Most people spend the majority of their day inside a building with tinted windows, making little more if anything but passive glances at the sky.   I have been fortunate enough to spend more of my time outside than in, and for the last two years, I have observed a phenomenon in the sky that is difficult for most people to believe, at least at first.  I want others to see what I am seeing.   Day and night,  jet aircraft are releasing huge volumes of a substance high into the atmosphere overhead. This substance will slowly spreads out, turning into long, string-like clouds, and thus I assume it is cloud seeding. I am deeply concerned by both the frequency of application and complete lack of information regarding the aircraft and their contents. The planes do not fly along ordinary commercial routes, nor do they show up on any of the online flight tracking websites, yet as you will see in this video, huge volumes of something are being released into our skies.  This substance will eventually make its way into our water and food supply. What is in it? What enables it to remain almost stationary overhead? Is it toxic?

To confirm what I have been observing, just before dawn on April 7th, I set up a camera on my roof, pointed it at the eastern sky and set it to take a picture every second until I returned and stopped it. I wound up with almost 49,526 photographs, from sunrise to just before dusk, which have been stitched together and presented at 50 frames per second, covering nearly 12 hours in just over 14 minutes. Below is a narrative of the film and my observations of what takes place in the sky that day.

When the wind is blowing out of the south and east, I see jet aircraft flying north to south, but always west of the rising sun, drawing various patterns in the which look like long, straight bands of cotton; somewhat similar to what is commonly referred to as as contrails (jet exhaust and water vapor), except that contrails soon evaporate, these do not. Instead they hang in the sky, almost stationary, slowly spreading out into straight lines of long thin strands which eventually drift north and east and cover the sky like a net.

As the sun’s rising warms the atmosphere above, these artificial clouds will draw upwards, and you’ll notice the branches of the trees begin to sway back and forth. The rapidly ascending air is creating the winds we experience on the ground.

Once the sun comes into full view, you will notice the haze for the first time. What appear to be ordinary clouds before dawn, are glowing in the same manner as the sun shining through smog.  Notice the color of the sky. It is yellow-green. There is something in those clouds that is not water.

As the morning rolls on, the clouds increase. Three layers of clouds become visible – the pre-dawn chemtrails which are the furthest up in the the atmosphere. Beneath them are the current ones presently being disbursed by the aircraft, followed the chemtrails released just to the west. These move north-northeast at the highest speed, presumably caused by the huge sinking air mass now laden with moisture (and whatever substances used to form them).  This is also the time a halo forms around the sun. Under ordinary condition the water vapor in the clouds would produce a halo of the full color spectrum, literally a rainbow circle. This one, however, along with the surrounding sky, goes from yellow-green, to yellow-orange to something like a bad street light.  Notice the behavior of the clouds when they pass in front of the sun.  Much less like water vapor and much more like the vapor leaking from an open gas can. (This captured my attention and I had to rewind several times to observe the rest of the sky).   A web of clouds has now formed in the upper atmosphere while newly created lines stretch out just beneath.  Still closer to the ground, the wind speed increases. Note how the trees at the bottom of the screen bend in the wind now and as the day moves on.

The skies clear briefly just before 1pm, before a new batch of artificial clouds rolls in from the west and new lines start to form in the sky.  Note that the clouds are not quite white, but yellow, and the haze remains in the sky.   The wind continues to move faster as the day turns to dusk.   By this time, all of the lines in the sky are being formed in front of the sunset.

I ended the video just before 7pm, however would like to note that as the moon rose over the eastern horizon that evening, the lines in the eastern sky continued to form under the moonlight.

Yesterday, we had a tremendous rain storm which provided us all with some much needed water, but I want to know if water is all that we got. I also want to know the effect this has on local and national weather patterns. I hypothesize that the tornado conditions we have seen over recent months and years have experienced some degree of influence by these weather modification efforts.   Are they worth leveling a small town over?  For any entity, government or otherwise to release any substance into the atmosphere that has the potential to affect all of us, not to mention at the volume and frequency as has taken place for longer than I have been able to observe – is unethical at its least and sinister at its worst.

