the local environment

in addition to the recently blogged crassula obvata, there have been more-recent additions to the flora at this location, including a totally fabulous cymbidium (which was found to be much more affordable at one's local krogër than at some other retail outlets --- thank yew robt) --- and replacing the crocus, which were a total and abject failure, is a Juniperus chinensis ‘Pfitzeriana’ 

• Conifer, evergreen, wide spreading shrub, 5 ft x 10 ft, (1.5-3 m), main branches emerge at a 45^o angle and young shoots are slightly pendulous (tips drooping).  A male plant.  Leaves scale-like, light green, also juvenile leaves that are awl-shaped (needle-like), in whorls of 4 inside the plant.
• Sun and partial shade.  Can withstand difficult growing conditions in urban areas or at the seashore.  One of the more widely planted junipers.  At least a dozen clones (branch sports) have been developed from 'Pfitzeriana'.  (Dirr, 1998,. p. 506; Krüssmann, 1985, p. 140, under J. × media).
• Hardy to USDA Zone 4

we will definitely be testing that ability to "withstand difficult growing conditions in urban areas" --- also thought the "male plant" thing might be a plus. . . .

dexter, for one, totally enjoys the return of the potted jungle

the gaudiness continues

the redbud trees reaching their peak, with the dogwood not too far behind --- all kinds of smelly things out there, too

the luxury of spring

cherries gone, but nearly all of the trees greening out and the pool opened again

atlanner

poor losers

the twenty-third federal census

a great american tradition (actually it's in the constitution) since 1790

have you done yours?

vile and despicable people

hannity congratulating the tea partiers, who he describes as "all those tim mcveigh wannabes" --- he killed 168 people that day, including babies and children ---- that's the right's "patriot" model these days ---

listen to a real american

"We stood firm for the civil rights of every Iowan by saying loudly and clearly that any and all efforts to add discriminatory amendments to our state constitution have no place in our state constitution. Regardless of our personal views, we have a line that needs to be drawn between the executive branch and the judicial branch and I think Iowans are ready to move on and accept that unanimous decision." - Iowa Gov. Chet Culver, congratulating the state legislature for refusing to consider a constitutional amendment overturning same-sex marriage. This week is the one year anniversary of marriage equality in Iowa.

more spring gaudiness

fry him up

here's an interesting piece on farmed fish, a lot of which i already knew and, as a result, don't think it fit for human consumption --- however, i did not know that tilapia can be farmed in an environmentally friendly way, mainly because they are herbivores (as are sockeye salmon, which are always wild) ---

i guess it is a little weird to wonder about whether or not what you are about to eat is itself a carnivore ---

family values

these militia types are a little skeery, especially the latest in michigan, the hutaree, who were planning on doing some killing so that they could get it started ahead of the anti-christ --- this is the woman's wedding picture---awesome, don't you think?

flora

i got home from work to my office filled with the stench of coconut: the maxillaria tenuifolia is blooming! i don't much like coconut, but the smell is really delicious --- actually if your nose is pointed the right way or whatever, it smells like crayons

and one of my epidendrums is blooming, too (god knows what specie, what with over 1100 from which to choose) --- it don't smell

furthermore, i have another crassula ovata in the house, courtesy of robert, for whose space it had outgrown --- it is the offspring of one that i had for over 30 years, but that was too big to bring over here when i moved and so  is now being enjoyed by mr. hasty

crackers

The Southern Legal Resource Center is calling on self-proclaimed "Confederates" to declare their heritage when they are counted in the 2010 Census. . . . The organization is urging Southerners to declare their “heritage and culture” by classifying themselves as “Confederate Southern Americans” on the line on the form, question No. 9, that asks for race. Check “other” and write “Confed Southern Am” on the line beside it, the group says on its Facebook page and on two YouTube videos.

gimme a break

they're out there . . .

wonkette has been on a roll lately --- here is a link to a genuine masterpiece of crazy: norman laboon who, to our great good fortune, is now in federal custody, just for all the wrong reasons

environmental issues

yeah, all these tree-hugging enviromentalists never stop to think about how we're supposed to maintain a cat box without plastic bags

obamacare

i've been wondering what the small-business types were thinking about it all --- here's from a couple of my friends who are just that --- she sez:

as one of you asked how the new bill will impact our business, thought you might be interested in this (as most of you are self-employed or close to it or a small shop)

i'm pleased on both counts - finally, SOMETHING was done, and that for us as a company, it's good for us too; after being the person picking the health care plans for 8 yrs now... every year we've had to change plans to dodge massive rate increases (one year was 36%), and trim down coverage, to get to something we can afford (we cover our employees AND family, rare for our size). Being able to FINALLY join a buying pool - yippee! We've always been penalized for being a company w/less than 25 warm bodies.

