The Stupidest People on the Face of the Earth

Mr. Global’s take on American soybean farmers echoes mine. Seriously, the stupidest people on the face of the entire Earth.

@mrglobaltoo #soybeans #farmer #farms #fyp #fypシ ♬ original sound - Mr Global

Watching "Trainspotting"

Lately, I've been watching old movies on VHS tape. I've seen movies I overlooked over the years, including "Spaceballs," "A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum," and "La Femme Nikita." 

Alas, the videotape unraveled while I was watching "Trainspotting," the 1996 movie directed by Danny Boyle and starring Ewan McGregor, about the glories and pitfalls of heroin addiction in Scotland. I didn't get to see how the film ends. 

Even worse, the VHS tape player doesn't work anymore. If I can't figure out this technical problem, against my will, I may be propelled out of the past. I will be one angry geezer, forced to deal with modern technology. 

I'll have to watch "Trainspotting" again, hopefully sometime soon, with subtitles, so I can figure out more than every third word, or so. 

Best scene ever: "The Worst Toilet in Scotland." My analogy: Trying to recover from MAGA by using elections alone is like trying to recover from heroin addiction by using expensive opium suppositories.

 

Particulate Air Pollution Formation Going Hog Wild in Sacramento Right Now

Particulate air pollution is a big problem in the Sacramento area at the instant. 

I queried the Purple Air website for raw PM2.5 levels, particulate air pollution smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter, in micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m^3), the size that most-affects lung function, averaged over one day. 

The 24-hour national standard is 35 ug/m^3, so it's concerning we have levels around 50 ug/m^3 right now. You might be able to notice the bad air from your scratchy throat. 

So, what gives? These particles are made mostly of ammonium nitrate. Particulate formation is often ammonia-limited in the summertime, but around here, under foggy wintertime conditions, that limitation is removed. The atmosphere goes hog-wild. There is plenty of ammonia and nitric acid and since one's a base and one's an acid they readily get together. Soon the air becomes filled with particles. 

Here is AI's summary regarding particulate formation in the San Joaquin Valley (which is the same process that occurs elsewhere in California, including the Sacramento Valley): 

- - - 

Key Findings on Wintertime PM2.5 and Ammonia Nitrate-Driven Pollution: 

High winter PM2.5 concentrations (often exceeding 35 (ug/m^3) are largely driven by the combination of NOx (from traffic/industry) and NH3 (primarily from agricultural sources) to form ammonium nitrate. 

Limiting Factors: While the San Joaquin Valley has an excess of ammonia, NOx reductions are more effective than NH3 reductions in lowering wintertime ammonium nitrate levels. 

Seasonal Peaks: PM2.5 concentrations in the Valley peak during winter due to stagnant air, fog, cold temperatures, and increased wood burning, with ammonium nitrate concentrations being three times higher in December than in June. 

Regional Differences: In the SJV, ammonia is typically in excess, whereas in the South Coast Air Basin (LA region), wintertime PM2.5 may show different, more ammonia-limited characteristics due to regional differences in emissions. 

Factors Influencing Winter PM2.5 Levels 

Meteorology: Inversions, cold temperatures, and lack of rain trap pollutants, creating elevated, multi-day episodes. 

Emission Sources: Key sources include residential wood burning (organic carbon) and ammonium nitrate formed from NOx and agricultural ammonia. Contribution of Ammonia: 

Despite being often NOx-limited, ammonia is still crucial to the inorganic PM2.5 mass; studies show that over 50% of inorganic PM2.5 in California is linked to anthropogenic ammonia.

Dakota Tipi and Drumming - Camp Justice - January 19, 2026

Trump Train Thugs Pay A Visit - January 17, 2026

 

 Video was posted on Reddit from last Saturday's Trump-Train attack on one of our own at Camp Justice, at the John Moss Federal Building on N Street. I learn several things from the video: 

1.) We need to make sure that when we have multiple demonstrations occurring at nearly the same time that people are not left shorthanded at any time at any location, 

2.) The Trump Train stopped and nearly-blocked N Street, creating conditions suitable for their attack, 

3.) On the flip side, because the Trump Train is so bulky, it becomes easier to add roadblocks and prevent the entire Trump Train from leaving the scene.

