Once again it seems I am waking up the blog: HOWARD DEAN PRIMUS EST!
Susan D--
I do sincerely regret Ohio's loss of rail funding, even though it is California's gain. Heaven knows we can use it--the official unemployment rate here was 16.9% in November, so the real unemployment rate is probably around 20%, maybe more. In places like Mendota it is over 50% as I recall. The local governments are doing everything they can to land the heavy maintenance facility for the California high speed rail system--that would be 1500 permanent good jobs, and there would be others in supporting businesses including rolling stock manufacturing. Fingers crossed.
California has been starving the schools for a long time now; I blame the Dems as well as the GOP, though not as much. I'm afraid that if they are going to make a real effort to bring the budget back into balance merely cutting TO the bone won't be enough. Maybe Jerry Brown can do it again, maybe not.
Starting this year we have a Louisiana primary--all candidates on the same primary ballot and the top two advance to the runoff [AKA general election], and write-ins are not allowed. The way I see it the only way I will be able to express my displeasure with the choices on offer [quite likely GOPer A and GOPer B ] will be to withhold my vote, which is NOT SATISFACTORY. I don't believe the stories about how it will automatically bring us wonderful elected officials. The new redistricting commission might move me from a Republican-gerrymandered district to one where a Democrat might stand a [slim] chance, but I'm not holding my breath.
On another note, it isn't going to work well this year for us to get together next weekend (I work), so our Xmas will be delayed to Dec. 30th. Rather than roast a turkey it will be fried chicken with gravy, smashed potatoes and I hope (I will make the request) Miyoko's broccoli salad with sliced hard-boiled eggs that have been soaked in beet juice to turn the outside purple. New Years is mostly Japanese stye for us--clean the house by New Year's Eve, prepare a huge bunch of special food, and be lazy for an absolute minimum of one day (no work including cooking) and three or more if possible.
Snow is forecast here for tonight. I suppose that means the cloud cover will preclude viewing of the lunar eclipse. Oh well, I guess you can't have everything.
Right now, my sky is about half clear. Maybe. . . . I've seen one here, several years ago, and it's *cold* watching, lol! I just keep wondering about the "conjunction" of the solstice, the full moon, AND the eclipse. Seems like *something* neat ought to happen.
The last time this happened, back in 1638, some folks were probably out celebrating the Solstice and the moon disappeared! That must have freaked them out something fierce.
I like your idear, puddle, that something wonderful ought to happen.
Trip to the store this afternoon, and I was sooooooooooo struck: I live in a Christmas card! Just lovely. The roads clear, but the fields and drives and trees still full of the snow. Don't know anymore how people actually live in cities.
Well, people who live in cities don't have to drive. Or do without if they can't.
For a while Penny and I vaguely played with the idea of moving up to our vacation spot in the North Woods of Wisconsin. But with neither of us driving these days, we're glad we didn't.
Vermont ranks 46th in the nation in computer hookup capability. Wayyyy too many folks are still on dial-up. It's because of the mountains and the rural nature of the state. But now that we have a Dem coming back into the Statehouse, I think we'll finally get real service for just about everyone.
I love the country, really love it. But, at my age, I had to consider how long the EMTs would take to get there if I had a heart attack or stroke. Now I'm 8 minutes by car from a hospital. And my neighborhood has enough of trees and critters to keep me happy. I'd probably have a lot more money if I didn't live so close to shopping though!
"Moreover, this eclipse comes with a rare bonus. The planet Saturn (magnitude +0.2) and the bright bluish star, Regulus (magnitude +1.4) will form a broad triangle with the moon's ruddy disk. ... But this upcoming double event will be the only one of its kind occurring within the next millennium!"
I've thought about that Susan, and decided that the Universe will just have to have it's way with me. Our EMTs are very good, but I'm at least an hour (at ambulance speeds) from ANY hospital. Sobeit.
Now THAT sounds like great fun!! Rick gave his own performance a couple of years ago in a store (he's not a singer, but was so touched by the store music he joined in, lol!)(and embarrassed the socks off his daughter. . . .).
Once again it seems I am waking up the blog: HOWARD DEAN PRIMUS EST!
ReplyDeleteSusan D--
I do sincerely regret Ohio's loss of rail funding, even though it is California's gain. Heaven knows we can use it--the official unemployment rate here was 16.9% in November, so the real unemployment rate is probably around 20%, maybe more. In places like Mendota it is over 50% as I recall. The local governments are doing everything they can to land the heavy maintenance facility for the California high speed rail system--that would be 1500 permanent good jobs, and there would be others in supporting businesses including rolling stock manufacturing. Fingers crossed.
California has been starving the schools for a long time now; I blame the Dems as well as the GOP, though not as much. I'm afraid that if they are going to make a real effort to bring the budget back into balance merely cutting TO the bone won't be enough. Maybe Jerry Brown can do it again, maybe not.
