As we’re in Park City for six months my blog will just have diary entries on days when there’s something significant to report, or I have a rant, a religious outburst or a joke to share.
Thursday, 12 June 2025
Another glorious sunny day.
Then in the evening it’s Dogs and Suds with PCMSC. No you don’t need a dog and a bottle of shampoo, it’s Beer and Hotdogs on a barbecue. Missed on the awesome baked beans. It was ok but may give it a miss next year.
Do we really need another “ism”? To the ever-expanding panoply of socially disgraceful attitudes such as racism, sexism and ableism, or the various sins labelled “phobias”, we must now, according to this book, add “beliefism”. If you refuse to have anything to do with another person because of their views on a particular hot-button topic such as abortion, immigration or trans rights then you are a “beliefist” and this is bad. Can’t we all just get along?
Paul Dolan is pointing at a problem in today’s civil discourse, one exacerbated by the anger-stoking effects of digital doomscrolling and the perverse incentives the media has constructed for political discourse. (Anyone who changes policy in response to criticism, for example, is gleefully reported to have performed a “humiliating U-turn”.) The upshot is, surveys suggest, that citizens in the US and UK are becoming more polarised and inclined to avoid altogether those who aren’t ideological comrades.
Friday, 13 June 2025
Morning bike ride on yet another sunny day.
No rain now for over a month.
Joe’s recommended the Twisted Fearn as he knows I like Elk and they do Elk steaks. Go with B&M. Bob and I both have the Elk Steak. It was as tough as an old boot, after 10 minutes I’m still chewing on the same piece. So, as you can probably imagine, I complain to the waitress who is clueless as to what to do about it, so I suggest she gets someone who does know what to do. They take it away and replace it with a good Shrimp and Grits. Ambience of the place is not in keeping with their prices, especially wine – a glass for $30, that’s 3 bottles of wine even at Utah prices. Another one to cross off the list.
Saturday, 14 June 2025
Early morning sunny hike with Joe and Mark.
Then it’s time to go and persecute some Clay Pigeon, not that they have anything to fear from me this year.
In the evening Mark and Ruth take us out to The Hub for dinner. Awesome Prime Rib.
Robert Jenrick MP
The assisted dying bill will be “subject to activist judges in Strasbourg”, the shadow home secretary, Robert Jenrick, said.
“I worry, in fact I am certain, that as night follows day, this law, if passed, will change. Not as a result of individuals in this chamber, or in the other place, but as a result of judges.
“We’ve seen that time and again. It may be on either side of the debate, but it will happen. This act, if passed, will be subject to activist judges in Strasbourg,” he said, to grumbles from some MPs.
“They will change it fundamentally, and we have to be prepared for that. I don’t want to see that happen.”
Sunday, 15 June 2025
Awesome Starry Night colouring from Beatrix, been after her doing one for months.
Father’s Day, gifts from the kids and two lovely drawings from my Grand Daughters. Best gifts of all. Once we get home they’ll be framed.
After a lazy morning spending two hours trying to book train tickets to Paris and calls from all the kids we go on a walk from Willow Creek with B&M. Then it’s back to our place for a barbecue. Fortunately Bob’s good with a barbecue. I can just about manage to light it. I still struggle to comprehend why we would use a barbecue when there’s a well equipped kitchen, must be a Boy Scout thing singing golly golly gotcha round a campfire! Fortunately there’s plenty of beer and wine.
Mike joins us.
Then we’re left with a quiet evening in sipping Bourbon and watching Game Of Thrones. Our TV’s interrupted with the sighting of the first Moose across the road. We abandon TV and sit on the deck watching the Moose and sipping Bourbon – now if that ain’t shittin in the tall Cotten, I don’t know what is, awesome. Pictures tell the story better.
Then Mike, our prospective landlord this winter, joins us for a drink and to discuss the lease.
Esther’s done a colouring of her in my favorite red dress photo.
Abandon TV to enjoy some Bourbon and watch the antics f this awesome creature.
Monday, 16 June 2025
Another sunny day. Lead a hike in the morning with a short bike ride in the afternoon. Quiet night in for a change.
Tuesday, 17 June 2025
An old rant about Jews and anti-semitism from the past that’s still valid today.
