Things which last
When I moved out on my own 30 years ago I bought a Rival crock-pot at the hardware store in Scotts Valley, California. It did my cooking for me. And it still does! Well, actually Cheryl uses it more than I do these days, but it still cooks up a great pot-roast. Tonight she did a terrific stew. Why is it that we're so surprised when something works so well for so long?


Satsumas
We had our first two Satsuma oranges off the tree today. There aren't as many of them this year as last and they seem a bit smaller. But they are really good. Turlock is the perfect place for growing this type of citrus.

The navel oranges are probably still two or three weeks from being ready and both the grapefruit and tangerines are a little behind them.


Template changes
Yes, I'm messing with the blogger template again -- still seeking that perfect look.


Up-and-coming
For those who want to be on the fast-track, FastCompany has come up with 15 up-and-coming hubs for creative workers--places that draw people who are talented, tech savvy, and tolerant. I guess I must not be creative, talented, tech savvy, or tolerant (?) -- as far as I can tell Turlock isn't on the list.


Pirates
The raiders which attempted to board a cruise ship off the coast of Somalia last week have been busy, attacking at least 25 vessels in the last six months. Fishermen in the area have spotted what officials think is a "pirate mother ship" from which smaller boats are launched in the raids.

With the amount of attention this story has received I have a sneaking suspicion that their great pirate adventure might soon come to an end. There are probably 5 or 6 navies which would enjoy trying out their latest tracking gizmos on these guys.

Those who survive will certainly end up in the brig.

I suspect the reason this story is getting so much attention is that so many people have taken to cruising. It's not just a rich person's vacation anymore. And these are the same people who grew up reading pirate fantasy stories and sailing with the Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland. Unfortunately these pirates are of the real criminal variety -- nothing romantic about them.


New global warming info
Water vapour rather than carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is the main reason why Europe's climate is warming, according to a new study.