Senate republicans blocked funding for veteran health care in retaliation for Manchin voting with the dems on the climate change bill. This bill sailed through the senate with 84 votes 2 months ago but because of a glitch had to be revoted on. The voting came after the climate change bill was passed.
Jon Stewart, a long advocate for vets, and 9/11 responders is calling out republicans, and will not let this die. Am assured he’ll appear on Stephen Colbert Monday discussing this, however, the bigger question is why? These vets were exposed to burn pit toxins, and it may even be the reason why President Biden’s son, Beau, died due to brain cancer. They serve us and deserve appropriate health care. Don’t you agree?
Vets – Remember this when you vote.
And Jon Stewart, I know you won’t give up this fight.
Maybe Jon needs to run for office? I understand Rachel Maddow is.
Another American that has been in a Russian prison for 11 months after bringing 14 vape cartridges in his bags, shoes, and cannabis buds in a contact lens case, to Russia. A 60 year old American teacher from Pittsburgh is now serving 14 years in a Russian jail.
The family is calling for assist, and hoping he can be added to the other 2 Americans requesting release.
The US manufactures about 10%, (don’t quote me here, but the figure is very low), of the chips we currently need and use. This has become a national security issue as we need these items for defense as well as almost EVERYTHING…. Gina Raimondo, Secretary for Commerce, and formerly Rhode Island Governor, put together this amazing bill incorporating benefits along with safeguards to get this legislation passed. Brilliant woman, magna cum laude Harvard in economics, Rhodes Scholar, the list is endless…………………. Heard her speak on a plane podcast, and man she can hold her own against the best of them – if you ever have the chance to hear her speak, make the time.
After the angst Manchin created, Biden tasked Schumer to work with Manchin to accomplish something on these issues. They had been working together quietly for several months and this is the compromise.
15% corporation tax on companies making over $1 billion a year
Beefed up tax enforcement for the wealthy
By 2030 40% cap on carbon emissions
Tax credits for solar panels, batteries, and other tech items
The beauty of this bill is 60 votes are not needed in the senate for passage. Expected to be on Biden’s desk by next week. Prayers answered, now if we could only get putin and his thugs.
This law, 10 years in the making, (disgusting isn’t that?!), finally made it through June 2022 by the dogged efforts of Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut. It closes the boyfriend loophole which no longer allows stalkers and the like to get a gun, red flag laws, which allow police to remove firearms from homes where there is potential problems, and increases mental health funding.
This is the first gun control legislation in decades.
When you think the atrocities the Russian soldiers have incurred couldn’t get any worse, a video of them castrating a Ukrainian soldier with a box cutter appears on the internet. Thought it was horrific when it was reported that Russian soldiers raped teenage girls repeatedly in a basement causing 9 pregnancies.
It’s been a long 5 months for the Ukrainians, and while I have reviewed the WWII news reel devastation I wonder at times – should we just go in and finish them off?? OR would that be the end of all of us? Tough questions and tough decisions.
Just glad we have Biden at the helm, or else we’d be raising the Russian flag on American soil.
Been struggling with Lactose Intolerance for several months and now pancreatic insufficiency which I think may lead to a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. In reviewing the why’s of this new diagnosis can only think it ca as I have no other reasons for the insufficiency.
As a nurse sad to say it’s difficult to understand, and navigate the health care system. I wonder how others do this without medical background. Grateful for the writings of professionals on the internet.. Mayo Clinic info is helpful but there are no appointments so don’t bother trying.
As to travel will be visiting New York City in two weeks. Currently am seeking an AP for bathroom locations throughout the City. HA! HA!, but you never know… Will be writing on the events of the day until the New York City visit.
Wasn’t that something about Manchin’s change of heart?? Do we trust his vote or will he go on Fox the day before the vote.? Wonder what Schumer dug up on him that he changed his mind?
Been thinking about what to do with my remaining years. Have linked in to many on line job services for ideas. Came across one service with many Florida ob/gyn docs openings in every city. Makes sense as why would an ob/gyn work in a red state?
Ob/gyn problems often require immediate intervention with loss of blood and other complications. Quite frankly, watching your patient die waiting for a legal determination is difficult.
And if anyone has any ideas about a second act, please let me know.
The town of Seydisfjordur is nestled in the fjord bearing the same name. Pre-pandemic it attracted 1.3 visitors with its beautiful waterfalls, and scenery. For industry it has fishing, an aluminum plant, and computer companies with data centers as electricity is cheap. There are pipes under the road to keep them snow and ice free as snow can be found till early summer, which begins mid-July. The area is 99% green energy with no dependence on fossil fuels.
All red lights are hearts.
Soil erosion is a problem for this area, and they are investigating how to plant, and grow trees which will survive in the area. In the 1100’s, all but 2% of the tree population was destroyed, and since that time it has been challenging to regrow. Lupines, a beautiful flowering invasive plant border all roads.
