Lately I have been in the mood to read a biography. When I checked the bio section at the used book store it was rather slim pickings. All they had was movie star hype or books about political figures I'm already more familiar with than my stomach can stand.
So, I stepped into the little Descanso branch of the SD county library system. There I spotted a book titled, "Davy Crockett's Own Story, as written by himself". Who knew Davy wrote, or even considered such things?
There is dispute about whether he actually wrote it or had others do it for him. I tend to agree with whoever wrote the notes in the book: it is likely the majority is authentic Davy, with possible grammar and spelling help from others, which Davy suggests is the case in the book. They have excerpts from speeches he made and the style is somewhat distinct. Also, it seems a very introspective sort of thing, in a Davy sort of way.
The biggest surprise to me was that Crockett was a representative in Congress more than once. He was heavily interested in the events of the day. He didn't start out so much on top of that, but after being elected he learned. He supported Jackson's run for president, but once Andy was in office Davy was appalled at what he considered the overstepping, power grabbing and disregard for the Constitution and public funds.
He rants about Jackson throughout the book. He'll be telling the story of a bear hunt and compare some event to the behavior of Congress or "the Government" (a nickname for Jackson, implying Andy considered himself above the law). All that, I found unexpected.
I expected heroics beginning at age 3, and homespun BS thereafter. Instead you get the story of a guy who at times seemed to struggle to keep from getting a swelled head from fame (he was the equivalent of a rock star in that day) and a man who was very broadminded and quick on the uptake.
His chronicle involving a trip throughout New England was particularly interesting. He was impressed with the factories and praised the people, their ingenuity, drive, hospitality and manner. Hardly what one might expect from a Tennessee back woods hick. He paid very close attention in the factories to see how things were done and how the workers seemed to view their lot, etc.
Other than to bears, he appears to have been kind and generous, even giving some of his opponents the benefit of the doubt. He was a consummate campaigner. It is funny how he admitted he knew little about the issues, especially the first time, but by making jokes and treating everyone to a drink, he did very well. He also like to remain noncommittal whenever in doubt on the campaign trail. A word he used more than once in describing his approach.
His reasons for going to Texas were because he felt the US government had become too corrupt--he thought an election was unfairly and crookedly stolen from him by Jackson/Van Buren people---and he felt like the Texas cause was one of freedom. I think he knew he was risking it all even before they figured out Santa Ana had huge numbers headed their way.
He also explains some background which makes the assertion that Texas was greedily stolen from Mexico a bit questionable. Today many forget that Texas gained its independence as a republic before becoming a state. To some extent I think he felt let down and unappreciated after some political dirty tricks left him high and dry and somewhat smeared in the press. I think the smear actually was devious and unfounded. You can get a sense of these things, even hearing one side. (I can spot a lopsided documentary even when slickly edited).
People actually did talk in terms of live free or die, liberty and all that. You get a little bit of a better more rounded picture of how this place developed, who made it happen, and who caused trouble through books like this and the one I read about John McLaughlin in the Northwest. It doesn't sugar coat things but it gives a little more credit than the way these people have recently been painted.
The amount of moving from place to place and traveling some of those people did is surprising considering that much was on foot or horse/mule and cart. And by boat.
I don't think Davy was much like the old TV series. Maybe a little. But not a lot. Another of those surprises.
Next, I'd like to read a good bio on Genghis Khan or Attila the Hun. Most likely, neither of them graced us with an autobiography or comprehensive book of memoirs.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Glad My Utilities Are Included; and else
Not long ago, a friend challenged me to decipher her bill from SDGE, the same people railroading the Sunrise Power Link. The way the bill works is that they dictate a base level of usage for the month; an amount so low that using a fan in hot weather jumps you to the next tier.
Once at that level the rate goes up, but not just for the additional usage. The tier one amount then also goes up. The next jump is the same. So, in the end, you pay triple for the minimal usage and all else. It is almost impossible to follow the calculations. All you know is that you pay a bundle for very basic service. You're lucky if it doesn't get into tier three while on vacation, just from the refrigerator and maybe a lamp or two on a timer. Another scam sanctioned by California's utility board--I forgot their exact title and the requisite initials.
Now they are installing "smart meters". What these do is decide that at any moment in time you are using an amount above the arbitrary level, especially at peak times. You are charged the high rate for those moments. It's like paying triple for a gallon of gas because you bought it at the wrong time, even if that one gallon is all you used.
It sounds as if this is to counteract the troubles encountered by a system running at maximum capacity to avoid outages during times when demand exceeds available supply. In the case of SDGE, and San Diego county, they are running a surplus and are not stretched to capacity. The draconian measures have no purpose other than bilking the public while telling them it is for their own good.
Sine the 70's I have been a proponent of removing one's self from dependence upon public utilities whenever possible. It has been quite difficult as, in many cases, it has been illegal to do so. Often when an unincorporated area was annexed by a city, for example, people who already had their own wells were required to hook into the city water system, regardless of need or desire. Their water and sewage were perfectly safe and causing no problem, but that did not matter. In other cases it was forbidden to produce your own electricity.
Solar is still too expensive for most people to afford. In this climate it can power a home. Of course the power company still wants to be tied in and sings the praises of how wonderful it is to see your meter run backwards (although the digital nature of a smart meter probably offers no visible evidence of this). Yippee, you may even get money back. Cash that $4.00 check and how lovely it is. I'd suggest that anyone who can fit their home with systems to produce their own power remove all connection to the utility. There is no way they will relinquish control that will adversely affect you down the road.
