Interesting data point on population movements within the U.S. based on 2022 tax filings.
After suggesting my son and I play a board game together -
7 yo: Do you know to play dad?
Me: Well, I haven’t actually played this game before - maybe you can explain to me how it works?
7 yo: You can read the instructions
Me: I guess I could
7 yo: That’s the main reason for the instructions
(Ahhh - if only I had known) ;)
Pedestrian deaths are up in Maryland, opposite national average
Maryland saw an 18% increase in pedestrian deaths in 2023 amid a 5% decrease nationwide, according to preliminary data from the Governors Highway Safety Association released in June.
Possible helps?
The Maryland Department of Transportation, which includes MVA, implemented a new Complete Streets policy June 1 that requires all its divisions to follow planning and design principles that consider the safety, access and mobility of all users in projects in state rights of way involving more than one mode of transportation, starting next year.
And even a demo:
The first visible signs of Maryland’s new Complete Streets policy are to be temporary demonstration projects in partnership with advocacy group Smart Growth America. Targeting intersections or corridors with histories of fatalities or crashes in Bel Air, Hagerstown and Howard County, they are to be completed by fall and removed by the end of the year.
Fun, and laced with truth, video about a dad who effectively functions Assistant Manager to his wife for household management and how the family org chart works. 😃
Orioles hold first Faith Night, joining 18 other MLB teams ⚾️
McCann’s testimony might have been the most dramatic. He asked crowd members to close their eyes as he told the story of a young couple who had decided to start a family, only to deliver a child who was stillborn. Taking the risk of trying again, they faced another tragedy when the mother suffered such extreme complications six weeks into her pregnancy that doctors told her their child had only a 1 in 4 chance of surviving — and that if he did survive he would be severely mentally or physically disabled. When others suggested it might be the best idea to terminate the pregnancy, both parents declined, saying they were instead “putting their faith in God.” “Open your eyes,” McCann said. “I was that child. From day one, God has been protecting me”
An article about how a magician needed a license for the proverbial rabbit, but not if it was an iguana …
Connected to Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch recently released book, “Over Ruled: The Human Toll of Too Much Law”.
Odd to read article, and food for thought. (via WSJ)
President Biden articulates his exit of the Presidential race, while appealing to American ideals, casting his public service career, and supporting Vice President Harris. Feels a historic moment to reflect on, regardless of political leanings.
I’ve been asking people what time it is since this morning, but everyone I ask tells me something different.
-son, reading from “Crack Yourself Up: Jokes for Kids”
Man, I get hit by the same bike everyday going to work … it’s a vicious cycle. 🚲
“Maryland pardons prove marijuana legalization not about social justice” via Baltimore Sun opinion page
…Moore’s decision to pardon these prior marijuana convictions should be commended.
These recent steps highlight the false dichotomy between the criminalization of marijuana and the legalization of today’s highly potent THC drugs. While nobody should be in jail for the use of marijuana, the alternative policy need not legalize dangerous psychoactive drugs and usher in a for-profit marijuana industry, as was done in Maryland
This trend is also playing out in Maryland, with some voters having second thoughts about legalization. According to a Washington Post/University of Maryland poll, only 31% of voters have a positive view of legalization. Notably, Black Marylanders were more likely to say it’s been bad than good, at 32% vs 28%, respectively. Opposition comes across party lines, with 63% of Democrats and 76% of Republicans saying legalization has not been good for the state.
A good first step to protect Marylanders would be curbing public use, educating young people about the risks, requiring product labels with science-based warnings, and enacting strong regulations on the industry. The governor should turn his pulpit to these real concerns before more Marylanders get hurt.
Interesting cross-take on this national trend, and I think a more nuanced acknowledgement that it’s not a simple as all bad/ all good.