I Have Excess Water to Sell!!

Tags

astronomy, breakfast, economy, election, embroidery, evolution, Gardening, Iowa, John McCain, Limericks, meats, Middle East, quilting, religion, vegetables, world history

Maya Deren is the actress and this is a still from a movie called “Meshes of the Afternoon.” Done in 1943, it is a 16mm black and white silent film of 14 minutes. The cinematographer was her husband, Alexander Hammid. It is known as a trance film, an experimental cinema. The balance of the provenance can be found at the MoMA site.

Nice to finally see some warm weather. Yesterday was quite lovely and I spent some time outside sitting and listening to the birds. The enormous amount of rain we had, is still lying in pools and I have no idea when it will finally seep away. Travel is inadvisable as we don’t want to get stuck again. Unfortunately more rains seem on the way and it is doubtful we will be shopping any time soon. It’s getting to be a bit of a drag as we are running out of most things. I’m very tired of all this. This winter and its aftermath seems to drag on inexorably with no end in sight. I’d not have thought it possible that it would be two months since we got out, but that is fast approaching. I’m sure the planting in this area is already late since most would have seeded by now.

My craft room is done and looking very nice indeed. We are well underway in the Contrarian’s office and have done a fair amount, though it’s hard to see it at this point. The Contrarian has been wonderful and worked hard on it himself. We got all the desk cleared and rearranged, and all the electronics cleaned and re-ordered as well. We’ve yet to move in a chest for his tools and then he can really start putting a lot of stuff away. I suspect we will finish by the end of the week. The problem now, is that I simply didn’t anticipate such a long wait between shopping and I’m running low on some of my cleaning needs, especially glass cleaner and those “erasers” which work so well, but disintegrate so very quickly.

It’s Monday, so let’s see what has happened in the world in the last few days.

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On this day in 1790, Benjamin Franklin was buried in what is held to have been one of the most splendid of funerals. At the American History Blog, you can read more and run some links to other founding father information.

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Sandi’s Crochet Blog has a number of worthwhile entries. Free crochet patterns galore, mostly for fairly new crochet addicts. Everything from baby blankets, to halter tops, to dish clothes to handy reusable totes are available. Give it a look and scroll down.

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There is a new book out about John McCain, and boy it ain’t pretty. It’s rather ugly in fact, at least to hear the author tell about what he has been subjected to since its publication. I’m not sure how much weight to place upon on, but I do known I’ve heard a couple of the allegations from other sources. It makes for some very interesting reading and leads me to continue to worry that this dude is scary and not at all what we need in this country. See what you think. There are plenty of comments to peruse as well.

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Republican mouthpiece, Fox news of course thinks all this is tantamount to being a traitor, and Israel sure didn’t like it, but President Jimmy Carter has had what on some level seems a successful meeting with Hamas. I for one find it simply idiotic that we refuse to talk to those we don’t agree with. I don’t think you ever can put down hard and fast requirements that must be met in order to be granted a meeting. Historically, of course, this is what we have done with “rogue” nations. I’m not sure it’s worked well. Joshuah Holland gives his take on the historic meeting.

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In 1775, English forces were sent to Concord to seize colonial armaments. And so began our fight for independence from Britain. Read all about that seminal day at American Revolution Blog. Some claim that this was not the signal to the start of the war that we now think of it as. You can decide for yourself.

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Baking Delights has a food surf and a ton of neat sounding recipes for you to sample. Panini, brownies, pound cake, and mango pancakes are just some of the offerings.

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Bill Moyers Journal has author Martha Nussbaum discussing religious tolerance and equality in America. Read her thoughtful analysis and the usual comments from readers. American Prospect has a review of her latest book, Liberty of Conscience: In defence of America’s tradition of Religious Equality.

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If you thought the Afternet article about John McCain was a bit rough, perhaps you will find this one backing up some of those claims in greater detail. Welcome Blue Girl, Red State to our list of regulars and read her take on the Mac and that famous temper.

