A Woman's Place is in the Resistance

[ny biker]

So, the Women's March was, well, hard for me to put into words. A great experience. Inspiring. Crazy and crowded. I knew so many people who went, which alone was inspiring and gratifying. And it was so wonderful to come home and see all the photos online of all the sister marches -- around the US, around the world, in cities and small towns, even in Antarctica.

I took some photos but I think I have reached my limit for uploading here and haven't had time to address that yet. For now I'll just say that there were too many great signs to photograph or remember. Some funny and clever, some serious. My favorite was one with a picture of Princess Leia and the words, "A Woman's Place is in the Resistance."

But now the question is, what do we do next? One answer is here:

https://www.womensmarch.com/

To quote from the site:

10 ACTIONS / 100 DAYS

We did it! On January 21, over 5 Million of us worldwide and over 1 Million in Washington, D.C., came to march, speak and make our voices heard. But it doesn’t end here - now is not the time to hang up our marching shoes - it’s time to get our friends, family and community together and make history.

Every 10 days we will take action on an issue we all care about, starting today.

The first action is to print out a postcard, write about what matters most to you, and send it to your representatives in the US Senate. I have printed out several copies but honestly can't decide what to write. It's hard to choose just one thing.

In the meantime, on the local level, I have identified my representatives in the state senate and house of delegates -- I used to follow the people in those positions via email updates and social media, but those folks are no longer in office and I had never gotten around to tracking down the people who replaced them. The current state senator and delegate are holding a town hall meeting tomorrow which I plan to attend. I'm also looking into volunteer activities -- we'll be electing a new state governor next year, plus the mid-term elections will be important. I feel that I can no longer afford the luxury of sitting on the sidelines.

This week I have bounced back and forth between feeling "fired up, ready to go" and feeling overwhelmed by an avalanche of bad news. I'm trying to focus on what I can do to fight back.

[Crankin]

That is great, NY.
You are right, it can be overwhelming to hear all the incredibly bad news, but one has to stay informed.
I feel guilty for not participating in the march, but I knew the crowds would be too much for me. Perhaps this sounds like BS, but my job is a form of social justice (at least the way I practice it) and I purposely chose to work in community mental health. There's not much left of me when that is done. The one thing I have changed a large amount is I don't keep my mouth shut when I hear or see things that are racist, homophobic, trans phobic, etc. I've done a lot of reading to help find words that clearly explain why those kinds of statements or acts are wrong. Not that I didn't feel that way before, but it feels like the stakes are higher.
I must say, trying to explain the concept of non-binary gender is really hard when the person you are speaking just does not get it.

[Catrin]

Good words from both of you, thank you. I don't march in VERY large crowds as it's a PTSD/high anxiety trigger for me - I can't help others if I don't care for myself. I do contribute how and where I can, donating, writing letters, making calls, whatever seems appropriate. We all can't do the same things, at least that's what I tell myself. I try to lead by example where I can.

[ny biker]

The size of the crowd could be the basis for a whole other discussion -- the logistics involved in planning were crazy. From taking part in other large events on the Mall, I knew that Metro (the subway system in DC) would be packed and I did not want anything to do with that. I had originally planned to meet up with one friend who was coming in from the suburbs with her family. After some back and forth we decided to just try to meet up at the march rather than trying to coordinate meeting at a suburban Metro station where there may or may not have been parking. (As it turned out, it was far too crowded for us to get together.) Ultimately I met up with some friends who live closer to me, and we walked 1.5 miles into DC (Georgetown) with a plan to take a bus from there. But the buses were all full, so we ended up taking a cab part way and walking the rest of the way. To get back, we walked 2.5 mile to my friend's house. It was a long day on our feet with no chance to sit down.

Then there was the logistics of food and drink. There were just a handful of food vendors (food trucks) in the area. For security reasons we were limited to small purses and small see-through backpacks. I ordered a see-through drawstring bag from nfl.com so I would have something that I could fill with snack bars and a water bottle. Clif Bars and Builder Bars FTW. On the plus side, being limited to one water bottle meant my friends and I did not need to stand on the long portapotty lines.

