Worldviews in Conflict: 2024 Presidential Election (Part 1): Ground and Aerial Views of the Conflict (published 10-29-2024; article #498)

“A bench with a message written on it: street art on a public bench. Our differences don’t have to divide us.” By Nick Fewings, Brighton, UK, Unsplash, 3/2/2022. Free to use under the Unsplash License.

Introduction

Yes, our differences, political or otherwise, don't have to divide us. They often do.

This article begins a three-part series that focuses on the upcoming 2024 presidential election. Election day is next Tuesday, November 5th. Early voting has already begun. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman voted early last Saturday. I plan, Lord willing, to vote on election day.

This three-part series, with articles published a day apart, will be the twenty-second through twenty-forth entries in the Worldviews in Conflict topic section. This is the twenty-second entry in that section.

After defining key terms, this part one focuses on the ground view and then the aerial view of the political worldviews in conflict. The forthcoming part two will contrast the worldviews of the Republican and Democrat platforms. The final part three will point out differences between the worldviews of Trump and Harris on key issues.

Political divisions are one aspect of opposing worldviews in conflict that divide this so-called United States. A nation divided cannot stand. To be truly united, this nation and every nation need to unite under the biblical worldview.

Key Definitions

Reviewing the previous twenty-one entries in this topic section, from 6/7/2022 to 5/29/2024, I realized that I have not yet defined worldview. Merriam-Webster Dictionary: worldview defines worldview as “a comprehensive conception or apprehension of the world, especially from a specific standpoint.” I understand “world,” in the definition, to mean human society.

By analogies, a worldview is a frame of mind through which a person views the world. It is a lens that sees, focuses on, and contextualizes human thought and events. Ultimately, our worldview is a compass that guides our values, thoughts, and actions, either in the wrong or right direction. Everyone has a worldview, even if it is not realized or articulated.

Further, Merriam-Webster Dictionary: biblical states that biblical is “of, relating to, or being in accord with the Bible.” The Bible is the divinely and exclusively inspired and authoritative scriptures, consisting of 39 Old Testament manuscripts and 27 New Testament writings. The correct hermeneutical understanding, interpretation, acceptance, and application of the Bible is to be biblical.

Thus, having a biblical worldview is when a person follows the Bible properly and guides his or her values, thoughts, decisions, and conduct accordingly. Such a person is not sinless and will make mistakes. He or she, however, will check the compass to stay on or return to the biblical path.

Ground View of the Conflict

Viewed from the ground, military battles are chaotic, bloody, and violent, to say the least. The daily media onslaught about the 2024 presidential election cycle is similar to a battlefield. It is frequently aggravating, childish, and frustrating. The constant barrage of coverage is similar to salvos of cannon fire on a battlefield.

My father, if he were still alive, would be proud of Mrs. Appalachian Irishman! Dad enjoyed watching the 24-7 news channels. Eventually, he preferred to watch C-SPAN. He liked the ground view. My wife seems to enjoy the same view of the current election cycle. Political events, conflicts, statements, reactions, and opinions intrigue her.

Not me. It sounds like a bunch of chickens crowing and cackling in a chicken coop. I keep up with important and relevant facts. Otherwise, I focus on the aerial view of the political conflict. This current presidential election cycle started too soon. I will not end soon enough.

Aerial View of the Conflict

Aerial surveillance of a ground battle provides an overview of the fighting below. It gives perspective. Similarly, a person's worldview sees the overarching and conflicting worldviews that are guiding each party and candidate. A person's worldview determines how he or she votes. The party and candidates that align more closely with a voter's worldview get his or her vote.

From an aerial view, neither the Democrat nor the Republican Party is completely aligned with the biblical worldview. Which party is more in step with the biblical worldview? How is one party more oriented to that worldview than the other? The next two upcoming articles will answer those questions.

Conclusion

Political differences don't have to divide us. If every party, candidate, and voter followed the biblical worldview, then minor differences about political minutia could be easily resolved.

Divisions, whether political or otherwise, are discouraging. The pericope in the Gospel of Mark 3:20-35 describes Jesus' response to the irrational conclusion that teachers of the law drew from his miracles. A part of Jesus' reply is in verses 24-25 (NIV):

If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.

On June 16, 1858, then senator-elect Abraham Lincoln, a Republican, spoke at the close of the Illinois Republican State convention in Springfield, Illinois. Having been named the Republican candidate for US Senator, Mr. Lincoln addressed the divisive problem of slavery. In that context, paraphrasing Jesus' words, he stated, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” [Source: Abraham Lincoln, “A House Divided'' Speech at Springfield, Illinois, June 16, 1858: “Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln. Volume 2 [Sept. 3, 1848-Aug. 21, 1858].” Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln. University of Michigan Library Digital Collections.]