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Ever talk to folks who don’t believe in science? Now, they always believe in the science that turns on the lights, and operates the car and flies the plane. I am referring to the kind they see no good use for, the kind that they think somehow conflicts with the bible? Like millions of people who spend their professional lives working on this stuff and have for generations upon generations are wrong, and somehow Pastor Literalist who hasn’t taken a science course since 9th grade in high school is right. Read Robert McHenry’s tongue in cheek assault on the “thinking” behind creationist/young earthers. Giggle, it’s Monday after all, as you read “Ben Stein on Astrophysics.”

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Okay, when it comes to brussel sprouts, you either love ’em or hate ’em. I happen to love them, but I admit they are sometimes a bit harsh dressed only with salt and pepper and a bit of butter. Coconut & Lime has a nice little recipe that I think is worth a try. Take a look at Roasted Brussel Sprouts and Potatoes with Balsamic Dijohn Dressing.

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Iowa voters are invited to another profile of a democratic contender in this years upcoming house race. Meet Lori Sokolowski, who is running in the 63rd House District. Another fine job by Essential Estrogen.

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Feeling stitchy has a some musings about art and what she likes to do at her site. She also has a free pattern for you to use. I think its a cute little embroidery project and has a sweet message that is just perfect for a daughter or a friend. Be creative and well, CREATE.

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I find that I get a lot done if I limit myself to 15 minutes. This works especially good at things I really don’t like to do. Gardening Tips ‘n Ideas uses the 15 minute rule to get a few things done in the garden and has come up with 51 things you might consider. Take a look, or be a schnook. Oh goodness, I didn’t really say that did I?

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We get a fine report from Professor Thomas C. Reeves on plutocracy. The pluses and minuses are set out for you in this interesting piece about what wealth means in this country and what that means for our socio-economic system. How exactly do we balance politics, economics, and entrepreneurship in this country?

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If you are still needing that incentive to get on with another quilt, well, inspired by antique quilts has another gorgeous block for you. I’m totally loving this one. The colors would be great for Christmas of course, but can you see the other possibilities? Pinks and greens or blues and yellows would look wonderful too. Take a look and get moving!

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Russell often has what I call “pondering” blogs. They are little snippets of memory, musings on bygone days, or simply a revealing thought about life in general. In any case, it gets one to thinking and you know how dangerous that can be. He has one today, called “Alone with Others,” and I bet you would like it.

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Magna Carta? Remember that document? Probably remember it from History class in some year of high school right? Never thought much about it since have ya? LOL. Well, recall it again, because some claim it changed the world. Some would say it was the beginning of modern human rights. And they may just be right. Read a nice post all about it.

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Need your Mad Kane limerick fix? We got it here. As always they are biting and humorous and make a point. I’m a fan and I suspect you are too.

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Oh goodie, another of my beloved Dave Barry posts. Just another of my addictions coming forth. “How to make a movie with slobber and cake” is sure to please even the most finicky reader in your….oops. I’m mixing my metaphors again. So sorry.

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Jeannelle at Midlife by Farmlight has been a literal blogging fool the last few days, and I especially liked the one about her family’s trip to Germany. While we undoubtedly feel a good deal differently about Martin Luther, her points are well taken. Some lovely photos accompany the text.

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No surprise the National Review (one has to ask of what exactly) is at it again, and this time it’s backing the wacko right and its quest to get “intelligent design” in your local school. Supporting the ludicrous film “Expelled” they embark on the expected pseudoscience analysis that passes as truth, without bothering to look for any actual facts. The usual misunderstanding of science is all you can get here, but it is amusing nonetheless. Science is quite clear that ultimate “beginnings” are and may well stay outside the province of science. But that does not mean that religiously generated theories are therefore to be given placement in our science classes. They remain what they are, philosophical metaphysical explanations for which there is no scientific test available. That is what makes science science and philosophy philosophy, after all. Berg talks as if science is an entity itself and makes all kinds of blatant fallacious remarks about “science wanting to be God.” Utter nonsense, but they like that sort of thing at NR. Oh, by the way, plenty of the “enemy” scientists have complained how they were “interviewed.” Note that in another post, the Darwin/Hitler connection is again drawn. As if that somehow makes the science wrong. Blech, what trash.

