I separated the songs from our Seattle performance into individual tracks, so you don't have to listen to all the banter between songs (which you can still hear here - again, our group was called V'Chaverim).
The MP3s are all here, for your downloading and listening pleasure.
Now, to terrorism.
Last Wednesday, I flew from Portland to Minneapolis, and, in both the Portland and Minneapolis airports, the recorded voice informed me that the Homeland Security (sic) Department has set the current Terror Level to 'Orange'.
Last Monday, I flew back from Milwaukee to Portland, and, in both the Milwaukee and Minneapolis airports, the recorded voice informed me that the Homeland Security (sic) Department has set the current Terror Level to 'Orange'.
What happened between those two points in time? The Bush Administration (sic) announced they had foiled a serious plot to wreak havoc at Kennedy Airport.
You'd think that that news would have had an effect on the Terror Level, wouldn't you? Guess not.
Maybe it's going to Orange from now on.
Be perpetually afraid, and take off those shoes, buster!
UPDATE: maybe the Terror Level didn't change after the new Plot was disclosed, because the actual threat was disgustingly OVERSTATED.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
a transition day
So, after all the driving we did last week, when we went to Ashland, we just finished another busy few days.
Friday afternoon, Karen and I drove out to the Rock Creek campground east of Mt. Hood, where we set up camp. After eating, we went for a long walk with the dog, along the lakeshore. It was still and warm at sundown, as we settled in for a peaceful evening.
The folks in the space next to us, were just getting warmed up, however, and their rowdy antics lasted for hours, disrupting the sleep of everyone else. It was really the most inconsiderate yahoo behavior I've been around in years - quite remarkable.
They settled down somewhere long after midnight, and, fortunately, packed up and left early Saturday morning. After a while, we headed out for the annual Wamic rummage sale, a long-standing obsession. We got a bagful of assorted useful stuff for $1, including two stainless-steel saute pans (that match our daily pots and pans), an ink-jet refill kit, catnip toys, and more.
Then, we checked out a minor State Park that I'd heard about but had never visited. The White River flows south and east from a glacier on Mt. Hood, and its canyon, a few miles south of Wamic, is quite deep and impressive. It crosses a major lava flow near Shearer's Falls, the site of White River Falls State Park. The thundering sound from the parking area promises a spectacle, and the view from above is indeed impressive. However, following the 1/4 mile, steep, dusty trail, down into the canyon, is worth the effort.
Much more of the waterfalls and canyon is revealed, as hundreds of swallows swirl around and around. There are also the remains of a 1910 power-plant at the bottom - someone went to a lot of trouble. Here's the view:
Friday afternoon, Karen and I drove out to the Rock Creek campground east of Mt. Hood, where we set up camp. After eating, we went for a long walk with the dog, along the lakeshore. It was still and warm at sundown, as we settled in for a peaceful evening.
The folks in the space next to us, were just getting warmed up, however, and their rowdy antics lasted for hours, disrupting the sleep of everyone else. It was really the most inconsiderate yahoo behavior I've been around in years - quite remarkable.
They settled down somewhere long after midnight, and, fortunately, packed up and left early Saturday morning. After a while, we headed out for the annual Wamic rummage sale, a long-standing obsession. We got a bagful of assorted useful stuff for $1, including two stainless-steel saute pans (that match our daily pots and pans), an ink-jet refill kit, catnip toys, and more.
Then, we checked out a minor State Park that I'd heard about but had never visited. The White River flows south and east from a glacier on Mt. Hood, and its canyon, a few miles south of Wamic, is quite deep and impressive. It crosses a major lava flow near Shearer's Falls, the site of White River Falls State Park. The thundering sound from the parking area promises a spectacle, and the view from above is indeed impressive. However, following the 1/4 mile, steep, dusty trail, down into the canyon, is worth the effort.
Much more of the waterfalls and canyon is revealed, as hundreds of swallows swirl around and around. There are also the remains of a 1910 power-plant at the bottom - someone went to a lot of trouble. Here's the view:
By the time we got back to the campground, our friends were beginning to arrive. Over the next few hours, the gang showed up, we had our normal splendid dinner and campfire, and the wine was flowing, and the night was quiet, as it should be.
Sunday morning, it was bright and breezy, and the stiff wind continued all day. Karen went golfing with the golf-nuts (they call it the annual 'Wamic Open') while I stayed around camp, reading and organizing stuff, while I waited for Dylan and his friend Jordan to show up.
They got there around 11, which was a major relief, not only for their safety in making the drive and finding the campground, but because their arrival was the critical piece in the weekend's plan. I turned over all our gear and the dog to them, and, after Karen got back, the two of us headed off.
We drove north to The Dalles, then continued into central Washington, up to Yakima. This was the route I had taken (in the other direction) one day in 1976 - the first day I ever set foot in Oregon. Traffic was pretty light and the day was beautiful, although still windy. At Yakima we join I-82 to Ellensburg, thru a surprisingly remote and empty landscape. This was a road I had never taken, which is always a thrill. We hit I-90 and turned west, towards Snoqualmie Pass.
It's a dramatic drive thru the Cascades, with snow-topped mountains, sweeping alpine vistas, swirling clouds, and even a bit of rain. The temperature dropped 20 degrees as the rain increased. By early evening, we were on the long downhill ride into Seattle, as the views changed from mountains to suburbs to urban congestion. Six hours driving finally brought us to our hotel, where we got cleaned up, got a bite to eat in a neighborhood BBQ joint, connected with our friends, staying at the same place, and finally settled in, on a real bed in a quiet room.
Monday morning, after breakfast, we headed over to the nearby Seattle Center, where I checked in our group for the Folklife festival. Then, over at the theater, I had a chance to warm up and get a feel for the piano. I was satisfied. Ed, Ilene and I met and talked through the six or seven numbers we had prepared, and changed into our concert clothes (we had a genuine dressing room, which was a hoot).
We were performing in a beautiful theater, probably the most fancy venue I've ever played. We were the 3rd act in the 'Big Jewish Show', and, I must say, it was great fun. We were all relaxed, and, despite Ilene's guitar issues (one of the pegs holding her B string to the body popped out during her first number, hit Ed in the head, then continued into the audience), the playing and singing was well-received.
THE ENTIRE PERFORMANCE IS HERE (our act is called V'Chaverim).
Karen was in the audience, with the video camera and its manual. She never did figure out how to turn it on, so all we have are a couple of still photos. Here's one of Ed and me, on stage, getting ready to start:
After we decompressed from our performance, we changed clothes and headed out to wander thru the festival. Someone said there were 100,000 people there, and that seemed possible. An amazing scene - dozens of separate stages, plus innumerable street performers along the walkways. Food, too!
Too soon, though, it was time to head out. We connected with Ilene, walked back to the hotel, loaded up the car, and headed south. I-5 was an easy drive - traffic not bad and a superb day.
Home by 6. We spent hours cleaning the house and doing laundry. I emptied one duffle and immediately began packing my larger one, since I leave for Wisconsin Wednesday morning.
Today's my day to get a few things organized, mow the lawn, send out some invoices, and prepare for yet another trip. The people of the future may find it hard to believe that people lived like this.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Kucinich tells the truth about the Oil
Did anyone besides me watch Kuchinich on C-SPAN, passionately pleading that we abort the obscene Hydocarbon Law we are forcing on Iraq?
It began while Monica Goodling's appearance was happening, but I watched the last 30 minutes or so.
What a performance - I bet no media outlet takes notice. He is the voice of moral conscience, and nobody wants to hear that we are all complicit in this grand theft.
After all, it's a long-standing tradition that bullies take what they want. Recently, I heard the European invasion of North America described as 'armed robbery'. Indeed.
It began while Monica Goodling's appearance was happening, but I watched the last 30 minutes or so.
What a performance - I bet no media outlet takes notice. He is the voice of moral conscience, and nobody wants to hear that we are all complicit in this grand theft.
After all, it's a long-standing tradition that bullies take what they want. Recently, I heard the European invasion of North America described as 'armed robbery'. Indeed.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Monday, May 21, 2007
back from a delightful interlude
but first, this
We drove to Ashland last Thursday, checked into our wonderful B&B, went for a short stroll in Lithia Park, grabbed some dinner, then headed off for our first play. It was superb - great writing, acting, etc. Our local theater company in Portland will be doing it next year.
Friday morning, we headed off for a wildflower hike, along Grizzly Peak. It was 5.4 miles of quiet forests, great views, and a zillion colorful flowers. We got back into town around 3, in time to rest a bit before a great dinner here (I had a wonderful vegetarian chili rellano), and then another play, a break-neck, silly farce, with wild puns and costumes. Pure fluff.
Saturday morning, we were picked up at 8:15 at the B&B, and driven to the put-in for a raft-trip down the Upper Klamath, organized by this company. The water was wild and white. I had done part of this run several years ago, but we did a much longer stretch. Karen had never done this river and was apprehensive, but the guide was amazingly cool and competent, and the thrills were many and the lunch was embarrasingly abundant. Due to the inaccessibility of this river, the shuttle driver had to drive over 200 miles from the put-in to the take-out.
We got back to Ashland around 5, just long enough to shower and get cleaned up, before the arrival of one of Karen's distant relatives, who is currently on contract with the Shakespeare Festival this year, as a 'dramaturg'. We went out to dinner at the classy Ashland Springs Hotel. The food was exquisite and astonishingly expensive - our splurge meal of the trip.
After dinner, we walked a bit thru Lithia Park, then, after some ice cream, said our good-byes and headed back to our room.
Sunday, we headed back to Portland, via Jacksonville, stopping in Albany to have lunch with Karen's cousin Rion, who lives in Corvallis. Arriving home at 4 pm, we found the house, Dylan, and the animals all in good shape. I was exhausted, but then a phone call came thru from another good Portland friend, who invited us to dinner at her new house, so it was off again.
By 9, I was ready to collapse, and did. How's that for 4 days?
We drove to Ashland last Thursday, checked into our wonderful B&B, went for a short stroll in Lithia Park, grabbed some dinner, then headed off for our first play. It was superb - great writing, acting, etc. Our local theater company in Portland will be doing it next year.
Friday morning, we headed off for a wildflower hike, along Grizzly Peak. It was 5.4 miles of quiet forests, great views, and a zillion colorful flowers. We got back into town around 3, in time to rest a bit before a great dinner here (I had a wonderful vegetarian chili rellano), and then another play, a break-neck, silly farce, with wild puns and costumes. Pure fluff.
Saturday morning, we were picked up at 8:15 at the B&B, and driven to the put-in for a raft-trip down the Upper Klamath, organized by this company. The water was wild and white. I had done part of this run several years ago, but we did a much longer stretch. Karen had never done this river and was apprehensive, but the guide was amazingly cool and competent, and the thrills were many and the lunch was embarrasingly abundant. Due to the inaccessibility of this river, the shuttle driver had to drive over 200 miles from the put-in to the take-out.
