90-Year-Old With Cancer Says No To Chemo And Yes To Travel - http://huff.to/1QHlXdY
posted from Bloggeroid
How to tell a story
Monday, February 29, 2016
Admirable journey
'This is my country': Muslim candidate aims to break boundaries in Minnesota
http://gu.com/p/4h4a4?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
http://gu.com/p/4h4a4?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
Sunday, February 28, 2016
Irony of art
Housing bubble movie ‘The Big Short’ entertains us as greedy banks edge closer to creating a new one: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheRawStory/~3/fSQk2vyYb6s/
Toughest job
Virginia policewoman shot dead on first shift - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-35681240
posted from Bloggeroid
Plot thickens
Vice Chair Of DNC Resigns To Support Bernie Sanders http://www.opb.org/news/article/npr-vice-chair-of-dnc-resigns-to-support-bernie-sanders/
posted from Bloggeroid
Overwhelmed
So much prep before we can put this house on the market ... but a year or two to do it. But H has to help, which hasn't happened yet.
Consequences
I thought you might like this story from The Washington Post.
California’s drive to save water is killing trees, hurting utilities and raising taxes
http://wapo.st/1QmT7k2
California’s drive to save water is killing trees, hurting utilities and raising taxes
http://wapo.st/1QmT7k2
Saturday, February 27, 2016
Landslide
Hillary Clinton Wins A Resounding Victory In South Carolina - http://huff.to/1QE4gMm
Clinton got higher % of SC black voters than Obama did! If this mirrors national voting, Sanders is in deep doodoo.
Clinton got higher % of SC black voters than Obama did! If this mirrors national voting, Sanders is in deep doodoo.
posted from Bloggeroid
U Conn W
Scored only 6 in first Q, shooting under 10%, down double digits for first time this season. Then defense turned it up, amazing sequence of 3 steals/scores in a row ... final 80-40. Incredible team.
Zzzzzz
Emissions Could Make Earth Uninhabitable: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Truthdig/~3/c1LXl-e-fFQ/
And worse ...
Iowa H.S. Students Chant 'Trump' After Loss To Racially Diverse Basketball Team: http://crooksandliars.com/2016/02/iowa-hs-students-chant-trump-after-loss
Daily Life
my mental health depends
on thinking as little as possible
analysis only reveals
considerable horror to come
our bickering leaders are
impotent to address it
handing the rest of us
a miserable waiting game
which I'd rather not think about
on thinking as little as possible
analysis only reveals
considerable horror to come
our bickering leaders are
impotent to address it
handing the rest of us
a miserable waiting game
which I'd rather not think about
Emotion trumps reason
The most depressing discovery about the brain, ever: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheRawStory/~3/TBu57pMNbb8/
Friday, February 26, 2016
Ups and downs
I thought you might like this story from The Washington Post.
The best African American figure skater in history is now bankrupt and living in a trailer
http://wapo.st/1pcarBn
The best African American figure skater in history is now bankrupt and living in a trailer
http://wapo.st/1pcarBn
posted from Bloggeroid
Hopeful news
Monarch butterfly migration to Mexico jumps after years of decline
http://gu.com/p/4h577?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
http://gu.com/p/4h577?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
Who can blame her?
I thought you might like this story from The Washington Post.
SMU women’s coach says kids these days drove her into retirement
http://wapo.st/1LK5yUY
SMU women’s coach says kids these days drove her into retirement
http://wapo.st/1LK5yUY
Perspective
I thought you might like this story from The Washington Post.
Strong African American support for Clinton emerging as decisive factor
http://wapo.st/1KPeTQv
We shall see.
Strong African American support for Clinton emerging as decisive factor
http://wapo.st/1KPeTQv
We shall see.
Running on empty
Low energy. Struggling to finish what feels like my last book. I've said that before. One day it will be true.
Thursday, February 25, 2016
International film
Meryl Streep: Setting the Record Straight from Berlin - http://huff.to/1XOGOSv
posted from Bloggeroid
Batter up!
I am REALLY ready for baseball audio, very old school. Daily after Sunday!
posted from Bloggeroid
Old age
One of those days when everything that moves hurts. But no space age replacement parts for me! I resist becoming a bionic man.
Sun. Assess the lawn later.
Sun. Assess the lawn later.
Perspective
This racist backlash against refugees is the real crisis in Europe
http://gu.com/p/4h36f?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
http://gu.com/p/4h36f?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
Freedom
I am a citizen of the world,
which means I'm powerless
except for whatever I hold
privately close to my vest:
my thoughts, attitudes, values.
Given all this, freedom
amounts to wiggle room,
existing under the radar,
disappearing from authority,
minding my own business.
Traps are everywhere, usually
called a Sale or Free Sample
to feed the insatable appetite
of our consumer culture,
measuring souls in dollars.
If you buy, you die.
Amen.
which means I'm powerless
except for whatever I hold
privately close to my vest:
my thoughts, attitudes, values.
Given all this, freedom
amounts to wiggle room,
existing under the radar,
disappearing from authority,
minding my own business.
Traps are everywhere, usually
called a Sale or Free Sample
to feed the insatable appetite
of our consumer culture,
measuring souls in dollars.
If you buy, you die.
Amen.
Here we go ...
I thought you might like this story from The Washington Post.
Secret police? Virginia considers bill to withhold all officers’ names
http://wapo.st/1LGSsYD
Secret police? Virginia considers bill to withhold all officers’ names
http://wapo.st/1LGSsYD
Fool's errand
As a kind of last hurrah, I sent a dozen artistic directors in town a copy of my short memoir about hyperdrama. In the days of civility, a thank you note would have followed, even if it was deep sixed. Not a peep.
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
Experimental bread
When I began baking bread, I tried all variety of flours. Now I have two as staples: buttermilk and cracked rye. Now and again I do olive or whole wheat.
Tonight I baked something different: olive, caper, sun dried tomato. Haven't tasted it yet.
Tonight I baked something different: olive, caper, sun dried tomato. Haven't tasted it yet.
Can't get worse? Ha!
Poll Shows Almost 20 Percent of Trump Supporters Disapprove of Lincoln Freeing the Slaves: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Truthdig/~3/jqosr1JW_4s/
posted from Bloggeroid
Making it official
TS gave me an ISBN number for the book edition of my 3 new plays at Round Bend Press. Summer or fall, no rush but lots of grunt work. Security blanket.
posted from Bloggeroid
OJ miniseries
Outstanding! New episode every Wed. I read Toobin's book on which it is based. Extraordinary story about race in America. Terrific cast, great script.
posted from Bloggeroid
Greatly exaggerated!
Oregon Is Living The Political Revolution Bernie Sanders Is Fighting For - http://huff.to/1T7bMX2
Perspective
Chomsky: Trump’s Rise Is Due to the ‘Breakdown of Society’: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Truthdig/~3/PTTm3ipAr9s/
The armed university
Texas academics told to avoid 'sensitive topics' if gun law goes into effect
http://gu.com/p/4h35p?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
http://gu.com/p/4h35p?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
Against the boycott
Jamie Foxx: black stars – including Will Smith – need to #actbetter to win Oscars
http://gu.com/p/4h2g7?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
http://gu.com/p/4h2g7?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
End Times
personal good fortune
baffles me as much
as worldly horror
you can't explain it
it just happens
and always happened
under the circumstances
the best I can do
is avoid wrong doing
is cherish friends
and manufacture moments
of laughter and joy
a riff by Mulligan
trumps a suicide bomber
if you know how to listen
baffles me as much
as worldly horror
you can't explain it
it just happens
and always happened
under the circumstances
the best I can do
is avoid wrong doing
is cherish friends
and manufacture moments
of laughter and joy
a riff by Mulligan
trumps a suicide bomber
if you know how to listen
Uphill battle
'Wake Up, South Carolina!' Endorsing Sanders, Spike Lee Slams Rigged System: http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/02/23/wake-south-carolina-endorsing-sanders-spike-lee-slams-rigged-system
Sign of the times
Donald Trump Lauds The 'Poorly Educated' In Nevada Victory Speech: http://crooksandliars.com/2016/02/donald-trump-lauds-poorly-educated-nevada
Political revolution
Clearly it's happening - headed by Trump! Sad but true. The numbers speak for themselves.
