Jamestown Glassworks

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The first English industrial works in the New World was glassblowing. The Jamestown Colony was established in 1607 (the Pilgrims were newcomers. 🙂 ). Seeking profits, glassworks seemed reasonable with plentiful local supplies of sand, potash, and wood. A glassworks was established at Jamestown in 1608. In 1610, it was reported that the works was of a “goodly nature” … but the attempt failed. The second attempt in 1622 also failed.

The old glass furnaces were uncovered in 1948.

A reconstruction has been built near the remnants of the old works’ furnaces (which are now uncovered and on display in situ). The techniques used in the new works are similar to those of the 1600s but natural gas is used in the furnaces rather than wood. This modern works is far more successful than the original works; the articles produced are available for sale at the gift shop.

And It’s … Them … Again

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Earlier today in Boulder, Colorado

“Suspect Who Set Multiple People On Fire At Boulder Pro-Israeli March In Custody Following Terror Attack“

“Video shows the alleged suspect dressed up as a landscaper when he threw Molotov cocktails at the group, burning several including children.”

“Mohammad Soliman just lit a bunch of elderly Jews on fire in Colorado while shouting “Free Palestine“
Police: “Too early for a motive“

“We are not calling it a terror attack at this moment”

Why is this “suspect” (Mohamad Soliman) still alive?
Regardless of his beliefs … setting people on fire?

I’m not going to get into the current “Jewish” issue but one can not be Muslim and American at the same time – polar opposites in fundamental beliefs.

If We’re Going Back To The 70s, Can I Go Back To My 20s?

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Who to believe less? A government official talking money or a big media talking head?

From today’s “Face The Nation” on CBS with Margaret Brennan:

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent: “Thus far there have been no price increases – everything has been alarmist. The inflation numbers are actually dropping. We saw the first drop of inflation in four years. The inflation numbers last week, they were very pro-consumer.“

“Margaret, when we were here in March, you said there was going to be big inflation. There hasn’t been any inflation. Actually, the inflation numbers were the best in four years. So why don’t we stop trying to say ‘this could happen,’ wait and see what does happen.“

Emphasis mine.

I remember seeing this movie back in the 1970s.

Let’s see now … If there have been no price increases, how are inflation numbers dropping? Or is he claiming deflation?

Or maybe he’s right. Prices haven’t being going up, the value of your dollar is going down. I recall one time long ago when a CEO of McDonald’s said that they still sold a 15¢ hamburger but adjusted for inflation.

There hasn’t been any inflation? This must be from someone that doesn’t do his own shopping or keep his own accounts.

Are you aware the Fed is dumping massive amounts of funny money into the system (ie, stock market) in order to keep the stock market “stable”? Your 401K and/or other “money” assets are not going up in value; they’re actually decreasing faster than most realize.

The word for the day … and many days to come … is “ohshit”.

But in other latest news: we won’t be worried about such things for very long.

“Bill Maher Agrees with Trump“

Preferences

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This post inspired by this statement over at Eaton Rapids Joe:

“I would rather be driving a $5000 vehicle riding on $250 tires than driving a $150k vehicle on $100 tires. But that is just me.“

Not just him …

1976 F250 “hi-boy” 300ci straight 6 true 4×4 w granny gear
far better for rough country than a modern 4×4

First item “fixed”. Just like hiking/work boots, the foundation is important.
Actually, the 4 tires that replaced these came to just shy of $1200. And it was a $4000 vehicle (was …)

Procedure for passing through a gate:

Put truck in granny gear
Get out of truck and go open gate (often barbed wire with wooden stick spacer and two wire loops)
Wait for truck to pass by. Wait some more …
Close gate
Walk back to truck, get in, shift gears
Drive on

Spring Foliage

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Everyday Ordinary

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By the way – today is Memorial Day

One day, you’ll do something for the last time – only you won’t realize it’s the last time.

The last time your father picks you up.
The last time you hug your mother.
The last time you kiss your high school sweetheart.

The last time you go on a night ride with your best friend.
The last time you see your “friends for life”.

You won’t know it’s the last time. There’s nothing special about the moment – an ordinary unspecial moment of life.
Just like any other day; just like so many other moments.

Until it isn’t.

The last meal you eat at your favorite restaurant before it closes.

That time came for me today – but I knew it was coming.
Nothing special – but perhaps such an insignificant, unimportant event shouldn’t have meaning.
Would it be better if I hadn’t known ahead of time?

The time you say “See you later” … and later never comes.

Those everyday ordinary moments.
The times you put off ’til tomorrow … or next week.
The friends you meant to see; the places you wanted to visit.

One day, they’re ordinary.

The next day, they’re gone.

I Found ghostsniper’s Picture

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… at Larry Lambert’s “Virtual Mirage” …

Recommended Reading

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from “Virtual Mirage” (www dot virtualmirage dot org/67343-2/) “Literary Interlude” May 28, 2025

“Ashes and Orbits” By A. Cooley

I am old now, my purpose is to remember our sins. I teach history from the twilight side of Aletheia Station, where the Earth always hangs dim beyond the glass, not quite night, not quite gone. The students come and go in rotating cohorts—agronomists from the Orchard Ribbons, welders from the Kestrel yards, the occasional monastic from the Numa Belt. Most of them don’t ask about Earth unless the exam requires it.

They’ve never seen rain that wasn’t calibrated, purified, clean.

They’ve never stood in soil that didn’t come from a recycler.

They call Earth “the cradle,” as if it was something tender, forgotten, buried in the arms of time.

But I remember it.

I remember what it cost to leave.

haiku…

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from Jean

I’d rather take the
quiet lane than highway speed.
To explore, detour.

+++++

Life’s travels vary.
They take you far and away
yet can bring you back.

My Cats In The Morning

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Feed me, feed me, feed me … NOW!

Swoosh (can opening) Clink (food into bowl) Clunk (food bowl down on floor)

Hey, wait a minute! What’s this? Are you trying to poison me? Let me outside.