Imagine, if you can . . .

It's Frig's (Freya's) day . . . here in Okieland the heat hammer is amid it's (hopeful) final encore this weekend and in Florida the cleanup continues in the aftermath of Milton.

More powerful hurricanes, more heatwaves, worse flooding, enduring droughts, and other devastation are inevitably coming our way no matter what we do. But every step taken now to cut carbon emissions can lessen how bad things eventually get. At the federal level and in several states, always having to overcome Republican obstruction, Democrats have moved in the right direction in dealing with climate. Speed, however, is of the essence. And we’re just not moving fast enough. – Meteor Blades (Timothy Lang)

Does it really need to be said? OK. I'll say it: The government, Republican or Democrat, DOES NOT control the weather.

It was on today's date in 1962 that Pope John XXIII convened the first session of the Second Vatican Council, also known as Vatican II – a watershed event. There is talk of a Vatican III, but Pope Francis has said it's not time, yet, because all of II has not been completed.

Saoirse Ronan is making the rounds promoting her latest film “The Outrun.” If you've ever wanted to get a more personal perspective – I admit to my fan status – check out her recent appearance with Jimmy Kimmel. (there's a disruptive commercial break you can get even by a click over).

Another fave: it's Elmore Leonard's birth date. He was born on this date in 1925 New Orleans, Louisiana.

Tonight in 1975 Saturday Night Live debuted on NBC.

And, today in 1971, Imagine was released as a single by John Lennon.

Wilding

Though you think sweet, yonder in your church,

the gentle talk of your students,

sweeter, I think, the splended talking

of the wolves in the glen.

– Irish, author unknown, twelfth century