Remember back in May 2013 when the Skagit River Bridge collapsed in Mount Vernon, Washington? That happened the day after a good friend of mine drove over that bridge coming back from a trip to Vancouver, B.C. and three months after the 2013 State of the Union address.
In that February 12, 2013 speech, President Obama talked about the necessity for urgent repairs on the “nearly 70,000 structurally deficient bridges across the country.” That’s a staggering number of treacherous bridges! Yes, BRIDGES – the structures that allow us to cross land gaps and waterways without having to:
Fast forward to minutes 2:36-3:28 for Jon Stewart’s humorous response to this dismal matter or watch the whole thing and enjoy his jabs at Florida Senator, Marco Rubio’s infamous “water break”.
Emily Badger had in article last month about Which states have the worst roads in America that included gloomy facts about road conditions and construction jobs. This article also included an interactive map released by the White House that breaks down, state by state, the consequences if Congress fails to act. For an update on this issue as recently as July 30th, 2014 listen to NPR’s “Morning Edition” coverage just before Congress left for August recess.
Interesting stuff. Almost as interesting as today’s Badger fact.
According to the San Diego Zoo, the honey badger’s skin is so thick that it can withstand bee stings, porcupine quills, and even dog bites!
We’ve been having fun talking about #30daysofbadger on Twitter. Find me on Twitter: @joshg22