We got back to Ashland around 5, just long enough to shower and get cleaned up, before the arrival of one of Karen's distant relatives, who is currently on contract with the Shakespeare Festival this year, as a 'dramaturg'. We went out to dinner at the classy Ashland Springs Hotel. The food was exquisite and astonishingly expensive - our splurge meal of the trip.
After dinner, we walked a bit thru Lithia Park, then, after some ice cream, said our good-byes and headed back to our room.
Sunday, we headed back to Portland, via Jacksonville, stopping in Albany to have lunch with Karen's cousin Rion, who lives in Corvallis. Arriving home at 4 pm, we found the house, Dylan, and the animals all in good shape. I was exhausted, but then a phone call came thru from another good Portland friend, who invited us to dinner at her new house, so it was off again.
By 9, I was ready to collapse, and did. How's that for 4 days?
Thursday, May 17, 2007
worth reading
from Common Dreams
now, the Not worth reading: an update on My Life
Karen and I leave later this morning for 4 days in Ashland. We are going to plays tonight and tomorrow night, and hope to do a little hike tomorrow and a white-water trip on Saturday. It's our postponed-for-two-weeks Anniversary getaway.
This being the 21st Century, the B&B where we're staying has WiFi. Gives new meaning to the phrase 'getaway'.
Actually, this is the beginning of a very busy month, with all kinds of events and travels between now and late June. Updates later. For now, it's time to finish packing and hope we can hit the road by 10 am.
now, the Not worth reading: an update on My Life
Karen and I leave later this morning for 4 days in Ashland. We are going to plays tonight and tomorrow night, and hope to do a little hike tomorrow and a white-water trip on Saturday. It's our postponed-for-two-weeks Anniversary getaway.
This being the 21st Century, the B&B where we're staying has WiFi. Gives new meaning to the phrase 'getaway'.
Actually, this is the beginning of a very busy month, with all kinds of events and travels between now and late June. Updates later. For now, it's time to finish packing and hope we can hit the road by 10 am.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Friday, May 11, 2007
Dick, Dick, Dick...
"May 10, 2007 -- WMR has received a third well-placed confirmation that Vice President Dick Cheney, while CEO of Halliburton, was a client of the escort service of DC Madam, Deborah Jeane Palfrey. In addition, one of Cheney's closest military advisers and friends was also a client of the DC Madam's Pamela Martin & Associates escort service. Cheney used the escort service while he was a part time resident of the posh Ballantrae section of McLean, Virginia."
WMR is Wayne Madsen's blog. No wonder Shooter scooted off to Iraq this week! No wonder the media has been pressured to keep the lid on this matter.
Best comment on this story, from another blog: "He just went to see her for a heart massage."
WMR is Wayne Madsen's blog. No wonder Shooter scooted off to Iraq this week! No wonder the media has been pressured to keep the lid on this matter.
Best comment on this story, from another blog: "He just went to see her for a heart massage."
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
snoozin'
not much happening - work-load slow - weather nice - upcoming fun trips.
Last night, I made a casserole using greens entirely from our garden, with feta cheese, egg, lemon, etc. Karen, who is supposedly lactose-intolerant and off cheese, dug in and pronounced it very good.
The tomatoes and peas are looking good. The basil and peppers not so good, but hanging in there. Still waiting for the parsnips to germinate. The broccoli I planted last fall is still putting out tender stalks, and the leaves were part of the casserole.
No library books out at the moment - a rare occurrence - so I am reduced to finishing back issues of The New Yorker and the perennial stack of books at my bedside. Have been dipping into a book of Mark Twain's speeches (he often provided copies of his texts to reporters beforehand, and many of these survived), and, although occasionally quite clever, not on a par with his other brilliant stuff.
I still miss Kurt Vonnegut. The last library book I finished, yesterday, was 'Fates Worth than Death', a pastiche of autobiographical pieces he released back under George Bush I, which I had never read. It was like discovering a hidden treasure that had been in a time-warp. It was a little odd to have to make the mental adjustment, every time he referred to Republicans and their dirty little wars and corruption, to remind onesself that that was a different time. Yeah, right.
Waiting to hear from a client about some changes they want. If I don't get an email from them soon, I'm going outside to pull weeds.
Last night, I made a casserole using greens entirely from our garden, with feta cheese, egg, lemon, etc. Karen, who is supposedly lactose-intolerant and off cheese, dug in and pronounced it very good.
The tomatoes and peas are looking good. The basil and peppers not so good, but hanging in there. Still waiting for the parsnips to germinate. The broccoli I planted last fall is still putting out tender stalks, and the leaves were part of the casserole.
No library books out at the moment - a rare occurrence - so I am reduced to finishing back issues of The New Yorker and the perennial stack of books at my bedside. Have been dipping into a book of Mark Twain's speeches (he often provided copies of his texts to reporters beforehand, and many of these survived), and, although occasionally quite clever, not on a par with his other brilliant stuff.
I still miss Kurt Vonnegut. The last library book I finished, yesterday, was 'Fates Worth than Death', a pastiche of autobiographical pieces he released back under George Bush I, which I had never read. It was like discovering a hidden treasure that had been in a time-warp. It was a little odd to have to make the mental adjustment, every time he referred to Republicans and their dirty little wars and corruption, to remind onesself that that was a different time. Yeah, right.
Waiting to hear from a client about some changes they want. If I don't get an email from them soon, I'm going outside to pull weeds.
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Paris in the springtime
So, the media has its celeb-of-the-week story, with Paris Hilton off to the slammer. Seems like the Martha Stewart story, except we kinda like Martha, and we don't like stuck-up rich people.
I suppose this is enough to satisfy the public's need for incarceration-of-bad-guys for now, but I still yearn for some genuine come-uppance for Commander Guy and his Lost Planet Airmen.
I suppose this is enough to satisfy the public's need for incarceration-of-bad-guys for now, but I still yearn for some genuine come-uppance for Commander Guy and his Lost Planet Airmen.
Friday, May 04, 2007
22 years
It's our anniversary today, and we both actually remembered! Hasn't always been easy, but, if we make it thru the upcoming kitchen rennovation, we should be good for another few years.
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
it's a bi-polar world
I was hit by overwhelming depression Saturday - a combination of things political and personal. I spent 5 hours in the middle of the day lying in bed, staring at the ceiling and wondering what it would take to make me leave it.
It broke around 7 pm.
Sunday was a beautiful day, again. I spent 4 or 5 hours digging out blackberries from an area I spent two days on, last year. Little by little, the battle against those intruders goes on. By 2 pm, I could report 'Mission Accomplished', and had the scratched and bleeding arms and legs to show it.
Got myself cleaned up, rested a bit, then reported for accompanist duty at a dry-run/performance of the Portland Jewish Choral festival program, which is actually happening next weekend. I am playing for three different choral groups, and Sunday's rehearsals and performances kept me occupied for over 3 hours. It went well - final rehearsal is Wednesday night.
What a contrast between those two days.
Forgot to mention that, on Sunday, I also made progress on my vegetable garden. The peas are coming along nicely, and I now have tomatoes, peppers, and basil growing, with the parsnips seeded. Also, the wintered-over brocolli and rhubarb is doing great and the fruit trees have passed the blossom-stage.
It's almost enough to make one believe in God. Almost (but not quite).
Reading Greg Palast's newly-released-and-enhanced 'Armed Madhouse' (I got an autographed copy for a $50 contribution to his investigative fund). It is depressing.
Also reading a collection of Mark Twain speeches/lectures. Some of it is dated, but, when he's good, he's very good.
I understand he was a bit bi-polar, too. I respect that.
Happy May Day.
It broke around 7 pm.
Sunday was a beautiful day, again. I spent 4 or 5 hours digging out blackberries from an area I spent two days on, last year. Little by little, the battle against those intruders goes on. By 2 pm, I could report 'Mission Accomplished', and had the scratched and bleeding arms and legs to show it.
Got myself cleaned up, rested a bit, then reported for accompanist duty at a dry-run/performance of the Portland Jewish Choral festival program, which is actually happening next weekend. I am playing for three different choral groups, and Sunday's rehearsals and performances kept me occupied for over 3 hours. It went well - final rehearsal is Wednesday night.
What a contrast between those two days.
Forgot to mention that, on Sunday, I also made progress on my vegetable garden. The peas are coming along nicely, and I now have tomatoes, peppers, and basil growing, with the parsnips seeded. Also, the wintered-over brocolli and rhubarb is doing great and the fruit trees have passed the blossom-stage.
It's almost enough to make one believe in God. Almost (but not quite).
Reading Greg Palast's newly-released-and-enhanced 'Armed Madhouse' (I got an autographed copy for a $50 contribution to his investigative fund). It is depressing.
Also reading a collection of Mark Twain speeches/lectures. Some of it is dated, but, when he's good, he's very good.
I understand he was a bit bi-polar, too. I respect that.
Happy May Day.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
more Vonnegut
here's a wonderful interview with him, with a surprise ending. Worth reading slowly, savoring the humor and humanity.
another crony bites the dust
So, the guy Bush placed as head of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) resigns for 'personal reasons', and the media is licking its lips, looking forward to tweezing out all the salacious details of the DC Call-girl ring.
Wouldn't it be better to ask why the Bushies felt that it was beneficial to install as head of that agency, a guy whose former position was as....ready?....chairman, president and chief executive of the pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly and Company.
I like to watch the corporate ABC evening news, to see just how selective and skewed their coverage of the day's events are, but, to me, the most amazing aspect of Corporate News is the parade of phamaceutical ads. The profits must be mighty indeed for this industry to have so successfully bought into both Big Media and Big Government.
THAT's the story worth pursuing, not the 'massages'.
Back to the ABC Evening News - their 'coverage' of the Democratic candidates forum (I was going to write 'debate' - how silly) consisted of a very brief wide-shot of the group, followed by very short close-ups of Hillary and Obama. The copy behind the pictures was 'not much happened.'
I am amazed they passed up the opportunity to play Gravel's clip dissing the front-runners, but impressed how, once again, they managed to suppress any reference to He-Whose-Existence-Must-NEVER-Be-Acknowledged (Kucinich). Instead, they hurried on to a shocking, revealing, controversial segment about how Baby Boomers have lots of money to spend on luxuries.
Hoping to head downtown this afternoon to participate in the A28 Impeachment rally. East end of the Hawthorne bridge - noon.
Wouldn't it be better to ask why the Bushies felt that it was beneficial to install as head of that agency, a guy whose former position was as....ready?....chairman, president and chief executive of the pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly and Company.
I like to watch the corporate ABC evening news, to see just how selective and skewed their coverage of the day's events are, but, to me, the most amazing aspect of Corporate News is the parade of phamaceutical ads. The profits must be mighty indeed for this industry to have so successfully bought into both Big Media and Big Government.
