2016
Descending
1-12-16
Position: Unopposed
An earmark you can live with.
*January 12, 2016 marks the final post on TTT/Dontcallus.
Might want to consider a bigger couch.
As with all my family-hugs.
A. K
B. 0/t = 8 x 2
January 14
One of the most, if not the most personal story about my father I could tell.
The meanest angriest most hateful I ever saw my father was at his Air Force Retirement party.
He retired at Ellsworth AFB as Maintenance Chief after twenty-three years. I was at the hanger
for the occasion, the entire day he was fine, with plenty of plans for the future and the surety of
a full pension in his mid-forties. But when he walked into that party-an anger came over him that
could only be defined as 'making the Third Reich look angelic'. His mood cast a pall over the
room and probably the entire base. No-one came near him. His anger was to the point of trembling.
Various well-wishers, friends, co-workers wished him well - and left the room. I took advantage
of the situation to help myself to an extra helping of the retirement cake, and was promptly
chided and scolded. His anger didn't unnerve me, although I did not understand why he was
angry at the time, it wasn't directed at me.
Later, I realized what took place. What had made him so angry was not what took place that day.
It started twenty-three years earlier, when he signed up, and was promised PEACE for his efforts.
I see Lindsey Graham, I've no sympathy for him. I think he would do
better to make war on the State Department. I'll be having an extra helping of cake.
1-13
Learning curve.
A second site has been created to retain the archives and enable ease
of function for this site. A weekly transfer of data is expected.
1-21 Multi-tasking as an understatement.
1-21
After my youngest daughter was born two years later, I spent a year researching the history and life
of Mr. John D. Rockefeller. I wanted to know many things, how he got so wealthy, what kind of
philanthropist he was, his life, his family, his business.
In conclusion, a year later the answers I sought were found a mere two hundred miles south of my
research, in Ludlow Colorado. Again, if you are not familiar with the story, let me enlighten you.
That was Rockefeller's Camp. His managers had sought government help with striking miners.
Manager:
...Managers discourage creativity, imagination, non-linear thinking, individualism,
and speaking out - an insubordinate act by where problems are identified...
...Management is a tertiary skill, not a value...
...The manager mistrusts public debate, abhors any admission of guilt...
...Managers represent an important cost to society while producing nothing..
'unattributed'
Idealist:
Failed managers posing as leaders.
~William M. Moseley
see also:
January 22
The Pit and the Pendulum
The World Court of High Opinion
Case of
Fact v. Fiction
Party of the first part alleges that the party of second
part has engaged in fictitious speculation. Wherein
facts are established to support an epistemological
foundation for a continuing interest of importance.
* This post has been given an Adults Only rating.
It is not recommended for viewing or comment
by small immature children and yellow journalists.
1-22/23
The Governor of New Jersey remarked during his emergency
press conference that the Salt Stockpile was at 100% - 228 tons.
He also said 'he thought that a lot'.
I converted that from short tons to metric tonnes. 206.838121;
beyond that any further comment would require a charge similar
to something on the order of charging by the mile.
after 9p.m. 1/22
Delaware
Maryland
Virginia
1-23
Rockefeller, a notorious miser.
'We are the first nation in the history of the world to go
to the poorhouse in an automobile'.
~Will Rogers during the great depression
1-26
Great Moments in Revisionist His-story
or
Games People Don't Play
or
Brain Drain
It is a privilege to be the first to pan the coming onslaught (sic) of Celebrity Apps. Along with
Schwarzenegger's App 'Mobile Strike', comes Donald Rumsfeld's 'Churchill Solitaire'.
I can't think of any resume more contentious than Rumsfeld's. Starting with Nixon and
concluding with Shrub; he is - I think, the most likely suspect for War Crimes. So bad was
Rumsfeld's abilities that Shrub the Elder openly criticized him in his book.
Beyond that, Rumsfeld has long shown a predilection for revisionist his-story. The simplest
dismissal of Churchill as a War Hero is the recollection that London was being bombed to
the point of non-existence by the Third Reich when - Churchill succumbed to multiple
allied pressures and began negotiations with Stalin. Without Stalin the outcome would have
been the same, but with a much longer war and far many more casualties. At best, Churchill
can only be credited with impeding the negotiations with the Soviet Union.
So, which one is Chamberlain?
One of my most favored jokes about the Far-Right Wing and their
oblivious posture and fanatical idealism.
Neville Chamberlain, then Prime Minister of Great Britain - led the march
to war against Hitler and the Third Reich. Not Churchill. He can be credited
with the rise against Hitler. Churchill only won by succumbing to Stalin.
At best, I would credit Rumsfeld with working for Nixon, Ford, both Shrubs,
and of course, Guantanamo Bay.