Once again, progressives get "the people" wrong. Historically we're very good at that. Sanders wears idealistic blinders. Folks aren't as smart as he dreams.
May you live in interesting times.
Once again, progressives get "the people" wrong. Historically we're very good at that. Sanders wears idealistic blinders. Folks aren't as smart as he dreams.
May you live in interesting times.
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
Important step
Meet the 24-year-old who could change how the US handles sexual assaults
http://gu.com/p/4hx38?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
Just watched THE HUNTING GROUND, doc about sexual assault on campus. University corruption is appalling on this issue, esp when jocks are involved. Brave victims carrying the load for change, as here.
http://gu.com/p/4hx38?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
Just watched THE HUNTING GROUND, doc about sexual assault on campus. University corruption is appalling on this issue, esp when jocks are involved. Brave victims carrying the load for change, as here.
Life in America
From The Chronicle:
Marie Hatch, who has cancer, was served with a 60-day notice this month to vacate the Craftsman cottage she has lived in for 66 years. In 1950, Hatch was given a verbal agreement, which was passed down through generations of owner ship, that she could live in the cottage for the rest of her life.
Marie Hatch, who has cancer, was served with a 60-day notice this month to vacate the Craftsman cottage she has lived in for 66 years. In 1950, Hatch was given a verbal agreement, which was passed down through generations of owner ship, that she could live in the cottage for the rest of her life.
Monday, February 22, 2016
Hey, Ducks in the Post!
I thought you might like this story from The Washington Post.
The Oregon Ducks may be the nation’s quietest Final Four contender
http://wapo.st/1oDPL5k
The Oregon Ducks may be the nation’s quietest Final Four contender
http://wapo.st/1oDPL5k
posted from Bloggeroid
Adventures in home improvement
Two kitchen track lights burned out. Never replaced these before, looked tricky, but how to video on YouTube looked easy - with the right tools. Don't have, and so couldn't budge lens clip. An idea! H's work bench for art projects, a large pile of clutter - where I found needle nose pliers and got bulb out. At store, learned how expensive they are, could only afford one today. Replaced, works but can't get lens clip back on. Not sure it makes a difference.
R.I.P. Duncan Carter
Head of Eng Dept at PSU who hired. me; great fan of hyperdrama; long bout with cancer but amazingly active to the end.
Sanders
My take:
1. If elected as Dem, impotent one term Pres.
2. If Hillary is candidate and he supports her, most likely scenario, same old story.
3. If Hillary is candidate and he runs as independent, elected honorary Republican for helping them so much.
4. If H, and he urges supporters to go Green, supporting Stein, he can stir the pot and begin a political revolution to change the corrupt two party system. ThIs could be a major step.
The energy is there! But it must be focused in a revolutionary way. THE MEDIUM IS THE MESSAGE.
1. If elected as Dem, impotent one term Pres.
2. If Hillary is candidate and he supports her, most likely scenario, same old story.
3. If Hillary is candidate and he runs as independent, elected honorary Republican for helping them so much.
4. If H, and he urges supporters to go Green, supporting Stein, he can stir the pot and begin a political revolution to change the corrupt two party system. ThIs could be a major step.
The energy is there! But it must be focused in a revolutionary way. THE MEDIUM IS THE MESSAGE.
Old age!
I forgot to brew my coffee last night. Can't believe it. No iced coffee ... get dressed and go out, I guess. Damn.
It ain't over
After Nevada, Bernie Sanders Supporters Haven't Lost Faith - http://huff.to/1QaEkw1
If he moved to the Greens, he could really stir the pot. But he won't. He's a politician. Another unintended con job, just as Hedges points out.
If he moved to the Greens, he could really stir the pot. But he won't. He's a politician. Another unintended con job, just as Hedges points out.
Perspective
I thought you might like this story from The Washington Post.
If only Hunter S. Thompson could have lived to take on this election
http://wapo.st/1RTtHPr
If only Hunter S. Thompson could have lived to take on this election
http://wapo.st/1RTtHPr
When civilizations end
I thought you might like this story from The Washington Post.
In shards of glass, a new sign of how the enigmatic Easter Islanders met their demise
http://wapo.st/1QablIK
In shards of glass, a new sign of how the enigmatic Easter Islanders met their demise
http://wapo.st/1QablIK
Sunday, February 21, 2016
Political revolution
Here's the long shot how Sanders could make it happen.
1. Clinton gets nomination.
2. Sanders convinces his supporters to bolt to Greens, already on ballot. Many do, enough to contest election. The two party system is destroyed.
And there's your political revolution.
1. Clinton gets nomination.
2. Sanders convinces his supporters to bolt to Greens, already on ballot. Many do, enough to contest election. The two party system is destroyed.
And there's your political revolution.
posted from Bloggeroid
Hedges for Stein
Why I Support Dr. Jill Stein for President: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Truthdig/~3/IPli6v-QL1E/
I think he's right. But no way she has a shot, though I might vote for her myself.
Her best shot would be for Sanders to send his supporters to her after Hillary gets the nomination. But he will be grinning on stage, holding Clinton's hand. That's life.
"O say can you see ...?"
I think he's right. But no way she has a shot, though I might vote for her myself.
Her best shot would be for Sanders to send his supporters to her after Hillary gets the nomination. But he will be grinning on stage, holding Clinton's hand. That's life.
"O say can you see ...?"
posted from Bloggeroid
Dumb shits
Civil Rights Legend Says Sanders Supporters Yelled 'English Only' At Her - http://huff.to/1XEDppl
Scenario for change
Imagine Bernie Sanders wins the White House. Then what?: http://feeds.dailykos.com/~r/dailykos/index/~3/Luk42yRHmGk/-Imagine-Bernie-Sanders-wins-the-White-House-Then-what
Same scenario used in my six day wonder play! Astounding! But it doesn't work in my play. Because the play is realistic and therefore dark in this regard.
So I consider Sanders naive and absurdly optimistic. Not all young people are progressive, maybe not even most. Sanders is more hopeless than I thought, if that's really his plan. Get real, man!
Same scenario used in my six day wonder play! Astounding! But it doesn't work in my play. Because the play is realistic and therefore dark in this regard.
So I consider Sanders naive and absurdly optimistic. Not all young people are progressive, maybe not even most. Sanders is more hopeless than I thought, if that's really his plan. Get real, man!
Demographics
In Nevada, young voters overwhelmingly went for Sanders. Blacks overwhelmingly for Clinton. They split on Latinos. But C won the unions, the women and the poor.
If this holds, plus C's astronomical superdelegate advantage, no way Sanders can win. Will he cave or split? I predict cave. Holding hands and smiling on the podium with Hillary. It's called American politics.
Something to look forward to: a debate between Trump and Clinton should be surreal!
If this holds, plus C's astronomical superdelegate advantage, no way Sanders can win. Will he cave or split? I predict cave. Holding hands and smiling on the podium with Hillary. It's called American politics.
Something to look forward to: a debate between Trump and Clinton should be surreal!
Saturday, February 20, 2016
Losing brain power
I thought you might like this story from The Washington Post.
Americans can study in Germany for free, in English. An increasing number are doing it.
http://wapo.st/1oudm87
Americans can study in Germany for free, in English. An increasing number are doing it.
http://wapo.st/1oudm87
posted from Bloggeroid
Perspective
Why Reading Mark Twain Is The Key To Understanding Donald Trump - http://huff.to/1Q4djub
Spin city, or consider the source
Politics brings out the worst in everyone.
