The Mouse that made money forever

I'm looking at this picture taken back when Mickey had a more legitimate copyright.

MUNI on Christmas?

Motorcycling to work in rain today, since MUNI service will undoubtedly be spotty.

Salmon - Muir Woods

Salmon spawning in Muir Woods? As good an excuse to recharge my motorcycle battery (i.e. by running said motorcycle) as any!

Holiday hospital work schedule

Slightly disoriented in the new solar year. Work today, off tomorrow, work holidays, off weekend. What day of the week is it again?

US workers get the shaft?

Interesting... So workers in other countries get healthcare through the government. Well, workers in US plants owned by foreign auto companies probably get healthcare too... we hope??
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Condition of Bush's bail-out plan for automakers:
The United Auto Workers union will be asked to rework contracts to make wages and work rules comparable with those at nonunion plants in the U.S. owned by foreign automakers by Dec. 31, 2009.
White House rescue plan for US auto industry SFGATE

Snow on Mt. Hamilton

Dr. Filippenko (Chair - University of California Observatories) --

Greetings (from: ID deleted)

Seeing snow on Mount Hamilton via your hamcam, I recently thought I would rent a car and visit. I formerly lived in San Jose, so I know the road gets closed, but thought I would be able to park and hike up the hill.

Unfortunately, I got a late start, and arrived shortly after sundown. Even more unfortunately, I encountered a UC security guard (badge 812 - McDonald?) who was one of the rudest people I have encountered in recent memory. I had not entered the closed portion of the road, I had driven a long distance, and needed to get out and stretch my legs and go to the bathroom. This security guard threatened that if I got out of the car, he would write a citation. He told me that I would have to drive back over the hill to go to the restroom. He repeatedly told me "get out of here."

His behavior was inappropriate, unprofessional, and a poor representation of the mission of the University of California in serving the public. Furthermore, his advice would result in increased road hazards from someone tired of driving looking for a place to pull over on the winding portion of the road. It would be more suitable for me to stretch my legs on the flat area where the encounter occurred.

I recognize that perhaps the university wants to discourage people from traveling over the hill in the inclement weather that produces snow in the area. However, it is counterproductive to hire a bulldog to yell at people after they have already driven over the hill. Much more appropriate would be to post prominent warnings on the hamcam site, as well as better informational signs where the road leaves San Jose. "Road Closed 14 miles ahead," does not give the driver information whether they will be able to stop and hike. Considering there is a county park and plenty of parking space near the area where the road is closed, I believe posting a rude security guard is not the best public relations strategy regarding a curious public.

Stealing from a crackhead?

Found a dime on the sidewalk where the crackhead usually sits to panhandle. Did he drop it out of his cup? Who knows. Meanwhile, a very happy looking crackhead was bouncing up the street -- but he was still panhandling, throwing his arms around passersby, singing songs to them, and everybody in the world was his best friend. I'd say he got his rock, and I picked up the extra dime.

Lick Observatory - Mount Hamilton

Snow on Mt. Hamilton! Unfortunately, they usually close the road when there's snow. Webcam shows current conditions, not a snapshot of December 17.

Snow on Mt. Hamilton

Wow ! Unfortunately, they usually close the road when there's snow. Lick Observatory Ham Cam

Laundry - work day

going to violate a cardinal rule tomorrow... doing laundry on a day off work?

Rowing

I am feeling better after rowing and finding petite Mexican cookies.