TN TDOT Name a Snowplow Contest - Last Day to Vote! (published 12-30-2022; article #383)

Introduction

Early this morning, while performing my routine fecal plowing, I was listening to News Talk 98.7 FM, on one of the three radios, on my bathroom sink counter top. A news item – aside from shootings in other states reported as “local” news – that caught my attention was that the final day to vote, in TDOT's name a snowplow contest, is today.

Several days ago, a local TV station had mentioned this contest. I had flushed the thought, after wondering why TDOT would waste “toilet paper” money on such a silly contest. Well, the thought “back flushed” into my mind.

Yes, I know that, on 12/30/2000, family and I gathered, in the frigid cold, for the graveside service for Mom (Betty Lou Wood Ferrell, 11/24/1932 - 12/27/2000). Writing this humorous article, however, will help lift my spirit and distract my thoughts, from memories of Mom's graveside service.

Name a Snowplow

After my morning fecal plowing, I found, on TN TDOT Department of Transportation, “Name A Snowplow Contest: Voting Begins.” (The “A” should not be capitalized.)

One of three photographs from “Name A Snowplow Contest: Voting Begins.”

The content of that web page is:

Vote for your favorite Snowplow name. Simply check the circle beside the name you like best and hit submit. Voting ends Friday, December 30 at 4:30 p.m. The top four names with the most votes will be displayed on four different snowplows – one in each region. The winners will be announced in early January.

*Select your favorite entry*

Twenty-five candidates are listed.

Contest Voting*

Big Leplowski; Big Orange; BoomBoomPlow; Brinestone Plowboy; Darth Blader; Don't flurry, be happy; Freeze Slick Mafia; Gatlinbrr; Graceland Growler; Grit & Brine; King Henry; Melton John; MilkNBread; Nashville Plowdators; No More, Mr. Ice Guy! Reba McEnplower; Rhinestone Plowboy; Sleetwood Mac; Snowlene; Snowletta Lynn; Sweet Child O' Brine; Tennessee VolunCLEAR; Thaw Enforcement; Tim McThaw; You're Welcome

Thank you for your submission. A TDOT representative will contact the contest winners.

The website does not state how the 25 candidates were certified or who the contestants are. I suspect a “TDOT deep-state conspiracy!”

After seconds of “deep contemplation,” I voted for “No More, Mr. Ice Guy!” – twice. I reloaded the website. What do you know? The website allowed me to vote often! Since I hadn't voted early, I decided to vote again. So, I voted once more for “No More, Mr. Ice Guy!” I decided that two votes were enough. Of course, I could have continued to reload the website and to vote far more often, until 4:30 PM, but I have better ways to occupy my time.

Of course, I have several questions. Is this the primary or general election? When did voting start? (I voted twice on the last day to vote.) Should voting have been allowed on one day only? Are only Tennessee citizens allowed to vote? Are illegal aliens or citizens in other states, or nations, allowed to vote? (I did not have to present a voter registration card.) Does voting end today at 4:30 PM Central Time or Eastern Time? Was there early voting, before the unknown day that voting started? If so, what were the early voting numbers? What about paper ballots? When will the votes be counted? Who will count the votes? Are they certified to count them? Will there be a recount? What about a tie? Will there be a runoff? What about hanging Internet chad? Will you fine or arrest me, since I voted twice? These are several questions that come to mind.

Conclusion

On the eve of New Year's Eve in 2022, I remember, with sadness, Mom's graveside service, on the eve of New Year's Eve in 2000. I remember my “adopted sister” and her husband, from Missouri, visiting at the homeplace, before the service. I remember the bitter cold. I remember driving in the funeral procession to the cemetery. I remember blocking the impatient driver, who tried to pass the procession. I remember shivering, while seated on the very cold metal chair, during the service. I remember how Dad (Earl Ferrell, 9/17/1927 - 1/25/2008) looked and what he said. I remember the family gathering at the homeplace after the service. I remember every detail.

Should I email TDOT.Comments@tn.gov, with a link to this article? If I do and get a reply, then I will mention it in a comment. As a public service, I encourage my readers in Tennessee to vote early and often! Today is the last day to vote. Readers in other states or nations, of course, are free to decide to vote or not, based on their own convictions.

Mom, of course, would understand why I wrote this humorous article, laced with sorrow, today. Mom enjoyed my sense of humor. Perhaps, once I join Mom, and so many others, in heaven, I'll share this story with her. I will have plenty of time to do so.

Mom Went to See Jesus, 12-27-2000 & Snow Photographs, 12-27-2022 (published 12-27-2022; article #382)

Introduction

At 3:06 PM, as I begin to write, the sun is shining brightly. The temperature is 41 Fahrenheit (5 Celsius). The snow (about an inch or 2.54 centimeters), which had fallen late yesterday afternoon and through the night, has melted, except in the shady areas. Molly (our ol' puppy) is now outside mostly or in her basement condominium. She's no longer an indoor doggy, staying on the couch, in hibernation mode. The four days of winter (12/23-26/2022), with highs not above freezing, are over. Spring in winter is resuming.