Thankfully, this nation, once divided by the evils of slavery, united against that immorality, having endured unspeakable conflict. What now divides the so-named United States of America? What is the root cause of these divisions?

The root cause is opposing worldviews. Published tomorrow, part two of this series will contrast the worldviews of the Republican and Democrat platforms. On Halloween, the final part three will point out differences between the worldviews of Trump and Harris on key issues.

Norris Dam State Park Hike #24, 10-22-2024: Photograph & Video from the West Overlook (published 10-23-2024; article #497)

Introduction

Thanks, Susan! You inspired yesterday's hike and this article.

Susan is a friend from grade school and high school. She and I have occasional contact on a social media platform. Recently, Susan posted photographs and comments about family members and she hiking Beauty Spot in Unicoi County, Tennessee. I had not known about the location before. Researching online, I found Visit Unicoi County: Things to Do: Adventure: Hiking Trails & Greenways: Beauty Spot & Unaka Mountain Overlook. With family members, I hope to hike there one of these days. It's just under a three-hour drive from the house.

Yesterday, with the mountains calling and the need to buy supplies for Molly, our ol' puppy, I combined both into one venture. I hiked Norris Dam State Park for the 24th time. Afterward, I shopped at the Tractor Supply.

This 70th entry in the hiking topic section includes online trail maps for Norris Dam State Park and Norris Watershed. Next, I express my frustration over hunters having more rights than hikers during deer season. Finally, I share the photograph and audiovisual recording from the west overlook. The weather was sunny, clear, and breezy. The temperature was in the 70s Fahrenheit.

Norris Dam State Park and Norris Watershed

Tennessee State Parks: Norris Dam State Park includes a printable trail map. I keep a printed copy in my 2006 Nissan truck. Since my first hike there on 3/20/2010, I have explored many of the trails.

Before reaching Norris Dam and the state park, the Norris Watershed includes several hiking trails. Online, I found the Norris Watershed Trail Map. Notice that the state park and watershed adjoin. Upper watershed trails connect to state park trails.

Yesterday, my initial plan was to hike a watershed trail that leads to state park trails. I was met with discriminatory signs! The next section explains.

Discrimination: Hikers have Fewer Rights than Hunters!

I know the area well. Before reaching Norris Dam, I turned right (northeast) onto Lower Clear Creek Road. It's a narrow gravel road. The threshing barn and gristmill are immediately on the right. A construction crew was working on the parking area, so I didn't stop. Continuing, the road winds through the bottom land. A concrete slab allows vehicles to pass through a shallow creek. My truck enjoyed getting dusty and picking up gravel in his tires. I turned left to go downhill at the water treatment plant. I parked near a trailhead to the Clear Creek Trail. It follows the creek, heading northwest. From there, I had planned to pick a trail leading up and into the state park. I wanted to reach a ridge.

I, however, was stopped in my tracks by signs showing that the watershed was closed to hikers during the current deer season! Years ago, I hiked the same trail, which was not closed for hikers during deer season. At a distance up toward a ridge line, I saw a deer hunter. We exchanged waves. I pointed to where I was hiking. He pointed in a different direction to where he was hunting. It was a friendly exchange at a distance.

After returning home yesterday, I found TN Land Forms: Norris, which told me that sections of the watershed are closed for deer hunting in the fall. This year, it is closed to hikers from October 19-27 and from November 23 through December 1. Sections are only open to deer hunters.

Angered that deer hunters have more rights than hikers, I felt discriminated against as a hiker. Getting back into my truck, I drove to the west overlook of Norris Dam.

“Civilized Hike” above the West Overlook: Photograph & Audiovisual Recording

What else could I do? Driving across Norris Dam and to the parking lot at the West Overlook, I decided once again to take a “civilized hike” on the short trail above the overlook. The last time that I hiked the area is mentioned in the article from 4/21/2023.

Photograph

After the hike, I took the only photograph below at 2:36 PM.

I decided to photograph the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) marker in the foreground, with Norris Lake and Norris Dam in the background. The view looks northwest. The water was clear blue. No boats were on the lake. Several locks hang on the fence wire. Who has been hanging them there and why? I wonder.

Audiovisual Recording

Four minutes after taking the previous photograph, I began the audiovisual recording of “Norris Dam State Park Hike 24, 10-22-2024: View from the West Overlook (pub. 10-23-2024; episode 32),” Appalachian Irishman – Podcasts (YouTube). In just under three minutes, I walk and talk for a while about my “civilized hike” and my plan to shop at the Tractor Supply in the Halls community in Knoxville.