THAT's the story worth pursuing, not the 'massages'.
Back to the ABC Evening News - their 'coverage' of the Democratic candidates forum (I was going to write 'debate' - how silly) consisted of a very brief wide-shot of the group, followed by very short close-ups of Hillary and Obama. The copy behind the pictures was 'not much happened.'
I am amazed they passed up the opportunity to play Gravel's clip dissing the front-runners, but impressed how, once again, they managed to suppress any reference to He-Whose-Existence-Must-NEVER-Be-Acknowledged (Kucinich). Instead, they hurried on to a shocking, revealing, controversial segment about how Baby Boomers have lots of money to spend on luxuries.
Hoping to head downtown this afternoon to participate in the A28 Impeachment rally. East end of the Hawthorne bridge - noon.
Friday, April 27, 2007
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Mark Crispin Miller video, and a story
"Did George Bush Commit Election Fraud?"
Mark was in Portland last year, and Karen and I went to hear him speak. This is a great summary of where we are, and outlines the big picture beautifully.
And now, a story.
Last weekend, there was an Earth Day event at our local Home Depot, where a group was collecting used/broken/obsolete electronics, for recycling. I took a bunch of things, both working and not, that had been cluttering up my office.
I have always been a radio guy - there are at least 6 that I use pretty regularly - and I own several others. My current favorite is a wind-up model, that puts out a lot of sound, and never uses batteries. But I digress.
One of the radios that I dropped off last weekend was about 6" x 3" x .5", required three AA batteries, and had no built-in speaker - totally obsolete by today's standards. I purchased it around 1980, in my home town in upstate New York, for my father.
At that time, he was still at home, wheel-chair bound but well into the decline that ended with his death in the summer of '82. His mind was still active, and I knew he was horribly frustrated by his growing physical incapacities. I visited from Oregon, and bought him two things:
First was a horn which I attached to his wheel-chair - the old fashioned type with a squeeze-bulb that produced a silly honk. It looked ridiculous, and he loved honking it for visitors (and, to call my Mom without having to yell, which was the main point). Somewhere, I have a photo of him sitting in that wheelchair, with that stupid horn visible.
The other was that radio, of course, which he used, for hours, with the accompanying headphones. He always tuned in to the 'easy listening' FM stations that were popular at the time (maybe still are), and I know that that music brought him a lot of comfort.
When I handed over the radio to the recycling person, I flashed on all that and it felt good to be reminded of the pleasure that music brought him (both from the radio and when I played the piano for him), but I also took note of one other thing. On a smooth area on the face of the radio, there was still the residue of a label that had once been applied, and then removed.
That label was applied in the hospital where he spent his final, agonizing four months (I was there much of the time). It had his name and room number on it. He had obviously wanted it with him, when he was admitted.
A year or so after he died, my mother decided to sell the house we all grew up in, and move out to the Bay Area, where my brother and his family lived. I went back to that house for the last time, to help prepare for the big garage sale.
Of all the items I could have selected to send/take back to Oregon (including some great old furniture, that Karen still sadly recalls, and was probably sold for next to nothing), I don't remember anything I brought back with me, except that radio. I don't think I ever used it.
After all, it required three AA batteries, and had no built-in speaker. Why would anybody be interested in something like that?
Mark was in Portland last year, and Karen and I went to hear him speak. This is a great summary of where we are, and outlines the big picture beautifully.
And now, a story.
Last weekend, there was an Earth Day event at our local Home Depot, where a group was collecting used/broken/obsolete electronics, for recycling. I took a bunch of things, both working and not, that had been cluttering up my office.
I have always been a radio guy - there are at least 6 that I use pretty regularly - and I own several others. My current favorite is a wind-up model, that puts out a lot of sound, and never uses batteries. But I digress.
One of the radios that I dropped off last weekend was about 6" x 3" x .5", required three AA batteries, and had no built-in speaker - totally obsolete by today's standards. I purchased it around 1980, in my home town in upstate New York, for my father.
At that time, he was still at home, wheel-chair bound but well into the decline that ended with his death in the summer of '82. His mind was still active, and I knew he was horribly frustrated by his growing physical incapacities. I visited from Oregon, and bought him two things:
First was a horn which I attached to his wheel-chair - the old fashioned type with a squeeze-bulb that produced a silly honk. It looked ridiculous, and he loved honking it for visitors (and, to call my Mom without having to yell, which was the main point). Somewhere, I have a photo of him sitting in that wheelchair, with that stupid horn visible.
The other was that radio, of course, which he used, for hours, with the accompanying headphones. He always tuned in to the 'easy listening' FM stations that were popular at the time (maybe still are), and I know that that music brought him a lot of comfort.
When I handed over the radio to the recycling person, I flashed on all that and it felt good to be reminded of the pleasure that music brought him (both from the radio and when I played the piano for him), but I also took note of one other thing. On a smooth area on the face of the radio, there was still the residue of a label that had once been applied, and then removed.
That label was applied in the hospital where he spent his final, agonizing four months (I was there much of the time). It had his name and room number on it. He had obviously wanted it with him, when he was admitted.
A year or so after he died, my mother decided to sell the house we all grew up in, and move out to the Bay Area, where my brother and his family lived. I went back to that house for the last time, to help prepare for the big garage sale.
Of all the items I could have selected to send/take back to Oregon (including some great old furniture, that Karen still sadly recalls, and was probably sold for next to nothing), I don't remember anything I brought back with me, except that radio. I don't think I ever used it.
After all, it required three AA batteries, and had no built-in speaker. Why would anybody be interested in something like that?
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
this is big
hmmmmm - the key paragraph:
"What's clear, however, is the highest ranks of the Republican Party's political wing, including White House counselor Karl Rove, a handful of the party's most tech-savvy computer gurus and the former Republican Ohio Secretary of State, created, owned and operated the vote-counting system that reported George W. Bush's re-election to the presidency. Moreover, it appears the votes that gave Bush his 118,775-vote margin of victory -- the boost from Ohio's countryside -- have yet to be confirmed as accurate. Instead, the reporting to date suggests that what happened on the ground and across Ohio's rural precincts is at odds with the vote tally released on Election Night."
house.of.cards.
"What's clear, however, is the highest ranks of the Republican Party's political wing, including White House counselor Karl Rove, a handful of the party's most tech-savvy computer gurus and the former Republican Ohio Secretary of State, created, owned and operated the vote-counting system that reported George W. Bush's re-election to the presidency. Moreover, it appears the votes that gave Bush his 118,775-vote margin of victory -- the boost from Ohio's countryside -- have yet to be confirmed as accurate. Instead, the reporting to date suggests that what happened on the ground and across Ohio's rural precincts is at odds with the vote tally released on Election Night."
house.of.cards.
Monday, April 23, 2007
great news!
this - let's keep the story from disappearing down the Memory Hole of the other Bush Crime Family crimes.
To add to this delicious stew, it appears that, tomorrow, Kucinich will be introducing a House resolution to impeach Cheney. How nice.
To add to this delicious stew, it appears that, tomorrow, Kucinich will be introducing a House resolution to impeach Cheney. How nice.
this is surreal
It's Rich Little's official web site, where he has Quicktime snips of all the impressions he does.
I'll bet the audiences of today are just thrilled to hear Ronald Coleman, Edgar Buchanan, Frank Fontaine, Joseph Cotten, Walter Pidgeon and Charles Bickford come to life once again.
And the winner of the 'who the fuck was that?' award goes to this clip. Rich, you gotta be kidding. Is it really necessary to brag 'I do a great Roger Livesey'? Why not just stick to the classics, like this *uncanny* (not) Robert Goulet?
Seems appropriate that the Bushies would select him to do the Correspondents Dinner this time around. After all, Rich was named 'Comedy Star of the Year' (in 1974, back when many former and current Bushies were needing a few laughs to nurse their hurt pride, following Nixon's downfall).
Gives new meaning to the phrase 'frozen in time'.
By the way, did you know that WikiPedia has an entire web page devoted to 'Canadian impressionists'?
I'll bet the audiences of today are just thrilled to hear Ronald Coleman, Edgar Buchanan, Frank Fontaine, Joseph Cotten, Walter Pidgeon and Charles Bickford come to life once again.
And the winner of the 'who the fuck was that?' award goes to this clip. Rich, you gotta be kidding. Is it really necessary to brag 'I do a great Roger Livesey'? Why not just stick to the classics, like this *uncanny* (not) Robert Goulet?
Seems appropriate that the Bushies would select him to do the Correspondents Dinner this time around. After all, Rich was named 'Comedy Star of the Year' (in 1974, back when many former and current Bushies were needing a few laughs to nurse their hurt pride, following Nixon's downfall).
Gives new meaning to the phrase 'frozen in time'.
By the way, did you know that WikiPedia has an entire web page devoted to 'Canadian impressionists'?
Saturday, April 21, 2007
John Dean article
Once again, a clear assessment of the week's big story, from someone who knows. Here is the best excerpt, if you aren't going to read the whole piece:
"In a premise to a question for Gonzales, Senator Whitehouse said he had found correspondence in the files of the Senate Judiciary Committee from the days when Orrin Hatch was chairman relating to an investigation of the relationship between the Clinton White House and the Justice Department (under Attorney General Janet Reno).
Hatch was concerned about the independence of the Department of Justice, so he wanted to know who in the White House could speak with whom in the Justice Department. The correspondence showed that four people in the White House (the President, Vice President, chief of staff, and White House counsel) could speak with three people in the Justice Department (the Attorney General, the Deputy Attorney and the Associate Attorney General) - period.
Gonzales really had no response when asked about this subject. But this information shows that, in this Administration, the Department of Justice has become a mere political appendage of the White House."
That's what it's all about.
"In a premise to a question for Gonzales, Senator Whitehouse said he had found correspondence in the files of the Senate Judiciary Committee from the days when Orrin Hatch was chairman relating to an investigation of the relationship between the Clinton White House and the Justice Department (under Attorney General Janet Reno).
Hatch was concerned about the independence of the Department of Justice, so he wanted to know who in the White House could speak with whom in the Justice Department. The correspondence showed that four people in the White House (the President, Vice President, chief of staff, and White House counsel) could speak with three people in the Justice Department (the Attorney General, the Deputy Attorney and the Associate Attorney General) - period.
Senator Whitehouse discovered - and created a chart to make the point - that in the Bush White House, a shocking 417 people could speak with 30 different people in the Justice Department. It was a jaw-dropper.
Gonzales really had no response when asked about this subject. But this information shows that, in this Administration, the Department of Justice has become a mere political appendage of the White House."