Mrs. Appalachian Irishman is visiting her folks. (Her youngest sister returns to “Nashvegas” later today.) I had not planned to write this article, but I decided to do so.

Mom Went to See Jesus, 12/27/2000

I re-read several articles that I've published, around this time of the year, about Mom (Betty Lou Wood Ferrell, 11/24/1932 - 12/27/2000). My brief article, of 12/27/2010, is one of my favorites. The article, in its entirety, is:

Ten Years Ago Today (published 12-27-2010)

Ten years ago today, at 5:15 PM, Mom went to be with Jesus. She was the best mother that I could have ever had. Taken at only 68 years old, Mom could still be alive today, touching the lives of family and friends in her unique way. Mom’s absence has been felt strongly these past ten years.

Mom, I miss you, but I know that you are in a far better place. Tell everyone, Granny, Papaw, Uncle Bobby, Dad, and so many others, that I will see them someday. Life goes on here, until we are all reunited there.

I love you, Mom, bunches and bunches!

See Happy Birthday, Mom (published 11-24-2009).

My 11/24/2009 article – “Happy Birthday, Mom,” to which my 12/27/2010 article links – is probably my favorite article that I've written about Mom. Every time that I re-read the article, tears swell up in my eyes, but I do not cry.

At 5:15 PM today – as I have done on every December 27th, since 2001, I will pause, be silent a while, and remember.

I still miss Mom's made from scratch, homemade biscuits and her rice crispy Christmas wreath – symbols of her love. I have known many genuine Christians. I try to be one. Mom was and is the most genuine Christian that I have ever known.

Twenty-two years have passed, since Mom went to see Jesus. The memory of Mom's loss is with me daily, especially on December 27th every year. The loss has become easier to place into the everlasting mindset.

The family circle will be unbroken. I'm just trying to do my best to serve God, such as I can and as He allows me, until it's my turn to join the family circle.

Snow Photographs, 12/27/2022

The weather was cloudy and very cold, on Wednesday, December 27, 2000. We had about the same weather, maybe a little warmer, this morning (Tuesday, 12/27/2022). I took the two photographs (below) about 10 AM.

The view is looking southwest. The back yards of several neighbors, in the photograph, are to the west. Can you see Molly's footprints in the snow? Earlier, she had gone outside to “Molly doggy around.” She didn't stay out long. She liked the warm couch better.

This is Molly, in “doggy partial hibernation mode,” taking it easy on the couch! The old sheet mostly covers the leather couch. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman was taking a shower. Molly had been sleeping, and she still looks sleepy, in the photograph.

Don't worry! Once the temperature warmed up more, and the sun came out, Molly went back to being a mostly outside, during the day, doggy! Her doggy door is set, so she can come into her basement condominium as she desires.

Conclusion

I trust that the TVA rolling blackouts, about which I wrote on Christmas Eve, did not harm anyone that has to use oxygen tanks that don't have battery backups. Mom had oxygen tanks, during her final days at home. I'm glad that the homeplace didn't have any rolling blackouts then.

By the way, I learned that the Christmas Eve football game, on the Tennessee Titans ( or “Tin Cans”) home field, was delayed by an hour, due to the rolling blackouts. The Texans beat the “Tin Cans” 19 to 14. TVA had advised us to conserve energy, turn off unnecessary lights, not do laundry, etc., but the lights at Titan stadium shined brightly. What hypocrites!

The time, at this typing, is 4:06 PM. I hear Molly barking in the back yard. I think that I'll go outside and have some fun with Molly.

Don't worry. I'll be back inside. At 5:15 PM, I will pause, be silent a while, and remember. Mom, I still love you bunches and bunches! I will see you again, once I join you.

TVA Rolling Blackouts - 12/23-24/2022 - Christmas Eve Commentary (published 12-24-2022; article #381)

 “Unplugged black cord” (1/7/2021), by Kelly Sikkema, on Unsplash. Free to use under the Unsplash License.

Introduction

“Northeast Tennessee can have a little bit of winter. Sometimes, it falls on a weekend.” I have said that, during a cool snap, ever since Mrs. Appalachian Irishman and I returned from Russia (10/1/1994 - 9/30/1999).

Welcome to a northeast Tennessee winter weekend! It started yesterday (Friday, 12/23/2022). December had been mild, with lows in the 20s to 40s Fahrenheit (F) and highs in the 40s and 50sF. Yesterday, in our neck of the woods, the low was 5F (-15 Celsius) and the high was 10F (-12 Celsius). This morning, the low was 3F (-16 Celsius). It looks like the high will be in the low 20sF (-5 or -6 Celsius).

Tomorrow, Christmas day, the weather prognosticators predict the low to be in the mid-teens (about -9 Celsius) and the high to be about 30F (-1 Celsius). They claim that the warming trend will continue, until lows reach the 30s to 50sF and the highs reach the 40s to 60sF. Our winter weekend may stretch into five days – but not a full week.