Tuesday, 17 June 2025
Another gorgeous hot sunny day so it’s a lazy morning. Afternoon is a bike ride down to the coffee shop – way too hot. Then in the evening we go to the Blue Boar Inn to celebrate B&M’s wedding anniversary. Great food, lovely ambience, great company and not too expensive.
The UK Supreme Court has a total of 12 Justices.
The UK Supreme Court rules that the legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex . Judges say the “concept of sex is binary” while cautioning that the landmark ruling should not be seen as victory of one side over another
Can you believe it took Lord Hodge 16 minutes and 46 seconds to deliver just a summary of today’s judgement.
The full document is 88 pages long. And now the woke are referring it to the ECHR
Wednesday, 18 June 2025
Wendy’s bought me a large Brandy glass (cost all of a $1) so would be a sin not to Christian it.
Lead a bike ride up to Silver Star where we sit on their patio and put the World to rights.
Pop over to Mikes to review his Power of Attorney with him and then in desperation for something to do we visit the Farmers Market – what waste that was, overpriced stuff.
Quiet evening in.
UK police have been instructed to use more inclusive language, such as referring to “pregnant women” as “pregnant persons” or “expectant parent.” Additionally, terms like “black sheep” and “blacklisted” are discouraged to avoid racial connotations. These guidelines aim to promote diversity, equality, and inclusion within the force.
Friday, 20 June 2025
Another gorgeous sunny day. Up at the crack of Sparrows fart for a hike with Mark. Then it’s Friday bowling followed by TGIF. Never a dull moment here in paradise.
Yesterday we went for dinner at the Mirror Lake diner; tonight’s TGIF, bring your own booze; tomorrow it’s clay pigeon shooting followed by the annual Pig Roast at Charlies with B&M; Sunday its dinner at the Full House with Mike, Sarah and Brett; Monday it’s wine and cheese at ours with Jeri and Rob, time for nerdy talk on the sports club site; Tuesday it’s Music in the Park with plenty of wine. I think Wendy’s forgetting how to cook.
Our Granddaughter Beatrix had her Holy Communium today, didn’t she look beautiful. Her big day. We’re so proud of her.
🧳 What Mads Mikkelsen Says
* A 21‑year‑old tourist named **Mads Mikkelsen** (not the actor) arrived at Newark Liberty Airport on **June 11, 2025**, intending to visit friends in the U.S. ([time.com][1]).
* He says that after being pressured into unlocking his phone—under threat of fine or jail—officers found two images: a **JD Vance meme** (depicting the U.S. Vice President bald) and a **wooden pipe** photo. He claims officials then detained him for hours and **denied his entry**, citing those images ([thedailybeast.com][2]).
Another example of the shit scare stories and lying from the press.
Here’s what really happened:
🇺🇸 CBP’s Response and Official Reason
* **U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)** promptly responded, stating:
> “Mads Mikkelsen was **not** denied entry for any memes or political reasons — it was for his **admitted drug use**.” ([nordlys.no][3], [financialexpress.com][4])
* CBP further clarified the decision was based on his **own admission of drug use**, not the images on his phone ([financialexpress.com][4]).
✅ The Truth — As It Stands
* **True**: Mikkelsen was indeed denied entry and sent home on June 11 after border processing in Newark ([time.com][1]).
* **False**: The reason was **not** the JD Vance meme or the wooden pipe image.
* **CBP’s position**: The denial was based on Mikkelsen’s **own admission** of past drug use.
* **Mikkelsen disputes**: He insists he didn’t have a drug-related intent and that meme/perception issues played a role.
—
🧭 Bottom Line
The headline-grabbing claim—that a meme derailing his trip—**doesn’t hold up**. The **official explanation**: **admitted drug use** during questioning was the reason for denial, per CBP. Mikkelsen disputes this, pointing to alleged procedural errors, but nothing confirms the meme was the deciding factor.
Monday, 23 June 2025
Up at the crack of Sparrows Fart as Mike come round and we take his truck down to Salt Lake for a paint job.
Lead an early morning hike around Masonic Hill – one of my favourites, awesome views.
Afternoon bike ride down to the coffee shop and then Jeri and Rob come round for cheese, wine and nerdy updates to the battle for PCMSC site over the move to Club Exppress. Great extra cost for very little benefit. Madness.