Of course this is all cloaked in green wrapping, yet it has little to do with that. Especially considering the environmental nightmare their power link represents, and the disregard for East county communities and property rights, not to mention fire hazards.
I pay the landlord a set amount per month and do my best to ensure minimal usage so their cost is as low as possible. I use a lamp that draws about 23 watts. One of those squiggly bulbs that replaces a 60 watt incandescent. I avoid using the track lights by the kitchen that use about 300 watts. Those are very bright bulbs.
These smart meters and other schemes by SDGE are an assault on the less financially sound people and serve to raise the cost of life around here. Too bad. It is another situation which is foisted on the public who generally go along or think it is all for the greater good. So many such attacks have been launched against normal people that there is no way to list them them all. None of this ought to be possible in a free country of civilized beings.
So, once again, I see the value in my under achievement. Lack of ownership, and lack of wealth have become more a relief than a source of self admonishment. Not that I enjoy self loathing, but it is pretty sick when you realize you dodge bullets through lack of initiative and substance. Excellence is punished while apathy and lack of drive are rewarded. And that is a relative benefit to me.
How crazy is that? I would much rather see it work as it should, where one can be the keeper of the fruits of his labors and where success is not vilified and reason for harassment. The USA has been gutted from within through faulty education, flawed philosophy being drummed into us through media, film, institutions of alleged learning and general use of herd instinct and manufactured peer pressure. Most of this has been accomplished by money taken from private enterprise then distributed by government; often back to private enterprises who play ball, call the shots and manage to filter a little of that back to the officials who robbed us in the first place.
The best joke of all is that those who dare to object are now called radical right wingers and potential threats to national security. The biggest threat to national security is the government itself; agencies like Homeland security and the IRS, among others. Those groups pose far more threat to life and liberty than do people who want a peaceful, honest society in which free trade and individual autonomy are treated as absolute rights rather than privileges granted on the whim and at the pleasure of an autocratic government.
It is not true capitalism that has given rise to such corporate pirates as SDGE/Sempra and others. It is a government who has overstepped its proper functions, which in turn allows it to be of great use and complicity in furthering the aims of some enterprises while hindering others.
Once at that level the rate goes up, but not just for the additional usage. The tier one amount then also goes up. The next jump is the same. So, in the end, you pay triple for the minimal usage and all else. It is almost impossible to follow the calculations. All you know is that you pay a bundle for very basic service. You're lucky if it doesn't get into tier three while on vacation, just from the refrigerator and maybe a lamp or two on a timer. Another scam sanctioned by California's utility board--I forgot their exact title and the requisite initials.
Now they are installing "smart meters". What these do is decide that at any moment in time you are using an amount above the arbitrary level, especially at peak times. You are charged the high rate for those moments. It's like paying triple for a gallon of gas because you bought it at the wrong time, even if that one gallon is all you used.
It sounds as if this is to counteract the troubles encountered by a system running at maximum capacity to avoid outages during times when demand exceeds available supply. In the case of SDGE, and San Diego county, they are running a surplus and are not stretched to capacity. The draconian measures have no purpose other than bilking the public while telling them it is for their own good.
Sine the 70's I have been a proponent of removing one's self from dependence upon public utilities whenever possible. It has been quite difficult as, in many cases, it has been illegal to do so. Often when an unincorporated area was annexed by a city, for example, people who already had their own wells were required to hook into the city water system, regardless of need or desire. Their water and sewage were perfectly safe and causing no problem, but that did not matter. In other cases it was forbidden to produce your own electricity.
Solar is still too expensive for most people to afford. In this climate it can power a home. Of course the power company still wants to be tied in and sings the praises of how wonderful it is to see your meter run backwards (although the digital nature of a smart meter probably offers no visible evidence of this). Yippee, you may even get money back. Cash that $4.00 check and how lovely it is. I'd suggest that anyone who can fit their home with systems to produce their own power remove all connection to the utility. There is no way they will relinquish control that will adversely affect you down the road.
Of course this is all cloaked in green wrapping, yet it has little to do with that. Especially considering the environmental nightmare their power link represents, and the disregard for East county communities and property rights, not to mention fire hazards.
I pay the landlord a set amount per month and do my best to ensure minimal usage so their cost is as low as possible. I use a lamp that draws about 23 watts. One of those squiggly bulbs that replaces a 60 watt incandescent. I avoid using the track lights by the kitchen that use about 300 watts. Those are very bright bulbs.
These smart meters and other schemes by SDGE are an assault on the less financially sound people and serve to raise the cost of life around here. Too bad. It is another situation which is foisted on the public who generally go along or think it is all for the greater good. So many such attacks have been launched against normal people that there is no way to list them them all. None of this ought to be possible in a free country of civilized beings.
So, once again, I see the value in my under achievement. Lack of ownership, and lack of wealth have become more a relief than a source of self admonishment. Not that I enjoy self loathing, but it is pretty sick when you realize you dodge bullets through lack of initiative and substance. Excellence is punished while apathy and lack of drive are rewarded. And that is a relative benefit to me.
