Notices by Chris Hessert (chessert@mastodon.online)

Hi! Welcome to the Winter Solstice, and all those increasingly bizarre ways human religions have come to recognize its significance. The natural World is exactly what it has always been, though continually changing (however slowly to our human eyes). The rest is just our never ending attempts to slather a frosting of human understanding over that reality. Because the truth is, we're a bit dim.

#Atheist

@georgetakei

When the tables are turned 180˚, do not expect any sympathy from me. I look forward to future Federal and State prosecutions, for all of the current perps.

Every time I see a US flag at half-mast while driving around here, I get a little excited. Is is just me?

@WarnerCrocker

I still think the raccoon's name is SecDef. 😉

@WarnerCrocker

Yeah, I did that too a few years ago. Feet went right out from under me on the driveway slope, in the dark. I marveled that I hadn't struck the back of my head hard enough to knock me out — there certainly was enough velocity. I live alone, so I could imagine the obit. 😬

@awilbert @WarnerCrocker

I too came to that same conclusion. 😉

@WarnerCrocker

I have grippier Winter boots now, and clamp-on ice spikes.

@WarnerCrocker

Same here. I discovered last Winter that the new Subaru can get up/down the drive better than the (now deceased) GMC 4WD Sierra could. But I still prefer to have the drive and footpaths clear of snow and ice... for me, and the delivery folks.

@WarnerCrocker

I've always viewed it as a way to stay active during the Winter. But I've already had a minor stroke a few years ago. I don't push my physical activity: if I'm tired, or starting to feel worn down, I stop. Sometimes I can come back to it after a rest, and sometimes that moves to "tomorrow".

@WarnerCrocker

As a lifelong Bears fan (I'm 64), it's bizarre to see a coaching staff and player roster come together in one season. WTAF?

A bit astounding when you think about it. The American Chestnut tree would still abound without humans (and the introduction of Chestnut blight).

And the American Ash tree would also still be here, without the human introduction of the Emerald Ash Borer.

In fact, most all environments and species would benefit from the demise of the humans. And it's remarkable Nature hasn't yet determined how to destroy us in self-defense?

@WarnerCrocker

Disappointed we missed an opportunity to knock Aaron Rogers around like a shuttlecock. 🙂

@Michigander

In September I had to make two one-day round trips to Cleveland, OH (~5.5 hrs each way). Did it the "Old School" way: look up mileage and significant intersections, take notes (written on paper). Brought along a road atlas, but didn't use it. Also brought my iPhone, but didn't use it. It was refreshing. That's how I learned to navigate when I learned to drive (1970s). I also have a very good innate sense of direction. 🙂

Next step would be to pay for all fuel/food w/cash?

@WarnerCrocker

A good hard rain knocked the last of the dead leaves off over a week ago here in NEPA. Looking at the storm you have coming in, and wondering if that same system will bring our first snow, too?

@thomasfuchs @qlp

As opposed to Microsoft culture, or what exactly? I agree with your analysis, but then we need to ask, "compared to what?"

@nixCraft

Not gonna lie: if you can't understand regexs in multiple programming languages... are you really a good coder?

And yes, I do actually mean that.

@RickiTarr

Chicago.
Yes, I’ve had ranch dressing.
It’s good as a vegetable dip, and that’s about it. I wouldn’t ask for it on a typical salad.

@WarnerCrocker

Last time I saw clouds like that was 2014 in Columbia, SC. Fierce hail caused $5k damage to my truck, and every roof in my subdivision wound up being replaced through homeowners' insurance. 😮

@RamenCatholic

I can dry stack and lay (w/mortar) field stone and brick. I can also do basic carpentry (framing), plumbing, and electrical work. I can successfully repair cars made prior to the intervention of our robot overlords. I can play stringed and brass musical instruments, and read/write/compose music. I am able to code in several languages, as well as design & manage databases. I'm pretty good at learning languages.

And I have a wicked good sense of humor. 🙂

@RamenCatholic

Historically valuable skills. Rendering fat isn't that gross: just melt it slowly down in a crock pot.