One thing I didn't realize until after I got home was that the official march route had to be changed mid-day due to the crowd size. The plan was a rally from 10-1 and then the march at 1:00. However the speakers at the rally went long (it was after 2:00 when Madonna spoke). After a while a bunch of us decided to just start marching, so we started walking through the crowd on the street where it began, encouraging people to come with us. (There were periodic chants of "march! march!" at this point). Eventually we hit a wall of people that was just not moving -- apparently this was because other people who were closer to the stage had started marching on the new official route, and when two groups came together it slowed to less than a crawl. At that point we were near the Washington Monument, and we decided we were close enough to the official endpoint at the Ellipse (near the White House) and that we had more than accomplished our goal for the day. And my friend's back hurt from all the standing and walking. So at that point we headed home.

Throughout the entire day, wherever we were, we saw many people carrying signs and wearing pink hats -- on the way to the march and afterwards when we stopped at a restaurant to eat. It really was amazing.

Other friends had similar experiences, changing their plans frequently in the days before the march and while it was happening. You really had to be flexible and prepared for anything. And physically, it was not an easy day. I totally understand why many people would not be up for it.

But, I think the important thing is what happens next. We need to carry the momentum forward.

(Also, there's talk of a Science March and a march to demand that Trump release his income tax returns. I may end up at them -- now that I have that clear drawstring bag I might as well use it. ;))

[north woods gal]

No marches in our little community, way up here in the woods, but my heart was with everyone who did march. I'm another one who gets anxious and upset when trapped in big crowds, anyway. Sends my blood pressure and stress levels through the roof.

I'm doing what I can, though, to speak when and where I can on behalf of all the many human rights for all peoples that are being stomped on. Never thought I would live to see the day when this country turned so vicious and hateful. Yes, it can be so very depressing, but it's also so very necessary in times like these to take a stand. Have been especially concerned with some of our Muslim and transgendered friends, of late. So very sad to see them living in fear in their own homes and communities. Dark times for us all.

[emily_in_nc]

No marches in our little community, way up here in the woods, but my heart was with everyone who did march. I'm another one who gets anxious and upset when trapped in big crowds, anyway. Sends my blood pressure and stress levels through the roof.

I'm doing what I can, though, to speak when and where I can on behalf of all the many human rights for all peoples that are being stomped on. Never thought I would live to see the day when this country turned so vicious and hateful. Yes, it can be so very depressing, but it's also so very necessary in times like these to take a stand. Have been especially concerned with some of our Muslim and transgendered friends, of late. So very sad to see them living in fear in their own homes and communities. Dark times for us all.

Ditto ditto ditto! :mad: :(

[ny biker]

Every day is a new outrage, another roller coaster of emotion and feeling physically ill over the way a few hateful extremists have taken over this country.

[salsabike]

every day is a new outrage, another roller coaster of emotion and feeling physically ill over the way a few hateful extremists have taken over this country.

couldn't agree more.

[north woods gal]

This is all so very dangerous. When the man at the top does hate-based things, it's interpreted by those who share his hatred to act when they might otherwise think twice or show some restraint and the more Trump rages, the more they love him. What country is this?

[smilingcat]

I've been feeling really down, tired and just lethargic from the politics. Forced myself to attend a local progressive group meeting yesterday. What can we do? They ask. There is so much hatred, there is no dialogue with the red hat (trumpster idiots). Starting a conversation with things like "We want to improve the quality of life for everyone!" from my perspective this just don't fly with the red hat crowd. It needs to be more personal. "We need to get out of this rat hole of credit card debt and insane health insurance. You want to be free of stress and me too" kind of thing. This may get them to start talking. It's about you its about me and forget the rest of the idiots (progressive).

One city council man said that there is a concerted effort by the right wing extremist to take over the political landsacape. He said he hasn't seen so much effort on any group to take over the school board as he has seen with the right wing extremists. Because of his position, he didn't want to elaborate on where the dark money was flowing from. Well that is where you start, at school board and at a local level.

One gal said she was planning on running for city council of a small town instead of running for school board. And that is what we need to do. Start a group, start a grass root organization to get yourself or someone you know onto the school board, city council etc. Even a citizen advisory board. I'm a precinct committee person. Have been guilty of knocking on people's door to help progressive people elected. It's about your wife, its about your daughter not being molested or accosted.

