Hope the fireworks were still OK-ish, David.

I mean, I can hear them. But as a veteran of 38 years of SF Fireworks you're just getting dim glimpses of colored lights in the fog.

I can't emphasize enough how warm and blue skied it was all day, and then just as the sun went down the fog came in with Eddie Izzard described speed. It does roil in quickly when it's in the mood.

Congrats on the move, Dana! I haven’t been to Richmond, but I’ve been to other parts of VA and they were lovely.

I’m sorry about the past few days, erikaj.

Congrats to any UK Buffistas! It looks like the election results went exceptionally well.

I had a really good strawberry and feta salad in Richmond. Twice. I've only been once. We had fun.

Supposed to be a heat index of 109° today. Don't really care to know what that feels like, but I guess I still have to let the pup out. If she'll go.

What I have been thinking lately, and I'm sure it's not an original thought:

Why don't we call it pro forced pregnancy? That's what it is. Pro life is FAR too gentle a term, in addition to being utter bullshit. Do I think they are pro life? No. Do I think they are pro forced pregnancy? Yes.

And, I'm against forced pregnancy. "Pro choice," again, too delicate.

I mean, I do say it that way now, but...

I'm not saying it would change much at all, but call it what it is.

Exciting, Dana. Richmond has grown up a lot in recent years. I lived there in the 70s for a couple years. The cemetery overlooking the James is really lovely.

Sorry, about the shrouded fireworks, David. Ours were quite nice for a small town. Posted a couple videos on the FB.

(oops, just noticed I hadn't clicked post)

eta: Yes, forced pregnancy is exactly what it is.

I've seen the term "forced birth" around.

I've seen the term "forced birth" around.

Also good.

I've seen the term "forced birth" around.

Usually describing abortion foes as "forced birth extremists" - which I think works.

I've been trying to avoid paying too close attention to the election out of respect for my emotional well being. But between Biden's debate performance, the SCOTUS immunity decision and details of Project 2025's agenda, I'm feeling a dystopia coming on.

I've been trying to avoid paying too close attention to the election out of respect for my emotional well being. But between Biden's debate performance, the SCOTUS immunity decision and details of Project 2025's agenda, I'm feeling a dystopia coming on.

Last night we watched the PBS broadcast of fireworks on the Mall, and I just felt this utter sense of foreboding that those were the last July 4th fireworks this country would have as a democracy. I'm trying really hard to not be pessimistic, but the Republicans have always played dirty and the Democrats refuse to. Playing dirty is literally the only way the Democrats can win against this unhinged amoral mass of fascists.

Republicans have always played dirty and the Democrats refuse to. Playing dirty is literally the only way the Democrats can win against this unhinged amoral mass of fascists.

True on all counts. I am trying hard not to go into full panic mode.