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Showing posts from March, 2017

Wait. Salt and cables equals explosions? What?

Wait. Salt and cables equals explosions? What? http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/manhattan/manhole-blasts-shatter-strand-bookstore-windows-union-squa-article-1.3014939 http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/manhattan/manhole-blasts-shatter-strand-bookstore-windows-union-squa-article-1.3014939

Having been to Nova Scotia, I would have to say that that is an unfortunate mistake this time of year.

Having been to Nova Scotia, I would have to say that that is an unfortunate mistake this time of year. In the summer or the fall, it's lovely. Oops? http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-39459471 http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-39459471
I swear one of y'all called that little reveal. #cuckooforcocoapuffs

When there's a female Doctor, and she is NOT romantically involved with her companion(s), I'll get excited.

When there's a female Doctor, and she is NOT romantically involved with her companion(s), I'll get excited. There is something about the current showrunners, not to mention the world, that makes me super irritable about this whole thing. Why are you afraid of a woman in charge? Smart? Powerful? Dominant? Leadership, with its successes and failures? Can care about people but doesn't have to be their mom? Funny? Bitter? Strong? Weak? Alien? Human? I would particularly appreciate it if they'd cut it out with the stupid everyone wants to have sex with the doctor nonsense. We've had the fan service with Billie Piper and David Tennant (and wow, let's really stretch a plot point with that one). Amy and her mauling of the Doctor. Although, I will give minor props to that moment where he pops out of a cake and tells Rory they need to talk about his soon to be wife's kisses. We've had The Doctor's Wife, which was one of my favorite episodes. And we've had ...

Bets she has the baby April 1? #ApriltheGiraffe

Bets she has the baby April 1? #ApriltheGiraffe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pE9EWh4ocDs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pE9EWh4ocDs

Another in the #cutecritterprotocol series 'what you might eat for easter'.

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Another in the #cutecritterprotocol series 'what you might eat for easter'.

Interesting.

Interesting. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-39449515 http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-39449515

Lol.

Lol. The seat, moulded to include a protruding penis and chest, was designed to highlight sexual harassment experienced by female passengers. The explanation next to the men-only label read: "It is uncomfortable to sit here, but that is nothing compared to the sexual violence that women suffer on their daily journeys." Can I get an amen? ...some viewers praised the idea, while others called it "sexist" and unfair to men. "It's important not to stigmatise all men as violent and potential attackers of women," he said. Poor babies. And no. What's important is to change the culture and stop raising men (and women) to believe that women are objects and men are entitled. Stigmatised, my aunt fanny. They're openly lauded and praised. Some of them are even elected President. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-39449506 http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-39449506

These people are so desperately afraid of women controlling themselves and their bodies and their lives that they...

These people are so desperately afraid of women controlling themselves and their bodies and their lives that they dragged someone out of their sick bed to vote. #flames https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2017/03/30/pence-breaks-tie-on-debate-for-planned-parenthood-measure/?utm_term=.b46d1b15fbda https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2017/03/30/pence-breaks-tie-on-debate-for-planned-parenthood-measure/?utm_term=.b46d1b15fbda

Uh oh.

Uh oh. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-39449494 http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-39449494

Google fixed itself!

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Google fixed itself! In honor of the upcoming Easter holiday, here's some cute pics of what you might be eating. #cutecritterprotocol

I still am not sure about this.

I still am not sure about this. Yes, the cub was apparently dying, but sometimes this happens in the wild? I'm not sure I could have walked away, either, but this is a very tough call. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-39447989 http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-39447989

Notice the complaints of American men.

Notice the complaints of American men. Personally, I think that's a reflection of attitudes in American society. One question I would like to know is what is the rate of sexual assault in Norway's military services, knowing that it is a problem in the US. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-39434655 http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-39434655

I want to say something more thoughtful, detailed, and profound, because this is a thing that lurks in the...

I want to say something more thoughtful, detailed, and profound, because this is a thing that lurks in the background of every profession I can think of and it's absolutely a problem in the workplace, but probably not in the obvious ways you'd first think of. But I'll keep it short. Basically, Mike Pence's rules about not being alone with women scream about the fact that society is still wallowing in 2000+ year old attitudes about men and women and sex and it is absolutely more harmful to women that this is the case.

Weak sauce.

Weak sauce. http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/hb2-repeal-north-carolina-legislature-votes-overturn-controversial-bathroom-bill-n740546 http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/hb2-repeal-north-carolina-legislature-votes-overturn-controversial-bathroom-bill-n740546

As if the Freedom Caucus cares.

As if the Freedom Caucus cares. Truly. Their only true value has been that of refusing to compromise. They have been very consistent in refusing to work with anyone or compromise anything. Those are both signs of weakness and failure and equated with being a traitor. The replacement of Eric Kantor with David Brat is a prime example of who they are, what they do, and their strongly held values of obstruction and confrontation. It's also a good example of how they sell that to the public. Plus, the more divided the Republican party is, the stronger they are as a minority. They have power. Does anyone think they are really going to just walk away and give that up? They've already shown that they will play brinkmanship, even to the detriment of the country and themselves. Does Trump (and presumably his personal coterie) think he can out-bully them? I'd really rather not see this country governed by people playing chicken. I do not see that going well for the rest of us. http://...

I'm rubber, and you're glue. Gods, what an immature proto-human.

I'm rubber, and you're glue. Gods, what an immature proto-human. http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/trump-revives-threat-change-libel-laws-46475043 http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/trump-revives-threat-change-libel-laws-46475043

Things that will make me want to hurt you:

Things that will make me want to hurt you: (discussing directions to someplace moderately distant) Me: What towns did you go through? Other person: We turned on Shortrack Rd. Me: Ok, but between here and there, which towns did you drive through? Other: It dead ends and then we knew we were there. etc. Other: We went by Bliss. I mean, it says you are going through Bliss but you really go by Bliss. Me: Great! [omg, the name of a town!!] How did you get to Bliss? Other: When you get there, it's really easy to see. [Proceeds with detailed description of final destination. Which is not in Bliss.] Me: Awesome. So before you got to Bliss, how did you get there? Other: You're almost there when you get to Bliss. [Proceeds with detailed description of all the roads and turns between Bliss and final destination.] Me: Did you take Route 400? Other: No, we went through Freedom. [FYI, Rt. 400 dies a good 30 min away from Freedom. This fails to answer the question because one way to get to wa...
Moment to moment mood indicator currently at: hate everything.
Somebody tell me something that doesn't make me hate the world, please.