Wow, what a change in the weather. Sunny but a cold wind with a maximum of 55F.
Can you believe anyone is stupid enough to strike a deal with these terrorists. It amazes me how the World has tolerated then for 40 years. But good to see America kicking their but, tacking a stance and coming back onto the World stage.
We’re being overrun by these ground squirrels / rats. Never mind some of Mike’s Squirrel food soon rids us of them:
Monday, 23 June 2025
Tuesday, 24 June 2025
Yet another sunny bike ride down to the coffee shop.
Mike turns up with two exceedingly expensive bottles of High Wests finest. What an awesome, random gift. I dread to think how much but he just fancied buying them ($250 of Whiskey and he doesn’t even drink). Money just has no meaning to him. Such a generous soul.
Then in the evening it’s a Harp concert in City Park along with a bottle of wine, of course.
A concert on the Library patio. Very restful.
Thursday, 26 June 2025
A glorious sunny stroll with Joe.
A lazy afternoon.
Then in the evening Marilyns had this yearning to go to Lush’s Barbecue. Wow, it’s a tad rough. no serviettes, no menus for the table. Full of good old boys, with a waitress who has all of the charm and customer service skills of grizzly bear with toothache. Just plenty of meat and some tasty beans. Not Wendy’s cup of tea. Well, you have to try these places, but never again.
Back to ours and Bob gets to try the Prisoners Share, it’s even more expensive than the Midwinter Nights Dram.
Stupidity surrounds us everywhere, every day:
Microsoft finally retire the Blue Screen of Death. What a nightmare the evil empire was.
Friday, 27 June 2025
Yet another awesome sunny day. Drop Wendy off at the Christian center. Nip to the library to print off a temporary vehicle license then it’s a bike ride down to the coffee shop for a free milkshake, considering all the stars I’ve collected. It’s in the 80s but actually quite nice for a bike ride.
It’s another lazy afternoon, this time I’m trying to conquer speech dictation on my Mac. Never felt really comfortable with with it, even when I had a secretary, I never really got used to dictation. But these days speech recognition is so good so I’m going to try a master it.
Then in the evening, we’re off to our neighbors at 164 for dinner. More new friends. At this rate I think Wendy will have forgotten how to cook. Are we ever in, it’s just that there is so much to do here in Paradise. It was going to be an alcohol free day, but it looks like that’s gone for a ball of chalk. Oh dear, how sad.
It was a lovely meal of Wild Sockeye Salmon and pasta, washed down with plenty of wine. We really got the full American works, just a fork to eat with not a single knife to be seen. Oh well when in Rome. How the hell do you eat without a knife, seems bizarre. Perhaps they lack the hand eye co-ordination to use two utensils simultaneously. A great evening, even followed by a walk around the golf course in the dark, and four new friends – Jeff and Diane, Octavia and Julie. Let’s hope we can remember their names.
Well it seems like New York’s Democrat contestant for Mayor is just an old fashioned communist:
And to top it all he’s a muslim.
The majority of Iranians are Twelver Shi’ites who believe in the Mahdi, the Twelfth Imam, and are awaiting his reappearance.
Key Points:
Shi’ite Belief: Shi’ite Muslims, particularly the dominant Twelver branch in Iran, believe that the Mahdi, the Twelfth Imam, has been in occultation (a state of hiddenness) since the 9th century and will return at the end of time to establish justice and peace.
Iranian Context: This belief plays a significant role in Iran, where Shi’ite Islam is the official state religion.
Religious and Cultural Significance: The anticipation of the Mahdi’s return has religious and cultural significance for many Iranians. It provides a sense of hope and a vision for a just future.
Governmental Role: The Islamic Republic of Iran, founded on the principle of the Jurist Leadership (Vali-ye-Faqih), emphasizes the importance of preparing for the Mahdi’s return.
Varied Interpretations: While belief in the Mahdi is central for many Iranians, there are diverse interpretations and practices related to Mahdism.
Note: It’s important to recognize that while belief in the Mahdi is a significant aspect of Shi’ism in Iran, not all Iranians hold this belief or express their beliefs in the same way.
Hell of a busy day here in Paradise. Wendy’s volunteering at the Pantry. Meanwhile I’m off on one of Bubs hikes up to the top of Sky Ridge Peak, 4.8 mile and 915 feet elevation gain. 
