Open Thread - Friday, February 8, 2019

Submitted by NCTim on Fri, 02/08/2019 - 3:20am

The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion.
- Albert Camus -

Funkin' eh Al!

This week, the Piedmont of NC was enchanting. We had Spring in February. The weather was inspitational, bringing people out.

I don't have much to say. I spent the week riding around and fraternizing with the unwashed masses.

Have a great funkin' weekend! The thread is OPEN.

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Open Thread

Friday

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Comments

Submitted by HenryAWallace on Fri, 02/08/2019 - 4:19am

Better than moonshine, better than rain.

I don't have a lot to say, either, NCTIM.

Have a great Friday and a wonderful weekend, everyone.

Submitted by NCTim on Fri, 02/08/2019 - 6:31am

Flow

@HenryAWallace I sat down to compose the open thread, and nothing came to mind. I could rant about what some twit said, or riff on some fever dream, but I just can't invest the mental capital. After today, the temperature is supposed to return to more seasonal levels. I think I will go for a fitness walk, feed myself, ride the motorcycle to the 'Y', workout, steam, shower, feed myself and head for the pub. Heh, maybe I will see RA there. Funk vicarious living!

—

The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. If you try it, you will be lonely often, and sometimes frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself. - Friedrich Nietzsche -

Submitted by HenryAWallace on Fri, 02/08/2019 - 9:00am

That's a good plan for a Friday. Enjoy.

@NCTim

Submitted by Raggedy Ann on Fri, 02/08/2019 - 5:40am

Good morning, Tim ~~~

Spending time with the unwashed masses is a favorite pastime for us, too. We plan to do a bit of socializing with them this evening at our local brewery.

I want to be free the way Camus describes because I consider myself a rebel. Where to begin? Wish I had the stomach to stop paying taxes. That would set me free!

Have a beautiful day and weekend, folks!

—

"The “jumpers” reminded us that one day we will all face only one choice and that is how we will die, not how we will live." Chris Hedges on 9/11

Submitted by NCTim on Fri, 02/08/2019 - 6:52am

Hola

@Raggedy Ann Heh! I was going to head for the brewery too. Maybe I will see you!

I am looking forward to this evening. The people engaged in capitalist servitude come out, enlarging the demographic.

—

Submitted by Raggedy Ann on Fri, 02/08/2019 - 12:18pm

Let's head on out

@NCTim
and confront the bastards!

—

"The “jumpers” reminded us that one day we will all face only one choice and that is how we will die, not how we will live." Chris Hedges on 9/11

Submitted by eyo on Fri, 02/08/2019 - 11:00am

one for you, nineteen for me

@Raggedy Ann after the well is dug, think about inviting Social Security tenant farmers who will live in anything and work daily for nothing but greens. Like the WOOFers, but for old people who can't keep moving, the new pioneers. It's my dream to recirculate all of my income in to a permaculture, that's all. I am just talking out loud, this is not really aimed at any one thing specifically.

George Harrison - Taxman

I wanted to say "Stand in the place where you live...":
R.E.M. - Stand

but who am I to talk? "We're Amerika's coming attraction. The future happens here first". Better have a hard hat to go with the inflatable yellow vest:
Caltrans: All lanes of Richmond-San Rafael Bridge reopen after being shut down twice

The Richmond-San Rafael Bridge was shutdown twice Thursday during ongoing emergency safety inspections prompted by falling concrete chunks that crashed onto at least one vehicle and shut down the bridge spanning the northernmost portion of the San Francisco Bay.

As of 9 p.m. Thursday night, all lanes on the bridge were open. Caltrans workers installed metal plating on the bridge’s upper deck and completed emergency inspections, according to Caltrans spokesman Vince Jacala.

Sonoma resident Graham Edwards was the only person to reportedly suffer vehicle damage as a result of falling concrete, and his wife made the initial report to CHP about the danger on the bridge

heads up
major artery
cesspool clog
I'm pretty sure The Bay Area has some of the highest taxes around, now what?

before enlightenment, chop wood carry water
after enlightenment, chop wood carry water
om

Submitted by Raggedy Ann on Fri, 02/08/2019 - 12:20pm

It's a household well,

@eyo
but we will use it to water our great outdoors, too! A garden is certainly in the plan, and a greenhouse, too! Permaculture, here we come!