[north woods gal]

Cold as it is, up here, I continue to ride, but now I find myself riding more than just for the love of riding. I ride every day because I desperately need to relieve the stress caused by continual doses of horrible political news.

[ny biker]

Nothing is helping me with the stress.

I did go to the town hall yesterday that was held by my state senator and state delegate. It was well-attended. Mostly they focused on state legislation, but they also emphasized the need for help with this year's elections, which include all the state delegates as well as governor. I'm going to find a way to help with them. One of my US Senators is also up for reelection this year.

Meanwhile my congressman is among several at Dulles Airport today, where yesterday's court order is being ignored. Yesterday the governor and state attorney general were there.

[Eden]

My parents who travel as a lifestyle attend a small protest in Phoenix. What I found most interesting is that there were a few counter protestors who showed up that felt it necessary to wear black masks .....

I think this is a great photo - the protestor just looks terrifying doesn't she

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m5HFPjpBKD4/WIlW-TBV2_I/AAAAAAAAdTc/KsJ3ryxZR-E/s1600-h/014.jpg

[ny biker]

A March for Science is being planned for Saturday, April 22 -- Earth Day -- in DC. I'm in. They've gotten a good response on social media and hope to have sister marches in other areas. More here:

https://marchforscience.com/

Also, I'm seeing indications that calls to your elected representatives are having an effect. So if there's proposed legislation or anything else you feel strongly about, call your Congress person and/or Senator and/or state legislator. I also saw something about a list of town halls scheduled by members of Congress.

[shootingstar]

Hope the town halls proliferate in the U.S. across the nation. It's highly critical there's open discussion where people feel safe and it's moderated by in-person folks. Am hoping for the best back to normalization of democracy and rule of the law. Latter is not happening right now.

This past birthday long weekend, is something I'll always remember. Every day, there was always something drastic about Trump's manoeuvres. His ban for for dual-citizenship with 1 from 7 banned countries (not just refugees from those countries and immigrants-approved for U.S. entry), was pretty lost of my respect for this U.S. leader. It is an enormous slap in the face for all immigrants and descendant U.S. generations.

I just hope Canadian Prime Minister and our govn't doesn't fall into the same snake pit of negative political power. We did allow vetted entry of 30,000 Syrian refugees for approx. 12 months. They were screened by Canadian immigration authorities right at the refugee camps. Our city took in approx. 1,800 refugees. PM Justin Trudeau keeps repeating and hopefully he keeps at it: Canada welcomes diversity. He has not yet said publicly outright Trump is racist, wrong, etc.

As for the peaceful womens' marches across the world, it was great there was no violence. I don't support violence at protests wanting good positive change for broader community. So disappointed what devolved at Berkley U of Cal. campus.

[Selkie]

I was at the women's march in DC and it gave me hope. Before, I felt as if this hate was being normalized. People came from all over the country, such a diverse group of folks, everyone was so kind. Write to you senators and congressmen. They do listen. Vote during midterms. I might go to the science march as well. I hope the world knows that this is not America.

[ny biker]

I hope the world knows that this is not America.

+1000

[ny biker]

Happy International Women's Day.

I thought about going on strike today, but decided not to, mostly because I would have no where to go and I can't stay home without ending up angry at the noisy neighbors. If I didn't have to wear this ankle boot I would have found a park or museum to visit. But anyway. I'm wearing red.

(So of course it's One of Those Days at work, and I'm really wishing I was somewhere else.)

One of the local school districts here closed for the day because so many of their teachers put in for the day off.

[Helene2013]

We celebrated Womens' day at work today by ordering cake and some our male senior partners served it to the staff. It was truly appreciated by all. The leftover (2 out of 4 huge cakes) were being delivered after to a womens' shelter center nearby the office. I'm sure the women and their children will appreciate getting such nice cake (high end one too) for dessert tonight at dinner. We could have given the leftover cakes to the staff to take home. But we figured they had their share and it was a good opportunity to share with those less fortunate.