Our “Brave” Excursions into the “Frigid” Weather

Yesterday, about 1 PM, I walked to the mailbox, to flag up our annual homeowners insurance payment. The temperature was 6F (-14 Celsius). The sun was shining brightly. A cold breeze was blowing. I had on blue jeans, a T-shirt, and a sweatshirt, with socks and shoes. I stayed out in the front yard a while, enjoying the crisp air and sunshine. If I'd been out longer, I would have needed a coat. About 5 PM, I walked to the mailbox, to get Mrs. Appalachian Irishman's Kohl's bill (for a Christmas gift). The temperature was still 6F (-14 Celsius), but the sun had gone behind the ridge to our north, and the wind was stronger. Molly, bravely, ventured out with me. We didn't waste any time, getting back indoors! The lack of sun and the stronger wind were the differences. In the afternoon, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman had driven, bravely, to visit her folks. She also had gone last minute Christmas shopping, bravely, with her youngest sister, who had come in on Thursday.

Today, about noon, I walked to the mailbox, to get the junk mail. The temperature was about 10F (-12 Celsius). The sun shined brightly. There was no wind. I had on the same type of clothes as yesterday. It felt great! Molly, however, chose not to enjoy the balmy temperature with me. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman was backing out the garage to go visit her folks. Please, dear, don't come back to tell me that you also shopped for that final, last second Christmas present that you didn't buy yesterday!

How does this involve TVA rolling blackouts? I'll explain and comment. I will conclude by transitioning to the 12/23/2022 family gathering and to final thoughts on Christmas Eve.

Rolling Blackouts, 12/23-24/2022

Yesterday morning, while cleaning up, I heard the WQUT-FM (Tri-Cities classic rock) disc jockey mention that the rolling blackouts had taken the station off air for 15 minutes. Later, at 12:01 PM, we had a rolling blackout that lasted 15 minutes. No notice was given. We had to take our “collectively equal share” of the “collective suffering.” Thankfully, we had no more blackouts.

Today, we have had two rolling blackouts so far – 8:10-30 AM (five minutes longer than the dictated 15 minutes) and 11:00-15 AM. My youngest brother called, after our second blackout, to say that they had endured three already today. We had no notice, before the blackouts. My computer has had three KUB reboots so far (one yesterday and two today).

Yesterday and today, around the blackouts, I did some internet searching. I'll cite a couple of sources.

“TVA resumes rolling blackouts across East Tennessee,” on WATE-TV, by Hope McAlee, posted 12/23/2022, 11:55 AM EST; updated 12/24/2022, 9:53 AM EST and 12:21 PM EST. Notice that I included the two updates today. What I'd seen, just after our 11:00-15 AM blackout, when I started this draft article, was:

Saturday

9:50 a.m. Update – The Knoxville Utility Board tweeted that it was informed by TVA that their system is stabilizing and they expect the mandatory electric outages to no longer be necessary after 10 a.m. Saturday.

I'd thought, “Liars! We had a blackout at 11 AM, which is after 10 AM!” In the early afternoon, while writing this article, I saw the 12:21 PM update:

Saturday

12:15 p.m. Update – TVA said rolling blackouts have ended and thanked everyone for doing their part to help conserve energy and maintain the power grid for 10 million people in the seven states that TVA services.

Noon Update – The Knoxville Utility Board announced that TVA has ended the mandatory outages for KUB’s service area. The City of Oak Ridge also said that rolling blackouts for their area had been terminated.

11:30 a.m. Update – The Knoxville Utility Board issued a statement that TVA has extended the requirement for them to reduce their power load, meaning that rolling blackouts will continue.

So far, so good, at the time of this typing! I hope that the folks at the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) do not change their minds – again!

“TVA, Local Power Companies Manage Record-Setting Power Demand,” on TVA.com, 12/24/2022 states, in part:

On Saturday morning, December 24, TVA directed local power companies to implement planned, short duration, intermittent power interruptions to maintain system reliably. This action is similar to steps that TVA and local power companies took on Friday, December 23, to help ensure power system reliability. This measure is expected to be temporary until the highest peak power demands have been met.

During the 24-hours of December 23, TVA supplied more energy than at any other time in its history – 740 gigawatt-hours, or 740 million kilowatt-hours. The cold also produced a winter record for peak power demand of 33,425 megawatts at 7 p.m. CT when the regionwide average temperature was 9 degrees.

We have had stretches of either very cold or very hot weather before, when the electricity demand was high. Storms, snow, and ice have damaged power lines, which caused power outages. Yesterday and today, however, are the first times that TVA has mandated rolling blackouts. My commentary on this follows.

Commentary on Rolling Blackouts

I had wondered: “what is the reason for these new, never before done, rolling blackouts, with no notice, by TVA dictate?”

“Our Power System,” on TVA.com states, in part (with my emboldening added for emphasis):

TVA’s power portfolio is dynamic and adaptable in the face of changing demands and regulations. Our emphasis has moved away from traditional coal-based production and toward cleaner forms of power generation, and today the power we deliver is nearly 60 percent carbon-free.

Meanwhile, we’re decommissioning some of our oldest coal-fired units to make way for these new, more efficient forms of power production. It’s a natural evolution—one that fits with our historic mission of providing reliable, low-cost energy that makes life better for the people we serve.

Who is the “our” in the title? TVA is a government entity. We the people manage the government – or we are supposed to do so. The government works for us – or it's supposed to do so. I hope that “our” means “we the people,” not “TVA.”