That's what it's all about.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Harry Reid
At some point, even the most die-hard Confederate had to acknowledge that the Civil War was lost. Ditto for the German citizen (take your pick: 1918 or 1945) or the Russian citizen looking at their debacle in Afghanistan (which, by the way, in case you don't know, was brought about thru Jimmy Carter's plan to use CIA assets to lure the Russians into a disasterous, unwinnable occupation, where we armed the native Afghan resistance and brought in and trained radical Islamic troops in insurgency tactics, under our former buddy, UBL).
But I digress. Harry Reid says in public that Bush's war is lost. Any observer of world history and imperial over-reach knows that this is true. But the media blames Harry, and Bush mutters about 'pulling the rug' out from under the soldiers.
Let's face facts, folks. US foreign policy since the end of WWII has led to death, corrupt and repressive governments, shameless profiteering, and environment disaster. We are complicit in War Crimes, and, still, so many of us are unwilling to trouble our beautiful minds with the reality of what our love of the Good Life has meant to the rest of the world. If you have doubts, read this book, which I finished last night.
Instead, we fervently pray that Sanjaya will have a nice career, in whatever he chooses to do next.
We need massive buckets of cold water poured over our heads, and Harry contributed one yesterday. Too little. Too late.
The Gonzales hearings reveal an obvious long-range plan, to fix the system to insure Republican electoral victories forever - a systematic corruption of what used to be called 'Justice', in order to continually suck power and money into an already-bloated Monster.
Unfortunately, history seems to imply that, when things get corrupted to this point, heads eventually roll - the only question remaining is whose heads. Stay tuned.
But I digress. Harry Reid says in public that Bush's war is lost. Any observer of world history and imperial over-reach knows that this is true. But the media blames Harry, and Bush mutters about 'pulling the rug' out from under the soldiers.
Let's face facts, folks. US foreign policy since the end of WWII has led to death, corrupt and repressive governments, shameless profiteering, and environment disaster. We are complicit in War Crimes, and, still, so many of us are unwilling to trouble our beautiful minds with the reality of what our love of the Good Life has meant to the rest of the world. If you have doubts, read this book, which I finished last night.
Instead, we fervently pray that Sanjaya will have a nice career, in whatever he chooses to do next.
We need massive buckets of cold water poured over our heads, and Harry contributed one yesterday. Too little. Too late.
The Gonzales hearings reveal an obvious long-range plan, to fix the system to insure Republican electoral victories forever - a systematic corruption of what used to be called 'Justice', in order to continually suck power and money into an already-bloated Monster.
Unfortunately, history seems to imply that, when things get corrupted to this point, heads eventually roll - the only question remaining is whose heads. Stay tuned.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
MadMarine, are you still out there?
What do you make of this? Yeah, I know, more propaganda from Al Gore's insidious plan to profit from fear-mongering (now including those wiley Norwegians).
Why do I even bother posting this stuff? I am sinking into despair about this beautiful planet, that we ruined thru our God-given (well, Evolution-given, actually) insatiable greed and quest for comfort and convenience.
To me, it's no wonder that we haven't made contact with any other 'intelligent life-form' elsewhere in our galaxy - perhaps it's the Nature of Life that any civilization sophisticated enough to be able to produce machines to transmit and receive electromagnetic communications is also going to inevitably suffocate in the by-products of its industrialization. Perhaps I am over-anthropomorphizing.
I saw a video clip of Vonnegut last week, where he was asked what message he would deliver to the people of The Future. He looked into the camera and said, "We're sorry. Forgive us. We were drunk on petroleum."
Why do I even bother posting this stuff? I am sinking into despair about this beautiful planet, that we ruined thru our God-given (well, Evolution-given, actually) insatiable greed and quest for comfort and convenience.
To me, it's no wonder that we haven't made contact with any other 'intelligent life-form' elsewhere in our galaxy - perhaps it's the Nature of Life that any civilization sophisticated enough to be able to produce machines to transmit and receive electromagnetic communications is also going to inevitably suffocate in the by-products of its industrialization. Perhaps I am over-anthropomorphizing.
I saw a video clip of Vonnegut last week, where he was asked what message he would deliver to the people of The Future. He looked into the camera and said, "We're sorry. Forgive us. We were drunk on petroleum."
Monday, April 16, 2007
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Ho Ho Ho
First is was the nappy-headed Hos, and now it's just plain old Ho in the news.
As important as 'Tiny Bubbles' was to American cultural history, I'm sorry that the public mourning over the loss of Kurt Vonnegut is already fading. Flag should be a half-mast for a month, to honor the Sage of Indianapolis.
Hell, make that two months, and, while we're add it, let's dump 'In God We Trust' from our money, and replace it with 'So it goes.'
As important as 'Tiny Bubbles' was to American cultural history, I'm sorry that the public mourning over the loss of Kurt Vonnegut is already fading. Flag should be a half-mast for a month, to honor the Sage of Indianapolis.
Hell, make that two months, and, while we're add it, let's dump 'In God We Trust' from our money, and replace it with 'So it goes.'
Thursday, April 12, 2007
So it goes.
I distinctly remember being a very little kid, somewhere back in the late 50's, experiencing an electric shock of genuine astonishment, as I finished reading a short story that was innocently nestled among others, in a schoolbook anthology.
I think it was the very first time I realized that a 'mere story' could produce a feeling that the entire world had just shifted, and would never be the same.
The story ('I remember it as if it was yesterday'' is the cliched phrase here) was 'Report on the Barnhouse Effect'.
Years later, when Kurt Vonnegut's amazing novels became popular, I consumed them with the eagerness that was reserved for only two authors - Vonnegut and Gore Vidal (imagine reading 'Messiah' as a 12 year old). At some point, I realized that Vonnegut was also the author of 'Barnhouse Effect', and that made the memory of that story's impact on me even more intense.
I loved all of those early books: Cat's Cradle, Rosewater, Mother Night, and those two towering works of genius: Sirens of Titan and Slaughterhouse Five. As his output continued over the years, I continued keeping up with each release, not always with the same fervor as the early novels, but Vonnegut's voice always delivered a perspective to which attention must be paid.
In the last few years, I have loved reading his short pieces in 'In These Times', especially reprints of his college commencement addresses. His final gem of a book, 'A Man Without a Country', should be read by everyone.
Vonnegut always made a big deal out of his smoking Pall Malls, and his outrage that they had 'not killed him yet'. This morning, I hear he is dead, from complications from a fall. How appropriately ironic.
Somewhere, back in the 70's, I was visiting my friend Dr. Ken in New York City. I can't remember how much we had been smoking and drinking, but it may have been considerable. At some point in the evening, we decided to go to Vonnegut's apartment and tell him that we appreciated his work and that we hoped he'd be happier in the future. He was listed in the Manhattan phone book, and we went to his door.
There, in the mail slot, was a piece of paper with his name (clearly ripped from a personal check). We knocked. Nobody home. We were relieved.
So it goes.
I think it was the very first time I realized that a 'mere story' could produce a feeling that the entire world had just shifted, and would never be the same.
The story ('I remember it as if it was yesterday'' is the cliched phrase here) was 'Report on the Barnhouse Effect'.
Years later, when Kurt Vonnegut's amazing novels became popular, I consumed them with the eagerness that was reserved for only two authors - Vonnegut and Gore Vidal (imagine reading 'Messiah' as a 12 year old). At some point, I realized that Vonnegut was also the author of 'Barnhouse Effect', and that made the memory of that story's impact on me even more intense.
I loved all of those early books: Cat's Cradle, Rosewater, Mother Night, and those two towering works of genius: Sirens of Titan and Slaughterhouse Five. As his output continued over the years, I continued keeping up with each release, not always with the same fervor as the early novels, but Vonnegut's voice always delivered a perspective to which attention must be paid.
In the last few years, I have loved reading his short pieces in 'In These Times', especially reprints of his college commencement addresses. His final gem of a book, 'A Man Without a Country', should be read by everyone.
Vonnegut always made a big deal out of his smoking Pall Malls, and his outrage that they had 'not killed him yet'. This morning, I hear he is dead, from complications from a fall. How appropriately ironic.
Somewhere, back in the 70's, I was visiting my friend Dr. Ken in New York City. I can't remember how much we had been smoking and drinking, but it may have been considerable. At some point in the evening, we decided to go to Vonnegut's apartment and tell him that we appreciated his work and that we hoped he'd be happier in the future. He was listed in the Manhattan phone book, and we went to his door.
There, in the mail slot, was a piece of paper with his name (clearly ripped from a personal check). We knocked. Nobody home. We were relieved.
So it goes.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
so, you say I only talk about bad news?
take this!
Just imagine all the money flushed/lost in the GWOT having been diverted to energy research in 2001.
So many lost opportunities, all due to the results of the Coup of 2000.
Just imagine all the money flushed/lost in the GWOT having been diverted to energy research in 2001.
So many lost opportunities, all due to the results of the Coup of 2000.
here's hoping...
What opened the final crack in the Nixon regime? The disclosure of the secret taping system, that revealed a treasure-trove of corruption. We may be on the verge of a deja vu - read this.
It's hard to view the multiple email accounts in any light other than a deliberate plan to circumvent the public records law. Susan Ralston's email to Abramoff admitted exactly that.
So many laws broken, so much silence about this.
Why? Occam's Razor says that the people with the capacity to make an issue of the Bushies criminality are better off with them still in power, than with them tossed out and held accountable for their crimes.
Someone on Thom Hartmann's radio show this morning posed an explanation that is reasonable for me. Bush can't commit the US to an Iraq withdrawal until the Iraq Congress finishes work on the pending law, that hands the greatest share of the oil revenus to Exxon/Mobile and BP.
Once that step is finalized, Bush will truly have his 'Mission Accomplished' moment, and can gracefully leave center stage, confident that he has done his duty.
Meanwhile, Karl Rove is to appear in Portland on Friday. I don't know the details yet, but Thom Hartmann said he will be attending, not to confront. Seems like an opportunity to make a statement.
Finally (says Mr. Language Curmudgeon), an eHarmony ad on the radio this morning had the sexy-voiced woman describing her interests, among which was her 'Internet web site'. Isn't that sort of like a 'Food grocery store', a 'Car gas station', or a 'Animal Veterinary Hospital'? Again, Occam's Razor says that, yes, the sound of the message is now more important than the meaning of the words.
As further proof of that, we have this.
I gotta go.
It's hard to view the multiple email accounts in any light other than a deliberate plan to circumvent the public records law. Susan Ralston's email to Abramoff admitted exactly that.
So many laws broken, so much silence about this.
Why? Occam's Razor says that the people with the capacity to make an issue of the Bushies criminality are better off with them still in power, than with them tossed out and held accountable for their crimes.
Someone on Thom Hartmann's radio show this morning posed an explanation that is reasonable for me. Bush can't commit the US to an Iraq withdrawal until the Iraq Congress finishes work on the pending law, that hands the greatest share of the oil revenus to Exxon/Mobile and BP.
Once that step is finalized, Bush will truly have his 'Mission Accomplished' moment, and can gracefully leave center stage, confident that he has done his duty.