The “nastiness” that I mention in the recording is Kudzu, which is abundant in the area. Hiking up through the Kudzu, a nearly vertical area forced me to craw up, using my hands and feet. I despise Kudzu!

Conclusion

My twenty-third hike at Norris Dam State Park was more enjoyable. I visited and made an audiovisual recording at the cemetery. The 5/27/2023 article is about that hike.

Any day in the woods, even if only a “civilized hike,” is better than not having been there! When do I organize a family hike at Beauty Spot in Unicoi County, Tennessee? We will see. The thought is in my mind.

House Mountain Hike #193, 10-14-2024: Happy Birthday, Lilliana! (published 10-21-2024; article #496)

Introduction

Whose birthday was last Monday? What did I do last Monday? Whose birthday is today? Why am I not hiking today? When was my next to most recent hike on House Mountain? This 69th entry in the hiking topic section answers those questions!

Answering the last question, my next to most recent House Mountain hike (#192) was earlier this month on Wednesday, the 9th. That day, our “adopted” great niece, Addy, turned 15! The audiovisual episode aired that day. The two-part series of articles was published last Friday and Saturday.

Whose birthday was last Monday, the 14th? Our niece, Lilliana, turned 15 that day! What did I do last Monday? I hiked House Mountain for the 193rd time!

Happy Birthday, Lilliana!

These written birthday greetings are a week late. On the 14th, my audiovisual birthday wishes were right on time and were recorded on the upper-middle bluff of House Mountain!

Appalachian Irishman – Podcasts (YouTube) includes two entries. The panoramic view on the original, “House Mt. Hike 193: Happy Birthday, Lilliana! (published 10-14-2024; episode 30),” was too narrow. The next day, I expanded the panoramic view to make it look better. See “House Mt. Hike 193: Happy Birthday, Lilliana! (published 10-14-2024; episode 30; updated 10-15-2024).”

The description to both entries states, “Happy birthday, Lilliana! House Mountain hike 193 is on your fifteenth birthday today! My wife and I love you, and we are very proud of you. You are a fine Christian young lady. Listen to the challenge in this episode! When are your parents, your sister, and you going to come down this way, to hike House Mountain with me?”

The challenge is on! Of course, my wife and I could drive up that way to hike Laurel Run Park with Lilliana, her sister, and her parents. What do you say, Lilliana?

House Mountain Hike #193

Last Monday, the 14th, the weather was clear, sunny, and windy. The morning low of 52 degrees Fahrenheit warmed to a high of 65 degrees. The cool breeze kept me from sweating too much. From 1:23 to 4:39 PM, three hours and sixteen minutes in the woods were better than not having been there!

Last Saturday's article focused on the newly fallen trees. More were on the west trail. For this hike, I chose to hike up the east trail, where not as many fallen trees blocked the trail. I took the following two photographs at the upper-middle bluff, before recording Lilliana's audiovisual birthday greetings. At 3:08 PM, I took the first photograph.

The view looks north. The American flag, mentioned in last Saturday's article, is visible in the lower left of the image.

A minute later, after walking east to the large rock formation, I took the following photograph.

The view looks southwest. The west bluff is visible in the distance. I saw a hawk circling, but I couldn't catch a photograph of him. Leaves are beginning to change. The cool breeze felt refreshing.

Hiking back and out on the same east trail, I stopped below the second switchback going down (or sixth hiking up) to place a long and fallen tree trunk across the top of a cutback that disrespectful hikers had made. I piled nearby fallen branches around the tree trunk. I hope that dissuades hikers from making that cutback worse.

At 4:39 PM, I touched the marker near the covered picnic table to end my hike. Five minutes later, I photographed my sturdy 2006 Frontier. He likes to have his photograph taken.

My trusty canteen and Mike's “Delta Saloon Suicide Table” cap are on the side-view mirror. The 8/5/2023 short story mentions my “adopted” brother-in-law's cap.

Conclusion

Whose birthday is today? My youngest brother attained the young age of 51 today! His wife and he are the parents of Lilliana and her older sister. I'll call him after publishing this article.

Why am I not hiking today? Aside from chores around the house and spending time with Molly, our ol' puppy, outside, I had to publish this article! The weather has been clear and sunny all day. The mountains are calling me. Do I hike tomorrow?

House Mountain Hike #192, 10-9-2024, Part 2: Fallen Trees Caused by Hurricane Helene (published 10-19-2024; article #495)

Introduction

On Wednesday, October 9, 2024, I hiked House Mountain for the 192nd time. Yesterday, part one of this two-part series focused on birthday greetings to our beloved and “adopted” great niece, Addy. It includes my audiovisual birthday wishes to her from the upper-middle bluff on her 15th birthday.