On another note, we decided to forget about Trump and his "weird ideas'' and go spend our vacation in the USA this coming summer. We are not going to penalize ourselves, or tourism, just because of him. Hoping we have no issues crossing customs in our RV as some of those officers at entries can be pretty tough in the past few weeks even on Canadians...born in Canada with a a valid Canadian passeport. Too many we read about are being turned around without any justification, just because of a name... oh well... I used to feel very comfortable crossing those borders, now.... not as sure as we do not know what to expect anymore. And my vacations are paid for and we can't get a refund if we can't cross on that day. So crossing fingers that the day we cross it will be uneventful. hihi

[shootingstar]

We celebrated Womens' day at work today by ordering cake and some our male senior partners served it to the staff. It was truly appreciated by all. The leftover (2 out of 4 huge cakes) were being delivered after to a womens' shelter center nearby the office. I'm sure the women and their children will appreciate getting such nice cake (high end one too) for dessert tonight at dinner. We could have given the leftover cakes to the staff to take home. But we figured they had their share and it was a good opportunity to share with those less fortunate.

On another note, we decided to forget about Trump and his "weird ideas'' and go spend our vacation in the USA this coming summer. We are not going to penalize ourselves, or tourism, just because of him. Hoping we have no issues crossing customs in our RV as some of those officers at entries can be pretty tough in the past few weeks even on Canadians...born in Canada with a a valid Canadian passeport. Too many we read about are being turned around without any justification, just because of a name... oh well... I used to feel very comfortable crossing those borders, now.... not as sure as we do not know what to expect anymore. And my vacations are paid for and we can't get a refund if we can't cross on that day. So crossing fingers that the day we cross it will be uneventful. hihi

I'm sure it'll be fine for you Helene.
As a Canadian, I have been curious of some recent cases of Canadians who were turned back at the Canadian-U.S. border.

So far I've read and seen the photos in the newspaper of Canadians who: whose family background is East Indian, Middle Eastern, etc. You get the drift. I haven't yet seen it so for East Asian descent yet...probably because the 6 U.S."banned" countries doesn't include people from East Asia.. I would expect myself not to have a problem. But I will be honest here: Over the past few decades, when I travel overseas and am in a lineup at Customs, my Canadian passport is highly visible in my hand. I want the rest of the world to know my country origin..even for those other visitors who stand around me in the lineup. Other Canadians. I am just Canadian as they are. This even includes flying on domestic flights in Canada. Anyway seems like 90% Canadians that I've seen, flying on domestic flights, are like me, they show their Canadian passport as the strongest govn't issued ID. It's not the driver's license, it is a passport. I fly several times across Canada annually.

I have been mistaken for Filipino, Malaysian and of course direct from China. A sister of mine has been mistaken for native Indian.

A country has a right to impose their "legal" requirement whom they deem as appropriate to cross the border shortly after checks. But the obsession over the 6 country ban is quite discriminatory...excludes Americans living in the U.S. who have serious criminal record / can be a threat. If this all means less tourism over the next 12 months for the U.S. or slowdown, then the U.S. has to deal with that. (somehow it's doubtful tourism dollars is not a top priority for the newish President).

Not surprising (to me), that Hawai'i is trying block President's travel ban: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/why-hawaii-says-trumps-new-travel-ban-is-still-unconstitutional/2017/03/08/3419306e-040e-11e7-b9fa-ed727b644a0b_story.html?hpid=hp_hp-more-top-stories_hawaii-1249pm%3Ahomepage%2Fstory&utm_term=.9738f806b0f9 A lot of their economy hinges on tourism. When I visited Hawai'i (twice) to myself personally, it felt different to be there compared to mainland U.S....the whole cultural history, demographics of people, etc...which what did appeal to me..American yet not totally mainland.

[shootingstar]

I forgot about Women's International Day. ..though there was a small article on our corporate intranet. I'm not familiar with going on strike away from work on WID...is this in response to this year's developments in U.S. presidency term?

[north woods gal]

Yes, at least in part, it is a response to Trump's being such a misogynist, not to mention other things. In my day we used to call his type male chauvinist pigs. His regressive, hate-based politics are also part of it, too.

