Standard-Examiner: Bagpipe Band at Ben Lomond High Marches to Its Own Beat

Meal ur naidheachd, Ben Lomond students!

Fantastic Standard-Examiner story today, wherein SE reporter Anna Burleson puts the focus on Ogden's amazing Ben Lomond High school Scottish bagpipe marching band.

Here's the lede:

OGDEN — The room was filled with loud, off-beat drumming and quiet fluting one afternoon in April as the Ben Lomond High School Bagpipe Corps practiced individually and in small groups.
Then, seemingly out of nowhere and with no perceptible cue, the group of drummers and pipers assembled, playing in harmony together.
The Ben Lomond Bagpipe Corps has been a longstanding staple at the school and its members, including lead piper and high school senior Joseph Richey, couldn’t be more proud.
“It’s a long-standing tradition, and I think it’s really cool,” he said. “I hope over the next few years we can grow it and get bigger and better carry on the tradition.”
Read up, peeps:

• Bagpipe band at Ben Lomond High marches to its own beat

Added Bonus: Watch Ben Lomond High's amazing student band belt out "Scotland The Brave" and "Elmo's World":



Meal ur naidheachd, Ben Lomond students!

Impeachara®: Treatment for TIAD (Trump Induced Anxiety Disorder)

Talk to your doctor, to see if Impeachara® might be right for you

Via FB Friend Ordell Mindrum:

Do you find yourself feeling depressed, hopeless, having trouble sleeping,, struggling with frequent panic attacks, irritability, constant arguments with family, friends, or even with friends of friends on Facebook, yelling at your phone or computer screen and the constant urge to pull out your hair? If any of these sound familiar you may be suffering from TIAD, Trump Induced Anxiety Disorder, Impeachara® may help:



Talk to your doctor, to see if Impachara ® might be right for you. Also, do it fairly soon, before you lose your health insurance.

Breaking: Obama Admits to Wiretapping Trump!

Shocking, Ainnit?

Via FB Pal, Edward Flint. This below video reveals a ton of effort and patience. "Hats off" to whatever computer geek(s) spent endless hours compiling this video masterpiece!



Shocking, Ainnit?

Don't let the cat get yer tongues, ever-gentle WCF readers...

Weber County Forum 2017 New Year's Eve Special

Taking all of the below into account, have a happy 2017, Weber County Forum Readers!

Thanks to our ever sharp-eyed and alert Facebook friend Michelle Palmer Hischi, here's an abbreviated list of the great "souls" of our "material world, who checked off the "Mortal Coil" ln the year 2016:



Yer blogmeister is rooting for San Francico, California, BTW::

• Top Places to Spend New Year's Eve

Added bonus, via the Washington Post:

• Trump has released a malevolent spirit upon the land. Happy new year!

So sorry, Trump nitwits, as you stand by your Crackpot Politics, and turn America spinning into ruin;

• Donald Trump declares 'Let it be a nuclear arms race' with Russia.

Great New Years graphic, by the way:

Taking all of the above into account, here's hoping your Mormon food supplies are fully in place!

And remember, people, the lessons of my generation, learnt back in the sixties,when we had "hide under your desk drills"  to avoid nuclear holocaust." It's all still relevant.  now that this saber-ratting Dumbass president-elect Trump is about to be annointed  as "Dear Leader" on January 20:

• How to survive a nuclear Attack

Otherwise... have a happy 2017, Weber County Forum Readers!

Breaking: Totally Uneducated Rick Perry Will Replace a Nuclear Physicist as Secretary of Energy

Total GOP dumbass Rick Perry will replace an actual  nuclear physicist as Secretary of Energy:

Donald J. Trump's nominee for Energy Secretary Rick Perry is banking on glasses and muteness to alter the perception that he is an idiot, aides say.

Here's the ridiculous main story: Rick Perry, Ex-Governor of Texas, concerning Trump’s Pick as Energy Secretary.

Rick Perry, Ex-Governor of Texas, Is Trump’s Pick as Energy Secretary

Idiocracy is NOT mere fiction, people, as we learned in the 2016 election...