This part two, the 68th entry in the hiking topic section, concentrates on the fallen trees along the trails, caused by the remnants of Hurricane Helene. Twenty photographs are included. I counted at least 19 freshly fallen trees that were blocking three trails.

The weather was clear and sunny. The sky was brilliant blue. The morning low of 46 degrees Fahrenheit quickly warmed to about 78 degrees. I sweated enough. From 12:19 PM to 4:04 PM, three hours and forty-five minutes in the woods was better than not having been there, despite negotiating over, under, and around fallen trees!

Remnants of Hurricane Helene's Effects on House Mountain

Hurricane Helene struck the western coast of Florida on Thursday, September 26. Turning inland, remnants of the tropical cyclone ravaged swaths of Georgia, South Carolina, western North Carolina, northeastern Tennessee, and southwestern Virginia. Closest nearby, Newport in Cocke County, Tennessee, was devastated. Farther east, Asheville, North Carolina, was hit hard. Small towns and rural communities were destroyed or isolated. Sections of Interstate 40 and 26 were destroyed. Flood water swept away homes, businesses, roads, train tracks, and bridges. Livestock drowned. People perished.

Volumes of online resources chronicle the historic devastation. For this article, I selected two. The first is “ETSU experts explain Helene’s impact on Appalachia,” East Tennessee State University (ETSU), by O.J. Early, 10/8/2024. The other is “Rising with Hope: Appalachia After Hurricane Helene: On September 27, 2024, Hurricane Helene brought devastation to the Appalachian Mountains.” ETSU, by Dr. Andrew Joyner. The latter is an ongoing series of audiovisual episodes about the devastation of and recovery from Hurricane Helene in southern Appalachia. These are good sources; however, I disagree with their implicit allegations that so-called man-made global climate change caused the calamity. That humans are behind the so-named global climate change chicanery is scientifically false and politically propagandized.

Join me on a virtual hike, as we explore the fallen trees along the trails. House Mountain is only one area that was damaged by the remnants of Hurricane Helene.

Up the West Trail

At 12:19 PM, I started hiking the west trail to the west bluff. Touching the marker near the covered picnic area marked the time.

The first photograph below, taken at 12:31 PM, shows the first fallen tree or trees that blocked the trail leading to the third lower switchback. The view looks northwest. The wooden fence posts were still standing, but the wooden rails were down. I could see one fallen tree. There could have been more.

A minute later, standing at the same spot, I turned east to take the second photograph below. It shows the fourth and final lower switchback still above me. On hands and feet, I climbed up a few yards to reach the trail again. I didn't see any damage at the fourth lower switchback.

Still hiking up and west at the southern base of House Mountain, I photographed the following at 12:37 PM:

The marker shows 0.25 of a mile hiked so far. The trail up to the west bluff or overlook is claimed to be 0.8 of a mile. Years ago, an old sign showed 1.0 miles exactly. The mountain did not shrink! Two trees looked to be freshly fallen across the trail.

Four minutes later, not much farther up the west trail, I took the fourth photograph. Leaning forward, I could walk under this fourth fallen tree.

Once I reached the first of the six upper switchbacks, I didn't see any trees down across the trail, until I arrived at the fourth upper switchback. Just below that switchback, I took the fifth photograph at 12:47 PM.

Two trees were down and blocking the trail. Another tree was down off the trail. The smaller tree was easy to step over. The once majestic tree had stood proudly and marked the switchback. I will miss that tree. Three minutes later, now above the huge fallen tree, I took the sixth photograph.

This is a better view, looking east, of the once mighty tree that had fallen. A young man and his mother were coming up the trail. I happened to catch him in the image.

At 12:53 PM, I took the following seventh photograph. The view looks southwest toward the fifth, or next to last, upper switchback.

Four trees were down. Two fell across the trail. Two others were suspended above the trail.

I took the eighth photograph below at 12:58 PM. The final or sixth upper switchback is above me. The view looks northwest. The one fallen tree was easy to step over.

At 1:04 PM, hiking the trail just below the ridge toward the west bluff, I photographed the one fallen tree below. I hunkered down to pass underneath it.

The rest of the trail under the ridge to the west bluff appeared undamaged. Hiking up the west trail, I saw several other freshly fallen trees, but they were off the trail.

The West Bluff

I reached the west bluff at 1:20 PM, slowed by photographing the fallen trees and navigating over, under, or around them. I met and conversed briefly with a couple of groups of hikers as well.

