Random News and Notes February 2
The dumb Pennsylvania groundhog saw his shadow, predicting we will see 6 more weeks of winter. That means this editor will execute every whistle pig he sees this year if we actually get what Punxsutawney Phil predicts.
The folklore that surrounds Phil and his traditions is old, likely dating back to Roman times. Despite the ancient lineage, groundhogs are not good predictors of future weather. Studies show they only get right one time in three.
We all know the state government of Florida under Ron DeSantis is based. Well, they got a little more based recently. The state DMV has announced that written drivers tests will only be given in English starting 6 February.
The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles announced that knowledge and skills exams, including oral portions, will only be in English to ensure drivers understand traffic laws and English road signs. Executive Director Dave Kerner stressed safe roadways for all, while Governor Ron DeSantis called it a good reform.
The weather in Florida is cold enough to send invasive green iguanas into torpor. Under normal circumstances, Florida requires permits for iguana removal but given the widespread cold the FWS has waived permit requirements and opened collection centers.
Dunno why the state requires permits for iguana removal. Seems counterintuitive that the state would restrict efforts to eradicate this – and other – invasive species.
Russia appears to be reactivating a cold war era Soviet military base in Petrozavodsk, near the Finnish border. It seems the newly created, and nowhere near fully staffed 44th Army Corps will be headquartered there.
Before anyone gets their panties in a wad about this, the Russians cannot currently replace their losses – estimated to be well north of a million men – much less generate an entire Corps. Current estimates put the 44th’s strength at less than 15,000 troops.
A state representative in Oklahoma just resigned after she was caught up in a fake check scandal. Oklahoma district 99 Democrat Representative Ayshia “Ajay” Pittman pled guilty to 3 felonies after she was caught using a fake check to repay campaign funds she used illegally.
The scheme unraveled amid a long-running investigation by the Oklahoma Ethics Commission into her misuse of more than $18,000 in campaign funds for personal expenses, including credit card payments and ATM withdrawals, among other activities.