WSU Game Day Thread: WSU v. Cal Poly

WSU Wildcats snap two-game losing streak, beat Cal Poly 22-15

Here's the lede from yesterday's pre-game Standard-Examiner story:

OGDEN — Weber State head coach Jay Hill said the Wildcats’ loss to Northern Arizona was painful, but his team still has a lot at stake with No. 16 Cal Poly making the trip to Stewart Stadium on Saturday.
“Not all’s lost. We’ve got an opportunity to beat a really good team in Cal Poly,” Hill said after practice Thursday. “That in and of itself is a big enough challenge. We’ve got another opportunity to have a winning record with this game, we’ve got another opportunity to reach a bunch of goals that are still out there for us.
“If they think all’s lost because we lost two in the row, they’re crazy. There’s a lot to play for right now.”
Hill believes seven wins and finishing fourth in the Big Sky should be enough to be selected for the FCS Playoffs.

Check out Brandon Garside's full writeup here:

• Weber State hosts No. 16 Cal Poly in must-win game to keep playoff hopes alive

Coach Hill makes it clear what needs to happen to win for  the Wildcats squad today, and for their ultimate FCS Playoffs qualification:

We’ve got to have toughness. We’ve got to swarm tackle, we’ve got to get all of our guys to the ball,” Hill said. “The offense has got to be productive We’ve got to put points on the board when the offense is out there, and the defense has got to find ways out of drives.”

The game kicks off at noon today inside Stewart Stadium and will be broadcast on KJZZ TV, WatchBigSky.com  as well as 1430 AM KLO.

Update 11/12/16 3:00 p.m.:

Too cool. Wildcats fans, no?

• Weber State football: Wildcats snap two-game losing streak, beat Cal Poly 22-15

We'll sit tight with this encouraging SL-Trib  story, unless and until our home-town newspaper (the Standard-Examiner)  gets off its ass, and manages to get its own WSU football story up.

Update 11/12/16 10:00 p.m.:

The Standard's Brandon Garside has his own story on tonight's big WSU win:

• Weber State football defeats No. 16 Cal Poly to take over 3rd place in Big Sky

Needless to say, the surfer dude/journalists around San Luis Obispo ain't so happy with tonight's game outcome:

• Total Bummer: Cal Poly’s playoff hopes take a bong  hit after 22-15 loss at Weber State

The Wildcats finish the regular season at Idaho State next weekend, a game that kicks off at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19.

Update 11/13/16 10:00 a.m.: Added bonus.  Check out Brandon Garside's game highlights video:

Even Democrats Agree: This Texas Republican Has the Best TV Ad of the Election Season

Please Re-elect Gerald. PLEASE!

Via your blogmeister's Facebook Pal Edward Flint, who quite rightly sez: "Must watch! Regardless of you politics, watch this ad".

Here's the full story:

• Even Democrats agree: This Texas Republican has the best TV ad of the election season

And we've carved out the ad for those amongst us with short attention spans, of course:

Give the TV spot a look below and feel better -- finally -- about our democracy.



Best campaign ad ever. Yes?

Surprise of Surprises: Utah GOP Suddenly Plans to "Move Toward" Complying with New Election Law - Updated

What a difference a day makes, eh gentle readers?

In the aftermath of Monday's WCF story, wherein we revealed that Chairman James Evans of the Utah GOP was conducting a survey to tap the lumpencitzens' opinions in re the his party's ongoing interest in thwarting the percived ill effects of the new SB54 "dual track"political nominations law, we find these two illuminating stories in the Utah online media today, seemingly indicating that stubborn Utah GOP "leadership" seems suddenly poised to engage in a major, 180-degree flip-flop.

"It doesn't mean we have to accept [the new law] or we have to approve it was done, but we have a responsibility as a governing body and the delegates have a responsibility to make sure we can be prepared for 2016 and it's my responsibility to make sure we can get to that point," GOP state party Chairman James Evans reluctantly admitted Tuesday.

Read up, folks.

• First Results of GOP Survey Show Republicans Want to Comply with SB54 - Utah Policy
• Utah GOP plans to move toward complying with new election law -Salt Lake Tribune

What a difference a day makes, eh gentle readers, now that early polling results are rolling in, especially with GOP Chairman James Evans now realizing that he has a sane August GOP convention challenger breathing down is throat?

• Liljenquist Mulling a Challenge to Evans for GOP Chair

And BTW, here's another link to the ongoing GOP SB54 survey, for those possibly "neglectful" WCF readers who might have forgotten to throw in their own 2¢:

• SB 54: The Way Forward Survey

Update 5/14/15 8:00 a.m.: Republican leaders say they have a lot of lobbying to do in order get delegates on board with the changes required by the "Count My Vote" compromise that passed the legislature last year:

• 'Lot of persuading' yet to be done to sell GOP delegates on SB54 changes

Don't let the cat get your tongues, O Gentle Ones.