In ancient times, a ritual called ‘salting the earth’ was said to have been used to poison the soil of conquered lands. It has been mostly chocked up as myth, given the amount of salt needed to destroy the soil was too great for the time to be practical in herbicidal warfare. Dumping salts (silver iodide) and other substances out of jet aircraft for years on end is another story. It begs the question of the long term impact on our land, on our water supply and our bodies.

Please watch the video and share with others. It is time for an open discussion on what is being done over our heads.

The only thing I have to say about the judicial race is that anyone who spends more than 2 minutes with Ms. Tucker will realize why they should vote for her.

The first candidate to speak was George Clayton.  He came across as being frustrated if not angered by his opponents and their ideas.   After hearing the other candidates who followed him, I can understand why.   Being the only actual Teacher/Educator running in this race, he began by providing a summation of his typical day at school.   While it was boring to listen to, it drove home his point that 1. his life has been dedicated to education, and 2. of all the candidates in the running, he is the only teacher.    He believes that schools should be reducing  the number of administrators and hiring more teachers, that Texas schools should be focused on advanced curriculum and stimulating instruction in lieu of memorization, and that minimum standards testing is a proven barrier to children’s intellectual advancement.

The second candidate to speak was Pam Little, who really came across as a person who likes to get involved in things she believes will make her look good to others, rather than actually doing something for the sake of improving it.   Instead of actual ideas, her comments were mostly conservative buzzwords  followed by “just trust me, I know what’s best for your kids.”   She was the first candidate to suggest teaching patriotism in schools and that “abstinence education is the only way and that school is the only place to teach it, since its not being taught anywhere else.”   She also made several mentions of the failures of standardized testing and the need to teach kids critical thinking, however I did not at all get the impression that she knew what she meant by the term.

The third candidate was Tincy Miller, who started off by saying that she is there to “protect republican values” and that there are errors in history and textbooks which she aims to correct.   While she was unable to provide any actual examples of the errors (she started to, 3 times, and each time stopped and told an anecdotal, yet unrelated story), she was quite sure that the problem is caused by “liberal East coast colleges whose liberal student aids are tasked with editing the textbooks,”  but then went on to tout the successes of the charter schools in Harlem (right by those liberal East coast universities on the liberal East coast).  She believes that the school curriculum should teach conservatism and promote American exceptionalism.    She also believes that anyone can be a good teacher with proper training.

The fourth and final candidate was Gail Spurlock, who claimed to be the only true conservative in the group, and then went on to say that she believes that “liberals are trying to take over the school board” which is a “violation of the 10th amendment” with no further explanation.   Her position is that schools should prepare children to enter the workforce.   She believes that history books should promote American exceptionalism, that sex ed should be taught in biology and that the rest should be left to the parents and the clergy.

So here are my concerns:

Three out of four candidates concluded that teaching/protecting conservative values is their top priority and that there is an actual conspiracy to infiltrate the minds of children with liberal ideology.  At the same time, they also stressed the importance of teaching children to think critically.   How is it then, that anyone can exercise critical thinking AND form an objective opinion with only one view of any particular subject?  To that end,  if conservatism is the naturally correct way to be, shouldn’t children arrive at that same conclusion if presented with both the thesis and antithesis to their argument?

The general feeling I got from Pam, Tincy and Gail was that they wanted to give the audience the impression that they want your children to be taught to be intellectual, critical thinkers, while the strategy each outlined points back to the current trend of  turning children into obedient ‘task-doers’.   Their religious and political views dominated their agendas and as it pertains to public education, I struggled to see where this is even a correlation let alone benefit, to anyone, children or otherwise.

George Clayton on the other hand, presented ideas centered around stimulating curriculum, intellectual growth and lower student to teach ratios by virtue of lowering the ratio of administrators to teachers.   While I was initially concerned with his outward frustrations, I can empathize with his feelings.   His opponents have outwardly demonized him on account of his sexual orientation and it being part of their vast liberal conspiracy.   All that nonsense aside, he is the only candidate in the running who appears to genuinely care about the education and future of Texas’ children, AND his track record reflects this.

While I encourage everyone to do their own due diligence and form an objective opinion of their own, I am comfortable saying that Mr.  Clayton has my vote and support.

