Last night, Karen and I went to a friend's house for the evening. She had invited about a dozen various people she knows - a couple of whom we had met before.
The purpose was to have everybody sit around and just talk about what concerns them. Naturally, the talk gravitated to political, social, and environmental stuff. I managed to limit myself to just a few major rants.
There was one older gent who didn't talk much most of the evening, but when he did, it was amazing. He said he had worked for years, for the State of Oregon, doing physical rehab with the Disabled. They offered him an attractive retirement package ten years ago. He took that deal, then continued to find a way to keep doing his work.
It also turns out that he described himself as 'more Left-wing than any of you can imagine', which naturally made me feel great. But, then it was revealed that he is also an Evangelical minister. I quickly mentally ran thru my evening's rants, to see if I had said anything particularly offensive about Faith - nothing too bad.
As the evening was breaking up, I walked over to him to shake his hand. I told him how floored I was to find a left-wing Christian fundamenalist and said "my sense is that you have lived very close to Jesus's message." He just smiled.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
yet another story that won't push Anna Nicole off of CNN
Interesting. And, in that light, we have this.
Bread and circuses - the best policy for any regime that has something to hide. I suppose that would include all of them.
Daffodils and other bulbs are up - Spring is starting early again. How nice, right?
Bread and circuses - the best policy for any regime that has something to hide. I suppose that would include all of them.
Daffodils and other bulbs are up - Spring is starting early again. How nice, right?
Sunday, February 18, 2007
great to be home
After spending five days in ice-cold, geriatric land (Wisconsin). My Mom was doing better than I expected, and we managed to celebrate her 93rd birthday several times. She was tickled to have me around, and, of course, I played the requisite piano concerts for the crowd at her facility.
There have been changes there - one of the men, who I've known for over 4 years, died rather suddenly a couple of weeks ago, so there was a gloom, especially at meal-times. This guy was a real live-wire, always pulling good-natured pranks and lending a comic tone to most activities. When I was there in November, it was clear that he was declining somewhat, but I didn't expect him to be gone so soon.
Yesterday, as I sat in the lobby, I watched as his kids and grandkids made repeated trips to a truck outside, carrying his various possessions as they emptied his apartment. Then, later in the afternoon, a U-Haul pulled up, so that a new resident could unload. So it goes.
Long day of travelling today. I woke up at 4:30 (Milwaukee time), in order to be driving by the early side of 5, in order to get to the airport, turn in my rental, check in, and do Security. I made it to the gate with about 15 minutes to sit, before staggering onto the plane. It was still dark and I dozed a bit, before waking up and realizing that we hadn't left yet. There was some sort of mechanical problem, which delayed our takeoff for 45 mintes. Not to worry, though, since I had a 90 minute layover in Minneapolis.
Unfortunately, once we landed in Minneapolis, we got news of additional delays, and, all told, we were 3 hours late leaving for Portland. I spent most of that time walking around, looking at stores, and checking the monitors, as the departure kept getting pushed back, in 15 minute increments. It turned out to be mechanical problems with the plane, which was stuck in Detroit.
Needless to say, it made for a long day of travelling, and I didn't walk into my house until almost 5 pm. I unpacked, then ate a little dinner with Karen and talked to the dog and cats. It is great to be back in a place where you don't shiver with every breath.
Ben has a job interview tomorrow morning with a local Talk Radio station - a real job doing engineering, which he learned thru his volunteer work at KBOO. The down side is that this is a right-wing radio station (Sean Hannity, etc), but, if he gets the job, I anticipate being able to call in and harrass them "Uh oh - it's that Barry from Portland again". This might be fun.
Good night, all.
There have been changes there - one of the men, who I've known for over 4 years, died rather suddenly a couple of weeks ago, so there was a gloom, especially at meal-times. This guy was a real live-wire, always pulling good-natured pranks and lending a comic tone to most activities. When I was there in November, it was clear that he was declining somewhat, but I didn't expect him to be gone so soon.
Yesterday, as I sat in the lobby, I watched as his kids and grandkids made repeated trips to a truck outside, carrying his various possessions as they emptied his apartment. Then, later in the afternoon, a U-Haul pulled up, so that a new resident could unload. So it goes.
Long day of travelling today. I woke up at 4:30 (Milwaukee time), in order to be driving by the early side of 5, in order to get to the airport, turn in my rental, check in, and do Security. I made it to the gate with about 15 minutes to sit, before staggering onto the plane. It was still dark and I dozed a bit, before waking up and realizing that we hadn't left yet. There was some sort of mechanical problem, which delayed our takeoff for 45 mintes. Not to worry, though, since I had a 90 minute layover in Minneapolis.
Unfortunately, once we landed in Minneapolis, we got news of additional delays, and, all told, we were 3 hours late leaving for Portland. I spent most of that time walking around, looking at stores, and checking the monitors, as the departure kept getting pushed back, in 15 minute increments. It turned out to be mechanical problems with the plane, which was stuck in Detroit.
Needless to say, it made for a long day of travelling, and I didn't walk into my house until almost 5 pm. I unpacked, then ate a little dinner with Karen and talked to the dog and cats. It is great to be back in a place where you don't shiver with every breath.
Ben has a job interview tomorrow morning with a local Talk Radio station - a real job doing engineering, which he learned thru his volunteer work at KBOO. The down side is that this is a right-wing radio station (Sean Hannity, etc), but, if he gets the job, I anticipate being able to call in and harrass them "Uh oh - it's that Barry from Portland again". This might be fun.
Good night, all.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
winter in wisconsin
After flying most of the day, I arrived in Milwaukee late in the afternoon, picked up my rental car, and headed off onto the frozen freeway. Zipped up to Mequon, and got to my Mom's Assisted Living place around 6, just in time to attend the 'Hula Night' program, where a half-dozen local women, dressed in various South Seas costumes, performed 'authentic' hula dances, to the recorded sounds of Don Ho and others.
Talk about surreal. Mom was enjoying it, though.
It's now Thursday morning - clear and sunny, with over a foot of snow on the ground. Should get up to 20 today - highest temperature in a couple of weeks. My sister-in-law says she's ready to move back to Californina, but it's my brother who still loves it in the mid-west. Go figure.
Talk about surreal. Mom was enjoying it, though.
It's now Thursday morning - clear and sunny, with over a foot of snow on the ground. Should get up to 20 today - highest temperature in a couple of weeks. My sister-in-law says she's ready to move back to Californina, but it's my brother who still loves it in the mid-west. Go figure.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Still Dead
While scanning channels last night, I was amazed to see that they are still flogging the Anna Nicole Smith story, as something we must all be very concerned about. Not that the utter uselessness of our media was ever in question, but, Jeez, isn't it a sad commentary on our supposedly enlightened times, that this beats out the other topics of the day, day after day.
My term for this assault, which you are free to appropriate (apologies to the North Vietnamese), is 'the Tit Offensive'. Run with it.
My term for this assault, which you are free to appropriate (apologies to the North Vietnamese), is 'the Tit Offensive'. Run with it.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
the perfect metaphor for Spring 2007?
Bush and Cheney as Thelma and Louise. Unfortunately, the rest of us are trapped in the back seat, while they are deciding when to floor it.
On a lighter note, here's a joke from the archives:
George W. Bush goes to a primary school to talk about the war. After his talk he invites questions. One little boy puts up his hand, and the President asks him his name.
"Billy!"
"And what is your question, Billy?"
"I have three questions," says the boy.
"First - why did the USA invade Iraq without the support of the UN?
Second - why are you President when Al Gore got more votes?
and Third - whatever happened to Osama bin Laden?"
Just then the bell rings for recess. George W Bush informs the children that they will continue after recess. When they resume, the President says: "Okay where were we? Oh that's right, question time. Who has a question?"
A different little boy puts his hand, George points him out and asks his name.
"Steve!"
"And what is your question, Steve?"
"I have five questions:
First - why did the USA invade Iraq without the support of the UN?
Second - why are you President when Al Gore got more votes?
Third - whatever happened to Osama bin Laden?
Fourth - why did the recess bell go 20 minutes early?
and Fifth - what happened to Billy?"
On a lighter note, here's a joke from the archives:
George W. Bush goes to a primary school to talk about the war. After his talk he invites questions. One little boy puts up his hand, and the President asks him his name.
"Billy!"
"And what is your question, Billy?"
"I have three questions," says the boy.
"First - why did the USA invade Iraq without the support of the UN?
Second - why are you President when Al Gore got more votes?
and Third - whatever happened to Osama bin Laden?"
Just then the bell rings for recess. George W Bush informs the children that they will continue after recess. When they resume, the President says: "Okay where were we? Oh that's right, question time. Who has a question?"
A different little boy puts his hand, George points him out and asks his name.
"Steve!"
"And what is your question, Steve?"
"I have five questions:
First - why did the USA invade Iraq without the support of the UN?
Second - why are you President when Al Gore got more votes?
Third - whatever happened to Osama bin Laden?
Fourth - why did the recess bell go 20 minutes early?
and Fifth - what happened to Billy?"
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Still sick, but improving
Actually did some creative productive work yesterday, but was totally wiped out by dinner time. It's OK.
Saturday morning - the sky is mostly gray, but the Sun is up and shining brightly thru the trees as the clouds brighten.
Not only that, but I came across this article, that dispenses with the "we're all doomed" approach to future-forecasting, but, instead, recognizes that the world of Tomorrow is going to be vastly different from the Party we've been attending since World War II, and, rather than just bemoan the loss, the author lays out a bunch of ways to deal with it.
I can see that many folks will never be able to make the adjustment to this new way of life, so the whole thing will probably degenerate into mass hysteria and panic. It will be especially hard for my kids, who will have no idea how to function without reliable electricity, prepared foods, and microwave ovens.
Saturday morning - the sky is mostly gray, but the Sun is up and shining brightly thru the trees as the clouds brighten.
Not only that, but I came across this article, that dispenses with the "we're all doomed" approach to future-forecasting, but, instead, recognizes that the world of Tomorrow is going to be vastly different from the Party we've been attending since World War II, and, rather than just bemoan the loss, the author lays out a bunch of ways to deal with it.
I can see that many folks will never be able to make the adjustment to this new way of life, so the whole thing will probably degenerate into mass hysteria and panic. It will be especially hard for my kids, who will have no idea how to function without reliable electricity, prepared foods, and microwave ovens.
Friday, February 09, 2007
THIS week sure evaporated
On Tuesday night, I started coughing.
Now it's Friday morning, and I spent virtually all day Wednesday and Thursday in bed, listening to the radio, sleeping, and getting up once in a while to see if I could walk.
I tried to work for about an hour yesterday, but found myself being more confused than productive - back to bed.
Still have the old-body ache, but no fever. Trying to get some work done today, but, after a couple of hours down here in the computer dungeon, I'm about ready to head back upstairs and take a break.
Meanwhile, Cheney has been revealed as having committed Treason, and all the media can talk about is adult diapers and Anna Nicole. The beat goes on.
Now it's Friday morning, and I spent virtually all day Wednesday and Thursday in bed, listening to the radio, sleeping, and getting up once in a while to see if I could walk.
I tried to work for about an hour yesterday, but found myself being more confused than productive - back to bed.
Still have the old-body ache, but no fever. Trying to get some work done today, but, after a couple of hours down here in the computer dungeon, I'm about ready to head back upstairs and take a break.
Meanwhile, Cheney has been revealed as having committed Treason, and all the media can talk about is adult diapers and Anna Nicole. The beat goes on.
Monday, February 05, 2007
Sunday, February 04, 2007
watch this
simply amazing.
I think about the Edward G Robinson character in 'Soylent Green', and fear that what we experience as 'everyday life' will be viewed the same way we were taught to think about the lives of the indolent, corrupt Roman nobles, just before their civilization collapsed. "How is it possible that they didn't see it coming?"
It's a peaceful Sunday morning, the WiFi signal is strong, the dishwasher is cleaning my dishes, and there's plenty of coffee, cereal, and canned goods in the cupboard. Is it all a dream?
I think about the Edward G Robinson character in 'Soylent Green', and fear that what we experience as 'everyday life' will be viewed the same way we were taught to think about the lives of the indolent, corrupt Roman nobles, just before their civilization collapsed. "How is it possible that they didn't see it coming?"
It's a peaceful Sunday morning, the WiFi signal is strong, the dishwasher is cleaning my dishes, and there's plenty of coffee, cereal, and canned goods in the cupboard. Is it all a dream?
Saturday, February 03, 2007
Getting bored by the Libby trial?
Read this!
Meanwhile, we had a fabulous evening, listening to a too-short set (there were 2 warm-up acts, the 2nd of which was far too long) by one of our favorite musicians, Paul Curreri. Never heard of him? Check it out. This is about the 4th time we've seen him in Portland, and he keeps getting better and better - fabulous guitar playing and idiosyncratic songs.
Actually, I've corresponded with him via email, and last night Karen and I went up to him after the show to introduce ourselves, get him to sign his latest CD, and tell him we'd host a house concert for him, his next time thru Portland, in April or May. Go buy his first album - this one.
Tonight - Winterfolk.
Meanwhile, we had a fabulous evening, listening to a too-short set (there were 2 warm-up acts, the 2nd of which was far too long) by one of our favorite musicians, Paul Curreri. Never heard of him? Check it out. This is about the 4th time we've seen him in Portland, and he keeps getting better and better - fabulous guitar playing and idiosyncratic songs.
Actually, I've corresponded with him via email, and last night Karen and I went up to him after the show to introduce ourselves, get him to sign his latest CD, and tell him we'd host a house concert for him, his next time thru Portland, in April or May. Go buy his first album - this one.
Tonight - Winterfolk.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Is 'American Idol' on tonight?
Friday, January 26, 2007
Me, compulsive?
It may not surprise you to know that I have been maintaining an Excel file of all the computers I have ever owned, along with their specs. (Actually, it probably started out as a ClarisWorks spreadsheet, when I was running an Atari ST under Macintosh emulation, but that's another story.)
At this point, I am up to 21 desktops (and 2 laptops), starting from my first computer, a TS-1000 (Timex/Sinclair), that came with 2 K of memory (upgrading it to 16 K was a big deal, and only cost $50).
Today, I added in the info for my new (used) PC (which, today, I upgraded from 256 MB of RAM to 512 MB, for $10 - thanks again, craigslist). Here are a couple of charts:
At this point, I am up to 21 desktops (and 2 laptops), starting from my first computer, a TS-1000 (Timex/Sinclair), that came with 2 K of memory (upgrading it to 16 K was a big deal, and only cost $50).
Today, I added in the info for my new (used) PC (which, today, I upgraded from 256 MB of RAM to 512 MB, for $10 - thanks again, craigslist). Here are a couple of charts:
Things were apparently stastically relatively static until computer #17, in 1997. Since then, the curve sort of matches Al Gore's chart of CO2 emissions in the last 20 years.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
mom and Microsoft doing better
Will be released from the hospital today - seems to have stabilized, but, of course, the underlying problems remain. I will be there in Wisconsin in a couple of weeks.
Went to the Vista/Office 2007 launch event in downtown Portland, the other day. I have to admit that Vista has a lot of flashy features (thanks, Apple!), but I didn't see anything that I desperately need for development. They did hand out CDs with keys to obtain (free) Office 2007 and Groove 2007.
If you upgrade to this new version of Groove, you have to do it on all computers on which you have Groove accounts, and since I depend on this product so much, I am reluctant to proceed. Likewise with Office 2007 - something tells me that waiting for the next rev might be a good idea, given Microsoft's track record.
Meanwhile, my old Enron buddies are in Florida this week, at Lotusphere. This used to be an annual pilgrimage for me, too, back in the days when I was a Notes guy. I kinda miss that scene - it was always a lot of fun, and very inspiring. I remember, one time back in the 90's, when I was heavily involved with cc:Mail, that I was eating breakfast in the big tent when a guy came by and asked if the empty seat at the table was available. It was, and he turned out to be the guy who wrote cc:Mail (whose name I now forget).
Also, there were some amazing parties - never had I seen so many socially-backward people trying to look sober.
Work demands are light these days - waiting for folks to make decisions. Sometimes, I wonder what it would be like to have a real job - seems like a long time ago.
Went to the Vista/Office 2007 launch event in downtown Portland, the other day. I have to admit that Vista has a lot of flashy features (thanks, Apple!), but I didn't see anything that I desperately need for development. They did hand out CDs with keys to obtain (free) Office 2007 and Groove 2007.
If you upgrade to this new version of Groove, you have to do it on all computers on which you have Groove accounts, and since I depend on this product so much, I am reluctant to proceed. Likewise with Office 2007 - something tells me that waiting for the next rev might be a good idea, given Microsoft's track record.