I wore red while out biking, today, but I think the only ones who saw me were some of our neighborhood deer and squirrels. Made me fell better, though. :)

[Eden]

but I just found this today - I think it's brilliant and I've made up several postcards to mail tomorrow (er... I guess it's now today :p)

On March 15th, 2017 each of us will mail the White House a postcard that publicly expresses our vocal opposition to the new president. And we, in vast numbers, from all corners of the world, will overwhelm Washington.

https://www.theidesoftrump.com/#theidesoftrump

[smilingcat]

Too many dates to remember. Yesterday was Pi day as in March 14--> 3/14 or 3.14 of course two years ago it would have been Mar. 14, '15 or 3.1415 better Pi. <nerd>Off the top of my head, pi is 3.14159265</nerd>

I need to get my butt in gear and pick up some postcards. Will I end up on "no fly list"?

[ny biker]

!!!!!!!

I swamped at work right now but just wanted to say -- huge things happened in Virginia yesterday. For the first time in a year, I have hope.

We'll start with this.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/virginia-politics/danica-roem-will-be-vas-first-openly-transgender-elected-official-after-unseating-conservative-robert-g-marshall-in-house-race/2017/11/07/d534bdde-c0af-11e7-959c-fe2b598d8c00_story.html?utm_term=.d417202f3276

What I love most is that she won because she ran on real issues, like transportation.

And of course there were the elections for governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general. But also serious upheaval in the House of Delegates, though several districts will have recounts so the final results are not yet known.

BTW the number of women holding seats in the House of Delegates grew substantially.

I only helped out in a small way, volunteering last weekend. In part that's because there were so many other volunteers that they didn't need me for some things I would otherwise have helped with.

Now to try to carry the momentum to 2018, and Congress.

[emily_in_nc]

Virginia is a bright light! Watching MSNBC last night, DH and I were cheering. Definitely a reflection on, and a rejection of, Washington in the last year.

Optimistic here! :)

[north woods gal]

Me, too. After reading the news, this morning, first time in what seems like forever that I felt a touch of hope concerning politics.

[Crankin]

Me, too!
Although there were no elections for me to vote in, we had a few women mayors elected, one being the first woman mayor of the city I grew up in. Both she and her opponent were liberal Democrats, but near the end, it turned into a modern version of the southside vs. the northside rivalry that's been around since time began! She handled it well. And, all of the women who were elected seem so professional and competent.
Very happy for Virginia, NY. My closest friend from above described city lives in Richmond (since the late 70s) and she was worried. She's a paralegal for the Federal Defenders office and very politically connected. I like hearing her take on things, as she has not lost her Massachusetts values.

[shootingstar]

Am also impressed this winner in New Jersey: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2017/11/09/a-politician-cracked-that-women-belong-in-the-kitchen-a-furious-woman-just-took-his-job/?tid=hybrid_experimentrandom_with_top_mostshared_3_na&utm_term=.df08485b893e

[Trek420]

It feels as if after the 7th was the first time we've slept well since the election. There really have been positive results since November ‘16

While the 7th was dramatic with Dems winning NJ Gov, VA Gov & Lt Gov of VA bringing our triumvirates (governor and both state houses) from 6 to 8. Maine expanded Medicaid ... But since '16 we've actually done a lot.

We Flipped the Hopkinton planning board, Fairfax, Des Moines & entire New Mexico school boards.

Las Cruses mayor & city council, Wisconsin Supt of Education who ran against candidates favoring vouchers and privatization. Progressive Larry Krasner is now Philly DA, I’ve lost track of state senate seats flipped, it's a ton. Granted we were 1000+ behind nation wide but finally, movement.

Mayors of Charlotte, Framingham, Manchester, Hoboken, Helena, Seattle , Albuquerque, St Paul, Statesburough, Cairo, Santa Barbara, New Orleans, Birmingham …

Now on 12/12/17 if we get Jones into the senate and start on both houses.

[ny biker]

And back to reality... we need to call our senators AGAIN because they are trying AGAIN to gut the Affordable Care Act, this time through the tax bill that benefits a handful of rich people at the expense of everyone else.

And don't get me started on the wave of sexual assault and harassment revelations because I can't even.