How crazy is that? I would much rather see it work as it should, where one can be the keeper of the fruits of his labors and where success is not vilified and reason for harassment. The USA has been gutted from within through faulty education, flawed philosophy being drummed into us through media, film, institutions of alleged learning and general use of herd instinct and manufactured peer pressure. Most of this has been accomplished by money taken from private enterprise then distributed by government; often back to private enterprises who play ball, call the shots and manage to filter a little of that back to the officials who robbed us in the first place.
The best joke of all is that those who dare to object are now called radical right wingers and potential threats to national security. The biggest threat to national security is the government itself; agencies like Homeland security and the IRS, among others. Those groups pose far more threat to life and liberty than do people who want a peaceful, honest society in which free trade and individual autonomy are treated as absolute rights rather than privileges granted on the whim and at the pleasure of an autocratic government.
It is not true capitalism that has given rise to such corporate pirates as SDGE/Sempra and others. It is a government who has overstepped its proper functions, which in turn allows it to be of great use and complicity in furthering the aims of some enterprises while hindering others.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Long Lonesome Highway (of Mexican Saltillo) Tips for those who do the work Americans won't do
I'm not too sure what these pictures show. If I had a better photo device, the difference would be clear.
The hallway is a big U shape. These show the bottom of the U, from the middle looking right and left. The one with the masking has been stripped up to the row of more orange looking tiles. Then I started at the other end and worked my way back to the center, after masking it all and masking the right hand leg of the U as well. The left hand part includes a larger foyer/entryway which was already completed. There's a double door in the middle of the bottom of the U which opens to the pool patio/courtyard. I use that to take out the buckets of dirty water and bring in fresh.
Finally, after using a rag to spread the stripper, a buff pad to scrub, 400 grit wet/dry sandpaper more on some than others, scrub again, go over with rag again, then sponge off, and sponge with clean water, I moved 3 tiles down and did the next three rows. Occasionally I had to scrape off bits of paint and mortar with a pocket knife. That's how I roll. It makes for least risk to nearby carpet or wood, and gets the job done for the result they want.
I also came back, after stripping half way down the hall, with a regular clean water mop. Finally, when it all had two to three days to dry, I put two coats of sealer on. In this situation I found applying with a rag the best bet. I tried mop and sponge mop but you can't get edges well without making trouble and keeping it even with no puddling.
Thanks again to the memory foam platform I made, knees did not suffer. Applying the sealer is child's play compared to the rest. It's surprising how long masking can take, and I'm pretty quick with that. It is definitely worth doing, though. Every once in awhile an errant move sends stuff flying and the paper catches it.
In real life you can tell the difference. They do not want a high gloss finish so keeping it toned down and using the lowest gloss the sell is necessary. But that makes less contrast on the before and after. Even so, it is much better. I doubt it would have been easy to get anyone else to do this as effectively without collateral damage. Especially doing it so it looks the way they specified.
So, it is now done, everything put back in place and the tons of masking paper rolled into big balls and disposed of in environmentally friendly recycle bins.
Don't think I missed the chance to make use of the spa late at night. Once again I neglected to bring the swimsuit. It may be the main thing that accelerated the recovery of strained muscles; the ones which haven't been used in ten years or so.
Unfortunately a mouse tried to avail itself of the spa earlier in the day. I guess it was not a good swimmer. I was too late to rescue it. (as if I would have). This time there was no burial or ritual funeral pyre. I used the rubber gloves and picked it up by the tail, flinging it far out into the backyard area, somewhere near the property line fence. If not over it. Who knows.
I see no upcoming projects of any consequence, and I could not charge more hours than I thought the job was worth. No telling what actual hours were. I'm so not in tune with the hourly wage concept. If I loaf for half the hour, I cannot charge it. Will not. This is why I need to embark upon the sort of thing that pays in a different way. Like a copyright on music or a book, or rights to a design. Not quite sure. If I had the patience to figure out investment, and a little money, I'd do that. But you have to really know what you are up to to achieve success. Some people do, but investment juggling is not for the ignorant.
I'm as proud of doing a good job on a project like this as I was of design jobs in other fields which had more money and prestige. The plan worked, and the result was good. And it was done fairly, honestly, and involved completely voluntary trade on both sides. If I had done this for a city building I would feel less at peace about it.
If it were a taxpayer situation, I'd have questioned the necessity and suggested another way of preserving the floor which may have been less aesthetically pleasing but adequate. Or suggested they use the money to arm decent citizens in gang neighborhoods and declare open season on punks.
It's a great day out here in East SD county. Fog so thick you can drink it. The sound of rain running through the gutter on the cottage, but almost no rain falling. In the clouds and it is in the 60's or lower.
The biggest relief that came out of this project is finding that I can still get stronger. I can work and strain things, be sore, then have my body recover and adapt. With people around telling me maybe I'm just old, blablabla whenever a job kicks my ass, it is good to feel the strengthening process take effect. It means they are just idiots who buy into what they hear, like sheep. I know I am not 20. I also have gone through this many times because I've gone from hard labor to sedentary jobs and lifestyle and back again several times. Always I get totally achy and sore, wondering if I can do it. Then I adapt.
One day I may not be able to do that. Not yet. I'm not able to afford the normal luxury of deciding I'm too old to do these things. It is not an option. I have no pension or automatic income.
I've known people who started in about being too old since I was 35. My hardest labor jobs came about long after that. Some of them I would not care to repeat, but at the time they were what I had to do to make the rent.
