gentleman two voice mails. On 5/5/22, I emailed the gentleman. On 5/6/2022, I received a generic email from Advance Knox (which was probably sent to many). Later, on 5/6/2022, I replied to the Advance Knox email, with copy to the gentleman, whose "read receipt" I have seen. SO, WHEN WILL ANYONE CALL ME, again, for a CONVERSATION BY PHONE? Crickets still chirp. My "Appalachian Irishman" website may write about this -- if I have the interest to do so. I have local and international readers. My website started in 03/2006.

On 5/6/2022, at 9:37 PM, I received the gentleman's email reply, to my 5/5/2022 email to him. Apparently, he plans to call me, on 5/9/2022, Monday, at 9:30 AM. (I replied to his 5/6/2022 email to me, regarding my anticipation of his 5/9/2022 call to me.) I assume that my 3/29/2022 request for phone conversation will, finally, be completed. We will see.

Advance Knox (Layers of Bureaucracy)

This section details the Advance Knox bureaucracy (including government and non-government entities or individuals). The information, below, is cited exactly, from Advance Knox, “Project Overview,” “Who's Involved.” I added the links, for “Consultants” and “Staff” – since the Advance Knox website does not contain the links. I did the research. If you click the five “Consultants” links, you will find their physical locations and several details. My notes are underlined and in blue font color.

Project Overview

This 18-month process will be the first time Knox County has created an integrated land use and transportation plan, and it has the potential to be transformative.

It is crucial that this plan be built on the values, needs, and aspirations of people throughout the county, and be supported by good data. There will be multiple opportunities for community input and feedback throughout the process.

Who's Involved

Consultants

Process leadership, expertise

Kimley-Horn and Planning NEXT will facilitate the process and share experience from other successful communities. Cannon & Cannon, Ninigret Partners, and Urban 3 will provide technical and subject matter expertise.

Staff

Coordination

Staff from Knox County and Knoxville-Knox County Planning will support and help coordinate the work of all other groups and provide local knowledge and expertise.

Advisory Committee

Process, substance, and community outreach

A diverse group of community members that will provide guidance on the process and substance of the plan and will serve as community advocates.

[My note: twenty six “Members” are listed.]

Technical Committee

Local subject matter experts and advisors

A group of community members with specific technical knowledge that will provide direction at major milestones in the process.

[My note: fifteen “Representatives” are listed.]

Subcommittees

Topical direction

Two subcommittees, focused on schools and utilities, and composed of members of the Advisory Committee and technical committee, will provide input and direction related to those topics.

[My note: nine “Utilities Subcommittee Representatives” are listed. One “School Subcommittee Representatives” (sic) is listed.]

Stakeholders

Targeted input

Additional topical focus groups will be convened to inform specific aspects of the plan. These groups include business leaders, neighborhood associations, real estate professionals and developers, education professionals, students, and others.

Public

Input and feedback

Community participation is vital to the plan’s success. Three rounds of input opportunities and online tools will offer a variety of different ways for the community to give input throughout the process.

Elected Officials

Monitor and adopt

County Commission will monitor the process through input and periodic briefings with the expectation to formally adopt the final plan. The Commission will have a central role in implementation through regulatory updates or funding allocations.

Advance Knox is a process to prepare a land use and transportation plan for Knox County that is informed by research and community input.

For additional information or general inquiries, please direct emails to contact@advanceknox.org.

In summary, the Advance Knox “Who's Involved” includes fifty-eight entities and individuals – not including the unnumbered “Stakeholders,” “Public,” and “Elected Officials.” I am one of the “public” involved!

Knoxville-Knox County Planning (started in 1956)

The Knoxville-Knox County Planning is one of the two “Staff,” listed above, for Advance Knox. I “dug a little deeper in the well,” on those bureaucrats.

From their website, Knoxville-Knox County Planning was “established in 1956 by Knoxville and Knox County,” as authorized by “Title 13 of the Tennessee Code.” They started before I was born. I wonder why they did not plan to stop the various planning disasters that caused the many known interstate and highway “malfunctions” in Knoxville and Knox County – over their last sixty plus years of “planning.”

From the archives at Knoxville-Knox County Planning, the “Knoxville-Knox County General Plan 2033” is found. It is a 77-page PDF file, which I have downloaded and saved on my home computer. The plan was “Adopted by: Knoxville-Knox County Metropolitan Planning Commission, April 10, 2003. Knoxville City Council, May 12, 2003. Knox County Commission, May 27, 2003. Amended by the Knoxville-Knox County Park, Recreation and Greenways Plan adopted by MPC on July 9, 2009, by County Commission on January 25, 2010, and by City Council on January 26, 2010.”