The establishment press bashes Sanders, the progressive press bashes Clinton. Sickening and getting worse.
I remember the old woman who told me why she quit voting: "I don't want to encourage them."
The establishment press bashes Sanders, the progressive press bashes Clinton. Sickening and getting worse.
I remember the old woman who told me why she quit voting: "I don't want to encourage them."
Same o politics
The Fight Between Bernie Sanders And Hillary Clinton Is Officially Super Ugly - http://huff.to/1XC97U4
Fighting the establishment
From The Chronicle, regarding Sanders' uphill battle:
"After the contests in Iowa and New Hampshire, Sanders has a small 36-32 lead among delegates won in primaries and caucuses. But when superdelegates are included, Clinton leads 483-55, including two new superdelegate endorsements she picked up on Friday, according to the AP count. It's essentially a parallel election that underscores Clinton's lopsided support from the Democratic establishment."
##
Sounds rigged and makes primaries a little irrelevant.
"After the contests in Iowa and New Hampshire, Sanders has a small 36-32 lead among delegates won in primaries and caucuses. But when superdelegates are included, Clinton leads 483-55, including two new superdelegate endorsements she picked up on Friday, according to the AP count. It's essentially a parallel election that underscores Clinton's lopsided support from the Democratic establishment."
##
Sounds rigged and makes primaries a little irrelevant.
Friday, February 19, 2016
R.I.P.
Italian author and philosopher Umberto Eco dies at 84: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheRawStory/~3/RAFjeJW7Unc/
Peace
I'm at peace with myself, which hasn't been true until recently. I spent time fretting about my career, in particular devoting so much energy to such an esoteric, avant-garde form as hyperdrama. Should I have remained "a traditional playwright"?
Then I learned my one act hyperdrama is in the canon of first generation hypertext, that there are faculty who respect my work at many universities in the UK, Europe, Scandanavia, South America. I didn't waste time on hyperdrama at all. I'm an esoteric, elitist kind of guy, I deserve an esoteric, elitist reputation.
At peace, I return to traditional drama with 3 new plays and nothing to prove. I am marketing them, and what happens, happens. Round Bend Press will publish them. I'd love to see one done here, for old time's sake before I pass. What happens, happens.
Peace rocks.
Then I learned my one act hyperdrama is in the canon of first generation hypertext, that there are faculty who respect my work at many universities in the UK, Europe, Scandanavia, South America. I didn't waste time on hyperdrama at all. I'm an esoteric, elitist kind of guy, I deserve an esoteric, elitist reputation.
At peace, I return to traditional drama with 3 new plays and nothing to prove. I am marketing them, and what happens, happens. Round Bend Press will publish them. I'd love to see one done here, for old time's sake before I pass. What happens, happens.
Peace rocks.
Giggling fit
I finished the taxes ... and when I told H, she said she'd better check them. And that got me started.
She always did the taxes before her heart attack. I hate doing it and she's better at it. Now she can't and I must by default.
This trick of the gods came to mind by her habitual remark. I reminded her why I was doing them in the first place.
She always did the taxes before her heart attack. I hate doing it and she's better at it. Now she can't and I must by default.
This trick of the gods came to mind by her habitual remark. I reminded her why I was doing them in the first place.
posted from Bloggeroid
R.I.P.
I thought you might like this story from The Washington Post.
Harper Lee, elusive author of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird,’ dies at 89
http://wapo.st/1Q5CQ6c
Harper Lee, elusive author of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird,’ dies at 89
http://wapo.st/1Q5CQ6c
posted from Bloggeroid
Take it easy
The pattern: H gets sick, I pick it up much worse. Feeling the start now. If I can finish taxes first ...
2016!
Texas A&M rife with tension after another incident of campus racism
http://gu.com/p/4gpjq?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
http://gu.com/p/4gpjq?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
posted from Bloggeroid
Getting ready for an exodus
Canadian Island Welcomes American Refugees Fleeing Trump - http://huff.to/1Q2Y8S5
posted from Bloggeroid
Press trash
The progressive press is trashing Clinton, the establishment press is trashing Sanders. A sorry sight. Thank the gods for the BBC.
posted from Bloggeroid
No fan of Sanders
I thought you might like this story from The Washington Post.
Bernie Sanders’s outlandish plans make Republicans look serious
http://wapo.st/2127kx3
Conventions will be ugly, with party establishments fearing Sanders and Trump. I only fear Cruz. If blacks and Latinos rally behind Clinton, she might pull it out. I don't fear Clinton - in fact, I think she could rise in office as the first woman president. A longshot. I'd vote for Sanders if Warren was his VP but he strikes me more and more as an impractical dreamer. If the convention is brokered, it might be Biden.
I may not vote at all. Unless I vote against Cruz.
Bernie Sanders’s outlandish plans make Republicans look serious
http://wapo.st/2127kx3
Conventions will be ugly, with party establishments fearing Sanders and Trump. I only fear Cruz. If blacks and Latinos rally behind Clinton, she might pull it out. I don't fear Clinton - in fact, I think she could rise in office as the first woman president. A longshot. I'd vote for Sanders if Warren was his VP but he strikes me more and more as an impractical dreamer. If the convention is brokered, it might be Biden.
I may not vote at all. Unless I vote against Cruz.
posted from Bloggeroid
Tick tock
I thought you might like this story from The Washington Post.
Scientists are floored by what’s happening in the Arctic right now
http://wapo.st/1SUyT75
Scientists are floored by what’s happening in the Arctic right now
http://wapo.st/1SUyT75
posted from Bloggeroid
Ah, "environmentalists"!
I thought you might like this story from The Washington Post.
Endangered baby dolphin dies after swimmers pass it around for selfies
http://wapo.st/20Hk3zH
Endangered baby dolphin dies after swimmers pass it around for selfies
http://wapo.st/20Hk3zH
posted from Bloggeroid
Long time coming
I thought you might like this story from The Washington Post.
‘Race’ looks at the big picture of Jesse Owens and the 1936 Olympics
http://wapo.st/1oOaKCc
‘Race’ looks at the big picture of Jesse Owens and the 1936 Olympics
http://wapo.st/1oOaKCc
posted from Bloggeroid
Thursday, February 18, 2016
A draft for everyone
I thought you might like this story from The Washington Post.
How drafting women became a wedge issue for Republicans on the trail
http://wapo.st/1SUBsGk
How drafting women became a wedge issue for Republicans on the trail
http://wapo.st/1SUBsGk
House of zzzzz
I have no energy, H is sick, Sketch is sleeping most of the day ... nothing happening!
Energy
It's appalling how little energy I have in my old age. I ran out and did a few chores this morning ... and my energy tanked. Taxes? Maybe tomorrow. Shocking how I drag through the day.
Harriet is no better. She's in bed, feeling sick.
Harriet is no better. She's in bed, feeling sick.
posted from Bloggeroid
Dilemma
Socrates said
the unexamined life
is not worth living
Socrates never said
the examined life
IS worth living
the unexamined life
is not worth living
Socrates never said
the examined life
IS worth living
posted from Bloggeroid
Consequences
The Biggest Iraq War Scandal That Nobody's Talking About: http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/138632931/0/alternet~The-Biggest-Iraq-War-Scandal-That-Nobodys-Talking-About
Fixing Wall Street
They Talk Tough — but Can Bernie or Hillary Actually Take on Wall Street and Win?: http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/138632383/0/alternet~They-Talk-Tough-%e2%80%94-but-Can-Bernie-or-Hillary-Actually-Take-on-Wall-Street-and-Win
A lot of pundits and professional economists have been weighing in on the financial reform plans of candidates like Sanders and Clinton. Paul Krugman, for example, has strongly stated his preference for Clinton’s proposals to reform Wall Street. You’ve noted the problem of lack of detail in the plans you’ve seen. As an economist, does that make it difficult for you to access their merits?
EK: It does. These proposals lack the specificity to allow me, acting only as a professional economist, to draw many conclusions.