—

"The “jumpers” reminded us that one day we will all face only one choice and that is how we will die, not how we will live." Chris Hedges on 9/11

Submitted by Lookout on Fri, 02/08/2019 - 7:11am

Good morning...

Living with climate chaos is interesting...80 degrees yesterday, currently at our high for the day 45 degrees. Wild permutations in the jet stream. Last summer the N and S jet streams crossed the equator...first time that's be observed.

We've got daffodils up, the Quince is blooming, as are the lenten rose Hopefully the cooler weather will hold back the fruit trees....cause we'll have another freeze (or two) in all likelihood. Although there is no predicting anymore.

Meanwhile the damn Russians are trying to take the magnetic N pole from Canada...no wonder Trudeau is so bellicose.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/feb/05/magnetic-north-pole-moving...

Well nothing for it but to enjoy the weather we have...hope you all have a good day and weekend...
Just direct your feet to the sunny side of the street!
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cr73nqSBHTo]

—

“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”

Submitted by NCTim on Fri, 02/08/2019 - 8:09am

As

@Lookout … the differential between the cold air mass and warm air mass increases, the velocity of the jet stream increases causing the wave form to increased amplitude.

We hit 80 yesterday. 70 today, then the same cool off. I am avoiding the temptation to plant too early.

—

Submitted by jbob on Fri, 02/08/2019 - 7:16am

Big Snow returns to the Yosemite area in CA

I've been out x-country skiing in really deep fresh powder (more than six feet) up in the Yosemite backcountry. They aren't kidding about breaking trail on skis being rough. Sometimes snow shoes are a better option. You are able to feel really "free" out there by yourself. Even if it is only for a limited period of time it's still a great feeling. I think I can feel a Yosemite ski trip coming up very soon.

The latest report from the winter rangers up in the high country is below.

Tuolumne Meadows Winter Conditions Update for February 6, 2019

Link to on-line report with photos

New snow: 97 inches
Total settled snow depth: 102 inches (at 8,600 feet)
High temperature: 46°F (January 31)
Low temperature: -20°F (February 6)

Ski Conditions and Weather: This week saw an impressive return to winter with a series of storms that dropped a whopping 97 inches of new snow with a 6.21 inches of snow water equivalency over a five day period. The finale to this event was 38 inches of new snow in a 24 hour period, and plummeting temperatures that hit a low of minus 20 degrees last night. This intense rate of snowfall was not something we have experienced in our time as the Tuolumne Meadows winter rangers. The landscape, or “snow-scape” such as it is, in the Tuolumne Meadows area is significantly different than it was a week ago. There is currently over 100 inches of snow blanketing this part of the Sierra Nevada with potentially more on the way this weekend. We will be digging out from this one for a while…..

As for the ever changing ski conditions, the trail breaking (is that actually skiing?) became a waist deep exercise in patience, planning, and teamwork. The low density “fluff” that fell this week resulted in sinking nearly to the bottom of the new snow when standing on skis…..and when that new snow is nearly 7 feet deep, well, you get the picture. We’re talking the ¼ mile an hour variety here folks. Needless to say that the Tuolumne Meadows rangers did not range far this week, but their shoveling and trail breaking muscles got a good workout.

As the snow settles over time, the ski travel will improve, as will the ski conditions on the surrounding slopes…

Hooray for the water in California!

Avalanche and Snowpack Conditions: Please refer to the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center (ESAC) for the avalanche advisory for this part of the Sierra Nevada.

Mother nature surely tested the snow stability with this one, with almost a hundred inches of snow and with over six inches of water. Today is the first day we have seen the sun so our observations have been limited. However this morning from Lembert Dome, we were able to see avalanche activity in the Tuolumne Meadows area on north facing rocky treed slopes around 9,000 feet. Some of those slides appeared to have crown lines that stepped into the old snow over ten feet deep. Wind and/or storm slab avalanches were visible as far away as the north slope of Mt. Lyell. Although we did not see as many avalanches in the alpine zone, it was obvious that the winds had ravaged these mountains during the storm and probably obliterated most evidence of slide activity.