It was supposed to rain this afternoon. I'm looking out the window, and it's snowing.

It was supposed to rain this afternoon. I'm looking out the window, and it's snowing. -_- Get the forecast right, people.

- very locked -

- very locked - I don't know if I told all of you, but I am working with a counselor. It will eventually facilitate me moving through this particular phase of my life in a constructive manner. In theory. Meanwhile, it's very hard to deal with some of this. Since I am now "allowed" to be angry, it turns out there's a lot of angry from, like, my entire previous life that I was not allowed. It's a little difficult to process all of that. When we work on bits of stuff it can drag on for days afterwards while my brain and body are trying to process through it. It would be helpful if I could dump some of it here, even though sometimes that will be repetitive. However, you guys have your own garbage to deal with so maybe this is not something you want to see. Also, I am trying to find a safe space to sort of spew into, so to speak, because a lot of this is ugly and I also have issues with what other people think and I should always be "nice" and so on. The ...

Stupid little things that augment my grumpy mood - only place you can get a beverage with peppermint anything around...

Stupid little things that augment my grumpy mood - only place you can get a beverage with peppermint anything around here is Starbucks and I don't want to go to Starbucks because most of the Starbucks locations around here suck. P.S. I am not near the one that doesn't suck.
Chocolate covered almonds is probably not dinner, right?

Whoa.

Whoa. http://www.today.com/pets/charming-clydesdale-horse-roams-halls-nursing-home-cheering-residents-t109575 http://www.today.com/pets/charming-clydesdale-horse-roams-halls-nursing-home-cheering-residents-t109575

Cool.

Cool. http://www.today.com/pets/deaf-blind-pup-becoming-therapy-dog-t109765 http://www.today.com/pets/deaf-blind-pup-becoming-therapy-dog-t109765

Good. I hope they're legitimate charges and that they stick.

Good. I hope they're legitimate charges and that they stick. http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/03/29/521919322/2-activists-who-secretly-recorded-planned-parenthood-face-new-felony-charges http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/03/29/521919322/2-activists-who-secretly-recorded-planned-parenthood-face-new-felony-charges

What. The. o.O

What. The. o.O Thank Eru it didn't kill the kid, as well. Apparently, this is a new and improved leftover from a program going back at least to the 1930s to get rid of coyotes and possibly other varmints. Most of the references I found were for it being used in what you could loosely term "The West". Good grief. http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/03/29/521917387/calls-mount-for-ban-on-cyanide-bombs-after-death-of-family-pet http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/03/29/521917387/calls-mount-for-ban-on-cyanide-bombs-after-death-of-family-pet

Flames, on the side of my face.

Flames, on the side of my face. We can get people to boycott states over stupid headed bathroom bills. Why can't we get people to boycott states over this kind of stupidity? Missouri's hospital association is counseling its members not to bill the state program for any family planning services if they provide abortions, including procedures to save the life of the mother, or cases of rape or incest . http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2017/03/29/521248820/missouri-rejects-federal-money-in-order-to-set-up-its-own-abortion-restrictions http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2017/03/29/521248820/missouri-rejects-federal-money-in-order-to-set-up-its-own-abortion-restrictions

What's more important, that it is real, or that it is perceived to be real?

What's more important, that it is real, or that it is perceived to be real? I think the only things that will make anyone really look more closely at this and possibly change it, if it is happening, are serious economic consequences for US communities along the border that rely heavily on Canadian visits and money, or if Canada decides to have the CBSA do the same to Americans. Realistically, I doubt the CBSA would be authorized to do anything retaliatory unless there was absolute, incontrovertible evidence of a problem and the US refused to deal with it through political and diplomatic channels. So that leaves US businesses and communities suffering economic damages. It would take a significant drop in shopping and tourism for that to happen, and then those local areas would have to get their local politicians to complain all the way up to federal ones. Basically, even if it is not just perception, I doubt the US government would care. http://www.npr.org/2017/03/29/521920595/canad...

I would like to think that the whole system was going to give itself a good, long look and rather than pat itself on...

I would like to think that the whole system was going to give itself a good, long look and rather than pat itself on the back for a few bad apples they could scapegoat, re-adjust this decades long guilty until proven innocent/war on drugs attitude. But if I really believed that, I could probably bid on the Brooklyn Bridge. http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/stunning-drug-lab-scandal-could-upend-23-000-convictions-n739626 http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/stunning-drug-lab-scandal-could-upend-23-000-convictions-n739626

It's one of your's birthday this weekend, so before I forget and completely miss it, I wanted to say happy birthday.

It's one of your's birthday this weekend, so before I forget and completely miss it, I wanted to say happy birthday. In this sincere and deeply personal way. You may even know who you are.

Here, these are the women the State Department honored today.

Here, these are the women the State Department honored today. https://www.state.gov/s/gwi/iwoc/2017/bio/index.htm https://www.state.gov/s/gwi/iwoc/2017/bio/index.htm

Why headlines change on links is beyond me.

Why headlines change on links is beyond me. That is a grossly misleading headline. She apparently got invited to show up and make a speech at the State Department's International Women of Courage Awards. Where the State Department honors women nominated by our various embassies. Guess who wasn't there? The Secretary of State. Meanwhile, it's fine for her to choose how to be flotus. Not all flotuses were active and involved, or even particularly useful hostesses. I'd really like the news media to stop with nonsense like approval ratings, though. How can you approve or disapprove of how someone is not doing a job? Also, frankly, her approval ratings are high because you couldn't get a much more stereotypical chauvinist view of a woman walking if you played an episode of Mad Men . She's white, pretty, doesn't say much, stays home, has a child. What's not to disapprove? They don't even mind if she wears a sleeveless dress. Ahem. She's almost invisib...

Oh, right, it's Wednesday. Ok. Here. It's totally appropriate and way back. #waybackwednesday

Oh, right, it's Wednesday. Ok. Here. It's totally appropriate and way back. #waybackwednesday https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMR5zf1J1Hs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMR5zf1J1Hs
The inertia is strong with this one. Remember, Yoda said do, or do not. Do is not the only option. Just sayin'.

See, there's no such thing as magic.