Meanwhile, my old Enron buddies are in Florida this week, at Lotusphere. This used to be an annual pilgrimage for me, too, back in the days when I was a Notes guy. I kinda miss that scene - it was always a lot of fun, and very inspiring. I remember, one time back in the 90's, when I was heavily involved with cc:Mail, that I was eating breakfast in the big tent when a guy came by and asked if the empty seat at the table was available. It was, and he turned out to be the guy who wrote cc:Mail (whose name I now forget).
Also, there were some amazing parties - never had I seen so many socially-backward people trying to look sober.
Work demands are light these days - waiting for folks to make decisions. Sometimes, I wonder what it would be like to have a real job - seems like a long time ago.
Monday, January 22, 2007
worried about Mom
News from Wisconsin is not good. Heard from my brother a half-hour ago.
My 93 year-old mother is in the hospital, with significant kidney and heart problems. He mentioned a couple of other problems, that have been increasing over the last week, so I was not totally unprepared for this.
I was planning on heading there in a couple of weeks for her birthday, but may need to fly east sooner. My brother will let me know tomorrow how things are looking.
This was an abrupt change of my mood for the day, which was going pretty well as I am quickly moving my entire development world over to the new PC I bought the other day. It's noticeably faster and better, and USB 2.0 (among the chief reasons for upgrading), makes a REAL difference. Still, it's hard to enjoy completing this task, with this afternoon's news.
My 93 year-old mother is in the hospital, with significant kidney and heart problems. He mentioned a couple of other problems, that have been increasing over the last week, so I was not totally unprepared for this.
I was planning on heading there in a couple of weeks for her birthday, but may need to fly east sooner. My brother will let me know tomorrow how things are looking.
This was an abrupt change of my mood for the day, which was going pretty well as I am quickly moving my entire development world over to the new PC I bought the other day. It's noticeably faster and better, and USB 2.0 (among the chief reasons for upgrading), makes a REAL difference. Still, it's hard to enjoy completing this task, with this afternoon's news.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Borat
Karen and I went to see it last night. Haven't laughed so hard at a movie since 'Dodgeball'. Actually, never saw 'Dodgeball', but thought it would be funny.
My main desktop PC, in just-about-constant use for over 2 years, has been showing odd hardware problems (up to three separate oddities) over the past couple of months, so I figured it was time to leisurely plan a replacement - never a pleasant task.
Out to craisglist, and, of course, it comes thru again. Purchased a Slim-line Dell (i.e. it's REALLY slim) - 2.4 Ghz, 256 MB RAM (I plan to upgrade to 512), and a 40 GB hard drive (I'm only using 20 on my current 80), for $160. Seemed like a fair deal.
While contemplating how I was going to move my files over, I realized that my 512 MB USB jump drive (which doubles as an MP3 player), is barely adequate, and Karen was hinting that she'd like a second jump drive (I bought her a 1 GB, that she uses for work backups).
Again, off to craigslist - I plan to meet a guy over on the East side later this morning - he has a couple of 1 GB and 2 GB jump drives. One of them is U3 compatible, which, I understand, is some new-fangled system for carrying an entire PC environment, with applications, etc., on a jump drive - for folks who travel from PC to PC, want their entire digital world with them (with passwords, etc), without leaving any trace on the host machine. That sounds great, but I'd hate to have that much confidential information on something that could fall out of a shirt pocket.
Back to Borat - I have to envy the guy's courage, and can't imagine why Pamela Anderson didn't press charges. She must have a very big set of scruples.
My main desktop PC, in just-about-constant use for over 2 years, has been showing odd hardware problems (up to three separate oddities) over the past couple of months, so I figured it was time to leisurely plan a replacement - never a pleasant task.
Out to craisglist, and, of course, it comes thru again. Purchased a Slim-line Dell (i.e. it's REALLY slim) - 2.4 Ghz, 256 MB RAM (I plan to upgrade to 512), and a 40 GB hard drive (I'm only using 20 on my current 80), for $160. Seemed like a fair deal.
While contemplating how I was going to move my files over, I realized that my 512 MB USB jump drive (which doubles as an MP3 player), is barely adequate, and Karen was hinting that she'd like a second jump drive (I bought her a 1 GB, that she uses for work backups).
Again, off to craigslist - I plan to meet a guy over on the East side later this morning - he has a couple of 1 GB and 2 GB jump drives. One of them is U3 compatible, which, I understand, is some new-fangled system for carrying an entire PC environment, with applications, etc., on a jump drive - for folks who travel from PC to PC, want their entire digital world with them (with passwords, etc), without leaving any trace on the host machine. That sounds great, but I'd hate to have that much confidential information on something that could fall out of a shirt pocket.
Back to Borat - I have to envy the guy's courage, and can't imagine why Pamela Anderson didn't press charges. She must have a very big set of scruples.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
MadMarine, still out there?
In case you are still asserting that there's significant doubt that Human Activity is the major factor in Global Climate Change, we have this today.
I know, just another Liberal lie, perpetrated by people like Al Gore, who are 'profiting handsomely' from trying to scare us.
I know, just another Liberal lie, perpetrated by people like Al Gore, who are 'profiting handsomely' from trying to scare us.
must read on 'why we fight'
http://www.alternet.org/envirohealth/46838/
Here's a quote:
"The most significant expression of [the rise of 'Energy-Based Fascism'] has been the transformation of the U.S. military into a global oil-protection service."
Here's a quote:
"The most significant expression of [the rise of 'Energy-Based Fascism'] has been the transformation of the U.S. military into a global oil-protection service."
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
wtf ?????
Apparently, the Bush Administration (R - Totally Evil) is requesting the resignations of a bunch of US attorneys, so that, under an 'obscure' provision of the 'Patriot Act' (sic), they can appoint new folks without any congressional oversight.
Here's Dianne Feinstein discussing this outrage. The lights are going out all over America.
Meanwhile, there's this little tidbit. Virginia legislator Frank D. Hargrove (R - Totally Insane), responding to a motion asking Virginia to apologize to blacks for slavery, asks: “Are we going to force the Jews to apologize for killing Christ?”
How many times do I have to say "I'm sorry"? Isn't it enough that I can't ever watch "Ben Hur" without feeling personally responsible?
Here's Dianne Feinstein discussing this outrage. The lights are going out all over America.
Meanwhile, there's this little tidbit. Virginia legislator Frank D. Hargrove (R - Totally Insane), responding to a motion asking Virginia to apologize to blacks for slavery, asks: “Are we going to force the Jews to apologize for killing Christ?”
How many times do I have to say "I'm sorry"? Isn't it enough that I can't ever watch "Ben Hur" without feeling personally responsible?
wonderland
8 am in Portland, and snowing hard. Looking out the window at the scene.
At times like this, with the kettle about to start whistling, and me dressed in comfortable old clothes, and my DSL working great, that I am grateful beyond words, that I am out of the Corporate world.
I have a bit of programming to do on my two main projects today, and some research on another. I don't need to drive anywhere or comb my rapidly-thinning hair.
The dog and cats have been outside to frolic, and are now equally happy to be inside, looking out the window, too.
The snow is hypnotic. Coffee is about 2 minutes away.
At times like this, with the kettle about to start whistling, and me dressed in comfortable old clothes, and my DSL working great, that I am grateful beyond words, that I am out of the Corporate world.
I have a bit of programming to do on my two main projects today, and some research on another. I don't need to drive anywhere or comb my rapidly-thinning hair.
The dog and cats have been outside to frolic, and are now equally happy to be inside, looking out the window, too.
The snow is hypnotic. Coffee is about 2 minutes away.
Monday, January 15, 2007
conspiracies
There's talk on the internets about E. Howard Hunt's new book, where he apparently tries to link LBJ with the assassination of JFK. Reading the comments, it's clear that, even after over 40 years, folks are still trying to draw connections contrary to the 'official' story.
This is proper, any time the Official Story contains elements that call for a leap of faith (the resurrection of Jesus comes to mind).
In that light, I am currently reading the granddaddy of all 9/11 Conspiracy books, Mike Ruppert's "Crossing the Rubicon." Dismissed as a kook by respected folks on the Left (like The Nation's David Corn), I am finding it hard to shrug off the main assertions:
1) The CIA and Wall Street are run by the same people, who have been operating drug-smuggling and money-laundering for years, to supplement their 'legitimate' businesses.
2) The Mafia has infiltrated the CIA (or is it the other way around)?
3) The Petroleum monopolies are running everything in the world, are totally aware of Peak Oil, and all US foreign policy can be understood from this perspective.
4) The People-In-Charge (hint: not Bush, although the Bush and BinLaden families are both totally enmeshed in the Power Elite) are aware that, in order for humans to continue to inhabit the Earth, 4 billion out of the current 6 billion of us must die.
5) Osama Bin Ladin is a CIA operative, and is carrying out his assignments perfectly.
6) The Brown and Root/Halliburton/Cheney/Texas-oil/LBJ/Bush/BinLadin/CIA/Mafia Axis of Evil has looted TRILLIONS of our dollars, and they want the rest, too.
7) The inevitable conclusion: 9/11 happened with the total collusion of the CIA (i.e. Cheney), and all the Insider trading in airline options immediately before the events shows that there was widespread foreknowledge of the attacks.
8) The Official 9/11 Commission report ranks with the Warren Commission in its degree of evidence suppression, distortion, and outright deception.
There's much, much more, of course - this is a very thick book, and I'm only half-way thru.
What to think? I've always believed that you judge the validity of any theory based on the number of previously-unexplained 'oddities' that it clearly explains.
From the perspective offered in this book, stuff that the Bush Administration does that makes you normally say "it doesn't make any sense" makes perfect sense.
From the perspective offered in this book, the Bush Administration is the MOST SUCCESSFUL in US history, in pursuing its goals. The problem, of course, is that its goals appear to be permanent war, permanent profits, permanent chaos, and lots and lots (billions would be great) of Dead People.
God Bless America.
This is proper, any time the Official Story contains elements that call for a leap of faith (the resurrection of Jesus comes to mind).
In that light, I am currently reading the granddaddy of all 9/11 Conspiracy books, Mike Ruppert's "Crossing the Rubicon." Dismissed as a kook by respected folks on the Left (like The Nation's David Corn), I am finding it hard to shrug off the main assertions:
1) The CIA and Wall Street are run by the same people, who have been operating drug-smuggling and money-laundering for years, to supplement their 'legitimate' businesses.
2) The Mafia has infiltrated the CIA (or is it the other way around)?
3) The Petroleum monopolies are running everything in the world, are totally aware of Peak Oil, and all US foreign policy can be understood from this perspective.
4) The People-In-Charge (hint: not Bush, although the Bush and BinLaden families are both totally enmeshed in the Power Elite) are aware that, in order for humans to continue to inhabit the Earth, 4 billion out of the current 6 billion of us must die.
5) Osama Bin Ladin is a CIA operative, and is carrying out his assignments perfectly.
6) The Brown and Root/Halliburton/Cheney/Texas-oil/LBJ/Bush/BinLadin/CIA/Mafia Axis of Evil has looted TRILLIONS of our dollars, and they want the rest, too.
7) The inevitable conclusion: 9/11 happened with the total collusion of the CIA (i.e. Cheney), and all the Insider trading in airline options immediately before the events shows that there was widespread foreknowledge of the attacks.
8) The Official 9/11 Commission report ranks with the Warren Commission in its degree of evidence suppression, distortion, and outright deception.
There's much, much more, of course - this is a very thick book, and I'm only half-way thru.
What to think? I've always believed that you judge the validity of any theory based on the number of previously-unexplained 'oddities' that it clearly explains.
From the perspective offered in this book, stuff that the Bush Administration does that makes you normally say "it doesn't make any sense" makes perfect sense.
From the perspective offered in this book, the Bush Administration is the MOST SUCCESSFUL in US history, in pursuing its goals. The problem, of course, is that its goals appear to be permanent war, permanent profits, permanent chaos, and lots and lots (billions would be great) of Dead People.
God Bless America.
Monday, January 08, 2007
Sunday, January 07, 2007
cats
Last night, Karen and I drove to Sheridan (out past McMinnville) to look at a pair of cats offered for free on craigslist. Apparently, they had been abandoned by a neighbor, and taken in by this woman who already had a dog and four cats, and was going broke feeding both all the animals and her two teenage sons.
After playing with them for 10 minutes, we said 'what the heck' and took them. They spent the night in our bedroom, wandering around, getting familiar with the room and with us. It was great to have felines around again.
When we got home, we rushed to set up the litter box and cat bowls again. Karen said "I can only find one cat bowl." I remembered where the other one was, and walked outside, to the Pet Cemetery corner of our yard, and retrieved the other bowl from its place, on top of Maisie's grave. It gave me a chance to say, once again, "good kitty."
Will take some pictures later.
After playing with them for 10 minutes, we said 'what the heck' and took them. They spent the night in our bedroom, wandering around, getting familiar with the room and with us. It was great to have felines around again.
When we got home, we rushed to set up the litter box and cat bowls again. Karen said "I can only find one cat bowl." I remembered where the other one was, and walked outside, to the Pet Cemetery corner of our yard, and retrieved the other bowl from its place, on top of Maisie's grave. It gave me a chance to say, once again, "good kitty."
Will take some pictures later.
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Cruisin' with Jews
A frosty Sunday morning in Portland. 34 degrees and clear. I walk around the neighborhood with my dog. It is very quiet - most folks are probably still in bed.
Dylan and I arrived home last night, tired from 12 hours of travelling. It was a fine vacation, full of indulgence and a few genuine laughs.
The first day, in Pasadena, I spent in bed, coughing, sniffling, sleeping, and blowing my nose. It must have been time well spent, since I felt noticeably better the next day, when we drove to San Diego.
The check-in process at the cruise terminal went quickly, and there we were, on board a 12 story floating hotel with 1800 guests and 800 staff. As we enjoyed our first drink, the ship pulled out of the harbor and San Diego shrank into a line of twinkling lights. There were 14 in our group, covering all major age categories from 12 to 95.
We spent two days at sea, getting familiar with the ship layout and giving in to the enforced over-eating, before arriving in Puerto Vallarta early the third morning. This period was the final run-up to Christmas, and the incessant Christmas music on the loud-speakers was really getting to me. After all, when you're hearing 'Jingle Bell Rock' for the 5th time in one day, while trying to read and enjoy the sun on the pool deck, one's teeth begin to grind.
The morning after Christmas, I was out on deck, and 'White Christmas' started playing again. I marched down to the Main Desk and reminded them that it was time to change the music. The lady there shrugged helplessly, and it was not until the next day that I realized that we had finally returned to the classic Ship music: Bob Marley, the Beach Boys, and 'Margaritaville'. What a relief.
In Puerto Vallarta, Karen, Dylan and I had signed up for a shore excursion, and were led thru the process of getting off the boat and connected with the group. We were driven in a bus to a country hamlet north of town. As we headed out, the bus-guy-with-the-mike said, "on your right, you see the US embassy." It was a Wal*Mart. I liked that.
A bit later, after we hit the boonies, he said we were about to pass an exclusive condo community, where they specialize in aroma therapy. It was a prison. Mexican humor.
We parked at what looked suspiciously like a tourist-trap (later confirmed) where, after a brief orientation, we headed out for a morning hike in the Sierra Madre foothills surrounding the town.
It was actually somewhat strenuous at the outset, climbing a steep hillside. The guide was a 'rah-rah' kind of tour leader, and Karen detested his enthusiasm. The trail wound up to and around a ridge, with more ups and downs. At one point, we had a brief view of a lovely valley, but the leader pressed us onward. He was pretty good about pointing out the local medicinal plants and trees, which was interesting, and seemed to know his stuff, then hurried us along.
After an hour or so of hiking, we descended steeply into a lush river valley, where we had a few minutes to dangle our feet in a pretty enclosure of warm, volcanic-heated water, before walking back, along the river, to a truck which took us back to the tourist-trap. It was a nice hike - great to stretch those leg muscles, walk thru the dense foliage, and breath the clean air.
The guide had urged us to keep up a brisk pace on the hike, saying that we'd probably have 10 minutes before getting back on the bus to return to the cruise terminal, but those 10 minutes extended into a couple of hours. They did have a cantina there, with real mexican ladies making real mexican tortillas, and the lunch that was served us was actually terrific: imagine four delicious chicken tacos, with peppers, homemade salsas, guacamole, and beans, plus two cokes (Karen and Dylan) and two beers (me) - all for $5.
