Connie Schuerman (Von Dielingen)

Great picture Nova !  Love it when classmates post pictures !  Happy 4th. !! 

W Leggett

W Leggett

ONE OF MY SCHOOL TEACHERS AT MT VIEW SCHOOL. USE TO HAVE A 18 IN WOOD RULER. I TOLD HER SHE BETTER NOT HIT ME WITH THAT THING. SHE DIDN'T LISTEN TO ME. THE LAST TIME SHE HAD IT WAS  IN 1 OR 2 INCH PIECES. THE BEST PART WAS SHE CALLED MY MOM. I DON'T REMEMBER WHAT MY MON SAID TO HER. BUT SHE NEVER HIT A KID WITH AGAIN WITH A RULER 

W Leggett

W Leggett

W Leggett

W Leggett

Dick Storey

Trump Withholds Nearly $7 Billion for Schools, With Little Explanation

The money, which was allocated by Congress, helps pay for after-school programs, support for students learning English and other services.

 But in an email, the Education Department notified state education agencies that the funds would not be available.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/01/us/trump-education-funds.html?campaign_id=60&emc=edit_na_20250702&instance_id=157662&nl=breaking-news&regi----------------------------

But we want to send rocket ships to the dark side of the moon, then Mars. What, to collect a few more rocks to store in a museum somewhere? At what cost? Do we need more land for us? Try NM to the Dakotas, e.g. Educate kids, instead.

Dick Storey

Someone said, Trump's "big beautiful bill" was the opposite of Robin Hood: take from the poor and give to the rich.

Rowland Greenwade

Dick,

Sounds like something a "dyslectic" would say.  But seriously, if the "Big Beautiful Bill" is SO BAD, we will certainly know it before the mid-term elections.  My money is on Trump.  Why don't we just wait to see how this all works out? 

Best as always,

Rowland  

W Leggett

THIS IS ABOUT 90 MINS NORTH OF ME.

Fireworks warehouse resulted in a fire in Northern California's Yolo County, officials said.

It happened Tuesday evening in the community of Esparto at Devastating Pyrotechnics. The Yolo County Sheriff's Office confirmed the building was a fireworks warehouse in the area of county roads 23 and 86A. 

Several structures on the property caught fire after the explosions, with the flames spreading into multiple grass fires with a combined burn area of approximately 80 acres, the Esparto Fire Protection District said. The initial explosion happened around 5:50 p.m. on Tuesday.

BEFORE                                     AFTER

SEVERAL INDIVIDUALS STILL MISSING

Nelson Evans

Dick,

I am sure you got this same email from Social Security:

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is celebrating the passage of the One Big, Beautiful Bill, a landmark piece of legislation that delivers long-awaited tax relief to millions of older Americans.

The bill ensures that nearly 90% of Social Security beneficiaries will no longer pay federal income taxes on their benefits, providing meaningful and immediate relief to seniors who have spent a lifetime contributing to our nation's economy.

“This is a historic step forward for America’s seniors,” said Social Security Commissioner Frank Bisignano. “For nearly 90 years, Social Security has been a cornerstone of economic security for older Americans. By significantly reducing the tax burden on benefits, this legislation reaffirms President Trump’s promise to protect Social Security and helps ensure that seniors can better enjoy the retirement they’ve earned."

The new law includes a provision that eliminates federal income taxes on Social Security benefits for most beneficiaries, providing relief to individuals and couples. Additionally, it provides an enhanced deduction for taxpayers aged 65 and older, ensuring that retirees can keep more of what they have earned.

Dick Storey

Nelson--no, we have not seen this important message. Good news. So, thank you very much!.

With all the chatter in the press about the bill, this message seems to have been lost. At least we had not heard it mentioned in quite some time.  So, we thought it had been lined out of an earlier draft and we forgot about it. Not that we forget anything. ; - )   OK, most everything.

Happy 4th all.  Wonderful to celebrate our great country.

W Leggett

Gary Price

"Colossal bursts of rain like the ones that caused the deadly flooding in Texas are becoming more frequent and intense around the globe as the burning of fossil fuels heats the planet.

Warm air holds more moisture than cool air, and as temperatures rise, storms can produce bigger downpours. When met on the ground with outdated infrastructure or inadequate warning systems, the results can be catastrophic."

Live Updates: Rescuers in Texas Search for Flood Survivors and Victims

https://www.nytimes.com/live/2025/07/05/us/texas-floods?unlocked_article_code=1.UE8.36rL.2gtRcCXYK501&smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare

Dick Storey

Rowland,

Tragedy in the hill country. So sad about the kids.

We hope you and yours are OK and the floods have not reached your area.

Dick Storey

As usual, you are spot on Gary.  

Alas, recent actions inside the beltway will aggravate the current situation—increase burning fossil fuels and stagnate or reduce wind, solar and geothermal underpinnings.

W Leggett

Rowland Greenwade

Dick,

As sad as the situation is in the Central Texas Hill Country, I can happily report that in my small corner of Austin/Travis County we are high and dry.  Our house sits on a bluff that if it were EVER to flood, I have faith that a large boat, full of animals (two-by-two) would float by and rescue me.

Thanks  for your concern,

Best as always,

Rowland

W Leggett

DICK

I know this sounds melodramatic and kooky, but what is happening politically in this country has strong parallels to 1930s Germany. Read history: it’s unsettling. Germany was democratic republic, until the parliament became weak and the executive began ruling by decree. (Their term for leader was fuhrer). The transition from German republic to Nazi Germany happened FAST, melodramatically. Surprisingly, there are elements of our society that believe monarchies/CEOs are more effective than democracies. Some of them are tech billionaires. Some people in this country want a Christian theocracy. The people who devised Project 2025 include people from each of these groups. Trump isn’t acting alone. He is their figurehead. If you want a quick review of the relevant history, there is a documentary series called “The Dictator’s Playbook.”

Dick Storey

Sad to say, but I think you nailed it right Bill. What's next? What's more to add?

Rowland,

Good to hear.

Looks like more rain.  Damn.

PS: Would that boat be crewed by the group from the famous Austin Angler fly shop that closed circa 2004?     ;- )

Dick Storey

The tragedy in the Texas Hill Country is more than heartbreaking. Deep sorrow for the people who lost a family member, friend or neighbor. The national news reports and descriptions of children lost or injured is an absolute tear-jerker.  The devastation is beyond description. And what about the horses, dogs, cats etc.

Ok, we can allocate some $10 billion to fly around the moon and land on Mars but relatively nothing to protect these, and other, good people from disaster in the US.

Explain that, please.

Dick Storey

post 8675--right on Bill.

Randy Richardson (Richardson)

Gov Abbot has a 500 mil rainny day fund that he refuses to use even on a Texas only bennefit. Looks like a good time to use it, but I don't thimk He will help out the money strapped small counties to get a better warning system.

W Leggett

A historic flash flood yesterday hit a New Mexico mountain community that was ravaged by wildfires last year, as the search for Texas flood victims continued.

In New Mexico: A man and two children were killed in the rushing floodwaters of the Rio Ruidoso, which rose to a record-breaking 20 feet, sweeping away homes and roads. Up to 60 were rescued and investigations are underway. See the video. [NBC News]