Storm's A-Comin'

Thought you might like to see what weather is like on this side of the world. (Click the map to enlarge.) There are two major storms hitting Asia right now. In the Pacific, these storms are called typhoons, in the Atlantic, hurricanes. We've had a couple hit the mainland already, and one of them did a lot of damage. Now we've got two going at the same time; Bopha (the bottom one) and Saomai (the one farther north).

They're both in the south of here, so things are pretty calm up in my neck of the woods. If you look at the 30th parallel and follow along to the coast, I'm located at the bottom of the notch. It's been helpful to clear the air and the high humidity out--today is a very nice day indeed.

Here's a link to a pretty cool website that tracks these storms all over the world. So the next time one approaches North America, maybe you can e-mail the appropriate authorities and give them a heads-up. Based on recent history, looks like they could use the help.

Speaking of which, after what happened Tuesday night, it looks like there's a storm brewing all over the land back there. Don't forget to go to Lew Katz' website and help intensify the winds of change.

Clear to Partly Thunderstorms

We were putting some wash out on the line today when the skies suddently opened up and we got us a nice gulley-washer of a storm. When it rains hard here like that, it rains hard, and I ran to get my camera. Although I missed the strongest part of the storm, you can still get a feel for it in this video.

You'll notice that part way through the video I pan to the sky. Why? Well, the part of the sky I was trying to shoot was nice and blue, even though it looks washed out and white in the video. Just another example of "China, Land of Contrasts".

Try this link if the vid doesn't load on this page.

Hope you've had a chance to check out my friend, mentor, and Congressional candidate Lew Katz' website. I am super-excited by this, and wish I could be back there to help him get elected. So, take my place and do what you can: vote, volunteer, contribute, spread the word. Every bit helps, every vote counts. Thanks.

Katz! for Congress

I usually don't touch on too many "serious" issues in my little vanity blog here, especially politics and especially domestic U.S. politics, but today I will make a very important exception. Today I am pleased and honored to introduce my readers to a man I respect and admire, Lewis R. Katz:

Lew is running for The United States House of Representatives for Ohio's 14th Congressional District.

Lew is John C. Hutchins Professor at Case Western Reserve University School of Law. It was there that I met him and had the incredibly rewarding experience of being his research assistant for two years. Being a research assistant for a professor holding an endowed chair in a major law school by itself would be rewarding, but working so closely with this man for that period of time magnified the opportunity tenfold. I probably learned more in our conversations in his office (and his class) than in all my other law school classes combined. Lew helped train me, not just in law, but in my approach to thinking through and analyzing a problem and in looking deeper into the underlying rationales for the way things are.

I can think of no better man to sit in Congress in these perilous times.

You may wonder why a man of his stature would undertake a political career at this stage of his life. I was reading his website and he says it much better than I ever could:

"Running for Congress is not about quitting my job and looking for a new and long career. Rather, running for Congress is a choice made because I think our country and Northeast Ohio need new leadership if we are to see a healthy America for our children.

My wife Jan and I have three terrific adult children and three grandchildren. Our son and two daughters have always worked hard at their endeavors and been a source of pride. And, yes, at family dinners, they are opinionated and well-informed about the world around them.

It is mainly because of them and our grandchildren that I am seeking office. My family and yours deserve a Congress that will take a stand against policies and programs eroding our best interests. Here in Northeast Ohio, far too many jobs leave the region, taking with them our young people who seek jobs elsewhere and leaving behind chaos in the lives of the unemployed.

Our government has sent troops unsupported to a war claiming young American lives daily. We have fouled our environment, and despaired over the plight of our schools. We watch as the elderly cross our border into Canada to buy prescription drugs which they can’t afford here. We listen in disbelief as the Administration insists on giving the security of our ports to a foreign country. And we know America can do better.

And we hear again and again of corruption and greed on the part of our Congressmen who have sold out to lobbyists and special interest groups.

What can one man do to help solve these problems? With your help I can make a difference."

Here is a map of the 14th District:

Ohio's 14th Congressional District is made up of all of Ashtabula County, Lake County and Geauga County. It also includes portions of Cuyahoga County, Portage County, Summit County and Trumbull County. (Click here to find the specific communities in those counties). It is currently being represented by Stephen LaTourette.

As a friend, please do me the favor of supporting Lew:

--If you live in the 14th Congressional District, please give him your vote.

--If you live near the 14th District, please volunteer for him.

--If you know someone who lives in the 14th District, please urge them to visit his website, learn more about him and his positions, and vote for him.

--If you can, please contribute to his campaign directly, or through ACT BLUE.

Thank you very much.

Curtis