The goal now is neither to get too concerned about fitting the prescribed lifestyle laid out by age, nor to settle for always doing menial back tiring work. The goal is to get paid for something more creative and fun.
========
extra tip: acrylic sealer may seem friendly, but use rubber gloves. If you don't you find your hands will be sealed like reptile skin.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
I Was on TV
Geez. That anti-Powerlink gathering made the TV news. Our guitar player/singer (one of them) has it on his computer. I missed the broadcast but he didn't and he has it recorded.
There I am, with the band. They don't show me long and did good for splicing two second scenes. Of course it ended up being as much about the politician who hijacked the thing, making it look like he is leading the entire effort, (which involved people researching, meeting with that official and this crook, and organizing and doing tons of stuff). Obviously, he only showed up then played big cheese. He doesn't even have facts straight and he makes up statistics and all sorts of facts.
A lady named Laura spearheaded all the aforementioned work, along with her husband and some others. She would probably be considered the actual leader of the effort. Not one you want to challenge to a battle of wits. She is the face you want on this. She just let him do his thing, and maybe supports his campaign. Who knows. Maybe she just felt fighting for control would be stupid.
Either way it got air time. If I did not know the facts, and saw the broadecast, I'd have thought "helluva harp player, bet he gets all the chicks. What's with this group of wackos. Must be more enviro nazis out to kill business and be a pain."
Too bad, because, whether for right reasons or not, the wackos who embrace it are right. As well as the non wackos. This is not a democrat or republican thing, if you allow that each may oppose sneaky theft and pillage. (I understand that both are willing to let you get abused by government for "the greater good", but they usually agree stealing and lying are bad.) It will raise power bills. It will not benefit this county at all. It is a huge fire hazard and it will kill businesses and communities in its wake.
And here it looks like I am, through guilt by association, a fan of Ray Lutz and his big government solutions. He's hard to hate because he is goofy and unphased, but I do not and would not support his candidacy. Probably not a fan of the other people in the race either. The Libertarian is closer, philosophically, but he has zero skills in the art of persuasion, or even keeping an audience awake for 3 minutes.
There I am, with the band. They don't show me long and did good for splicing two second scenes. Of course it ended up being as much about the politician who hijacked the thing, making it look like he is leading the entire effort, (which involved people researching, meeting with that official and this crook, and organizing and doing tons of stuff). Obviously, he only showed up then played big cheese. He doesn't even have facts straight and he makes up statistics and all sorts of facts.
A lady named Laura spearheaded all the aforementioned work, along with her husband and some others. She would probably be considered the actual leader of the effort. Not one you want to challenge to a battle of wits. She is the face you want on this. She just let him do his thing, and maybe supports his campaign. Who knows. Maybe she just felt fighting for control would be stupid.
Either way it got air time. If I did not know the facts, and saw the broadecast, I'd have thought "helluva harp player, bet he gets all the chicks. What's with this group of wackos. Must be more enviro nazis out to kill business and be a pain."
Too bad, because, whether for right reasons or not, the wackos who embrace it are right. As well as the non wackos. This is not a democrat or republican thing, if you allow that each may oppose sneaky theft and pillage. (I understand that both are willing to let you get abused by government for "the greater good", but they usually agree stealing and lying are bad.) It will raise power bills. It will not benefit this county at all. It is a huge fire hazard and it will kill businesses and communities in its wake.
And here it looks like I am, through guilt by association, a fan of Ray Lutz and his big government solutions. He's hard to hate because he is goofy and unphased, but I do not and would not support his candidacy. Probably not a fan of the other people in the race either. The Libertarian is closer, philosophically, but he has zero skills in the art of persuasion, or even keeping an audience awake for 3 minutes.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Didn't Kill Me and I feel Stronger
Finally, the long stretch of saltillo is stripped, mopped and waiting for the sealer. That part is easy. Getting it to this point was not so easy.
During the week I had to hit the southern coast to help some friends move. I'd agreed to do it and felt honor bound to keep my word. As luck would have it they had some pieces of memory foam they had to trim off so the big piece would fit their bed. I was asked if I wanted it and almost refused. I'm glad I didn't.
This stuff is thick, at least 4". One piece was a long strip, maybe 5 ft or so, less than a foot wide. I folded it over, in two, taped the ends somewhat tightly to keep it acting like a unit. I then used that as the kneeling surface, tossing the knee pads aside. Unbelievable. This is absolutely the way to go. The rest of the work went faster and with relatively no knee strain or pain. It made the wild moving effort worth the near death experience.
So, there's another tip. Get some fat memory foam, double it, tape it tight about a quarter of the way in from each end and you are good to go for any tile work or other floor stuff that demands you be down there where the action is. I've seen people use other types of foam in slabs and such, but I've never tried anything as good as this. It doesn't get in the way or make trouble either. Is it washable? I don't know. We'll find out.
I figure it is like a sponge, hose it off, squeeze it out, and let it dry in the sun
I still think the Tile Labs brand stripper/cleaner from Home depot is the way to go if you don't want monumental fumes and are willing to scrub as you go to save time. So far I am pleased with the job.