##
In other words, the usual smoke and mirrors from BOTH candidates.
A lot of pundits and professional economists have been weighing in on the financial reform plans of candidates like Sanders and Clinton. Paul Krugman, for example, has strongly stated his preference for Clinton’s proposals to reform Wall Street. You’ve noted the problem of lack of detail in the plans you’ve seen. As an economist, does that make it difficult for you to access their merits?
EK: It does. These proposals lack the specificity to allow me, acting only as a professional economist, to draw many conclusions.
##
In other words, the usual smoke and mirrors from BOTH candidates.
Slow progress
With luck, might finish tax prep today. The last deadlined responsibility facing me for a while.
Need a project. Not necessarily a writing project.
I think H is getting worse physically but better mentally.
Need a project. Not necessarily a writing project.
I think H is getting worse physically but better mentally.
On the island of Lesbos
On the BBC
I heard a woman
who owns a restaurant
on the island of Lesbos
where in recent years
boats filled with refugees
have landed on her shore
men, women and children
cold, hungry and frightened
fleeing war and despair
and so this amazing woman
put her staff to work
making sandwich after sandwich
and she called on friends
to gather warm clothes and medicine
and she continues to help
the endless fleet of refugees
to this very day, sounding
on the BBC
like it's just another day
at her bayshore restaurant
on the island of Lesbos
I heard a woman
who owns a restaurant
on the island of Lesbos
where in recent years
boats filled with refugees
have landed on her shore
men, women and children
cold, hungry and frightened
fleeing war and despair
and so this amazing woman
put her staff to work
making sandwich after sandwich
and she called on friends
to gather warm clothes and medicine
and she continues to help
the endless fleet of refugees
to this very day, sounding
on the BBC
like it's just another day
at her bayshore restaurant
on the island of Lesbos
Ignorance
Until recently
I've regarded the cliche
"ignorance is bliss"
with a scorn reserved
for philistines and dunces
but the digital revolution
has opened my eyes
to overwhelming realities
universes of ignorance
the future of mankind
how much more blissful
if I didn't know
a conspiracy of stupidity
now determines the fate
of humans and Earth
I've regarded the cliche
"ignorance is bliss"
with a scorn reserved
for philistines and dunces
but the digital revolution
has opened my eyes
to overwhelming realities
universes of ignorance
the future of mankind
how much more blissful
if I didn't know
a conspiracy of stupidity
now determines the fate
of humans and Earth
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
Class society
San Francisco tech worker: 'I don't want to see homeless riff-raff'
http://gu.com/p/4gp39?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
http://gu.com/p/4gp39?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
Grim future
I thought you might like this story from The Washington Post.
Warming oceans are turning sea stars to goo and killing lobsters, scientists say
http://wapo.st/1TqUYtu
Warming oceans are turning sea stars to goo and killing lobsters, scientists say
http://wapo.st/1TqUYtu
Revolution
Afghanistan's First Female Street Artist Brings Burqas And Feminism To City Walls - http://huff.to/1Q1raBr
posted from Bloggeroid
Optimist
Thomas Piketty: Bernie Sanders Heralds a New Era in American Politics: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Truthdig/~3/9_D9rNPDxqA/
Read sample
The screenplay on which this novella is based on had serious interest from an executive at Robert Wise Productions and from an actress who wanted to come out of retirement to star in it. Another close call, in other words. I've had half a dozen of them, including one that ended right after a "check's in the mail" phone call. It's as tough a business as there is.
Ah, youth!
Every now and again
someone does something special
to inspire outrageous praise
and all kinds of hype
and I go check it out
curious what the fuss is about
and discover something that someone
of my generation did thirty
or forty or fifty years ago
and did considerably better
which makes me laugh at your ignorance
and capacity for self-congratulation
though I don't laugh one bit
about the disrespect for old age
in this day care center called America
someone does something special
to inspire outrageous praise
and all kinds of hype
and I go check it out
curious what the fuss is about
and discover something that someone
of my generation did thirty
or forty or fifty years ago
and did considerably better
which makes me laugh at your ignorance
and capacity for self-congratulation
though I don't laugh one bit
about the disrespect for old age
in this day care center called America
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
From former student
Email from one of better grad students I ever mentored, unsuccessful in landing teaching job instead landed well paying exec asst position at environmental foundation, sounds well suited to her, solves $$$, and later she'll have time to write. I'm very excited for her! GO GO GO!
Read sample
Some years back I received an email from a woman who identified herself as a literary agent employed by a major agency. She was leaving to start her own agency. To this end, she had been searching the internet for potential clients and came across my archive. Was I represented? If not she would like to represent me because ... and here followed the most over-stated and outrageous praise of my work I'd ever read, or even imagined.
If she had cooled down on the praise, I may have responded because I was, in fact, between agents. But this was ridiculous. Obviously a scam. I deleted the letter.
A few weeks later I received an email from a former student. Is this legit? he asked, forwarding me the same letter with the same boilerplate praise!
There's a special place in hell for such scammers. This novella was inspired by this experience, a kind of fantasy about how a writer might respond. It's one in my CineFicion series, novellas that originally were screenplays.
If she had cooled down on the praise, I may have responded because I was, in fact, between agents. But this was ridiculous. Obviously a scam. I deleted the letter.
A few weeks later I received an email from a former student. Is this legit? he asked, forwarding me the same letter with the same boilerplate praise!
There's a special place in hell for such scammers. This novella was inspired by this experience, a kind of fantasy about how a writer might respond. It's one in my CineFicion series, novellas that originally were screenplays.
A Writer's Lament
The trouble with what is called success
is that later when you lose the attention
it's easy to leap to the conclusion
that the change actually has something
to do with you and is not just another
roll of the dice that your culture likes to call
"support of the arts" when in fact nothing
here is valued except commodities
in the marketplace of pop culture
which makes success as well as failure
irrelevant concepts with regard to the work
you should be doing instead of wasting
so much time fretting about bullshit
is that later when you lose the attention
it's easy to leap to the conclusion
that the change actually has something
to do with you and is not just another
roll of the dice that your culture likes to call
"support of the arts" when in fact nothing
here is valued except commodities
in the marketplace of pop culture
which makes success as well as failure
irrelevant concepts with regard to the work
you should be doing instead of wasting
so much time fretting about bullshit
Democrats
The issue is not Hillary Clinton's Wall St links but her party's core dogmas
http://gu.com/p/4gkdt?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
http://gu.com/p/4gkdt?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
Monday, February 15, 2016
Sanders' strength
He tells the truth that we're not the best of much of anything any more. Where do you learn that software in China makes ours look primitive? Sanders pops our bubble. Good for him.
China smokes the west
WeChat: want an app that lets you do everything at once?
http://gu.com/p/4gdj6?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
WeChat, a Chinese messaging app, dwarfs most western products both in scale – it has around 700 million active accounts – and ambition: despite being first released only in January 2011 as a text/voice/photo-sharing app, it has expanded to provide functionality so that you can order cabs, buy film tickets, play games, check in for flights, pay bills … the list goes on and on.
http://gu.com/p/4gdj6?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
WeChat, a Chinese messaging app, dwarfs most western products both in scale – it has around 700 million active accounts – and ambition: despite being first released only in January 2011 as a text/voice/photo-sharing app, it has expanded to provide functionality so that you can order cabs, buy film tickets, play games, check in for flights, pay bills … the list goes on and on.
Good damn question
Why don't we treat climate change with the rigor we give to terror attacks?
http://gu.com/p/4gkbj?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
http://gu.com/p/4gkbj?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
Best hope
Best hope I see in this mess of an election is a brokered Dem convention, maybe Repub as well, out of which a new progressive party emerges, which then gets more votes than the Dems. Brokered convention possible but if Sanders splits, probably as Indie, no help in establishing new party. I'd like to see a conservative party as well. Let's create honest labels.