Most of all, I think the app industry has run out of creativity.
1-30
Coding
From ancient Egypt to modern day digital coding languages have been given
names, from Hammurabi to CSS.
What is the name of the code that implies Journalists should accord Liars Scoundrels and Thieves (and politicians) the sense of dignity?
2-1
Someone is smokin the good shit.
That is not too surprising...
CNBC has lots of information on this subject.
Memo # 751
Although the FAA formally outlawed Sonic Overflight here in the U.S. 27 April 1973, many municipalities and States had already done so.
I remember waking from my naps as an infant to broken windows, and replacing them was a part of life in Tucson prior to about 1966. No surer way for a cowboy to arouse
the ire of his flight crew than to be told they were spending their hard earned pay on broken windows. That bit of information made for much more detailed pre-flight inspections, and quieter debriefings. The distance between the Officers club and the Enlisted facilities were mutually agreed upon -No Mans Land-.
See also: Laurel Maryland
Outside joke.
Trump Card. (from my personal collection)
2-3
Recess
This has turned out to be one of my all-time favorite videos. It is informative as well
as humorous; although that is not what captivated my thoughts. I reflected on my
own ventures into the schoolyard, not just as a child, as an adult also. All to often
sidetracked with the necessities of an early emancipation (15), my formal education
has endured countless postponements. I found that the schoolyard was not what
affected my psyche the most...Eternally Irish, I suppose.
Chemistry was uninteresting, and the most pronounced of all my recollections was the
oddity that-the study of Quantum Mechanics and the mathematical rhythm gave me
the giggles. It was so ordinated and simplistic I was delighted. The equivalent of
being the most popular kid in the schoolyard and having everything you ever wanted.
I doubt that any Irish kid has had that anywhere or anytime.
current archive
2-5
China is one of the least corrupt nations on earth, and in human history.
Their government will never need my help, they deserve my friendship.
From 2014...
Good news and bad news....
First, the bad news.... There is a very unpleasant conversation...
The good news, the subjects are not math, science, or English.
2-8
Signs of intelligent life forms...
'Fight Club' held the distinction as being the worst book I ever attempted to read for fourteen years, until I attempted to
read Adobe's book on their software.
The point being...they make software for computers, and explain it so poorly that humanity is unable to interact with either the software or the computer. The result... a truncated interaction that will last a couple generations... a generation that will spend more time making selfies than pursuing an online degree with their smartphone... a stifling of creativity... an impingement upon unbridled self-improvement... as smart as the computer industry believes themselves to be - you would think they could properly explain their software... and in Apple's case, their hardware...
If humanity is looking for higher intelligence... Should they use their smart phone to Phone ET ?
Possibly, modern computing may be looking elsewhere for intelligent life...
2-11
If it wasn't sub-freezing weather, I could locate and count all the crickets... Not complaining.
2-12
2-16
Polly want a cracker?
2-18
2-19
Just the facts... As bad as it is that yellow journalism lies in wait to attack the government at any opportunity, it is far worse when the media lies in wait to attack and STALK private citizens. Combine that with various government agencies and politicians that would take advantage of that, or be complicit, and in certain instances -participate-.
I did not see where either the Justice Department or the FBI issued a statement or a photo this week...
If the government condones participates or is complicit in that type of behavior, THEIR position would be well served to explain to the media the possible consequences of their behavior. Including Justified Homicide, in defense of personal liberty.
I support the Justice Department decision on Apple. I do not support their lethargic efforts to protect personal liberty.
Arguments are more likely to have a constructive outcome in a Constitutionally supported system, and less likely when the system is abused by any of the parties.
2-24-16
The People's Republic of IPhone
I viewed the Charlie Rose/Bill Gates interview. I will save the Computer Intelligence issue for the rework of Dontcallus.
On the Apple issue. Sir Gates is correct, and more informative than all the networks combined. Apple has deferred the argument to a higher court, where Apple's argument will be fully dismissed. Here is why.
Apple is not a private entity, but a public one. They have no right to privacy - as long as they engage in a public business. If - Apple wants to remove the product from public distribution -then- they have a right to privacy.
(the toaster argument)
No business worldwide enjoys complete privacy on the open market and no exception should be made for Apple.
Further, Apple has no legal or moral obligation to provide encryption or sensitive information.
They do so voluntary. In doing so, they can have no claim to an exemption from ordinary inspection. (toaster argument)
If Apple wants to stop selling overpriced phones and sell encrypted devices
A. They would be held liable for loss of data. (They escape this burden with the phone)
B. The devices would still fall under public inspection.
It is a primary function of Government, and a Constitutional requirement - to provide security to their citizens.