[Trek420]

And back to reality... we need to call our senators AGAIN because they are trying AGAIN to gut the Affordable Care Act, this time through the tax bill that benefits a handful of rich people at the expense of everyone else.

And don't get me started on the wave of sexual assault and harassment revelations because I can't even.

Sigh. I have resistbot on both phones and fax them daily from one or the other. https://resistbot.io

If the bot gets overworked and freezes I send postcards which are probably more fun for them.

Currently using Simpsons postcards, sometime national parks ...

[ny biker]

It's been a year... the organizers of the Women's March will be holding an anniversary "Power to the Polls" event in Las Vegas.

http://www.powertothepolls.com

Meanwhile various events are being planned around the country. A search for my ZIP Code brought up marches in DC, Baltimore and Frederick MD, plus other events. You can search you own area here.

http://www.powertothepolls.com/anniversary.html

I am planning to participate in the DC march, though thanks to the torn ankle tendon I don't think I can do nearly as much walking this year as last. So I'm not sure how involved I will be able to be.

[Trek420]

It's been a year... the organizers of the Women's March will be holding an anniversary "Power to the Polls" event in Las Vegas.

http://www.powertothepolls.com

Meanwhile various events are being planned around the country. A search for my ZIP Code brought up marches in DC, Baltimore and Frederick MD, plus other events. You can search you own area here.

http://www.powertothepolls.com/anniversary.html

I am planning to participate in the DC march, though thanks to the torn ankle tendon I don't think I can do nearly as much walking this year as last. So I'm not sure how involved I will be able to be.

Marching in Seattle. Also we have an upcoming school bond election. I'd said "I'm sick to death of being on the phone. 25 years of talking to our dear customers once I retire I'm never using a phone again."

Yep, calling voters and will likely do this through midterms or even 2020.

So if you get a call during midterms "hello, this is Trek420 and I'm a volunteer for ______ candidate. Is this the person to whom I am speaking?" It's me. :cool:

[ny biker]

Trek, you will probably be very good at phone banking, thanks to your experience. Hopefully it feel less stressful knowing you are working for a cause that is important to you.

I am furiously trying to finish crocheting my pussycat hat in time for the march on Saturday. I had actually finished one a couple of months ago but it was too small -- I am new to this crochet thing and still have much to learn -- so I ripped out all the stitches and started over. I sorta combined two different patterns so am just hoping it looks okay when I'm done.

Meanwhile I still don't know how much I'll be able to walk on Saturday, but I will give it a try. I think (hope) if I go slowly and stop fairly often I will be okay.

[ny biker]

Okay then. I finished the hat around 2 am. Slept later than I had planned on Saturday so I didn't get to the rally until 1 pm, which was the time that the march was supposed to start. But the speakers continued for another 90 minutes. Then we marched to the White House. It wasn't a huge crowd, but I think it was big enough. The atmosphere was good. I was very glad that I was there.

I took a selfie at the rally, with the Lincoln Memorial in the background, and posted it on Facebook. This evening I was talking to a friend about the march. He told me that he had been talking to another friend, a middle-aged man, who had seen my photo and commented that the my hat was not flattering. I told him that I don't give a f*ck. I mean seriously. Talk about missing the point.

At the rally a man was standing next to a tree holding a large poster with this quote from a Maya Angelou poem:

I, the Rock, I the River, I the Tree
I am yours -- your Passages have been paid.

Lift up your faces, you have a piercing need
For this bright morning dawning for you.

History, despite its wrenching pain,
Cannot be unlived, but if faced
With courage, need not be lived again.

Lift up your eyes upon
This day breaking for you.

Give birth again to the Dream.

Do not be wedded forever
To fear, yoked eternally
To brutishness

[rebeccaC]

ny....that reminds me of her poem 'On The Pulse Of Morning'.

we had a huge crowd 500,000 to 600,000 by most estimates. marching in solidarity ftw!!!!!!!!!

