Just a couple of cool pics. I included the picture of Chuck because it is a cool picture of the great innovator, in his heyday. I just like the old shack too. Funky.

Not much in the mood for rambling today. Tired of the "health care" debate. Just settle it in Washington, and leave us out of it. Hope we get some reform, and better access cost, but the rightwingers are determined to ruin our fun, as usual. Oh well.

I don't go to the doctor much, but want to have the option, if I need to, without ruining myself financially. Don't know any other civilized country today where this happens like it does in the good old USA.

I think I talked about our trip up to South Carolina, do drop Mom at her son's house (Jim). We went weekend before last, driving 12 hours on Friday, straight through. I call it "driving miss daisy". She did really well, I think, using her walker, and though it was a slow go, showed some determination. However, since getting to Jim's, she has given him a good run for his money - getting up a night a few times, by herself, to the bathroom. Problem is, she is unsteady on her feet, and Jim is afraid she will fall and break something again. Old age is hell, and being the aging child of a WW2 generation person is no fun either. At least she's not our immediate problem this time, as she was for six month this year. I do miss her, though.

Listening to live Stones concert from 75, in Buffalo, NY; good stuff - Mick Taylor playing that snakey guitar, Keith churning out the chuncky Chuck riffs, Bill and Charlie providing the funky bottom, and I think Billy Preston on pianer. Mick, of course, doing his mid-70's funky best, including pseudo-Caribean accent, at times. Lost of stuff from Gimme Shelter, Exiles, etc. Great stuff.

The above picture symbolizes the Republican Party these days. Their tactics vs. Obama's health care reform proposals resemble those of the Nazi's, who used to send in goons to disrupt their opponent's meetings, often provoking fist fights, and always preventing the opposition (Democrates, socialists, etc.), from getting their message accross. Their propaganda supported this tactic with lies, and hateful stereotypes (of politicians, in this case). As Nancy Pelosi said recently, such behavior is unAmerican, and should be deplored. Indeed, the lastest polls show that the Republicans aren't really gaining in terms of support for their extremist positions. They are obviously well funded by powerful pharmaceutical and medical industry lobbyists, as well as the large insurance companies, who have a strong vested interest in preserving the lousy status quo. Do you love your insurance company? Then you are deluded! You love every increasing premiums, and disappearing coverage!

A cool train. There is something misisng in 21st century life; it has no substance. Steam trains prevailed into the early 20th century, and something is missing in their passing. They were noisy, dirty, but very impressive. Their passage through your little valley was an event. Any town of any size had train service. Until, in the mid-20th century, we decided in the U.S. that the automobile was superior to the train, and to build highways instead of maintain railways. Now we miss them badly. Mr. Obama want's to reinvigorate the rail system, and provide commuter and long distance rail services to most cities. I wish him luck.