Our holiday weekend Blues Fest attracted so many videos the page was slowing down. Here’s another for those who aren’t finished yet.
The news sucks these days. We need us some Albert King, y’all …
That headline caught my attention this morning, and the column by Haaretz blogger Chemi Shalev makes sense, but I draw a different conclusion. With vested interests against peace on both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict why is Kerry wasting the jet fuel talking to them? 
“The cynical know-it-alls in Jerusalem and Ramallah are united in their disdain for the naively persistent Secretary of State. I know who I’m rooting for. … Everyone else seems to believe that Kerry is wasting his time and efforts on a spectacular exercise in futility. Like a diplomatic Energizer bunny, Kerry runs from capital to capital, wide eyed and bushy tailed, taxing everyone’s patience by talking of avenues and possibilities and peace. … I, on the other hand, think that Kerry is a breath of fresh air, a welcome respite from the tired and weary and depressing naysayers who have made a shrine out of stalemate and a temple out of deadlock and a cathedral of the status quo.”– Chemi Shalev
Seems like Pope Francis, in a homily on Tuesday, is saying even atheists can be heaven-worthy. I’m no expert on these things but don’t think I’ve a heard a Pope, or any other major religious leader, say this.
“The Lord has redeemed all of us, all of us … not just Catholics. Everyone! ‘Father, the atheists?’ Even the atheists. Everyone! … We all have a duty to do good. And this commandment for everyone to do good, I think, is a beautiful path towards peace. If we, each doing our own part, if we do good to others, if we meet there, doing good, and we go slowly, gently, little by little, we will make that culture of encounter: we need that so much. We must meet one another doing good. ‘But I don’t believe, Father, I am an atheist!’ But do good: we will meet one another there.” — Pope Francis (Vatican Radio, 5/21)
Swan on guard duty at Trail Mix Southern Command (Orlando)
Not me, but my Mom. She’s in hospital with a flare-up of her COPD. Prognosis looks fine, but I’m a bit distracted. As always, I appreciate Trail Mixers keeping the conversation flowing when I’m gone (or even when I’m here). Thanks to Dad and the fine folks at Dr. Phillips Hospital in Orlando she’s getting good care.
Now on The Trail
