mjh's blog

Are liberals crazy? Keep reading by Leslie Linthicum

I could kiss Leslie. That said, I’m leery of “biology is destiny.” I don’t want to believe that our views are hard-wired. However, we clearly have difficulty changing our views. Of course, we don’t know if brain differences are the result of attitude-views or vice versa.

» Are liberals crazy? Keep reading | ABQ Journal By Leslie Linthicum / Of the Journal on Thu, May 2, 2013

From a study published in “Biology,” MRIs of self-reported liberals found more volume in the anterior cingulate cortex of the brain, which provides tolerance to uncertainty, whereas self-reported conservatives had more volume in the right amygdala, where fear is processed.

From another study published in “Current Biology”: “In general, liberals are more open-minded, creative, curious, and novelty seeking, whereas conservatives are more orderly, conventional, and better organized.” And another study in the journal “Dreaming” that is even less responsive to your question but still interesting found conservatives slept more soundly and had mundane dreams while liberals were more restless sleepers with bizarre dreams.

» Are liberals crazy? Keep reading | ABQ Journal

I resisted linking to a study that showed that when packaging compared energy efficient bulbs to wasteful bulbs without comment, conservatives and liberals both bought energy efficiency. But when packaging added environmental messages, conservatives shunned those bulbs. peace, mjh

Wind Makes Crazy

The official weather forecast for the next 3 days: “PM Blowing Dust.” Not until Wednesday does it rise to the level of “windy” by Abq standards.

“Weather Fact: April is Albuquerque’s windiest month, with an average speed of 10.2 mph. May is the next windiest, with an average of 9.9 mph, while June comes in third with an average of 9.2 mph. (Albuquerque National Weather Service)” [via abqjournal / Joe Diaz]

If you can sense the difference between 10.2 mph and 9.9 mph, more power to you. The three windiest months are in a row and we’re not a third through them. But what that leaves out are all those windy days in the months prior. And those are averages. A gust of 30mph is hardly noteworthy in Albuquerque. Sustained gusts of 60mph are not rare.

Yes, Wind Makes Crazy and all the trees are Whispering, “Rain!”

Windy weather prompts ABQ “fugitive dust” alert

Spring in New Mexico means gawd-awful, relentless, brutal, wicked wind. With less than one inch of rain in 6 months, wind moves the entire landscape. Of course, 60 mph gust can move concrete and a man to tears.

» Breaking: Windy weather prompts ABQ dust alert | ABQ Journal

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT ISSUES FUGITIVE DUST/HIGH WIND NOTICE

» Breaking: Windy weather prompts ABQ dust alert | ABQ Journal

Drought in New Mexico — three related tales

It’s bad and getting worse. On the other hand, a trace rained on me in Chaco Canyon this week. I wore rain gear to walk around Casa Rinconada. peace, mjh

» Drought on the Rio Grande: “The worst year ever.” | ABQ Journal

By John Fleck / Journal Staff Writer on Wed, Apr 3, 2013

» Drought on the Rio Grande: “The worst year ever.” | ABQ Journal

» Ruidoso’s reservoirs nearly empty | ABQ Journal

By Associated Press on Wed, Apr 3, 2013

RUIDOSO (AP) — The village of Ruidoso is warning residents that the mountain community’s reservoirs are nearly empty due to the drought and the effects of a devastating wildfire

» Ruidoso’s reservoirs nearly empty | ABQ Journal

» Clovis begins voluntary water restrictions | ABQ Journal

By Associated Press on Wed, Apr 3, 2013

CLOVIS (AP) — Clovis city officials are urging residents and business owners to conserve water.

The eastern New Mexico city started voluntary watering restrictions on Monday. They will be in effect through Oct. 1….

» Clovis begins voluntary water restrictions | ABQ Journal

I scarcely know who Steve Alford is or what sport he’s involved in. He can take the entire sport with him. I won’t miss him or it.

Get off the lawn!

Why paralyze Albuquerque for Amarillo’s problems?

Commercial vehicles should exit at Louisiana, but not cars. Make cars exit by Tramway.

Sometimes, it’s AlBAHquerque.

Someday, people will stare in amazement at a photo like the following. “How could they live like that? What are those things?” In the meantime, for someone’s profit, we accept a needle thrust in our eyes time and time again.

Now, isn’t that better? Why do we have to work our way around the ugliness? Beauty makes life better. What does ugly do?