I have read or skimmed through the 77-page PDF plan. This 30-year plan started on 4/10/2003 (the birth month and day of my deceased mother-in-law). The plan is nineteen years old. It has eleven more years of life, until, as I speculate, the bureaucrats extend its life.

Knoxville-Knox County Planning is a bureaucracy inside, and separate from, the Advance Knox bureaucracy. I have had to break through many spider webs, on many hikes.

(Free download via pixabay.com. Image by Marina Rabazova.)

I understand bureaucratic spider webs. As a man of practical common sense, I do not understand why the bureaucratic spider webs exist – except to perpetuate themselves – and to provide salaries for the bureaucrats.

Conclusion

The Advance Knox bureaucrats do not have the ability to honor my 3/29/2022 request, to be contacted by phone – unless I push the correct buttons – to encourage them. My frustration is apparent.

So, on 5/9/2022, Monday, at 9:30 AM, I will know if an Advance Knox bureaucrat honors my 3/29/2022 request – to be contacted by phone. Six weeks of waiting for a phone call is too long – even for bureaucrats! Advance Knox needs to expedite its ability to return phone calls, in a timely manner – not taking six weeks to do so. Until Monday, the crickets are cornered and still chirping.

(Free download via pixabay.com by Marc Pascual.)

Don't worry, y'all! This is the first of four articles today. The second one will be somewhat humorous and brief. The third one will be theologically profound. The final article will be for Mother's Day (on VE Day).


Sunday, May 01, 2022

“DEVIL'S NOSE,” by WINNIE SEALS (published 5-1-2022; article #317)

Introduction

The first article today was a rough draft that I finished finally. This is the second rough draft that I am finishing today.

The fourth anniversary of the passing of my mother-in-law (Phyllis Ann House Gordon, 4/10/1941 - 4/30/2017) was yesterday. The celebratory article that I published yesterday helped Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and her family survive the sad memory of my mother-in-law's passing.

One of the four subsections, in the first article today, is about the CHS Yearbook. I was too late to have my website advertised in the 2022 Yearbook. I did donate the price of a Yearbook, so that a student, who could not afford one, could have one. Winnie (Winn) Seals and I conversed by phone, on 3/29/2022, as folks from Hawkins County Tennessee do. She is a teacher at Cherokee High School and a member of their Yearbook staff.

We both have an interest in Devil's Nose – in Hawkins County. The Topic Section, Devil's Nose, has five articles that I have published, over the years.

Winnie (Winn) Seals emailed me her painting of Devil's Nose, in two images, and her poem, “Devil's Nose.” She granted me permission, on 3/29/2022, to publish her painting and poem, citing her full name, in a future article, once I got around to writing it. Well, Winn, here it is! I will email you after I publish this article, as I promised, on 3/29/2022!

Winn Seals' Devil's Nose Painting

In her second email of 3/29/2022, Winnie (Winn) Seals wrote, “Here is my work from Devil's Nose Inspiration.” I am inspired. I hope that my readers are.

Winn Seals' “Devil's Nose” Poem

Devil’s Nose

Sunlight breaks through the clouds
Revealing a mountain peak.
Sloping up from the valley below.
A crooked nose
Seen from far away.

At the foot of the summit
The valley hovers in its shadow.

Over two centuries ago
When the valley was settled
Folks made the climb.

The long trek up the bridge of the nose
Ascends in a challenging slant.
Crosses a shallow stream.
     Clamber.
          Stumble.
               A rugged trail.

Near the top of the trail
It ends in a flat surface.
     Peaceful.
          Tranquil.
               God’s place.

An early traveler once asked,
“What’s the mountain's name?”
The mountain pioneer replied,
“The Devil knows.”

– Winn Ann Seals

How Devil's Nose got its name is a mystery. One theory is in Winnie Seals' poem. The mountain, viewed from the east, looks like a crooked nose, as Winn's poem mentions. Another theory is that someone hiked Devil's Nose and never returned. The question, many decades ago, was, “Where did he go?” The reply was, “Only the devil knows.”

I started tracking my hiking record, on 4/23/2000. It lists ten hikes on Devil's Nose, from 2/16/2002 to 11/29/2013. My “bionic” life that started on 3/29/2016 has forestalled my next hike on Devil's Nose – for now!

Conclusion

When will I hike Devil's Nose again? God only knows!

Thank you, Winnie Seals, for allowing me to share your painting and poem on my website. It took me a while to get to it, in the context of “life, such as it was.” You are welcome to reprint or publish this article, by any means, as you desire. Let's get a group together, for a Devil's Nose hike, this fall!

As of today, I now have six “Devil's Nose” articles in that Topic Section!