Lupines come in a variety of colors and grow with minimal needs. Here they are next to the base of a waterfall.
There is no wildlife in Iceland, another interesting fact.
Isafjordur, Iceland
This small town of 2000 gave a 5 star tour. Our female tour guide, was a local student from Spain who was studying marine life at the local college. Much of the services for the people of Iceland are free including education, health care, and a myriad of other items. They pay 43% taxes, however, for what they receive they are well taken care of, and in speaking with several residents there were no complaints. The Spanish tour guide while missing the sun, and warmth of Spain was happy living in a place where her apartment rent is subsidized, and requires no key as crime is virtually non-existent.
If only one could get used to the cold as on the first day of summer it was approximately 30 degrees.
The first stop was a fishing village from a former era.
Note the grassy roof on these fishing huts. This is prevalent throughout Norway and Iceland.
Next: A Church Visit – here an Icelandic songstress sang songs of her homeland. Icelandic people love music.
Local Lutheran Church
The final stop of the tour, a museum showing a typical fisherman’s home in the 1950’s, along with a movie showing fishing in the 1900’s. What courage those fisherman had.
Museum
And will close with one more phenomenal shot of Iceland.
Started the bus tour riding through Norway’s Sunmore Alps. The area held spectacular views and crossing waters on massive ferries was intriguing. This is commonplace for Norwegians as is traveling through mountain tunnels. The longest tunnel in Norway is almost 25 miles long!
Often on my travels I enjoy conversing with locals. As Norwegians are bilingual, I had a wonderful opportunity on the ferry ride. Met a man with an ev, (electric vehicle), and learned much from our conversation. Though Norwegians tend to be reserved I had found the right topic as Norwegians are interested in the environment.
Sadly, the gondola ride up Mount Stranda was closed, however, the bus ride alone was well worth the trip. Avalanche is a common occurrence in Norway, and there was much rain on the mountain prior to our visit.
On the tour we had a fascinating guide who was a former factory worker from Michigan. He and his bride had recently relocated to Norway. While new to the country he knew much, and it was a delight to have this American sharing a wealth of Norwegian information.
View of Alesund from mountain
Norway was once a very poor country, and in the 1800’s one third of the population migrated to America, (mainly Minnesota), due to famine. After World War II much money was pumped into the economy, and with the discovery of oil in the 1970’s, the fortunes, and economics of the Country was transformed. While the Country’s wealth comes mainly from oil, Norwegian’s are vested in going green in their energy plans.
Views of the City of Alesund from the mountaintop.The Norwegian Star
This lovely reproduction church has both Pagan and Christian themes. It was initially built by Vikings without nails, and the reproduction is without nails as well.. Stave Churches were common in northwest Europe, however, these wooden structures succumb easily to the elements and fire. This reconstruction is one of the few remaining throughout Norway.
The Interior
Edward Grieg Summer Home
Grieg was a Norweigan pianist and composer of the romantic era. Both he and his wife were musicians traveling the world in the late 19th century performing. His music is known to be emotional in nature and he is best known for his composition, Peer Gynt.
The gardens and setting of the home are flawless. Grieg composed from a small red hut lakeside on the home’s property. The touraine was rugged surrounding the home but views and gardens worth the hike. He is buried in a rock wall on the property. There is also a performing studio on the grounds, and as I walked the grounds piano music filled the air.
What a charming town which I enjoyed despite heavy rains. This City has rain 200-240 days a year! End result is lovely flowers, but navigating with this weather was a challenge. The City’s open market was a fun visit with restaurants, and shops selling various foods such as fish, moose, honey, and the like. The vendors offered free samples – nice touch – and were friendly, and hospitable.
Adjacent to the open market were reasonable souvenir shops where I found small items to fit in my suitcase at reasonable prices. ? end of the year sale? Found potholders for $1.25, small change purses stating BERGEN for $5, and an embossed shirt stating Bergen for the same price. Tourists from the ship were stocking up on winter jackets, gloves, and beanies at great prices along with rain gear. Good they did as Iceland was coming… Later.
I really took this picture – isn’t it great?
Tour boats lined this area, and here I was able to access some free wifi. WiFi is challenging on a cruise, and expensive but local restaurants, convenient stores, and churches may offer this in the town. You can also ask at the local tourist office, and police are a good resource.
Another Bergen Area
Verizon welcomed me daily at each country, and twice I hit the button in error causing an extra $20 fee. They charge $10 a day, and when you rarely get calls, or texts, no need. Tried to contact Verizon but this service is imbedded in “the plan.” so the bill increased to $165 this month, thus prompting return to Mint, Ryan Reynold’s phone company. They were phenomenal but 3 years ago had no connection in the West Virginia mountains so had to change. Things have changed since, and am returning to Ryan or Mint for $240/12 months, and I am off topic… Sorry folks.
Leaving Bergen – Views from the ship upon departure.
Young Retiree Needs a Life 