=================
G1, the Memphis guitar player with whom I had much conflict in distant days past, has been in contact. Strange thing, just recently I was reflecting on the fact that I could have avoided much of the discord and unpleasantness all that caused in my life. I actually owe the guy a lot and regardless of things that did not sit well with me, I'd rather be a friend than not. Just have to accept that some people have limits on how you trust and communicate. I expect I am not the only one who changes nuances in outlook over the years, but who knows.
Anyway, today I got a box with some copies of CDs I'd played on back in Memphis. Sent by G1 since I informed him I've given away my last copies of these things. This time I'll let people have burned copies but I'll keep the originals. Some of that stuff is not bad. I can tell where I have changed and where I think my playing has improved. Although there are moments on these Cds which seem about the best I could do at that particular spot. It is as much what you play in a give interval as it is anything else. You can be the fanciest virtuoso ever and the guy who knows what to put where is going to outshine you. In my book anyway.
And My Book is just full of such things. St Anthony found my phone for me today, and my glasses yesterday. Don't tell me the patron saint of lost causes and things ain't real. I refuse to even consider such a thing.
Listening to the recordings caused me to realize just how much I learned during the Memphis experience and from the current music group. I am far more confident and maybe competent than ever. Grudgingly I have to admit, I learned a great deal from G1, and he is a good guitar player.
Heard the original drummer is now playing with an offshoot of the old band and that makes me happy. His parting with the group was not done well. I was opposed but not in the place of power. It is complicated but comes down to; you keep your word with people or you don't. Some didn't. My problem is that I liked all the drummers and such that played. I had issues with other matters and sometimes it wasn't worth it;.
By the way: dear neo klansmen and others who somehow tie Christianity into neo anti semitism and such. Jesus was a friggin Jew. So were his parents, his friends, and if he had a dog-- his dog, too. So what sense does it make to blame Jews for tackin the boy up? Romans did the deed and now they're in the thick of the whole Church thing. I'm sorry but your logic don't gel.
That's all we need, more people declaring holy war. Fortunately not many Christians are on board with it, and nothing in their Book condones it, as far as I know. Although the Bible is a bloody book, when everyone's not having sex.
Got to quit reading the comments when someone directs me to a youtube video. You get the most sickly unrelated garbage in comments there.
During the week I had to hit the southern coast to help some friends move. I'd agreed to do it and felt honor bound to keep my word. As luck would have it they had some pieces of memory foam they had to trim off so the big piece would fit their bed. I was asked if I wanted it and almost refused. I'm glad I didn't.
This stuff is thick, at least 4". One piece was a long strip, maybe 5 ft or so, less than a foot wide. I folded it over, in two, taped the ends somewhat tightly to keep it acting like a unit. I then used that as the kneeling surface, tossing the knee pads aside. Unbelievable. This is absolutely the way to go. The rest of the work went faster and with relatively no knee strain or pain. It made the wild moving effort worth the near death experience.
So, there's another tip. Get some fat memory foam, double it, tape it tight about a quarter of the way in from each end and you are good to go for any tile work or other floor stuff that demands you be down there where the action is. I've seen people use other types of foam in slabs and such, but I've never tried anything as good as this. It doesn't get in the way or make trouble either. Is it washable? I don't know. We'll find out.
I figure it is like a sponge, hose it off, squeeze it out, and let it dry in the sun
I still think the Tile Labs brand stripper/cleaner from Home depot is the way to go if you don't want monumental fumes and are willing to scrub as you go to save time. So far I am pleased with the job.
=================
G1, the Memphis guitar player with whom I had much conflict in distant days past, has been in contact. Strange thing, just recently I was reflecting on the fact that I could have avoided much of the discord and unpleasantness all that caused in my life. I actually owe the guy a lot and regardless of things that did not sit well with me, I'd rather be a friend than not. Just have to accept that some people have limits on how you trust and communicate. I expect I am not the only one who changes nuances in outlook over the years, but who knows.
Anyway, today I got a box with some copies of CDs I'd played on back in Memphis. Sent by G1 since I informed him I've given away my last copies of these things. This time I'll let people have burned copies but I'll keep the originals. Some of that stuff is not bad. I can tell where I have changed and where I think my playing has improved. Although there are moments on these Cds which seem about the best I could do at that particular spot. It is as much what you play in a give interval as it is anything else. You can be the fanciest virtuoso ever and the guy who knows what to put where is going to outshine you. In my book anyway.
And My Book is just full of such things. St Anthony found my phone for me today, and my glasses yesterday. Don't tell me the patron saint of lost causes and things ain't real. I refuse to even consider such a thing.
Listening to the recordings caused me to realize just how much I learned during the Memphis experience and from the current music group. I am far more confident and maybe competent than ever. Grudgingly I have to admit, I learned a great deal from G1, and he is a good guitar player.
Heard the original drummer is now playing with an offshoot of the old band and that makes me happy. His parting with the group was not done well. I was opposed but not in the place of power. It is complicated but comes down to; you keep your word with people or you don't. Some didn't. My problem is that I liked all the drummers and such that played. I had issues with other matters and sometimes it wasn't worth it;.
By the way: dear neo klansmen and others who somehow tie Christianity into neo anti semitism and such. Jesus was a friggin Jew. So were his parents, his friends, and if he had a dog-- his dog, too. So what sense does it make to blame Jews for tackin the boy up? Romans did the deed and now they're in the thick of the whole Church thing. I'm sorry but your logic don't gel.
