There is, in fact, some news today, but nothing that can't wait until tomorrow. Seems like this might well be a busy week, so let's take the night off. It’s been quite cold here, and the sea smoke, which rises when the air is colder than the water, has been spectacular.
With appreciation to HCR for your reach from America’s origins to the present day with analysis, synthesis, and lucidity. Thank you Peter Ralston for “Only One,” a striking and 'smoking' winter scene. That icy water looks as my hands and feet feel.
A special thank you to Congressman Jamie Raskin representing Maryland’s 8th Congressional District in the U.S. House as he serves all Americans with uncommon devotion and goodwill.
May we the people work our way toward respect and understanding of one another.
Dreams
Langston Hughes - 1901-1967
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.
From The Collected Poems of Langston Hughes published by Alfred A. Knopf/Vintage.
James Mercer Langston Hughes was born February 1, 1901, in Joplin, Missouri. His parents divorced when he was a young child, and his father moved to Mexico. He was raised by his grandmother until he was thirteen, when he moved to Lincoln, Illinois, to live with his mother and her husband, before the family eventually settled in Cleveland, Ohio. It was in Lincoln that Hughes began writing poetry. After graduating from high school, he spent a year in Mexico followed by a year at Columbia University in New York City. During this time, he worked as an assistant cook, launderer, and busboy.
Enjoy the sea smoke and a quiet evening early in a turbulent year: Ukraine, Putin, Xi, Kim, Covid, House 1/6 Committee,Trumpimania’s slippery slope, an upward-trend economy, ‘sedition’ writ large, voting machinations, the possible child of BBB, and oh yes, Congressional elections in November….
You have a hilly marathon ahead with fulsome support from a multitude of fans. Please pace yourself as you share your reportage on Trump’s slump and and President Biden’s upswing prior to a glorious end-of-year finish by your comforting Maine fireplace.
Sea smoke, eh? Never heard of it. See, even when you don't mean to, you teach us things. Thanks to Peter for the beautiful photo. Rest well, my friend.
What if the TV news came up on schedule and announced; “Nothing happened today you really need to know about, so why not turn the TV off and spend some time with your children.”
Heather, thanks for sharing Peter Ralston’s photography. The images are full of light and hope and beauty. And they go well with your letters that cut through so much sadness to give us bigger perspectives and paths that lead to hope. Deep appreciation.
Ps. I live on the northern coast of California and am intimately familiar with fog. But the sea smoke is amazing!
For some reason the fact that tfg repeatedly tore memos, etc. into little pieces (and threw them on the floor—how juvenile is THAT??) after being reminded of the Pres. Records Act really frosted me. Why this? Just seemed I guess like a big F*** Y** to us and to the law which he, of course, is above. POS.
Wow! Is that what they call liquid smoke? Mistical ...
By the way, just in case you missed these - pretty sure the issue has not gone away, and certain those working to strike the balance appreciate participation from concerned citizens ...:
... “legitimate political discourse" [1] ...?
"The Republican Party has now endorsed violence as a legitimate form of political expression. This is not only a threat to the survival of our democracy – but also to each and every one of us living in this country.
"For too long, Republican officials have tried to minimize the insurrection. Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ) claimed that a federal investigation into the riot was “harassing peaceful patriots,” while Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-GA) likened the invasion of the Capitol to a normal tourist visit. [2]"
Sign if you agree: the January 6th insurrection was anything but “legitimate political discourse” – and we must never let it happen again.
"... voters should decide the outcome of elections – not an angry and racist mob. Common Cause will continue our work with our partners and activists around the country to defend our democracy from these authoritarian efforts."
Off Topic: On the J6 Capitol Breach Cases, the DOJ has announced another 23 gullty pleas on Monday morning. That`s over 35 case resolutions since late Friday. The facts are not getting any better for defendants who are scrambling for plea deals.
The best news I read yesterday on justsecurity.org was that Col.Vindman, has brought Legal suit to Don Jr, Giuliani ,and Aiders & Abetters . And you are going to Love the Law they used “The Klan Act “. Looks like all the bases are covered, and Not Appealable. I was Cheering out loud in my living room . TFG has about 18-20 cases against him .And of course they are dragging thru the courts. The discussion about Vindman’s hinged on if Impeachment was a Court of Law ? They gave the reason why it is. What happen to him and his brother was the “ Enough ! “ Actually it’s brilliant ! Because it proves the guilt on ‘Someone ‘ who can’t be held accountable. But still Guilty ! So Justice will be served finally, for JustU.S.! Can hardly wait for tomorrow. Been thinking about Ppl in those cold Temps. So sending warm thoughts and stay safe.
Thank-you Dr. Cox-Richardson and Mr. Ralston. For a couple of years I worked as a marine surveyor along the ME and NH coasts. It was scenes like that which made the frozen salt spray fouling lines and equipment (and my beard) worth the trouble.
I’ve had a couple of friends around the boatyard who were and are lobstermen. Don’t know how they do it, all year round. It seems to be like being a miner (at least of the hard-rock variety) or a fisherman or a firefighter: a hard and dangerous occupation that gets into the blood, often to be passed down in the family. Truly, everyday heroes.
With appreciation to HCR for your reach from America’s origins to the present day with analysis, synthesis, and lucidity. Thank you Peter Ralston for “Only One,” a striking and 'smoking' winter scene. That icy water looks as my hands and feet feel.
A special thank you to Congressman Jamie Raskin representing Maryland’s 8th Congressional District in the U.S. House as he serves all Americans with uncommon devotion and goodwill.
May we the people work our way toward respect and understanding of one another.
Dreams
Langston Hughes - 1901-1967
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.