Meanwhile, Karl Rove is to appear in Portland on Friday. I don't know the details yet, but Thom Hartmann said he will be attending, not to confront. Seems like an opportunity to make a statement.
Finally (says Mr. Language Curmudgeon), an eHarmony ad on the radio this morning had the sexy-voiced woman describing her interests, among which was her 'Internet web site'. Isn't that sort of like a 'Food grocery store', a 'Car gas station', or a 'Animal Veterinary Hospital'? Again, Occam's Razor says that, yes, the sound of the message is now more important than the meaning of the words.
As further proof of that, we have this.
I gotta go.
Sunday, April 08, 2007
now playing...
last night, we went to see The Lives of Others.
Very disturbing - highly recommended. Good thing it can't happen Here.
Very disturbing - highly recommended. Good thing it can't happen Here.
Thursday, April 05, 2007
nice day
I got up early this morning, before the sun was really over the horizon, and walked outside to smell the clean, cool, fragrant Spring air.
Turned into a sunny, warm and dry day. Trees and shrubs flowering all over the yard.
I worked on a programming project for a while, but I had to stop, go out, dig some weeds, transplant some peas and basil, check the lettuce, and pretty up my little vegetable patch with some fresh mulch.
Then cook dinner for four hungry 19 and 20 year olds. Then (now evening, with Venus bright in the west), I took the dog for a walk. Time for a piece of apple/raspberry pie - both from last summer's harvest.
More GIs dead in Iraq. More Bush lies about Iran. More evidence of total corruption of our democratic institutions.
At least my dog is happy. Cats, too.
Good Friday coming up, then Easter. Spring. It's all connected.
Turned into a sunny, warm and dry day. Trees and shrubs flowering all over the yard.
I worked on a programming project for a while, but I had to stop, go out, dig some weeds, transplant some peas and basil, check the lettuce, and pretty up my little vegetable patch with some fresh mulch.
Then cook dinner for four hungry 19 and 20 year olds. Then (now evening, with Venus bright in the west), I took the dog for a walk. Time for a piece of apple/raspberry pie - both from last summer's harvest.
More GIs dead in Iraq. More Bush lies about Iran. More evidence of total corruption of our democratic institutions.
At least my dog is happy. Cats, too.
Good Friday coming up, then Easter. Spring. It's all connected.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
scam or just weird?
We bought a used dining-room table last night, from a craigslist ad, and posted our old table on craigslist this morning. Here it is:
http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/fur/305926217.html
I soon got an email from an interested party, and replied with our address. Here is what I got back:
Hello,
Thank you for the prompt response to my mail enquiry am quite satisfied with the condition of the item and price. Am very much interested in buying the item from you and i would like to make an outright purchase immediately, so i will advice that you withdraw the advert from the web.
I will be paying with a certified check. Furthermore my mover will be coming over for the pick up as i might not be available for the pick up myself. I would have loved to come and look it up but presently am not chanced to do that but am OK with the information from the ad. I will need the following information to make payment arrangement
1,Your full name to be on the check.
2,Your postal address.
3,Your phone number both land and mobile.
4,Your postal code.
Please do send me the following information as soon as possible. Regards.
My Scam-O-Meter is flashing red lights, but I can't figure out how the fraud will occur. Maybe they really do operate a fleet of trucks, that pick up stuff, drop off a bogus certified check, and then resell it, but that seems like a lot of trouble.
Maybe this is only step 1 , and step 2 asks for more confidential personal data, so they can do an identity theft. Seems much more plausible.
I wrote back that those terms are not acceptible, and we would be happy to accept cash from someone who comes to the house and haul the stuff away. Will I ever hear back? I doubt it.
Oh yeah, here's the sender's email address: dr.derickhanes242@gmail.com
I think the 'dr.' is a nice touch. On the Internet, nobody knows if you're an idiot or not.
http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/fur/305926217.html
I soon got an email from an interested party, and replied with our address. Here is what I got back:
Hello,
Thank you for the prompt response to my mail enquiry am quite satisfied with the condition of the item and price. Am very much interested in buying the item from you and i would like to make an outright purchase immediately, so i will advice that you withdraw the advert from the web.
I will be paying with a certified check. Furthermore my mover will be coming over for the pick up as i might not be available for the pick up myself. I would have loved to come and look it up but presently am not chanced to do that but am OK with the information from the ad. I will need the following information to make payment arrangement
1,Your full name to be on the check.
2,Your postal address.
3,Your phone number both land and mobile.
4,Your postal code.
Please do send me the following information as soon as possible. Regards.
My Scam-O-Meter is flashing red lights, but I can't figure out how the fraud will occur. Maybe they really do operate a fleet of trucks, that pick up stuff, drop off a bogus certified check, and then resell it, but that seems like a lot of trouble.
Maybe this is only step 1 , and step 2 asks for more confidential personal data, so they can do an identity theft. Seems much more plausible.
I wrote back that those terms are not acceptible, and we would be happy to accept cash from someone who comes to the house and haul the stuff away. Will I ever hear back? I doubt it.
Oh yeah, here's the sender's email address: dr.derickhanes242@gmail.com
I think the 'dr.' is a nice touch. On the Internet, nobody knows if you're an idiot or not.
Obama-rama
So he's pulling in tons of contributions - this is good. I feel he's a good guy, despite some history of standard political whoring (they all do it, except Peter DeFazio).
I'm certainly glad he's in the race - livens things up. I am just afraid that we are setting ourselves up to repeat the Bobby Kennedy story. There are wackos who will never stand for a tall man to be President (look what they did to Kerry).
We want our emperors to look like Napoleon (or, up until November '06, W).
I'm certainly glad he's in the race - livens things up. I am just afraid that we are setting ourselves up to repeat the Bobby Kennedy story. There are wackos who will never stand for a tall man to be President (look what they did to Kerry).
We want our emperors to look like Napoleon (or, up until November '06, W).
I'm just guessing, but...
...when I see this AP story this morning:
"President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Iran would free the 15 detained British sailors and marines Wednesday as an Easter holiday "gift" to the British people."
All I can think is that a country with 2500 years of collective memory of international relations (and actually learning from its mistakes) is no match for the American neo-cons.
With all the rumors floating around that the Bushies were planning to strike Iran this weekend, the perfect tactic to defuse those plans is to take an action guaranteed to dominate the 24/7 international News Machine for the next three days, reinforcing the global image of Iran as being generous and reasonable.
Maybe I give them too much credit for subtle strategic thinking, but just remember how much great publicity Cyrus got in 538 BC, when he encouraged the exiled Jews in Babylon to return to their homeland. It's in your Bible - look it up (2 Chronicles 36:22-23).
"President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Iran would free the 15 detained British sailors and marines Wednesday as an Easter holiday "gift" to the British people."
All I can think is that a country with 2500 years of collective memory of international relations (and actually learning from its mistakes) is no match for the American neo-cons.
With all the rumors floating around that the Bushies were planning to strike Iran this weekend, the perfect tactic to defuse those plans is to take an action guaranteed to dominate the 24/7 international News Machine for the next three days, reinforcing the global image of Iran as being generous and reasonable.
Maybe I give them too much credit for subtle strategic thinking, but just remember how much great publicity Cyrus got in 538 BC, when he encouraged the exiled Jews in Babylon to return to their homeland. It's in your Bible - look it up (2 Chronicles 36:22-23).
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
is this weird?
or what? Amazingly, the comments are all about the creepy content of Bush's words, but I am creeped out by the veep-creep, creeping in the foliage. It's alarming, sad, and...well...creepy.
Monday, April 02, 2007
as we have long suspected...
this great post by Digby ties it all together. The Karl Rove operatives have been working tirelessly to corrupt the highest levels of our republic, since their preparations for the Coup of 2000. The new Monica makes the sins of the old Monica laughably (almost) trivial.
Tip.of.the.iceberg.
Meanwhile, I was struck, while listening to the radio news this morning, how odd it is that Americans just can't be bothered to devote their precious energies to the many human tragedies around the world, but it's Headline News that, now, up to 16 pets have died from tainted goodies.
Millions of (non-white, non-Christian) humans dead vs. 16 pets. Apparently, now, folks are preparing lawsuits, claiming emotional distress over Muffy's untimely end.
Americans: so sheltered; so isolated. So plugged into The Matrix.
UPDATE: did I say 'since...the Coup of 2000'? How could I have been so naive? Check this out (watch the whole thing, but the payoff begins at 3:53).
Tip.of.the.iceberg.
Meanwhile, I was struck, while listening to the radio news this morning, how odd it is that Americans just can't be bothered to devote their precious energies to the many human tragedies around the world, but it's Headline News that, now, up to 16 pets have died from tainted goodies.
Millions of (non-white, non-Christian) humans dead vs. 16 pets. Apparently, now, folks are preparing lawsuits, claiming emotional distress over Muffy's untimely end.
Americans: so sheltered; so isolated. So plugged into The Matrix.
UPDATE: did I say 'since...the Coup of 2000'? How could I have been so naive? Check this out (watch the whole thing, but the payoff begins at 3:53).
Sunday, April 01, 2007
intentional irony, or unconscious denial?
You decide. Contrast the content of this article with the accompanying ad:
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Capitalism: the economic model with a sense of humor
"The head of a California company hired by the U.S. government to help build a fence along the Southwest border to curb the flow of illegal aliens into the United States has been sentenced on charges of hiring illegals for the job."
more info here.
more info here.
Friday, March 30, 2007
nothing to see...
here.
Summary of Bush Policy Goals, from day 1:
Domestic: rig the election system for the 40 years
Foreign: grab the oil
It was all going so nicely for them until November 2006. That will be the watershed event, when the history of these days is written (depending on who gets to make the final edits).
Summary of Bush Policy Goals, from day 1:
Domestic: rig the election system for the 40 years
Foreign: grab the oil
It was all going so nicely for them until November 2006. That will be the watershed event, when the history of these days is written (depending on who gets to make the final edits).
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Ain't it odd?
I get a lot of Annual Meeting notices for various companies in which we hold stock. I've managed to reduce the stacks of glossy paper reports (does anyone read these?) somewhat, but still have a load of proxy forms to be filled out, especially this time of year.
I complete all those that can be done online, but there is an unmistakable pattern in these proxy votes, that cuts across all corporations, regardless of how 'enlightened' they may advertise themselves as.
Invariably, there are some issues to be voted on that originated with the Board, and others that are labeled as having come from 'Shareholder'. I have yet to see a single Shareholder issue, where the Board did not recommend a 'no' vote, even on such issues as 'Global Warming'.
There are only two possible conclusions:
1) all issues of shareholder concern are misguided and contrary to the interests of the corporation.
2) the arrogance of Boards of Directors is limitless, and any idea not originating with their support staff is simply seen as a threat to their power, which cannot be tolerated.