See, there's no such thing as magic. P.S. Happy ending, which does not involve admission to Hogwarts, although it does involve dragons. http://www.cbc.ca/radio/asithappens/as-it-happens-thursday-edition-1.4037885/how-this-3-year-old-got-stuck-inside-a-toy-claw-machine-1.4038632 http://www.cbc.ca/radio/asithappens/as-it-happens-thursday-edition-1.4037885/how-this-3-year-old-got-stuck-inside-a-toy-claw-machine-1.4038632

Depending on the version of this story, it sounds like this happened later, not while she was making the slime.

Depending on the version of this story, it sounds like this happened later, not while she was making the slime. Which matters, because my first thought was so why didn't you flush her hands? But of course if it's much later, that's moot. Meanwhile, I'm trying to guess how this happened. Borax in water is endothermic, afaik, so that shouldn't be it. And borax is a relatively mild alkali. It's not even considered terribly toxic per its MSDS. Maybe it's a contact thing, like if you play with it before the reaction is completed, or you handle the borax a lot, or make multiple batches of it and are repeatedly handling the borax? http://www.cbsnews.com/news/girls-hands-third-degree-burns-making-slime/ http://www.cbsnews.com/news/girls-hands-third-degree-burns-making-slime/

I will say that it is a problem for anyone - even outside the health field - to deal with location associated...

I will say that it is a problem for anyone - even outside the health field - to deal with location associated differences in overhead costs, and that is something to legitimately consider in setting payment rates. However, that should be an adjustment after the fact. The baseline cost of a procedure should be the same everywhere. http://www.cbsnews.com/news/one-simple-solution-to-skyrocketing-medical-costs/ http://www.cbsnews.com/news/one-simple-solution-to-skyrocketing-medical-costs/

Say "herbivorous ornithopods" three times, fast.

Say "herbivorous ornithopods" three times, fast. http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/03/28/worlds-largest-dinosaur-footprint-discovered-in-australia.html http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/03/28/worlds-largest-dinosaur-footprint-discovered-in-australia.html

Jesus wept.

Jesus wept. http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/sean-spicer-bill-o-reilly-ignite-twitter-uproar-black-women-article-1.3012144 http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/sean-spicer-bill-o-reilly-ignite-twitter-uproar-black-women-article-1.3012144

Whatever you want to call it - Congo, Belgian Congo, Zaire, Democratic Republic of the Congo - this area continues...

Whatever you want to call it - Congo, Belgian Congo, Zaire, Democratic Republic of the Congo - this area continues to be terribly unstable and dangerous for its own people. I don't know how it's ever going to be stable. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-39418277 http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-39418277

More nuanced than you'd expect, but possibly obvious.

More nuanced than you'd expect, but possibly obvious. Also, the title online was "Why do Canadians live longer than Americans?" http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-39410236 http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-39410236

It's the usual, yet under the current circumstances not really anything usual. We shall see.

It's the usual, yet under the current circumstances not really anything usual. We shall see. http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/elections/embattled-dnc-asks-all-staffers-resignation-letters-n739676 http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/elections/embattled-dnc-asks-all-staffers-resignation-letters-n739676

Feelin' the reptile love. Iguanas for today's #cutecritterprotocol. I feel like these need captions, so:

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Feelin' the reptile love. Iguanas for today's #cutecritterprotocol. I feel like these need captions, so: 1) Hey, there! 2) The tango is the dance of love. 3) How do you like my new hat? 4) Meh.

I'm not gonna link to this because I know some of you will already be mad at me for giving you the headline.

I'm not gonna link to this because I know some of you will already be mad at me for giving you the headline. WaPo has an article titled: "Spiders could theoretically eat every human on Earth in one year". It's because of that paper that got published, which somebody mentioned or linked to an article about or something. Anyway, DO NOT LOOK FOR THE ARTICLE if you are at all arachnophobic. It is full of gifs. Gifs that are full of the critters in question. I mean, if you aren't terrified, the gif at the end of the article is cute. It posits the response of a primary source to the suppositions of the paper. Anyway, it's an interesting thought exercise.
It's 12:30 am, bird. I do not know what your deal is, but shhh!

Once again, I fail at the purity of the #cutecritterprotocol.

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Once again, I fail at the purity of the #cutecritterprotocol. I give you the second largest rodent in the world, not including certain individuals and organizations involved in governance. At least these rodents give a dam. Edit: they're beavers, if that wasn't clear.

So much for those fruits and vegetables.

So much for those fruits and vegetables. http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/real-life-stories/94-year-old-woman-worked-10105144 http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/real-life-stories/94-year-old-woman-worked-10105144

Is this the famous Jumping Frog of Calaveras County?!

Is this the famous Jumping Frog of Calaveras County?! http://www.csmonitor.com/Science/2017/0323/Rare-red-legged-frog-could-be-making-a-comeback http://www.csmonitor.com/Science/2017/0323/Rare-red-legged-frog-could-be-making-a-comeback

There is so much in here that is just, wow. People still do not get it.

There is so much in here that is just, wow. People still do not get it. http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Society/2017/0327/Sundown-towns-Midwest-confronts-its-complicated-racial-legacy http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Society/2017/0327/Sundown-towns-Midwest-confronts-its-complicated-racial-legacy

Interesting.

Interesting. http://www.reuters.com/video/2017/03/27/religious-left-rises-to-fight-trumps-pol?videoId=371370167&videoChannel=118169 http://www.reuters.com/video/2017/03/27/religious-left-rises-to-fight-trumps-pol?videoId=371370167&videoChannel=118169

While this is a PNAS paper, I'm just sharing it for the picture, which I find amusing in the context.

While this is a PNAS paper, I'm just sharing it for the picture, which I find amusing in the context. http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-39383041 http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-39383041
Awesome. Now it's my lower trapezius that is spasming. Time for the ice. Woo.
Suffering surfeit of inertia.

- locked -

- locked - It's very difficult to process anger, sadness, anxiety, frustration all at the same time. I'm sure that's a newsflash.

omgomgomg PEANUT BUTTER

omgomgomg PEANUT BUTTER https://www.reddit.com/r/funny/comments/5zv8df/i_thought_ordering_my_dog_a_birthday_cake_would/ https://www.reddit.com/r/funny/comments/5zv8df/i_thought_ordering_my_dog_a_birthday_cake_would/

Therapy. #cutecritterprotocol

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Therapy. #cutecritterprotocol

- locked -

- locked - Very badness in the family today. Not the usual suspects but cannot say why. Cannot fix, either. A lot of sad.

