Will's Going Scarlet?

Shabbat Shalom, Stroock's Books kibbutzim. New Jersey is less cold this morning than it was yesterday morning. Temps should rise all the way to 30 degrees, a regular heat wave we're having here.

We approach the new washer and dryer with....[Great fear and trepidation?-Ed]...Great fear and trepidation. The infernal machines are just updated versions of their predecessors. But there are subtle differences, and we hate them. 

Well, look at that. Oldest Daughter got into Rutgers. Looks like the Stroocks may become big Scarlet Knights fans. What can one say? We're gushing here. Bursting, even. Oldest daughter also got into a non-Jesuit university in Washington DC. 

NJ.com reports: 'Trump more popular than Democratic Gov. Murphy in blue state, new poll says.' That's Trump 48, Murphy, 44. This blog is not surprised. Trump's leading the news every night, Murphy has been the plain Jane governor of New Jersey for seven years now, etc etc. We once more caution MAGA hats and assorted political types, do not make too much of this poll or talk of a red New Jersey. Trump probably maxed out GOP support here in 2024. We wish GOTV honcho Scott Pressler luck, but we don't think he can turn New Jersey red. 

In Working Ourselves into a 51st State, the incomparable Rick McGinnis writes about the fragility of the Canadian Federation (thanks Justin), sentiments in Alberta for independence, and generally craps all over Quebec Separatists. As for America absorbing Canada, McGinnis says 'we’re more trouble than we’re worth.' Probably. We've thought for at least a decade that Quebec sovereignty was a bluff. Canada should call that bluff, 'Fine. Go.' The French language road signs in the rest of Canada would be down, by what, the end of the day?

The Israelis will not withdraw from Lebanon when the ceasefire ends on Sunday. Good. Also, this will be a good test of Hezbollah's resolve and metal. What will they do on Sunday? We've no idea. 

In literary news we read through War Night's Australia story. It's about as good as we can make it. Not bad for a story that we felt was long, rambling and generally had too many words. A few stories will be going out to beta readers today and....and that's it? Almost certainly. 

Okay, the World War 1990: Thatcher's War juju is percolating. IRA guy keeping an eye on the Right Reverand's Ian Paisley speech in Derry...Big things are going to go down in Derry. We're not sure exactly what yet, but expect some paramilitary violence.