None of this will happen.
None of this will happen.
National politics
What pisses me off is that I much more often have voted AGAINST someone I don't want to be President than for someone I do. This is shaping up to be another election like that.
Family values?
I thought you might like this story from The Washington Post.
Kentucky lawmaker’s bill forces men to get note from wives before purchasing Viagra
http://wapo.st/1RDGjdl
Kentucky lawmaker’s bill forces men to get note from wives before purchasing Viagra
http://wapo.st/1RDGjdl
Hedges on Sanders
Bernie Sanders’ Phantom Movement: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Truthdig/~3/xL_342NJqxs/
"The Democratic Party is a full partner in the corporate state. Yet Sanders, while critical of Hillary Clinton’s exorbitant speaking fees from firms such as Goldman Sachs, refuses to call out the party and—as Robert Scheer pointed out in a column in October—the Clintons for their role as handmaidens of Wall Street. For Sanders, it is a lie of omission, which is still a lie. And it is a lie that makes the Vermont senator complicit in the con game being played on the American electorate by the Democratic Party establishment."
The two party system is part of the problem.
Hedges articulates my doubts about Sanders: it's a bigger problem.
"The Democratic Party is a full partner in the corporate state. Yet Sanders, while critical of Hillary Clinton’s exorbitant speaking fees from firms such as Goldman Sachs, refuses to call out the party and—as Robert Scheer pointed out in a column in October—the Clintons for their role as handmaidens of Wall Street. For Sanders, it is a lie of omission, which is still a lie. And it is a lie that makes the Vermont senator complicit in the con game being played on the American electorate by the Democratic Party establishment."
The two party system is part of the problem.
Hedges articulates my doubts about Sanders: it's a bigger problem.
Sunday, February 14, 2016
FBI at Oregon refuge
I thought you might like this story from The Washington Post.
This time, the FBI got it right
http://wapo.st/2435vyO
This time, the FBI got it right
http://wapo.st/2435vyO
A different attitude
I thought you might like this story from The Washington Post.
Canadians crack down on guns, alarmed by flow from U.S.
http://wapo.st/212rvYb
Canadians crack down on guns, alarmed by flow from U.S.
http://wapo.st/212rvYb
Campus protests on rise with freshman class
I thought you might like this story from The Washington Post.
http://wapo.st/1oBJTJK
"Almost one in ten said they expected to participate in protests — the highest it has been in the 50 years the survey has been given."
http://wapo.st/1oBJTJK
"Almost one in ten said they expected to participate in protests — the highest it has been in the 50 years the survey has been given."
Go, Galen!
Portlander Wins Olympic Marathon Trials http://www.opb.org/news/article/portland-galen-rupp-wins-olympic-marathon-trials-rio/
Perspective
Here’s what Antonin Scalia’s death means for climate change: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheRawStory/~3/U5mHFo1WL3M/
How many voters like this? I can sympathize.
How Bernie Sanders lost me ... and Hillary Clinton won me over: http://feeds.dailykos.com/~r/dailykos/index/~3/rstvDV7-_uQ/-How-Bernie-Sanders-lost-me-and-Hillary-Clinton-won-me-over
I, too, get more disappointed the more the Bern sounds robotic.
I, too, get more disappointed the more the Bern sounds robotic.
Bowl of the soup of the wife of Kit Carson
A specialty since grad school 50 yrs ago ... for Sunday early dinner. I'll add photo later.
Closing hours at refuge
I thought you might like this story from The Washington Post.
Getting to Hallelujah: The frantic final hours of the Oregon refuge occupation
http://wapo.st/1TgbThd
Getting to Hallelujah: The frantic final hours of the Oregon refuge occupation
http://wapo.st/1TgbThd
Higher stakes
The election now more important than ever ... and dysfunction and nastiness will explode. This is our politics today.
Will get worse
More Than Half the World’s Population Faces Severe Water Scarcity: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Truthdig/~3/ZjIVrsavUd0/
Saturday, February 13, 2016
Black support
Cornel West urges black voters to back Bernie Sanders in op-ed slamming Clintons for Wall Street ties: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheRawStory/~3/H5CwmLXzyd4/
New conflict
http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/us-world/article/Senior-Associate-Justice-Antonin-Scalia-found-6828930.php?cmpid=twitter-desktop
Obama will try to replace Scalia, Repubs to block and stall.
Obama will try to replace Scalia, Repubs to block and stall.
Aging
1
I have much physical evidence
that years ago an impostor
stole my identity and used it
to put plays on a stage
to publish books and articles
to win grants and awards
in a frenzy of literary activity
that finally has come to an end
so that I can be myself again
2
I have vivid memories of being naked
in the presence of beautiful naked women
to the mutal satisfaction of all
but recently have begun to doubt
the veracity of my memory
since I find no concrete evidence
not a photo, not a momento
in any of various family albums
that such encounters actually happened
3
I have a vague feeling that I'm waiting
around for something or someone
who will explain to me the point
of all this spare time on my hands
now that I'm just another forgotten
and ignored and irrelevant senior citizen
who once upon a time had purpose
and was far too busy and productive
to wonder what in hell is going on
I have much physical evidence
that years ago an impostor
stole my identity and used it
to put plays on a stage
to publish books and articles
to win grants and awards
in a frenzy of literary activity
that finally has come to an end
so that I can be myself again
2
I have vivid memories of being naked
in the presence of beautiful naked women
to the mutal satisfaction of all
but recently have begun to doubt
the veracity of my memory
since I find no concrete evidence
not a photo, not a momento
in any of various family albums
that such encounters actually happened
3
I have a vague feeling that I'm waiting
around for something or someone
who will explain to me the point
of all this spare time on my hands
now that I'm just another forgotten
and ignored and irrelevant senior citizen
who once upon a time had purpose
and was far too busy and productive
to wonder what in hell is going on
Small funk
I typically rise feeling great. Indeed 3-10 a.m. are the feel good hours of my day.
So why this funk this morning? Because I still face doing taxes?
Maybe a glass of buttermilk will help.
So why this funk this morning? Because I still face doing taxes?
Maybe a glass of buttermilk will help.
Stereotypes
I thought you might like this story from The Washington Post.
Your assumptions about Native Americans and alcohol are wrong
http://wapo.st/1QwmTlP
Your assumptions about Native Americans and alcohol are wrong
http://wapo.st/1QwmTlP
The human factor
I thought you might like this story from The Washington Post.
More than 5 million people will die from a frightening cause: Breathing
http://wapo.st/1TgyNGq
More than 5 million people will die from a frightening cause: Breathing
http://wapo.st/1TgyNGq
Public land
I thought you might like this story from The Washington Post.
Obama to designate new national monuments in the California desert
http://wapo.st/1PHeLzb
Obama to designate new national monuments in the California desert
http://wapo.st/1PHeLzb
Non white power
Can Nevada #FeeltheBern? Only if young Latinos turn out to support Sanders
http://gu.com/p/4gk6h?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
http://gu.com/p/4gk6h?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
Same o same o
The phony in American politics: how voters turn into suckers
http://gu.com/p/4gjth?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
http://gu.com/p/4gjth?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
Friday, February 12, 2016
Too much to ask?
What if Sanders changed tactics? What if he refused to jump in the gutter with Clinton and duke it out old school? What if he instead focused on a vision of what America would look like if he won? What if he let us know in detail how he will make this happen? What if he shared how he would overcome an obstructionist Congress?
What if were less angry and more excited, more celebratory, about the possibility of a new world, a political revolution beyond glib rhetoric?
What if he were inspirational?
What if were less angry and more excited, more celebratory, about the possibility of a new world, a political revolution beyond glib rhetoric?
What if he were inspirational?