Seems appropriate to be posting this on a Saturday. Referencing a little quote from an article I posted earlier.

Seems appropriate to be posting this on a Saturday. Referencing a little quote from an article I posted earlier. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EfnNUt_nwY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EfnNUt_nwY

It'd probably be wrong to suggest Maduro should consult with his nephews about drug distribution.

It'd probably be wrong to suggest Maduro should consult with his nephews about drug distribution. http://www.cnn.com/2017/03/25/americas/venezuela-maduro-un/ http://www.cnn.com/2017/03/25/americas/venezuela-maduro-un/

Before you go buy that overpriced cardboard box, you might want to consider that it's just been cherry-picked for a...

Before you go buy that overpriced cardboard box, you might want to consider that it's just been cherry-picked for a clever marketing scheme. P.S. It's not the box that reduces baby mortality. http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-39366596 http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-39366596

Sooo I guess you can get a charley horse in a bicep? Also, ow.

Sooo I guess you can get a charley horse in a bicep? Also, ow .

This is not brilliant, but it has some points to be made.

This is not brilliant, but it has some points to be made. It took 16 weeks to draft the Constitution and another 40 weeks to ratify it. If American politicians had to do it today, they’d fight for a month and then just copy and paste a script from “Schoolhouse Rock.” http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/03/24/trumpcare-and-dangers-catastrophic-victory.html http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/03/24/trumpcare-and-dangers-catastrophic-victory.html

Don't know about any of you, but I needed this today.

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Don't know about any of you, but I needed this today. #cutecritterprotocol

Yummy, yummy cow lips. Fair warning, pics are kinda squik-y.

Yummy, yummy cow lips. Fair warning, pics are kinda squik-y. http://www.cbsnews.com/news/woman-says-she-found-teeth-in-barbacoa-tacos-texas-restaurant-explains/

Oh, yes.

Oh, yes. They're just gonna let Obamacare explode, now (quote unquote). Yep, still poor winners. Wait, losers. Augh, I'm confused. Anyway, ssdd. Instead of being willing to fix those things that could be improved about the ACA, the only thing that the Republicans and associates are willing to accept is their way or the highway. They couldn't get their way, so they don't want to play anymore. Mind you, it is unreasonable in a normal political situation to force a vote when you know you will lose. One thing this has proven is that Trump's bullying tactics that supposedly worked in business do not work in governance. At least not this time. Smart move to not have an actual loss on record, hence cancel the vote. Or, you know, his ego wasn't ok with a full-blown formalized loss if he forced them to hold a vote. As one of you noted, it isn't even 100 days in. Good god.

Hey, Amanda Rose, I think you will appreciate this.

Hey, Amanda Rose, I think you will appreciate this. Discussing when and whether to start seeds: Me: I was thinking of starting plants indoors. Dad: It works better if you start them in pots.

So, we just found out that my cousin has metastatic ovarian cancer.

So, we just found out that my cousin has metastatic ovarian cancer. They found it because they thought she was having digestive issues. This is unfortunately not uncommon. The saddest thing here is that she is one of the few people in my mom's family who is really decent and a genuine life-long friend to my mom. It's actually a huge part of my mother's support network and it's about to be gone. I think my dad is kind of having flashbacks and a little too much empathy, as well. Not on purpose, just because obs. And of course we all wish there was something we could do to help. Which we've offered. My cousin has already had a pretty extensive surgery and she's decided to go through whatever chemo or radiation or whatever they can offer her but even without details, the prognosis is obviously not good. So that's special.

These are cool.

These are cool. http://makezine.com/2017/03/22/the-art-of-pcbs/ http://makezine.com/2017/03/22/the-art-of-pcbs/

You know, g+, you wouldn't have to keep telling me what I missed if you'd just post people's posts in the order they...

You know, g+, you wouldn't have to keep telling me what I missed if you'd just post people's posts in the order they were posted by date and time.

These could both be pretty cool.

These could both be pretty cool. Haven't read the actual research papers, but both are major if they are what they sound like. One is on the diagnostic side, one is on the treatment side. The picture is a colorized image of scarring in the lungs from chronic TB. https://wellcome.ac.uk/news/breakthrough-battle-against-resistant-tb http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2017/02/simpler-safer-treatment-hailed-breakthrough-against-drug-resistant-tb https://wellcome.ac.uk/news/breakthrough-battle-against-resistant-tb

Inspired by something one of you posted about a cat named Baron Marmalade.

Inspired by something one of you posted about a cat named Baron Marmalade. Where's all my fur sisters Lemme hear ya'll purr sisters Hey sister, go sister, fur sister, purr sister Hey sister, go sister, fur sister, go sister She met Marmalade down in old Moulin Rouge Struttin’ his stuff on the street He said, "Hello, hey Jo, you wanna give it a go?" Oh! uh huh Itchi gitchi, ya ya da da (Hey hey hey) Itchi gitchi ya ya here (here) Munchkin Longhair ya ya (oh yea) Feline Baron Marmalade ... to the tune of "Lady Marmalade"" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQa7SvVCdZk

If attributions are correct, this includes coastal and inland bears, as well as Kodiak bears.

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If attributions are correct, this includes coastal and inland bears, as well as Kodiak bears. Generally all called grizzlies, definitely all brown bears. Another not really #cutecritterprotocol collage in honor of Congress voting to make killing them easier for sport hunters. Alaska - come for the beauty, stay for the kill.

I started the #cutecritterprotocol to not be about the tension and the reality and the general miserableness.

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I started the #cutecritterprotocol to not be about the tension and the reality and the general miserableness. I mean, what's more different than the nifty diversity of bee weesties in the world? Cute cures! I'm not necessarily gonna succeed at that, it turns out. Congress voted to allow killing of animals in protected areas of Alaska. Not for survival, specifically not for survival. The regulation they overturned had never prohibited native peoples or people who hunted for food and clothing from doing so. They voted to re-allow hunting animals from helicopters, and to allow the use of steel jaw traps. They voted to allow hunting animals in their dens. They voted to allow killing pups and cubs. One of those animals is the wolf. So here are some pictures of the Alaskan Gray Wolf (aka Timberwolf), the Yukon Wolf, and the Alexander Archipelago Wolf (in danger of extinction).

What I cannot understand is why, even in the face of unspeakable abuse and suffering, it is still possible to...