I tried various searches, but I could not find annual TVA electric output totals by year. If anyone reading this article can find valid sources, please comment!

I speculate, however, that TVA's electric output has declined, since they have mothballed coal-fired steam plants, such as the John Sevier steam plant, in Hawkins County, Tennessee. (The plant was demolished, from April 2015 to May 2017.)

TVA, of course, has been under various federal, socialistic government dictates to produce more “clean energy” and to reduce its “carbon footprint.” These dictates advanced under President Obama. President Biden continues to advance the dictates. I'm sure that many Democrats and several Republicans have been and are in favor of these dictates.

Don't read into my remarks what I'm not saying! I am a conservationist, not an environmentalist. The difference is in the worldviews. I will define my terms and explain. (This section is included as my seventh entry, in “Worldviews in Conflict” topic.)

A conservationist has the biblical worldview, which values environmental stewardship. As good stewards, conservationists take care of what God has entrusted to us in nature. The ethical use of natural resources, to better mankind, cares for and manages the environment, for future generations. Humans use, manage, and improve the ecosystem. We are not intruders. I paint with a broad brush, but my definition aligns with other reputable website sources that I have viewed.

An environmentalist, however, has a pantheistic worldview. The creation is worshiped above the Creator. The needs of humans are lower than the needs of the environment (climate, air, land, water, animals, and plants). Humans are separate from the creation and act “immorally,” by disrupting it. Again, I paint with a broad brush, but ask any “tree hugger” if my concept is not correct.

Christmas Eve Commentary

That's about enough on that mundane topic! I'm done. Let's move on, shall we? After all, this is Christmas Eve!

Can Christmas Eve fall on the 22nd, not the 24th? Yes, it can, and it did for the Fearghail clan! On Thursday, December 22, 2022, my youngest brother and his family came down to visit, have Christmas dinner (or lunch, as the Yankees call it) with us, and open gifts! The decision to visit early this year was motivated by the current bit of winter that started yesterday and by Christmas falling on Sunday this year.

We enjoyed about four hours of great family time! Our nieces regaled us with stories about their current basketball season. My brother and I talked about mischievous things that we had done in our teenage years. We shared some family memories. Molly was also happy to see everyone. Thanks, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman, for preparing a fine meal, on the unexpected date!

Conclusion

My paternal grandparents didn't connect to electricity (for lights only) until Dad was already several years old. They used coal oil lamps and candles for light. In winter, firewood heated the home well enough, if family wore enough layers of clothes and had enough blankets on the beds. A rolling blackout may have occurred – if the fire went out, before more wood could be brought in to stoke the coals.

If mankind must serve the creation, instead of the Creator, then those environmentalists should give up all modern electrical conveniences. That would be consistent. They should all return to living like Dad was raised – until Granny and Papaw connected to electric lights.

If mankind serves the Creator, then those conservationists should use the environment to improve mankind, replenish the environment, and leave it better, for the next generation.

Hey! What do you know? KUB has not done a third rolling blackout – yet.

Merry Christmas, to all my readers – especially to you, dear reader. The eternal Word was born of a virgin, lived as a man, ministered and showed us God in the flesh, was crucified for our sins (yours and mine), was resurrected, and ascended back to heaven. Christmas is the traditional commemoration of Jesus' birth.

I don't care at all for the commercialization of Christmas. I do not need any Christmas presents. I have the gift of God. That is enough.

12-17-2022, Saturday: Big H BBQ Christmas Bash (at Cherokee): Cherokee Lady Chiefs Defeated Phelps (KY) Lady Hornets, 58 - 34 (published 12-19-2022; article #380)

Introduction

Greetings to my Tennessee, national, and international readers! Thanks for visiting. Locally, we have a little bit of winter. The low this morning was 20^○F. The high may reach to the low 40's. Yes, I know that we could have a cold day – if the high were in the low 20's. We can have real winter in northeast Tennessee. Sometimes it falls on a weekend. To my local readers, it ain't cold yet! I'll let you know when and if it gets cold around here.

This article, a sports update, was inspired by the text that I saw, from my youngest brother, this morning. I turn off my cell phone every day about 5 PM. (Mrs. Appalachian Irishman tries to remember to do the same.) Yesterday, however, I turned off my cell phone a little before 5 PM. That will teach me!

Text from Youngest Brother

Early this morning, once I'd turned on my cell phone, I saw the text that my youngest brother had sent yesterday (12/18/2022) at 4:57 PM. He related that their oldest daughter was on TV! He sent the website link. (See below.)

At 6:53 AM today, I replied to my brother by text. We exchanged brief pleasantries. His final text, in the exchange, expressed that their youngest daughter (on the Bulls Gap Middle School Lady Bulldogs basketball team) “can't buy a spot in the newspaper” but that their oldest daughter (on the Cherokee High School Lady Chiefs basketball team) “gets in there every time.”

I still wish that the hometown newspaper would include articles and photographs on the Bulls Gap Middle School Lady Bulldogs basketball games. I'd mentioned both of our nieces, in my article of 12/6/2022. (That article mentioned the CoachT.com website that includes the Cherokee Chiefs, 2022-23 Girls' Basketball Schedule). The Bulls Gap Middle School 2022-23 Basketball Schedule is not updated to show scores.

