Open Thread February 22 2026

 Posted by at 6:00 am  Open Thread, Personal, Politics
Feb 222026
 

Yesterday, the radio opera was “Manon Lescaut” by Puccini – his first big hit, actually. I always struggle not to laugh when she ends up dying in “the deserts of Louisiana”, but – since it’s set in the 18th century, when French-owned Louisiana stretched much farther west even than the Louisiana Purchase – it’s not nearly as silly as it sounds today. This performance was chosen by soprano Asmik Grigorian, a big fan of Mirella Freni (who was born in the same tiny little town where Luciano Pavarotti was born – there must have been something in the water.) Off to see Virgil now – will check in upon return..

This is kind of sweet. (You will likely need to unmute it)

It always warms my heart to see Joe Biden get any credit at all. He deserves so much better.

I do realize some people have difficulty with bats – and that most people are not aware how much bats do for the environment. But how can anyone not find flying foxes adorable?

Rocky Mountain Mike

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Friday Fun: Thanks, Canada!

 Posted by at 8:18 am  Politics
Jan 212022
 

NOTE: An email that Mitch shared inspired me to put this homage together honoring our Canadian friends.

 

One has to admire the ability of our neighbors to the North to adapt to what might seem like unfortunate conditions – like WINTER!

But not only do they succeed, they do so with a great deal creativity and humor …

And when those Canuck scallywags get mischievous, they do so with a wink and a twinkle in their eye …

Some even display great talent …

But when Old Man Winter hits them with a wallop, they all pitch in to get the job done …

Although occasionally problems do crop up …

And when someone offers something for free, they’re more than happy to take creative advantage of it – even if “Some Assembly” is required …

But you can’t always take their pronouncements literally …

And they will NOT let Winter cheat them out of their entitled summer fun …

While it’s true that many Canucks love to hunt, their approach to our Second Amendment is delightfully unique …

 

Thanks to our Canadian friends, who have shown they are more than adept at turning lemons into lemonade!

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Open Thread for November 10, 2021

 Posted by at 6:57 am  Open Thread, Personal, Politics
Nov 102021
 

Yesterday, I received the package with the black rayon crochet thread I ordered through etsy ti knit (probably) or crochet (maybe) a barbie-sized Justice’s robe. It came all the way from Bulgaria, where it was made.  Rayon thread is quite thin, so I may use it doubled. I have no deadline, so there’s plenty of time to think about it (and thinking usually gets the best results.) Yes, I’ll manage pictures somehow, when the time comes.

Cartoon –

Short Takes –

GWN – Snow plow driver shortage could lead to winter problems for U.S. motorists
Quote – “It’s not just for the traveling public, but it’s also for emergency services, ambulances, police and firefighters and all that,” said Mark Geib, administrator of the management operations division. transportation systems at the Michigan Department of Transportation. “We need to keep the roads clear so people can move around, especially in emergency situations.”
Click through for the states (one of which is mine). Not a lot of material here, but it’s nice to know the state is thinking of my safety.

NPR – The U.S. Navy has christened a ship named after slain gay rights leader Harvey Milk
Quote – Naming the ship after an icon of the LGBTQ rights movement represents a symbolic milestone for the military following a long history in which gay service members were unable to serve openly. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro said it helps right the wrongs of the past and shows a commitment to current and future LGBTQ service members. It’s estimated that 100,000 veterans have been discharged from military service because of their sexual orientation.
Click through for story. Just in time for Veterans’ Day. (sniffle.)

The New Yorker (Borowitz) – Oscar the Grouch Cuts Ties with Ted Cruz
Quote – “Don’t get me wrong—I can’t stand Big Bird,” he said. “His relentless sunniness, to me, is intolerable. But that’s no excuse for Ted Cruz to go off like an asshat.
Click through for more. The video which offended Cruz, and the one showing Cruz offending everyone else, were both in yesterday’s video thread.

Food for Thought –

Today is also Pat’s birthday, although she is considerably younger.

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