North Dakota Revisited

I hope someone will write and tell me their reaction to these.


Fields of Dreams: "Fields of Dreams
To help revive his North Dakota hometown, a former high-school principal created giant sculptures to grace a stretch of prairie highway

By Reed Karaim

Gary Greff was driving across western North Dakota when he came upon a
human figure fashioned out of metal and a round hay bale. As he watched a family
stop to take a picture of the figure, he saw his future. Having recently left
his job as a high-school principal, Greff had returned to his hometown of
Regent, a struggling community of some 200 souls tucked into the southwestern
corner of North Dakota, to figure out what to do next. Now, he knew. "

Norwegians' day to celebrate

Norwegians' day to celebrate: "Norwegians' day to celebrate

The 17th of May is Norway's Constitution Day, celebrating the signing of the country's most important document back in 1814. It took another 91 years before Norway won full independence in 1905, and Norwegians have been celebrating ever since. The biggest national event is the school children's parade up to the Royal Palace in Oslo.
PHOTO: KYRRE LIEN / SCANPIX"

And to think that there were no celebrations in Crockett! On the other hand, a couple of whales went all the way to Sacramento. See below.

He's Back

It has been several years since Humphrey invaded the Straits.

: "Whale rescue mission set for today: Plan is to nudge pair with sound
By Rowena Coetsee
CONTRA COSTA TIMES
Contra Costa Times"

Changes in France

Pro-american president may permit our people to talk to the French.

Sarkozy Wins the Chance to Prove His Critics Wrong - New York Times: "But what is certain is that Nicolas Sarkozy, who won Sunday’s runoff election, is one of the most polarizing figures to move into Élysée Palace in the postwar era. He is a whirling dervish of ideas who inspires hope and fear. Even many members of his own party, the Union for a Popular Movement, are holding their breath in anticipation of what his presidency may bring. “Other politicians don’t want to take risks, but he will take any risk,” said Brice Hortefeux, one of Mr. Sarkozy’s closest friends and political allies"

Doomed to Drive

No matter what, we will not spend money for rail. Yesterday the water company predicts a dry year next year and the year following.


The Schwarzenegger Administration has floated a budget proposal that slashes
transit funds by $1.1 billion, just months after the Governor personally committed
himself to fighting global climate change. The proposal caused fury among rail and
transit advocates testifying at State Senate and Assembly budget subcommittees in the Capitol in late March.