Post mortem
https://www.hcn.org/articles/malheur-occupation-oregon-ammon-bundy-public-lands-essay
"I went to the Malheur looking for kindred spirits. I found the mad, the fervent, the passionately misguided. I found the unknowing pawns of an existential chess game, in which we are, all of us, now caught. Driving home across the snow-packed Malheur Basin, through mile after mile of sage, with towering basalt cliffs in the near distance, herds of mule deer appearing as gray specks in the tongues of slide rock and wind-exposed yellow grass, I did not wonder what Edward Abbey would have said about all of this, or Kropotkin or the lugubrious monarchist Thomas Hobbes. I thought instead of the old C.S. Lewis books of my childhood, and of Lewis’ writings on the nature of evil, where evil is never a lie, because lying implies creation, and evil, by its nature, has no creative power. Instead, the nature of evil is to take a truth and twist it, sometimes as much as 180 degrees. Love of country becomes hatred of those we believe don’t share our devotion, or don’t share it the same way. The natural right of armed self-defense becomes the means to take over a wildlife refuge, to exert tyranny on those who work there, or those who love the place for the nature it preserves in a world replete with man’s endeavors. The U.S. Constitution, one of the most liberal and empowering documents ever composed, becomes, with just a slight annotation or interpretation, the tool of our own enslavement."
"I went to the Malheur looking for kindred spirits. I found the mad, the fervent, the passionately misguided. I found the unknowing pawns of an existential chess game, in which we are, all of us, now caught. Driving home across the snow-packed Malheur Basin, through mile after mile of sage, with towering basalt cliffs in the near distance, herds of mule deer appearing as gray specks in the tongues of slide rock and wind-exposed yellow grass, I did not wonder what Edward Abbey would have said about all of this, or Kropotkin or the lugubrious monarchist Thomas Hobbes. I thought instead of the old C.S. Lewis books of my childhood, and of Lewis’ writings on the nature of evil, where evil is never a lie, because lying implies creation, and evil, by its nature, has no creative power. Instead, the nature of evil is to take a truth and twist it, sometimes as much as 180 degrees. Love of country becomes hatred of those we believe don’t share our devotion, or don’t share it the same way. The natural right of armed self-defense becomes the means to take over a wildlife refuge, to exert tyranny on those who work there, or those who love the place for the nature it preserves in a world replete with man’s endeavors. The U.S. Constitution, one of the most liberal and empowering documents ever composed, becomes, with just a slight annotation or interpretation, the tool of our own enslavement."
Film history
Second showing: unearthing the lost history of African American cinema
http://gu.com/p/4gjg2?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
http://gu.com/p/4gjg2?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
Enjoying the madness
I'm beginning to enjoy this election. I guess because I don't have a candidate ... and because I'm sure no prez can stop Nature. Sanders bores me and I don't trust Hillary, though if she threw Bill out of the house I'd look again. I think Clinton is more flexible than Sanders, good or bad depending on context.
So I want chaos and excitement. Brokered conventions! No one wins!
So I want chaos and excitement. Brokered conventions! No one wins!
Stevenson + Rubio = Sanders
Content doesn't win elections, style does. Sad but true. Sanders' style reminds me of Stevenson - except last night, when he reminded me of Rubio, repeating himself constantly. Clinton won in a blow out, although the choir loves the song repeated.
Sanders has victory in his grasp if he gets help from some acting coaches and focuses on a positive future. We already know the rest.
Sanders has victory in his grasp if he gets help from some acting coaches and focuses on a positive future. We already know the rest.
I agree
Sanders squandered his lead while Clinton shone at the latest debate
http://gu.com/p/4gjm3?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
http://gu.com/p/4gjm3?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
Fireworks
2 brokered conventions! It could happen. Everybody plays it safe after many ballots. Biden v Romney! Trump and Sanders both run independently. No one wins, To Repub controlled House ... Pres Jeb Bush! Ha ha!
Reminds me of how writing grants are given.
Reminds me of how writing grants are given.
The last slow dance
Feb 28 the spring broadcasts begin. The leisurely pace of baseball will feel SANE in this noisy world. Eager to begin.
Perspective
Democratic Debate Exposes The Real Divide Between Clinton And Sanders - http://huff.to/1XmXDUh
HA HA!
Cruz campaign pulls ad attacking Rubio after accidentally casting softcore porn actress: http://feeds.dailykos.com/~r/dailykos/index/~3/u6Ynihyx8qc/-Cruz-campaign-pulls-ad-attacking-Rubio-after-accidentally-casting-softcore-porn-actress
Batter up!
Getting closer, as a renewal notice reminds me this morning. I have the At Bat MLB audio app, every spring, regular, post game broadcast, both home and away stations. Bargain price. Love it. New season version available soon.
Sanders' broken record
I thought you might like this story from The Washington Post.
Winners and losers from the 6th Democratic presidential debate
http://wapo.st/1QZjbnA
Clinton looked good because Sanders is beginning to sound like a one hit wonder. He needs help! We may have two brokered conventions this summer.
Winners and losers from the 6th Democratic presidential debate
http://wapo.st/1QZjbnA
Clinton looked good because Sanders is beginning to sound like a one hit wonder. He needs help! We may have two brokered conventions this summer.
Thursday, February 11, 2016
Gravity waves
I thought you might like this story from The Washington Post.
Cosmic breakthrough: Physicists detect gravitational waves from violent black-hole merger
http://wapo.st/1Qu4GoR
Cosmic breakthrough: Physicists detect gravitational waves from violent black-hole merger
http://wapo.st/1Qu4GoR
What a glorious world ...
... that has Chris Connor in it. Fuck the extremists. Fuck the morons. Listen to your music.
Very curious ...
... how The Guardian trumped OPB for online live coverage of refuge end today, esp since sometimes G used OPB as a source! Maybe it was tech superiority?
Toward theocracy
Heidi Cruz says as president, her husband, Ted, will deliver 'a combination of the law and religion': http://feeds.dailykos.com/~r/dailykos/index/~3/aut3Me9SNq0/-Heidi-Cruz-says-as-president-her-husband-Ted-will-deliver-a-combination-of-the-law-and-religion
Procrastination
Should be doing taxes. More fun to listen to post refuge interviews and recap.
Eye opener on twitter. Many shocked at level of miseducation of these extremists. I think their use of social media has been counter productive to their cause. Happily surprised at how much the dingbats were outnumbered on Twitter.
A non tax day, looks like.
H a mess, taxes reminding her of changes in her mental capacity.
Eye opener on twitter. Many shocked at level of miseducation of these extremists. I think their use of social media has been counter productive to their cause. Happily surprised at how much the dingbats were outnumbered on Twitter.
A non tax day, looks like.
H a mess, taxes reminding her of changes in her mental capacity.
The Guardian
Oregon militia standoff: occupation ends after dramatic surrender
http://gu.com/p/4gj59?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
http://gu.com/p/4gj59?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
Casting the movie
Twitterverse already casting the refuge movie. Some decent folks out there. Encouraging.
Raw Story
Oregon standoff finally over: Holdout David Fry surrenders after threatening suicide or war: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheRawStory/~3/OEIQKIzZKYE/
Against Bernie
Civil rights hero John Lewis burns Bernie: In all my years of activism ‘I never saw him, never met him’: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheRawStory/~3/ydSOWUH65gg/
Ta da!
Malheur National Wildlife Refuge Occupation Ends http://www.opb.org/news/series/burns-oregon-standoff-bundy-militia-news-updates/malheur-occupation-ends/
Finally ... now damage assessment
Last man occupying Oregon wildlife refuge surrenders to federal authorities after lengthy negotiations; standoff over http://www.breakingnews.com/item/2016/02/11/last-man-occupying-oregon-wildlife-refuge-surrende
The Guardian at refuge
Live Q on Twitter: why are best live updates from a British newspaper? Very good question!
OPB RADIO also good.
OPB RADIO also good.
Major news!