I always vote 'yes' on every shareholder issue where the Board recommends 'no', and I always 'withhold' my vote for every proposed Board member. Just trying to do my part.
I wonder if Diebold is involved in tabulating the ballots?
I complete all those that can be done online, but there is an unmistakable pattern in these proxy votes, that cuts across all corporations, regardless of how 'enlightened' they may advertise themselves as.
Invariably, there are some issues to be voted on that originated with the Board, and others that are labeled as having come from 'Shareholder'. I have yet to see a single Shareholder issue, where the Board did not recommend a 'no' vote, even on such issues as 'Global Warming'.
There are only two possible conclusions:
1) all issues of shareholder concern are misguided and contrary to the interests of the corporation.
2) the arrogance of Boards of Directors is limitless, and any idea not originating with their support staff is simply seen as a threat to their power, which cannot be tolerated.
I always vote 'yes' on every shareholder issue where the Board recommends 'no', and I always 'withhold' my vote for every proposed Board member. Just trying to do my part.
I wonder if Diebold is involved in tabulating the ballots?
Monday, March 26, 2007
"Some people say..."
One of the best segments in Robert Greenwald's film "OutFoxed" demonstrated the insidious use of the phrase "Some people say..." to simply keep pounding on the Talking Point du jour, which, through repitition, aquires more legitimacy than it deserves.
Last night, I tuned in to the Katie Couric segment on '60 Minutes', where she interviewed the Edwardses, and her absurd 'questions' were peppered with the 'some people say' device, as in 'Some people say that your first obligation is to your family, and not your political ambitions.' WTF?
I say it's long overdue for Our Side to start using that phrase wherever possible, as its use, now, exposes the Right Wing lies which that tactic originally served. Maybe thru overuse, we can get it eliminated. For starters, how about these:
Regarding the White House stonewalling on Rove's under-oath testimony: "Some people say that refusing to testify under oath means you are obviously hiding criminal activities."
Regarding the refusal of Senate Republicans to permit a simple majority vote on a binding resolution on continuing the Iraq war: "Some people say the Senate rules require a straight up-or-down vote."
Regarding the suitability of Alberto Gonzales to continue as AG: "Some people say that manipulating the Department of Justice to serve political ends is the very definition of ultimate government corruption."
Finally: "Some people say that the Bush administration is simply the most incompetent gang of criminals to ever hold power in our Republic, and that their names will be cursed for generations to come."
Last night, I tuned in to the Katie Couric segment on '60 Minutes', where she interviewed the Edwardses, and her absurd 'questions' were peppered with the 'some people say' device, as in 'Some people say that your first obligation is to your family, and not your political ambitions.' WTF?
I say it's long overdue for Our Side to start using that phrase wherever possible, as its use, now, exposes the Right Wing lies which that tactic originally served. Maybe thru overuse, we can get it eliminated. For starters, how about these:
Regarding the White House stonewalling on Rove's under-oath testimony: "Some people say that refusing to testify under oath means you are obviously hiding criminal activities."
Regarding the refusal of Senate Republicans to permit a simple majority vote on a binding resolution on continuing the Iraq war: "Some people say the Senate rules require a straight up-or-down vote."
Regarding the suitability of Alberto Gonzales to continue as AG: "Some people say that manipulating the Department of Justice to serve political ends is the very definition of ultimate government corruption."
Finally: "Some people say that the Bush administration is simply the most incompetent gang of criminals to ever hold power in our Republic, and that their names will be cursed for generations to come."
Saturday, March 24, 2007
it's great to be home, where everything is safe and secure
oops.
Saturday morning, in a familiar place. Last night was the first real full-night's sleep in many days.
I appreciated being in different surroundings, and especially remember Wednesday morning, outside the meeting room before everyone else had arrived, as I sat in a rocking-chair, in the bright early-morning sun, looking at the grounds of the Preserve and listening to the birds.
It's great to live in a world where one can travel freely and securely, with only the minor inconveniences of flight delays. This is in contrast to the lives of the unfortunate Iraquis who initially looked forward to our arrival, as heralding a new, wonderful era for their unfortunate country. Oops.
Saturday morning, in a familiar place. Last night was the first real full-night's sleep in many days.
I appreciated being in different surroundings, and especially remember Wednesday morning, outside the meeting room before everyone else had arrived, as I sat in a rocking-chair, in the bright early-morning sun, looking at the grounds of the Preserve and listening to the birds.
It's great to live in a world where one can travel freely and securely, with only the minor inconveniences of flight delays. This is in contrast to the lives of the unfortunate Iraquis who initially looked forward to our arrival, as heralding a new, wonderful era for their unfortunate country. Oops.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
travelin' man
Last day of this trip. In my anonymous motel room in Kissimmee. It is sunrise.
This is the 3rd and final day of these meetings, which have been pretty darn interesting. The crowd got in-depth looks at 5 different weed management products, each having a slightly different focus and environment, and two of which I am intimately involved with. This morning is the wrap-up session, before everyone heads for the airport.
Last night, after the day's business, we all headed to this surreal spot, for beers and dinner. It seemed a LONG drive from the Preserve, but the scene was incredible, with locals and tourists chowin' and drinkin', and the musician in the corner providing an endless series of eclectic tunes (both country and western) on guitar, fiddle, banjo, and kazoo, with his electronic gear providing various accents and backgrounds.
I saw 'Louisanna Crab cakes' on the menu, and, as a former Marylander, I always have to try the crab cakes from various locales, to see if they can ever approach the sublime pleasure of an (enormous, 50 cent) crab-cake from Roland Park Eddie's, in 1971. This one didn't even come close (it was crisp on the outside, but strangely mushy on the inside, with no discernable crab lumps), although the accompanying hush-puppy was pretty darn good.
I'll be home in a mere 20 hours. Thanks to Joe and Shirley and Steve and Diana, for providing hospitality and humanity. Without you guys, I'd be just another business-man-in-a-Hawaiian-shirt.
This is the 3rd and final day of these meetings, which have been pretty darn interesting. The crowd got in-depth looks at 5 different weed management products, each having a slightly different focus and environment, and two of which I am intimately involved with. This morning is the wrap-up session, before everyone heads for the airport.
Last night, after the day's business, we all headed to this surreal spot, for beers and dinner. It seemed a LONG drive from the Preserve, but the scene was incredible, with locals and tourists chowin' and drinkin', and the musician in the corner providing an endless series of eclectic tunes (both country and western) on guitar, fiddle, banjo, and kazoo, with his electronic gear providing various accents and backgrounds.
I saw 'Louisanna Crab cakes' on the menu, and, as a former Marylander, I always have to try the crab cakes from various locales, to see if they can ever approach the sublime pleasure of an (enormous, 50 cent) crab-cake from Roland Park Eddie's, in 1971. This one didn't even come close (it was crisp on the outside, but strangely mushy on the inside, with no discernable crab lumps), although the accompanying hush-puppy was pretty darn good.
I'll be home in a mere 20 hours. Thanks to Joe and Shirley and Steve and Diana, for providing hospitality and humanity. Without you guys, I'd be just another business-man-in-a-Hawaiian-shirt.
Monday, March 19, 2007
ha ha, I got here first!
Well, Joe and Shirley went to bed, but since my body is still on West Coast time, I get to stay up blogging, from their guest bedroom near Tampa.
We watched a movie that I had brought from Portland, after someone linked to a YouTube clip of the first few minutes. It sure went on for a long time. The more I think about it, the more there was to it. Reading the Roger Ebert reviews at the IMDB site helped bring some elements into focus, but I will say no more.
I haven't had a real night's sleep for two days now, but I think I'm ready now. Heading for a nature preserve south of Kissimmee tomorrow, for three days of hopefully interesting meetings.
But today, we just had fun (once I recovered from the flight delay etc.) We had coffee and wonderful sandwiches at a Cuban place where they are regulars, and a fine afternoon drinking and laughing by their pool.
If this wasn't nice, I don't know what is. Thanks again, guys.
We watched a movie that I had brought from Portland, after someone linked to a YouTube clip of the first few minutes. It sure went on for a long time. The more I think about it, the more there was to it. Reading the Roger Ebert reviews at the IMDB site helped bring some elements into focus, but I will say no more.
I haven't had a real night's sleep for two days now, but I think I'm ready now. Heading for a nature preserve south of Kissimmee tomorrow, for three days of hopefully interesting meetings.
But today, we just had fun (once I recovered from the flight delay etc.) We had coffee and wonderful sandwiches at a Cuban place where they are regulars, and a fine afternoon drinking and laughing by their pool.
If this wasn't nice, I don't know what is. Thanks again, guys.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Dick Cheney: Old Dog - Old Tricks
Jeez. I guess they were counting on the Pardon process to get everyone off the hook, AGAIN.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
common sense?
When Karen and I got home last night, after a very nice evening eating tapas and drinking wine with good friends downtown, we were surprised to find Ben there, waiting for us.
Since he's been living away from home for almost two years now, it's always a surprise to see him here. This morning (Saturday) is his last Drivers Ed class, and, naturally, he had not completed the 'project' that the teacher mentioned (as a requirement for passing) as being due at the last class.
Yes, it's bullshit, of course, but it's a requirement, and he needs to pass the class in order to get the Insurance Certificate. At any rate, he had interviewed a couple of drivers who were Short-time and Mid-time drivers, and he wanted to interview me, as a Long-time driver. Fair enough, and I sat down and answered the questions (which were pretty good), while he typed away.
At that point, I was ready to go to bed (Karen had long since retired). Ben was going to stay up on the computer, reformatting and printing his material. Before I left, I considered for a moment saying "turn off all the lights when you go to bed", but felt that, heck, a 20 year-old would surely not have to be told this.
Of course, I'm the first one up this morning, and the first thing I did was turn off all the lights that had been blazing away all night. I am not a child of the Depression, although my parents were. Maybe that's the difference.
Why does the unnecessary waste of electricity bother me? Is it ultimately connected to this, or is it just a habit of mine, or is it a symptom of the up-and-coming generation, who, I fear, has not yet grasped the inter-connectivity of our lives?
I don't know, but, looking back, I feel like I've spent my life turning out lights in long-empty rooms.
Should be a busy day today, as we prepare for tonight's birthday party for Dylan (to be 19). We are expecting 20 guests - family, family friends, and Dylan's friends. Ben and his girl-friend will also be here.
Tomorrow afternoon is a big anti-war rally in Portland, then, at 4, we have a cast-party from the Purim show Karen and I were in a couple of weeks ago, then, at 6, we are to go to another birthday party (for Karen's cousin), and then, around 9 pm tomorrow night, I head to the airport for the red-eye to Tampa.
Now, however, it's time for a 2nd cup of coffee, before I clean the bathroom (with the lights on).