Then we’re back to Mikes for Dinner with MariAnne, Joe and Dan. A nice bit of Omaha steak, some great food followed by a few large XO brandies – helps me sleep. There’s Artichokes for dinner so we get instructed on how to eat them and how to cut out the Heart. They’re ok but it is a lot of messing.
Start the day with a fluffy buttermilk pancake smoothered in Maple syrup and fruit.
Amazing.
Lead an Easy Hike around my favourite Road to WOS hike. Fortunately all the snows gone and the views are awesome.
Okonomiyaki, Tilapia and Mahi mahi, also known as dolphinfish or dorado, is a popular, lean, white fish with a mild, sweet flavour.
Up at the crack of Sparrows Fart for a 09:30 hike with Bub, out and back along the Moose Hollow Trail up to the top of Parleys Summit to see the telephone masts. It’s 4.5 mile and 1001 feet of elevation gain. Awesome views from the top.
Short walk in the morning; bowling in the afternoon; TGIF in the evening.
Early morning death march led by Mike up East Canyon – Big Mountain trails. Awesome flowers and views. 
In the evening I lead a group of us try axe throwing. Great fun. Then Alberto’s takeaway at ours for Mike and family. Lovely fun evening.
Scientists have found that penguin guano releases high levels of ammonia into the atmosphere. When this ammonia mixes with sulfur compounds from ocean phytoplankton, it triggers the rapid formation of aerosol particles. These particles grow into clouds, which may have a cooling effect on the Earth’s surface.
The researchers say that even after the penguins leave, the leftover guano continues to release noticeable amounts of ammonia for days. What’s more interesting is that researchers noticed that cloud formation closely followed these ammonia surges. In one case, fog appeared just a few hours after the chemical levels spiked. 
Early start again, crack of Sparrows fart, 06:00. The flight to Las Vegas was awesome. Security was a breeze and the flight was comfortable with plenty of free booze, food, movies and time for the odd snooze. Brings back the joy of flying, could almost do this again just for the fun of it.
Mike’s there to greet us in his mega truck and we spend the night at Mikes, rather than messing around getting into our condo so late at night.
Start the day with a 2 hour 40 minute call to EE trying to get my mobile working. Tech support guy was not the brightest knife in the box. He had trouble explaining why they were charging me £36 for call when I have free roaming and a £20 spend cap; why they charged me for 0330 calls when my contract stalls ALL calls beginning with 03 are free. Ended up suggesting a new eSIM.
Arrive at Manchester airport early but as usual with anything to do with airports we can’t check in early. Screw the customer and let’s create a queue.
Typical of the EU we spend 50 minutes getting through immigration. You have to ask yourself do they really want visitors?
Breakfast is awesome, just about everything you can imagine apart from Vodka and Champagne.
Then it’s the rest of the bus tour, followed by a pleasant stroll through the old town, it’s lovely. Stop for lunch and a beer in the Old Town square, it’s just buzzing. How come these places all have a “famous bridge” the Charles Bridge this time. 
Find a decent restaurant and of course they serve beer.
Day 2 in Prague starts with an awesome breakfast accompanied by live piano music. Then it’s the Old Town bus tour. Stroll across the famous Charles Bridge and settle on another beer. In the PM we stroll around old town in the warm sunshine. 
For evening entertainment we go to a medieval banquet, complete with not so exotic dancers; acrobats; more dancers; whirling flame dancers and swallowers. The dancers are a tad better than Hooters.
Another musical, awesome breakfast. Checkout, and then have a stroll around the Old Town in the sunshine. Try some of the Local street food in the market square. Then it’s another beer.
Stroll back to hotel to pick up the suitcase, stopping for a wine on the way.
With hindsight I think two full days would have been enough. Our last day was just lounging around.
Settle in for the obligatory afternoon cup of tea – yes, even in 3rd World EU countries we still have standards.
Despite the forecast of rain all day the weather turns out mainly dry with scattered sunny outbursts. After the journey from hell we decide to have a lazy day and just do the major shop for essentials for the next week.
Never mind Wendy settles down to watch “Greys Anatomy”, it’s not yet 1700 so thankfully I get to pass on it.