After that nice lunch, we obviously had plenty of time to visit the many craft and trinket booths. Karen bought some cool stuff while Dylan moped (he didn't enjoy the hike) and I listened to the three-man mariachi band hoping to get some tips. It was two young guys (guitar and bass) and an older guy (alto sax) - a somewhat unusual combination. Their first couple of tunes were standard mexican cliches, but I couldn't help noticing that the sax player was contributing some very creative and thoughtful licks - quite a bit more musically sophisticated than what the others were playing.
They took a break and, after a short pause, the sax player picked up his horn and, seemingly out of nowhere, played, as a solo, the lovely old jazz standard "Poor Butterfly." It was gorgeous and moving, and I doubt anyone there appreciated it as I did. I was happy to deposit a couple of bucks in the tip jar, before they nodded and moved on. This was a real unexpected pleasure.
Back at the boat dock, Dylan decided he'd seen enough of Mexico for one day, and returned to the ship. Karen and I grabbed a taxi and headed into Puerto Vallarta. We have been there twice before - once, I believe, even before we were married - certainly before Ben was born. I had the driver drop us off at the little zocolo in front of the cathedral, and instantly remembered having been there, many years before, eating an ice cream by the large iron bandstand in the center of the square.
The two of us browsed around the neighborhood, without any particular goal. It was hot but not humid, and great to be there, surrounded by the many sights of a mexican town. As we crossed the foot-bridge over the river, we spotted Karen's aunt and cousin strolling towards us. It was nice to see familiar faces, and we spent the rest of the afternoon with them, the four of us enjoying the archeological museum and shops on the island (which was certainly not that developed and pleasant 20 years ago). Eventually, it was Happy Hour and we found a quiet, riverside bar, where Rion and I had mango margaritas. It was genuinely splendid being there.
Soon, though, it was time to head back to the ship. We found the bus stop, then the correct bus, as it made its way thru the very noisy, crowded streets. So, it cost Karen and me $9 to take a cab from the ship into town, and the four of us about $2 to take the bus back.
A half-hour later, we were back in Luxury Land, watching the golden glow of the late afternoon sun on the hills behind town, and get ready for yet another massive dinner, with the rest of the cruise community. Nice day.
The next morning, we woke up docked at Mazatlan. It's always amazing how this happens. Rion and I were up early, and felt ready to get going into town. I left Karen a note, saying that we would try to be at the Plaza Machado at noon, then the two of us headed off.
It was early morning in a real working mexican city. Our immediate goal was the looming Pacifico brewery, to see if we could get in a tour. It was a long walk, but pleasant, and we eventually approached a line of American tourists, by the door. Alas, we were informed that their rules prohibited shorts, backpacks, and several other things that we had with us, so no tour for us. Rion was disappointed, since this was one of his goals for the day.
Instead, we headed into the old part of town, to the large public market, which was by then humming with morning business. The fruit and vegetable stands were colorful and attractive, but I was there to see meat, and I was not disappointed. There were entire carcasses, in various stages of dismemberment. There were skinned cow heads, pig heads, and piles of animal parts that I could not recognize. There is nothing in the world like a Mexican meat market. I took some photos, but haven't yet had the stomach to view them.
The cathedral was just a couple of blocks away and we headed there, although I was certain that we would not be permitted to enter, dressed casually as we were. Surprisingly, I was only admonished to remove my cap, and we joined the throngs of worshipers and tourists, inside the cavernous, lavishly decorated church. Mexico never fails to surprise: shorts were OK in God's house, but not in the brewery.
The morning was advancing. We found the Plaza Machado, surrounded by restored 19-century buildings, with ornate metal-work. One of the guidebooks I had consulted recommended it as nice place to sit.
It was just a few blocks to the ocean, and on the way there, there was supposed to be an Archeological museum. It was, alas, closed, but we did check out an adjacent art-gallery, with a small, curious, exhibit of mostly-modern stuff, many pieces with religious symbols (after all, this was Mexico).
A nearby Internet cafe provided a chance to check email and dash off short notes to various family and friends back home. It was just over a dollar for an hour of time - a real bargain after using the .55/minute ship Internet.
Back at the Plaza Machado, I pulled out my book and spent a quiet 45 minutes reading and people-watching, before I was joined by a bunch of family members, including Karen and Dylan.
Enough of us were hungry to make lunch a priority, so we headed back to the waterfront, where we found outdoor seating at 'El Shrimp Bucket' (est. 1963). It was a gorgeous day, and we savored the breeze, the ocean views, and the wonderful ceviche, fish tacos, tortilla soup, and several beers.
Dylan and Leah headed to the beach, while Karen and I did a little more sightseeing before returning to the beach. We played there in the waves and sand for a while, but soon it was time to head back to the ship. We hailed a passing tourist-truck, negotiated a price ($5) and he drove us back to the terminal.
A great day in Mazatlan. We had been there many years ago, but had, inexplicably, never seen the old part of town. This was turning into a great vacation.
The next morning, we were docked at Cabo San Lucas. However, due to engine trouble on the boat, they had drastically shortened our time ashore to a measly 4 hours. Karen and I walked very slowly with Sylvia, Karen's 95 year-old Mom, and didn't cover a lot of ground before we all headed back. Dylan, however, spent the morning sleeping late and watching TV in his room, which makes my son able to truthfully state that he's probably the only American who has visited Cabo San Lucas twice, without ever actually seeing it (the first time we were there, 19 years ago, he was still a fetus).
After leaving Cabo at mid-day on Thursday, we had the rest of that day and all day Friday on the boat, slowly making our way back to San Diego, where we docked early Saturday morning (was that just yesterday?). There were the usual dinners, chance encounters with family members, spectacular sunsets, cheesy ship activities (our family team was 2nd in the final, fiercely-competitive Team Trivia challenge), and simple lie-in-the-sun-and-do-nothing on the Aft pool deck.
Cruising is certainly a comfortable, odd way to spend a vacation. It's absurd, articifical, and horribly wasteful in terms of food and energy. In the future, people may look back on this institution, and shake their heads in total bewilderment. It would only increase that sense of unreality if they were to witness, on the next-t0-last-night, the Parade of Baked Alaskas, each with a lit sparkler.
Saturday morning, the process to get off the boat went very quickly, and the Customs folks simply collected our standard one-per-family form before waving us thru - no passport check or anything resembling identity-verification. We got back to where we parked the cars, drove to Pasadena, and, an hour later, Karen drove Dylan and me to the Burbank airport. She is staying there, helping her Mom, until tomorrow afternoon.
Dylan and I got home around 8:30 pm, and the dog was overjoyed at our return. After a couple of hours, Dylan announced he was heading off, and I don't expect to see him until tomorrow afternoon (just talked to him on the phone).
Today, I have had the entire place to myself (and the dog). We took two walks in the neighborhood, I did a little cooking and a lot of laundry and reading. It's New Years Eve, and the plans we had to get together with friends fell thru, so it's pretty quiet. I have to go to the airport in an hour, to pick up my neice, Leah, then return home for a quiet, solo evening.
So, having completed my third cruise, how do I feel about it? I admit that I've always been pleased to talk disparagingly about this form of vacation, as totally artificial, self-indulgent, and resource-wasteful. It is all these things, but, I have to say, it was a fun week, with a lot of laughs, great sights (both sailing and at the ports-of-call), and family fun.
However, one of my long-standing fantasies was shattered. I have always thought that being the piano-player on a cruise-ship would be a great life. You get to play for people who have been drinking for days and enjoy the air and sights of ocean travel. What could be better?
Well, one night toward the end of the cruise, Dylan and I found ourselves in one of the lavish lounges around 10:30 pm. It was mostly deserted, except for the piano-player, who was pounding out Beatle songs. Soon, he took a break, stepped away from the (digital) piano, turned on the recorded music, and walked off. I approached and asked if I could play a little, and he said (with a thick Russian accent) 'sure.' I played a few bars of 'Cheek to Cheek', and he came over.
"This piano is shit," he sneered, "I hate it." This was my opportunity to find out how wonderful his job was, so I asked a few questions. Turns out that he has to play 5 hours a day, mostly in that one lounge. He repeated that he hated this piano, that it sounded awful. I asked him if he was free to play whatever he wanted, and he said 'yes', but that the guests always asked him to play the same five tunes, the most-frequent being 'As Time Goes By.' "I hate it," he said, again and again.
I asked him how often he got off the boat and he looked at me as if I was crazy. After a little more of this, we left him, an angry, frustrated prisoner of the cruise-line. It was a revelation.
The next night, Karen and I strolled past the midnight dessert buffet (an amazing assortment of goodies, with chocolate fountains, ice sculptures, butter sculptures, etc). Over in the corner, I saw the same piano player, at another electronic keyboard. He played 'Killing Me Softly with his Song', and the sound quality was awful. Then, there was a fanfare, and the announcer made a big announcement, about all the chefs and the goodies they had created, and how wonderful everything was. There was a smattering of applause, before the crowd returned to attacking the trays.
There was a brief pause, and then the piano-player launched into 'As Time Goes By.' Karen and I passed him on the way out. He and I made eye-contact and I know he recognized me from our chat the prior evening, as he nodded, as if to say "I know you understand what I'm going thru".
There was hopelessness on his face, as we left the area.
Time to head for the airport. Happy New Year, everybody.
Dylan and I arrived home last night, tired from 12 hours of travelling. It was a fine vacation, full of indulgence and a few genuine laughs.
The first day, in Pasadena, I spent in bed, coughing, sniffling, sleeping, and blowing my nose. It must have been time well spent, since I felt noticeably better the next day, when we drove to San Diego.
The check-in process at the cruise terminal went quickly, and there we were, on board a 12 story floating hotel with 1800 guests and 800 staff. As we enjoyed our first drink, the ship pulled out of the harbor and San Diego shrank into a line of twinkling lights. There were 14 in our group, covering all major age categories from 12 to 95.
We spent two days at sea, getting familiar with the ship layout and giving in to the enforced over-eating, before arriving in Puerto Vallarta early the third morning. This period was the final run-up to Christmas, and the incessant Christmas music on the loud-speakers was really getting to me. After all, when you're hearing 'Jingle Bell Rock' for the 5th time in one day, while trying to read and enjoy the sun on the pool deck, one's teeth begin to grind.
The morning after Christmas, I was out on deck, and 'White Christmas' started playing again. I marched down to the Main Desk and reminded them that it was time to change the music. The lady there shrugged helplessly, and it was not until the next day that I realized that we had finally returned to the classic Ship music: Bob Marley, the Beach Boys, and 'Margaritaville'. What a relief.
In Puerto Vallarta, Karen, Dylan and I had signed up for a shore excursion, and were led thru the process of getting off the boat and connected with the group. We were driven in a bus to a country hamlet north of town. As we headed out, the bus-guy-with-the-mike said, "on your right, you see the US embassy." It was a Wal*Mart. I liked that.
A bit later, after we hit the boonies, he said we were about to pass an exclusive condo community, where they specialize in aroma therapy. It was a prison. Mexican humor.
We parked at what looked suspiciously like a tourist-trap (later confirmed) where, after a brief orientation, we headed out for a morning hike in the Sierra Madre foothills surrounding the town.
It was actually somewhat strenuous at the outset, climbing a steep hillside. The guide was a 'rah-rah' kind of tour leader, and Karen detested his enthusiasm. The trail wound up to and around a ridge, with more ups and downs. At one point, we had a brief view of a lovely valley, but the leader pressed us onward. He was pretty good about pointing out the local medicinal plants and trees, which was interesting, and seemed to know his stuff, then hurried us along.
After an hour or so of hiking, we descended steeply into a lush river valley, where we had a few minutes to dangle our feet in a pretty enclosure of warm, volcanic-heated water, before walking back, along the river, to a truck which took us back to the tourist-trap. It was a nice hike - great to stretch those leg muscles, walk thru the dense foliage, and breath the clean air.
The guide had urged us to keep up a brisk pace on the hike, saying that we'd probably have 10 minutes before getting back on the bus to return to the cruise terminal, but those 10 minutes extended into a couple of hours. They did have a cantina there, with real mexican ladies making real mexican tortillas, and the lunch that was served us was actually terrific: imagine four delicious chicken tacos, with peppers, homemade salsas, guacamole, and beans, plus two cokes (Karen and Dylan) and two beers (me) - all for $5.
After that nice lunch, we obviously had plenty of time to visit the many craft and trinket booths. Karen bought some cool stuff while Dylan moped (he didn't enjoy the hike) and I listened to the three-man mariachi band hoping to get some tips. It was two young guys (guitar and bass) and an older guy (alto sax) - a somewhat unusual combination. Their first couple of tunes were standard mexican cliches, but I couldn't help noticing that the sax player was contributing some very creative and thoughtful licks - quite a bit more musically sophisticated than what the others were playing.
They took a break and, after a short pause, the sax player picked up his horn and, seemingly out of nowhere, played, as a solo, the lovely old jazz standard "Poor Butterfly." It was gorgeous and moving, and I doubt anyone there appreciated it as I did. I was happy to deposit a couple of bucks in the tip jar, before they nodded and moved on. This was a real unexpected pleasure.
Back at the boat dock, Dylan decided he'd seen enough of Mexico for one day, and returned to the ship. Karen and I grabbed a taxi and headed into Puerto Vallarta. We have been there twice before - once, I believe, even before we were married - certainly before Ben was born. I had the driver drop us off at the little zocolo in front of the cathedral, and instantly remembered having been there, many years before, eating an ice cream by the large iron bandstand in the center of the square.
The two of us browsed around the neighborhood, without any particular goal. It was hot but not humid, and great to be there, surrounded by the many sights of a mexican town. As we crossed the foot-bridge over the river, we spotted Karen's aunt and cousin strolling towards us. It was nice to see familiar faces, and we spent the rest of the afternoon with them, the four of us enjoying the archeological museum and shops on the island (which was certainly not that developed and pleasant 20 years ago). Eventually, it was Happy Hour and we found a quiet, riverside bar, where Rion and I had mango margaritas. It was genuinely splendid being there.
Soon, though, it was time to head back to the ship. We found the bus stop, then the correct bus, as it made its way thru the very noisy, crowded streets. So, it cost Karen and me $9 to take a cab from the ship into town, and the four of us about $2 to take the bus back.
A half-hour later, we were back in Luxury Land, watching the golden glow of the late afternoon sun on the hills behind town, and get ready for yet another massive dinner, with the rest of the cruise community. Nice day.
The next morning, we woke up docked at Mazatlan. It's always amazing how this happens. Rion and I were up early, and felt ready to get going into town. I left Karen a note, saying that we would try to be at the Plaza Machado at noon, then the two of us headed off.
It was early morning in a real working mexican city. Our immediate goal was the looming Pacifico brewery, to see if we could get in a tour. It was a long walk, but pleasant, and we eventually approached a line of American tourists, by the door. Alas, we were informed that their rules prohibited shorts, backpacks, and several other things that we had with us, so no tour for us. Rion was disappointed, since this was one of his goals for the day.
Instead, we headed into the old part of town, to the large public market, which was by then humming with morning business. The fruit and vegetable stands were colorful and attractive, but I was there to see meat, and I was not disappointed. There were entire carcasses, in various stages of dismemberment. There were skinned cow heads, pig heads, and piles of animal parts that I could not recognize. There is nothing in the world like a Mexican meat market. I took some photos, but haven't yet had the stomach to view them.
The cathedral was just a couple of blocks away and we headed there, although I was certain that we would not be permitted to enter, dressed casually as we were. Surprisingly, I was only admonished to remove my cap, and we joined the throngs of worshipers and tourists, inside the cavernous, lavishly decorated church. Mexico never fails to surprise: shorts were OK in God's house, but not in the brewery.
The morning was advancing. We found the Plaza Machado, surrounded by restored 19-century buildings, with ornate metal-work. One of the guidebooks I had consulted recommended it as nice place to sit.
It was just a few blocks to the ocean, and on the way there, there was supposed to be an Archeological museum. It was, alas, closed, but we did check out an adjacent art-gallery, with a small, curious, exhibit of mostly-modern stuff, many pieces with religious symbols (after all, this was Mexico).
A nearby Internet cafe provided a chance to check email and dash off short notes to various family and friends back home. It was just over a dollar for an hour of time - a real bargain after using the .55/minute ship Internet.
Back at the Plaza Machado, I pulled out my book and spent a quiet 45 minutes reading and people-watching, before I was joined by a bunch of family members, including Karen and Dylan.
Enough of us were hungry to make lunch a priority, so we headed back to the waterfront, where we found outdoor seating at 'El Shrimp Bucket' (est. 1963). It was a gorgeous day, and we savored the breeze, the ocean views, and the wonderful ceviche, fish tacos, tortilla soup, and several beers.