What I cannot understand is why, even in the face of unspeakable abuse and suffering, it is still possible to convince people to vote for those who abuse them and who cause that suffering. From "A Christmas Carol" 'Forgive me if I am not justified in what I ask,' said Scrooge, looking intently at the Spirit's robe,' but I see something strange, and not belonging to yourself, protruding from your skirts. Is it a foot or a claw?' 'It might be a claw, for the flesh there is upon it,' was the Spirit's sorrowful reply. 'Look here.' From the foldings of its robe, it brought two children; wretched, abject, frightful, hideous, miserable. They knelt down at its feet, and clung upon the outside of its garment. 'Oh, Man. Look here. Look, look, down here.' exclaimed the Ghost. They were a boy and a girl. Yellow, meagre, ragged, scowling, wolfish; but prostrate, too, in their humility. Where graceful youth should have filled their featur...

The Russian connection - the Lake Baikal freshwater seal, aka nerpa.

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The Russian connection - the Lake Baikal freshwater seal, aka nerpa. No, really, they're called nerpa. Which totally works for such an adorably derpy lookin' seal. P.S. They're practically spherical underwater. #cutecritterprotocol

#waybackwednesday inspired by the usual reaction to whatever the trumpsters are doing.

#waybackwednesday inspired by the usual reaction to whatever the trumpsters are doing. Meta in its own several ways historically and culturally. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap_ckOb__SY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap_ckOb__SY

Could we please stop doing a lousy job with the American side of the falls?

Could we please stop doing a lousy job with the American side of the falls? Every time Niagara Falls has tried a big deal revitalization project, it has turned into a disaster that the State does something stupid with (Rainbow Mall, Convention Center). I mean, they start out great, and then economics and corruption and (probably) stupidity destroy it. The suggestion to put it over by the Whirlpool is great. I mean, if you have to have your White Elephant development project. Why they don't want to revitalize any of the old historic hotels I don't know. Or out-compete the handful of existing hotels that have managed to survive. But, you know, maybe wealthy people will want to stay at an upscale "lodge" that is kinda like the ones in National Parks. In which case, I cannot imagine how they can possibly put something that requires sewage, water, and a bunch of other infrastructure basically in the middle of the river on Goat Island. Plus, you do that and you cut off view...

I think this came up before, but just got sent a copy of it directly so it reminded me.

I think this came up before, but just got sent a copy of it directly so it reminded me. It has info about how to approach your gov't reps at all levels and how gov't works and things of various types you can do, if you so desire. It happens to be from one perspective, but the factual stuff is factual regardless of your particular feels on any given topic. Anyway, I have a feeling that civics and citizenship will happen perforce the next 4 years, regardless of whether anybody is into teaching it. Might as well put our two one cent in before that gets taken, as well. https://www.indivisibleguide.com/ https://www.indivisibleguide.com/

- locked -

- locked - I'm pretty sure there's no way I can write this up and not sound judgmental. The freezer, like many things here, is a disaster zone. You get attacked if you open it. Ok. So I offered to go in and see if I could find something for my dad. Assuming it was still in there and hadn't gained sentience, multiplied, and oozed out of the waterline and made a bid for freedom sometime in the night. I was, of course, attacked. One of the things that attacked me broke upon forcible contact with the floor. So I cleaned up the busted bits of hard, sharp plastic container, and threw it and its contents in the trash. As one does. That was last night. This morning, I threw something out and noticed that the very broken container had been removed from the trash, cleaned, and put back into the trash. Then, I happened to be in the refrigerator playing sliding puzzle in there to get something and saw a container in which the contents of the busted freezer container had been placed. No...

Moar cute and adorable, much maligned predators.

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Moar cute and adorable, much maligned predators. I give you the biggest weasel (not in government) - the wolverine. #cutecritterprotocol #oosacutewiddewpwedator

Point, counterpoint. First article relatively pro, second relatively con.

Point, counterpoint. First article relatively pro, second relatively con. https://www.forbes.com/sites/grrlscientist/2017/03/21/rusty-patched-bumble-bee-officially-listed-as-endangered/#220af6ef1b7e https://www.bna.com/bumblebee-protections-may-n57982085110/ https://www.forbes.com/sites/grrlscientist/2017/03/21/rusty-patched-bumble-bee-officially-listed-as-endangered/#220af6ef1b7e
I had a cup of coffee within the last half hour and I'm even more tired and yawning. What is up with that?
Low on spoons.

So presumably they think they can detect and defuse (?) whatever the devices are supposed to be doing if they get...

So presumably they think they can detect and defuse (?) whatever the devices are supposed to be doing if they get them in the checked baggage before it goes on the plane better than if they examine the carry-on baggage? Except it isn't the US doing the screening, it's still the airport and personnel in whatever country which may or may not be reliable? And wouldn't it make sense to ban all devices, then? I don't know. I had to travel for work during the device ban after the underwear guy or whomever and fortunately I was going to and from the US and Canada and they had worked something out so lots of screening but I could bring my work stuff by the time I flew. It would have been very problematic otherwise. http://www.cbsnews.com/news/electronics-ban-on-some-us-bound-flights/ http://www.cbsnews.com/news/electronics-ban-on-some-us-bound-flights/

My mother is insane.

My mother is insane. In other things which are not news to anyone wind blows, rain falls, etc. Bonus points for ID'ing the quote.
Oo, I yawned! Maybe I can sleep, now!

If you can't sleep, find crazy cat videos.

If you can't sleep, find crazy cat videos. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNtYHswzFzM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNtYHswzFzM

#cutecritterprotocol

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#cutecritterprotocol Fuzzy wuzzy jackals. Much maligned, also Anubis. Although, while finding pics on the weeb it seems that Anubis is now thought not to be a Golden Jackal, but an African Golden Wolf, or something? I don't know, there's genetic testing involved and some taxonomy debate. Wevs, they're cute.

Moar eatin' in Durham.

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Moar eatin' in Durham. There's a lot of legit Central American food in Durham - Mexican, Salvadoran, Guatemalan, Honduran. This was a place that was new since I had lived there and I was all excited to try it. It's the only Guatemalan sit down place I know of. It is, like many of its relatives, also a store. In addition, it seems to be a family run place with a very few people who speak English. That didn't seem to be a problem even if you didn't speak Spanish, though. I ended up getting nibbly bits instead of an entree and that worked out great. I was totally stuffed. This place has a whole condiment bar full of different veggies, salsas, sauces, crema, etc. I tried them all and they are all good. I don't think any of them were particularly spicy, but a couple might be if you really don't tolerate spicy. Like you might not want to eat the char-grilled jalapenos or the pickled jalapenos if that's too spicy to your tastebuds. I got a pache which was fill...