That's all we need, more people declaring holy war. Fortunately not many Christians are on board with it, and nothing in their Book condones it, as far as I know. Although the Bible is a bloody book, when everyone's not having sex.
Got to quit reading the comments when someone directs me to a youtube video. You get the most sickly unrelated garbage in comments there.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
What is next I never Know
I can't really write about it.
OK. That was short.
They say, "It's not whether you win or lose but how you play the game". I think it is whether you derive any satisfaction or sense of fulfillment from whatever the game is. You can win some games, and be perfectly sure you played it the best of all possible ways, but it may be a game you don't even like playing. What do they have to say about that?
I've st track of what books I read last week. Unusual because I often pay so much attention when reading that I could certainly pass any test on it with flying colors. I paid attention to the John McLaughlin in the Northwest book.
There was also one by some Pom about an East Ender about the time of WWI. It end in the 1960's. Good book about starting from very little and doing well, building something substantial through vision and work, despite the efforts of persistent evil-doers. I have to credit GW Bush for that term. I'd never paid attention to it prior to him, and I like it because it covers much, directly and on the money. Who would have thought W would have influenced how I use my own lexicon?
I'm finishing the big strip and re-seal the saltillo project at Mr Bigs. A high level official and family we be here next week. So, time is important.
This work can leave you pretty sore. I hope it makes me stronger and tougher. I've done enough of this now that I have a system. being in the house and due to the nature of things, it is another job done by hand almost like the famous garge doors I had to sand before applying Santeria wax. After trying many products from the specialized supply houses, I found the best one at Home Depot of all places.
Product review: Tile Labs stripper/cleaner ----I forget what all it says on the container. Unfortunately they don't have gallon containers of it. But, for indoors, where you do not want to deal with fumes this is the stuff. Besides it is actually easier to use, and I think does a better job, that DuPont's stripper
So, I give the Home Depot product the thumbs up, and a look of dismay because the specialized tile worker suppliers are always supposed to have better stuff. Of course hardly anyone would be doing this by my method. But they would have collateral damage which I'd have to deal with. I'm not so sure their work would be any better or as good. In the long run, I'm saving the Mr Big residence money and trouble, and once again giving them art. Doubt anyone realizes that fact, but I know and the universe and else thank me.
I love water soluble stuff, and since the sealer on these things is acrylic it is easy to reapply. And not too bad to strip. Where was I going with that? I saw something shiny and forgot.
OK. That was short.
They say, "It's not whether you win or lose but how you play the game". I think it is whether you derive any satisfaction or sense of fulfillment from whatever the game is. You can win some games, and be perfectly sure you played it the best of all possible ways, but it may be a game you don't even like playing. What do they have to say about that?
I've st track of what books I read last week. Unusual because I often pay so much attention when reading that I could certainly pass any test on it with flying colors. I paid attention to the John McLaughlin in the Northwest book.
There was also one by some Pom about an East Ender about the time of WWI. It end in the 1960's. Good book about starting from very little and doing well, building something substantial through vision and work, despite the efforts of persistent evil-doers. I have to credit GW Bush for that term. I'd never paid attention to it prior to him, and I like it because it covers much, directly and on the money. Who would have thought W would have influenced how I use my own lexicon?
I'm finishing the big strip and re-seal the saltillo project at Mr Bigs. A high level official and family we be here next week. So, time is important.
This work can leave you pretty sore. I hope it makes me stronger and tougher. I've done enough of this now that I have a system. being in the house and due to the nature of things, it is another job done by hand almost like the famous garge doors I had to sand before applying Santeria wax. After trying many products from the specialized supply houses, I found the best one at Home Depot of all places.
Product review: Tile Labs stripper/cleaner ----I forget what all it says on the container. Unfortunately they don't have gallon containers of it. But, for indoors, where you do not want to deal with fumes this is the stuff. Besides it is actually easier to use, and I think does a better job, that DuPont's stripper
So, I give the Home Depot product the thumbs up, and a look of dismay because the specialized tile worker suppliers are always supposed to have better stuff. Of course hardly anyone would be doing this by my method. But they would have collateral damage which I'd have to deal with. I'm not so sure their work would be any better or as good. In the long run, I'm saving the Mr Big residence money and trouble, and once again giving them art. Doubt anyone realizes that fact, but I know and the universe and else thank me.
I love water soluble stuff, and since the sealer on these things is acrylic it is easy to reapply. And not too bad to strip. Where was I going with that? I saw something shiny and forgot.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Pictures of CheLutz and My Pals
Above is Lutz talking to either news 8 or 10. He was classy and did not wear his own Ray Che shirt.
Here's a guy with the Ray Che shirt. There were a dozen or more people wearing them. It has more impact when it is not pulled askew like this.
"We aren't here to make this about my campaign". Ray "Che" Lutz
Heck no. This is about that guy in the long sleeved blue shirt and funny hat!
Get yours today. Too extreme? Don't like South American rich kids who shoot people? Play it safe and express your need for an iconic charlatan to worship with a Lutz shirt
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Just the Facts M'am/and/or Sir
The Sunrise Powerlink project in California is a complete boondoggle and scam, as I've tried to explain several times here. Groups have raised money and have it being fought in courts at this point. In truth, Sempra/SDGE shouldn't have a leg to stand on. Most know that courts are often less than impartial and above board, so who knows.
