Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

If you tweet it in all caps, that makes it true!

If a good thing happens for a bad reason, it’s still a good thing.

Not rolling over. fuck you, make me.

There are times when telling just part of the truth is effectively a lie.

Let me eat cake. The rest of you could stand to lose some weight, frankly.

The current Supreme Court is a dangerous, rogue court.

I like political parties that aren’t owned by foreign adversaries.

Balloon Juice, where there is always someone who will say you’re doing it wrong.

This must be what justice looks like, not vengeful, just peaceful exuberance.

There are some who say that there are too many strawmen arguments on this blog.

Republicans are radicals, not conservatives.

Fundamental belief of white supremacy: white people are presumed innocent, minorities are presumed guilty.

The low info voters probably won’t even notice or remember by their next lap around the goldfish bowl.

It’s the corruption, stupid.

Shallow, uninformed, and lacking identity

“Everybody’s entitled to be an idiot.”

Hot air and ill-informed banter

Red lights blinking on democracy’s dashboard

No Kings: Americans standing in the way of bad history saying “Oh, Fuck No!”

It is not hopeless, and we are not helpless.

With all due respect and assumptions of good faith, please fuck off into the sun.

“In this country American means white. everybody else has to hyphenate.”

Putting aside our relentless self-interest because the moral imperative is crystal clear.

Disagreements are healthy; personal attacks are not.

You are here: Home / Open Threads / Early Morning Open Thread: Welcome Spring

Early Morning Open Thread: Welcome Spring

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Here in New England, the temperatures have dropped from the low 70s on Friday to the high 40s this morning… but that’s kind of the definition of ‘spring’ for us. At least the chest-high piles of grey snow have vanished, and the first defiant daffodil sprouts are greening. Also, I now have three dozen tomato seedlings on order for mid-May, because I’m am optimist. A lazy optimist.
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What have y’all got planned for the day?

Reader Interactions

58Comments

  1. 1.

    goblue72

    Its almost 4 AM in Cali. So that means its time for bed.

    P.S. Ellsbury-Pedroia-Cameron-Youkilis-Gonzalez-Ortiz-Drew-Scutaro-Saltalamacchia sounds pretty damn good to me.

    Beckett one of the 1-2-3, not so much.

  3. 3.

    PurpleGirl

    Had trouble sleeping so I got up to read. Saw the moon at 3 a.m. and it was spectacular. It was so bright and looked so much larger. It was worth being up early to see. (And we had the perfect night to see it — clear, no clouds and crisp air.)

    May take a nap later, though.

  4. 4.

    The Tim Channel

    Summer’s here, I’m for that.
    I got my rubber sandals
    I got my straw hat
    Drinking cold beer
    Man I’m glad that it’s here
    It’s my favorite time of the year
    And I’m glad that it’s here.

    H/T to James Tayor, and yes, I’m aware that the topic is spring, not summer, because my not-so-young man’s fancy is definitely yearning for outdoor adventure. My dogs are looking forward to spending a bit more time out of the house as well.

    To that end, I have decided to throw caution to the wind and join the massive ranks of Europeans and their excellent infrastructure of bike paths by purchasing a moped and tooling about the area (at a blazing 25 km/h). This new age attempt at reinventing “An American Abroad” is being documented on a new site I set up to test Tumblr’s free hosting platform. You are all invited to ride along.

    http://thetimchannel.tumblr.com/

    Enjoy.

  7. 7.

    Sko Hayes

    Here on the high plains of western Kansas, we have early daffodils blooming, and my crabapple tree is about to burst into it’s yearly pink and white splendor, while robins migrating through eat the fruit from last year.
    The moon is still high, I’m going out later to take pics as it sets.
    Spring is busting out all over around here.

  9. 9.

    Dennis SGMM

    Driving my Miata down to El Toro so that I can watch a friend race his Real Race Car Miata. It’s raining on and off here in So Cal so my Miata and I will tiptoe on little cat feet all the way there and back.

  10. 10.

    Mustang Bobby

    Here in South Florida it means the new growth is coming on the live oaks, which means the old leaves are falling. It’s still nice and cool in the mornings and the A/C isn’t running full time. I have the patio door open. The hibiscus are blooming, and there’s a little layer of mist over the waterway behind the house. Beautiful.

    I’ll post my Sunday Reading at my blog, then settle in with a mug of coffee, the New York Times crossword puzzle, then head off to Quaker meeting around ten.

  11. 11.