Lookin' for connections where there are none? Don't think so.

Lookin' for connections where there are none? Don't think so. The name of the political officer (equivalent to commissar) in "The Hunt for Red October" (movie) is Ivan Putin. I couldn't find a clip with the beginning of this scene between Putin and Ramius, but the dialogue below segues into the clip. Esp relevant thru about the first 30 sec to something one of you posted about our current admin. Ramius: What are you doing? Putin: Overseeing the stability of the crew. Ramius: By invading my privacy? Putin: Privacy is not a major concern in the Soviet Union. It is often contrary to the common good. [Reading from a book belonging to Ramius, quoting the Bible] Behold, I am coming as a thief ... and he gathered them all together in a place called ... Armageddon. And the seventh angel poured his bowl into the air, and a voice cried out from heaven, saying: "It is done." A man with your responsibilities reading about the end of the world. And what's this? ...

Way to harsh my mellow.

Way to harsh my mellow. Watch the beautiful ABC video (first link) first. Then read the depressing CBS report. http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/dazzling-bioluminescence-event-lights-tasmania-sea/story?id=46204505 http://www.cbsnews.com/news/tasmania-bay-bioluminscent-blue-glow-may-signal-trouble/ http://www.cbsnews.com/news/tasmania-bay-bioluminscent-blue-glow-may-signal-trouble/

Hail, Hail Rock 'n' Roll. He's callin' from the promised land.

Hail, Hail Rock 'n' Roll. He's callin' from the promised land. http://news.stlpublicradio.org/post/obituary-chuck-berry-dies-he-was-poet-laureate-rock-n-roll https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Awi3zM1U6gE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Awi3zM1U6gE

For various and sundry reasons, I had to be in Durham for a couple of days recently.

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For various and sundry reasons, I had to be in Durham for a couple of days recently. Rise (Biscuits Donuts) was new right at the end of my previous tenure, so I thought I'd check it out. I present the pickle chicken biscuit sandwich I had for lunch. 1) The biscuits are Very Large. Also, clearly griddle fried, but crumbly (in a good way) and tasty. 2) Better than average fried chicken and pickle biscuit sandwich. 3) Donuts were meh. They weren't bad, they just weren't the mind-blowing they were reputed to be. I tried the Pineapple Basil "filled" donut. So I assumed it would be filled with pineapple filling with some basil (menu does not clarify, just says "filled"). Nope. Filled with plain whipped cream, just lightly glazed with a pineapple basil glaze. While the glaze was a good version of itself, if I had licked it off and skipped the rest I would not have missed anything. Upshot: Biscuits, esp as sandwich, very worth it, donuts, not so much. I am perso...

Babby rhino #2. I really love the smirk on the one sitting on its parent's face.

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Babby rhino #2. I really love the smirk on the one sitting on its parent's face. #cutecritterprotocol

Don't panic.

Don't panic. It's a good article. Plant what is native to your local area. General Mills seems actually to be taking positive action, with the possible exception of those seeds. http://lifehacker.com/don-t-plant-those-bee-friendly-wildflowers-cheerios-i-1793370883 http://lifehacker.com/don-t-plant-those-bee-friendly-wildflowers-cheerios-i-1793370883

The info in this article (let me know if the text doesn't come up, it's important) suggests at least two major...

The info in this article (let me know if the text doesn't come up, it's important) suggests at least two major problems. 1) Sudden loss of appropriate medical care being available, even if you have insurance because there's nobody to do it. While it is probably simply the incompetence of this administration and their spear-carriers, there is definitely malevolence behind much of what they do, and oops, gosh, who knew it would be complicated is just not an acceptable answer. Trump may be a clueless idiot, but the people with him, behind him, and the officials in Congress are not. 2) How could there possibly be a shortage of trained people to do these jobs? I say this because nursing schools were having trouble getting nurses hired because hospitals were freezing hiring and not filling jobs because they said they couldn't afford to pay the nurses. And I am particularly talking about people with full, advanced nursing degrees, not just the nursing titles with less training...
Fine.

* sadface *

* sadface * http://www.npr.org/sections/therecord/2017/03/16/520453907/james-cotton-legend-of-the-blues-harmonica-dies-at-81 http://www.npr.org/sections/therecord/2017/03/16/520453907/james-cotton-legend-of-the-blues-harmonica-dies-at-81

When people complain about things like this being taught as criticizing America, it is.

When people complain about things like this being taught as criticizing America, it is. But it is constructive if you look at why it should be questioned and what the harms and benefits of these occurrences were. It only serves those in power to demand that a pre-approved, sanitized (empty and dishonest) version of history be taught and frankly, it doesn't necessarily serve them all that well in the long term. P.S. I do not recall ever being taught about this. It is sadly relevant to the attitudes and actions of our present time. http://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2017/03/17/520517665/that-time-american-women-lost-their-citizenship-because-they-married-foreigners http://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2017/03/17/520517665/that-time-american-women-lost-their-citizenship-because-they-married-foreigners

Other than his comment on the corporate tax rate and Trump, this is a neat story.

Other than his comment on the corporate tax rate and Trump, this is a neat story. P.S. Which, if you pay attention, is telling you that no matter what Trump and the tax rate do, even this company will continue to have fewer and fewer jobs in the future. http://www.npr.org/2017/03/17/520397792/how-to-make-boring-sell-in-a-jiffy http://www.npr.org/2017/03/17/520397792/how-to-make-boring-sell-in-a-jiffy

Thoughtful advice. Even covers zombies. [See item #2. Google "zombies cdc". Gotcha covered.]

Thoughtful advice. Even covers zombies. [See item #2. Google "zombies cdc". Gotcha covered.] http://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2017/03/17/520156465/-curiousgoat-how-to-prepare-for-a-pandemic http://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2017/03/17/520156465/-curiousgoat-how-to-prepare-for-a-pandemic

Aside from the awkward twist to the story (child molestation - ugh), this was/is an amazing ongoing project in...

Aside from the awkward twist to the story (child molestation - ugh), this was/is an amazing ongoing project in documenting and preserving a regional American culture and way of life. http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2017/03/17/520038859/the-foxfire-book-series-that-preserved-appalachian-foodways http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2017/03/17/520038859/the-foxfire-book-series-that-preserved-appalachian-foodways

Basically, don't get Hep C. Unless you're rich.