Dylan and Leah headed to the beach, while Karen and I did a little more sightseeing before returning to the beach. We played there in the waves and sand for a while, but soon it was time to head back to the ship. We hailed a passing tourist-truck, negotiated a price ($5) and he drove us back to the terminal.
A great day in Mazatlan. We had been there many years ago, but had, inexplicably, never seen the old part of town. This was turning into a great vacation.
The next morning, we were docked at Cabo San Lucas. However, due to engine trouble on the boat, they had drastically shortened our time ashore to a measly 4 hours. Karen and I walked very slowly with Sylvia, Karen's 95 year-old Mom, and didn't cover a lot of ground before we all headed back. Dylan, however, spent the morning sleeping late and watching TV in his room, which makes my son able to truthfully state that he's probably the only American who has visited Cabo San Lucas twice, without ever actually seeing it (the first time we were there, 19 years ago, he was still a fetus).
After leaving Cabo at mid-day on Thursday, we had the rest of that day and all day Friday on the boat, slowly making our way back to San Diego, where we docked early Saturday morning (was that just yesterday?). There were the usual dinners, chance encounters with family members, spectacular sunsets, cheesy ship activities (our family team was 2nd in the final, fiercely-competitive Team Trivia challenge), and simple lie-in-the-sun-and-do-nothing on the Aft pool deck.
Cruising is certainly a comfortable, odd way to spend a vacation. It's absurd, articifical, and horribly wasteful in terms of food and energy. In the future, people may look back on this institution, and shake their heads in total bewilderment. It would only increase that sense of unreality if they were to witness, on the next-t0-last-night, the Parade of Baked Alaskas, each with a lit sparkler.
Saturday morning, the process to get off the boat went very quickly, and the Customs folks simply collected our standard one-per-family form before waving us thru - no passport check or anything resembling identity-verification. We got back to where we parked the cars, drove to Pasadena, and, an hour later, Karen drove Dylan and me to the Burbank airport. She is staying there, helping her Mom, until tomorrow afternoon.
Dylan and I got home around 8:30 pm, and the dog was overjoyed at our return. After a couple of hours, Dylan announced he was heading off, and I don't expect to see him until tomorrow afternoon (just talked to him on the phone).
Today, I have had the entire place to myself (and the dog). We took two walks in the neighborhood, I did a little cooking and a lot of laundry and reading. It's New Years Eve, and the plans we had to get together with friends fell thru, so it's pretty quiet. I have to go to the airport in an hour, to pick up my neice, Leah, then return home for a quiet, solo evening.
So, having completed my third cruise, how do I feel about it? I admit that I've always been pleased to talk disparagingly about this form of vacation, as totally artificial, self-indulgent, and resource-wasteful. It is all these things, but, I have to say, it was a fun week, with a lot of laughs, great sights (both sailing and at the ports-of-call), and family fun.
However, one of my long-standing fantasies was shattered. I have always thought that being the piano-player on a cruise-ship would be a great life. You get to play for people who have been drinking for days and enjoy the air and sights of ocean travel. What could be better?
Well, one night toward the end of the cruise, Dylan and I found ourselves in one of the lavish lounges around 10:30 pm. It was mostly deserted, except for the piano-player, who was pounding out Beatle songs. Soon, he took a break, stepped away from the (digital) piano, turned on the recorded music, and walked off. I approached and asked if I could play a little, and he said (with a thick Russian accent) 'sure.' I played a few bars of 'Cheek to Cheek', and he came over.
"This piano is shit," he sneered, "I hate it." This was my opportunity to find out how wonderful his job was, so I asked a few questions. Turns out that he has to play 5 hours a day, mostly in that one lounge. He repeated that he hated this piano, that it sounded awful. I asked him if he was free to play whatever he wanted, and he said 'yes', but that the guests always asked him to play the same five tunes, the most-frequent being 'As Time Goes By.' "I hate it," he said, again and again.
I asked him how often he got off the boat and he looked at me as if I was crazy. After a little more of this, we left him, an angry, frustrated prisoner of the cruise-line. It was a revelation.
The next night, Karen and I strolled past the midnight dessert buffet (an amazing assortment of goodies, with chocolate fountains, ice sculptures, butter sculptures, etc). Over in the corner, I saw the same piano player, at another electronic keyboard. He played 'Killing Me Softly with his Song', and the sound quality was awful. Then, there was a fanfare, and the announcer made a big announcement, about all the chefs and the goodies they had created, and how wonderful everything was. There was a smattering of applause, before the crowd returned to attacking the trays.
There was a brief pause, and then the piano-player launched into 'As Time Goes By.' Karen and I passed him on the way out. He and I made eye-contact and I know he recognized me from our chat the prior evening, as he nodded, as if to say "I know you understand what I'm going thru".
There was hopelessness on his face, as we left the area.
Time to head for the airport. Happy New Year, everybody.
back home
Dylan and I arrived back at PDX last night. Karen decided to stay in Pasadena for a couple more days, to help out at her Mom's.
It's New Years Eve. Big Deal.
The cruise was actually mostly fun - will write some anecdotes one of these days. After 10 days of concerted family/group activities, it has been great today to have the whole house to myself (and the dog), reading, snoozing, doing laundry, etc.
It's now about 4 pm. I have another 4 hours before I need to leap into action.
It's New Years Eve. Big Deal.
The cruise was actually mostly fun - will write some anecdotes one of these days. After 10 days of concerted family/group activities, it has been great today to have the whole house to myself (and the dog), reading, snoozing, doing laundry, etc.
It's now about 4 pm. I have another 4 hours before I need to leap into action.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
off we go
Heading to the airport in less than an hour. We fly to Pasadena tonight, then drive to San Diego Saturday, for the week-long cruise to some Mexican ports-of-call. It should be totally surreal.
There are a dozen family members, from 12 to 95, in our group. Fortunately, it's a pretty genial bunch.
It will definitely be a break from the Oregon death-news and rain.
We hope. Happy Solstice, everyone.
There are a dozen family members, from 12 to 95, in our group. Fortunately, it's a pretty genial bunch.
It will definitely be a break from the Oregon death-news and rain.
We hope. Happy Solstice, everyone.
Monday, December 18, 2006
Improving on Tom McCall
Governor McCall, you may remember, is noted primarily (and incorrectly) for his famous 1970's exhortation "Come to Oregon to visit, but don't move here".
Between our reputation for Assisted Suicide and the current wilderness catastrophes, it could be ammended, for maximum impact, to "Come to Oregon, and Die here."
Mt. Hood was looking gloriously beautiful this morning, as I took the recycling out to the street. A band of color lay above its snowy, deadly crest. It's darn cold here in Portland - it must be amazingly inhospitable up there.
Meeting with a client this morning, to discuss upcoming work, then I have a concert with the Jewish Old Folks chorus (visiting another facility) this afternoon. Tomorrow, another concert with the same group, at their own facility. 'Tis the season.
At some point, today or tomorrow, I will pull out my large travel bag - the one I need to use when I'm taking more shoes and better clothes than my usual stuff. We leave Thursday night for our California/Mexico trip.
Between our reputation for Assisted Suicide and the current wilderness catastrophes, it could be ammended, for maximum impact, to "Come to Oregon, and Die here."
Mt. Hood was looking gloriously beautiful this morning, as I took the recycling out to the street. A band of color lay above its snowy, deadly crest. It's darn cold here in Portland - it must be amazingly inhospitable up there.
Meeting with a client this morning, to discuss upcoming work, then I have a concert with the Jewish Old Folks chorus (visiting another facility) this afternoon. Tomorrow, another concert with the same group, at their own facility. 'Tis the season.
At some point, today or tomorrow, I will pull out my large travel bag - the one I need to use when I'm taking more shoes and better clothes than my usual stuff. We leave Thursday night for our California/Mexico trip.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Who Killed James Kim, the next chapter
Well, well, well - now it turns out that the story about vandals who broke the lock on the gate to that road was a fabrication. I apologize for insinuating that beer-drinking yahoos ought to be blamed for this.
It was the local authorities who had neglected to secure the gate. Was it carelessness, or simply a low priority, due to other concerns? We need to know.
Meanwhile, up on Mt. Hood, the families of the lost hikers are still putting a brave face on things, but, now that they've been out there for a week, and with a record-breaking storm about to hit in a few hours, things are not looking good.
Finally, on Thom Hartmann's radio show this morning, there was an Islamist scholar discussing the distribution of Sunni and Shia throughout the middle east. Everyone knows that the Saudi royal family is Sunni - that's no secret - but did you know that the majority of the population is Shia? That was news to me. Given the long-suppressed hostility towards the royals in that country, it's easy to visualize a coup that would institute yet another Shia government.
Another surprise - Syria, Iran's closest buddy in the area, is predominantly Sunni, not, as I would have expected, Shia. I supposed that makes sense, since, after all, Damascus was the original Islamic center, before Bagdhad was even founded.
It's a complicated world out there, and a stormy one, too. Karen, unfortunately, had to drive to Eugene for a hearing this morning - she just left the house a half-hour ago. Later this afternoon, when the wind and rain really hits, she will be driving back to Portland. Fortunately, she took my Subaru, which has better tires and traction than her Matrix. It will be a relief to see her arrive safely, late this afternoon.
It was the local authorities who had neglected to secure the gate. Was it carelessness, or simply a low priority, due to other concerns? We need to know.
Meanwhile, up on Mt. Hood, the families of the lost hikers are still putting a brave face on things, but, now that they've been out there for a week, and with a record-breaking storm about to hit in a few hours, things are not looking good.
Finally, on Thom Hartmann's radio show this morning, there was an Islamist scholar discussing the distribution of Sunni and Shia throughout the middle east. Everyone knows that the Saudi royal family is Sunni - that's no secret - but did you know that the majority of the population is Shia? That was news to me. Given the long-suppressed hostility towards the royals in that country, it's easy to visualize a coup that would institute yet another Shia government.
Another surprise - Syria, Iran's closest buddy in the area, is predominantly Sunni, not, as I would have expected, Shia. I supposed that makes sense, since, after all, Damascus was the original Islamic center, before Bagdhad was even founded.
It's a complicated world out there, and a stormy one, too. Karen, unfortunately, had to drive to Eugene for a hearing this morning - she just left the house a half-hour ago. Later this afternoon, when the wind and rain really hits, she will be driving back to Portland. Fortunately, she took my Subaru, which has better tires and traction than her Matrix. It will be a relief to see her arrive safely, late this afternoon.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Yikes - getting weird in Mexico
We are heading there next week, so it's a little alarming to read this.
Juan Cole today
Go read his December 13th piece. He discusses the emerging alliance allignments in the Middle East, which, from his perspective, have Israel, Jordan, the 'official' Lebanon government, and Saudi Arabia allied against Iran, Syria, and the Hezbollah faction in Lebanon, with the Iraq Civil War being the battle-ground where the conflict is playing out.
The notion of the Jewish State allied with the most repressive, right-wing, Islamic fundamentalist regime in the area is mind-boggling, and the US occupation of Iraq was the catalyst for this whole mess.
But I thought the whole 'project' was going to be a cakewalk.
The notion of the Jewish State allied with the most repressive, right-wing, Islamic fundamentalist regime in the area is mind-boggling, and the US occupation of Iraq was the catalyst for this whole mess.
But I thought the whole 'project' was going to be a cakewalk.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
buh-bye, Jeffrey
Off to the slammer. I guess he refused to tell the prosecutors where Kenny Boy is hiding.
Meanwhile, I sure am getting a kick out of my WiFi iPaq. This noon, I had plans to have lunch with two former bosses (!), but had a chore downtown first. After doing that, I sat in Pioneer Courthouse Square, successfully logging into the free WiFi to check my mail.
As I sat there, tapping away, who should walk up but Ben, on his way to lunch at Todai, the all-you-can-eat sushi place. Today is his 20th birthday, and a friend was taking him to lunch there. It was nice running into my boy, and we walked together for a couple of blocks. He's no longer a kid, but not quite an adult.
Back to the iPaq (sorry, just can't help talking about it). Finally, this afternoon, I got everything working to my satisfaction, including syncing my calendar (Yahoo) with the handheld, and getting send/receive working with my email provider, using Pocket Outlook. Turns out that I had to upgrade to their 250 MB package, in order to get SSL, which is required to do wireless email. Naturally, there was nothing on their website telling me about the SSL requirement, and I spent many hours, the past few days, trying to figure out what I was doing wrong.
Now, it's a snap, and amazingly cool to have everything working. I have also downloaded a few free utilities and games, and even the Opera browser (which works incredibly well). In the past, I was always dubious about the usefullness of handheld devices for me, but, with the WiFi, it now becomes an amazingly useful extension of my cyber-life. They even have a Skype client for Pocket PC - may have to give that a try one of these days.
Meanwhile, I sure am getting a kick out of my WiFi iPaq. This noon, I had plans to have lunch with two former bosses (!), but had a chore downtown first. After doing that, I sat in Pioneer Courthouse Square, successfully logging into the free WiFi to check my mail.
As I sat there, tapping away, who should walk up but Ben, on his way to lunch at Todai, the all-you-can-eat sushi place. Today is his 20th birthday, and a friend was taking him to lunch there. It was nice running into my boy, and we walked together for a couple of blocks. He's no longer a kid, but not quite an adult.
Back to the iPaq (sorry, just can't help talking about it). Finally, this afternoon, I got everything working to my satisfaction, including syncing my calendar (Yahoo) with the handheld, and getting send/receive working with my email provider, using Pocket Outlook. Turns out that I had to upgrade to their 250 MB package, in order to get SSL, which is required to do wireless email. Naturally, there was nothing on their website telling me about the SSL requirement, and I spent many hours, the past few days, trying to figure out what I was doing wrong.
Now, it's a snap, and amazingly cool to have everything working. I have also downloaded a few free utilities and games, and even the Opera browser (which works incredibly well). In the past, I was always dubious about the usefullness of handheld devices for me, but, with the WiFi, it now becomes an amazingly useful extension of my cyber-life. They even have a Skype client for Pocket PC - may have to give that a try one of these days.
Monday, December 11, 2006
Oregon - Nature gone wild!
James Kim dominated Oregon's face in the national news last week, and, this morning, the top story is 3 Mt. Hood climbers missing. Next week, look for a story about some guy harvesting a Christmas tree that fell on him and poked his eye out.
It's brutal out there.
Went out to dinner last night with my two boys (Ben turns 20 tomorrow, believe it or not) and Dylan's girlfriend. We went to our local mexican place, and the boys ordered the 'macho nachos'. The waiter looked dubious, so I cancelled my order and said I'll dig into the nachos, too.
All heads in the restaurant turned our way when it was delivered to the table - the largest mound of food I've ever seen. With three of us on the attack, we made it all the way down to the bottom layer of encrusted chips and melted cheese, but I certainly had carnivore's remorse afterwards. Still, it was nice to have a family dinner - it doesn't happen very often anymore.
My work-load is pretty slim for the near-term, as things are getting wrapped up for the year. I have a lunch scheduled tomorrow with two former bosses (Randy from Blue Cross and Dan from Enron), neither of which still works in the big-business world. Should be fun to compare notes, especially since Dan just became a father for the first time, a couple of months ago.
Still having fun with my new WiFi iPaq. I don't have everything in place that I need just yet, but it's close. I can't get Pocket Outlook to consistently send and receive to my usa.net mailbox - something is still not right, but the Opera browser for Pocket PC is incredible - it really renders pages well, with zoom and display tools for moving around.
Lots of chat this morning about Gordon Smith's recent anti-war statements: are they a sincere epiphany, a bald-faced pandering to the Winds of Change, or is this simply how the system is SUPPOSED to work, according to Thom Hartmann's famous explanation of the Politician Mind:
"Politicians look around for a parade. When they see one, they march to the front and say 'follow me - this is MY parade'. In order to effect change, it's the Public's job to create the parade."
It's brutal out there.
Went out to dinner last night with my two boys (Ben turns 20 tomorrow, believe it or not) and Dylan's girlfriend. We went to our local mexican place, and the boys ordered the 'macho nachos'. The waiter looked dubious, so I cancelled my order and said I'll dig into the nachos, too.
All heads in the restaurant turned our way when it was delivered to the table - the largest mound of food I've ever seen. With three of us on the attack, we made it all the way down to the bottom layer of encrusted chips and melted cheese, but I certainly had carnivore's remorse afterwards. Still, it was nice to have a family dinner - it doesn't happen very often anymore.
My work-load is pretty slim for the near-term, as things are getting wrapped up for the year. I have a lunch scheduled tomorrow with two former bosses (Randy from Blue Cross and Dan from Enron), neither of which still works in the big-business world. Should be fun to compare notes, especially since Dan just became a father for the first time, a couple of months ago.