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Niki’s Ventures has a bunch of links to free pattern sites. Several are for appliques. I’ve had a appliqued quilt in mind for some time. One of these days, I may actually give it a go. Scroll down and see if there is anything that looks interesting to you.

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Returning a moment to the insane, we visit Bill Kristol and his latest vomitous remarks in the NYTimes. Why they give this nut a forum is beyond me. Is no one reading his rag the “Weekly Standard“? He actually decides that we all want to read about his take on the three candidates various Passover Messages issued by their political staffs. I mean, gosh Bill, don’t you have some toenails to trim or something even remotely interesting or necessary to do? But you guessed it, he finds one worthy of praise–John McCain’s, and in Kristol’s bent brain, I’m sure that’s a good enough reason. And don’t miss Glenn Greenwald’s take on Kristol’s tour ‘d force, either. It’s a good one. Take that Billy! LOL

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Some promising news on the environmental front. It seems science is close to a better plastic, one that can degrade within four months of hitting a landfill. This comes as welcome news as we wonder where in the heck we are going to keep putting all this garbage, and why we are doing such a miserable thing to future generations. Missouri S & T is working on the solution.

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Sugar Creek Farm has a couple of recipes for making your own sausage, breakfast and Italian. I make my own and its quite easy if you have a basic grinder. We got a KitchenAid attachment and love it. We grind our venison with it primarily, but it works great for making sausage, bologna, pepperoni and other cured meats.

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The Artful Crafter has a roundup of craft ideas for you. Wander around and see if you find anything that gets you excited. I saw some tutorials on painting and another tote to make, and a free magazine giveaway off the top.

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Some time ago, we featured the pattern for The Village Shop’s new pinwheel and applique quilt. Here she shows you the construction of the pinwheel blocks. It looks like this quilt is going to be lovely and her tutorial is most helpful.

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The overdone, overblown charges against Barack Obama and his “elitism” have been done to death it seems. But the Washington Independent actually looks at the record of our Presidents and explores who has been able to exploit the anti-elitist name in fact. The fact is, it never worked against either FDR or JFK. Will it work against Obama? You decide.

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Water, Con’t

Tags

Gardening, terrorism

Thought that terrorism grew up in some Islamic fundamentalist training camp somewhere in Asia or the Middle East? Wrong you are. Go west young man, go west. America’s first confrontation with this evil occurred there, and Urantian Sojourn has all the facts for you. White dudes were the culprits. And can you tell me why Zorro had no sidekick?

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If you like to grow greens, then stop by Veggie Gardening Tips and learn how to get the most from your planting. Many don’t like all the tough leaves that require long cooking. But the inner leaves are tender. Harvesting will kill the plant, so plan accordingly.

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Laws still on the books in Alaska:

A law in Fairbanks does not allow moose to have sex on city streets.

Fairbanks: It is considered an offense to feed alcoholic beverages to a moose.

In Alaska it is illegal to whisper in someone’s ear while they are moose hunting.

It is considered an offense to push a live moose out of a moving airplane.

Kangaroos are not allowed in barber shops at any time.

Moose may not be viewed from an airplane.

State policy states that emergencies are held to a minimum and rarely found to exist.

While it is legal to shoot bears, waking a sleeping bear for the purpose of taking a photograph is prohibited.

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People across the Midwest are still talking about the 5.2 magnitude earthquake that was felt from Chicago to Cincinnati. Much to Barack Obama’s surprise, bitter Midwesterners dropped their guns and started clinging to poles and doorways. Paul Seaburn

Scientists, I believe in Norway, have located, identified, and verified 8,000-year-old Norway spruce trees. The oldest living things on the planet. The good news is that takes some of the heat off John McCain. David Letterman

The NFL draft starts Saturday. The Oakland Raiders will be looking for speed. But what the players do in the off season is really their business. – Alan Ray, Stockton, Calif.