At 1:23 PM, at the west bluff, I took the tenth photograph below. The view looks southwest. No tree was down. The top of the tree trunk to the left in the image had snapped off years ago. New branches are still growing from the tree trunk near the center of the image.

Hiking East across the Ridge

From the west bluff, I continued hiking east along the ridge trail, heading to the upper-middle bluff. I found two fallen trees across the ridge trail. I took the eleventh and twelfth photographs below at 1:48 PM and 2:01 PM.

I stooped a little low to walk under this tree.

I stepped onto and over this tree.

Upper-Middle Bluff

Arriving at the upper-middle bluff, I enjoyed the magnificent views! No newly fallen trees were in the area. I took the following three photographs, numbers thirteen to fifteen, within five minutes from 2:12 to 2:17 PM. In the first, I was sitting on a rock in between the two large rock formations. The view looks northwest. Notice the recently placed American flag.

Climbing down to the flag, I took the next close-up photograph of the flag. Hand-painted on the big rock below the flag are the words, “Thank you. You're welcome.” I wonder who placed that flag and wrote on the rocks.

Turning around at the same spot, I photographed up to where I had sat to take the first photograph from this bluff.

Down and Out the East Trail

At 2:20 PM, leaving the upper-middle bluff, I started hiking back to and down the east trail. My descent was unhindered by fallen trees, as I continued down the seven switchbacks. On the lower and meandering trail, however, I saw the following five trees that were newly fallen. These are photographs sixteen through nineteen. I took them within four minutes, from 3:39 to 3:43 PM.

I had to bend low, moving on hands and feet, to cross under this tree. The view is southwest.

This once majestic tree will be missed. The view looks north. I had passed the tree and turned around to take the photograph.

I walked only a few yards farther, before stopping to photograph the above fallen tree. The image looks southwest.

Two trees were newly fallen at this location, only a few yards from the last image. I could bend under the first tree and step onto and over the second tree.

Conclusion

House Mountain is owned by the State of Tennessee and managed jointly by the state and the Knox County Parks and Recreation Department, under a lease agreement with the state. Both entities may already know about the fallen trees that need to be cleared along the trails. I may contact Knox County to see if they could use my help. I did clear several fallen tree branches during this hike. The photographs in this article may help the county understand where trees need to be cleared.

Where was my 2006 Nissan Frontier? He was parked in the shade. With 192,454.5 miles on the odometer, my truck runs as good as new, and he likes to take me hiking! Ending the hike, I touched the marker near the sheltered picnic area at 4:04 PM. The photograph below was taken three minutes later.

A future article will be about my 193rd hike on House Mountain on Columbus Day, which happened to be another dear family member's fifteenth birthday. I enjoyed hiking twice this month, as birthday gifts to two fine young Christian ladies, each of whom turned fifteen on the days that I hiked!

House Mountain Hike #192, 10-9-2024, Part 1: Happy Birthday, Addy! (published 10-18-2024; article #494)

Wednesday, 7/12/2023, 7:49 PM, photograph by someone nearby at Bootheel Youth Camp near Bloomfield, Missouri. From left to right are Addy, yours truly, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman, and my sister. Photograph included in the 8/5/2023 short story.

Introduction

Greetings, fellow hikers, and howdy to my “adopted family” in Missouri! Last week, on Wednesday, October 9, I hiked the nearby House Mountain for the 192nd time. Inspirations for the hike were the mountain was calling, and I had to go, and the weather. Most importantly, I was inspired to hike in commemoration of an important birthday that day!

In this two-part series, part two will focus on the fallen trees caused by Hurricane Helene. This part one, the 129th entry in the Family topic section, is a gift for our “adopted” great niece, Addy, who lives in Missouri with her mother, Lesli. Her birthday was on October 9.

Happy Birthday, Addy!

Her first and middle names are Addyson Wyles. Family and friends call her Addy Wyles or Addy. Last year, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I enjoyed meeting Addy at Bootheel Youth Camp. The 8/5/2023 short story, “Charleston, MO, Family Reunion & Mission Moscow Reunion,” includes our first time meeting at the church youth camp. Those are fond memories!

My most recent hike on House Mountain was on Thursday, May 30th, as the 6/1/2024 article recounts. I had hoped to start the fall, winter, and spring hiking season last month; however, various factors precluded hiking. As Addy's birthday approached, I thought that it would be fitting if I started my hiking season this year on her fifteenth birthday!

Addy Wyles, our dear great niece by “adoption,” the first hike this season was to honor you on your birthday! My wife and I are proud of you, and we love you. You are a fine Christian young lady. May God bless and guide your path as you continue to grow! Your future is an undiscovered country that we pray is blessed by God, and that brings blessings to many!