A big thanks goes out to the McKinney Tea Party for organizing this event and their efforts to engage and inform fellow citizens.

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

Tools:

Power drill with 1″ drill bit as well as  5/8″ or smaller bit to make drain holes

Hacksaw or other saw to cut the PVC pipe

Box cutter for cutting the container (I used my Craftsman multi-tool for this project)

Measuring tape

Sharpie for marking measurements

Parts from Big Lots:

2 – 18 gallon Rubbermaid (or similarly styled storage bins).  (2 x $4.50)

1 – Roll of landscape fabric.  It comes in 25ft sections.   $3.25

1 – bag of organic  garden soil.  $8.00  (this is optional if you have soil you can use at home)

Parts from hardware store:

1 – 3 foot section of 4″ diameter PVC pipe  $3.00-5.00

1 – 3 foot section of 1″ diameter PVC pipe  $2.00

Plants  -  ~$2.00 each.  $16 total

4 – Tomato plants (2 cherry, 2 pear)

2 – Bell pepper plants

1 – Sweet Basil

2 – Oregano

Before we get started, let’s learn how this thing works.   Plants take nutrients and water up through their roots in a process called ‘capillary action‘.  The container garden uses this to its advantage by storing the water in a reservoir under the root system, as opposed to the more traditional (and time consuming method) of watering from the top and letting the water drip down to the roots – only to be drawn back up again.   Not only is this method better for your plants, its uses water far more efficiently, as the layer of dirt keeps the water cool and dark, so it can’t easily evaporate and there is no wastewater runoff.    Not to mention that since you’re planting in a container, there’s no weeds to deal with and with it raised off the ground, no more bending down or kneeling to pick your veggies.

What you’re left with are all of the fun parts of gardening;  watching it grow and harvesting your fruit; without having to worry about going out to water every day.   In fact, this setup will water your plants for up to a week before you’ll need to top off the reservoir again.

Part 1: Prepare

Get all of your tools and materials in one place.

Once you’ve purchased everything from the store, its time to get your work area set up with all of your equipment to make sure you have everything.   I am the worst about this, and when I forget, I end up having to make an extra trip to the store for something I forgot, which means I’m spending extra fuel, time and money when I don’t have to.

Part Two: Measure, mark, cut

I started with the 4″ diameter PVC pipe.  While laying it on its side,  measure 4 inches from the open end and draw a line all the way around it.   Flip the pipe over and do the same from the other end.  This guarantees that the bottom of each 4″ section will sit flat on the ground.

Measure two sections, each 4" long

Next,  take the 1″ diameter pipe and stand it up inside one of the containers.  This is what you will use to fill the reservoir, so you will want to mark it about 6 inches above the top of the container.

Using your hacksaw, cut the two, 4″ sections of the big pipe, as well as the 1″ pipe.   Don’t worry, they don’t need to be perfect.

Next, take one of the 4″ sections of PVC, and use it as a guide to mark a line around the bottom of one of the containers.   Use the box cutter or the hacksaw to cut the bottom off of the container like so:

You can discard the top section of the container you just cut.    Place one of the 4″ pieces of PVC inside the newly cut base, and with the marker, draw a circle around the INSIDE of the tube and then do the same thing right next to it.  Using the box cutter, carefully cut out the circles you just drew and be sure to stay inside the lines.  The hole needs to be smaller than the diameter of the PVC because it will be holding up a lot of dirt soon.

Next, using the drill and the 1″ bit, drill a hole in the corner of the base just big enough to slide the 1″ PVC pipe through.  After you’ve done this, put the smaller bit on the drill, and proceed to drill a series of holes in the base of the container, as well as in the sides of the 4″ PVC pipe.  The reason for doing this is to allow water to seep up into the dirt, while still keeping most of the dirt separate from the water.

Last, cut a pieces of the landscape fabric big enough to go over and around the   base that you just drilled all the holes in.

Part Three: Assemble

Here’s where things really start to take shape.  First, put the two, 4″ PVC sections in the bottom of the main container, then place the second base on top of it, making sure to line up the PVC sections with the holes you cut.

