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"Objective" News Sources Protecting Our Freedom?

2/28/2022

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I don't know who created this graphic.  While I have not "fact-checked" it to make sure of the accuracy, I would gladly give credit to the appropriate person and ask permission to use it.

Why is this information important?  It may point to our need for being prudent in evaluating what we come to call "news."  I suggest the following topics for a bit of reflection.

How unbiased has the coverage been for the pandemic over the last two years?  Are people skeptical?  How do you think words like "plandemic," "scamdemic,"  and others were created?

How do you feel about definitions being changed to fit a narrative?  Is a vaccine the same thing now as it was two years ago?

Where did the virus originate?  Was it an accident that the virus was unleashed on the world?  Was it an intentional act of biological warfare?  Does anyone in our government have any intention of investigating the true nature of what happened?  Will anyone ever be held accountable, whether it was intentional or accidental?

How do you perceive Dr. Fauci?  How does your view of him compare to what you have seen on TV?

How do you evaluate the lack of coverage on various topics?  I knew about the trucker's convoy in Canada from social media long before I saw anything on mainstream media.  Is there an agenda to squelch any coverage of people protesting mandates?

How do you view the events of January 6?  How do you view the choice of words used to describe it?  Was it a protest?  Was it an insurrection?  Was it a threat to democracy? If bouncy houses and honking horns were considered a threat to democracy in Canada, maybe we need to redefine a number of terms in this regard as well?  Shall we throw some tea into Boston Harbor?

How did you perceive the news coverage during the riots?  Was it objective and unbiased?  Did the "mostly peaceful" protests sound accurate as you watched the city burn to ashes in the background behind the reporter as he uttered those astounding words?

How do you evaluate the differences between the news coverage of President Trump and President Biden, or even former president Barack Obama?  Is there a consistent nonbiased approach to bring you the facts?

Do you think we were given accurate details about our presence in the Persian Gulf for the many years our troops were there?  Were weapons of mass destruction there?  Were biological weapons located there?

If you want to take it back even further, how do feel about the news coverage of the Vietnam war?  I don't know which companies were aligned back then, but do you think news coverage has become more thorough and objective since Vietnam?  Why, or why not?

Have you ever questioned the narratives around some of the school shootings?  Why, or why not?

Have you ever questioned the narrative of everything that happened on 9/11/2001?  How are those events portrayed today versus how they were portrayed at the time of the attack?

What happened in Waco 29 years ago today?  Was David Koresh a cult leader?  Who fired the first shot on February 28, 1993?  Vernon Wayne Howell (David Koresh) was born in Houston, Texas in 1959.  According to one report on www.history.com, he had the nickname of "Mr. Retardo" in school.  Who could have done a more thorough job of investigating things before events unfolded in the manner in which they did? How could pieces of information and knowledge of daily routines helped avoid the disastrous outcome?

Did you side with the government or with the Branch Davidians as the news played out night after night?  What influenced your sentiment?

How is the overall work of governmental agencies impacted by news reports?  Do you remember the questionable narrative about the border patrol agent "whipping" a poor helpless migrant?

Let's move things to today.  How secure do you feel in regard to the information being provided about the conflict in Ukraine?

I invite and encourage you to pray for wisdom. 

​"Remember man that you are dust, and unto dust you shall return."
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Random Acts of Kindness Day (2-17-2022)

2/25/2022

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Last week was "Random Acts of Kindness Week."  (Yes, it has taken me a week to get it posted.)  Last Thursday was officially "Random Acts of Kindness Day."  Thus, I took a couple of hours in the afternoon to surprise a few unsuspecting people with small gifts.  One of the stops was at the Old West Museum.  This place is just fascinating.  The Executive Director, Morgan, was very generous with her time in showing us around and allowing us to grab a few photos with her.  I was grateful that my board president, Aaron, was able to join in on some of the fun.
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Anyone who has been to the parade during Cheyenne Frontier Days will recognize these carriages. 

​The banners hanging above our heads show the history of Miss Frontier.  If you notice just above my left shoulder, it is Miss Frontier 2008.  This wonderful individual and her whole family are a true blessing to my family.
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Morgan shared the history of this stagecoach with us.  Wow!  It has quite the story.  Morgan said, "This was riding in luxury at the time."
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A stop at Climb Wyoming was an opportunity to visit with some of the team members who are working to keep it all flowing smoothly.  This is quite an amazing organization.  I invite you to go to their website. Scroll down on the homepage and see the statistics about the lives they are changing.
www.climbwyoming.org/office/cheyenne/
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We made a quick stop at Four Corners Siding and Windows before Carline was able to walk out the door.  Our board member Erin was able to join me for a few visits.
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Everyone at Home Instead was very gracious to us.  Owner, Bob Maguire, (far right in the photo) has connections to one of my former colleagues at Saint Albert Catholic High School in Council Bluffs, Iowa.  Board member Erin, and staff member Emily, were able to both be in the photo as one of Bob's employees took the photo for us. 
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This was my first visit to the Wyoming Children's Society.  Erin and I are joined by Kristi and Kristin.  I can only imagine how much entertainment they have answering the phones in that place.  Do you want Kristi, Kristin, Christy, or even another Kristen from the Board of Directors?  What a fun visit this turned out to be!
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I hope every week for you is filled with kindness and love!
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Open House at "Recover Wyoming"