    Boudica

    Question:
    How do I access the mobile version of this site? When I’m on my e-reader (Velocity Cruz), sometimes the comments will come up as the mobile version and I love the format because it loads faster. But I want it to be permanent for all pages of the site.
    I thought there was a link on the front page for the mobile version, but I can’t find it now.

  12. 12.

    JPL

    The dogwoods are close to blooming. Another week from now one could drive around north Georgia and see shades of white all over.
    @Mustang Bobby: Although the glitch was cute, I found the Times puzzle to be quite a slog.

  13. 13.

    Cat Lady

    Daughter’s wedding in Cambridge next month has an option to have the ceremony outside. A month ago it was unimaginable, but three weeks from now, it could be 80. It could be a blizzard, also too. Ahh, Spring in New England. You never know what to wear.

  14. 14.

    donnah

    We’ve been teased with a couple of warm and sunny days, but spring is holding out on a big debut. We do have some brave crocus plants up, and that gives me hope.

    Today I shall work on my latest hooked rug. My progress so far is here:

    http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d27/Rughooker/712aee04.jpg

    When the weather stays warm for real, I can take my work outside on our front porch and enjoy the sunshine.

  15. 15.

    Thoughtful Black Co-Citizen

    Only supposed to hit the mid-50’s today which only seems cold because it was in the 70’s on Friday and (I think) the mid-60’s yesterday. Typical D.C. Still, it’s good weather for stomping around the woods and hopefully it sends the ticks back to sleep. Plus, colder temps keep the morels from popping out before we’re ready to pick them.

    @Comrade Javamanphil: Mmm. Maple syrup. I’ll be right over.

  19. 19.

    Non-Existent Patricia

    We’re taking the kids to a local farm to pick strawberries. Then, to a T-ball game (5 year old sports is about the cutest thing ever). Later, grilled steaks and veggies, beer and strawberries romanoff for dessert. We pay for it with our ridiculously hot and humid summers, but we have pretty nice springs here in south Texas.

  20. 20.

    Cheryl from Maryland

    @Thoughtful Black Co-Citizen: Same here north of DC. But the sun is finally out, and I’m going to check out some pansies.

    Also see that Hines Ward is on Dancing with the Stars with the cute Australian blonde. He’s looking good. Enquiring minds want to know, will John watch to root for a Stiller?

  21. 21.

    JCT

    @Cat Lady: Awesome on the wedding — hopefully not too much brutal planning.

    As for me, heading out West for a week-long business trip. Actually so worn out I would rather lie in my bed for a week, but so be it…

  22. 22.

    donnah

    @Cat Lady:

    Thanks! I don’t ever put my rugs on the floor, but technically they could be used that way: they’re made the same way women have been making them for generations, one strip of wool at a time. ;-) But no, my rugs usually go to art shows and galleries, not floors.

    The subject is a Native American boy, taken from a photo by Edward Curtis, which he took in 1905. I wish I knew the tribe from which the child came, but all I know is that his name was Ah-Chee-Lo.

    Yes, the eyes are what drew me to this photo.

  23. 23.

    Dennis SGMM

    @Non-Existent Patricia:
    Spent a couple of years in Kingsville, TX. Although some of the cloudscapes were incredible I don’t remember any time of the year that was pretty. San Antonio, on the other hand…

  24. 24.

    JPL

    @donnah: Your rug is gorgeous and to say that I’m envious of your talent would be an understatement. How long does it take you to hook a rug with so much detail?

  26. 26.

    burnspbesq

    Typical Sunday: work, bills, laundry, riding the kid’s ass to make sure homework gets done. Will also root for Duke and Washington (my second favorite team is whoever is playing Carolina).

  27. 27.

    burnspbesq

    Gave up on the retail channel and ordered an iPad2 online. Estimated delivery date is April 27.

  28. 28.

    Hal

    This weather has brought my taste for iced coffee out of hibernation. The hot stuff has been much less appealing this week than in the past.

  29. 29.

    gene108

    Half way through much needed Spring Cleaning. What’s not being used is going to Goodwill. Place is a mess and I don’t want to finish it, but ugghhh….I just have to suck it up and get out of bed…

  31. 31.

    blogreeder

    Nothing says spring to me more than a broad coalition of forces attacking an oil rich Muslim country.

  32. 32.

    Phyllis

    Storing the flannel sheets and making up the bed with the summer-weight bamboo sheets. If I get really ambitious, I’ll do the winter/summer clothes closet swapout. Ham steak for the grill and creamed potatos seasoned with dill for supper.

  33. 33.

    bk

    Having a drinking game – a beer each time the camera gives Seth Curry’s mom a closeup.