The 12/17/2022, Saturday, Round One Bash

Cherokee High School is currently hosting the Big H BBQ Christmas Bash, 12/17-20/2022 (Saturday - Tuesday). First round games were on Saturday, 12/17/2022.

WJHL-TV

The text from my youngest brother included the WJHL-TV article and video. Our niece is mentioned prominently in the televised video: “Hosts win at Day 1 of Big H BBQ Christmas Tournament,” on WJHL-TV News Channel 11 & ABC Tri-Cities, by Nick Dugan, posted 12/18/2022, 12:37 AM EST, updated 12/18/2022, 12:37 AM EST.

The commentator states that our niece hit “the runner off the backboard!” Nice basket, number 30!

The Rogersville Review

We subscribe to The Rogersville Review, my hometown newspaper. Today, I logged into our account and saw the article, with photographs. The article should be in a future edition of the newspaper. The article is: “Lady Chiefs Roll Past Lady Hornets to earn round one win in Big H tourney,” The Rogersville Review, by Randy Ball, 12/18/2022.

I selected the photograph, below, as one of two that includes our niece. The photograph and caption are by Randy Ball.

Ariel Ferrell passing.

The photograph looks as if our niece is passing the basketball directly toward me! Did I catch it?

Conclusion

The second round game, in the Big H BBQ Christmas Bash, is today, at 8 PM. The Cherokee Lady Chiefs host the Happy Valley Lady Warriors. The Lady Chiefs are overall 7-5, district 1-1. The Lady Warriors are overall 3-5, district 0-1.

We hope that the Lady Chiefs defeat the Lady Warriors! Go Chiefs!

I know that both our nieces practice good sportsmanship. That's how their parents are raising them.

“Respect for Marriage Act:” God's Law Versus 12-13-2022 RFMA Law (published 12-15-2022; article #379)

Photograph (3/29/2019) by Sandy Millar, on Unsplash. Free to use under the Unsplash License.

Introduction

I was blindsided while watching the news, on the evening of 12/13/2022. Apparently, on that day, President Biden had signed a bill, the Respect for Marriage Act (RFMA), into temporal human law. The new, secular law applies to the United States.

My mind has been on more profound and everlasting thoughts, as I continue my series on Christian evidences. Interestingly, I have been working on my sixth article, which I, Lord willing, plan to publish. That article will affirm that the accuracy of the Bible proves that it is inspired by God.

This article, thus, is a sidetrack, but I must write and publish it. I must take a public stand. I trust that many readers will agree with me. I hope that those who do not will engage me with their comments and reasoning. All relevant comments (in agreement or disagreement) are welcome.

This article places the secular Respect for Marriage Act (RFMA) in the context of God's law on marriage. Like the prophet Elijah, I do not “waver between two opinions.” I follow God. (See 1 Kings 18:21, in context.) This is my sixth article in the “Worldviews in Conflict” topic section.

God's Law

So God created mankind in his own image,
in the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:27, NIV)

The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”

So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and then closed up the place with flesh. Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man.” That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. (Genesis 2:18, 21-24, NIV)

God created the first man, Adam. Then, He created the first woman, whom Adam named Eve (Genesis 3:20). God performed the first marriage ceremony, as He presented Eve to Adam. “Man” is from the Hebrew “Ish” (איש). “Woman” is from the Hebrew “Ishaha” (אישה), meaning “out of man.”

In answer to the Pharisees' testing question on divorce, Jesus answered, referencing the Genesis 1:27 and 2:24 texts:

“Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. (Matthew 19:4-6, NIV)

God, however, allowed polygyny, for a time, in the Old Testament. For example, King Solomon “had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines, and his wives led him astray.” (1 Kings 11:3, NIV). Polygyny, though allowed temporarily, is not a part of God's law on marriage.

God's law on marriage is that one man and one woman unite as husband and wife. No other option defines marriage, according to the Supreme Lawgiver.

12/13/2022 RFMA Law

What are the details of the 12/13/2022 "Respect for Marriage Act” (RFMA) secular law for the United States? I heard the televised news. I decided to dig into the details.

Congressional Record

I checked Congress.gov for the answers, which found: H.R.8404 - Respect for Marriage Act and Text: H.R.8404 — 117th Congress (2021-2022). In summary, the law defines “marriage” as between two people. It requires state officials, under penalty for non-compliance, to recognize, in any manner, “marriage” between two people of the same gender. The law assures private citizens and religious organizations that their view on marriage (as between one man and one woman) is protected. Finally, the law continues to deny the right to polygamous marriages.

On 7/19/2022, the bill passed the U.S. House by a vote of 267 (220 Democrats and 47 Republicans) in favor and 157 (all Republicans) opposed. Seven House members (all Republicans, including Tim Burchett of Tennessee) did not vote. Source: Roll Call 373 | Bill Number: H. R. 8404.