Henceforth ~ The Peoples Republic of IPhone :)
2-25
I spent the entire day searching for my Japanese-Kanji/Ebonics translator.
Ask Bill Murray, but I think it's lost in translation. This is about right.
2-24-16
The People's Republic of IPhone
I viewed the Charlie Rose/Bill Gates interview. I will save the Computer Intelligence issue for the rework of Dontcallus.
On the Apple issue. Sir Gates is correct, and more informative than all the networks combined. Apple has deferred the argument to a higher court, where Apple's argument will be fully dismissed. Here is why.
Apple is not a private entity, but a public one. They have no right to privacy - as long as they engage in a public business. If - Apple wants to remove the product from public distribution -then- they have a right to privacy.
(the toaster argument)
No business worldwide enjoys complete privacy on the open market and no exception should be made for Apple.
Further, Apple has no legal or moral obligation to provide encryption or sensitive information.
They do so voluntary. In doing so, they can have no claim to an exemption from ordinary inspection. (toaster argument)
If Apple wants to stop selling overpriced phones and sell encrypted devices
A. They would be held liable for loss of data. (They escape this burden with the phone)
B. The devices would still fall under public inspection.
It is a primary function of Government, and a Constitutional requirement - to provide security to their citizens.
Henceforth ~ The Peoples Republic of IPhone :)
3-03
Available in Rust (Burnt Sienna)
3-7
The lethargy of winter has been cast into the abyss of cold and hunger and
rotted leaves from whence it came. The roar of spring brings the frolic of youth
to which my age and wisdom assures me that I am not entitled.
My attentions redivided - yet never diminished. My schedule tossed askew,
to be formed and matured as the buds of leaves upon a mighty elm.
In Ebonics: Hollaback
3-9
3-10
Weasel of the Day
I see Charlie Rose slumming. At first I think, surely he can find more
entertaining guests than Lott and Daschle. Then I think that perhaps
Charlie is looking for an intellectual challenge, which makes me
wonder why he chose politicians. Than I realize that his show is up
against the Republican Debate and it becomes clear.
Why would you watch one group of Weasels argue when you can watch
another pair of Weasels explain their impotence.
With Charlie to moderate as a bonus. (Sorry Charlie)
The modern art of chasing ratings...but not reason...
Stays in Vegas, Continued...
Pawn stars - indeed.
The press report said the Police obtained a search warrant for Chumlee (of Pawn Stars fame) for a sexual assault. How prophetic...
* Notes on Strunk and White...
If there were to be an argument on the capitalization of weasel (there isn't),
the rules of grammar would indicate that proper nouns are capitalized.
For example: Chumlee is a weasel. Lott is a Weasel.
If one were dress a weasel and send him or her off to Washington D.C. as
a proper representative of ones state, that would represent a proper noun.
8-11
Loathsome to say things, loathsome not to. Any comparison to George Thorogood is compliment enough.
In the history of Guitar, no one plays the slide like this man. No one - ever. He has his own style, his own following and in his genre is unrivaled. I could make this post anytime, but my opinion will never change.
Loathsome - to hold the same discussion held so long ago...Not reading and writing to the best of your ability takes nothing from me...it is - simply put, a waste of talent to not write to your full ability.
I know Denver, I know Bonnie Brae, not because of you, because of me. Of Colorado, your our brightest.
Not so loathsome to say - make a full life, do what you want... You are unrivaled. End of discussion.
3-12
It's you Baby, it's you!
3-18
Grayling's goes ignored, in large part to the lessons of Machiavelli. To have written in either the margins or kept a journal seemed like feeding soup bones to someone who was or should be, feeding through a straw.
Why.
Why not.
Not why.
3-20
Pretty sure where things are going...
See also: Chicago Pile-1
3-22
Ssshhh-Big Secret!
April 2016
3-26
I think I am being pimped, I wonder what the musicians think.
Nice that there's no argument on Weasels...
4-13
Filing is extended to Monday the 18th. d:
From 2014...
Good news and bad news....
First, the bad news.... There is a very unpleasant conversation...
The good news, the subjects are not math, science, or English.
ya know...
4-14
Ginger at KBCO ( a long-time friend I haven't actually met)shared this today, a version I do not remember seeing. Despite the melancholy tune, a worthwhile remembrance. Best.
5-14-16
I've ignored this page for a month. Where are my manners?
7-2
In part - earnest, and in part tongue-in-cheek.
7-07
Washington just had a collision with a Conscious Objection.
...Reorganizing files...from 12-12-15
The archive site will not be immediately updated, waiting for a single upload.
7-5
Found, while reorganizing some files.