Still having fun with my new WiFi iPaq. I don't have everything in place that I need just yet, but it's close. I can't get Pocket Outlook to consistently send and receive to my usa.net mailbox - something is still not right, but the Opera browser for Pocket PC is incredible - it really renders pages well, with zoom and display tools for moving around.
Lots of chat this morning about Gordon Smith's recent anti-war statements: are they a sincere epiphany, a bald-faced pandering to the Winds of Change, or is this simply how the system is SUPPOSED to work, according to Thom Hartmann's famous explanation of the Politician Mind:
"Politicians look around for a parade. When they see one, they march to the front and say 'follow me - this is MY parade'. In order to effect change, it's the Public's job to create the parade."
Sunday, December 10, 2006
who killed James Kim?
It's coming out now (and this appears to be the definitive word) that the road they hoped to take to the coast IS normally gated this time of year. Apparently, some 'vandals' recently cut the lock and left the gate open.
They killed James Kim.
Were they looking for a place to go snow-mobiling? A secluded spot in the woods to have a party? Were they part of the "the Government can't tell ME where I can't go!" crowd, or just simple idiots?
Somewhere down in rural southern Oregon, I just believe that some guy is looking down into his beer, muttering about stupid Californians who don't have enough sense to know about winter travel, and another yahoo who is looking down into his beer and muttering 'oh, shit.'
They killed James Kim.
Were they looking for a place to go snow-mobiling? A secluded spot in the woods to have a party? Were they part of the "the Government can't tell ME where I can't go!" crowd, or just simple idiots?
Somewhere down in rural southern Oregon, I just believe that some guy is looking down into his beer, muttering about stupid Californians who don't have enough sense to know about winter travel, and another yahoo who is looking down into his beer and muttering 'oh, shit.'
Saturday, December 09, 2006
nice variation on Worst.President.Ever
In the light of Bush 41's public, self-pitying sobbing the other day, this was seen on an Atrios comments thread:
Worst.Dynasty.Ever.
beautiful.
Worst.Dynasty.Ever.
beautiful.
Thursday, December 07, 2006
the lust for gadgets
So, we are going on a cruise over Christmas. This is a family thing, with 12 of us altogether. It wasn't my idea of a great vacation, but my 95 year-old amazing mother-in-law has mobility issues, so it is what it is.
We depart from San Diego, and will visit PV, Mazatlan, and Cabo - all places I've been before.
We had a pretty good time on the Caribbean cruise last year, once you get beyond the surreal notion of a giant ship, burning all that fuel, in order to make a round-trip, carrying a boat-load of overfed, often-demanding, generally well-to-do Seniors. Not that there's anything wrong with that.
Every time I go on a trip, I like to take along some new toy. For Spain, it was a new digital camera. I just discovered that the cruise ship has several WiFi hot-spots. I hadn't planned to take my laptop, hoping to avoid work, but it would be convenient to be able to check my email without having to wait for a terminal at their Internet center, or rent a laptop for WiFi access.
So, off we go to craigslist.
Within minutes, I found a guy selling a souped-up iPaq, with *built-in* WiFi, a 512 MB SD card, and, best of all, it runs the new Windows Mobile 5 (so it can rotate the screen portrait or landscape). He's asking $130, which is a darn good price.
I need a Windows Mobile 5 device for testing software that I wrote and support, so it's a tax-deductible purchase. Plus, the guy has a detachable keyboard, originally for a Palm device, that *might* work (he's looking for drivers now), that he said he'd throw in for free. Plus, he bought a 2-year replacement warranty from Fry's, that he can transfer to me (for a slight charge).
What could be cooler than sitting in the sun, with tropical breezes wafting about, and a drink-with-an-umbrella at my side, while listening to MP3s and checking my email for penis-enlargement ads?
We depart from San Diego, and will visit PV, Mazatlan, and Cabo - all places I've been before.
We had a pretty good time on the Caribbean cruise last year, once you get beyond the surreal notion of a giant ship, burning all that fuel, in order to make a round-trip, carrying a boat-load of overfed, often-demanding, generally well-to-do Seniors. Not that there's anything wrong with that.
Every time I go on a trip, I like to take along some new toy. For Spain, it was a new digital camera. I just discovered that the cruise ship has several WiFi hot-spots. I hadn't planned to take my laptop, hoping to avoid work, but it would be convenient to be able to check my email without having to wait for a terminal at their Internet center, or rent a laptop for WiFi access.
So, off we go to craigslist.
Within minutes, I found a guy selling a souped-up iPaq, with *built-in* WiFi, a 512 MB SD card, and, best of all, it runs the new Windows Mobile 5 (so it can rotate the screen portrait or landscape). He's asking $130, which is a darn good price.
I need a Windows Mobile 5 device for testing software that I wrote and support, so it's a tax-deductible purchase. Plus, the guy has a detachable keyboard, originally for a Palm device, that *might* work (he's looking for drivers now), that he said he'd throw in for free. Plus, he bought a 2-year replacement warranty from Fry's, that he can transfer to me (for a slight charge).
What could be cooler than sitting in the sun, with tropical breezes wafting about, and a drink-with-an-umbrella at my side, while listening to MP3s and checking my email for penis-enlargement ads?
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
on Robert Gates and James Kim
I think Juan Cole has it right, as usual. It's totally ironic, but the fact that Gates was involved in the Iran-Contra scandal may be a good thing, since it suggests that he might still have some contacts in Teheran, that would help US relations with that troubling country.
Meanwhile, I can't help thinking about poor James Kim, still lost in the wild canyons of south-east Oregon. Looking at the map, it's clear that his intuition about the direction to take to find help was totally wrong, and he headed off into an even-more-remote region.
If they don't find him today, I can't imagine his strength and clarity of thought lasting much longer. Very sad, and, after 9 days, I can easily see myself making the same decision he did, despite the traditional wisdom of 'stay put until they find you'.
Meanwhile, I can't help thinking about poor James Kim, still lost in the wild canyons of south-east Oregon. Looking at the map, it's clear that his intuition about the direction to take to find help was totally wrong, and he headed off into an even-more-remote region.
If they don't find him today, I can't imagine his strength and clarity of thought lasting much longer. Very sad, and, after 9 days, I can easily see myself making the same decision he did, despite the traditional wisdom of 'stay put until they find you'.
Monday, December 04, 2006
heard on Randi Rhodes this afternoon
John Bolton is resigning as US Ambassador to the UN, to "spend more time screaming at his family".
heh, heh.
heh, heh.
the last push before the next vacation
Early Monday morning - sitting in the dining room looking out at the mostly-gray sky, but with a luminous band of yellow on the eastern horizon.
Just looked at my calendar for the next couple of weeks. I have 7 scheduled music performances, mostly with the chorus at the Rose Schnitzer (Jewish Old Folks) home. There's also a bar mitzvah (the klezmer band) probably two get-togethers with Brooke and Richard, and a private party (solo piano).
Then, on the 21st, we fly to southern California for a week - a couple of days in Pasadena and then the cruise down along the Mexican coast (with about a dozen family members). Lots to do before that surreal scene happens.
But, at the moment, I am enjoying my cereal and the sunrise.
Heard there's a new book out, advising blog newbies on what not to write. It's called something like "Nobody cares what you had for Lunch.' Probably applies to breakfast, too.
Just looked at my calendar for the next couple of weeks. I have 7 scheduled music performances, mostly with the chorus at the Rose Schnitzer (Jewish Old Folks) home. There's also a bar mitzvah (the klezmer band) probably two get-togethers with Brooke and Richard, and a private party (solo piano).
Then, on the 21st, we fly to southern California for a week - a couple of days in Pasadena and then the cruise down along the Mexican coast (with about a dozen family members). Lots to do before that surreal scene happens.
But, at the moment, I am enjoying my cereal and the sunrise.
Heard there's a new book out, advising blog newbies on what not to write. It's called something like "Nobody cares what you had for Lunch.' Probably applies to breakfast, too.
Sunday, December 03, 2006
It's the oil, stupid
If there was ever any real doubt that the Bush Administration is little more than a machine for furthering the interests of Big Oil, we have this shocking piece from Daily Kos. From the beginning, that was the goal, and, as time goes by, the lust for control over oil explains the Iraq project better than any other geopolitical theory.
They can try to cloak it in any number of phony rationals, but I really think it all comes down to 'keep it flowing', and that applies not only to the crude.
I also believe that, at some level, these people sincerely believe they are acting in the best interests of the American people (to keep our society moving and fed), and that, once our oil supplies were guaranteed (at the expense of everyone else in the world), the American Consumer would understand that all the sacrifices were worth it. Further, they believe they are entitled to be well-compensated for doing all this 'hard work' on our behalf.
If only we would shut up and keep driving.
Meanwhile, I saw a great clip of Al Gore on some show, talking about the 'An Inconvenient Truth' DVD. Apparently he was asked a question something like "isn't it true that people will be terrified by what they will learn?", Al replied, "it's not nearly as alarming if you watch it in slow motion."
Indeed.
They can try to cloak it in any number of phony rationals, but I really think it all comes down to 'keep it flowing', and that applies not only to the crude.
I also believe that, at some level, these people sincerely believe they are acting in the best interests of the American people (to keep our society moving and fed), and that, once our oil supplies were guaranteed (at the expense of everyone else in the world), the American Consumer would understand that all the sacrifices were worth it. Further, they believe they are entitled to be well-compensated for doing all this 'hard work' on our behalf.
If only we would shut up and keep driving.
Meanwhile, I saw a great clip of Al Gore on some show, talking about the 'An Inconvenient Truth' DVD. Apparently he was asked a question something like "isn't it true that people will be terrified by what they will learn?", Al replied, "it's not nearly as alarming if you watch it in slow motion."
Indeed.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Bite me, Stephen Hawking
I hate to disagree with him, but, jeez.
Reminds me of the old Groucho joke, quoted by many, including Woody Allen: "I'd hate to be a member of a club that would have me as a member."
I'd hate to live in a Universe populated by the people who have populated this planet. Sure, we've developed Open Source software and milk that doesn't need refrigeration, but there's also the troubling propensity to Ethnic Cleansing.
My suggestion: enjoy whatever pleasures you have, be kind to as many people as possible, and try to limit the extent to which your pleasures come at the expense of the sufferings of uncountable millions.
In other words, God had the right idea with The Flood, and delivering Noah to another planet may not turn out to be such a great idea, again.
Re-reading too much Vonnegut these days (just finished 'Breakfast of Champions' last night). So it goes.
Reminds me of the old Groucho joke, quoted by many, including Woody Allen: "I'd hate to be a member of a club that would have me as a member."
I'd hate to live in a Universe populated by the people who have populated this planet. Sure, we've developed Open Source software and milk that doesn't need refrigeration, but there's also the troubling propensity to Ethnic Cleansing.
My suggestion: enjoy whatever pleasures you have, be kind to as many people as possible, and try to limit the extent to which your pleasures come at the expense of the sufferings of uncountable millions.
In other words, God had the right idea with The Flood, and delivering Noah to another planet may not turn out to be such a great idea, again.
Re-reading too much Vonnegut these days (just finished 'Breakfast of Champions' last night). So it goes.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Friday, November 24, 2006
hang onto your hat
Hope everyone enjoyed Thanksgiving - it was pretty successful here, with lots of amazing food (thankfully, many vegetarian dishes appeared), and good friends and good wine.
Now, as the glow wears off, it's time to get back to business, and the world of business have been trying to tell us something for a long time. The chickens let loose by the borrow-and-spend GOP are beginning to come home to roost. Why do I feel like I'm at the top of a roller-coaster?
Now, as the glow wears off, it's time to get back to business, and the world of business have been trying to tell us something for a long time. The chickens let loose by the borrow-and-spend GOP are beginning to come home to roost. Why do I feel like I'm at the top of a roller-coaster?
Thursday, November 23, 2006
1:30 pm and everything's on track
Turkey's in the oven. Stuffing baked separately. Roasted veggies are 60% done. Final pie assembly underway. Potatoes are peeled and in water. 'Wilted Greens' dish about to be prepared. Table is set.
Just have to run the dishwasher and work on appetizers. Guests should start arriving in an hour.
Kitchen frenzy has been going on for 5 hours now. Good thing the prep work started three days ago.
Just have to run the dishwasher and work on appetizers. Guests should start arriving in an hour.
Kitchen frenzy has been going on for 5 hours now. Good thing the prep work started three days ago.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Not bad for two hours
Instead of dwelling on the uselessness of the human race, I decided to do some groundwork for a new project, that may be starting up next week. It involves a SQL Server database, for which the client wishes to have a separate reporting/analysis front-end, from the public face (which is already handled by a canned application).
So, in the past 2 hours, I managed to:
1) Download and install Microsoft's free SQL Server Express and its separate management tool on my laptop.
2) Using the management tool, built a new database with one table.
3) Using Access wizards, built an html data access page that displays the table, permitting updates and deletions.
4) Built a separate Access application, with a standard Access form, to display the table and permit any kind of programatic manipulation that anyone could dream up.
5) Played around with Windows Services, to convince myself that I know all I need to do about starting and stopping SQL Server on my laptop.
6) Go to the Multnomah County Library web site, and put on hold 4 books about ASP.NET development.
Next step will be to start up Visual Studio and see how easy it is to do a VB application that does the same thing as the Access application. Once that's done, I feel like I'll have all the tools in place, to begin actual work on the new project, next week.
I feel better already - maybe it's the coffee in my bloodstream, and the Beethoven on the radio.
So, in the past 2 hours, I managed to:
1) Download and install Microsoft's free SQL Server Express and its separate management tool on my laptop.
2) Using the management tool, built a new database with one table.
3) Using Access wizards, built an html data access page that displays the table, permitting updates and deletions.
4) Built a separate Access application, with a standard Access form, to display the table and permit any kind of programatic manipulation that anyone could dream up.
5) Played around with Windows Services, to convince myself that I know all I need to do about starting and stopping SQL Server on my laptop.
6) Go to the Multnomah County Library web site, and put on hold 4 books about ASP.NET development.
Next step will be to start up Visual Studio and see how easy it is to do a VB application that does the same thing as the Access application. Once that's done, I feel like I'll have all the tools in place, to begin actual work on the new project, next week.
I feel better already - maybe it's the coffee in my bloodstream, and the Beethoven on the radio.
not going to get a lot done today
My work-load is very slim this week. Clients tend to slow down this time of year, and my list of tasks-still-to-be-completed is down to practically nothing.
So, as the cloudy, rainy day begins, I settle in, down here in my computer dungeon, scan the blogs, and think about bigger pictures than Michael Richards' recent failure to invoke Lenny Bruce.
I look at my species and I see Earth as a petri-dish, where one organism has been so successful in exploiting the local food and energy resources, that its unrestrained fertility now threatens the dish's environment with total collapse. Our ever-increasing demands on finite resources, and the growing detritus from our waste is poisoning the wells, and, unless we can manufacture our own agar, it is inevitable that many of us must die.
Biological reality is not something we can deal with by shouting "it ain't so" or holding our hands over our ears and humming loudly. Our ingenuity and engineering successes are amazing, but the low-hanging fruit has been picked. Cheap gas, fast cars, and electric hair-straighteners have been great, but what about their unintended consequences?
Last night, with my elderly mother-in-law arrived safely here for the holidays, we settled down in front of the TV for an hour. On PBS, they showed the salute to Neil Simon, who won the 2006 Mark Twain prize. It was mildly amusing, with one genuinely-wonderful film-clip (Jack Lemmon as Felix Ungar, clearing his sinuses in the resturant - need I say more?).
Mark Twain was certainly a sublimely funny guy, but Sam Clemens was a deeply angry, bitter pessimist, who saw his species as clueless buffoons and, I hasten to add, rightly so. Although many of the previous-winners of the Mark Twain prize are genuinely-funny people, there is really only one legitimate living heir to His true spirit, and I doubt he's on anyone's short-list of future recipients. It just wouldn't make for a cheery, bubbly hour of television.
Again, it's a nice idea (i.e. honoring Mark Twain) gone terribly awry, due to our confusing honesty with belly-laughs.
So, as the cloudy, rainy day begins, I settle in, down here in my computer dungeon, scan the blogs, and think about bigger pictures than Michael Richards' recent failure to invoke Lenny Bruce.
I look at my species and I see Earth as a petri-dish, where one organism has been so successful in exploiting the local food and energy resources, that its unrestrained fertility now threatens the dish's environment with total collapse. Our ever-increasing demands on finite resources, and the growing detritus from our waste is poisoning the wells, and, unless we can manufacture our own agar, it is inevitable that many of us must die.