Happy birthday, Addy!

Conclusion

These written birthday greetings are over a week late. My audiovisual birthday wishes were right on time and were recorded on the upper-middle bluff of House Mountain!

Check out “House Mt. Hike 192: Happy Birthday, Addy! (published 10-9-2024; episode 29),” Appalachian Irishman – Podcasts (YouTube)! That was my birthday present to Addy on her fifteenth birthday! Addy, in years to come, you can tell folks about your “adoptive great uncle,” who hiked a mountain for your fifteenth birthday gift! That was my unique gift to you. You are a unique gift to many family members and friends.

After the hike, I called my “adopted” sister, Carol Sue. As usual, we enjoyed a good, long conversation. Once my wife arrived home, she spoke with Carol Sue. I don't think that they talked badly about me behind my back! That's a joke, y'all! Sis. looked forward to watching and sharing my birthday greetings episode with Addy and her dear mother.

Up next, part two will focus on the fallen trees caused by Hurricane Helene. I photographed each fallen tree that blocked sections of trails.

On the first Saturday in October 2024, what did the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Tennessee Volunteers have in common? (published 10-6-2024; article #493)

Photograph by M. Fearghail, 10/1/2023, 2:00 PM. Included in the 10/2/2023 article.

Introduction

Yesterday, the first Saturday in October, what did the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Tennessee Volunteers have in common? This sixteenth entry in the Sports topic section answers the question! The conclusion explains why the above photograph is included in this article.

On my mind are the recent ravages of Hurricane Helene, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, tomorrow's first anniversary of Hamas' attack on Israel, and the ad nauseam politics of the current presidential election cycle. Draft articles on each topic are in the works. I hope to finish and publish them in a few days. Sports distracts us from those other profound and frequently frustrating topics.

Alabama Lost by Five Points to Unranked Vanderbilt

Yesterday afternoon, the #1 AP-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide was shocked by the unranked Vanderbilt Commodores in Nashville! The televised game started at 4:15 PM eastern time. My wife and I watched the Georgia-Auburn game, which started at 3:30 PM. We did, however, catch some of the Alabama-Vanderbilt game. I was amazed to learn that the halftime score was Vanderbilt 23, Alabama 14!

At times, I switched channels to check the score. I thought, “Surely, Alabama will find a way to beat hapless Vanderbilt.” After all, on Saturday, September 28, the then #4 AP-ranked Crimson Tide beat the then #2 AP-ranked Georgia Bulldogs in Tuscaloosa by seven points. That loss frustrated me. Georgia needs to stop sleeping through the first half and awakening in the second half.

Yesterday, in the second half, Alabama scored 21 points, but Vanderbilt scored 17. Vanderbilt beat Alabama by five points! The final score was Vanderbilt 40, Alabama 35.

A good summary of the game is found at “No. 1/2 Alabama Football Falls 40-35 at Vanderbilt,” Roll Tide, 10/5/2024. I enjoyed watching Vandy fans swarm the field and begin to tear down the goal posts. Vanderbilt was not hapless that day.

Tennessee Lost by Five Points to Unranked Arkansas

Last evening in Fayetteville, the unranked home team Arkansas Razorback upset the #4 AP-ranked Tennessee Volunteers. The televised game started at 7:30 PM. My wife, Molly (our ol' puppy), and I watched the game, until Molly's bedtime (about 8:30 PM) and my wife's bedtime (about 9 PM). I stayed up to about 11:30 PM, watching the rest of the game.

The halftime score was Arkansas three and Tennessee zero. In the third quarter, the Volunteers (Vols) scored two touchdowns to the Razorback's one, making the score Tennessee 14, Arkansas 10. I thought that Tennessee could hold on to win. I was wrong!

In the fourth quarter, the Vols could not score. The Razorbacks scored a field goal and a touchdown. (The two-point attempt failed.) The final score was Arkansas 19, Tennessee 14. Tennessee lost by five points.

The game is summarized at "#4 Vols Come Up Short in 19-14 Loss at Arkansas," UT Sports, 10/5/2024. I wish that Tennessee had been able to win the game. Instead of sadness, I had to smile and laugh to myself a little, as I watched Razorback fans cover the field and begin tearing down goal posts. Tennessee just did not play well enough to win.