Today a little get together in a Lakeside park was scheduled to raise funds, get attention, the usual. My band members own property which would be adversely affected in a number of ways, should this system of towers be built. Fire is one very real threat. There was a small fire in the area(East SD County) a few weeks ago. It got put out, lucky for 8 hikers caught in the middle of it. The nature of the land is such that fire was headed their way from all sides, no escape.
Had the proposed powerlink been in place, the aircraft which were used to dump water on the fire could not have flown in there. This would have wiped out the hikers and several nearby homes. It is easy to see on aerial photos.
OK. The thing today. Much to my dismay, and to the chagrin of some of the more active people in this battle, a guy running for Congress somehow usurped the event, making it into a campaign opportunity while pretending otherwise. He planted himself as MC, made up numbers and then acted like the big solution here was his list of tax paid programs which do nothing but move the money SDGE is trying to steal into the control of his gang.
They had a few alleged experts in various aspects of this power plan speak. Holy smoke, it turns out they are running for other offices. All of them spun a valid initiative to fight a very corrupt damaging plan into a pitch for why more tax money should be used to prop up their pet businesses. One guy proudly admitted he was involved with several of them. All "green" of course. It was a sickening display, but very instructional. This is how they play the game.
Somehow they seemed to assume that anyone opposed to the powerlink must be an environmental militant and a democrat. I assure I am neither.
It only makes sense for power to be generated close to point of use as much as possible. I even suggested that a college I attended many decades ago use the science department to organize student projects so that the end result was at least partial self sufficiency. It is not a new idea.
My motive is to free one's self from government controlled monopolies and the down time and trouble inherent in the use of overhead wires for electric power. Ice storm= lines down. Never fails.
Of course back then it was actually illegal to be self sufficient. I knew a mill that was forbidden from using their mill race and existing generator to augment their power and save money. Same people made those rules who are trying to coopt the self sufficiency ideas.
So, if you want off grid because you are a freedom loving, authority despising citizen who doesn't like complicated bs utility bills, they've set things up so you would be placed in the militant green, let's-force-everyone to-pay-and-play under-our-control statist big government, semi-socialist camp.
It's a trick. Just like today.
Oh, I couldn't believe it--this guy's supporters had tee shirts with his face printed on them in the same style as the famous Che logo, except it had his name down the side. The inspiration couldn't be missed.
Now if I hadn't been asked to play some tunes with the band, and I did not already know the inside scoop, I'd have thought this was a political picnic of some kind. I would have taken one look and kept going. In the name of "bringing awareness" and all the other happy horseshit cliches, this guy and his pals are actually hurting the cause. Out here is not overwhelmingly Obama country, so playing this game may really harm the legitimate effort. It is a very serious infringement on property rights and a big theft based on big lies in the larger scope of the powerlink. These demagogues are not a benefit in my view.
I was fascinated watching it, and watching the people just not have the cajones to make them take down campaign tables and such, and stick to the original purpose.
There are the enviro goons who make cases based on animal inconvenience that for the most part I think is made up. Too bad because the real argument is that they cannot show a need, it is a severe fire hazard in more than one way, and it will increase power costs, not reduce it. And it is set up to link to Mexican power plants using petroleum products. So wtf? Can't do it here but we can go way down there and bring it in through my back yard?
To me the best thing is to make them prove the need. Their own studies demonstrated it is not needed but the utilities board ignored that after pressure from Ahnold. and others.
See I'm bi-partisan, metro-political. I can give good cases to deport people from both parties.
Tey decided to do a march down Lakeside Main street--maybe a mile round trip--at most. No way I could convince myself to join in even though my friends did. For one thing I do not respond well to people with megaphones telling me what to chant, and I do not carry signs, except under rare occasions I have yet to experience, and I certain don't want to be associated with a candidate whose philosophy I dislike. Not to mention the goofs with the not quite Che shirts on.
Che shirts, but with Ray Lutz's face. Too much, really.
Today a little get together in a Lakeside park was scheduled to raise funds, get attention, the usual. My band members own property which would be adversely affected in a number of ways, should this system of towers be built. Fire is one very real threat. There was a small fire in the area(East SD County) a few weeks ago. It got put out, lucky for 8 hikers caught in the middle of it. The nature of the land is such that fire was headed their way from all sides, no escape.
Had the proposed powerlink been in place, the aircraft which were used to dump water on the fire could not have flown in there. This would have wiped out the hikers and several nearby homes. It is easy to see on aerial photos.
OK. The thing today. Much to my dismay, and to the chagrin of some of the more active people in this battle, a guy running for Congress somehow usurped the event, making it into a campaign opportunity while pretending otherwise. He planted himself as MC, made up numbers and then acted like the big solution here was his list of tax paid programs which do nothing but move the money SDGE is trying to steal into the control of his gang.
They had a few alleged experts in various aspects of this power plan speak. Holy smoke, it turns out they are running for other offices. All of them spun a valid initiative to fight a very corrupt damaging plan into a pitch for why more tax money should be used to prop up their pet businesses. One guy proudly admitted he was involved with several of them. All "green" of course. It was a sickening display, but very instructional. This is how they play the game.
Somehow they seemed to assume that anyone opposed to the powerlink must be an environmental militant and a democrat. I assure I am neither.
It only makes sense for power to be generated close to point of use as much as possible. I even suggested that a college I attended many decades ago use the science department to organize student projects so that the end result was at least partial self sufficiency. It is not a new idea.