Basically, don't get Hep C. Unless you're rich. http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2017/03/17/520430944/should-the-u-s-government-buy-a-drug-company-to-save-money http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2017/03/17/520430944/should-the-u-s-government-buy-a-drug-company-to-save-money

There's no good reason for Russia and China to block a statement that

There's no good reason for Russia and China to block a statement that would have "noted with concern renewed fighting in some parts of the country and stressed the importance of humanitarian access to all effected areas." I mean, how much more watered down can a statement criticizing rape, violence, and possible genocide get? http://www.reuters.com/article/us-myanmar-rohingya-un-idUSKBN16O2J6 http://www.reuters.com/article/us-myanmar-rohingya-un-idUSKBN16O2J6

Babby rhinos

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Babby rhinos #cutecritterprotocol

Can't imagine why this hasn't been on the major news networks.

Can't imagine why this hasn't been on the major news networks. https://www.dogonews.com/2017/3/2/yukon-hot-springs-hair-freezing-competition-is-like-none-other https://www.dogonews.com/2017/3/2/yukon-hot-springs-hair-freezing-competition-is-like-none-other

I am not entirely sure, but I think Angela Merkel was having trouble not openly smirking during the joint press...

I am not entirely sure, but I think Angela Merkel was having trouble not openly smirking during the joint press conference with Drumpf when they kept asking him about the wire-tapping, the GCHQ nonsense, and his answers about Fox and their commentator Napolitano (he named Fox, not Napolitano - the "talented lawyer"). I swear the left side of her mouth quirked up at some of this. I'm not sure if it was impressed at this incredible gift of nonsense dancing, or trying not to laugh openly at the ludicrousness of it all. Edit: I forgot. He thought he was witty by suggesting that his (imaginary) wiretapping gave him something in common with Angela Merkel's (apparently real) NSA surveillance.

Lunch today.

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Lunch today. Plus a stuffed hot pepper fried in chick pea batter. I think it's called Chilli bajji [sic], or mirchi bajji. i can probably argue that the pepper had some food value, but otherwise I'm pretty sure this was a delicious and definitely not healthy lunch. Accompanied by mango juice, so definitely not healthy. But delicious.

Seems sadly apropos these days. #throwbackthursday

Seems sadly apropos these days. #throwbackthursday https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgASBVMyVFI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgASBVMyVFI

Not really full cute critter protocol, but inspired by the recent film-going.

Not really full cute critter protocol, but inspired by the recent film-going. http://cfa.org/Breeds/BreedsSthruT/TurkishVan.aspx http://cfa.org/breeds/breedssthrut/turkishangora.aspx http://cfa.org/Breeds/BreedsSthruT/TurkishVan.aspx

Jeffrey Huo kindly provided me the original articles to read and I've skimmed them.

Jeffrey Huo kindly provided me the original articles to read and I've skimmed them. This enabled me to find the Clinical Trial listing that was part of how the women were suckered. The clinical trial specifically notes an inclusion criterion of "Visual acuity in the study eye The NEJM Case Report clearly notes that one eye of one of the three women was 20/200. The other five eyes that were injected were all better than that. In fact, 4 of the 5 eyes were a lot better than that. I will have an opinion on details when I read the case report again and think some, but the clinical trials webpage would fool anyone who didn't have specific reasons to question it, or knowledge of how to look into a trial more deeply. Check it out. Know that if you or a loved one is ever considering involvement in a clinical trial, it should, generally speaking, be a major pain in the ass to enroll, should take a lot of time, there should be endlessly long consent forms to sign, a lot of gobbledy-...

Mm, pasties.

Mm, pasties. http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2017/03/16/520129966/in-michigan-the-pasty-isnt-x-rated-its-a-portable-pie-with-history-baked-in http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2017/03/16/520129966/in-michigan-the-pasty-isnt-x-rated-its-a-portable-pie-with-history-baked-in

A loss for some of us.

A loss for some of us. http://www.npr.org/sections/monkeysee/2017/03/16/520383104/remembering-bill-walshs-way-with-words https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/bill-walsh-copy-editor-and-witty-authority-on-language-dies-at-55/2017/03/15/6bf9dea4-002e-11e7-8ebe-6e0dbe4f2bca_story.html?tid=ss_tw&utm_term=.119801686d10 http://www.npr.org/sections/monkeysee/2017/03/16/520383104/remembering-bill-walshs-way-with-words

Gee, would this be the HIV outbreak that then Governor Pence had to pray about before he ok'd a needle exchange...

Gee, would this be the HIV outbreak that then Governor Pence had to pray about before he ok'd a needle exchange program to stop the epidemic? http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2017/03/16/520291362/dangers-of-opana-opioid-painkiller-outweigh-benefits-fda-panel-says http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2017/03/16/520291362/dangers-of-opana-opioid-painkiller-outweigh-benefits-fda-panel-says

Go, go, Oxford comma.

Go, go, Oxford comma. http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/03/16/520381718/the-oxford-comma-great-for-listing-pontificating-and-winning-court-cases http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/03/16/520381718/the-oxford-comma-great-for-listing-pontificating-and-winning-court-cases

Whoa, dude.

Whoa, dude. http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/03/16/520311715/groovy-scientists-say-theyve-found-the-first-fluorescent-frog http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/03/16/520311715/groovy-scientists-say-theyve-found-the-first-fluorescent-frog

That sucks.

That sucks. http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2017/03/15/michigan-man-loses-hands-and-feet-to-strep-throat/ http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2017/03/15/michigan-man-loses-hands-and-feet-to-strep-throat/

Waiting for the tweet about all these bad employees and the funding cuts and firings for not doing their jobs. Ha ha.

Waiting for the tweet about all these bad employees and the funding cuts and firings for not doing their jobs. Ha ha. http://www.cbsnews.com/news/pentagon-to-employees-dont-stream-march-madness-games-at-work/ http://www.cbsnews.com/news/pentagon-to-employees-dont-stream-march-madness-games-at-work/

Saw a man about a cat.

