Earthquakes are a bit scary.

You see, if the roadways/freeways collapse, then you can't travel on them, or under them, or over them.

You are trapped!

This is a bit nerve wracking.

We hope that the strengthening that CalTrans did after Loma Prieta and Northridge, will prevent the damage shown above. This pic is from Chile on Saturday.

It Looks Like 1910,

But this pic was taken on 26 February 2010 in the Upper East side of Manhattan.

(Thanks to @alexisglick.)

(Click to expand.)

Hey! I'm only running a quote.

(From today's Health Summit at Blair House) (That's VPOTUS above. He said this.)

"I'm always reluctant after being here 37 years to tell people what the American people think. I think it requires a little bit of humility to be able to know what the American people think, and I don't, I can't swear I do. I know what I think. I think I know what they think. But I'm not sure what they think. And the second point I'd make is..."

Now, back to our regular programming.

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Mr. George

(Just look at what you helped to create, and wisely set on its way.)

It's Time For You To Smile...

I told you...

Beginning To See Signs

First, the camilia bush, then the daffodils, now:

Akiko's Peach Tree started to bloom today!

San Francisco Municipal Railway (aka MUNI)

I follow @sfappeal on Twitter, and 3 or 4 times each day they report on a collision/injury/death on the San Francisco Municipal Railway, aka Muni. Hence, my affection for the trollys, ancient or otherwise.

Now, I just have to get rid of these images. (I've never ridden Muni!) Enjoy.

(I think there are several messages herein)

DW1- - -

Happy Valentine's Day

(Happy Chinese New Year's, too)

Housing Crisis?

(click to enlarge)

Only in the Socialist Demcratic Republic of Berkeley. Nevermind the inherent conflict between "democratic" and "republic." This is Berkeley, after all.

And, for any housing-deficient birds out there, take your pick.

Happy Birthday, Mr. President

http://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/2010/02/025570.php

Scary New Pix

The NYT has published these new photos from the NYPD

http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2010/02/10/nyregion/20100210-WORLDTRADE_index.html

It's That Time Of The Year

Star-Spangled Banner

This is a great rendition of our national anthem. Thanks to Richard of Albuquerque for the link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ETrr-XHBjE&fmt=18

Serious Time, Friends

Here's a dispatch from Michael Yon concerning operations in Afghanistan. It's educational and eye-popping visual, with pics from Yon.  I was mightily impressed:

http://aimpoints.hq.af.mil/display.cfm?id=35673

Please click, and be impressed by the dedication of our troops. (Whether or not...)

Thanks

Saranap Winter 2009

Well, we had snow on Mt. Diablo (Mont St. Georges for those in the know) today. Second time this Winter, which is a bit unusual.

 We're all worried about a drought (i.e. no water), so every drop of precipitation is welcome. We understand that this Winter is about average.
The problem is that we need several Winters of "Way above average!" to catch up.
(Mieko keeps Swiftering the floors, erasing the muddy footprints of the cats. Sigh.)
(Pix are from various sources.)

January 21, 1872

George Clarke Sellery

b. January 21, 1872

Kincardine, Ontario, Canada

d. January 21, 1962

Madison, Wisconsin, USA

(Nice timing, Grandfather.)

Cavallo Point, California

This used to be Ft. Baker, just under the Northern anchorage of the Golden Gate.  Then, the military downsized, and left the area.

After interminable public hearings, many fallen trees made into impact reports, the good guys have a small semblance of victory.

The area is open to the public.  There are conference facilities, a bed and breakfast, and some eating facilities. (I shall have to investigate these latter more carefully.)

No tobacco, hemp is okay, no chewing gum, and sandals only. Other than these restrictions, it may be fun to visit. The views are certainly unusual, and glorious.

Snowboarding is definitely a sport of its own!

Wow! That's some impressive set of tricks.

2 0 1 0 !

Surface Up!

This is looking down. Pictures are very interesting when they are looking down.

And they are really interesting when you look straight down!

(That's Escher looking, isn't it?)