On 11/29/2022, the bill passed the U.S. Senate by a vote of 61 (47 Democrats, 12 Republicans, and 2 Independents) in favor and 36 (all Republicans, including the two Tennessee senators) opposed. Three senators (two Republicans and one Democrat) did not vote. Source: Record Vote Number: 362.

On 12/8/2022, the House agreed to the Senate amendment by a vote of 258 (219 Democrats and 29 Republicans) in favor and 169 (all Republicans) opposed. One Republican House member voted present, and four Republican House members did not vote. Source: Roll no. 513.

On 12/9/2022, the bill was presented to President Biden. He signed it on 12/13/2022, when the bill became “public law.”

The Media

We have heard and read the various media sources. My synopsis and reaction, below, are derived from two articles. The first is: “White House glows rainbow colors after Biden signs Respect For Marriage Act: The Respect for Marriage Act codified same sex marriage and interracial marriage,” by Lawrence Richard, on Fox News, 2/14/2022, 2:03 AM EST. The other is: “Passage of the Respect for Marriage Act Signals That Same-Sex Marriage Will Remain the Law of the Land,” on JD Supra, by Baker Donelson, 12/13/2022.

The Fox News article includes President Biden's statement, during the signing ceremony. President Biden stated, "This law and the love it defends strike a blow against hate in all its forms." He also stated, “Racism, antisemitism, homophobia, transphobia, they’re all connected. But the antidote to hate is love." The article also indicates, which I saw on TV, that the President had invited a “nonbinary drag queen” to attend the Respect for Marriage Act signing ceremony. The “drag queen,” according to Twitter comments, has degraded and harshly attacked the police many times.

My reaction is disgust and amazement! The photographs and video that I saw of the “drag queen” disgusted me. I pray for his or her soul. The presence of that lifestyle at an official ceremony implies the acceptance of that lifestyle. Children do not need to be exposed to or taught about that lifestyle in school! I will not write any further on this. Enough is enough. I hope that the overwhelming majority of folks who saw what I did on TV were as disgusted as I was.

I was amazed by President Biden's remarks. Are his thoughts that shallow, biased, and perverted? They seem to be. His thoughts certainly do not reflect the biblical worldview. The President labels falsely as haters those who oppose the practice of homosexuality. Mr. President, one can hate the sin and love the sinner, by loving efforts to persuade the sinner to repent of his or her sin. (We are all sinners, either having been saved by grace or needing salvation.) Also, Mr. President, do not categorize “homophobia” and “transphobia” with “racism” and “antisemitism,” as they are not in the same category. I suggest, Mr. President, that you become theophobic, by changing your worldview to reflect, in reverential fear, the biblical worldview. Finally, Mr. President, you claim to be a Christian (which I doubt). If you are, I strongly suggest that you study your Bible, using the proper hermeneutical method, repent of your secular, humanistic, and socialist worldview, and follow the biblical worldview. Do this, for your own salvation and for the salvation of this once great nation.

The JD Supra article indicates that the Respect for Marriage Act (RFMA) was introduced, in reaction to the Supreme Court's 6/24/2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision that overturned Roe v. Wade. (See my 6/26/2022 article.) The article notes that the Supreme Court had already decided, on 6/26/2015, that “same-sex marriage” was “legal” in the United States. (See Obergefell v. Hodges, on SCOTUSblog for the official record.) The article states further, in part:

The RFMA codifies the definition of marriage to include same-sex couples for the first time under a federal statute and repeals the Clinton-era Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which defined a spouse only as a person of the opposite sex and provides statutory authority for same-sex and interracial marriages. The Act requires states and the federal government to recognize and "give full faith and credit" to same-sex and interracial marriages conducted in other states.

and

Under the RFMA, nonprofit religious organizations are not required to "provide services, accommodations, advantages, facilities, goods, or privileges for the solemnization or celebration of a marriage."

The article states that a May 2022 Gallup poll found that 71% of Americans support “same-sex marriage.” The article did not cite the source, but I found it at: “Same-Sex Marriage Support Inches Up to New High of 71%,” on Gallup, by Justin McCarthy, 6/1/2022.

My reaction is no surprise. Of the several questions in Gallup's Religion topic section, I will reference three.

First, “would you describe yourself as a "born-again" or evangelical Christian?” In 2021, 36% agreed and 62% disagreed, with 2% having no opinion.

Second, “which of the following statements comes closest to describing your views about the Bible -- the Bible is the actual word of God and is to be taken literally, word for word; the Bible is the inspired word of God but not everything in it should be taken literally; or the Bible is an ancient book of fables, legends, history, and moral precepts recorded by man?” On 5/2/2022, the answers were 20% actual word, 49% inspired word, 29% fables/legends, and 1% no opinion.

Finally, “do you believe in God?” On 5/2-22/2022, the replies were 81% yes, 17% no, and 1% no opinion.

Most Americans believe in God and think that the Bible (in some manner) is His inspired word. Only 36% of Americans, however, state that they are “born-again” Christians (as if there could be any other kind).

The majority of this once-great nation does not follow the biblical worldview. My first “Worldviews in Conflict” topic article, from 6/7/2022, quoted from the Barna study that indicated that only 6% of American adults have the biblical worldview.