Starting this year we have a Louisiana primary--all candidates on the same primary ballot and the top two advance to the runoff [AKA general election], and write-ins are not allowed. The way I see it the only way I will be able to express my displeasure with the choices on offer [quite likely GOPer A and GOPer B ] will be to withhold my vote, which is NOT SATISFACTORY. I don't believe the stories about how it will automatically bring us wonderful elected officials. The new redistricting commission might move me from a Republican-gerrymandered district to one where a Democrat might stand a [slim] chance, but I'm not holding my breath.
On another note, it isn't going to work well this year for us to get together next weekend (I work), so our Xmas will be delayed to Dec. 30th. Rather than roast a turkey it will be fried chicken with gravy, smashed potatoes and I hope (I will make the request) Miyoko's broccoli salad with sliced hard-boiled eggs that have been soaked in beet juice to turn the outside purple. New Years is mostly Japanese stye for us--clean the house by New Year's Eve, prepare a huge bunch of special food, and be lazy for an absolute minimum of one day (no work including cooking) and three or more if possible.
ReplyDeleteHoward IS first! Again!!
ReplyDeleteClouds parted tonight, and the moonlight on the snow is beyond gorgeous! Outrageously gorgeous in fact! In fact, AWESOME!!!
Yes, 2 - 4 inches of snow predicted for this afternoon. Possibly followed by freezing drizzle.
ReplyDeleteThat's our forecast for tomorrow, lol! And snow Christmas Eve and Day. Wondering if I'm going to be traveling. . . .
ReplyDeleteSnow is forecast here for tonight. I suppose that means the cloud cover will preclude viewing of the lunar eclipse. Oh well, I guess you can't have everything.
ReplyDeleteRight now, my sky is about half clear. Maybe. . . . I've seen one here, several years ago, and it's *cold* watching, lol! I just keep wondering about the "conjunction" of the solstice, the full moon, AND the eclipse. Seems like *something* neat ought to happen.
ReplyDeleteSounds like most of my New Years celebrations have been Japanese style too! :-)
ReplyDeleteUh oh. What's your backup plan?
ReplyDeleteThe last time this happened, back in 1638, some folks were probably out celebrating the Solstice and the moon disappeared! That must have freaked them out something fierce.
ReplyDeleteI like your idear, puddle, that something wonderful ought to happen.
Trip to the store this afternoon, and I was sooooooooooo struck: I live in a Christmas card! Just lovely. The roads clear, but the fields and drives and trees still full of the snow. Don't know anymore how people actually live in cities.
ReplyDeleteA lunar eclipse *has* to occur at full moon. But it is indeed coincidence for it to occur at the winter solstice.
ReplyDeleteWell, people who live in cities don't have to drive. Or do without if they can't.
ReplyDeleteFor a while Penny and I vaguely played with the idea of moving up to our vacation spot in the North Woods of Wisconsin. But with neither of us driving these days, we're glad we didn't.
And with a meteor shower!
ReplyDeleteI live about 10 minutes further out than the local bus service goes.
ReplyDeleteErm, would that be ten minutes walking, or ten minutes driving.
ReplyDeleteI can see Bill's point though.
Ten minutes driving! So I can't avail myself of it.
ReplyDeleteBut, hey, I'm at the end of the DSL line (and ON it!).
So I'm good with that.
Vermont ranks 46th in the nation in computer hookup capability. Wayyyy too many folks are still on dial-up. It's because of the mountains and the rural nature of the state. But now that we have a Dem coming back into the Statehouse, I think we'll finally get real service for just about everyone.
ReplyDeleteMy shopping has all been done for a week or more and everything is wrapped and all that.
ReplyDeleteBut I'm sorry I missed this flash mob at the local mall today!
http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20101220/NEWS02/101219013/Singers-give-surprise-%E2%80%98Hallelujah-performance
I love the country, really love it. But, at my age, I had to consider how long the EMTs would take to get there if I had a heart attack or stroke. Now I'm 8 minutes by car from a hospital. And my neighborhood has enough of trees and critters to keep me happy. I'd probably have a lot more money if I didn't live so close to shopping though!
ReplyDeletePLUS!
ReplyDelete"Moreover, this eclipse comes with a rare bonus. The planet Saturn (magnitude +0.2) and the bright bluish star, Regulus (magnitude +1.4) will form a broad triangle with the moon's ruddy disk.
...
But this upcoming double event will be the only one of its kind occurring within the next millennium!"
Viewer's Guide: http://www.usatoday.com/tech/science/space/2008-02-19-lunar-eclipse_N.htm
I've thought about that Susan, and decided that the Universe will just have to have it's way with me. Our EMTs are very good, but I'm at least an hour (at ambulance speeds) from ANY hospital. Sobeit.
ReplyDeleteNow THAT sounds like great fun!! Rick gave his own performance a couple of years ago in a store (he's not a singer, but was so touched by the store music he joined in, lol!)(and embarrassed the socks off his daughter. . . .).
ReplyDeleteYeah, but puddle, I've got this plan to live to 120 years old. What can I say? So far, so good.
ReplyDelete;)
Susan ~
ReplyDeleteOnly 120? I totally agree with Woody Allen: I plan to live forever or die trying.