That reminds me of a recurring irritant about UPS: Several years ago when oil prices were very high, UPS increased their rates significantly, citing the cost of energy. Now they're enjoying the extra profits at our expense. There oughta be a law.
Right you are Ernie, but the guys making the law specialize in this methodology, heck, it's illegal to use the money in our Social Security Fund for anything but that, and I believe we all know what happened there. All the municipalities around the DFW Metroplex added a surcharge for water during the drought years back, the drought ended, life went on, no mention of a rollback. We have let them get away with it, now they think nothing of it. OPM, it's a great thing!
Have you seen where Illinois is trying to figure out how in the world they can resurrect the state from decades upon decades of progressive malfeasance? Of course the brilliant public servants who are responsible for the mess think raising taxes is the answer..........? Problem is the exodus from the state is finally getting some attention. One lawmaker floated a plan which breaks it up and gives quadrants to surrounding states. I'm sure Indiana, a relatively fiscally responsible state, wants a section of the hemorrhaging tumor called Illinois grafted to it. Or Wisconsin, having realized the error of it's ways recently, would love to have the sewer that is Chicago hung around their neck.
Whether one likes Maggie Thatcher or not, she hit the nail on the governmental head when she said, " Using Other People's Money is just great, until you run out of it!" Illinois is watching that brick wall scream up at them. California, last week, passed a law prohibiting state funded travel to Texas because of some of our conservative policies.......Boohoo, but their residents and companies are moving here by the droves. This isn't a difficult thing to figure out, but it seems downright impossible for some.
and looks like LR has the wrong year Also so a commercial fishing vessel heading out. Now to stumble my way up the hill to get some coffee so I can pack!
and looks like LR has the wrong year Also so a commercial fishing vessel heading out. Now to stumble my way up the hill to get some coffee so I can pack!
Jim, my dad would like a shot of Motif #1, so I'm going to head up there. Not sure where I'm spending the night, so I may be snoozing in the back seat. I'd looked at a Holiday Inn near here for a couple days, but almost $900 for two nights scared me off!!! (down on the cape) Webeesee! and just now a chipmunk ran down the tree outside this window
Been following the USS Fitzgerald saga. Seems incomprehensible that they couldn't dodge that container vessel. Looks like some serious mistakes were made on that ship, but we'll have to wait for the investigation.
That won't bring back the seven sailors that died. A story that I don't think has gotten enough attention relates to the heroic efforts of 37-year old Fire Controlman 1st Class Gary Rehm, Jr. The collision flooded two berthing rooms where 116 sailors were asleep. Gary Rehm repeatedly entered the flooded chambers, reportedly saving at least 20 sailors. When he went back in to try to find the last six, he ran out of time. They had to seal the chambers to keep the ship from foundering, trapping the men. Gary was 3 months from retirement. http://www.thedailybeast.com/navy-sailor-could-have-saved-himself-chose-to-save-his-kids-or-die-trying?via=newsletter&source=Weekend
$450 a night for a Holiday Inn? Yikes!! I remember checking into a Marriott on the Boston Harbor years ago, the client made the reservation, it was $750 a night. Coincidentally, that was right around my day rate at the time, which caused me to do a little head scratching
Now, getting ready for RIAT.
Things to do:
* taking equipment to service and cleaning
* I managed to get a EF400 5.6L lens
* planning to buy a 100-400LII lens
* getting my shirts printed (MA2A logo)
* finalizing train and other tickets
We have just returned from a week in New Mexico, Checked off a bucket list item, spent a day and a night in Chaco Culture Historical Park.
Amazing to experience the magic of a place that the ancient pueblo peoples considered to be so spiritual, and fortunate enough to be there on the summer solstice.
Here's a few snaps.... more to come!
And of course it is an "International Dark Sky Park"...so...the 2AM Milky Way shot is required!
Then up at 0430 to line up for the drive out to the Great Kiva for the summer solstice alignment.
On June 21 the sun rises over the valley and the light appears through the window on the right and shines for a few minutes on the niche on the wall.
Also so a commercial fishing vessel heading out. Now to stumble my way up the hill to get some coffee so I can pack! 