7-4
Do you figure Garrison Keillor is out in the cold?
7-15
If they want to spin the news, it doesn't concern me. And they probably have Breitbart's National Security section on speedial.
So they have everything under control, that's why they spin the news, so nobody knows Breitbart is running things.
More hate speech behind the camera than in front of it,
if you ask me...
7-20
Too bad about Mitt Romney's Real Estate License...
7-21
Sí habla.
Wanna guess at Langley's Contractor records?
7-22
Longtime inside/outside joke.
Just say no.
7-24
- The thought of writing first person
on a Saturday night when somewhere
there's a Dairy Queen with my name
on a parfait is unbearable. The DRAMA!
Your Mama
Years in a Cold War Missile Silo left my father a shambles, the alcohol taking it's toll in a vain attempt to balance the stress.
By 1968 my mother had enough. He refused to allow her to work, and the poverty of being an enlisted family could be
no worse than the poverty of a single mother. Divorce was no avant garde fashion, it was nearly hideous. Undaunted,
my mother packed my younger brother Rob and myself into an decrepit '57 Chevy and off we went, leaving my father
with the three bedroom rental he thought she loved. My brother and I only saw this as change of scenery, our family had
been separated by Cold War games for so long we didn't endure our fathers absence, we hardly noticed. Our needs were
met, little change except on holidays, when my father could be relatively assured of a few days leave.
I wasn't old enough to know these next few years would be the most difficult in my Mothers life. Divorced women, job
hunting with or without a formal education in the late 1960's was an invitation to disaster. Fetching coffee was the least
of my mothers worries, and I remember tearful confessions of having to look for a new job, only vaguely aware of the
implied abuse. As the next few years progressed, a series of jobs and a series of disappointments had imposed a new toll.
My mother gained skills, both as a secretary, and as someone needing to polish a resumé. International Business
Machines needed punch card operators and my mother was overjoyed at working for a Fortune 500 company. Until-
she was introduced to the glass ceiling. Then she stopped caring. Stopped building a resumé, caring about her job,
her future, or if she impressed anyone.
Determined to lift herself out of poverty, the glass ceiling left my mother more devastated then the divorce. For nearly
two decades my mother was stymied by the good ol' boy network, social morass, and diminished hopes. Right up to
the day she died, she disregarded wealth and status as something attainable.
To this day, I credit the glass ceiling as the most devastating thing in my mothers life.
7-27
I have never liked Television my entire life and it has always been tightly controlled in our families home, and outright ignored in mine.
As a infant, the only daily television I ever watched was this station during the summers in L.A. at my grandmothers home. I got cartoons
every Saturday and Sunday, but regular Television was a grandparents only privilege. I though Bozo was mystical! d:
7-30
8-1
Found this online. Closest depiction I have been able to find of my Grandparents home in Riverside Cal.,
the size is replicated minus the minarets, and imagine acres of orchards to complete the scene.
8-2
" No fighting in the war room "
undated
8-5
t
My horribly sheltered life.
8-6
A wee bit testy...
Keke Rosberg F1 overtakes from Mattikake on Vimeo.
8-8
Did I mention my disgust with NASA, repeatedly? Yes, I did.
Happy Birthday!
Chicago Housing Authority
8-13
42
8-16
August 22, 2016
The absolute funniest 18 minutes of story-writing of
the entire Twentieth Century, and the most likely outcome.
You'll have to devote eighteen minutes to the second video; it's been a joke with Hal and I since day one.
I spent the last thirty six hours finding out who knew the joke and who didn't. So we doubled the joke.
______________________
8-24
Re: Plan B
I was good with the seven and 1/2 million years, perhaps there was time off for good behaviour. Either way, pucker up boys.
Doing the math here...
8-26-16
Because emulating the Irish is every English Lord's goal.
8-31
9-1
Leslie was severely admonished (not so much) for driving out into and
becoming stranded in last night's storm. When she pulled over for lack
of visibility blocks from home, she noted other drivers accelerating into the storm.
So - she was irresponsible, but not insane.
To my knowledge, Beiber's monkey is still safe in Germany.
late addition... my epitaph...
9-2 with additions
I took a little time this morning to search for a map where the States of Missouri or Arkansas
lie east of the Mississippi. I could not find one, of course. But I believe that the Flat Earth Society
might have one, and will not share it (of course). If anyone has purveyed it's contents, it would have
been good old Umberto. Quite certain it is not on the "Map of The Scale of the Empire on a Ratio of 1:1".
Do share that map if you find it. Happy Holiday.
What I Said
Math, Science and English (excepting rocketry)
Linked: Hal's preemptive apology. Words reflecting mine...
