Fall-itics

I was just thinking, I agree with being fiscally responsible and I don't think that people who don't do shit, should get paid big $$$. That being said, I think that people should look after another, and American's should take care of one another. I am independent. Thanks to Howard STern and his tirades about the Republicans wanting to end Planned Parenthood- "The Planned Parenthood Action Fund, Inc. (PPAF) is a related organization which lobbies for pro-choice legislation, comprehensive sex education, and access to affordable health care in the United States." from Wiki http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planned_Parenthood It dawned on me just now a proposition for the Republican party: If you want to do away with birth control and abortion, than you must pay for the lives of unwanted children across this country. And if they (the republican party)say,... 'Well we are paying for them already, through social programs, welfare, food stamps, etc.' My response would be, Exactly.

GMC MotorHome

Iconic design. Here is a good compilation of images and media: http://squob.com/motorhomes/gmc-the-hot-wheels-rv/

Need production for construction

With the purchase of my new house, And it's ensuing gutting (renovation), I am seeking ways to document the process for teaching/learning purposes and sheer enjoyment factor of tearing up an old house and redoing it propper- efficiently, economically and environmentally.

Immigration Nation

As I scan through the channels on TV, I notice Border Wars, a documentary show on National Geographic detailing their 'war' on illegal immigrants. A few years ago, I remember hearing a very pertinent and fresh perspective on immigration: It's when people don't want to hop fences to come to America when we have real problems- meaning people wanting to risk their lives to come to America for a better life is a good thing. The USA is still the land of the American dream.

The proof: Immigrants aren't climbing fences, boarding boats, and traveling across deserts for a better life in Russia or China.   America is the land of freedom, democracy and opportunity.

Great White extravaganza

(Pic: Dead great white from Westport, MA. August/September 2012)
Ever since a 15 foot great white shark became trapped in a small lagoon just south of Woods Hole, MA (during the summer of 2004), Cape Cod has been a hotbed of great white activity and sightings. This summer, 2012 has been the most active, with regular sightings, beach closures, and an alleged attack in Truro.

Every kid from Cape Cod and the Islands (Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard) has probably seen Jaws a hundred times and was first subjected to the movie at the tender age of 5. (not) Much has changed since Jaws first hit theatres in 1975; locals still depend on summer tourists and affluent seasonal residents for their livelihoods. Much has changed from then and now- the great white shark is a protected species in the USA and research has been elevated across the planet, with Australia and South Africa at the forefront of study.

With all the promotion of the Discovery Channel's "Shark Week" circus, it's nice to see that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts with shows titled- "Jaws Comes Home", is tagging the sharks and gaining much needed long term research into Atlantic great white sharks. What is disconcerting to me, is the lack of 'attention' that's really been paid to a clear and present danger: great white sharks possibly attacking swimmers and ruining the seasonal tourism for the Cape. A la Jaws- Mayor Vaughn: "I'm only trying to say that Amity is a summer town. We need summer dollars. Now, if the people can't swim here, they'll be glad to swim at the beaches of Cape Cod, the Hamptons, Long Island..."

What we Don't need are more shark wranglers and cowboys coming to Cape Cod to test their TV persona.

What we need is the BEST that marine science has to offer, like real-time satellite tags (available and used in AU for years) to track and research the sharks by the second, monitoring the threat. We do have some of the best centers for higher learning and marine studies in the nation and world abroad- it's time we lead by example, so we don't end up with a real problem.

The West indies and the ring of the Caribbean

Saint Martin island; smaller than Nantucket, yet divided between France and The Dutch.

My biggest fan and my greatest critic.

December 18, 2011 was the end of an era, the day we lost a great woman: Jane F. McCormick, my mother. She lived a hundred lives in the 70 years she graced this earth. And left her mark in many ways and touched many lives. Jane's spirit lives on in her three children, five grandchildren and countless jokes. My mom was as tenacious and brash; as she was, comforting and compassionate. I thank her for helping form my life and giving me strength. Until the day she died she was as opinionated and strong as the woman I will always remember- still laughing and arguing about politics and economics, till the day she died. She gave me a brother and sister, taught us important life lessons and made sure that we were taken care of. "Go tell your mother she loves you." I can still hear Mammy Jane bellow to her kids, grand-kids, or anyone else within earshot.

Origami corrugations

By Ray Schamp

looking south

Lewis Street, East Boston. feb 5, 12

Pine Street

I moved to New Orleans in March 2001, for work as a marketing manager at a lumber trade association. Having just graduated from UMass Amherst, I was happy to have a good paying job (any job) outside of New England. I was reaching for California, but New Orleans was good enough. I was chosen for the job over more seasoned candidates because; "I represented the future and the industry needed a shot in the arm", so I was told.

After I started work on April 1, I was immediately dispatched to the Southern Pine growing region to learn about the species I would be representing. Lumber towns, rural, quiet honest places in the deep south, places like: Pineville, Louisiana; Mobile, Alabama and Tylertown, Mississippi were part of my required training.

I already knew about Southern Pine, because I grew up on Pine Street, West Barnstable, Massachusetts, but it was meeting the people of the south that was my real education.