From The Collected Poems of Langston Hughes published by Alfred A. Knopf/Vintage.
James Mercer Langston Hughes was born February 1, 1901, in Joplin, Missouri. His parents divorced when he was a young child, and his father moved to Mexico. He was raised by his grandmother until he was thirteen, when he moved to Lincoln, Illinois, to live with his mother and her husband, before the family eventually settled in Cleveland, Ohio. It was in Lincoln that Hughes began writing poetry. After graduating from high school, he spent a year in Mexico followed by a year at Columbia University in New York City. During this time, he worked as an assistant cook, launderer, and busboy.
Enjoy the sea smoke and a quiet evening early in a turbulent year: Ukraine, Putin, Xi, Kim, Covid, House 1/6 Committee,Trumpimania’s slippery slope, an upward-trend economy, ‘sedition’ writ large, voting machinations, the possible child of BBB, and oh yes, Congressional elections in November….
You have a hilly marathon ahead with fulsome support from a multitude of fans. Please pace yourself as you share your reportage on Trump’s slump and and President Biden’s upswing prior to a glorious end-of-year finish by your comforting Maine fireplace.
Sea smoke, eh? Never heard of it. See, even when you don't mean to, you teach us things. Thanks to Peter for the beautiful photo. Rest well, my friend.
What if the TV news came up on schedule and announced; “Nothing happened today you really need to know about, so why not turn the TV off and spend some time with your children.”
Yeah, and what if it rained beer on Sundays.
Heather, thanks for sharing Peter Ralston’s photography. The images are full of light and hope and beauty. And they go well with your letters that cut through so much sadness to give us bigger perspectives and paths that lead to hope. Deep appreciation.
Ps. I live on the northern coast of California and am intimately familiar with fog. But the sea smoke is amazing!
For some reason the fact that tfg repeatedly tore memos, etc. into little pieces (and threw them on the floor—how juvenile is THAT??) after being reminded of the Pres. Records Act really frosted me. Why this? Just seemed I guess like a big F*** Y** to us and to the law which he, of course, is above. POS.
Wow! Is that what they call liquid smoke? Mistical ...
By the way, just in case you missed these - pretty sure the issue has not gone away, and certain those working to strike the balance appreciate participation from concerned citizens ...:
... “legitimate political discourse" [1] ...?
"The Republican Party has now endorsed violence as a legitimate form of political expression. This is not only a threat to the survival of our democracy – but also to each and every one of us living in this country.
"For too long, Republican officials have tried to minimize the insurrection. Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ) claimed that a federal investigation into the riot was “harassing peaceful patriots,” while Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-GA) likened the invasion of the Capitol to a normal tourist visit. [2]"
Sign if you agree: the January 6th insurrection was anything but “legitimate political discourse” – and we must never let it happen again.
https://actionnetwork.org/forms/sign-now-trying-to-overthrow-our-democracy-is-not-legitimate-political-discourse/
1) https://www.commoncause.org/press-release/national-republican-party-dangerously-declares-january-6-attack-legitimate-political-discourse/
2) https://www.thedailybeast.com/gop-lawmakers-claim-trump-supporters-were-the-true-victims-of-capitol-riot
"... voters should decide the outcome of elections – not an angry and racist mob. Common Cause will continue our work with our partners and activists around the country to defend our democracy from these authoritarian efforts."
Devon Nir, Digital Strategies Manager
and the team at Common Cause
https://www.commoncause.org/
Common Cause
805 Fifteenth Street NW, Suite 800
Washington, DC 20005
202.833.1200
Off Topic: On the J6 Capitol Breach Cases, the DOJ has announced another 23 gullty pleas on Monday morning. That`s over 35 case resolutions since late Friday. The facts are not getting any better for defendants who are scrambling for plea deals.
The best news I read yesterday on justsecurity.org was that Col.Vindman, has brought Legal suit to Don Jr, Giuliani ,and Aiders & Abetters . And you are going to Love the Law they used “The Klan Act “. Looks like all the bases are covered, and Not Appealable. I was Cheering out loud in my living room . TFG has about 18-20 cases against him .And of course they are dragging thru the courts. The discussion about Vindman’s hinged on if Impeachment was a Court of Law ? They gave the reason why it is. What happen to him and his brother was the “ Enough ! “ Actually it’s brilliant ! Because it proves the guilt on ‘Someone ‘ who can’t be held accountable. But still Guilty ! So Justice will be served finally, for JustU.S.! Can hardly wait for tomorrow. Been thinking about Ppl in those cold Temps. So sending warm thoughts and stay safe.
Gorgeous photo!
Thank you for taking a night off: it reminds the rest of us to maintain a sense of proportion.
Always love the photos you pick. May everyone sleep well and wake refreshed, ready to fight the good fight another day!
Thank-you Dr. Cox-Richardson and Mr. Ralston. For a couple of years I worked as a marine surveyor along the ME and NH coasts. It was scenes like that which made the frozen salt spray fouling lines and equipment (and my beard) worth the trouble.
How mystical and enchanting! The perfect seascape to envision just before settling into a warm bed. Sleep well and deep, dear Heather!
Thank you Heather for sharing this incredible photo and for all you do, everyday.
You are appreciated more than you will ever realize.
Be safe. Be well.
Cold here tonight. And bed is calling. Care for yourself, please, this week, professor. You are and American gem.
I’ve had a couple of friends around the boatyard who were and are lobstermen. Don’t know how they do it, all year round. It seems to be like being a miner (at least of the hard-rock variety) or a fisherman or a firefighter: a hard and dangerous occupation that gets into the blood, often to be passed down in the family. Truly, everyday heroes.