"Some people should just get the hell out of the industry.
We don't need you..."
09-08
Feed your head
9-11
9-13
9-12-2016
9-17
Name: Jeremy Skitt
Sex: Not yet but I'm waiting for the right person.
Desired Position: Reclining. Ha ha. But seriously, whatever's available. If I was in a position to be picky, I wouldn't be applying here in the first place.
Desired Salary: $185, 000 a year plus stock options and a Michael Ovitz style severance package. If that's not possible, make an offer and we can haggle.
Education: Yes.
Last Position help: Target for middle management hostility.
Salary: Less than I'm worth.
Most Notable Achievement: My incredible collection of stolen pens and post-it notes.
Reason For Leaving: It sucked.
Hours Available To Work: Any.
Preferred Hours: 1:30-3:30 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday.
Do You Have Any Special Skills?: Yes, but they're better suited to a more intimate environment.
May We Contact Your Current Employer?: If I had one, would I be here?
Have You Ever Been Convicted Of A Felony?: Is "felony" sex with a cat? Because if it is....no.
Do You Have Any Physical Conditions That Would Prohibit You From Lifting Up To 50lbs?: Of what?
Do You Have A Car?: I think the more appropriate question here would be "do you have a car that runs?"
Have You Received Any Special Awards Or Recognition?: I may already be a winner of the Publishers Clearinghouse Sweepstakes.
Do You Smoke?: Only when set on fire.
What Would You Like To Be Doing In Five Years?: Living in Bimini with a fabulously wealthy supermodel who thinks I'm the greatest thing since sliced bread. Actually, I'd like to be doing that now.
Do You Certify That The Above Is True And Complete To The Best Of Your Knowledge?: No, but I dare you to prove otherwise.
Sign Here: Scorpio with Libra rising.
9-18 ad infinitum
I'll be stopping to smell the roses after the violence has ceased...
9-19
The mother of all compromises...
You want war and you get poverty...
9-24
Translation: We found the hole in the rocket.
This might be the breach from the explosion, maybe not.
We're not sure.
We have data, it tells us nothing.
Therefore, we know nothing.
We blew up the launch pad.
We have other launch pads we will blow up soon.
Static energy is an 'anomaly'.
9-26
Trump Card. (from my personal collection)
Middle of next week. -PROM fb
10-4
Built in 1904, the Cady's owned the Arvada Water Company.
Mary Cady, a lifelong parishioner of Saint Anne's was/is very dear
to me, as is the entire family. There are no words.
I realized, while eating at Jim's Burger Haven, that I would not
own any car that I would not be proud to see sitting in the lot.
Juvenile or adolescent? Maybe. Probably just American.
Across the street, Winchell's. Whom I thought had folded.
So many changes, so crowded.
10-8
This is not the X Games, there is no innocence.
A irrevocable admonishment:
Use of, or demonstration of force against an Asian Government is not tolerated.
The penalty can be, and usually is -death.
I have lost a fellow student from one school to this, and another school completely
banned, disrupted, and severely punished (Dacoscos).
The paradox is that this is a art, a very fine art - to be practiced and never used.
10-10
Well, the muffins are complementary!
May '08
10-11
You can have virtually anything classified...
There's a joke: You can have a fart classified and there will be someone to come
around and sniff and tell.
The reality: Being classified doesn't mean nobody knows about what's been
classified, just that it is out of the public purview.
O'Bama can go to Mars, and he can go to hell. Nobody cares.
10-18
Blond Jokes And The Dreaded First Person
I went to dinner last night, too annoyed to cook. About halfway through dinner I notice this
attractive Blonde dragging her Mormon boyfriend (dressed in white shirt and tie) back to the
table with what looked like change for a hundred to tip a waiter who shouldn't go into acting.
She then literally dragged him in front of me, admiring my slightly rough edge while acting
as he had never worked a full day in his life; which I figure is untrue, he had probably worked
at least one day, it's just that he had probably never broken a sweat. At any rate, he was clueless.
So there I was, avoiding both her-and his gaze, staring at a plate of salad that did
not look any more appetizing than the temperamental Blonde.
It takes a village.
President Jinping tells a story that his village was so poor and
undernourished that they did not have sufficient meat on the
table until he was in his teens.
We cannot live our lives according to the whims of Prime Time
television. (overworked and underpaid Hollywood writers)
Eggroll?
10-20
Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so.
~ Douglas Adams
10-21
Next Era's Wind Farm extends from the Colo/Kansas state line to the foothills.
It is unobtrusive during the day, and you barely notice, located a distance from the interstate.
Nighttime is much different. For whatever reason, they synchronized the hundreds of turbines
to flash red, a constant blinking stretching for miles and miles; a horrid intrusion into a once
peaceful prairie landscape.