Science Saturday: Stephen Hawking -- Monty Python "Galaxy Song"

Stephen Hawking nails it, wethinks...Howbout you?

Via iflscience.com:

Hey! You can now listen to Stephen Hawking’s electronic pipes belt out a rendition of Monty Python’s ‘Galaxy Song.’

The tune was written by Eric Idle and John Du Prez, and appeared in the movie “The Meaning of Life.” The comedy troupe performed live shows featuring the song last year in London, according to Rolling Stone. They would then cut to Professor Brian Cox railing against the inaccuracies of the ‘Galaxy Song,’ whereby Stephen Hawking would knock him down, saying: “I think you're being pedantic.”

He then serenades us his with computerized vocals:
"Just remember that you're standing on a planet that's evolving
And revolving at 900 miles an hour
That's orbiting at 19 miles a second, so it's reckoned
A sun that is the source of all our power”

Here's Professor Hawking's new YouTube video folks, without any further ado:


And here's the (obviously inferior) original Monty Python Version from the 1983 movie, in the event you've been living off-planet these past 35 years or so, and haven't yet viewed it (just for the sake of comparison):

• Galaxy Song - Monty Python's The Meaning of Life

Stephen Hawking nails it, raises the level of performance, (and hams it up a wee bit) wethinks.

So what say you?

Weber County Forum College Gameday Special: USU Whips BYU, Whilst WSU Takes the Weekend Off to Re-group - Updated

BYU starting quarterback suffers leg fractures, will have surgery Saturday morning

Our Weber State Wildcats will be  sitting it out this afternoon, during this week's Big Sky Conference scheduled bye week; but we'd still like to report one Utah college football result, which ought to be of extreme interest to Northern Utah College Football fans.  After last night's exciting gridiron action, we offer offer our heart-felt congratulations to the Utah State Aggies, who pulled a miraculous "rabbit out of their hats," with last night's 35-20 victory over the #18-ranked BYU Cougars, right there in the Zoobies' "hallowed home turf." The Standard and the Trib have the story:

• Backup QB leads Utah State over No. 18 BYU, 35-20
• Utah State upsets No. 18 BYU; Taysom Hill out for season (Video)

Best wishes to the "undeniably awesome" Taysom Hill, whom we hope will experience a speedy and complete recovery.

Sodden Question, Will BYU Coach Bronco Mendenhall reconsider the folly of mis-using his erstwile "Heisman Trophy Candidate" star quarterback as a "power runner," when Hill returns to the field in 2015?

Alternate query: Does Mendenhall even possess the coaching skill to reshuffle his BYU offense, and salvage his season, just as USU coach Matt Wells appears to have successfully done this year?

Who knows?  Maybe even the mighty Utah Utes will gain some useful inspiration tonight, by the virtue of USU's starling Friday night victory

Don't let the 'Cat get your tongues, O Gentle Ones.

Update 10/04/14 11:45 p.m.: More good Utah football news concerning your blogmeister's favorite University, which coincidentally happens to be your blogmeister's beloved alma mater:

• Utah football: Utes shock No. 8 UCLA 30-28

In truth, today was a tough day for "top-rated" college football programs all across the board:

• Upset Saturday: Making sense of wildest college football weekend ever

Too bad our Weber State Wildcats had to sit this weekend out, and thereby miss all the fun, No?

Big 2014 Campaign Event Tonight: Utah Attorney General Candidate Debate - Updated

Don't forget to mosey on back here later this evening, to share your post-debate notes, folks

Attention Weber County Forum Political wonks. Tonight's the night for the Utah Debate Commission's Utah Attorney General Candidate Debate, wherein Republican and Democratic Party candidates, Sean Reyes and Charles A. Stormont will square off  at 6:00 p.m. in the broadcast venues set forth below:

The Standard-Examiner carries this morning's online story on this topic for those WCF readers who'd like to bone up:

• Debate Wednesday in Utah attorney general race

To refresh your recollection, these are the Utah Attorney General candidates who will appear on your November 4, 2014 Weber County ballots, by the way:

Attorney General State of Utah - 4 year term

Declaration of Candidacy	Website/Contact Info	Campaign Finance Disclosures	Party
Leslie D. Curtis	Leslie D. Curtis Campaign Website	Leslie D. Curtis 2014	Independent American
Gregory G. Hansen	Gregory G. Hansen Campaign Website	Gregory G. Hansen 2014	Constitution
Andrew McCullough	Andrew McCullough Campaign Website	Andrew McCullough 2014	Libertarian
Sean Reyes	Sean Reyes Campaign Website	Sean Reyes 2014	Republican
Charles A. Stormont	Charles A. Stormont Campaign Website	Charles A. Stormont 2014	Democratic

Sadly, tonight's debate action will be limited to the GOP and DEMO opponents, as the Utah Debate Commission, in its "infinite wisdom", has cavalierly decided to exclude the three third-party candidates listed below, notwithstanding the fact that they've all qualified to appear on 2014 Weber County ballots:

• Gregory G. Hansen - Constitution
• Leslie D. Curtis - Independent American
• Andrew McCullough - Libertarian

Here's the UDC live video link, for those who'd prefer to view this event online:

• Utah Debate Commission Live Video Stream

And don't forget to mosey on back here later this evening, to share your post-debate notes, folks.

Update 10/02/14 6:15 a.m.: Both the Standard and Tribune carry brief reports on last night's debates:

• Scandal colors first Utah attorney general candidates debate
• Sanctity of office at issue in attorney general debate

ABC4 News provides the full recorded video:


Comments, anyone?

Update 10/3/14 11:45 a.m: Check out excluded UBC Libertarian AG candidate Andrew McCullough's withering post-debate retort:

• A Change is Gonna Come

Here's the "money quote":

I am the consummate outsider. I have never worked for the government, and I am not influenced by what government employees think is good for the government. I prefer to look at the job as legal counsel for the people of the State of Utah, and will work to promote their interests.

Awaken from your crackpot Sean Hannity stupor, O Utah voters.  The 2014 candidacy of Mr. McCullough represent the best opportunity to clean up the Utah Attonet General's Office, once and for all

Utah Elections 2014: Utah Debate Commission Live Broadcast Schedule - Updated

Sadly, all Utah third-party candidates have been entirely squeezed out

Attention Weber County Forum Political wonks. We're semi delighted to announce the first glimmerings of public events surrounding the upcoming 2014 Utah General Elections. Here's a nifty graphic highlighting the Utah Debate Commission debates which are coming up during the next couple of weeks:

Via the Utah Debate Commission website, here are the space-time coordinates for tommorrow's WSU campus event, which ought to be of interest to Weber County-situated political wonks who might like to personally attend:

1st Congressional District
Weber State University
6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Ballroom B, Shepherd Union Bldg.
Click here for map and parking instructions.
Please visit weber.edu/walkerinstitute for ticket information.

For your convenience, here's a handy webpage for non-attendees who'd like to submit questions in advance.

Added bonus for those who'd like to view Tuesday's debate online:

• Utah Debate Commision Live Stream

The Utah First Congressional Debate will begin at 6:01 p.m. Tuesday September 23, 2014.

To refresh your recollection, these are the 1st Congressional District  U.S. House of  Representative candidates who will appear on your November 4, 2014 Weber County ballots, by the way:

U.S. House of Representatives 1st Congressional District - 2 year term

Declaration of Candidacy	Website/Contact Info	Campaign Finance Disclosures	Party
Rob Bishop	Rob Bishop Campaign Website	Pending	Republican
Craig Bowden	Craig Bowden Campaign Website	Pending	Libertarian
Donna McAleer	Donna McAleer Campaign Website	Pending	Democratic
Dwayne A. Vance	Dwayne A. Vance Campaign Website	Pending	Independent American

Notably, in their questionable "wisdom," which some are labeling as pre-election chicanery, the Utah Debate Commission will be limiting tomorrow's debate podium to GOP and Demo candidates Rob Bishop and Donna McAleer only  That's right, folks Independent American and Libertarian candidates Dwayne A. Vance and Craig Bowden have been entirely squeezed out.

It's also the same story in all other Utah Debate Commission featured debates, as to third-party candidates.

Sadly, we'll have to take what we can get however, we guess. It's the Utah Debate Commission's dog-and-pony show... not ours.

Yeah. We essentially agree with the Salt Lake Tribune:

• Editorial: Let the debates begin

Defective though the debate candidate screening process may be, let's get this show on the road.

We hope you'll all tune in tomorrow evening, in the event that you can't be there in person, folks.

