JASON J. CZARNEZKI

Vermont Law School is closed today and tomorrow (Tuesday).

I just drove to South Royalton to help a colleague who was flooded out and bring water and provisions. I do not recommend driving to South Royalton. SoRo is a mess. Route 14 north of the law school is washed out and has significant mud and flooding. Route 14 south of SoRo is also closed. I was able to get to SoRo taking backroads (something I would not try again). Rt. 110 is completely open from SoRo to Barre/Montpelier and was a safe way home.

Power, running water, and internet is out in SoRo and the Law School. The Law School’s website, servers, and phone number are still down.

The SoRo community is pitching in everywhere to help, setting up BBQ grills and free food on the green.

http://corp.sover.net/schoolclosings/

Date District School Closing Type Closed By Comment
2011-08-29 Vermont Law School Vermont Law School Closed Gil Kujovich VLS will be closed Mon due to weather conditions. Please stay safe.

http://rutlandherald.typepad.com/vermonttoday/2011/08/montpelier-expecting-major-flooding-photos.html

According to the message on the phone system, the Vermont Law School will be closed on Monday. Apparently, their is a power outage, no internet, and significant flooding in South Royalton.

The rain in Montpelier has been steady all day, and downtown is in or approaching flood stage. See the excellent NOAA graphs at:

http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=btv&gage=monv1

http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=btv&gage=lngv1&view=1,1,1,1,1,1

An extremely difficulty challenge.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/25/world/asia/25china.html?_r=1&hp

My colleague Gus Speth is busy protesting and getting arrested in D.C. These efforts should be commended.

Here are Gus’ comments from jail.

See also:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tarsandsaction/6062462861/in/photostream/

http://www.grist.org/climate-change/2011-08-20-70-arrested-in-opening-day-of-tar-sands-pipeline-protest

This is old news to people who are very concerned about chemicals in the daily life or who have read this book, but it’s interesting that the NY Times has now, with this article, made more public the concerns over the antibacterial chemical triclosan.

(1) Does technology make people able to better maintain their hometown roots? For me, technology lets me stay a Milwaukee Brewers fan via mlbtv.com.
(2) Does anyone else need this? http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/2007-05-09-cellphone-free-vacations-forbes_N.htm

What should we think about biodegradable, compostable, bioplastics? Well, apparently, bioplastic utensils (knives, forks and spoons) do not break down in some composting systems. And since most compostable plastics are made from genetically engineered corn they are not organic (ruining one’s "organic compost" label) and thus have a larger carbon footprint than you might think due to the pesticides and fertilizer used on GE corn monoculture farms. Where can I get my compostable organic bioplastic iced tea cup? Please hold the straw and lid.

http://www.thefacultylounge.org/2011/08/ignoring-ron-paul.html

Hat Tip to Dan Filler for this link.