I think of it as the world's largest 'red light district'.
10-27
They're holding a fire sale at the Wind Farm. Who knew?
10-31
Aspartame.
10-31
An excerpt-
The TOP500 will convene in Austin...
November 15th through November 20th
too easy...
11-08
Click!
11-11
...It's 3:00 A.M.....
11-13
Do holidays count?
11-14
7-15
If they want to spin the news, it doesn't concern me. And they probably
have Breitbart's National Security section on speed-dial.
So they have everything under control, that's why they spin the news,
so nobody knows Breitbart is running things.
More hate speech behind the camera than in front of it,
if you ask me.....
11-14
So- Bannon: National Security expert / yellow journalist at large was on speed-dial.
Trump's speed-dial.
Quote me:
"No Breitbart Left Behind"
*this is the post where I encounter the script error, so - no link...
11-4
Huge in Texas.
11-17
Oxford's busy.
This leaves me longing for the good old days
of War Profiteering, Bodices, Petticoats, and
gosh, good old yellow journalism.
Perhaps intellectualism isn't dead, it just
doesn't sell rag.
11-18
It is not likely Virgin Galactic...
11-23
Might be something the Pentagon doesn't want to talk about, as if there is such a thing.
Probably not Sputnik.
11-26
Happy Holiday!
Mitigated failure as it unfolds.
On a humorous note, the President-Elect failed to understand - there was the option of having the Mafia there to greet O'bama themselves.
On a politically practicable horizon, Senors Castro were extraordinary aware of the entourage that debarked that plane. A melee looking to happen, no doubt.
While the perception is that Cuba is a backwards inferior society; it is in fact - save for Hemingway's mark, devoid of American, and in particular, the CIA's influence.
"The world marks the passing of a brutal dictator who oppressed his own people for nearly six decades," Trump said in a statement issued hours after Castro's death. "Fidel Castro’s legacy is one of firing squads, theft, unimaginable suffering, poverty and the denial of fundamental human rights."
Donald Trump on Fidel's passing
Revisionist history at it's finest, and illustrative of the President-Elects ignorance
of history and world affairs and diplomacy. Indicative of the low quality
anti-intellectual brutishness that should be expected of the incoming administration, and their increasingly peculiar penchant for yellow journalism.
Inferior as Wikipedia can be, it clearly states Fidel Castro sought to overthrow
the CIA backed Batista regime.
"I believe that there is no country in the world including any and all the countries under colonial domination, where economic colonization, humiliation and exploitation were worse than in Cuba, in part owing to my country's policies during the Batista regime. I approved the proclamation which Fidel Castro made in the Sierra Maestra, when he justifiably called for justice and especially yearned to rid Cuba of corruption. I will even go further: to some extent it is as though Batista was the incarnation of a number of sins on the part of the United States. Now we shall have to pay for those sins. In the matter of the Batista regime, I am in agreement with the first Cuban revolutionaries. That is perfectly clear."
—U.S. President John F. Kennedy, interview with Jean Daniel, 24 October 1963[27]
Several things are obvious here: Trump understands less then Kennedy (that's a scary thought in itself), the staff he hired to make the pretense that Trump knows what he's talking about is not doing their job, and the learning curve just became much steeper; business as usual it is.
Regardless of what Trump and so many spoon-fed Americans believe - the
entire WORLD knows better, and all to well knows the story of Cuba's plight.
This was just the first of many gaffes, and a cemented finish to the political aims
of a yet to be sworn in administration. Appointing someone Autistic to the
Department of State would at least arouse a curiosity that no longer exists.
11-28
Sister Mary Stigmata
11-29
One of the best guitar songs anywhere, first released in 1975, and now re-released on the new album
(available in vinyl) Legacy Live. Happy to see that reunion! Click for the Amazon link.
From Wikipedia
For years it was thought by many that "Green Grass & High Tides" was about marijuana, but according to writer Hughie Thomasson that is not the case at all. He once stated that it is about all his dead rock star favorites like Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Duane Allman and more... coming back and playing a show just for him. The title was taken from a Rolling Stones greatest hits album called "High Tides and Green Grass" released in 1966. Henry Paul once referred to the lyrics as Alice In Wonderland like, while giving praise to Thomasson's creative songwriting.
12-1
* I can laugh at a lot of things, exploding washing machines, text messages, cultures,
and Quantum Mechanics; * Philosophy and Government is not something I laugh at.
12-1
and a **** you to Breitbart
Revisited
A year on to Seattle's $15 Minimum wage law. Burger King and MickyD's are still
schleping 1500 calorie meals, 7-11 is still selling $2 Big Gulps, and no-one fled the economy.