Biological reality is not something we can deal with by shouting "it ain't so" or holding our hands over our ears and humming loudly. Our ingenuity and engineering successes are amazing, but the low-hanging fruit has been picked. Cheap gas, fast cars, and electric hair-straighteners have been great, but what about their unintended consequences?
Last night, with my elderly mother-in-law arrived safely here for the holidays, we settled down in front of the TV for an hour. On PBS, they showed the salute to Neil Simon, who won the 2006 Mark Twain prize. It was mildly amusing, with one genuinely-wonderful film-clip (Jack Lemmon as Felix Ungar, clearing his sinuses in the resturant - need I say more?).
Mark Twain was certainly a sublimely funny guy, but Sam Clemens was a deeply angry, bitter pessimist, who saw his species as clueless buffoons and, I hasten to add, rightly so. Although many of the previous-winners of the Mark Twain prize are genuinely-funny people, there is really only one legitimate living heir to His true spirit, and I doubt he's on anyone's short-list of future recipients. It just wouldn't make for a cheery, bubbly hour of television.
Again, it's a nice idea (i.e. honoring Mark Twain) gone terribly awry, due to our confusing honesty with belly-laughs.
Legacy of the Bush years
This is just shameful. Are Americans the most self-centered, culturally-clueless, narrow-minded people on this planet, or do we just play it on TV?
Ultimate question - what about the flight crew? Aren't they supposed to have training in both detecting and calming passengers' unreasonable fears? I know it's not their job to be experts in Religions of the World, but, since 9/11 'changed everything', wouldn't it be reasonable for them to, by now, know what the alarmed passenger didn't know?
One often encounters statistics about Americans being the most 'God-fearing', religious people on the planet. I guess that only refers to the God with long brown hair, a white robe, and a nicely-groomed beard. You know, the commonly-displayed graven image.
Ultimate question - what about the flight crew? Aren't they supposed to have training in both detecting and calming passengers' unreasonable fears? I know it's not their job to be experts in Religions of the World, but, since 9/11 'changed everything', wouldn't it be reasonable for them to, by now, know what the alarmed passenger didn't know?
One often encounters statistics about Americans being the most 'God-fearing', religious people on the planet. I guess that only refers to the God with long brown hair, a white robe, and a nicely-groomed beard. You know, the commonly-displayed graven image.
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Life After Death
I have a cell-phone plan with Cingular, whose original incarnation was my old Enron cell-phone (with AT&T). In fact, I still have that same cell-phone number I had, from the days when I was an (Excel-only) millionaire.
But I digress.
Now, I have three cell-phones on my account: mine, Ben's and Dylan's. Karen and I continue to pay for the boys' phones, for obvious reasons. The phones we have are two years old and all the same model - a very basic LG, with no special features. Plus, they were still on the old AT&T network and plan, which always causes the Cingular folks down the street to sigh whenever they look at my account.
My phone is still in great condition. However, the boys' phones have been dropped and abused beyond belief, and look battle-scarred. The other day, Dylan said he heard that, if we all go into the Cingular store together, they will upgrade all our phones for free. It sounded too good to be true, but, the other day, I happened to have both of them with me, so we stopped to inquire.
It took almost an hour, but all three of us now have new Cingular camera-phones, with a much better display and so many other goodies to be discovered. Plus, we got moved over to the Cingular network without increasing the monthly cost. Once we get the rebates, the total cost of the three new phones will be $30. Everyone is happy, and I have actually replaced the boring wall-paper with a photo I took while walking the dog in the park.
We plan to donate our old phones to a worthy cause (women's shelter, or something like that). So, the old phones were sitting on a table, having been stripped of their SIM cards. Discarded, worn-out, beat-up pieces of obsolescence.
We were going about our daily lives when we heard an odd buzzing. I walked around the house until the sound led me to the pile of old phones. I picked one of them up. It was Ben's phone - he had set a future appointment, reminding him of a haircut.
You know how they say that your fingernails keep growing after you die? That's how it seemed holding a brain-dead phone, that was desperately trying to deliver a message, calling out to be heard. A last gasp before expiring forever.
Too much coffee on a Sunday morning.
Thanksgiving preparations continue. We pick up the turkey tomorrow and Karen's mom arrives tomorrow afternoon. Today, I clean out the fridge.
Outside: rain, rain, rain.
But I digress.
Now, I have three cell-phones on my account: mine, Ben's and Dylan's. Karen and I continue to pay for the boys' phones, for obvious reasons. The phones we have are two years old and all the same model - a very basic LG, with no special features. Plus, they were still on the old AT&T network and plan, which always causes the Cingular folks down the street to sigh whenever they look at my account.
My phone is still in great condition. However, the boys' phones have been dropped and abused beyond belief, and look battle-scarred. The other day, Dylan said he heard that, if we all go into the Cingular store together, they will upgrade all our phones for free. It sounded too good to be true, but, the other day, I happened to have both of them with me, so we stopped to inquire.
It took almost an hour, but all three of us now have new Cingular camera-phones, with a much better display and so many other goodies to be discovered. Plus, we got moved over to the Cingular network without increasing the monthly cost. Once we get the rebates, the total cost of the three new phones will be $30. Everyone is happy, and I have actually replaced the boring wall-paper with a photo I took while walking the dog in the park.
We plan to donate our old phones to a worthy cause (women's shelter, or something like that). So, the old phones were sitting on a table, having been stripped of their SIM cards. Discarded, worn-out, beat-up pieces of obsolescence.
We were going about our daily lives when we heard an odd buzzing. I walked around the house until the sound led me to the pile of old phones. I picked one of them up. It was Ben's phone - he had set a future appointment, reminding him of a haircut.
You know how they say that your fingernails keep growing after you die? That's how it seemed holding a brain-dead phone, that was desperately trying to deliver a message, calling out to be heard. A last gasp before expiring forever.
Too much coffee on a Sunday morning.
Thanksgiving preparations continue. We pick up the turkey tomorrow and Karen's mom arrives tomorrow afternoon. Today, I clean out the fridge.
Outside: rain, rain, rain.
Saturday, November 18, 2006
heard on Randi Rhodes yesterday
Randi's plan to end the War - it's breathtakingly simple.
Pass a one-line law, that any corporation doing business with the Military will be permitted to recover its costs, but ALL profits will be taxed at 99%.
That will put an end to the 'permanent War for permanent profits' that's been going on since WWII, reduce the Pentagon budget dramatically, free up whatever money is left in the Treasury (i.e. not much) for other priorities (there are a few), and put a lot of CEOs and upper managers out on the street, where they can see what it's like to work for minimum wage.
All in all, a win-win for the Earth (which could use a break).
Pass a one-line law, that any corporation doing business with the Military will be permitted to recover its costs, but ALL profits will be taxed at 99%.
That will put an end to the 'permanent War for permanent profits' that's been going on since WWII, reduce the Pentagon budget dramatically, free up whatever money is left in the Treasury (i.e. not much) for other priorities (there are a few), and put a lot of CEOs and upper managers out on the street, where they can see what it's like to work for minimum wage.
All in all, a win-win for the Earth (which could use a break).
Thursday, November 16, 2006
from Andy Borowitz today
U.S. Bombards Insurgents With Negative Ads
'Operation Relentless Smear' Is Launched In Iraq
In a bold change of strategy in the war in Iraq, President George W. Bush announced today that the U.S. had begun bombarding Iraqi insurgents with negative ads in the hopes of bringing the insurgency to its knees.
At a White House briefing today, spokesman Tony Snow said that the new military campaign, called Operation Relentless Smear, would focus on attacking the personal missteps and hypocrisies of key Iraqi insurgents on a twenty-four-hour basis. "This new strategy is playing to our strengths," Mr. Snow told reporters. "The insurgents are good at blowing things up and creating chaos, but no one is better than we are at creating negative ads."
According to Mr. Snow, Operation Relentless Smear will re-deploy thousands of negative ad producers, directors, and voiceover artists who were momentarily idle at the conclusion of the U.S.'s midterm election campaign. Masterminded by the White House's top political strategist Karl Rove, the bombardment of negative ads began at midnight Wednesday, interrupting all local Iraqi programming with a nonstop diet of half-truths, corrosive accusations and character assassination.
By Thursday morning, there were already signs that Operation Relentless Smear was working, as Iraqi insurgents in such key cities as Baghdad and Tikrit appeared worn out by the onslaught of slickly produced attack ads. "The air strikes and the curfews were one thing," said Hassan El-Medfaii, an insurgent who is based in Baghdad's Sadr City district. "But this is messing with my TV."
'Operation Relentless Smear' Is Launched In Iraq
In a bold change of strategy in the war in Iraq, President George W. Bush announced today that the U.S. had begun bombarding Iraqi insurgents with negative ads in the hopes of bringing the insurgency to its knees.
At a White House briefing today, spokesman Tony Snow said that the new military campaign, called Operation Relentless Smear, would focus on attacking the personal missteps and hypocrisies of key Iraqi insurgents on a twenty-four-hour basis. "This new strategy is playing to our strengths," Mr. Snow told reporters. "The insurgents are good at blowing things up and creating chaos, but no one is better than we are at creating negative ads."
According to Mr. Snow, Operation Relentless Smear will re-deploy thousands of negative ad producers, directors, and voiceover artists who were momentarily idle at the conclusion of the U.S.'s midterm election campaign. Masterminded by the White House's top political strategist Karl Rove, the bombardment of negative ads began at midnight Wednesday, interrupting all local Iraqi programming with a nonstop diet of half-truths, corrosive accusations and character assassination.
By Thursday morning, there were already signs that Operation Relentless Smear was working, as Iraqi insurgents in such key cities as Baghdad and Tikrit appeared worn out by the onslaught of slickly produced attack ads. "The air strikes and the curfews were one thing," said Hassan El-Medfaii, an insurgent who is based in Baghdad's Sadr City district. "But this is messing with my TV."
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
from Andy Borowitz today
Kerry Botches 'Yo Mama' Joke
Omits Words 'Mama' and 'Yo' in West Point Appearance
Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass) found himself in the middle of another botched joke controversy today as the 2004 Democratic nominee for president misread a classic "yo mama" joke while making a speech to military cadets at West Point.
After his failed attempt at humor one week before the midterm elections, many observers assumed that the Massachusetts senator would retire from the comedy field once and for all. But according to one of Mr. Kerry's aides, the former Democratic standard-bearer was determined to prove "just how funny he really can be."
Mr. Kerry decided to leave nothing to chance in his latest attempt at comedy, however, choosing a time-tested joke in the "yo mama" format and having it written on a large cue card which an aide held aloft just yards away from the podium.
According to the plan, the Massachusetts senator was to entertain the cadets by saying, "Yo mama so stupid, it take her an hour to cook Minute Rice."
But inexplicably, Mr. Kerry decided to depart from his prepared remarks and instead told the cadets, "You're so stupid, you're going to wind up stuck in Iraq."
According to a new Newsweek poll, a majority of Americans want Mr. Kerry to get out of comedy altogether.
Omits Words 'Mama' and 'Yo' in West Point Appearance
Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass) found himself in the middle of another botched joke controversy today as the 2004 Democratic nominee for president misread a classic "yo mama" joke while making a speech to military cadets at West Point.
After his failed attempt at humor one week before the midterm elections, many observers assumed that the Massachusetts senator would retire from the comedy field once and for all. But according to one of Mr. Kerry's aides, the former Democratic standard-bearer was determined to prove "just how funny he really can be."
Mr. Kerry decided to leave nothing to chance in his latest attempt at comedy, however, choosing a time-tested joke in the "yo mama" format and having it written on a large cue card which an aide held aloft just yards away from the podium.
According to the plan, the Massachusetts senator was to entertain the cadets by saying, "Yo mama so stupid, it take her an hour to cook Minute Rice."
But inexplicably, Mr. Kerry decided to depart from his prepared remarks and instead told the cadets, "You're so stupid, you're going to wind up stuck in Iraq."
According to a new Newsweek poll, a majority of Americans want Mr. Kerry to get out of comedy altogether.
The debate, so far
I am having an ongoing on-line 'debate' with a gent who has a contrary view on global climate change. Since he claims to be boycotting this site, I don't mind posting a link to the thread.
You, too, can follow the exciting give-and-take, here.
It would be more fun if the consequences of my view being correct weren't so dire.
You, too, can follow the exciting give-and-take, here.
It would be more fun if the consequences of my view being correct weren't so dire.
Sunday, November 12, 2006
home
Great to be home - many hours in airports and airplanes yesterday.
Good thing we can all relax, now that the elections are over, and there weren't any major oddities. Hang on, what do we see here?
Hmmmm - according to official Connecticut FEC postings, the number of people who voted for Ned Lamont in 2006 (2nd place to Lieberman) was the EXACT number of people who voted for Lieberman's REPUBLICAN challenger (who came in 2nd) in 2000.
Those wacky Connecticutians! You just never know.
Let me repeat: you just never know (and that's the point).
Good thing we can all relax, now that the elections are over, and there weren't any major oddities. Hang on, what do we see here?
Hmmmm - according to official Connecticut FEC postings, the number of people who voted for Ned Lamont in 2006 (2nd place to Lieberman) was the EXACT number of people who voted for Lieberman's REPUBLICAN challenger (who came in 2nd) in 2000.
Those wacky Connecticutians! You just never know.
Let me repeat: you just never know (and that's the point).
Saturday, November 11, 2006
heading home
Last morning in Milwaukee. There was quite a storm yesterday, commencing with heavy rain accompanied by amazing lightning, that turned into sleet, and finally into snow.
End result was just a couple of inches, and this morning is bright and sunny. I heard that Minneapolis got a bit more snow, but, by the time I get there, late this afternoon, I don't expect any major impact on air traffic.
Should be in Portland by 7, and at a friend's art show by 7:45. One more visit to Mom's place this morning before I head out. Yesterday I played piano for the crowd and, as always, it was pretty well received (and good for me, too).
Each visit shows her slowing down a little more, but, now approaching 93, she still reads the paper and takes a short walk outside every day, weather permitting. Her hearing isn't great, and her memory is fading, but she's still there keeping going. I should do so well, at that age.
Sure looking forward to being home - it's been an amazing week, with the election news. I almost feel like I'll be reborn, when I step off the plane in Portland.
End result was just a couple of inches, and this morning is bright and sunny. I heard that Minneapolis got a bit more snow, but, by the time I get there, late this afternoon, I don't expect any major impact on air traffic.
Should be in Portland by 7, and at a friend's art show by 7:45. One more visit to Mom's place this morning before I head out. Yesterday I played piano for the crowd and, as always, it was pretty well received (and good for me, too).
Each visit shows her slowing down a little more, but, now approaching 93, she still reads the paper and takes a short walk outside every day, weather permitting. Her hearing isn't great, and her memory is fading, but she's still there keeping going. I should do so well, at that age.
Sure looking forward to being home - it's been an amazing week, with the election news. I almost feel like I'll be reborn, when I step off the plane in Portland.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Whew!
Sitting in my brother's living room in Milwaukee, watching the big-screen TV. CNN just announced that the Democrats have won the House.
Let's hope.
Let's hope.
11:00 am at the airport
Getting ready to board the plane to Minneapolis - enjoying PDX's free wifi.
Scanning the blogs and news outlets shows a flood of voting-machine failures, not to mention outright voter intimidation in Virginia.
This is going to be a dirty election. The US has lost all credibility, in our efforts to 'spread Freedom thruout the world'. It is shameful.
Please, people, be patient. Stick it out no matter how long it takes, then, in the next Congress, let's pass vote-by-mail nationwide, as Ron Wyden is proposing. It's been working great here for a decade - no lines, no fuss, no touch-screens, and lots of paper, that can be examined again and again.
Will they steal it? Can't wait to get to Minneapolis to find out!
See y'all later.
Scanning the blogs and news outlets shows a flood of voting-machine failures, not to mention outright voter intimidation in Virginia.
This is going to be a dirty election. The US has lost all credibility, in our efforts to 'spread Freedom thruout the world'. It is shameful.
Please, people, be patient. Stick it out no matter how long it takes, then, in the next Congress, let's pass vote-by-mail nationwide, as Ron Wyden is proposing. It's been working great here for a decade - no lines, no fuss, no touch-screens, and lots of paper, that can be examined again and again.
Will they steal it? Can't wait to get to Minneapolis to find out!
See y'all later.
More about Conquest Communications
Googling them is quite enlightening.
First of all, their 'About' page is, strangely, unavailable this morning, and their phone number was removed from their home page. Fortunately, you can see it here (fax number, too).