Saw a man about a cat. The inventively named "Kedi" (means "cat" afaict) is actually kind of fun. If you like cats, or are into films for a very select audience. Really, it is a combo vanishing culture documentary/ unique perspective travel guide film. You go on a tour of many different neighborhoods, almost entirely from the cats' perspective. Having been there, I can vouch for Istanbul having a LOT of cats. I did not realize they were such a part of the city's culture, but that sort of makes sense. It's a nifty look at people's perspectives on the cats, as well. I'm sure even in Istanbul, there are people who think some of these cat people are nuts. The soundtrack was fun, and it might even have been specifically chosen as additional commentary but that's where not speaking the language means you lose a little something. Best paraphrase of a translated quote: Dogs think humans are god; cats know humans are just the middleman. https://www.yo...

Alternate Headline: Euro Disney Reconsiders New Adventure Ride.

Alternate Headline: Euro Disney Reconsiders New Adventure Ride. (Very scary, glad not worse.) http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-39293086 http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-39293086

If anyone is bored and has access, I'd love a .pdf of the report.

If anyone is bored and has access, I'd love a .pdf of the report. The editorial would be a fun read as well, I'm sure. At some point I may try to get over to the university library and access it, but not soon. http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1609583 http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMe1701379 http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1609583

New coverage of an old statement. And a look at our future.

New coverage of an old statement. And a look at our future. https://www.statnews.com/2017/03/15/mayo-insurance-medicare-medcaid/ https://www.statnews.com/2017/03/15/mayo-insurance-medicare-medcaid/

In honor of the wiretapping allegations, the Russian hackers, and the DOJ and Intelligence communities. What?

In honor of the wiretapping allegations, the Russian hackers, and the DOJ and Intelligence communities. What? #waybackwednesday https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMOGaugKpzs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMOGaugKpzs

I WAS KIDDING.

I WAS KIDDING. Ugh. Dude, if you think this is a pro Weather Service/NOAA piece, ur doin' it wrong. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/capital-weather-gang/wp/2017/03/15/weather-service-made-poor-decision-in-overplaying-noreaster-snow-predictions/?utm_term=.ff6827db6e53 https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/capital-weather-gang/wp/2017/03/15/weather-service-made-poor-decision-in-overplaying-noreaster-snow-predictions/?utm_term=.ff6827db6e53

My reward for being willing to drive into the city in this weather.

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My reward for being willing to drive into the city in this weather. (They live up to their terrible reputation for slow street clearing.) I went and saw "Ocean Waves", which is Studio Ghibli but definitely not Miyazaki. Survey says: meh. Seriously underwhelming and pedestrian with terrible pacing, banal story, much too long, and plain old boring. BUT the local theater that is the local Miyazaki/Anime and general nerd movie haven had these Totally Awesome shirts (also tank tops and sweatshirts). And I can nao haz one. Potato pic notwithstanding. It is all Miyazaki movies. And some pocky, and some bubble tea, which are things they have at the refreshment stand when they are showing anime. It is best shirt.

We seem to be in a lull, except for the winds.

We seem to be in a lull, except for the winds. We're still much better off than most other areas. It amuses me how if you look up US weather radar there is no weather north of the border; it just cuts off. I have no idea why they do that. It's particularly pointless around here, since the border is both north and west of us and weather comes from both those directions on a regular basis. So I go look at the Canadian weather radar. It is possible we may not get any more heavy bands of snow right here, because the stuff coming over Lake Huron is mostly getting pushed south across Lake Erie. At least, that's what the future radar projections look like with the current expected wind direction. If the wind direction changes, we may get dumped on again. Meanwhile, it's supposedly much warmer out (20's, woo!), but it certainly doesn't feel like it. It's weird how you get use to winter when it's around all the time, but when it shows up all of a sudden you'r...

You know, if we were going to have any winter at all, you could just have had a regular one.

You know, if we were going to have any winter at all, you could just have had a regular one. Cramming it all into two days is terribly inconvenient. P.S. the weather is worse today than yesterday, as is the driving. I am about to go discuss with my dad whether or not I should take a gas can and get it filled up so we can continue to run the snowblower multiple times in the next 12 hours. P.P.S. They have banned trucks from the I-90 across the state due to weather. They haven't closed it yet, though. This is why we should cut funding to NOAA and those kinds of government agencies. They just can't plan these things properly.

Because of course they did.

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Because of course they did.

Hm.

Hm. This snow thing seems to feel its efforts thus far have been insufficient. It is really coming down, now. We've only had to clear the driveway three times today. I suspect we will be clearing it that many tomorrow.

It's a little dusty in here.

It's a little dusty in here. http://www.npr.org/2017/03/14/519984134/a-stolen-then-recovered-stradivarius-returns-to-the-stage http://www.npr.org/2017/03/14/519984134/a-stolen-then-recovered-stradivarius-returns-to-the-stage

This is getting confusing.

This is getting confusing. Are they cutting Medicaid compared to the ACA expansion? Or are they cutting it even compared to before the ACA? Which lie is the real lie, here? http://www.npr.org/2017/03/14/520137023/key-in-gop-health-care-overhaul-massive-changes-to-medicaid http://www.npr.org/2017/03/14/520137023/key-in-gop-health-care-overhaul-massive-changes-to-medicaid

Write your own jokes, folks.

Write your own jokes, folks. http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/03/14/520123490/vibrator-maker-to-pay-millions-over-claims-it-secretly-tracked-use http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/03/14/520123490/vibrator-maker-to-pay-millions-over-claims-it-secretly-tracked-use

Shocked face, coming right up.

Shocked face, coming right up. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-russia-georgia-army-idUSKBN16L1XQ http://www.reuters.com/article/us-russia-georgia-army-idUSKBN16L1XQ

My god, my mother can catastrophize anything.

My god, my mother can catastrophize anything . YOUR CAR IS BURIED !!! It's got maybe a quarter of an inch layer of snow on it. On the top and the windows. The doors, lower body, and tires are all clear. OMG #chickenlittle

Jesus.

Jesus. http://www.cnn.com/2017/03/14/europe/erdogan-attacks-dutch-over-srebrenica/ http://www.cnn.com/2017/03/14/europe/erdogan-attacks-dutch-over-srebrenica/

I wonder how long it will take before everyone decides this is normal and goes back to the way cross-border travel...

I wonder how long it will take before everyone decides this is normal and goes back to the way cross-border travel used to be? I'm not sanguine that that will ever happen, but even though it seems like years, I know it hasn't even been 2 months. So maybe the administration will calm down and lull people into a sense of normalcy. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-39261789 http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-39261789