Meanwhile, that generous kind hearted Governor Jerry Brown of California passed a
bill that increased the minimum wage to $15 - in 2020.
Economics by way of (insert adjective).
12-5
NASA Image of the Day
Since I was a child, known colloquially as " North African Van Lines ".
12-9
I was about two or three seconds into Denzel Washington's commercial for the movie, long
before the actual name of the movie is announced on-screen when a smile came across
my face. Fences. August Wilson's short story.
In all fairness, I don't follow Broadway and the theaters. And only a college English teacher
from thirteen years ago read my favorited critique. Most think of critiques as scathing lambastes of someone else work. I suppose that is why that particular essay is favorited.
I thought then-and still do, that August Wilson was one of America's best writers. Not one of the
best African-American writers,because I cannot differentiate color in skilled literacy, one of the best at short stories. With allegories, profanity, real human struggles, believability, hatreds jealousies fears betrayals compassions and forgiveness. Wilson could have done more, been a greater writer; although-at his worst, he was very very good
So rarely do you see any writers use allegories. This particular one was very well placed.
You have to grow up poor. Have to look at the back of a garbage truck. There is says "Maxon".
Troy Maxsom and family. Fences. The things you see from the alleys and streets of Philadelphia
while riding along on the back of a garbage truck 'throwing cans'.
Nearly all of the theatergoers and most of the performers likely don't know the allegory.
It takes a lot to get me into a movie theater. August Wilson is more than a lot.
I still have the essay. I still have the short story. I'll read them both, and critique the movie with a smile.
There's a scenic route and no need to worry about getting tossed overboard. Not much for conversation though.
12-16
Ladies first.
12-19
Trump U > Electoral College
December 20, 2016
Caution: Content may be inappropriate for viewers under voting age, the Arkansas State Police, and Carpetbaggers everywhere.
Having officially dispensed with attempt number two, sources say - Billary are indeed planning a third attempt at losing a national election for the moderate Democrats.
Look for an announcement in January on the platform of righteous indignation, sit-ins, and an overall malaise found only in devotees to Marx and Engels.
* A note of thanks to the Benny Hill show and Boots Randolph's Yackety Sax.
12-22
In disregard to your column today; it struck me yesterday as I wrote that piece on McConnell off-the-cuff, I had never denied myself the ability to
write, scored 90 to 100% all my life in reading and comprehension, never denied anyone a single letter, and yet was denied the opportunity to race, which led to a fifteen year estrangement and a lifetime of disappointment.
In regard to your column today:
I consider that IQ is less than completely relevant to natural abilities.
Janis is a fine example, she is incomparable. Widely acknowledged to have been the best in her field, possibly the best there ever was in her genre; of all her accolades, none were labeled genius.
On Adjustments
I disagreed with Rod Sterling. You should adjust your set. Continuously.
Adjustments are what all organisms make in order to survive. Life is adjustment.
I have observed many Sociopaths in my life, preferably from a distance.
They are never concerned about testifying against themselves.
This was a priori prompt on your behalf by the Spider in concert with the top500. Although, they are always in concert, a survival skill I suppose.
The video may require login-being avant-garde and youtube being derelict.
12-24-16
The Apprentice - Radio Edition
A non-holiday post ;)
It was late 2003 and my college Computer 101 class required I claim a domain and publish it with the long abandoned MSN's front page, and place the domain in Andrew Carnegie's Tripod (Now a part of the Carnegie Library). I was given all of about five minutes to create a domain and submit it.
Similar to the massive data search you see now in the movies with circuits whirring, I came up with
'Don't Call Us'. As satiric as I could possibly conceive in the few minutes. It was only two years removed from Nine Eleven and I knew then the revelations of NSA wiretapping would never deter the crazies in this world. It would change their methods of communication, but not deter them. So I was unconcerned of the political implications. My satiric bent was in the lyrics. Self-evident. A single domain in a college class would not bring me fame.
Wolfman Jack aka Robert Smith
Mr. Robert Smith (not the CIA's famous Mr. Smith, whom I knew and had never been formally introduced [and will forever to my grave regret not having attended the memorial]), but the radio
personality known as Wolfman Jack to a now thoroughly aged populace known as old folks.
Yes Virginia - there was a time when radio was meant to entertain us, enlighten and inform us
on current events and our social responsibility. Not the crap we are force fed now.
The voice of Wolfman Jack is immortalized in the song, and his personality always shone through.
Wolfman Jack and his apprentices;
Soupy Sales, Don Imus, Howard Stern (L to R)
Wolfman Jack never failed to entertain me, never failed to put a smile on my face, never failed to lift my spirits. As for these two - fail with a capital F.