Update 9/23/14 8:00 a.m.:  The Deseret News devotes some ink to defending the exclusion of all third-party candidates. "'You cannot be a genuine candidate unless you pay the price, The debate commission will not be the campaign for third-party candidates,' Scott Howell, commission co-chairman and a former Democratic state senator Howell said on The Doug Wright Show.":

• Debates ready to start, third-party candidates not included

"I am the Libertarian candidate for Attorney General. I have as good a chance to win as does the Democrat who polled 12.6% in the poll run by the Debate Commission. So, do your own research and don't let the powers that be decide for you. The debate Commission is co-chaired by long-time Republican and Democratic politicians who do not want to open it up for others to be heard. Let them know how you feel," Libertarian Attorney General candidate Andrew McCullough retorts.

Yep.  Looks like the "fix" is "in."

Update 9/24/14 6:25 a.m.: Both the Standard and  Trib provide post-debate reports:

• McAleer takes on Bishop in televised debate
• Fireworks in 1st District Debate

And for those who missed it, here's a recorded video of last night's 1st Congressional District slug-fest:

Weber State University Game Day Thread: WSU @ Stephen F. Austin - Updated

Can the Wildcats whip the Lumberjacks a second year in a row?

Our Weber State Wildcats football team is back on the road today as the home town team travels to Nacogdoches, Texas to take on the Stephen F Austin Lumberjacks in the final non-conference game of the season, the same team they played a year ago in a 50-40 victory at Stewart Stadium. The Wildcats are 0-3 on the season and coming off a 42-31 loss at Sacramento State last Saturday. The Lumberjacks, on the other hand, currently sport a 2-1 preseason record, fresh off last week's victory over mighty Texas A&M-Commerce (?). Kickoff's set for 5pm (MT), Wildcats fans, contrary to our messed-up embedded graphic.

Here's the pre-game sports media setup, folks:

• Weber State looks for balance against Stephen F. Austin - Standard-Examiner
• Weber State football: ‘Cats hope to avoid mistakes vs. SFA - SL Tribune
• Turnover margin crucial for Weber at Stephen F. Austin - KSL News
• Wildcats continue road trip at Stephen F. Austin - WSU website
• Home Stand Continues Against Weber State - SFA Website

Catch the game via these online sources:

• KLO 1430 AM/103.1 FM (audio)
• SFA All Access (video)

This go-round, our Wildcats come into tonight's game as 9-1/2 point underdogs, according to Sportsbet.Com, (for what that's worth.)

Last week our 'Cats got killed by turnovers (3 turnover fumbles). Thankfully (a little birdy told us) Coach Hill has invested this week in a few cans of that "stickum" (You know: like Oakland Raiders receiver Lester Hayes used to use).

Can the Wildcats beat the spread and whip the Lumberjacks a second year in a row?

We'll soon find out, No?.

Go Wildcats!

Final/Final: Lumberjacks roll over the Wildcats, 35-21. Dang.

Update 9/2014 10:00 PM:  The Standard's Brandon Garside is the first to provide the post-game story:

• 'Cats fall to Stephen F. Austin 35-20

Our Take? Just like '49's coach Jim Harbaugh, WSU Coach Hill doesn't give a fig about what happens in the pre-season. He's just playin' all his players and working out what they can do together in various combos, once the regular conference starts.When that happens, he'll be ready to go.

What say you about all this theory, O Gentle Weber County Wildcats fans?

Howbout you, Ferris?

Salt Lake Tribune: Audit Blasts UTA, Says It Gave Millions in Sweetheart Deals - Updated

Another reason we need this newspaper in our lives. Every day

Via Holly Mullen:

When clean air efforts and mass transit become a social class issue: Balancing UTA big salaries and profits (and sneakily) on the backs of the poor and working class--who have had bus routes continually cut and fares steadily raised.

• Audit blasts UTA, says it gave millions in sweetheart deals

Thanks to Lee Davidson, and The Salt Lake Tribune. Another reason we need this newspaper in our lives. Every day.

Update 8/28/14 7:10 a.m.:  Utah official are reeling from yesterday's state audit reporting:

• UTA attacked, defended after tough audit
• UTA chairman says there is 'much work to do' in wake of blistering legislative audit

The Trib reports that Sen. Todd Weiler, R-Woods Cross is letting UTA management have it with both barrels:

[Weiler] tweeted online Wednesday, "I have two questions about the UTA audit: Who’s getting fired and who’s going to jail?"
He said in an interview that was not just a light-hearted tweet. "After all is said and done, we still have $1.7 million in taxpayer funds" not repaid from the questionable $10 million deal, and continued controversy over high pay and bonuses. "I don’t know how you turn a blind eye to that."