Conclusion

Sixteen years ago, on 6/3/2006, I published my article titled “Marriage Melee,” which was, ironically, my sixteenth article. I would not change one word today. In that article, I had written, in part:

Today, two men or two women may marry. Tomorrow, a man may marry several women, or vice versa. Next week, a group of men may marry a group of women. Next month, a group of men may marry each other. A year from now, a man may marry his dog – or his truck! Who is to say what is wrong?

To argue “there are no absolutes” is an absolute contradiction. Absolutes must exist, in logical reasoning and in the law.

Marriage is, by definition, the union of one man and one woman! Anything else is a perversion.

The “slippery slope” line of reasoning is a logical fallacy. My 6/3/2006 article was not presenting a “slippery slope.” Instead, that article stated then, as I continue to state now: if there is no absolute definition of marriage, then any form of “marriage” is possible.

Secular law has redefined marriage from being between one man and one woman to being between two people (without consideration of gender). In theory, secular law could redefine marriage as one man and a multiple number of women (polygyny). What about one woman and a multiple number of men (polyandry)? (The marriage of one gender and two or more other genders is called, in general, polygamy.) What about a brother and sister marrying? What about a daughter marrying her father? What about an adult marrying a child? This is not a “slippery slope” fallacy. It is a potential reality.

I speculate that, in time, polygamy (as polygyny and polyandry) could become secular law in this nation. It is legal or allowed in 80 nations, according to World Population Review, Countries Where Polygamy Is Legal 2022.

As I stated in the introduction, like the prophet Elijah, I do not “waver between two opinions.” God's law on marriage is that one man and one woman unite as husband and wife. No other option defines marriage, according to the Supreme Lawgiver. God is the majority. Standing with God is the majority, despite what 71% of Americans think.

2022 - 2023 College Football Bowl Games: List and Commentary (published 12-10-2022)

Image by jorono from Pixabay. Free to use under Pixabay license.

Introduction

Greetings to each local, state, national, and international reader! Thanks for stopping by. This article is primarily for national readers. By the way, in northeast Tennessee, we have endured rain daily since Monday (12/5/2022). Today started as mostly sunny, but the “wonderful” clouds, to which we are so well accustomed, rolled in. At least the annual rainfall is back to above normal. Noah and his family endured rain for 40 days and nights (Genesis 7:12). We have only endured rain for five days.

Today is the first Saturday without college football of any interest. I'm not interested in the Army - Navy game. Mrs. Appalachian Irishman is back to enjoying her morning to early afternoon cooking, home improvement, and reality television shows, much to my aggravation.

As a public service to national readers, I am publishing the list of 42 (count 'em, 42) college football bowl games from 12/16/2022 to 1/2/2023. The college football national championship game on 1/9/2022, at 7:30 PM, makes 43 total bowl games.

The List

The two sources for my list are NCAA.com (12/10/2022): 2022-23 college football bowl game schedule, scores, TV channels, times and ESPN: College football bowl games 2022: Dates, times, matchups.

My list is easier to read. The eleven SEC teams are emboldened and underlined. There should be only ten bowl games. The ten that should exist are emboldened. The others should go to oblivion. That's my opinion. Feel free to make it yours. The bold blue font, with my question, wonders if Barstool is a TV station! I thought folks sat on barstools.

Friday, Dec. 16 (2 games)
– Bahamas Bowl, Bahamas: Miami (Ohio) vs. UAB. 11:30 AM. ESPN.
– Cure Bowl, Orlando: #24 Troy vs. #25 UTSA. 3 PM. ESPN.

Saturday, Dec. 17 (7 games, 1 SEC team)
– Fenway Bowl, Boston: Cincinnati vs. Louisville. 11 AM. ESPN.
– Celebration Bowl, Atlanta: Jackson State vs. NC Central. 12 PM. ABC.
– New Mexico Bowl, Albuquerque: SMU vs. BYU. 2:15 PM. ESPN.
– LA Bowl, Inglewood, CA: Washington State vs. Fresno State. 3:30 PM. ABC.
– LendingTree Bowl, Mobile, AL: Rice vs. Southern Mississippi. 5:45 PM. ESPN.
– Las Vegas Bowl, Las Vegas: #14 Oregon State vs. Florida. 7:30 PM. ABC.
– Frisco Bowl, Frisco, TX: Boise State vs. North Texas. 9:15 PM. ESPN.

Monday, Dec. 19 (1 game)
– Myrtle Beach Bowl, Conway, SC: Marshall vs. UConn. 2:30 PM. ESPN.

Tuesday, Dec. 20 (2 games)
– Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, Boise, ID: Eastern Michigan vs. San Jose State. 3:30 PM. ESPN.
– Boca Raton Bowl, Boca Raton, FL: Liberty vs. Toledo. 7:30 PM. ESPN.

Wednesday, Dec. 21 (1 game)
– New Orleans Bowl, New Orleans: South Alabama vs. Western Kentucky. 9 PM. ESPN.

Thursday, Dec. 22 (1 game)
– Armed Forces Bowl, Fort Worth, TX: Baylor vs. Air Force. 7:30 PM. ESPN.