Meanwhile, here's a great cartoon:
Since he's been living away from home for almost two years now, it's always a surprise to see him here. This morning (Saturday) is his last Drivers Ed class, and, naturally, he had not completed the 'project' that the teacher mentioned (as a requirement for passing) as being due at the last class.
Yes, it's bullshit, of course, but it's a requirement, and he needs to pass the class in order to get the Insurance Certificate. At any rate, he had interviewed a couple of drivers who were Short-time and Mid-time drivers, and he wanted to interview me, as a Long-time driver. Fair enough, and I sat down and answered the questions (which were pretty good), while he typed away.
At that point, I was ready to go to bed (Karen had long since retired). Ben was going to stay up on the computer, reformatting and printing his material. Before I left, I considered for a moment saying "turn off all the lights when you go to bed", but felt that, heck, a 20 year-old would surely not have to be told this.
Of course, I'm the first one up this morning, and the first thing I did was turn off all the lights that had been blazing away all night. I am not a child of the Depression, although my parents were. Maybe that's the difference.
Why does the unnecessary waste of electricity bother me? Is it ultimately connected to this, or is it just a habit of mine, or is it a symptom of the up-and-coming generation, who, I fear, has not yet grasped the inter-connectivity of our lives?
I don't know, but, looking back, I feel like I've spent my life turning out lights in long-empty rooms.
Should be a busy day today, as we prepare for tonight's birthday party for Dylan (to be 19). We are expecting 20 guests - family, family friends, and Dylan's friends. Ben and his girl-friend will also be here.
Tomorrow afternoon is a big anti-war rally in Portland, then, at 4, we have a cast-party from the Purim show Karen and I were in a couple of weeks ago, then, at 6, we are to go to another birthday party (for Karen's cousin), and then, around 9 pm tomorrow night, I head to the airport for the red-eye to Tampa.
Now, however, it's time for a 2nd cup of coffee, before I clean the bathroom (with the lights on).
Meanwhile, here's a great cartoon:
Thursday, March 15, 2007
RIP: Cardinal Richelieu (1585-1642)
A sentence from his WikiPedia entry says it all: "He sought to consolidate royal power and crush domestic factions."
Now who does that remind me of? Oh, yes.
'Rovian' will be an adjective, long after Karl's mortal remains have crumbled to dust (not that there's anything wrong with that).
Now who does that remind me of? Oh, yes.
'Rovian' will be an adjective, long after Karl's mortal remains have crumbled to dust (not that there's anything wrong with that).
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
ever wonder how Harriet Miers got her start...
...on the road to Supreme Court nominee? Greg Palast has the tale.
At least these folks are consistent.
At least these folks are consistent.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
ah, the GOP talking points are making the rounds
Listening to the Ed Schulz radio show this afternoon, there was yet another republican troll, parroting the whine 'but Clinton brought in a bunch of US attorneys, too, and you are not talking about THAT'.
Puh-leese!
Too bad Ed couldn't think fast enough to give the proper response: that all of Clinton's appointees went thru the normal congressional approval process, whereas Bush's new guys were simply installed without any congressional oversight, thanks to that insidious Patriot Act provision that someone on Arlen Specter's staff inserted, in the dead of night.
Scoundrels. How unfair it is for them to take advantaged of our brain-dead fellow citizens - haven't they been victimized enough?
Puh-leese!
Too bad Ed couldn't think fast enough to give the proper response: that all of Clinton's appointees went thru the normal congressional approval process, whereas Bush's new guys were simply installed without any congressional oversight, thanks to that insidious Patriot Act provision that someone on Arlen Specter's staff inserted, in the dead of night.
Scoundrels. How unfair it is for them to take advantaged of our brain-dead fellow citizens - haven't they been victimized enough?
in addition to the wrong-headedness of promoting corn-based ethanol...
More on ethanol.
Here's another example of wrong-headedness.
Best metaphor in the article: buying carbon-emission credits is the same as the Medieval practice of buying indulgences for an easy remission of Sin. Nothing is really accomplished, except that the agency controlling the market pockets fees with every transaction.
Head.In.The.Sand.
Meanwhile...
Here's another example of wrong-headedness.
Best metaphor in the article: buying carbon-emission credits is the same as the Medieval practice of buying indulgences for an easy remission of Sin. Nothing is really accomplished, except that the agency controlling the market pockets fees with every transaction.
Head.In.The.Sand.
Meanwhile...
Monday, March 12, 2007
best horror story I've ever read
Just finished reading 'Twilight in the Desert'. It's a blood-chilling, spine-tingling mystery, full of genuine horror, with enough science to make it entirely convincing.
If you liked 'The Ring III', you'll savor every page of this tale of statistical delusion, frightening use of common sea-water (no spoilers here), and a global reluctance to believe our own eyes.
Coming soon to a transportation and food-production system near you!
If you liked 'The Ring III', you'll savor every page of this tale of statistical delusion, frightening use of common sea-water (no spoilers here), and a global reluctance to believe our own eyes.
Coming soon to a transportation and food-production system near you!
Sunday, March 11, 2007
the US Treasury: watching out for your money!
Last December, I wrote out a check to the US Treasury, to cover a quarterly SE tax-payment. Unfortunately, due to inattention on my part, my bank informed me a couple of weeks later that it had bounced. My accountant said to immediately send in another check, with a cover letter explaining the oversight and asking that no penalty be assessed.
In early February, I got an official notice from IRS, informing me of the check bounce, and assessing me a $50 charge. The letter said that, if I believed the penalty should be waived, I should describe why. I wrote back, pointing out that I had sent a replacement check when notified by the bank (which happened back in January, one day before the IRS had received the check for initial processing).
I felt that this indicated my good intentions, and suggested that they examine my sterling record of timely tax payments, over the past 35 years.
Yesterday, of course, I received formal notice that my application for dismissal of the penalty was denied.
I will send them the $50, of course, but I'm wondering if I should point out that a better use of their time and resources would be spent trying to track down the 12 billion in cash that the Bushies withdrew from the Treasury and shipped to Iraq for 'expenses'.
Probably best not to bring it up. They are probably already wondering about the hundreds of billions that they used to oversee, that have gone to Bush and Cheney's domestic buddies. After all, I wouldn't want to rub it in.
In early February, I got an official notice from IRS, informing me of the check bounce, and assessing me a $50 charge. The letter said that, if I believed the penalty should be waived, I should describe why. I wrote back, pointing out that I had sent a replacement check when notified by the bank (which happened back in January, one day before the IRS had received the check for initial processing).
I felt that this indicated my good intentions, and suggested that they examine my sterling record of timely tax payments, over the past 35 years.
Yesterday, of course, I received formal notice that my application for dismissal of the penalty was denied.
I will send them the $50, of course, but I'm wondering if I should point out that a better use of their time and resources would be spent trying to track down the 12 billion in cash that the Bushies withdrew from the Treasury and shipped to Iraq for 'expenses'.
Probably best not to bring it up. They are probably already wondering about the hundreds of billions that they used to oversee, that have gone to Bush and Cheney's domestic buddies. After all, I wouldn't want to rub it in.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
just saw "Pan's Labyrinth"
Karen's cousin, Steve, raved about it, and I was curious, given all the Oscar nominations, so I went this afternoon.
I must say that, squeamish as I tend to be, I had to avert my eyes in a few places (you who've seen it know exactly which ones). I must be too grounded in Reality (hah!) to appreciate the fantasy stuff. The Bad Guy was really bad - a classic villain that you love to hate, and there will be no spoilers here.
Would I recommend it? I suppose that, if you must see it, it's probably better to do so in a theater, rather than waiting for the DVD. On the other hand, one's time, in the long run, would be better spent reading up on the Spanish Civil War because, folks, it can happen here, and 30 more years of Generalissimo Bush would be the next logical step for this government. Don't say I didn't warn you.
I must say that, squeamish as I tend to be, I had to avert my eyes in a few places (you who've seen it know exactly which ones). I must be too grounded in Reality (hah!) to appreciate the fantasy stuff. The Bad Guy was really bad - a classic villain that you love to hate, and there will be no spoilers here.
Would I recommend it? I suppose that, if you must see it, it's probably better to do so in a theater, rather than waiting for the DVD. On the other hand, one's time, in the long run, would be better spent reading up on the Spanish Civil War because, folks, it can happen here, and 30 more years of Generalissimo Bush would be the next logical step for this government. Don't say I didn't warn you.
Friday, March 09, 2007
Gwahar
That word, if you don't know it, has been incredibly important to your life.
It's the largest oilfield in Saudi Arabia, indeed, in the world. It's been pumped at an astonishing rate since the 1950's, and they have to pump in 12 million barrels of sea-water every day, in order to continue to keep enough pressure underground. What they pump out, these days, is 30% water.
It's been said, for many years, that when Ghawar dies, the Industrial world will feel it. Today, it was announced, that Ghawar is Dead. Read it and weep, folks, and now you know why the Bush cabal is pinning its hopes on Iraq and Iran. Maybe this war would have been easier to take if, from the start, they all admitted that it's all about oil.
I am currently reading 'Twilight in the Deset', cited in this article. It is enlightening and frightening.
It's the largest oilfield in Saudi Arabia, indeed, in the world. It's been pumped at an astonishing rate since the 1950's, and they have to pump in 12 million barrels of sea-water every day, in order to continue to keep enough pressure underground. What they pump out, these days, is 30% water.
It's been said, for many years, that when Ghawar dies, the Industrial world will feel it. Today, it was announced, that Ghawar is Dead. Read it and weep, folks, and now you know why the Bush cabal is pinning its hopes on Iraq and Iran. Maybe this war would have been easier to take if, from the start, they all admitted that it's all about oil.
I am currently reading 'Twilight in the Deset', cited in this article. It is enlightening and frightening.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
no substitute for clean genes
Today is my mother-in-law's 96th birthday. She can't see or hear very well, and her memory has gotten poor (she called me last week because she couldn't remember what city and state we live in), but is still mobile, involved, and frequently quite funny. Karen is flying down to Pasadena on Saturday and will be there for a few days, helping out with taxes and miscellany.
As readers here will know, my own Mom just turned 93 last week. Her mother made it to her upper 80's. Unfortunately, the men in my family tend to give out a bit earlier. So it goes.
As readers here will know, my own Mom just turned 93 last week. Her mother made it to her upper 80's. Unfortunately, the men in my family tend to give out a bit earlier. So it goes.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Libby
Guilty, guilty, guilty, guilty. How about this for a Democratic ticket in '08 (forget about the current stars): Eliot Spitzer and Patrick Fitzgerald.
The primary benefits of this team are two:
1) both are prosecutors with impeccable track-records.
2) campaign button: Spitz and Fitz.
Just sayin'.
Meanwhile, anyone taking bets on how long before Cheney resigns for health reasons? I'm willing to bet we have VP Condoleeza Rice by the 4th of July.