The persistent weak layers are now deeply buried and the new snow seems well bonded and homogenous and will continue to strengthen and set up. Now the primary avalanche hazards will be driven by the wind and/or the sun (rapid warming). This is a very dynamic time period with potentially more snow on the way. Continue to monitor the daily weather and local avalanche posts.

Wildlife: The day before this series of storms hit Tuolumne Meadows, the birds and other wildlife were scurrying about as if they too were making preparations for the impending weather. One ermine (short-tailed weasel) scored big before hunkering down. But, we accidentally spooked it while it was attempting to drag a dead bushy-tailed wood rat twice its size across the snow to its burrow. Given how soft and furry the rat’s pelt looked and how many calories were probably packed inside its plump body, it was no surprise to see the weasel patiently waiting to retrieve it once the coast was clear. Within five minutes, the weasel excitedly hopped about thinking that we were gone, grabbed the rat by the scruff of its neck and claimed its prize.

General Information: The Tuolumne Meadows Ski Hut is open. There is firewood and 8 bunks that are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

There is no phone service in Tuolumne Meadows. We can be contacted regarding winter travel to Tuolumne Meadows via email, but we may be delayed in responding if we are on patrol.

For those visiting the Tuolumne Ski Hut from the east (only) permits are self-issued at the ski hut. For those entering from other areas, please see: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildpermits.htm. or you may contact the wilderness office at 209/372-0740. Come prepared, and please make good decisions while travelling in the wilderness! Follow our blog: https://www.nps.gov/yose/blogs/tmconditions.htm. Happy skiing! Laura and Rob Pilewski - Tuolumne Winter Rangers

Submitted by NCTim on Fri, 02/08/2019 - 8:16am

Cool

@jbob I mean cold. I would have to go looking for cold weather gear. I still have my wool clothes and felt pack boots. Not much use for them 'round here.

I've been out x-country skiing in really deep fresh powder (more than six feet) up in the Yosemite backcountry. They aren't kidding about breaking trail on skis being rough. Sometimes snow shoes are a better option. You are able to feel really "free" out there by yourself. Even if it is only for a limited period of time it's still a great feeling. I think I can feel a Yosemite ski trip coming up very soon. The latest report from the winter rangers up in the high country is below. Tuolumne Meadows Winter Conditions Update for February 6, 2019 Link to on-line report with photos New snow: 97 inches Total settled snow depth: 102 inches (at 8,600 feet) High temperature: 46°F (January 31) Low temperature: -20°F (February 6) Ski Conditions and Weather: This week saw an impressive return to winter with a series of storms that dropped a whopping 97 inches of new snow with a 6.21 inches of snow water equivalency over a five day period. The finale to this event was 38 inches of new snow in a 24 hour period, and plummeting temperatures that hit a low of minus 20 degrees last night. This intense rate of snowfall was not something we have experienced in our time as the Tuolumne Meadows winter rangers. The landscape, or “snow-scape” such as it is, in the Tuolumne Meadows area is significantly different than it was a week ago. There is currently over 100 inches of snow blanketing this part of the Sierra Nevada with potentially more on the way this weekend. We will be digging out from this one for a while….. As for the ever changing ski conditions, the trail breaking (is that actually skiing?) became a waist deep exercise in patience, planning, and teamwork. The low density “fluff” that fell this week resulted in sinking nearly to the bottom of the new snow when standing on skis…..and when that new snow is nearly 7 feet deep, well, you get the picture. We’re talking the ¼ mile an hour variety here folks. Needless to say that the Tuolumne Meadows rangers did not range far this week, but their shoveling and trail breaking muscles got a good workout. As the snow settles over time, the ski travel will improve, as will the ski conditions on the surrounding slopes… Hooray for the water in California! Avalanche and Snowpack Conditions: Please refer to the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center (ESAC) for the avalanche advisory for this part of the Sierra Nevada. Mother nature surely tested the snow stability with this one, with almost a hundred inches of snow and with over six inches of water. Today is the first day we have seen the sun so our observations have been limited. However this morning from Lembert Dome, we were able to see avalanche activity in the Tuolumne Meadows area on north facing rocky treed slopes around 9,000 feet. Some of those slides appeared to have crown lines that stepped into the old snow over ten feet deep. Wind and/or storm slab avalanches were visible as far away as the north slope of Mt. Lyell. Although we did not see as many avalanches in the alpine zone, it was obvious that the winds had ravaged these mountains during the storm and probably obliterated most evidence of slide activity. The persistent weak layers are now deeply buried and the new snow seems well bonded and homogenous and will continue to strengthen and set up. Now the primary avalanche hazards will be driven by the wind and/or the sun (rapid warming). This is a very dynamic time period with potentially more snow on the way. Continue to monitor the daily weather and local avalanche posts. Wildlife: The day before this series of storms hit Tuolumne Meadows, the birds and other wildlife were scurrying about as if they too were making preparations for the impending weather. One ermine (short-tailed weasel) scored big before hunkering down. But, we accidentally spooked it while it was attempting to drag a dead bushy-tailed wood rat twice its size across the snow to its burrow. Given how soft and furry the rat’s pelt looked and how many calories were probably packed inside its plump body, it was no surprise to see the weasel patiently waiting to retrieve it once the coast was clear. Within five minutes, the weasel excitedly hopped about thinking that we were gone, grabbed the rat by the scruff of its neck and claimed its prize. General Information: The Tuolumne Meadows Ski Hut is open. There is firewood and 8 bunks that are available on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no phone service in Tuolumne Meadows. We can be contacted regarding winter travel to Tuolumne Meadows via email, but we may be delayed in responding if we are on patrol. For those visiting the Tuolumne Ski Hut from the east (only) permits are self-issued at the ski hut. For those entering from other areas, please see: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildpermits.htm. or you may contact the wilderness office at 209/372-0740. Come prepared, and please make good decisions while travelling in the wilderness! Follow our blog: https://www.nps.gov/yose/blogs/tmconditions.htm. Happy skiing! Laura and Rob Pilewski - Tuolumne Winter Rangers

