I'm truly fascinated by the fact that it seems like all the Nice Time states are on the border. Easy escape routes for at risk people should the country go full fascist?
I would nominate Virginia, just for holding on to our reproductive rights with a Republican governor, but I don't want to jinx us this November. We're only holding on to one chamber by 2 seats, and we don't have a referendum process.
Ahh, one of my favorite states I've never lived in. Damariscotta, which is a charming village worth a visit anyway, has an annual pumpkin regatta. You know those oversized pumpkins a particular corner of rural humanity is obsessed with raising? They're carved out & raced across the harbor. They call it the “extreme sport of gardening.” Beer might be involved. https://www.mainepumpkinfest.com/home
Maine is very much off the radar if you live on the left coast. But MrsJoe and I decided we are spending our retirement vacation dollars where the people demonstrably share our values. So we nixed our plans for Alaska and we are instead going to Maine!
Also, I'm a part-time worker (semi-retired) but I get paid personal time that accrues at the same rate as full-timers, which helps. That and the fact it's the most beautiful place on earth are the only two reasons I live here, lol.
Sorry, I had too much caffeine this morning. But jeebus this is such a simple concept. Everyone who works X% of full time should get X% of whatever the full timers get. every and always.
let's see now, half of the fifty states, containing 55% of the population, have voted FOR progressive politicians with progressive policies, while the other 25 states with 45% of the population continue to groan and suffer under the rule of troglodytes, said rule being established and maintained by methods that would be scandalous in a banana republic. "Permanent Republican majority", huh? It is long past time to break out the plumber's helper and FLUSH these toxic wastes away.
Meanwhile, NC's Republican supermajority, gained via gerrymandering, continues its race to the bottom by overturning four of Gov. Cooper's vetoes, so that they can shit on trans kids and LGBTQ+ people in general, not to mention get in on that bookbanning action the Right is so fond of:
D-Money sees to that. Ooh! Paul LePage must be spinning on his Barcalounger every single day-- these many long months. I'm sure he's feeling for our ex-President too. It's just a hard destiny for the real, salt of the earth, manly types these days.
I was able to stop a 17 year old medical debt from garnishing my wages with this law. I am a single working mother living paycheck to paycheck, the garnishment would have broke me. I am very grateful for our government doing some actual good.
I've never been to Maine, and my view of it is from reading. First, Delores Claiborne by Stephen King (not a good first impression) and much more recently the mystery series by Paul Doiron. The protagonist is a Maine game warden. He doesn't see a lot of the ritzy life either, but better than Delores. Maybe I'll visit some day.
Another Washington fun fact: England has a Stonehenge, and we have a Stonehenge, too, on the Columbia Gorge...but we keep ours is in good working order, unlike their old-ass broken down Henge.
When you look around the site the view to the north is hills, rangeland and windmills (lots of wind in the Gorge); to the south the hill drops down to the Columbia River with vineyards down below..
Hood River, OR, is close by; there are probably 30 wineries and breweries in or just outside the city.
Maine also has puffins!
I'm truly fascinated by the fact that it seems like all the Nice Time states are on the border. Easy escape routes for at risk people should the country go full fascist?
Gawd I'm jealous. I keep thinking of all the great things I could have if my state unfucked it's gerrymandered maps.
Ditto here in MO
I would nominate Virginia, just for holding on to our reproductive rights with a Republican governor, but I don't want to jinx us this November. We're only holding on to one chamber by 2 seats, and we don't have a referendum process.
Ahh, one of my favorite states I've never lived in. Damariscotta, which is a charming village worth a visit anyway, has an annual pumpkin regatta. You know those oversized pumpkins a particular corner of rural humanity is obsessed with raising? They're carved out & raced across the harbor. They call it the “extreme sport of gardening.” Beer might be involved. https://www.mainepumpkinfest.com/home
15 minutes away is Reds Lobster Rolls in Wiscasset Me!
Maine is very much off the radar if you live on the left coast. But MrsJoe and I decided we are spending our retirement vacation dollars where the people demonstrably share our values. So we nixed our plans for Alaska and we are instead going to Maine!
Also, I'm a part-time worker (semi-retired) but I get paid personal time that accrues at the same rate as full-timers, which helps. That and the fact it's the most beautiful place on earth are the only two reasons I live here, lol.
WHY IS THIS THE GODDAMN LAW OF THE LAND????