For some reason early this morning, I remembered, when I was 11, that my parents, brothers, and I visited with Granny and Papaw Wood. Uncle John and Aunt Mae Livesay (Granny's sister), who lived within walking distance, had family visiting as well. It must have been around Thanksgiving in 1971. That December, Tennessee faced Arkansas in the Liberty Bowl in Memphis. I remember talking with the adults about the upcoming game. One of them said, “Tennessee better watch out for those Razorbacks. Those hogs can be pretty mean.” Why do I still remember that? Was I worried? On Monday, December 20, 1971, Tennessee defeated Arkansas in the Liberty Bowl in Memphis by one point. The final score was Tennessee 14, Arkansas 13. Source: Sports Reference: Tennessee Volunteers Bowls.

Conclusion

Yesterday, Alabama and Tennessee, top-five ranked Southeastern Conference (SEC) teams, were each defeated by five points by unranked conference teams! Have two SEC teams, ranked in the top five, ever lost before to unranked conference opponents on the same day? Never before. According to “Chaos hits AP Top 25 with 4 teams ranked in the top 11 losing to unranked opponents,” Associated Press (AP), by Josh Dubow, 10/6/2024, “This marked the first time that two SEC teams ranked in the top five lost to unranked conference opponents on the same day. . . .”

Why is the photograph of my Georgia Bulldogs yard flag included in this article? Yesterday, the #5 AP-ranked Georgia Bulldogs defeated the unranked Auburn Tigers, 31-13. At halftime, Georgia was ahead 14-3. It was a better start. Both teams scored touchdowns in the third quarter. In the 4th quarter, Auburn got a field goal, but Georgia scored a touchdown and a field goal. Georgia's offense and defense are not as good as they were last year. The team is still a work in progress. Still yet, it was a solid win at home for homecoming. Yesterday, top-five-ranked Georgia beat its unranked conference opponent. Top-five-ranked Alabama and Tennessee lost to their unranked conference matchups.

Our good neighbors across the road have up their Tennessee yard flag. I may change our yard flag, from Appalachian Irishman to Georgia Bulldogs. Chuck is another good neighbor. He's a polite Alabama fan. On one of our front porch rocking chairs sits one of Molly's toys, a small red elephant with blue ears. Georgia could face Alabama again in a championship playoff game.

Go Dawgs! Go Vols! Tennessee is my second favorite college football team, behind Georgia. I dislike Alabama. I like Chuck.

Could Smokin' in an Outhouse Cause a Fire? (published 9-27-2024; article #492)

The dilapidated two-seater outhouse is still on House Mountain, near where the fire tower once was. Photograph by M. Fearghail on 12/31/2013, during his 100th hike on House Mountain. The hike and the photograph are included in the 1/1/2014 article.

Introduction

Why do inspirations for new articles often come to me while showering? This article is one example.

Early last Sunday morning, while taking a shower, one of the three radios in my bathroom played Mötley Crüe's cover of the original Brownsville Station song, “Smokin' in the Boys' Room.” Brownsville Station debuted the song in 1973, “Smokin' in the Boys' Room,” Brownsville Station—Topic (YouTube), 3/6/2015. In 1985, Mötley Crüe covered the song, “Mötley Crüe—Smokin' In The Boys' Room,” Mötley Crüe (YouTube), 11/12/2010. I like both versions. Back in high school (1974–1978), a visit to the boys' room frequently brought the aroma of cigarette smoke to my nostrils. Smokers typically tossed cigarette butts out the glazed windows. The grass below the windows could look like a light dusting of snow had fallen.

Singing along in the shower, I started to improvise a parody, “Smokin' in the Outhouse.” The complete parody is still a work in progress. I began to wonder. Has anyone ever set fire to an outhouse by smoking, while “sittin' thar thinkin'” on a wooden toilet seat?

This 116th article in the humor topic section finds the answer to that question. Switching genre, not gender, the article becomes the 72nd entry in the poly-ticks topic section. The conclusion flushes the false notion of gender fluidity down the toilet.

Smokin' in an Outhouse Could Cause a Fire!

Have you, dear reader, heard that someone caught an outhouse on fire by smoking in it? Please comment if you have! I haven't caught wind of it happening in northeast Tennessee.

Searching online, I found a couple of news items, which confirm that it has happened! Smoking in an outhouse could catch it on fire! The first news story is “No smoking in the outhouse, please,” United Press International (UPI), 7/14/2004.

As the article states, just over 20 years ago, a man in Blacksville, Monongalia County, West Virginia, lit up a smoke while “sittin' thar thinkin'” in an outhouse. With no pun intended, that sparked an explosion of methane gas.

Singed with only minor injuries, the “em-barr-assed” (slight pun intended) man was treated at a local clinic, and then treated and released from a local hospital. The article probably states Blacksburg, Tennessee, in error, since there is no town with that name in Tennessee.