—

Submitted by enhydra lutris on Fri, 02/08/2019 - 8:22am

Good morning, Tim, whatever you do today, enjoy the hell out of

it. Cold (43) and rainy here, so another day stuck inside while under orders to "get up and move around as much as you can stand". Heh. I sympathize with the writers's block. We have two more long vacations lined up, and I am ergo trying to pre-load a ton of OTs. Since I'm on down time anyway, it seems like it would be a good time, but much staring at the screenand keyboard got me nowhere yestidday. "Yestidday, all my troubles ... ." Perhaps some columns on columns, Doric, Ionic, Corinthian and Lally, for example.

Meanwhile I suggests you rock it, shake it up, and then shake it on down, and maybe you'll shake it loose. ;). Perhaps a cool water sandwich is in order, without sauce.

—

That, in its essence, is fascism--ownership of government by an individual, by a group, or by any other controlling private power. -- Franklin D. Roosevelt --

Submitted by eyo on Fri, 02/08/2019 - 9:55am

Workout routine Forever Asleep

@enhydra lutris good morning I think maybe Sun Salutations saved me from a broken bone. Here is an image I found:
yoga sun salutations

on a youngster's blog called foreverasleep. lol right on
"No equipment? No problem." etc.. Indoor exercise ideas.
https://foreverasleep.wordpress.com/2013/07/26/no-equipment-no-problem-b...

If perfection is your thing here are ten steps toward(s) it: https://www.yogajournal.com/poses/ray-of-light

Gentle. I get cabin fever after about three days, hence moi rain gear. Pretty sure it was downward facing dog I was trying for, while flying over the real dawg. The tricep muscle attached to that elbow feels strained, and that is the worst of it. Ice packs kept the swelling down. lucky duck i am

On my knees again thanking anything that will listen, because even covered by Medicare I cannot afford any broken bones.

cheers
quack quack

Submitted by enhydra lutris on Fri, 02/08/2019 - 11:05am

Good morning, eyo, and thanks for the proffered

@eyo
morning routine.

I have, at times, done similar, but I have I very fresh 3" incision that would almost certainly not survive the warrior, let alone the cobra.

Have a good one.