[ny biker]

Got an email at work yesterday -- due to "tax reform" all employees will receive a small bonus. After taxes are taken out it won't be much. I have decided to donate it to World Central Kitchen (who are still feeding people in Puerto Rico), a local nonprofit that helps victims of domestic violence and the ACLU.


http://www.worldcentralkitchen.org

[Crankin]

NY, I just noticed your new tag line. If it's not new, then I am unobservant.
"Thickly settled" was one of the list of expressions that I had to make a list of and have explained to me by my cousin, when I moved back to MA. They all were things you had to know to pass the written dirver's test here. While thickly settled was one I kind of got, things like frost heave and reverse curve vexed me. I was just thinking about this yesterday, so when I saw your post, I laughed.

[ny biker]

I added that after my first visit to the Cape - I had never seen a sign like that before (or since). I thought it was funny. I think I understood its meaning but felt like it could have other interpretations too.

The other thing that was different about driving there were the huge rotaries. I've seen roundabouts and traffic circles before but haven't driven around anything that large anywhere else. I actually had to count the exits out loud to keep from getting confused and just going around and around the circle.

I have never heard of a frost heave or a reverse curve. What are they?

[Crankin]

OK, I will try to translate. Thickly settled means a high density population, usually in a smaller town or village. A frost heave is when a road buckles up and makes a bump, usually causing a crack in the pavement, too. This comes from the frost/freeze cycle here, where it is not consistently cold all winter. Reverse curve means an "s" curve. There were a few others, too, that are not much in usage in speech, but they have never updated the language in the road signs.
So yeah, rotaries. The first week I lived here, I went around the Chelmsford rotary a few times, to go to the grocery store! My kids thought I was nuts. It was a "minor" exit, i.e. a regular road, not a state highway. Of course, now, that rotary is all well signed and much easier to navigate. If they have 2 clear lanes, they are OK, but the problem here, is people enter and exit without yielding and don't follow the established rules about which lane, inside or out, to be in if you are going more than halfway around. I live within 2 miles of one of the most notorious rotaries in the state. It's a rite of passage when kids in this area get their license! They have redone a major part of the highway, but the plan to elevate the highway, get rid of the rotary, and put the 2 town roads that are exits below it is still a couple of years off. This highway cuts my town in half and when they fix this, it will make a huge difference for the residents. They are starting to put more directions/instructions in rotaries and are calling them round-a-bouts, too. I have seen some in Europe with 10 exits! The difference is, that everyone follows the rules. We had to ride our bikes on one of those huge ones, coming into Santiago de Compostela, last summer, and I was scared as hell, but the leader prepped us and it was fine.

[ny biker]

We have similar problems here with people not yielding or being in the correct lane in some of the more complex traffic circles in DC. When I first moved here and got a car, I asked a friend to give me directions from my home to I-95 that avoided all circles. They are adding new ones in the suburbs and most of them seem okay, but the ones in DC are crazier.

There is one circle in the neighborhood where I live now that is a problem. It's at a 3-way intersection but the roads are not at right angles, so it doesn't really look like a circle when you approach from some directions. Everyone ignores the signs to yield. It's bad enough in a car but is even more dangerous when you're on a bike.

[Trek420]

I don't know much about this candidate but this is one of the best ads I've seen. Any of you runners or triathletes may like:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YaaatXeij8

[ny biker]

That was a good ad, Trek. Thanks for sharing it.

I went to the March for Our Lives in DC yesterday. It was great. The speakers were all young -- teenagers, young adults, some as young as 11. They told moving stories of losing loved ones to gun violence. It was inspiring, and gave me hope for the future for the first time in a while.

There were some big musical performers there, too, but none of them took attention away from the message of the day. In fact there was no one introducing any of the speakers or performers, so I didn't know who most of them were until they started to speak and tell their stories. I have to say that I was very impressed by the overall organization of the event.

A big part of their message was to register and vote! A few days ago I saw a request for volunteers to register voters outside of a couple of Metro (subway) stations in my area, so I signed up for a two-hour shift before heading to the march. Most people who passed us were already registered, and we only registered one person, but she was a middle-aged woman who was registering to vote for the first time, which was great. (I think she may have been an immigrant.) As I exited the Metro station on my way home I saw other volunteers and asked how things were going, and they said they'd registered 4-5 people. With the close elections we've seen recently, every vote counts.