Next, drape the landscape fabric over the sides of the base inside the container and tuck them in as best you can.  Don’t worry if it doesn’t look pretty, its going to be buried anyhow.   Once  you’ve done this, take the box cutter, and cut an X where the holes for the 4″ PVC sections are located, and one where the 1″ PVC section goes.  Using your fingers, gently press the cut fabric into the sides of the holes.  Last, insert the 1″ PVC pipe into the base until it touches the bottom, then raise it up half an inch.

Now its time for dirt.  The first thing you need to fill are the two big PVC sections in the bottom of the container.  These act like the wick on a tiki torch, becoming soaked with water so that the plants can draw water up into their roots.  Be sure to pack it in nice and tight.  Dirt compresses when it gets wet  – something I learned the hard way the first time, when my first plants sank  after I filled the reservoir.

Continue to fill the container up about 2/3′s of the way to the top with soil.  If you’re building this by yourself, then this is a good time to decide where you want to put your container garden for the rest of the growing season.  These things are pretty heavy when they’re full of dirt, even more so with water.

Next step is to add your plants in.  I used tomatoes, peppers, and herbs, because they all grow well together and compliment each others soil ecology.   You can learn more about all the varieties of companion plants here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Companion_planting .  Doing this can also help naturally deter pests AND attract the types of insects that pollenate the best.

You can arrange them however you like, just be sure to allow as much light  as possible in between the plants so they can get as much sun exposure as possible.  I planted sweet basil and oregano in between my tomato and pepper plants.

Once you have the plants where you want them, continue to cover them with more soil until you have filled the container to about 2″ below the top rim.  To minimize evaporation, you can fill in the open areas with mulch, cover with strips of landscape fabric, or even poke holes in plastic and pull your plants through the top.

Last step, fill the reservoir.  It will take a minute or two before it fills all the way.  You will know because the sound of the water will become more high pitch as it inches up the PVC pipe.  Don’t worry if it runs over, it will naturally percolate back down into the reservoir.

Now all you have to do is sit back and watch your garden grow.  Once every 3-4 days, top off the reservoir.   After your first ten days or so, you’ll have a good feel for how much water your plants are consuming.  Just remember that  like your kids, the bigger they get, the more  they eat; but you’ll only know that if you pay attention to them.

Enjoy!

- Henry David Thoreau

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, California’s Lt. Governor, Gavin Newsom’s recent decision to save the city $4,600 a month by moving his office to ‘hipper digs’ in an area known as South of Market.   His new office, a location known as the Founders Den, is a melting pot of really smart entrepreneurs and tech start-ups.  Pretty smooth move by my standards.  I mean, who wouldn’t want to be surrounded with that much brainpower in one shared workspace?   I know I would, but I also know who shouldn’t -  elected government officials, and here’s why:

1. The Founders Den is for entrepreneurs and tech start-ups, neither of which applies to Mr. Newsom nor any government agency
2. Even if given the benefit of the doubt, and he is given the benefit of the doubt that it is wise to surround yourself with smart people, The Founders Den is a private, invitation-only club
3. History has shown us time and again that  unfettered, behind-closed-door access to a high-ranking government official has zero potential for abuse [/irony]

What business does a Lt. Governor have with a bunch of executives looking for money?  What does planting your office in the middle of them say to your constituents, your voters?  Who would ever take advantage [of a politician clamoring for public approval] in this situation?

This whole deal smells like a turd covered in burnt hair but I can’t tell which is worse – Newsom for being so typical or the voters who figured he was all they could come up with.

This article though, is the crux of my argument, and the one case for which no one can has been able to make a valid counter point:  the Tea Party isn’t actually doing anything beyond pointing out what is wrong, and making you scared/angry about it.

As much as the pundits like to conjure memories of the “good ‘ole days” with flags and ice cream and white picket fences, you’d think one of them might reflect back to the days when people who wanted change stood up and did something more than just passionately explain the problem.

With that, I’ll remain cautiously optimistic that some good may actually come from the Utah primary.  Even if the idea is utter nonsense, at least it’s something to work with – and I’m pretty sure there are plenty of Americans who’d love to be working, even more so on something productive.