—

That, in its essence, is fascism--ownership of government by an individual, by a group, or by any other controlling private power. -- Franklin D. Roosevelt --

Submitted by detroitmechworks on Fri, 02/08/2019 - 9:08am

Broke my collarbone last night.

So typing one handed. Nice break right in the middle. Cant be set, So my arms in a sling for a week. Made breakfast for kids left handed today.

Daughter commented it was scary how calm I was about it. Got them home fine and went to the hospital myself. Lesson learned... Don't run like an idiot even if your teacher tells you to. Because my hands were behind my back I fell wrong when I tripped. Heard the break as did everybody else in class.

Just a tip for moms. If I have a broken bone, I'm going to curse. Don't tell me to watch my language. Curses designate things that need attention.

[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elvV6RfD3Kc]

—

I do not pretend I know what I do not know.

Submitted by Tall Bald and Ugly on Fri, 02/08/2019 - 9:54am

Dude!

@detroitmechworks The last two injuries(notable) for me occurred in my forties.
Be CAREful, Bro!

—

Ya got to be a Spirit, cain't be no Ghost. . .

Explain Bldg #7. . . still waiting. . .

If you’ve ever wondered whether you would have complied in 1930’s Germany,
Now you know. . .
sign at protest march

Submitted by detroitmechworks on Fri, 02/08/2019 - 9:58am

Rgr. Following doctors orders

@Tall Bald and Ugly Its a common sports injury. Only a few fragments and it should be fine. VA will have Ortho clear me before I start working out again.

—

I do not pretend I know what I do not know.

Submitted by eyo on Fri, 02/08/2019 - 10:20am

Dood! When you get better can you weld me

@detroitmechworks a human-size hamster wheel? I swear you are my (little) brother from another mother. Also too, Opol is right "Things are weird, we are all connected." zeitgeist begone

Take calcium to help heal bones faster, also eat more fiber too. LOL I was just telling my neighbor about this old routine, before I fell over her dawg onto my elbow:

Colon Blow - SNL

Lizard brain Vulcan mind meld mashup.
RIP Phil Hartman, that guy always made me laugh out loud. cheers

Submitted by detroitmechworks on Fri, 02/08/2019 - 10:39am

When I get the Workshop set up...

@eyo Come on in and put it on the board. No guarantee on time frame, because I'd have to Archimedes that design.

(yes, I've decided to use that name as a verb. To Archimedes: Using simple tools, create something that you have no plans for, but sounds incredibly cool. Not Guaranteed to work On the 1st attempt.)

Drinking milk. The one problem is all my decent shirts are pullovers.

—

I do not pretend I know what I do not know.

Submitted by enhydra lutris on Fri, 02/08/2019 - 10:34am

Good morning, detroit. Sorry about your injury. You are far

@detroitmechworks
too easy on the censorious moms. It is no longer 270 bce, nor even 1520 ce. Despite the irrational babbling of sacerdotes and priests those words have no power over persons fortunes, fate or lives except to the extent that they make them so. There are no gods, godlings, witches or warlocks and never were. Just as they cannot require all of society to limp whenever they have a sprained ankle of other similar defect, they cannot expect us to go along with their superstition psychosocial defects. Their problem with "bad words" is just that, their problem, for which they should seek help.

—

That, in its essence, is fascism--ownership of government by an individual, by a group, or by any other controlling private power. -- Franklin D. Roosevelt --

Submitted by detroitmechworks on Fri, 02/08/2019 - 10:46am

While that's true, the last thing I wanted...

@enhydra lutris While I was in pain was to get into an argument.

I said a military, "yes, ma'am, apologies ma'am" and continued directing my kids to gather up the gear and paid it no further mind. My thought was "Deal with the real crisis first, and don't waste time on stupid shit."

Course, that woman has lost all of my respect and I'll never choose to speak to her again, but that's her loss, not mine.

And this is taking way too long to type one handed. Gotta learn to be less verbose.

—

I do not pretend I know what I do not know.