    When did we start naming our wars after porn stars?

  34. 34.

    RalfW

    I’m tempted to follow Max’s lead. But of course, off screen, there’s society’s prudish tamping down of exuberance and freedom. Spoilsports.

    Plus, it’s 39 deg and raining, so clothes are not really optional out there.

  35. 35.

    Non-Existent Patricia

    @Dennis SGMM: Well, pretty nice is a relative term. As in, compared to our sweltering summers and rainy winters, spring is pretty nice here in the Houston area. ;)

  36. 36.

    geg6

    Got the pepper and tomato seeds started and all the ornamental grasses in the front yard and raised beds in the back cut back yesterday. John will be doing some painting and clearing out of clutter in the basement and the room over the carport (soon to be my refuge room) today and, hopefully, some painting in anticipation of my move. Gave notice to landlord for May1, so both John and I have to get our asses in gear. We both have too much shit.

  38. 38.

    donnah

    @JPL:

    Thank you, and Cervantes, too!

    It’s about 24″ by 30″ and I started it on Jan 28th of this year. It generally takes about 8 weeks to complete a rug of this size, but of course it depends on my schedule. This year has been rough for me, time-wise, but I try to work on it every day.

  39. 39.

    SBJules

    We are having the largest rain storm of the season in Santa Barbara. I will try and watch as much basketball as possible & stay dry

  40. 40.

    Poopyman

    @donnah: That is awesome!

    @Cheryl from Maryland:

    Enquiring minds want to know, will John watch to root for a Stiller?

    More likely for the cute Australian blonde.

    Currently high 30s here in Southern MD, with a high of about 52. Willows are green, maples are red, sky is blue. (No, this is not a poem.) The onions have sprouted in the lawn and the daffs opened yesterday. I could go replace the raised bed borders or I could do taxes. I knew I’d regret procrastinating. Not that it ever stopped me before.

  41. 41.

    R-Jud

    We saw some cool stuff yesterday. You know, if you think Neolithic hill figures are cool.

    Today: 22 mile run, about 4 hours. Saw lambs and cygnets and ducklings and goslings and goat kids and calves and foals on my route. Spring’s sprung, hurrah, it’s time for a nap. Play me off, Ogden Nash:

    It is Spring! It is Spring!
    On the lea, on the ling!
    The frost is dispersed!
    Like the buds let us burst!
    Let the sap in our veins
    Rush like limited trains!
    Let our primitive urges
    Disgruntle our clergies,
    While Bacchus and Pan
    Cavort in the van!

    Spring is what winter
    Always goes inter.
    Science finds reasons
    For mutable seasons.
    Can’t you control
    That faun in your soul?
    Please go and focus
    Your whims on a crocus.

  42. 42.

    jeffreyw

    I’ve been messing about trying to get some concrete poured out front. Poured a new walk from the garage this week, planning on a concrete pad and a new apron before the garage door. It’ll incorporate some drain troughs to alleviate a runoff problem during heavy rains. The new walk is higher than the old one-we spent a few hours yesterday at the stone yard picking out a stone step. Found one 48″x18″x8″, it’s quite a load. Oh, and dropped by the hatchery to bring home some minnows and baby sunfish to stock in a new pond dug late last year. It’s not quite full yet but only lacks about a foot.

  43. 43.

    Opie-jeanne

    Heading out on the road in a little while. Driving back to Seattle from SoCal. We do it in two days because it’s 1100 miles and we are old farts and know we are not immortal.

  44. 44.

    Ralph Spoilsport

    Raking oak leaves out of the beds, and wondering where all the ‘snake grass’ came from…. Rain today in NW Indiana, but I got the microbus-sized leaf piles up, so off we go. Daffs are budding, ‘Tommie’ Crocii are blooming, and the chionodoxa are breaking ground. Do I put on a rainsuit and finish it up, or just b*tch about the editorial page of the Chicago Tribune and wish for Bloody Mary’s?

  45. 45.

    Svensker

    Getting ready to go to Meeting. Ran across this teaser for a documentary about the Islamic influences on Mexican music. I’d never thought about it but of course. Would love to see the whole thing, the music is wonderful.

  46. 46.

    scav

    Had those first of those eerie eerie walks — where you’re out — After Dark — and you’ve No Coat On. Now we’ve got a nice little grey drizzle going. Chirpy birds.