"You know, I still can't wrap my head around the fact that nobody ... and I mean NOBODY ... at UTA understands or comprehends the term Conflict of Interest," remarks one Trib reader.

UTA watchdog Chris Stout, of the Utah Transit Riders Union (UTRU) minces no words, and issues a call for strong citizen action:

One of the issues I raised at the meeting -- which was overlooked because of the sensational $10 million paid for a garage never built, $2.9 billion in unfunded maintenance costs, the debt to build the rail system and the decimation of the bus system in order to fund the rail service was the fact that customer satisfaction is essentially non-existent. The performance audit recommended that UTA begin "routine and consistent" customer satisfaction surveys that are taken to the highest level of UTA (the Board of Trustees). Myself or other members of UTRU will be attending these board meetings to personally deliver messages of customer satisfaction -- or in most cases, customer dissatisfaction. I encourage you to visit our website to get on our email list and/or visit and like our Facebook page.  Our next membership meeting will be in September and all are encouraged to attend.

Update 8/29/14 9:00 a.m.:  There's more politica blowback concerning this story, as Governor Herbert thinks UTA has already fixed most of the problems highlighted by a legislative audit raising questions about the organization's business practices; but Senator Todd Weiler will ask the State Attorney General's office to initiate a criminal investigation.

• Gov. Gary Herbert says UTA has fixed most problems in audit
• State senator seeks criminal investigation in wake of audit of UTA (Video)

“I’m representing my constituents, and they’re angry and they want heads to roll,” Weiler said.

Don't let the cat get your tongues, O Gentle WCF Readers.

Pioneer Day 2014 Songfest Special

The anthem of the Mormon pioneers, in the spirit of Pioneer Day

In the spirit of Pioneer Day, we'll embed this visually dramatized version of "Come, Come, Ye Saints" (originally "All is Well"), sometimes considered to be the anthem of the Mormon pioneers.



This hymn was written by William Clayton on April 15, 1846, as his Mormon pioneer caravan rested at Locust Creek, Iowa, over 100 miles west of its origin city of Nauvoo, Illinois.

This song has special meaning for your blogmeister and his family, folks, inasmuch as just prior to writing the lyrics, Clayton had received word that his wife, Diantha Farr Clayton, the sister of your blogmeister's great-great grandfather, Lorin Farr, had given birth to a healthy boy in Nauvoo, about which event Clayton stated in his journal that he "...composed a new song—'All is well.' I feel to thank my heavenly father for my boy and pray that he will spare and preserve his life and that of his mother and so order it so that we may soon meet again."

As an added bonus, we'll reprise another version of this stirring and uplifting hymn, performed by Texas gee-tar virtuoso Mark Patrick Abernathy. This version's our personal favorite; and frankly, we can't get enough of it:



Here are the lyrics, for those musically-inclined readers who might be compelled to sing (or strum ) along.

(And yes, long-time WCF readers with functioning memories, this is something of a re-run).

So which rendition do you prefer, O Gentle Ones?

You be the judge.

And have a safe and sane holiday, folks, whether you're celebrating this day as traditional Pioneer Day, or the more recently trendy Pie N' Beer Day.

Standard-Examiner: In 'State of the County' Speech, Gibson Attacks Standard-Examiner

Somehow we're getting a strong "psychic vibe" that this story isn't going to end well.

A lot has been said lately about our library system and what its future might be in our community," Gibson said. "Unfortunately this issue has been hijacked by well-meaning activists who have demonized any person who dares to ask a question or offer any conservative thought. Among the worst is some of our own local media.

County Commissioner Kerry Gibson
In 'State of the County' speech, Gibson attacks Standard-Examiner
April 8, 2014

We have had some biased reporting," Gibson said, "but maybe worse than that, lazy efforts of the (Standard-Examiner) editorial board have been laughable at best.

County Commissioner Kerry Gibson
In 'State of the County' speech, Gibson attacks Standard-Examiner
April 8, 2014

Never pick a fight with people who buy ink by the barrel.