Submitted by earthling1 on Fri, 02/08/2019 - 12:33pm

Sorry to hear about your mishap, DMW

@detroitmechworks
I broke my collarbone back in my 30s and it's still a "funnybone".
If you're still up for the meetup Sunday I can drop by and pick you up.
Let me know.
In other news:
"Worst day of the Year Ride" scheduled for Sat. was postponed till Feb. 24th because of......... bad weather, the worst of the year.
For everyone driving to the meetup Sunday, be careful.

—

Neither Russia nor China is our enemy.
Neither Iran nor Venezuela are threatening America.
Cuba is a dead horse, stop beating it.

Submitted by detroitmechworks on Sat, 02/09/2019 - 9:01am

I am going

@earthling1 and gramma was planning on being my carpool as far as I know, so i will see you there!

—

I do not pretend I know what I do not know.

Submitted by Raggedy Ann on Fri, 02/08/2019 - 12:24pm

OUCH!!!

@detroitmechworks
My grandson broke his collar bone in the middle, too. Arm in a sling, I worried about his recovery. He was 15 and quit football after that. He realized he was fragile! We all are.

Recovering from my broken foot was an arduous process. Follow doctor's orders!!!

—

"The “jumpers” reminded us that one day we will all face only one choice and that is how we will die, not how we will live." Chris Hedges on 9/11

Submitted by magiamma on Fri, 02/08/2019 - 2:14pm

Camille Billops artist

artist sculptor film maker printmaker...

Camilla Bilops sculpture.jpg

Camille J. Billops, artist, filmmaker, archivist, and professor, was born on August 12, 1933, in Los Angeles. ... By 1965 Billops had established an international reputation as a sculptor, printmaker, and photographer. ... Billops has taught for the art departments of Rutgers University and the City University of New York. ... In 1975 Billops and her husband founded the Hatch-Billops Collection, Inc., a non-profit research library of African American historical documents focusing on the arts.

https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/camille-billops-1933/

Camille Bilops print.jpg

In the spring of 1961, a young black woman named Camille Billops took an action that made her a pariah in the eyes of her family and society: She gave up her 4-year-old daughter, Christa, for adoption.

Unwed and uninterested in motherhood, Billops left her child to pursue a life of adventure and a career as an artist. She soon married a white man--inviting further condemnation--and ultimately became a sculptor and filmmaker in New York.

Ten years ago, mother and daughter were reunited, and now Billops has made a haunting film about their odyssey. In a testament to its absorbing content and artful look, "Finding Christa" won the 1992 documentary grand prize at the Sundance Film Festival. It is the third film by Billops, 58, and her husband-collaborator, James V. Hatch. It airs this week as part of PBS' "P.O.V." series.

http://articles.latimes.com/1992-06-28/news/tv-2150_1_camille-billops

How did you choose such personal subjects? Your niece’s drug addiction, your aunt’s lover, the daughter you gave up for adoption: they’re so close to home that I’d find them impossible to approach as film.

CB Maybe it’s self-exhibitionism. A lot of people wouldn’t talk about those things. I learn from each audience. Most of the time, people say, “That was brave. We admire that. It was important to say that.” Often, we don’t say things we should. I tried to say those things. In view of a larger picture, that’s how the film should be considered. Not as a personal story, but as an example of the larger ideas about women. Women as nest-keepers, women as mothers, and how they are either honored or—women can be adventurers and explorers. Sometimes men want to be nest-keepers, but we don’t allow that. Finding Christa is a plea for women to think about their choices. You should never let anyone take those choices away from you. The control words for women are moral words. They will call you a whore if you want to stand out on the street, just to find out the news. You can’t hang out on that street. Men will circle and drive you away from the public space. So I was always curious about that. I am a feminist, but some of the white women, like the Kate Millets and that group who wanted to go to Iran to liberate the women behind the veil; I said, “Put your ass out on the streets, see how liberated you are. Check out that corner, you need a submachine gun.” But we don’t know the end of this yet, it’s been a very interesting exploration.

Sometimes, after seeing Finding Christa, women talk to me about children that they’re looking for, or that maybe they should have given up. But they don’t say it out in an open way, they tend to whisper it afterwards.

https://bombmagazine.org/articles/camille-billops/

Camille Billops also archived African American art with her husband. "The Billops-Hatch Archives provides a major resource for research in African American arts and letters of the 20th century."

more at wiki:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camille_Billops

—

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