The other news is from “Outhouse Catches on Fire,” Capper’s Farmer, by Staff, 3/27/2013. The setting could have been several decades ago. This apparently true story was about someone's father. He knocked smoldering tobacco ashes from his pipe down the outhouse toilet hole. The outhouse caught fire and burned to the ground! Thankfully, the pipe smoker wasn't inside. He had already finished his business and gone to the barn.

The lyrics to the parody “Smokin' in the Outhouse” are still in the works. Please comment if you would like to suggest wording! The parody could catch fire!

Outhouse Inspection: You Must Be Joking?

While searching online for stories about smoking in an outhouse causing a fire, I happened to find the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) in Boulder, Colorado. Their undated column, “Outhouse Inspection,” InterNACHI, by Nick Gromicko, CMI, explains what an inspector does when inspecting an outhouse! Tips for outhouse owners are also provided.

Unfortunately, the column does not explain when and how to use a Sears and Roebuck catalog or a corncob in the outhouse. As a child in the 1960s, I recall that Granny and Papaw Ferrell kept a few corncobs and a Sears and Roebuck catalog in their outhouse. Several pages were always missing. Thankfully, a few rolls of toilet paper were also readily available. I had a few movements in their two-seater outhouse.

The lyrics to the parody “Smokin' in the Outhouse” are moving along. What wording do you suggest?

What about “Smokin' in the Unisex Room” and Other Parody Titles?

In 1973, when the song debuted, and even in 1985, when the song was covered, politically correct feathers were not ruffled. Why has some politically correct group not protested to ban “Smokin' in the Boys' Room” from playing on classic rock radio stations? “Boys' room” is not inclusive. I hope that this article doesn't give such a group the idea! This once great nation does need any more socialist-fronted protest groups.

In jest, this article proposes that anyone brainwashed by politically correct propaganda should start a protest to change “Smokin' in the Boys' Room” to some other title with matching (pun intended) lyrics. For example, what about the following suggestions: “Smokin' in the Cisgender Room,” “Smokin' in the Gender-Fluid Room,” “Smokin' in the Transgendered Room,” or “Smokin' in the Transsexual Room”?

Folks with terminal degrees after their names do not intimidate me. I admire and respect those, who were educated properly. Others, however, whose terminal degrees influence them to promote unbiblical concepts, are like gnats that should be swatted out an outhouse door!

For example, a doctor of medicine (MD) wrote the following article, and another MD reviewed it: “What Are the 72 Other Genders?” MedicineNet, by Shaziya Allarakha, MD, reviewed by Pallavi Suyog Uttekar, MD, medically reviewed on 2/9/2024. These two “learned” doctors, of course, are mistaken. There are not 72 other genders! Only two, male and female, exist.

Another well-known medical website describes 68 gender identities. The following article was written by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and another person: “68 Terms That Describe Gender Identity and Expression,” Healthline, by Mere Abrams, LCSW, and Sian Ferguson, reviewed by Francis Kuehnle, MSN, RN-BC, updated 1/26/2024. The reviewer has a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and is a Registered Nurse, Board Certified (RN-BC). There are only two genders, not 72 other genders; therefore, there cannot be 68 gender identities.

I happened to find a website that propagates unbiblical notions. It includes the following article: “How Many Genders Are There? 2024 Gender Identity List,” sexualdiversity.org, published 12/7/2022, updated 4/10/2024. Shockingly, the article claims that, in 2024, there are “107 gender identities,” which are “subject to change at any time.” I had to laugh at the illogic of it all!

News media like to cite so-called and often unnamed experts, as in “experts say. . . .” Media often do this without stating the criteria that validate their sources as experts. Parroting falsehoods by citing so-called experts should be ignored. Experts regularly (slight pun intended) disagree.

The work-in-progress lyrics to the parody “Smokin' in the Outhouse” won't face threats from the politically correct crowd. The title replaces “Boys' Room” with “Outhouse.”

Conclusion

I don't know why inspirations for new articles occasionally pop into my head while showering. They just do. Shampooing my hair may stimulate thought.

Smoking in an outhouse could set the outhouse on fire. I found at least two stories about it happening.

I hope that, years or decades from now, fresh or refreshed minds will reflect on this time, when the false notion that there are more than two genders is propagandized, and realize the utter silliness of this time. The clearly false notion of gender fluidity is flushed down the toilet.

Disclaimer: This article should not be interpreted to mean that I accept or promote smoking cigarettes, tobacco, or any substance. This article does not encourage juvenile delinquency. Furthermore, this article should not be construed as so-called “hate speech” against anyone who accepts the false notion that more than two genders exist. In loving kindness, this article promotes the biblical worldview, which affirms only two genders.