Mark Twain
Brainy Quote
November 30, 1835 – April 21, 1910

On the heels of the recent series of Standard-Examiner stories reporting on the recent Weber County Library bonding flap, it appears that yesterday's strong Standard-Examiner editorial was "the straw that broke the camel's back":

• Our View: Don’t mess with the library bond

This morning's S-E hard-copy edition headline sums it up in a nutshell.  Read up on yesterday's Weber County Commission Chairman Kerry Gibson Tuesday rant, where he "lashed out at the Standard-Examiner and library proponents for recent stories, editorials and other material that criticized attempts to downsize a voter-approved bond."

• In 'State of the County' speech, Gibson attacks Standard-Examiner

Somehow we're getting a strong "psychic vibe" that this story isn't going to end well, as Gibson adds additional fuel to the fire, and goes to war with our home-town newspaper.

As a seasoned politician, you'd think Gibson would know better, yes?

Breaking: LGBT Utahns Arrested After Protesting Senate’s Block of Non-Discrimination Law - Updated

Fortunately, at least at this juncture, there are still no reports of any LGBT folks or their supporters actually getting their skulls busted... at least not yet

Peaceful protesters...
about to be Frog-marched

Eye-opening action this afternoon is being reported on Utah's Capitol Hill, springing from the block-headed inaction of our bigoted Utah Republican majority, who've vowed that there will be "no bills where human rights will be even mentioned," due to the still pending Kitchen V. Herbert federal appeal matter, inasmuch as Utah GOP leadership (so-called) fears that any one of a hundred or so block-headed Utah Republican legislators might display "discrimatory 'animus," which might jeopardise Utah's already pathetic federal appeals case.

Here's the current skinny, peeps, concerning a Utah Capital Hill civil rights "standoff" which is still now developing, even as your blogmeister types this up.  Yes. peaceful Utah protesters are even now being arrested, folks:

• LGBT Utahns Arrested After Protesting Senate’s Block of Non-Discrimination Law 

Feels reminiscent of the situation in the southern USA during the 'sixties," dunnit; whilst brave black (and white) folks were manning the barricades and demonstrating for equal rights? Fortunately, at least at this juncture, there are still no reports of any Utah LGBT folks or their supporters actually getting their skulls busted... at least not yet, that is.

Kudos to all Utahns, LGBT or not,  who are willing to go to the streets to stand for equality.

Needless to say, we'll be sitting on the edge of our seat and will continue reporting, as this situation continues to develop.

Update 2/10/14 6:26 p.m.:  Check out this awesome and inspirational video:



Whatever you do, don't let the cat get your tongues!

Update 2/10/14 8:25 p.m.:  Good news!  Looks like 13 enemies of the Utah GOP Fascist State have already (and miraculously) made bail:

Free at Last!!!

Update 2/1014 9:41 p.m.: Okay folks. Better late than never, the Salt Lake Tribune's Lindsay Whitehurst is now all over this story:

• Utah troopers arrest LGBT protesters at Capitol sit-in

Just keep voting Republican, folks, as the State of Utah increasingly emulates the old Soviet Union! 

And don't "clam up," O Gentle Ones.

Standard-Examiner: City Council Candidate Sues Riverdale For Being Disqualified From Race

The Riverdale City Council would be calendering a motion at the earliest available date to reinstate Mr. Griffiths to his elected council post, if the Council had a lick of sense

The Standard's Mark Saal reports the latest development in the 2013 Riverdale Municipal Election SNAFU.  Yep.  Just as we predicted, Riverdale City's ham-handed mis-handling of  the November City Council race has landed the City in 2nd District Court:

• City council candidate sues Riverdale for being disqualified from race

"They (Riverdale City) broke several laws, and we're addressing each of those," (ousted candidate Gary) Griffiths said in a telephone interview Friday.

Weirdly, Riverdale officials however seem committed to "gambling," that their actions, which nullified Mr. Griffiths' election, will be upheld, apparently under a twisted mis-application of "contract" theory.

Seems that Riverdale City's blunders continue to be compounded, inasmuch as the plaintiff, Mr. Griffiths, may be statutorily entitled, assuming he does prevail in court (a sound assumption, we think), to "costs" and "attorney fees," in addition to reinstatement to his council seat:

(9) (a) A private party in interest may bring a civil action in district court to enforce the provisions of this section or an ordinance adopted under this section.
(b) In a civil action under Subsection (9)(a), the court may award costs and attorney fees to the prevailing party.

Gamblers that they appear to be, Riverdale City officials should keep in mind the primary rule of "smart" gamblers:

You got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em
Know when to walk away, know when to run.