Friday, Dec. 23 (2 games, 1 SEC team)
– Independence Bowl, Shreveport, LA: Houston vs. Louisiana. 3 PM. ESPN.
– Gasparilla Bowl, Tampa, FL: Wake Forest vs. Missouri. 6:30 PM. ESPN.

Saturday, Dec. 24 (1 game)
– Hawai'i Bowl, Honolulu: Middle Tennessee State vs. San Diego State. 8 PM. ESPN.

Monday, Dec. 26 (1 game)
– Quick Lane Bowl, Detroit: Bowling Green vs. New Mexico State. 2:30 PM. ESPN.

Tuesday, Dec. 27 (4 games)
– Camellia Bowl, Montgomery, AL: Buffalo vs. Georgia Southern. 12 PM. ESPN.
– First Responder Bowl, Dallas: Memphis vs. Utah State. 3:15 PM. ESPN.
– Birmingham Bowl, Birmingham: Coastal Carolina vs. East Carolina. 6:45 PM. ESPN.
– Guaranteed Rate Bowl, Phoenix: Oklahoma State vs. Wisconsin. 10:15 PM. ESPN.

Wednesday, Dec. 28 (4 games, 2 SEC teams)
– Military Bowl, Annapolis, MD: Duke vs. UCF. 2 PM. ESPN.
– Liberty Bowl, Memphis: Arkansas vs. Kansas. 5:30 PM. ESPN.
– Holiday Bowl, San Diego: #15 Oregon vs. North Carolina. 8 PM. FOX.
– Texas Bowl, Houston: Texas Tech vs. Ole Miss. 9 PM. ESPN.

Thursday, Dec. 29 (3 games)
– Pinstripe Bowl, Bronx, NYC: Minnesota vs. Syracuse. 2 PM. ESPN.
– Cheez-It Bowl, Orlando, FL: #13 Florida State vs. Oklahoma. 5:30 PM. ESPN.
– Alamo Bowl, San Antonio, TX: #12 Washington vs. #20 Texas. 9 PM. ESPN.

Friday, Dec. 30 (5 games, 2 SEC teams)
– Duke's Mayo Bowl, Charlotte, NC: #23 NC State vs. Maryland. 12 PM. ESPN.
– Sun Bowl, El Paso, TX: #18 UCLA vs. Pitt. 2 PM. CBS.
– Gator Bowl, Jacksonville, FL: #19 South Carolina vs. #21 Notre Dame. 3:30 PM. ESPN.
– Arizona Bowl, Tucson, AZ: Ohio vs. Wyoming. 4:30 PM. Barstool (a TV station?)
– Orange Bowl, Miami Gardens, FL: #6 Tennessee vs. #7 Clemson. 8 PM. ESPN.

Saturday, Dec. 31 (4 games, 3 SEC teams)
– Music City Bowl, Nashville: Iowa vs. Kentucky. 12 PM. ABC.
– Sugar Bowl, New Orleans: #5 Alabama vs. #9 Kansas State. 12 PM. ESPN.
– College Football Playoff (CFP) semi-final:
Fiesta Bowl, Glendale, AZ: #2 Michigan vs. #3 TCU. 4 PM. ESPN.
– College Football Playoff (CFP) semi-final:
Peach Bowl, Atlanta: #1 GEORGIA vs. #4 Ohio State. 8 PM. ESPN.

Monday, Jan. 2 (4 games, 2 SEC teams)
– ReliaQuest Bowl, Tampa, FL: #22 Mississippi State vs. Illinois. 12 PM. ESPN2.
– Citrus Bowl, Orlando, FL: No. 17 LSU vs. Purdue. 1 PM. ABC.
– Cotton Bowl Classic, Arlington, TX: #10 USC vs. #16 Tulane. 1 PM. ESPN.
– Rose Bowl Game, Pasadena, CA: #8 Utah vs. #11 Penn State. 5 PM. ESPN.

Monday, Jan. 9, College Football Playoff National Championship Game
– Inglewood, CA: teams to be decided. 7:30 PM. ESPN.

Commentary

Whew! What a list! If you are interested in a historical record (to at least 2015) on the increasing number of college football bowl games, then I suggest “Tracking the Growth in College Football Bowl Games,” on FBSchedules, by Amy Daughters, 4/8/2015. Bowl games have been growing like mushrooms during rainy season.

Lord willing, Mrs. Appalachian Irishman, Molly (our ol' puppy), and I will watch at least two bowl games:

12/30/2022, Orange Bowl: #6 Tennessee vs. #7 Clemson. 8 PM.
12/31/2022, CFP semi-final, Peach Bowl: #1 GEORGIA vs. #4 Ohio State. 8 PM. ESPN.

Go Vols! Go Dawgs!

Of course, I'll probably watch some of the other nine bowl games that include other SEC teams.

Conclusion

On college football Saturdays, the TV is on football games, even if I'm not really watching them. I catch updates, by visiting the TV at times. The morning shows are on the stations that provide the news and hype for the games that day. Football Saturdays are great for this Appalachian Irishman!

Mrs. Appalachian Irishman, however, is now back to enjoying her morning to early afternoon cooking, home improvement, and reality TV shows, much to my aggravation.

All good things must end, except the good life in Christ!