  47. 47.

    marcel

    Here in New England, the temperatures have dropped from the low 70s on Friday to the high 40s this morning…

    Speak for yourself. Here in Northern New England (central NH), we still have lots of snow, and never made it above 60 Friday. Snow is likely to last for another couple of weeks, the CT River is still frozen outside my window, …

  48. 48.

    dr. bloor

    @marcel:

    Here in Northern New England

    The local name for that region here in Providence is “Canada.”

    Phase two of our city garden today–rototill and roll the back “yard,” and get weed block down. The gravel and raised beds arrive next week.

  49. 49.

    Ash Can

    Especially now that we’re back on Daylight Saving Time, it seems like we have lots and lots of daylight here in Chicago these days. The crocuses and tulips are poking up, especially on the south side of the house, and the migratory birds have started to come through. Robins and red-winged blackbirds are coming back, the “visiting” sparrows have started passing through, and I spotted a goldfinch couple in the back yard yesterday.

    And that’s a great cartoon. LOL!

  50. 50.

    CaseyL

    When the weather is both sunny and warm, I like to sit in the grass outside with my kitties, all three of us basking in the sun.

    Today I may also check out a Horse Rescue ranch over at Echo Lake, see about volunteering there. I already volunteer on Saturdays at the Aquarium, though, so I don’t know how much time I can give to the rescued horsies.

  51. 51.

    David Brooks (not that one)

    Charity 5K with all 3 kids, 2 grandkids, other family. Brunch at home later. Last night, Rummikub, Yahtzee, Apples To Apples. I’m 61 and nothing hurts. Life is good.

  52. 52.

    burnspbesq

    @bk:

    a beer each time the camera gives Seth Curry’s mom a closeup.

    Don’t do that! I want you alive next year to watch Amber Henson kill the Carolina women, then sit with the Cameron Crazies and root against her brother (after which he will realize that he’s not getting better playing for ol’ Roy and bolt for the pros).

  53. 53.

    JD_PhD

    Today is just the vernal equinox. It’s been spring here in NJ for a few weeks now, I’d say.

  54. 54.

    Comrade Mary

    Oh, man. Hideaki Akaiwa is Badass of the Week. I was crying and swearing by turns as I read this.

    On the afternoon of Friday, March 11th, Hideaki Akaiwa was at his job, dully trudging out the final bitter minutes of his work week in his office just outside the port city of Ishinomaki in Japan’s Miyagi Prefecture. What this guy’s day job actually is, I honestly have no idea, but based on the extremely limited information I have on the guy I can only presume that his daily nine-to-five routine probably falls somewhere between the motorcycle chase scenes from the movie Akira and John Rambo’s antics in the book version of First Blood on the ridiculousness/badassitude scale. But that’s only speculation.
    __
    The one thing we know for certain is that Akaiwa was at work on the 11th, when suddenly, right as he was in the middle of jumping over a giant Gatling-gun-armed robot while riding on a rocket-powered jetbike he’d MacGuyvered together out of vines, tree branches, and a couple thumbtacks, something terrible happened – an earthquake. And not just any earthquake – a mega fucking brain-busting insane earthquake the likes of which the island of Japan had never had the misfortune of experiencing before. The ground shook, buildings crumbled, lights smashed apart, and the entire population of the country froze in fear as fault line below Japan rumbled for a ridiculous two-plus minutes.
    __
    But, amazingly, an 8.9 magnitude earthquake wasn’t the worst thing to happen to the town Ishinomaki on that horrible day. No, that was afterwards, when the tremors from the earthquake churned up a raging tsunami that took a bustling city of 162,000 people and suddenly turned it into little more than a ten-foot-deep lake. …
    __
    But it gets even worse. Hideaki’s wife of twenty years was still buried inside the lake somewhere. She hadn’t gotten out. She wasn’t answering her phone. The water was still rising, the sun was setting, cars and shit were swooshing past on a river of sea water, and and rescue workers told him there was nothing that could be done – the only thing left was to sit back, wait for the military to arrive, and hope that they can get in there and rescue the survivors before it’s too late. With 10,000 citizens of Ishinomaki still missing and unaccounted for, the odds weren’t great that Hideaki would ever see his wife again. …

  56. 56.

    4jkb4ia

    Happy Purim–it’s Purim and anything can happen–see Pitt-Butler as example. Only because I couldn’t root against Butler, I shook my head and said, “March Madness. baby!” The announcers couldn’t believe it either.

  58. 58.

    bob in sj

    The weather in the south San Francisco Bay was miserable 90% of the day. The other 10% the wife an I were able to take a short walk. This week promises mostly wet weather. Stupid climate change.

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