"So Called"

By now, if you're from NH anyway, you've heard that the state legislature (the House) sustained the governor's veto on HB 474 (Right to Work for Less).  It was an incredible victory for Democrats and working people facing long odds in a very skewed legislature.  Democrats have approximately 25% of the seats in the 400+ member body, and needed 35 - 40 GOP colleagues to join with them in a sustain vote.  Kudos to Labor and Dem leadership for holding this coalition together.

I sacrificed most of my summer to help Bob Perry win a House special election in our county.  Bob is an amazing guy - knowledgeable about the issues, hard-working, and a great, great progressive who just happens to be a Democrat.  I add that because it's not always enough just to be a Democrat.  I know from very close conversations with people in union leadership that they are not thrilled with NH Dems, 474 notwithstanding.

So imagine my delight to see this headline in my local newspaper this morning:

NH House kills so-called right-to-work bill

Just doesn't get any better than that!

NH IS NUMBER 1!

At drinking alcohol.

According to this report, we double the national average in alcohol consumption.

What state came out on top of the tap? New Hampshire had the most widespread booze consumption in the poll. The average adult in that state doubled the national per capita average, gulping an average of 6.7 gallons of wine each and 3.8 gallons of liquor in 2010. Some in the health industry attribute this to the state’s popularity for both winter and summer vacations.

Popularity for both winter and summer vacations?  I always knew that tourists annoyed the hell out full-time residents, but never would have guessed the extent of it.