Turning to the legal and equitable merits of this case, we believe the Standard-Examiner editorial board said it best:

In short, Riverdale goofed on its interpretation of the deadline for signed filings. Its initial response -- to allow Griffiths to be a candidate -- was correct. Herrick's decision to change that after the vote has led to a man unfairly losing his election to city council. If Griffiths decides to challenge Riverdale's decision, it's our opinion he will have an excellent case.
Riverdale should simply admit it made a mistake and restore Griffiths' election victory.

The Riverdale Council would be calendering a motion at the earliest available date to reinstate Mr. Griffiths to his elected council post, if the Council had a lick of sense.

Given the City's shamefully arrogant and stubborn behavior to date however, we certainly won't be holding our breath.

Utah Attorney General John Swallow Tenders His Resignation: The Aftermath - Updated

Keep your eyes on this page, as additional frantically-prepared stories and analyses continue to roll in

As the oderiferous John Swallow political era winds to a merciful close, the Utah political webosphere is awash with frenzied reports and analyses in the wake of yesterday's Swallow resignation:

• Utah A.G. John Swallow resigns, citing toll on family, finances - DNews
• Swallow resigns, denies any wrongdoing -Standard
  
• Defiant Swallow Tenders His Resignation - Utah Policy
• Utah Attorney General John Swallow Officially Resigns - Utah Political Capitol
• Attorney General John Swallow resigns (Video) - KSL News
• Swallow Resigns After Being Politically Pecked to Death - SLCWeekly
• Utah A.G.’s office eager to get back to normal - SLTrib
• John Swallow takes his place in Utah scandal history - SLTrib
• Bob Bernick's Notebook: The Cost of John Swallow's 10 Months in Office - Utah Policy
• 2013 John Swallow timeline -DNews
• Swallow tales: Report says A.G. has big credibility gap - SLTrib

And here's a particularly interesting story from the Trib. Let the post resignation inter-party squabbling begin:

• GOP plans to pick Swallow successor; Dems say not so fast - SLTrib

We'll make it a point to update this page, of course, as additional frantically-prepared stories and analyses continue to roll in.

Update 11/23/13 10:00 a.m.:  Uh-oh.  There's more:

• New Swallow report finds five violations of election laws

Sunday Funnies: Utah Senator Mike Lee Skips Church Services to Stage a Photo Op - Updated

"Power to the People," sez shutdown co-conspirator Senator Mike Lee

With his Utah polling numbers slipping, Tea Party Senator Mike Lee skipped his LDS church services on Sunday, and hooked up with his cronies Sarah Palin, Ted Cruz and a handful of easily manipulated U.S. military veterans to stage a high profile photo op:


Read the full Salt Lake Tribune story:

• Utah’s Mike Lee, others push through barriers to WWII memorial (video)

"Power to the People," sez shutdown co-conspirator Senator Mike Lee.

Quick, O Gentle Ones! Can anyone amongst our vast collection of ever-savvy Weber County Forum political wonks explain what's wrong with this picture?

This will be on "the test." of course.

Here are a few helpful hints to add to your crib-sheets:

• Give Sen. Lee his pink slip
• A Federal Budget Crisis Months in the Planning
• The GOP's little rule change they hoped you wouldn't notice
• Why did House GOP Rig the Rules to Keep The Government Shut Down (Explosive Video)
• The GOP Shutdown Is Sedition and Shouldn't be Forgiven

Update 10/14/13 7:19 a.m.: Oh; and here's another relevant one, inasmuch as this whole story involves a purported U.S. military veteran protest:

• Million Vet March Organizers Condemn Sarah Palin, Ted Cruz, and the Tea Party

Update 10/15/13 8:00 a.m.: The Trib's Paul Rolley reports that the tea party shutdown co-conspirators within Utah's congressional delegation are suddenly missing in action:

• Rolly: Amid the shutdown, Chaffetz lies low, Lee hides out

"Lee appears to be cracking from the pressure of the mounting anger toward him. His communications director, Brian Phillips, told a reporter for the Deseret News that not only would Lee not comment about recent polls showing the senator’s approval rating sinking fast, but also Lee would not grant an interview if the reporter even broached the subject. By speaking only with Fox News, Glenn Beck and others media types who encourage them and avoid weightier questions, such Republicans in Congress live in an echo chamber and have lost touch with average Americans," Mr. Rolly speculates.

Go figure:

• 74 percent now dislike Republican budget stand: Poll

Have at it, O Gentle Ones...