 

Group of MAGA supporters attack an anti-ICE protestor with baseball bats and smash up his van
byu/m-prov inSacramento

My Signs - Howe and Arden - January 17, 2026

John Moss Federal Building - January 15, 2026

Time To Check In With My Relatives

Oh, Gawd!!! Oh well, at least he's a relation by marriage rather than by blood....:

Former state police officer Corey Newman, 30, of Edgewood, had been charged in June with criminal sexual contact with a minor. It was also revealed in court Thursday that Newman was fired when he was charged, and at the time, state police were investigating him for stalking women.

Under a plea agreement with prosecutors, he would have been sentenced to as little as five years of probation and would also have to register as a sex offender for life. 

But, in court Thursday, his attorney didn't want the former officer to have a felony record, and a judge threw the agreement out, forcing a possible trial.

 

 

Hmmm, this story is 2.5 years old. I thought he was pretty well-respected, in part due to this 2022 incident:

As the officer approached the vehicle, Saldivar got out of the vehicle and locked the doors. The officer asked Saldivar to stand on the passenger side of his marked patrol vehicle while he got some information. Saldivar walked over to the officer’s patrol unit and then reached for a black object that he had concealed in his jacket pocket. The officer immediately created distance and drew his duty weapon, but Saldivar charged the officer and tackled him. 

During the attack, the officer fired at least one shot from his duty weapon striking Saldivar. After the gunshot was fired Saldivar continued to fight the officer and tried to grab the officer’s gun. As the two struggled, Saldivar bit the back of the officer’s arm. At this point, Saldivar had managed to retrieve a gun from his jacket. He was holding the gun in his hand, attempting to chamber a round into the weapon. Officer Newman wrestled the suspect’s gun away from him and threw it to the side.

He's got a nice smile...

@benjaminus16

♬ original sound - user3739519190161310 - benjaminus16

We Walk Alone

When we walk the neighborhood late at night, Jasper the dog is vigilant, particularly when we are being stalked by other animals. Tonight, the stalking animal was a cat. Jasper wouldn’t let the cat approach. 

Two nights ago, though, the stalking animal was a skunk. I didn’t mind the skunk. I like the company of skunks, provided they aren’t agitated. They’re pretty social animals. Last summer a skunk ran across the street to join us, as far as I could tell, because it was lonely. 

But Jasper is not as tolerant as I am, and so, we walk alone.

Demonstrating Yet Again Sunday Evening, January 11, 2026

, at the John Moss Building, at ICE’s N Street gate, in downtown Sacramento.

We have a tempestuous relationship with the noise-hating people who live in the apartments across the street. They've been tossing eggs, limes, and even a potato at us. Nothing like a potato from the 10th floor to ruin your day.

A Visit To Arthur Murray's

For Rachel's birthday we went to take a beginning dance lesson at Arthur Murray's Dance Studio on Manzanita in Carmichael. I've always enjoyed the atmosphere in ballroom dance studios, and I wasn't disappointed. Lessons are too expensive right now, but we can dream.

Opening Night, "Legally Blonde," DMTC, January 9, 2026

The most difficult thing to deal with for the last 5.5 years, since June 10, 2020, has been being exiled from Davis Musical Theatre Company (DMTC).  Much of my social life revolved around the theater company, and so I lost contact with many, many acquaintances (exacerbated by Covid, of course).  

Much has happened in the last 5.5 years.  Steve and Jan Isaacson, the founders of the theater company, first separated and then divorced, throwing the theater company into an extended period of leadership chaos.  Jan was also apparently sidelined from directing musicals and the Young Performers' Theater (YPT).  Other unrelated crises occurred too, including a scandal that damaged the theater's reputation in the local theater community.