Sorry, I had too much caffeine this morning. But jeebus this is such a simple concept. Everyone who works X% of full time should get X% of whatever the full timers get. every and always.
let's see now, half of the fifty states, containing 55% of the population, have voted FOR progressive politicians with progressive policies, while the other 25 states with 45% of the population continue to groan and suffer under the rule of troglodytes, said rule being established and maintained by methods that would be scandalous in a banana republic. "Permanent Republican majority", huh? It is long past time to break out the plumber's helper and FLUSH these toxic wastes away.
Meanwhile, NC's Republican supermajority, gained via gerrymandering, continues its race to the bottom by overturning four of Gov. Cooper's vetoes, so that they can shit on trans kids and LGBTQ+ people in general, not to mention get in on that bookbanning action the Right is so fond of:
https://www.wunc.org/politics/2023-08-16/nc-house-votes-to-override-coopers-vetoes-of-transgender-bills
Gov. Cooper, at this point, is like Bruce Lee doing battle with all the baddies in the State Lege at once.
Sadly, as you mentioned, our gerrymandered districts have him fighting the good fight with both hands tied.
Gov. Cooper is a good one.
Also, too, Maine happens to be one of my favorite states to visit. With all the good things happening up there now they deserve some of my money.
Good on ya. Mainers!
They've given themselves quite the upgrade from LePage, have they not?
Maine has good cheap legal cannabis too!
D-Money sees to that. Ooh! Paul LePage must be spinning on his Barcalounger every single day-- these many long months. I'm sure he's feeling for our ex-President too. It's just a hard destiny for the real, salt of the earth, manly types these days.
New York may not be as good as it should be, but I have to give a shout out for a new law that has already helped me personally. Legislation (S.6522A/A.7363A) "Protects Patients Facing Steep Medical Bills from Certain Penalties Against Their Wages or Property" enacted in November 2022 https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-signs-legislation-protect-patients-medical-debt
I was able to stop a 17 year old medical debt from garnishing my wages with this law. I am a single working mother living paycheck to paycheck, the garnishment would have broke me. I am very grateful for our government doing some actual good.
Congratulations!
I've never been to Maine, and my view of it is from reading. First, Delores Claiborne by Stephen King (not a good first impression) and much more recently the mystery series by Paul Doiron. The protagonist is a Maine game warden. He doesn't see a lot of the ritzy life either, but better than Delores. Maybe I'll visit some day.
Maine is wondrous. Do come here. Coast is pretty, but inland mountains and forests are underrated and spectacular.
H.P. Lovecraft had some interesting descriptions of rural New England. I may never go there just to maintain the mental images of that long-gone era.
I get that! Lovecraft scared me out of my mind when I was a kid. My Maine has a kindlier aspect. Mostly.
Also worth noting that Washington accommodates your S&M lifestyle: many roads have chain up and chain removal areas.
https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/publications/fulltext/winter/chain-up.pdf
well, for sure I'll not be reading about Indiana on the Friday Special States Club. Ain't nothing good going on in Indiana.
I feel your pain.
Another Washington fun fact: England has a Stonehenge, and we have a Stonehenge, too, on the Columbia Gorge...but we keep ours is in good working order, unlike their old-ass broken down Henge.
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/bd/2c/49/bd2c49359582461af90fca2e76e1f003.jpg
Plus we have a town named George, Washington. The nearby amphitheater is nicknamed "the Gorge at George" and hosts a lot of great concerts.
Unfortunately, The Martha Inn (and its cool neon sign https://roadsidebliss.wordpress.com/2010/07/25/the-martha-inn-and-cafe-george-wa/) is no longer operating in George, Washington, because, you know, George and Martha and stuff.
gorgeous
When you look around the site the view to the north is hills, rangeland and windmills (lots of wind in the Gorge); to the south the hill drops down to the Columbia River with vineyards down below..
Hood River, OR, is close by; there are probably 30 wineries and breweries in or just outside the city.
Just a lovely, lovely place to visit.
Hey, New Mexico has one too!
https://spacesarchives.org/assets/2014/12/02/images2__PadWzc4OCw1MjUsIkZGRkZGRiIsMF0.jpg
is that built with discarded appliances? I think I recognize refrigerators and air conditioners.
Fridgehenge!
If I was anywhere in the neighborhood I would go there in a heartbeat.
I made sure and stop there on one of my cross-country drives. It's neat!
There's a super cool old-timey cemetery on the west side just down the hill, too.
Since you're cueing up Washington, check this out:
Hybrid electric ferries on the way!
https://maritime-executive.com/article/washington-state-ferries-starts-to-convert-ferries-to-hybrid-electric-power
Even better is the Wonkette link ;) https://www.wonkette.com/p/does-secretary-mayor-pete-dream-of-electric-ferries
Can't help but agree.