They do not entertain me or make me smile or lift my spirits. I truly despise them.
Credit them only with soiling the memory of Mr. Smith in the most vulgar way.
As DONTCALLUS enters it's fourteenth year, I will reinvent it into a habitat to explain modern computing and humanities relationship with supercomputers.
Life-and the domain marches on, in part to the memory of Mr. Smith.
12-27
non-holiday post ......................
Throughout history, this could be considered as the definition of oxymoron.
The last term has seen a massive resurgence in yellow journalism and dumbing down. Various news agencies, presumably at the behest of people at the CIA, declaring those holding opposing viewpoints should "go to church". As if they ever read the Church Hearing Transcripts.
Political parties and Intelligence Agencies are mutually exclusive. Prohibited from co-mingling.
I can't determine who is the most irresponsible here. News agencies - often sub-contracted to
the CIA, the CIA for failing to police themselves, or a mulatto with suspect heritage and a willingness to engage on a grudge-match with a Super-Power over an issue with no legal, Congressional, or public support.
The very justification used under misguided pretense to pursue the current path
is the impeding justification to it's conclusion.
At best, there is precedence - in Greek Mythology.
At best, this is becoming a very bad knock knock joke.
Acting unilaterally, without congressional support and under a
administrative act will not only result in the act being rescinded in a month, it leaves him vulnerable to international sanction.
Does he expect Hillary to bail him out?
12-30
The best non-fiction is always redacted.
In writing my mothers obituary, I used the compound verb - voracious reader. By seventh grade I was reading a book a day at least. I was always known to have already read the curriculum textbooks, always having a handful of books, always in the library. Like my mother, I read not just books, but everything I found of value, basically-the entire relevant library. This led the less literate male students to believe that because I did not try to compensate my non-existent illiteracy with athletic activities, that perhaps I was lacking in athleticism. The premise was ignored through the fall and winter into the spring. Finally, a particularly vocal student whom had been reassured by his peers that with no prospective repercussion, decided that he really wanted my attentions and taunted me relentlessly.
I was a quite focused junior high student. I studied five days a week, and spent sunup to sundown on the weekends riding and racing my dirt-bike. It was not a secret, I was physically fit as anyone in school, it just wasn't noticed in the library. It wasn't wasted in the schoolyard either.
The taunting had worn thin by spring and one morning between classes I less than politely informed this particular student (nameless, because if you remind my friends of his name they will recall the incident)
that he should impress me with his athleticism in the alley after school. There, I told him, he would have my full attentions.
The colloquial term at the time was 'nailed'. One of us, as we were physically similar, was going to get nailed. Everybody had something to say, none of what was said was intended to intervene. A couple of my closest friends expressed doubt of my actions, and warned me of consequences. I reminded them that this was after school, and the school district had no legitimate interest in what took place off school grounds. I would not make the classic schoolyard mistake and invite supervision. This was not the reassurance my friends sought, and as they accompanied me down the alleys after school, attempted to quiz me on my actions. My response was that someone needed to hold my schoolbooks, regardless of the lack of male decorum in that act.
Such a crowd had gathered that I could not make my way to the center of the crowd. From one fence to the other was a wall of students. There I stood, at the edge of the crowd, most of them a grade ahead and a few inches taller, mistified at pushing my way through a rowdy group of eight graders to discuss my reading habits with a seventh grader. After a full minute, and what seemed like an eternity, I asked the eight graders ' who's fighting? '. This was taken as a sign a fear, and I was less than politely informed that it was I, like it or not, that was going to get 'nailed'. The discussion ensued, and it became generally agreed that the eight graders should step aside so a seventh grader could measure my reading habits, and make a full assessment of my visually non-existent athleticism.
I never saw this particular student as someone the student body held in high esteem. His first instinct was always to engage his mouth without his first engaging his brain. That never stopped him from finding others like him, and it never endeared him to anyone. So I anticipated him opening his mouth before closing his fists. He never-ever finished that sentence.
A hour later my mother was answering the phone non-stop. The school, parents, neighbors, friends, everyone was calling. They thought the boy should be admitted to the hospital (the other boy).
I shrugged it off. It was off school property I told my mother, and as this was precedent, everyone was totally dumbfounded.
I generally got first pick in my classes and at the end of the school year, when eight grade classes were decided, a general effort was made to see that his curriculum did not coincide with mine. I never ever saw him in the library again.
I am not a schoolchild anymore. While the schoolchild trait of engaging your mouth without first engaging your brain exists in all too many adults, the experience has never been forgotten; not just by myself, but it has never been forgotten by my family and friends.