Gravitational waves: discovery hailed as breakthrough of the century
http://gu.com/p/4gj7c?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
http://gu.com/p/4gj7c?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
Get facts straight
70000 listening to audio feed of dingbats does NOT mean 70000 supporters, MSM. Read the twitterverse. 99% sees them as deluded idiots. Most encouraging part of this story?
Bundy arrested II
FBI Arrests Cliven Bundy As Pressure Mounts On 4 Remaining Wildlife Refuge Occupiers http://www.opb.org/news/article/npr-fbi-arrests-cliven-bundy-as-pressure-mounts-on-4-remaining-wildlife-refuge-occupiers/
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
Against Clinton
Here's Why Black People Should Think Twice Before Voting For Hillary Clinton - http://huff.to/1Xi8TBh
Overview of tonight at refuge
I thought you might like this story from The Washington Post.
FBI closes in on last Oregon refuge occupiers
http://wapo.st/1T9dCVv
FBI closes in on last Oregon refuge occupiers
http://wapo.st/1T9dCVv
Plot thickens
I thought you might like this story from The Washington Post.
Democrats scramble for pivotal bloc in the next 2 contests: Minority voters
http://wapo.st/1Q8xL92
Democrats scramble for pivotal bloc in the next 2 contests: Minority voters
http://wapo.st/1Q8xL92
Surrender II
Oregon wildlife refuge occupier heard on live audio stream says FBI 'not leaving, but they said they're not going to escalate or do anything;' says FBI has given them instructions on surrendering: 'We have to walk to them with our hands raised, no weapons, I told them we'll be carrying an American flag' http://www.breakingnews.com/item/2016/02/11/oregon-wildlife-refuge-occupier-heard-on-live-audi
Refuge coverage
Blown away that best coverage by far on this eventful night was not OPB but ... The Guardian! Scooped by the UK!
Burns
Crazy now, FBI surrounding refuge, helicopters, live audio feed, rightwing politicians interfering, dingbat occupiers panicked, praying, delusional ... So this is what America became. Downright embarrassing.
Generation gap
How Madeleine Albright and Gloria Steinem Betrayed Women Everywhere - http://huff.to/1XeLwbS
Here we go
Here's Why Black People Should Think Twice Before Voting For Hillary Clinton - http://huff.to/1Xi8TBh
Oh boy ...
Watch this spacetime: gravitational wave discovery expected
http://gu.com/p/4gh6q?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
http://gu.com/p/4gh6q?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
The superdelegate hurdle
How Hillary Clinton Might Actually Win In N.H., Even Though She Lost Big http://www.opb.org/news/article/npr-how-hillary-clinton-might-actually-win-in-nh-even-though-she-lost-big/
Man, this makes it hard to buck the establishment.
Man, this makes it hard to buck the establishment.
Sanders' VP
Will Sanders, if he wins the nomination, follow conventional wisdom and "balance the ticket"? What kind of revolution is that? Or will he go for Warren and a progressive dream ticket? It would be a revealing moment.
Theater online
From Wikipedia ...
Notable performancesEdit
In its first year ATHEMOO hosted numerous performance events, in March 1996, Charles Deemer reproduced his hyper drama, "Bride of Edgefield," a play made entirely out of hypertext in the ATHEMOO space. Charles Deemer is an award winning playwright who has worked since 1991 creating 5 different hyperplays. The second performer to use ATHEMOO as a performance space in March 1996 was Cat Herbert who produced a piece in conjunction with Crosswaves Festival in Philadelphia.[10]
###
Some think this performance was the first dramatic performance on the Internet. Certainly was one of the first.
Notable performancesEdit
In its first year ATHEMOO hosted numerous performance events, in March 1996, Charles Deemer reproduced his hyper drama, "Bride of Edgefield," a play made entirely out of hypertext in the ATHEMOO space. Charles Deemer is an award winning playwright who has worked since 1991 creating 5 different hyperplays. The second performer to use ATHEMOO as a performance space in March 1996 was Cat Herbert who produced a piece in conjunction with Crosswaves Festival in Philadelphia.[10]
###
Some think this performance was the first dramatic performance on the Internet. Certainly was one of the first.
Defending Clinton
From the Guardian: I'm glad Sanders won New Hampshire, but I want Hillary Clinton to be president
http://gu.com/p/4ghgb?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
"Call me a bad progressive, but I still think the job of president should go to the most qualified candidate and not the one who tells me what I want to hear even though we both know he’ll never accomplish it. It should go to the person who has been the senator of a state with a diverse population of 20 million, as opposed to a state with a 95% white population of 600,000 and the person who has been secretary of state, rather than the one who pivots back to the domestic economy every time he’s asked about our relationship to the rest of the world."
http://gu.com/p/4ghgb?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
"Call me a bad progressive, but I still think the job of president should go to the most qualified candidate and not the one who tells me what I want to hear even though we both know he’ll never accomplish it. It should go to the person who has been the senator of a state with a diverse population of 20 million, as opposed to a state with a 95% white population of 600,000 and the person who has been secretary of state, rather than the one who pivots back to the domestic economy every time he’s asked about our relationship to the rest of the world."
Jazz and film
The Sound Of Film To Come: how jazz fell in love with the movies
http://gu.com/p/4ghch?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
http://gu.com/p/4ghch?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
So far, so good
Sanders defied the pragmatists. Don't count him out in the weeks ahead
http://gu.com/p/4ghj9?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
http://gu.com/p/4ghj9?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
Tuesday, February 9, 2016
A Loser: Sanders victory speech!
I thought you might like this story from The Washington Post.
Winners and Losers from the New Hampshire primary
http://wapo.st/1V2sVOI
Exact!y! Instead of broadening appeal, instead of inspiring us, a very long stump speech. Same old stuff. He has to do better than this.
Winners and Losers from the New Hampshire primary
http://wapo.st/1V2sVOI
Exact!y! Instead of broadening appeal, instead of inspiring us, a very long stump speech. Same old stuff. He has to do better than this.
OJ miniseries
Watched first episode ... Impressed! Well written, well directed, great cast. Based on Jeffrey Toobin's book that asks, How did guilty man get off? I'm hooked.
Death in Montana
Montana Has The Highest Death Rate For White Americans -- And It's Rising - http://huff.to/1XcsKBY
Bernie winning the women
I'm a woman and I will vote for the best feminist for president: Bernie Sanders
http://gu.com/p/4gggh?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
Who will win non whites?
http://gu.com/p/4gggh?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
Who will win non whites?
Come on, Warren!
The primaries need your energy. Pick a side and jump in.
IF YOU WANT MY VOTE, INSPIRE ME!
IF YOU WANT MY VOTE, INSPIRE ME!
Toll of technology
http://www.nybooks.com/articles/2016/02/25/we-are-hopelessly-hooked/
"What does it mean to shift overnight from a society in which people walk down the street looking around to one in which people walk down the street looking at machines? We wouldn’t be always clutching smartphones if we didn’t believe they made us safer, more productive, less bored, and were useful in all of the ways that a computer in your pocket can be useful. At the same time, smartphone owners describe feeling “frustrated” and “distracted.” In a 2015 Pew survey, 70 percent of respondents said their phones made them feel freer, while 30 percent said they felt like a leash. Nearly half of eighteen-to-twenty-nine-year-olds said they used their phones to “avoid others around you.”
I may become a neo-Luddite.
"What does it mean to shift overnight from a society in which people walk down the street looking around to one in which people walk down the street looking at machines? We wouldn’t be always clutching smartphones if we didn’t believe they made us safer, more productive, less bored, and were useful in all of the ways that a computer in your pocket can be useful. At the same time, smartphone owners describe feeling “frustrated” and “distracted.” In a 2015 Pew survey, 70 percent of respondents said their phones made them feel freer, while 30 percent said they felt like a leash. Nearly half of eighteen-to-twenty-nine-year-olds said they used their phones to “avoid others around you.”
I may become a neo-Luddite.