The primary benefits of this team are two:
1) both are prosecutors with impeccable track-records.
2) campaign button: Spitz and Fitz.
Just sayin'.
Meanwhile, anyone taking bets on how long before Cheney resigns for health reasons? I'm willing to bet we have VP Condoleeza Rice by the 4th of July.
Monday, March 05, 2007
Sunday, March 04, 2007
I just don't know what to believe
Seems to me that the articles here and here sort of contradict each other. Either the Saudis and the Iranians are cooperating to reduce sectarian violence, or they are each egging on their separate partisans to encourage sectarian violence.
Or both. We are looking at cultures with a couple of thousand years experience in both diplomacy and war.
I am now reading Seymour Hersh's new piece in the New Yorker, trying to comprehend the subtle interplay of forces and interests. Also, I am looking out the window, to try to see if my dog has wandered out of our yard.
It may get up to 60 degrees today, but I won't be seeing much of it. Today is the day that the Purim holiday play we've been working on since January is performed. Two rehearsals a week all this time, leading to today's 10:15 final walk-thru and performances at 1 and 7 pm. Should be fun.
Where is that darn dog? Will Haman succeed in killing the Jews? Will the Sunni's and Shiites agree to disagree? Is the Media obsession about daily Presidential polling a sign that everyone considers the Bush presidency to be OVER, or are they simply continuing their unrelenting campaign to replace news that matters with news that diverts.
Or both. We are looking at cultures with a couple of thousand years experience in both diplomacy and war.
I am now reading Seymour Hersh's new piece in the New Yorker, trying to comprehend the subtle interplay of forces and interests. Also, I am looking out the window, to try to see if my dog has wandered out of our yard.
It may get up to 60 degrees today, but I won't be seeing much of it. Today is the day that the Purim holiday play we've been working on since January is performed. Two rehearsals a week all this time, leading to today's 10:15 final walk-thru and performances at 1 and 7 pm. Should be fun.
Where is that darn dog? Will Haman succeed in killing the Jews? Will the Sunni's and Shiites agree to disagree? Is the Media obsession about daily Presidential polling a sign that everyone considers the Bush presidency to be OVER, or are they simply continuing their unrelenting campaign to replace news that matters with news that diverts.
Friday, March 02, 2007
FLASH - Allah is NOT God!
A classic Jack Chick cartoon - if you're not familiar with these, pick any and settle back for a scary ride!
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
mission accomplished - TODAY!
game over
On the other hand, after reading this, I'm a bit less-concerned about Global Warming, since the Nuclear Winter should nicely balance out the greenhouse gas problem (especially since there would be far fewer people around to drive cars).
"Paranoia runs deep - into your life it will creep - it starts when you're always afraid..."
On the other hand, after reading this, I'm a bit less-concerned about Global Warming, since the Nuclear Winter should nicely balance out the greenhouse gas problem (especially since there would be far fewer people around to drive cars).
"Paranoia runs deep - into your life it will creep - it starts when you're always afraid..."
can't overlook this - Andy Borowitz today
Supreme Court Gives Gore’s Oscar to Bush
Stunning Reversal for Former Veep
Just days after former Vice President Al Gore received an Academy Award for his global warming documentary “An Inconvenient Truth,” the United States Supreme Court handed Mr. Gore a stunning reversal, stripping him of his Oscar and awarding it to President George W. Bush instead.For Mr. Gore, who basked in the adulation of his Hollywood audience Sunday night, the high court’s decision to give his Oscar to President Bush was a cruel twist of fate, to say the least.
But in a 5-4 decision handed down Tuesday morning, the justices made it clear that they had taken the unprecedented step of stripping Mr. Gore of his Oscar because President Bush deserved it more.
“It is true that Al Gore has done a lot of talking about global warming,” wrote Justice Antonin Scalia, writing for the majority. “But President Bush has actually helped create global warming.”
In another setback for the former vice president, a group of scientists meeting in Oslo, Norway today said that Mr. Gore was growing at an unsustainable rate.
“The polar ice caps may be shrinking, but Al Gore is clearly expanding,” said Dr. Hiroshi Kyosuke of the University of Tokyo.
The scientists concluded that if Mr. Gore continues to expand at his current rate, he could cause the earth to spin off its axis by 2010, sending it hurtling into the sun.
“Here’s an inconvenient truth,” Dr. Kyosuke added. “Al’s got to stay away from those carbs.”
confession time
OK, how many of you, upon hearing that a suicide bomber struck the air-base where Cheney was meeting, and that he was unharmed, silently muttered to yourself, ' darn'?
Now, how many of you feel that admitting this in an email would get you a visit by a couple of guys who want to ask you 'a few questions'?
Now, how many of you feel that admitting this in an email would get you a visit by a couple of guys who want to ask you 'a few questions'?
more on seeing old actors as young guys
I have one of those gizmos where you attach a bicycle and can use it as an exercise bike - bought it from a craigslist posting a couple of months ago.
I lately developed a routine where I stop working at noon, and cycle for an hour, watching old 'Perry Mason' shows on a little TV there in the basement. It's pretty diverting (I stop during commercials to check email, of course). Aside from guessing who done it, my greatest pleasure is looking for now-famous actors in small parts.
Yesterday's episode had a young guy who kinda looked like Rob Schneider, and it took me most of the show to realize it had to be - wait for it - Bill Shatner. Gosh, he must have been about 25. I continued cycling thru the credits, but they went by so quickly I couldn't confirm it. I don't see it as a screen credit on his Internet Movie database page, but I'm sure I recognized That Voice.
BTW, here's a page that explicitly mentions Bill as having appeared on 'Perry Mason'. So, who do you believe, me or your own eyes?
I lately developed a routine where I stop working at noon, and cycle for an hour, watching old 'Perry Mason' shows on a little TV there in the basement. It's pretty diverting (I stop during commercials to check email, of course). Aside from guessing who done it, my greatest pleasure is looking for now-famous actors in small parts.
Yesterday's episode had a young guy who kinda looked like Rob Schneider, and it took me most of the show to realize it had to be - wait for it - Bill Shatner. Gosh, he must have been about 25. I continued cycling thru the credits, but they went by so quickly I couldn't confirm it. I don't see it as a screen credit on his Internet Movie database page, but I'm sure I recognized That Voice.
BTW, here's a page that explicitly mentions Bill as having appeared on 'Perry Mason'. So, who do you believe, me or your own eyes?
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
for people still mad at Nader
read this. Ralph is right, and we all know it. The enemy is not his 'ego' but the corporate Monster he has fought for 40 years.
Ralph is the real thing, and all the Clintons, Edwards, Obamas, and Bidens don't amount to a hill of beans, compared with his track record.
Remember, all you need to know about the modern world is that, whenever you see media ridiculing or blaming someone, it's always best to suspect that it's some powerful interest hoping to change the subject.
Ralph is the real thing, and all the Clintons, Edwards, Obamas, and Bidens don't amount to a hill of beans, compared with his track record.
Remember, all you need to know about the modern world is that, whenever you see media ridiculing or blaming someone, it's always best to suspect that it's some powerful interest hoping to change the subject.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Academy Awards show buzz!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I don't care.
As every lover of film knows, these are meaningless. Again and again, superior films either lose to inferior films, or are totally ignored. Superior directors (like Scorsese) or superior actors (Peter O'Toole) are, over the years, unrecognized for their brilliant films, and, finally, given a sympathy award, late in their careers, for a film that may be good, but not great.
Last week, while stranded in the Minneapolis airport for 3 unexpected hours, I wandered around, looking for diversions. At the CD/DVD stand, they had the usual current hits, plus a rack of '2 for $20' DVDs. Surely, I thought to myself, I could find something cheap, to play on my laptop while waiting for my plane to Portland to board.
Scanning the titles, there was NOTHING I was remotely interested in. I went back to the non-discounted DVD rack, and, amid dozens of labels, there was only one that I felt would be excellent to buy and watch.
'Little Big Man', for $15.
Back in the early 70's, I took a class in college, that forever shaped my attitudes and appreciation for film. We viewed a series of amazing films - without it, I never would have seen classics like 'The Scarlet Empress' or 'The Fallen Idol'. But, it was 'Little Big Man' that totally blew me away. In the decades since, I bet I've seen it twice, and found that its humor, tragedy, wisdom, and astonishing cinematography hold up beautifully.
I didn't buy it in Minneapolis. Instead, cheapskate that I am, I put it on hold at our wonderful library when I got home. In less than three days, it arrived. Karen and I watched it last night (she could not remember ever having seen it).
Still brilliant, and, now that Dustin Hoffman is an old guy, it's breath-taking to see him as a VERY young guy (I could say more here, but no spoilers). Suffice it to say that Chief Dan George's final speech in the film still retains its amazing magic.
If it's been more than 20 years since you've seen this film, do it soon. Then, think about the arrogance of American Imperial power.
When it's over, I know you'll say "well, it's no 'Little Miss Sunshine'".
'Little Miss Sunshine', by the way, is quite amusing.
As every lover of film knows, these are meaningless. Again and again, superior films either lose to inferior films, or are totally ignored. Superior directors (like Scorsese) or superior actors (Peter O'Toole) are, over the years, unrecognized for their brilliant films, and, finally, given a sympathy award, late in their careers, for a film that may be good, but not great.
Last week, while stranded in the Minneapolis airport for 3 unexpected hours, I wandered around, looking for diversions. At the CD/DVD stand, they had the usual current hits, plus a rack of '2 for $20' DVDs. Surely, I thought to myself, I could find something cheap, to play on my laptop while waiting for my plane to Portland to board.
Scanning the titles, there was NOTHING I was remotely interested in. I went back to the non-discounted DVD rack, and, amid dozens of labels, there was only one that I felt would be excellent to buy and watch.
'Little Big Man', for $15.
Back in the early 70's, I took a class in college, that forever shaped my attitudes and appreciation for film. We viewed a series of amazing films - without it, I never would have seen classics like 'The Scarlet Empress' or 'The Fallen Idol'. But, it was 'Little Big Man' that totally blew me away. In the decades since, I bet I've seen it twice, and found that its humor, tragedy, wisdom, and astonishing cinematography hold up beautifully.
I didn't buy it in Minneapolis. Instead, cheapskate that I am, I put it on hold at our wonderful library when I got home. In less than three days, it arrived. Karen and I watched it last night (she could not remember ever having seen it).
Still brilliant, and, now that Dustin Hoffman is an old guy, it's breath-taking to see him as a VERY young guy (I could say more here, but no spoilers). Suffice it to say that Chief Dan George's final speech in the film still retains its amazing magic.
If it's been more than 20 years since you've seen this film, do it soon. Then, think about the arrogance of American Imperial power.
When it's over, I know you'll say "well, it's no 'Little Miss Sunshine'".
'Little Miss Sunshine', by the way, is quite amusing.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
an encouraging word
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.
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.
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.
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