Oh, the quip about raising rates before 2014 - that's been happening to us all along (see above) so i see no changes in industry practice

and he sez, at somewhat greater length:

What's in it for me? If you run a small business or are self-employed, you probably want to know what's in the health care legislation for you personally. Let's get beyond the rhetoric and the partisanship and look into the details.

The good news: For the first time, there's real help for entrepreneurs. If you can't afford or can't qualify for insurance, you'll have new options starting in 2014. If you're struggling financially – as many self-employed do – you may qualify for a government subsidy or Medicaid. If you have a pre-existing condition, you can't be denied insurance. And – whoopee! — I'm personally going to get a tax credit starting this year. If you offer health insurance to your employees, it's likely you will too.

The downsides: There are no caps on health insurance premiums, so I expect insurance companies to hike rates significantly before they have competition in 2014. If you have more than 50 employees, you'll have to provide coverage or pay a fine beginning 2014. As of 2013, there'll be new taxes on some types of income typically received by successful small business owners.

Bottom line: If you're self-employed or have a business with fewer than 25 employees, it's probably going to be financially advantageous for you to be incorporated or an LLC (limited liability company), provide coverage through the business (rather than buy it individually), and, most likely, purchase through a state-established exchange set up beginning 2014.

So what's in the legislation for your small business or for the self-employed?
•Tax Credit. Starting with 2010 taxes, small businesses with fewer than 25 employees that pay at least 50% of the health care premiums for their employees qualify for a tax credit up to 35% of your premiums (50% after 2014 if you purchase insurance through an exchange). How much of a credit you'll get depends on the number of employees you have and their average wage. Gotcha alert: The tax deduction is not available to sole proprietors, so you may want a different corporate legal form.

•Exchanges. Starting 2014, the biggest potential benefit may kick in with the establishment of Small Business Health Options Programs – or SHOP exchanges. These will enable small companies (up to 100 employees) to pool together to have greater buying power. Theoretically, this should result in lower premium costs.
•Subsidies. Starting 2014, many self-employed will qualify for a federal subsidy to help them afford the cost of purchasing health care. Those earning up to 400% of the poverty level will get assistance, or up to $88,200 for a family of four (at today's poverty level).

•Medicaid. Starting 2014, more lower-income individuals and childless adults would be covered by Medicaid, the federal health insurance plan for the poor. This can be a big help, especially for those just starting a business, without much income.
•Mandatory employer-provided coverage. Small businesses – with fewer than 50 employees – are exempt from mandatory requirements. Businesses with more than 50 employees will be required to provide coverage as of 2014 or pay a fine. That means those of us who provide health care coverage will no longer, in effect, be subsidizing our competitors (whose employees rely on public health services) who don't.

•Mandatory personal coverage. Also as of 2014, you'll be required to have health insurance or pay a fine. If you have to pay more than 8% of your income for the cheapest plan, you're not penalized.

•Pre-existing conditions. Starting June 2010, individuals who have not been able to get insurance because of pre-existing conditions can join a high risk insurance pool. As of 2014, insurance companies can not deny insurance to adults based on pre-existing conditions.

•Adult children. Starting in September 2010, dependent children up to age 26 can be covered on parent's policy

•Lifetime limits. Starting September 2010, there can be no lifetime maximum limits on policies. Also, companies can not rescind policies except for fraud.
•Preventive care. Starting September 2010, coverage must include basic preventive care. As many small businesses can now only afford catastrophic coverage, this may mean additional benefits.

•Taxes. Starting January 2013, if you make over $200,000 (individual) or $250,00 (family), your Medicare tax rate will increase from 1.45% to 2.35%. A bigger potential tax bite may hit small business owners who receive capital gains, dividend, or interest income with an additional 3.8% tax on that income.;

•"Cadillac" plans. Starting 2018, employers who provide insurance costing more than $10,200 for individuals or $27,500 per family must pay a 40% tax on the excess cost of the premium. This could be a big burden on small businesses, as many premiums are already at that rate for even basic coverage.

midtown's greening

milestones

i know two women that have been together for thirty years now --- and that's not dog years either --- i am, at some level, impressed with that accomplishment --- rock on, cv and ah

and happy birthday to cousin cathi, who remains younger than me

spring spring spring

gaudy colors on the landscape and the stench of spring in the air
--- even the bradford pears are acceptable, although it will rain on them tomorrow, ruining the blossoms, after which they all should be cut down

golgotha fun park redux

robert has now researched the site and uncovered additional information on " America's #1 Shaded Biblical Mini-Golf." 

the natchez trace

i drove part of the north end of the natchez trace parkway on the way this evening --- parts of the trace are still there along with some excellent views --- and quiet