Tired and cranky
Under the weather, sick and tired of same old politics ("the medium is the message"), want to be inspired by a visionary but none to be had, feel like the the dark ages are getting to me. Need to lay low now and forever.
Same old methods
I thought you might like this story from The Washington Post.
Bernie Sanders is no revolutionary
http://wapo.st/1omyuxf
Bernie Sanders is no revolutionary
http://wapo.st/1omyuxf
Monday, February 8, 2016
Idealism
AUDIO: Robert Scheer Speaks With Jill Stein About the Green Party and the 2016 Election: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Truthdig/~3/XwYJhbmnXwc/
Stir the pot
Michael Bloomberg reportedly eyeing presidential run as independent: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheRawStory/~3/EM9ry67ILOQ/
May the gods help us
Cliven Bundy Is Coming To Burns, Portland http://www.opb.org/news/series/burns-oregon-standoff-bundy-militia-news-updates/cliven-bundy-is-coming-to-burns-portland/
Dirty politics
Vicious attack on Bernie by Bill today. Very early rounds of this mess. Bern may rise above it, or try to, but his followers are in for the kill. I hear nothing that I want to hear from Bernie ... He is great at defining enemies, not so great otherwise. And his leftwing ideologues are as bad as the rightwing for meanness. I am beginning to lean to the Green Party. The only real idealism I see. Make it 0-3 ha ha.
Dems may be heading to a brokered convention if it's close. It already is nasty. Sanders can unilaterally save the tone, and would if he were a King or true visionary, but he is an ordinary politician in style. Trump is more creative in this regard.
Sanders reminds me of Stevenson in angry aloofness.
The more I think about the Greens, the better it feels!
Dems may be heading to a brokered convention if it's close. It already is nasty. Sanders can unilaterally save the tone, and would if he were a King or true visionary, but he is an ordinary politician in style. Trump is more creative in this regard.
Sanders reminds me of Stevenson in angry aloofness.
The more I think about the Greens, the better it feels!
The dark side
Manning's Budweiser plug may be 'most valuable celebrity endorsement' ever
http://gu.com/p/4gg8p?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
http://gu.com/p/4gg8p?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
Perspective
Female voters voice deep division over Hillary Clinton: 'Passion is everything'
http://gu.com/p/4ggd2?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
http://gu.com/p/4ggd2?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
A very old story
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/our-humanity-naturally/201506/anti-intellectualism-is-killing-america
Nothing new here ... Hofstadter wrote the classic study over half a century ago, recent update by another author. Anti-intellectualism our shameful legacy.
Nothing new here ... Hofstadter wrote the classic study over half a century ago, recent update by another author. Anti-intellectualism our shameful legacy.
Read sample
In three out of four years in the early 1970s, I placed literary stories on the Roll of Honor in the BEST AMERICAN SHORT STORIES anthology. Agents were writing me to see if I had a novel. I was working on one, THE IDAHO BLUES, and a young agent, later to be a major player, liked the early chapters he saw. But I couldn't figure the form out at the time. My weakness was descriptive prose, establishing a strong sense of place, essential in the longer form. Soon I abandoned fiction for drama, where a set designer solved this burden.
Many of these stories come from that period. Later I would return to the novel with minor success, a better writer and a greater acceptance of minimalism in the form. I still love the short story form but never have returned to it with the energy and passion of my early years as a writer.
Many of these stories come from that period. Later I would return to the novel with minor success, a better writer and a greater acceptance of minimalism in the form. I still love the short story form but never have returned to it with the energy and passion of my early years as a writer.
Krugman v Sanders
It Is Paul Krugman Who Lives in a Fantasy World, Not Bernie Supporters: http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/136603713/0/alternet~It-Is-Paul-Krugman-Who-Lives-in-a-Fantasy-World-Not-Bernie-Supporters
Another version of pragmatism v idealism.
I am 0-2 as an idealist.
But I don't think pragmatism will do it either. When I look at history, I see that systemic changes come after violent revolutions. Bloodshed. We may be in that cycle of history once again. The extremists are ready for it.
A contentious election with Republican winners might radicalize a lot of people.
All this reads like a chapter in LOVE'S BODY. Politics as mental illness.
Another version of pragmatism v idealism.
I am 0-2 as an idealist.
But I don't think pragmatism will do it either. When I look at history, I see that systemic changes come after violent revolutions. Bloodshed. We may be in that cycle of history once again. The extremists are ready for it.
A contentious election with Republican winners might radicalize a lot of people.
All this reads like a chapter in LOVE'S BODY. Politics as mental illness.
Perspective
American Capitalism Has Failed Us: We're Overworked, Underemployed and More Powerless than Ever Before: http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/136601255/0/alternet~American-Capitalism-Has-Failed-Us-Were-Overworked-Underemployed-and-More-Powerless-than-Ever-Before
Worried about Bernie
Democratic donor contacts Biden allies about possible run: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheRawStory/~3/YKi3nqZLJ84/
This will get very messy.
This will get very messy.
How long patience?
Malheur Malcontent David Fry To FBI: 'F*** Your Charges': http://crooksandliars.com/2016/02/malheur-malcontent-david-fry-fbi-f-your
Perverted pleasure
Not sure which I enjoyed most, Manning's possible storybook ending (retire!) or seeing the egomaniac Newton sulking like the bush league character he is.
Nasty press
I wish the left press would spend less time bashing Clinton and more extolling Sanders' vision for a makeover America. Nothing revolutionary about these tactics! Strikes me as old school avoidance.
Sunday, February 7, 2016
An angry "senior" woman defends Clinton
What Young Voters Don't Understand About Hillary - http://huff.to/1SQQNpr
DEFENSE does it
Denver Broncos win Super Bowl, 24-10, over Carolina Panthers http://www.breakingnews.com/item/2016/02/08/denver-broncos-win-super-bowl-24-10-over-carolin
Nervous
Denver Broncos lead Carolina Panthers 16-7 at end of third quarter of Super Bowl 50 http://www.breakingnews.com/item/2016/02/08/denver-broncos-lead-carolina-panthers-16-7-at-end
Carolina outplaying them.
Carolina outplaying them.
Defense gives Denver lead
Denver Broncos lead Carolina Panthers 13-7 at halftime of Super Bowl 50 http://www.breakingnews.com/item/2016/02/08/denver-broncos-lead-carolina-panthers-13-7-at-half
Denver ahead on breaks. Will be a tough second half.
Denver ahead on breaks. Will be a tough second half.
Clinton looking good
Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton tells Flint, Mich., she will stand with city during water crisis, says what happened is 'immoral' - MLive http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2016/02/hillary_clinton_tells_flint_sh.html
Cooking fool
Having fun ... Cheese omelette for breakfast, H finally up for her share ... Slow roasting turkey legs in oven ... The new ceviche guacamole started ... Busy morning chef, listening to MJQ ... HAPPY CAMPER.
New info
TS Eliot letters reveal anguish over failure of first marriage
http://gu.com/p/4gf7m?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
http://gu.com/p/4gf7m?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
Right on
Bill Moyers: Ted Cruz is America’s ‘God Squad’ bully-boy goon: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheRawStory/~3/N6MDP5iocMU/
The hole in the heart
The worst part about growing old for me personally is having outlived my closest male friends. They were my daily or frequent relief from bullshit and cultural madness; they reminded me that absurdity is comic at root. They shared my world. Mostly they were there, present, available on a daily basis.
The only relationship close to those is with a surrogate sister in LA. But this is distant and different.
I have a few good friends, still, and a loving wife, and a great dog. I'm not hurting. But there is no one I can crack up with by no more than a raised eyebrow. There is no one who knows what I've said before I say it. Those are significant losses.
The only relationship close to those is with a surrogate sister in LA. But this is distant and different.
I have a few good friends, still, and a loving wife, and a great dog. I'm not hurting. But there is no one I can crack up with by no more than a raised eyebrow. There is no one who knows what I've said before I say it. Those are significant losses.
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