Going down the list of hits, we find this little piece from last month, that cited a poll claiming Marilyn Musgrave (the gay-bashing idiot from Colorado) was moving ahead. The poll, the article claims at the very bottom, was conducted by....wait for it....Conquest Communications.
Remember:
Here's their list of funders in Virginia. All Republicans, of course, and look at the list of services being supplied.
Looks like the National Republican Congressional Committee pays about $3000 per candidate, for phone-bank services. Nice work if you can get it. If the violations of the 'Do Not Call List' are pursued ($500 per call), maybe we can bankrupt these guys by the end of the year.
Here's the guy behind it. Here's his home address and the fact that he gave $1000 to Bush.
First of all, their 'About' page is, strangely, unavailable this morning, and their phone number was removed from their home page. Fortunately, you can see it here (fax number, too).
Going down the list of hits, we find this little piece from last month, that cited a poll claiming Marilyn Musgrave (the gay-bashing idiot from Colorado) was moving ahead. The poll, the article claims at the very bottom, was conducted by....wait for it....Conquest Communications.
Remember:
Here's their list of funders in Virginia. All Republicans, of course, and look at the list of services being supplied.
Looks like the National Republican Congressional Committee pays about $3000 per candidate, for phone-bank services. Nice work if you can get it. If the violations of the 'Do Not Call List' are pursued ($500 per call), maybe we can bankrupt these guys by the end of the year.
Here's the guy behind it. Here's his home address and the fact that he gave $1000 to Bush.
Election Day message from an old friend
email received this morning from a college buddy, who lives in DC:
We can only hope, although the reports of broken voting machines, long lines, and scrubbed lists are flooding in. On Air America this morning, Thom Hartmann revealed that the GOP-controlled company that is doing the cross-country annoying robo-calls is named 'Conquest Communications'.
I bet they all had a good laugh when they filed the incorporation papers. By the way, at their web site, here's their logo:
Can you read that tag line? "Guide Opinion, Lead People, Make History"
Seems a bit chilling to me.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BARRY!!!
I think your present will arrive today!!!We can only hope, although the reports of broken voting machines, long lines, and scrubbed lists are flooding in. On Air America this morning, Thom Hartmann revealed that the GOP-controlled company that is doing the cross-country annoying robo-calls is named 'Conquest Communications'.
I bet they all had a good laugh when they filed the incorporation papers. By the way, at their web site, here's their logo:
Can you read that tag line? "Guide Opinion, Lead People, Make History"
Seems a bit chilling to me.
Monday, November 06, 2006
I think I'm gonna scream
Hearing all the reports of GOP robo-calls, intentionally designed to mislead the gullible into thinking they are being harrassed by Democrats.
Is there no end to the cynicism of these people? Their willingness to degrade our democracy, while proclaiming they are its champions (and the possibility of them getting away with it yet again), is truly depressing.
25 years of inadequate public education and media complicity has transformed large numbers of people into frightened self-righteous homophobes, very well trained to consistently vote against their real interests.
Meanwhile, the Treasury continues to be emptied and the US is viewed as the greatest threat to world peace. December 2000 will go down in history as the time when the American Republic tipped over to the road to fascism.
Who will rid us of this troublesome band of maniacs? I know you're out there.
Is there no end to the cynicism of these people? Their willingness to degrade our democracy, while proclaiming they are its champions (and the possibility of them getting away with it yet again), is truly depressing.
25 years of inadequate public education and media complicity has transformed large numbers of people into frightened self-righteous homophobes, very well trained to consistently vote against their real interests.
Meanwhile, the Treasury continues to be emptied and the US is viewed as the greatest threat to world peace. December 2000 will go down in history as the time when the American Republic tipped over to the road to fascism.
Who will rid us of this troublesome band of maniacs? I know you're out there.
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Election day TODAY (Sunday)!!!!
Well, in Nicaragua it's today. How reasonable, to do it on a weekend. You'd think that elected officials would realize that holding national elections on a TUESDAY would make it difficult for working folks to vote.
Oh.
Today is my 55th birthday. Last night we had dinner with my best friends, and the food and wine were wonderful. I'm always slightly embarrased to be the center of attention in any non-musical setting (a notable exception), but this was fun. To top it off, the presents that my friends gave me truly showed that they know me well.
1) the complete (70,000+) New Yorker cartoons, on CD.
2) a book about Soccer as a metaphor for globalization
3) a book on the political genius of Lincoln
I am heading for Wisconsin Tuesday morning. I should get some election news running thru the Minneapolis airport between planes (it's always a long way to make this transfer). By the time I get to Milwaukee, polls west of the Rockies will be closed and projections ought to be starting to appear.
When we wake up Wednesday morning, we'll know a lot more about the shape of future American History textbooks. Will it be the morning 'America finally came to its senses', or will it be the morning when the re-education camps started 'accepting repentant dissidents'.
Maybe I should have been dropping hints, the past few weeks, that what I really wanted for my birthday is hand-grenades.
Oh.
Today is my 55th birthday. Last night we had dinner with my best friends, and the food and wine were wonderful. I'm always slightly embarrased to be the center of attention in any non-musical setting (a notable exception), but this was fun. To top it off, the presents that my friends gave me truly showed that they know me well.
1) the complete (70,000+) New Yorker cartoons, on CD.
2) a book about Soccer as a metaphor for globalization
3) a book on the political genius of Lincoln
I am heading for Wisconsin Tuesday morning. I should get some election news running thru the Minneapolis airport between planes (it's always a long way to make this transfer). By the time I get to Milwaukee, polls west of the Rockies will be closed and projections ought to be starting to appear.
When we wake up Wednesday morning, we'll know a lot more about the shape of future American History textbooks. Will it be the morning 'America finally came to its senses', or will it be the morning when the re-education camps started 'accepting repentant dissidents'.
Maybe I should have been dropping hints, the past few weeks, that what I really wanted for my birthday is hand-grenades.
Friday, November 03, 2006
uh oh - fooled again!
George, you've got to be a better judge of people. Yes, I know, it's hard work.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
surprise, surprise...
The British "oh, My God, they're going to blow up airplanes with liquids" plot continues to be exposed as much ado about nothing.
Sure got us scared, though, didn't it?
Sure allowed the TSA to appear to be 'doing something to protect the Homeland', didn't it?
I'm flying to Wisconsin next week. I'm not scared.
Sure got us scared, though, didn't it?
Sure allowed the TSA to appear to be 'doing something to protect the Homeland', didn't it?
I'm flying to Wisconsin next week. I'm not scared.
Monday, October 30, 2006
Friday, October 27, 2006
so bad it's...well...AWFUL!
As opposed to "so bad it's good", that is. Here's my vote for the winner in today's "what were they thinking?" department.
Cautiously optimistic about the election, which is a dangerously-vulnerable position, given the track record of these criminals.
In the meantime, while we occupy our days with little things, the big issues are continuing. There was a Yahoo headline a couple of days ago - something along the lines of 'new study from WWF (World Wildlife Fund) claims that Earth is living beyond its means'. I couldn't read it.
Motto for these times, from the perspective of 200 years from now: "It was a Wonderful Life, but What Were They Thinking?".
By the way, for an alternate version, try this. Better.
Cautiously optimistic about the election, which is a dangerously-vulnerable position, given the track record of these criminals.
In the meantime, while we occupy our days with little things, the big issues are continuing. There was a Yahoo headline a couple of days ago - something along the lines of 'new study from WWF (World Wildlife Fund) claims that Earth is living beyond its means'. I couldn't read it.
Motto for these times, from the perspective of 200 years from now: "It was a Wonderful Life, but What Were They Thinking?".
By the way, for an alternate version, try this. Better.
Thursday, October 26, 2006
a teeny fact that reveals a lot
This morning on NPR, they interviewed a waitress in some small town in some Red state. She described the day that Cheney came thru that town.
He stopped at her diner with his entourage for breakfast. However, Dick didn't order off the menu - actually, he brought his own food to eat.
After all, you never know when Terrorists might find a way to slip poison into one's hash browns.
This is the guy's mentality. Totally paranoid. Don't trust anybody.
He stopped at her diner with his entourage for breakfast. However, Dick didn't order off the menu - actually, he brought his own food to eat.
After all, you never know when Terrorists might find a way to slip poison into one's hash browns.
This is the guy's mentality. Totally paranoid. Don't trust anybody.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Monday, October 23, 2006
Skilling gets 24 years!
Astonishing. Plus, I read that he is to forfeit $45 million, to go to former employees. Let's see, divided by, say, 30,000 of us, that makes...um...$1500.
Deducting attorney fees, it might about cover the $650 we spent tonight on wire, at Home Depot (big electrical project in the back yard - details and pictures coming soon.
Ah, Skilling - I met him twice and he seemed about the most smug, oily guy imaginable. Maybe they'll offer to reduce his sentence if he tells them where Ken Lay is hiding, and what he looks like now!
Nah, he can't tell. If he did, the Bush mafia would have him suffer an unfortunate 'accident' in the prison laundry.
Oh, by the way, don't forget to stay the course.
Deducting attorney fees, it might about cover the $650 we spent tonight on wire, at Home Depot (big electrical project in the back yard - details and pictures coming soon.
Ah, Skilling - I met him twice and he seemed about the most smug, oily guy imaginable. Maybe they'll offer to reduce his sentence if he tells them where Ken Lay is hiding, and what he looks like now!
Nah, he can't tell. If he did, the Bush mafia would have him suffer an unfortunate 'accident' in the prison laundry.
Oh, by the way, don't forget to stay the course.
Saturday, October 21, 2006
interesting piece from John Dean
Here - discusses the authoritarian mind-set, both as Leaders and Followers, in the context of the new book about the sham behind the Cheney Administration's 'got Jesus?' approach.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
having a pleasant day?
I sure am.
Woke up this morning at the home of an old friend of Karen's, in a quiet neighborhood on the border between Berkeley and Oakland. Got packed up and walked over to the corner of Alcatraz and College, where I found a coffee shop with free WiFi.
Ate a bagel and drank a gallon of coffee, while I dealt with my email, browsed my favorite left-wing blogs, and actually did some work. Then, around 11, gassed up the rental car, grabbed some lunch, and headed down to the San Francisco Estuary Institute, for this afternoon's meeting of the Northbay Information Commons Developer Group, of which I am a member.
Got here in plenty of time to find the meeting room, then take a walk along the pathways adjacent to the expansive wetlands, with many herons and other bird/animal life happily cavorting in the warm sunshine. As I was starting to doze, sitting on the bench overlooking the scene, I headed back to the meeting room.
Things should get underway in 20 minutes, but, at the moment, I am the only one in the room. We are to meet this afternoon, report on our various projects, and make some plans for the next couple of months.
Fortunately, the meeting place is about 4 minutes from the car-rental return, and I am scheduled for a 7:30 flight back to Portland tonight. Wonder if I can get out of here any earlier?
At any rate, it's a gorgeous day here by The Bay. It would be a great place to live, say around 1880.
Woke up this morning at the home of an old friend of Karen's, in a quiet neighborhood on the border between Berkeley and Oakland. Got packed up and walked over to the corner of Alcatraz and College, where I found a coffee shop with free WiFi.
Ate a bagel and drank a gallon of coffee, while I dealt with my email, browsed my favorite left-wing blogs, and actually did some work. Then, around 11, gassed up the rental car, grabbed some lunch, and headed down to the San Francisco Estuary Institute, for this afternoon's meeting of the Northbay Information Commons Developer Group, of which I am a member.
Got here in plenty of time to find the meeting room, then take a walk along the pathways adjacent to the expansive wetlands, with many herons and other bird/animal life happily cavorting in the warm sunshine. As I was starting to doze, sitting on the bench overlooking the scene, I headed back to the meeting room.
Things should get underway in 20 minutes, but, at the moment, I am the only one in the room. We are to meet this afternoon, report on our various projects, and make some plans for the next couple of months.
Fortunately, the meeting place is about 4 minutes from the car-rental return, and I am scheduled for a 7:30 flight back to Portland tonight. Wonder if I can get out of here any earlier?
At any rate, it's a gorgeous day here by The Bay. It would be a great place to live, say around 1880.
Monday, October 16, 2006
getting ready to rejoin airport world
7 am flight tomorrow morning to Oakland, then a drive to Sonoma for afternoon meetings.
Then the short drive to Napa to visit friends (and maybe have a bite to eat) before returning to other friends in Oakland, to spend the night.
Wednesday meetings start at 9:30, and should be ending in enough time for me to comfortably return the rental car and grab the 7:30 pm flight back to Portland. It will be a rushed couple of days, but, heck, I'm not paying for any of it so bring it on.
Then the short drive to Napa to visit friends (and maybe have a bite to eat) before returning to other friends in Oakland, to spend the night.
Wednesday meetings start at 9:30, and should be ending in enough time for me to comfortably return the rental car and grab the 7:30 pm flight back to Portland. It will be a rushed couple of days, but, heck, I'm not paying for any of it so bring it on.
Saturday, October 14, 2006
a better morning
Took the computer back up to Karen's office, and completed the networking stuff. When that guy turned back on, XP came up, and, without any tweaking whatsoever, Internet Explorer found the DSL modem, it was a major relief.
All that remained was to reconnect to Karen's computer and printer, for sharing of those resources. I had to tweak the Zone Alarm settings to make the connections (the IP address had changed, for some reason), but all was well.
So, the task 'resize partitions' ended up taking 9 hours. My questions are:
1) Are the 'Mac vs. PC' commercials correct?
2) Could using a more sophisticated (i.e. not free) utility have made it simpler?
3) Does my ignorance about disk partitioning reflect poorly on my political judgements?
The best part of the whole story was that Karen called me last night just at the point where my panic and frustration were maxing out. Never fails.
She returns in 5 hours.
All that remained was to reconnect to Karen's computer and printer, for sharing of those resources. I had to tweak the Zone Alarm settings to make the connections (the IP address had changed, for some reason), but all was well.
So, the task 'resize partitions' ended up taking 9 hours. My questions are:
1) Are the 'Mac vs. PC' commercials correct?
2) Could using a more sophisticated (i.e. not free) utility have made it simpler?
3) Does my ignorance about disk partitioning reflect poorly on my political judgements?
The best part of the whole story was that Karen called me last night just at the point where my panic and frustration were maxing out. Never fails.
She returns in 5 hours.
Friday, October 13, 2006
what a night!
One of the incredibly-cool things about working at Enron was the 'Click-at-Home' program, where every employee was given a Dell computer and monitor FOR FREE. It was a 866 mhz machine, and I used it as my main home machine for years.
Then I upgraded to something more powerful and it became my back-up machine. Then it developed some weird behaviors, and it sat dormant for a while. Then Karen's assistant's computer started acting flaky, so I put a new CD drive and a new hard-drive into the Dell.
The hard-drive was only 8 GB, which was fine for Karen's assistant's needs - it cost just a few dollars, at FreeGeek. It had been used as a dual-boot Linux/Windows drive, so the partitioning was weird. I spent a little time trying to reconfigure the partitions, and settled for one 2 GB and 1 6 GB partitions, and installed Windows XP on the 2 GB.
You can see it coming, right? XP started complaining that 2 GB was just not sufficient and that disk space was consistently running low. So, in the closing hours until Karen's return tomorrow afternoon, I thought I'd go up to her office at 5 pm this afternoon, use an old copy of Partition Magic to resize the partitions, and go merrily on my way.
Nice try. Partition Magic ended up having to erase everything in both partitions (there was no actual business data on this computer - it only needs to see Karen's computer and have a local install of Office). That was inconvenient, but I figured that all I had to do was boot my XP install disk and away we go.
No luck - it couldn't boot from the XP CD. I broke out in a cold sweat, as I realized that I had totally wiped out this computer. Right then, my cell phone rang, and it was my sweetie, checking in about getting picked up at the airport tomorrow around 5 pm. I gulped and informed her that I had just totally hosed her assistant's computer.
I stayed with it for another hour, trying every combination of BIOS boot configurations, but the thing appeared to be brain-dead. I unplugged the box and brought it home, and ate some dinner while I tried to figure everything out.
I had two copies of Windows 2000, and tried them. One made it about 50% thru and froze. Back to Partition Magic to wipe out the 2nd partition and just make one big one. This time it worked, and, an hour later, Windows 2000 and Office were installed.
Pushing my luck, I tried the XP install CD and, voila, this time it worked fine. It is now 11:45 pm, and XP is just now coming up, looking blessedly normal.
I've been sweating and swearing for almost 7 hours, but the end is in sight. Tomorrow morning, I'll take the box back up to her office, and hopefully complete the networking stuff and get it connected to her DSL line.