Then, about a month ago, the improbable apparently happened.  Steve Isaacson himself was booted from his own theater.  As well as being Producer he was also Treasurer, and there are questions about money that may take time to understand.  

Steve is now out.  Kyle Jackson, and Brian and Kimmy McCann, are in.  

(I always knew that a succession would be terribly difficult, given how tenacious the grip of the Isaacsons was, and I'm grateful there's new dawn after the chaos.  It didn't have to be this way.  The whole company could have cratered.)

Having heard some of this a few days ago and sensing an opportunity, I went to opening night of "Legally Blonde."  And sure enough, I was welcomed back by the powers that be.  Bygones will be bygones, and I have an opportunity to resume normal relations with the folks at DMTC.

Plus, "Legally Blonde" is a fun show too!

The Chronicles of Ice Pick - Protests on January 10, 2026

I got just one picture from today's protests: 1.) Sunrise and Greenback from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. (with Rachel), and then, 2.) Howe at Arden from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. 

I can't believe the stamina of some of the younger folks. They were back downtown this evening at the John Moss Federal Building for more protesting. 

But I do like this video. I have a bit of legend surrounding myself, and it's growing. I have the nickname 'ICE Pick.' This is how legends start!

@taterrtatii This is not a left or right issue! It’s a human rights issue!!!! No person, guilty or innocent, deserves to be unalived in the streets without accountability. We are protesting for justice, transparency, and safety for our communities. Every Saturday 12-2pm join us on Howe and Arden! This protest was started by @O’Brien Goes Potatoes ♬ original sound - tatiana 🇱🇦✨ 🇵🇷🌺

Hells Bells, Renee Nicole Good's Murder - Protest at Fremont Park Followed by March to the John Moss Building - January 7, 2026

 

At Fremont Park, 15th and Q Streets.  About 300 people here.

   

What the news media reported about our adventure.

Some vandalism, including ripping out the flowers from a planter in front of ICE's HQ on Capitol Mall and throwing the flowers in front of the door.

Memorial to Renee Nicole Good at ICE's N Street gate.

My new signs for the evening.

Demonstration at 15th and L St., Near The State Capitol - January 6, 2026

A small demonstration for the day.

Jerry, and his boa, is a long-time Sacramento protester, often found at 16th Street and J Street protests over the years.  I've got his picture elsewhere on my blog. probably from 15 years ago, or so, for the No H8 campaign..

Protest Piggy on Instagram, and her brand-new costume,

Photo opportunity in front of the California State Capitol as we decide whether to head to the I Street Bridge over the Sacramento River, or not.

As we waited for a decision, I got distracted by this guy, and his camera crew.  He appeared to be a candidate for office, and the camera crew wanted him to run across the street - a vigorous look for a campaign ad.  But things are always harder than they look.  The camera crew wanted him to run very, very slowly across the street, but that's hard to do.  Instead, he was running like a regular person, and that's not what the camera crew wanted.  So, multiple takes.  Eventually the protesters decided we didn't have the numbers for the I Street Bridge, so we returned to where we had started.

California All But Drought Free!

I see that "Drought Monitor" is showing us almost drought free. It may be a temporary state. They show drought conditions east of us, literally drawing the line in Arizona just east of the Colorado River. Little things can make that line shift big distances. We are about to venture into a period with almost two weeks without rain. That will make the line shift westwards. But hey, no drought, even temporarily, is good news. It's rare when all of California has had enough water. 

Currently, rainfall is 145% of average in Sacramento. Good! There are still potential weaknesses, though. The snowpack in the Sierras has been running about 70% of normal, mostly because the storm systems have been pretty warm and the snowline is high. We need to beef up those numbers.

Unfortunately This Makes Sense

Howe at Arden - January 3, 2026

Today’s new sign, plus my row of signs. 

I set all the signs out, and then it rained on the signs. I put the signs back in the car, and then set them out again so they could dry out.

Various Signs and Bumper Stickers