A gorgeous sunny day and it’s even warm, not quite shorts weather but cargo pants weather. Up and Uber into Split Old Town to catch a guided walking tour. One of Guru walks guided tours. They’re free you just tip for what you think it’s worth – and yes I do tip them.
A pretty good tour around the Diocletians Palace (apparently some ancient geezers Roman palace built in 305) Split in the gorgeous sunshine. The palace is really a walled town. Not quite as impressive as Dubrovnik.
Another sunny stroll around Split Old Town.
Then at dinner they tell me it’s not available. Totally pissed off. Food is great, but service is very slow and they screw up Wendy’s cocktail. Considering there’s only us in the restaurant, god help them if they ever get busy. Finally get to try some Dingac wine, wow it’s very good, fruity, smooth and expensive.
Lazy start to a great breakfast, despite only a handful of guests in the hotel. We’ve been told we can have a late checkout – 1800, how’s that for late. The manager comes to see us over breakfast to apologise for the slow service last night. Lunch today is on the house as an apology. I relate the Brodet saga and he goes away to the kitchen, comes back and apologizes and tells me that there will be Brodet for my lunch. Very professional.
Got up a tad late, 0920 a new laziness record. 
A nice lazy start to the day, rain is forecast. By 1130 the rain has stopped so we Uber down to the Pile Gate. 
I go to the Ethonological Museum (Ethnography is a branch of anthropology and the systematic study of individual cultures. It explores cultural phenomena from the point of view of the subject of the study). Wendy takes one look at the steps, yes there’s 80+ of them, so she goes for a coffee. Unfortunately I’m stupid enough to go for it, as it’s free on our 1 day pass. What a waste of time, fortunately no money. I wouldn’t bother going up one step to see this.
Plastic bottles have retainers (or tethered caps) on their tops to reduce litter and improve recycling. These retainers ensure that the cap stays attached to the bottle even after it is opened, preventing the cap from being discarded separately, which often leads to environmental pollution.
Get to Budapest for 1300 so a sunny afternoon in Budapest. Hotels great, Crowne Plaza, and thanks to Ross Platinum status we’ve been upgraded to a suite.
Catch the red bus for a tour around Budapest. Great way to see the city. Get off for a boat tour down the Danube, with great views of the Parliament building. Then it’s a beer lunch by the Danube, followed by a vernacular ride up to the Art Museum, Ross is most keen to visit. As a complete Philistine not really my cup of tea, but actually enjoyed it.
Too many beer stops, before 1700, so I’ve sinned yet again. Weather is fantastic.
Dinner carefully planned for the evening, after yesterdays screw up. Choose Mazel Tov, with a name like that it has to be Jewish, a great Pastrami on Rye and fantastic friendly service including free Palinkas – equivalent of Slivovitz (plum Brandy) or even Schnapps, mainly brewed over farm kitchen tables.
Another awesome breakfast. Try a Vodka and Orange – “when in Rome”.
Catch the Red bus for a guided walking tour down to the Parliament building. Some interesting and bizarre facts. 
Stop at Shoes on the Danube. The shoes are rusted, made of iron and set into the concrete of the embankment – need to be to stop Croats stealing them. They are a memorial and monument to the Hungarian Jews who, in the winter of 1944-1945, were shot on the banks of the freezing Danube River by the members of the Arrow Cross Party, some were just pushed in the freeze to death, couples were tied together and one of them shot and both pushed into freezing Danube. Mans inhumanity to man never ceases to amaze.
Never realised that Hungary sided with the Nazis. Probably explains why, like America , they now side with Russia.
After yet another liquid lunch we walk up to the Széchenyi Bath, the largest thermal spring bath complex in Budapest and throughout Europe, is the height of European elegance. Missed out on the beer spa which you have to book in advance. Another one of Ross ideas, again not something I would have done but quite enjoyed it, of course there was beer – more sins.
Catch an Uber back into town to the Sima Liba restaurant. Almost put off as there’s hardly anyone in. Glad we didn’t as it has to be one of the best meals ever. Even had 3 courses. All very romantic with strolling violinist and weird piano – we must have looked like a couple of gays. Actually violinist got on my tits as he kept playing in my face with a 5,000 Forint note on the side of his violin.
Decide to go a stroll around Margit Island and a walk up to the Japanese garden. Surprised it was free, but given the state of it not that surprising.