2/24/2022

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Recover Wyoming recently moved into the same building where our offices are located.  Subsequently, I did not have far to travel to attend their open house today. We grabbed a photo with the Executive Director of Recover Wyoming, Lana Mahoney, (center) and the Development and Marketing Director for United Way of Laramie County, Kris Whitfield.  (I am the tall one in the photo.)
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Celebrities entered the room and my marketing person said, "Let's get a photograph."  It's a tough job, but somebody has to do it.  The current Mrs. Wyoming is from Cody, Wyoming.  She has been an advocate for those struggling with addictions.  Her support of Recover Wyoming is admirable.  It was nice to meet her. 

Mrs. Cheyenne, who is hoping to become Mrs. Wyoming this summer, happens to be a friend of my daughter.  Cheyenne really is a small town when you figure out how everyone is connected in some manner.

​Many thanks to the staff at Recover Wyoming for a great event today.

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Normal Activity (or is it in response to current events?)

2/24/2022

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I saw the message (above) posted on social media.
​Beaufort, South Carolina
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There seems to be quite a bit of activity today at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida.
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Pray for our world. 
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A Fun Start To The Afternoon--Giving Away $15,000

2/23/2022

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Over the years I have been blessed to be part of many things.  However, I think today's drawing was the largest prize I have ever been associated with at any level.  We gave away a $15,000 car voucher to one lucky winner.  The generosity of Halladay Auto Group in Cheyenne is truly astounding.

I was ineligible for the drawing, but I would still like to purchase that vehicle right behind us.  Anybody have a winning lottery ticket worth $38,000?  Actually, I'll trade my old car in for this new one.  Anybody have $37,000 in winnings laying around?  

There are actually three new vehicles in stock at the dealer.  I really did want to grab one while they have them.

​The temperatures are frigid in Cheyenne, but it warmed my heart to see the joy on the winner's face.  Congratulations Marisa!
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Missouri American Water--MR 340 Race (July 12-15)

2/21/2022

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This is a photo from last year's race, but I am already pondering what we can do during the summer.  The upcoming cold snap, with windchill temperatures possibly dropping as low as -40, has me yearning for a little heat,  humidity, and even some bugs if we need  the whole package.

The MR-340 race this year takes from July 12 through July 15, 2022.  You have 140 days to get in shape.  Here is how their website introduces the race.


"Imagine a race across the entire state of Missouri, just you and your boat thrown against 340 miles of wind, heat, bugs and rain. This ain’t no mama’s boy float trip. This race promises to test your mettle from the first stroke in Kansas City to the last gasp in St. Charles. Just entering it will impress your friends. Finishing it will astound them… and winning it? Well, you always thought you were sort of a legend anyway, didn’t you? It’s time to prove it.

The Missouri 340 is an endurance race across the state of Missouri. Competitors will start in Kansas City and finish, some of them anyway, in St. Charles. With numerous towns and hamlets, the course offers plenty of opportunity for resupply while enroute. The Missouri River is also incredibly scenic and isolated in some stretches, with wildlife and beautiful vistas to rival any river in North America. But if you’re trying to win this race, you won’t have time to enjoy any of it."


rivermiles.com/mr340/https://rivermiles.com/mr340/

Reflection Questions:

What has been the mos
t physically demanding thing you have ever done?

What has been the most emotionally demanding event you have tackled?

What has been the most challenging spiritual discipline you have ever undertaken?

What are the similarities and the differences in the answers you provided to the three previous questions?



Ash Wednesday is on March 2, 2022.
The Season of Lent should be a bit challenging.
(Nine days to get ready for the journey.)

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Last Set From Panama City, Florida

2/20/2022

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How many sets of beads are thrown at Mardi Gras parades each year across the country?
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As an introvert, I tend to stay away from events where crowds of people are gathering.  I guess you could say that I was into "social distancing" before it even became a thing.  However, as I have enjoyed these photos from members of my family over the last two weekends, I may need to consider making it to a Mardi Gras parade after I retire.  I have never experienced a Mardi Gras parade in any city.  I don't think I would ever tackle Bourbon Street in New Orleans, but I could see myself enjoying temperatures in the 60's and 70's in Florida with somewhat less crowded venues.  It may also be a bit more morally acceptable (if any of the stories I have heard about New Orleans are true).

Well folks, we are only ten days away from Ash Wednesday.  How are you preparing yourself for this season?

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More From Panama City, Florida

2/20/2022

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We can't escape politics.

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The beads are flying.
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I Have The Photos -- So Let's Enjoy The Festivities

2/20/2022

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Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday in the historic St. Andrews Community in Panama City, Florida.
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25th Anniversary of St. Andrews Parade--Florida

2/19/2022

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St. Andrews Historic Community--Panama City, Florida
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    This is my personal blog.  The opinions expressed are those of Deacon Vernon and the blog's readers.  This site operates independently and is not affiliated with any other entity. The information I provide is on an "as-is" basis. I make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of any information on this blog. I will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information. Furthermore, I will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its use.

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