With any luck, when Debra gets in Monday morning, she'll never know that, for about 2 hours Friday night, her computer had total amnesia.
What a world. Good night (after the Letterman Top 10, that is).
Then I upgraded to something more powerful and it became my back-up machine. Then it developed some weird behaviors, and it sat dormant for a while. Then Karen's assistant's computer started acting flaky, so I put a new CD drive and a new hard-drive into the Dell.
The hard-drive was only 8 GB, which was fine for Karen's assistant's needs - it cost just a few dollars, at FreeGeek. It had been used as a dual-boot Linux/Windows drive, so the partitioning was weird. I spent a little time trying to reconfigure the partitions, and settled for one 2 GB and 1 6 GB partitions, and installed Windows XP on the 2 GB.
You can see it coming, right? XP started complaining that 2 GB was just not sufficient and that disk space was consistently running low. So, in the closing hours until Karen's return tomorrow afternoon, I thought I'd go up to her office at 5 pm this afternoon, use an old copy of Partition Magic to resize the partitions, and go merrily on my way.
Nice try. Partition Magic ended up having to erase everything in both partitions (there was no actual business data on this computer - it only needs to see Karen's computer and have a local install of Office). That was inconvenient, but I figured that all I had to do was boot my XP install disk and away we go.
No luck - it couldn't boot from the XP CD. I broke out in a cold sweat, as I realized that I had totally wiped out this computer. Right then, my cell phone rang, and it was my sweetie, checking in about getting picked up at the airport tomorrow around 5 pm. I gulped and informed her that I had just totally hosed her assistant's computer.
I stayed with it for another hour, trying every combination of BIOS boot configurations, but the thing appeared to be brain-dead. I unplugged the box and brought it home, and ate some dinner while I tried to figure everything out.
I had two copies of Windows 2000, and tried them. One made it about 50% thru and froze. Back to Partition Magic to wipe out the 2nd partition and just make one big one. This time it worked, and, an hour later, Windows 2000 and Office were installed.
Pushing my luck, I tried the XP install CD and, voila, this time it worked fine. It is now 11:45 pm, and XP is just now coming up, looking blessedly normal.
I've been sweating and swearing for almost 7 hours, but the end is in sight. Tomorrow morning, I'll take the box back up to her office, and hopefully complete the networking stuff and get it connected to her DSL line.
With any luck, when Debra gets in Monday morning, she'll never know that, for about 2 hours Friday night, her computer had total amnesia.
What a world. Good night (after the Letterman Top 10, that is).
Thursday, October 12, 2006
busy days
Karen has been gone since last Saturday, and returns this coming Saturday evening. She was in LA for a couple of days, visiting her Mom, before heading on to Phoenix, for a law conference. Naturally, she left me a long list of things-to-do, and, I must say that I have been faithfully chipping away at the list.
That, in addition to dealing with needy clients on three different projects. At the moment, everyone seems to be happy, and there are no fires needing to be extinguished today.
Last night, Brooke, Richard and I played a gig at a great little Asian bistro on NE Fremont. We auditioned there back in June, and the owner was quite enthusiastic about having us play there regularly. Then came summer, with travels keeping the three of us apart (frequently on different continents) until last week.
We finally got together at my house Tuesday afternoon, to see if we still remembered enough tunes to play for a couple of hours, and the rehearsal went very well. So, we had some degree of confidence, going into the gig, that we'd be fine, and we were. I was very pleased with the music.
Unfortunately, Brooke tells us that there is a possibility that her husband will be transferred to Boise early next year, so that might be the end of this group.
You might think that, for the time being, at least we could rely on weekly gigs for the next couple of months, but you'd be mistaken.
I just made plane reservations to fly to Oakland next Tuesday and will be there thru Thursday morning, meeting with clients on two different projects, so no gig next week.
Then, the week after that, Richard is unavailable, so it will be just Brooke and me. Music is an uncertain business - good thing I don't rely on it to put food on my family.
Looks like a b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l Fall day here in Portland coming up. I hope to ride my bike over to the accountant, to pick up some tax stuff that needs to be signed and mailed by next Monday. Maybe I'll pick some more apples today, too.
Of course, all these plans could change in a moment, if an October-surprise email comes thru, from a panic-stricken client...
That, in addition to dealing with needy clients on three different projects. At the moment, everyone seems to be happy, and there are no fires needing to be extinguished today.
Last night, Brooke, Richard and I played a gig at a great little Asian bistro on NE Fremont. We auditioned there back in June, and the owner was quite enthusiastic about having us play there regularly. Then came summer, with travels keeping the three of us apart (frequently on different continents) until last week.
We finally got together at my house Tuesday afternoon, to see if we still remembered enough tunes to play for a couple of hours, and the rehearsal went very well. So, we had some degree of confidence, going into the gig, that we'd be fine, and we were. I was very pleased with the music.
Unfortunately, Brooke tells us that there is a possibility that her husband will be transferred to Boise early next year, so that might be the end of this group.
You might think that, for the time being, at least we could rely on weekly gigs for the next couple of months, but you'd be mistaken.
I just made plane reservations to fly to Oakland next Tuesday and will be there thru Thursday morning, meeting with clients on two different projects, so no gig next week.
Then, the week after that, Richard is unavailable, so it will be just Brooke and me. Music is an uncertain business - good thing I don't rely on it to put food on my family.
Looks like a b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l Fall day here in Portland coming up. I hope to ride my bike over to the accountant, to pick up some tax stuff that needs to be signed and mailed by next Monday. Maybe I'll pick some more apples today, too.
Of course, all these plans could change in a moment, if an October-surprise email comes thru, from a panic-stricken client...
Saturday, October 07, 2006
*Almost* comical
Heard on NPR: Bush announced yesterday that Alberto Gonzales will be hosting a White House conference on School Violence next week.
'Scuse me, but isn't this the same pResident who, last week on the campaign trail, denounced Democrats whose philosophy is to 'wait until we are attacked before taking any action'?
Pot.Kettle.Black.
'Scuse me, but isn't this the same pResident who, last week on the campaign trail, denounced Democrats whose philosophy is to 'wait until we are attacked before taking any action'?
Pot.Kettle.Black.
Friday, October 06, 2006
Thursday, October 05, 2006
World Can't Wait rally in Portland
Nice crowd, enthusiastic and ready to rumble. There were several good speeches especially one by a guy dressed as Ben Franklin, and (very good) Thom Hartmann.
Thom's best line was when he said we shouldn't confuse our elected officials as being our 'leaders'. Instead, he said, politicians are simply people who are always looking to see if there is a big parade going on. When they see a parade, they move to the front carrying a flag, and then say "this is MY parade." The American people need to get that parade going.
I hear on the radio that the crowd is getting out of hand, and the police are considering deploying tear-gas. I left after one young lady got the mike, and exhorted the crowd to ignore the police instructions and the agreed-upon-rules (i.e. stay on the sidewalks and don't block the streets). Apparently, many listened to her.
I left at that point, because I had a sense that trouble was coming, and it's my belief that the Police are NOT the enemy here. This is a developing story.
Meanwhile, here's a photo I took, while things were still well-behaved.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
John Yoo on NPR this morning
Hear it here. I could not believe my ears.
To paraphrase: it's unfortunate that many people will likely be imprisoned indefinitely, without any opportunity to hear the evidence against them (if there is any), and any chance to make their case that for their utter innocence. It would be 'too expensive' to make the government do the research to examine the particulars.
I am sickened at this callous disregard for human rights. As I recall, we hold certain truths to be self-evident, that among these are that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. (The above typed from memory, not pasted).
Maybe someday there will be justice, and these people will be imprisoned under the same conditions they have decreed for hundreds (thousands?) of unfortunates. Unfortunately, it seldom happens that tyrants get the same treatment they brought to others.
The Betrayal of American Ideals is complete. We don't give a shit for your so-called 'Human Rights'. It's 'too expensive' to do this, just as it's 'too expensive' to reduce carbon emissions.
Better not think about this. Maybe I'll go shopping.
To paraphrase: it's unfortunate that many people will likely be imprisoned indefinitely, without any opportunity to hear the evidence against them (if there is any), and any chance to make their case that for their utter innocence. It would be 'too expensive' to make the government do the research to examine the particulars.
I am sickened at this callous disregard for human rights. As I recall, we hold certain truths to be self-evident, that among these are that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. (The above typed from memory, not pasted).
Maybe someday there will be justice, and these people will be imprisoned under the same conditions they have decreed for hundreds (thousands?) of unfortunates. Unfortunately, it seldom happens that tyrants get the same treatment they brought to others.
The Betrayal of American Ideals is complete. We don't give a shit for your so-called 'Human Rights'. It's 'too expensive' to do this, just as it's 'too expensive' to reduce carbon emissions.
Better not think about this. Maybe I'll go shopping.
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
The Foley matter - my personal opinion
Folks, let's look at the pattern. Whenever a news story breaks that seriously questions Bush on Iraq, within 48 hours another story takes over the media, one often with a sexual overtone.
Remember the JonBenet killer hysteria? We don't hear too much about that guy any more, do we?
The latest: Bob Woodward's book gets people beginning to seriously question statements made by Rice, Rummy, and Bush, and, a couple of days later, it's Foley-gate.
My guess is that the Foley story coming out on Friday was a Rovian sacrifice-him-to-divert-the-masses ploy, that has now curiously snowballed out of their control. Whether or not it takes down Hastert as well is still an open question, but you have to admit that, once again, the public is diverted from having to look at Iraq/terrorism timelines, and do the 'hard work' of reconciling Condi's statements with the inconvenient truths.
How convenient that the media has salacious IMs to play over and over, instead of real issues. Karl is indeed The Master - now if only he can find a single Democratic predator, his work is done.
Remember the JonBenet killer hysteria? We don't hear too much about that guy any more, do we?
The latest: Bob Woodward's book gets people beginning to seriously question statements made by Rice, Rummy, and Bush, and, a couple of days later, it's Foley-gate.
My guess is that the Foley story coming out on Friday was a Rovian sacrifice-him-to-divert-the-masses ploy, that has now curiously snowballed out of their control. Whether or not it takes down Hastert as well is still an open question, but you have to admit that, once again, the public is diverted from having to look at Iraq/terrorism timelines, and do the 'hard work' of reconciling Condi's statements with the inconvenient truths.
How convenient that the media has salacious IMs to play over and over, instead of real issues. Karl is indeed The Master - now if only he can find a single Democratic predator, his work is done.
Ironic times
Seen on Yahoo News this morning, a new British report about the urgency of dealing with climate change, before the consequences become dire. Note the final paragraph:
"[The] presentation comes just days after PricewaterhouseCoopers issued a report stating that it will cost $1 trillion to curb emissions of climate warming gases over the next generation."
Too bad - we already spent that trillion in Iraq.
"[The] presentation comes just days after PricewaterhouseCoopers issued a report stating that it will cost $1 trillion to curb emissions of climate warming gases over the next generation."
Too bad - we already spent that trillion in Iraq.
Sunday, October 01, 2006
seen on a Crooks and Liars blog comment
The item below is pasted from an anonymous Comment seen on a blog, so, of course, it is entirely suspect. Hal Turner is apparently a hard-core white supremacist anti-semitic nutjob. Wonder what to make of it (if anything).
Updated Saturday, September 30, 2006 3:04 PM EDT
IRAN WAR PLAN EXPOSED!
PREPARE FOR THE SINKING OF A U.S. AIRCRAFT CARRIER – The USS Enterprise - CVN-65!
The existence of a hideous plan to sacrifice a U.S. Aircraft Carrier as a pretext for war with Iran is presently being uncovered! The Hal Turner Show has been told that within the next five (5) weeks, the United States will "suffer" a missile attack upon the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise, presently on patrol near the Persian Gulf. This attack will appear to be from numerous "Silkworm" and/or "Sunburn" missiles which will sink the vessel and kill most of the 5,000 crew onboard.
The "attack" will be blamed on Iran and thus provide the Bush Administration with an excuse to go to war with that nation.The Hal Turner Show has learned that the missiles used to attack the USS Enterprise will not be fired from or by Iran, but rather will be a "false flag operation" made to LOOK as though Iran carried out the attack!
The USS Enterprise is the worlds first nuclear powered aircraft carrier. It was Commissioned in 1961 and is due to be decommissioned in 2014 or 2015. The ship was selected to be the "victim" of this "attack" due to its age.
THOSE PLANNING THE ATTACK ARE INSIDE THE U.S. AND ISRAELI GOVERNMENTS and view the loss of the Enterprise crew as a necessary sacrifice to induce Americans to support war against Iran.
Put bluntly, the ship and crew are to be cannon fodder. I am being fed more information and expect to be able to name names as to who is behind this plan. Check back often."
So, I only post it here so that, should this actually happen, I can point to this October 1, 2006 entry. If it doesn't happen, that would be a very good thing.
Updated Saturday, September 30, 2006 3:04 PM EDT
IRAN WAR PLAN EXPOSED!
PREPARE FOR THE SINKING OF A U.S. AIRCRAFT CARRIER – The USS Enterprise - CVN-65!
The existence of a hideous plan to sacrifice a U.S. Aircraft Carrier as a pretext for war with Iran is presently being uncovered! The Hal Turner Show has been told that within the next five (5) weeks, the United States will "suffer" a missile attack upon the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise, presently on patrol near the Persian Gulf. This attack will appear to be from numerous "Silkworm" and/or "Sunburn" missiles which will sink the vessel and kill most of the 5,000 crew onboard.
The "attack" will be blamed on Iran and thus provide the Bush Administration with an excuse to go to war with that nation.The Hal Turner Show has learned that the missiles used to attack the USS Enterprise will not be fired from or by Iran, but rather will be a "false flag operation" made to LOOK as though Iran carried out the attack!
The USS Enterprise is the worlds first nuclear powered aircraft carrier. It was Commissioned in 1961 and is due to be decommissioned in 2014 or 2015. The ship was selected to be the "victim" of this "attack" due to its age.
THOSE PLANNING THE ATTACK ARE INSIDE THE U.S. AND ISRAELI GOVERNMENTS and view the loss of the Enterprise crew as a necessary sacrifice to induce Americans to support war against Iran.
Put bluntly, the ship and crew are to be cannon fodder. I am being fed more information and expect to be able to name names as to who is behind this plan. Check back often."
So, I only post it here so that, should this actually happen, I can point to this October 1, 2006 entry. If it doesn't happen, that would be a very good thing.
Zappa karma
Last June, en route to Spain, we spent a day-and-a-half in New York City. We stayed at the Beacon Hotel, in the Upper West Side. As our cab pulled up to the hotel, we saw the marquee for the Beacon Theater, next door.
Playing the next night was Dweezil Zappa and friends, in a program of Frank's music. Both boys would have loved to go to that concert, but, alas, we missed it by about 4 hours, having to head to the airport instead.
Fast forward to yesterday.
Dylan comes home with this week's Willamette Week, and there is a large ad for that same concert, coming to Portland in December. He said, "maybe this time I'll get to see it."
Sadly, no. About the time that Dweezil takes the stage that night in Portland (Dec. 21), Karen, Dylan, and I will be in the air, en route to Burbank, for a Christmas-week trip to California and Mexico. This time, we miss it by 2 hours.
I suppose that's progress.
In other news, it was great hearing George McGovern on NPR this morning, with his plan for Iraqi withdrawal. Ah, what might have been...
Finally, a very large number of Brazilians are heading to the polls today to elect a new government. Gee, national voting on Sunday - what a concept. One would almost think that having national elections on Tuesdays is a calculated way to make it difficult for working-class folks to vote. Naaaaa - couldn't be.
Playing the next night was Dweezil Zappa and friends, in a program of Frank's music. Both boys would have loved to go to that concert, but, alas, we missed it by about 4 hours, having to head to the airport instead.
Fast forward to yesterday.
Dylan comes home with this week's Willamette Week, and there is a large ad for that same concert, coming to Portland in December. He said, "maybe this time I'll get to see it."
Sadly, no. About the time that Dweezil takes the stage that night in Portland (Dec. 21), Karen, Dylan, and I will be in the air, en route to Burbank, for a Christmas-week trip to California and Mexico. This time, we miss it by 2 hours.
I suppose that's progress.
In other news, it was great hearing George McGovern on NPR this morning, with his plan for Iraqi withdrawal. Ah, what might have been...
Finally, a very large number of Brazilians are heading to the polls today to elect a new government. Gee, national voting on Sunday - what a concept. One would almost think that having national elections on Tuesdays is a calculated way to make it difficult for working-class folks to vote. Naaaaa - couldn't be.
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