My motive is to free one's self from government controlled monopolies and the down time and trouble inherent in the use of overhead wires for electric power. Ice storm= lines down. Never fails.
Of course back then it was actually illegal to be self sufficient. I knew a mill that was forbidden from using their mill race and existing generator to augment their power and save money. Same people made those rules who are trying to coopt the self sufficiency ideas.
So, if you want off grid because you are a freedom loving, authority despising citizen who doesn't like complicated bs utility bills, they've set things up so you would be placed in the militant green, let's-force-everyone to-pay-and-play under-our-control statist big government, semi-socialist camp.
It's a trick. Just like today.
Oh, I couldn't believe it--this guy's supporters had tee shirts with his face printed on them in the same style as the famous Che logo, except it had his name down the side. The inspiration couldn't be missed.
Now if I hadn't been asked to play some tunes with the band, and I did not already know the inside scoop, I'd have thought this was a political picnic of some kind. I would have taken one look and kept going. In the name of "bringing awareness" and all the other happy horseshit cliches, this guy and his pals are actually hurting the cause. Out here is not overwhelmingly Obama country, so playing this game may really harm the legitimate effort. It is a very serious infringement on property rights and a big theft based on big lies in the larger scope of the powerlink. These demagogues are not a benefit in my view.
I was fascinated watching it, and watching the people just not have the cajones to make them take down campaign tables and such, and stick to the original purpose.
There are the enviro goons who make cases based on animal inconvenience that for the most part I think is made up. Too bad because the real argument is that they cannot show a need, it is a severe fire hazard in more than one way, and it will increase power costs, not reduce it. And it is set up to link to Mexican power plants using petroleum products. So wtf? Can't do it here but we can go way down there and bring it in through my back yard?
To me the best thing is to make them prove the need. Their own studies demonstrated it is not needed but the utilities board ignored that after pressure from Ahnold. and others.
See I'm bi-partisan, metro-political. I can give good cases to deport people from both parties.
Tey decided to do a march down Lakeside Main street--maybe a mile round trip--at most. No way I could convince myself to join in even though my friends did. For one thing I do not respond well to people with megaphones telling me what to chant, and I do not carry signs, except under rare occasions I have yet to experience, and I certain don't want to be associated with a candidate whose philosophy I dislike. Not to mention the goofs with the not quite Che shirts on.
Che shirts, but with Ray Lutz's face. Too much, really.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Freedom's Just Another Word for Don't Listen to the Hype
That Kristofferson line in Bobby McGee about "another word for nothin left to lose" never did set well with me. I think I get it, but still don't like it much.
Anyway, the oldest man is 114. From what I read he is not out of it or ultra frail. Maybe it is worth living as if all the stereotypical stuff we're fed is just so much drivel. Ignore it. At least for me, that is the only course other than planning an early demise. And for God's sake, quit with the terminology. Senior this, those zany seniors, blablabla. I really think it is slave state talk and mentality that convinces people to assign themselves into stupid blocks like that.
Either you are a child or an adult Beyond that forget it. Even the concept of retirement is sort of an industrial age invention. In the family based agrarian world I guess people took on tasks they could and if they couldn't they did other things.
Certainly they did not hold up a calendar and say, "OK, you are now 65 and time to sit down and shut up. Well, maybe people didn't live so long, but the point stands. Those Russian yogurt people lived a long time and they were not industrial regimented types who called one another senior citizens and all that.
It's nice that people could work for a set time then call it quits and receive a pension, however the system got to be somewhat peculiar I think. Government involvement is largely a scam. But it is so entrenched that many wonder what would we do without their programs and care. Never mind that life would be somewhat different if they hadn't become involved, hadn't instituted income tax and complicated hoops through which we jump. People are different so some at 60 are like others at 95. Can't manufacture a cookie cutter model like is pushed on us.
There are a number of people who don't fall into any media concept of private or public sector. We are private but not under the company-pays-my-wages model. And not under the model of someone who does an independent thing for years. (Although, those people are rarer and rarer due to the BS they endure for the "privilege" of being their own boss. Rarer in crafts type fields, instruction and such. I wouldn't be a piano teacher in today's environment. You could get accused of anything and go to hell before clearing your name.) Vagabonds of a sort are the ones somewhat like me. Little of this, little of that, but never got married to any job for the xyz corporation for life. And don't get government aid. Unless we lied, we probably wouldn't qualify. I don't think I could wait in line then deal with a condescending clerk anyway. Just slit my throat instead.
In my case, I still have faith that I will find the inspiration and energy to launch one or more schemes that pay off. I hope to avoid ever taking a dime from a government program. Some people have to, that is how it is set up. Not dissing them, just expressing my wish for myself. It is hard to avoid as it is almost a requirement in certain circumstances.
My idea of proper redistribution of wealth is this; I give you a good honest reason to pull money from your pocket and place it in mine. All voluntarily, of course. I'm a huge fan of that model of wealth redistribution.
I figure my best bet for good income is advising parents on the ins and outs of raising children. Someone who has actually raised children is too close to the issue. Outsiders like myself are the best ones to give advice. Besides, there are cases in which the kid should be shipped off to a deserted island and left there with maybe a pocket knife, a candle and some chewing gum. Abandon the miscreant. Best thing for his teachers, friends, neighbors, etc. You know such demons yourself, but it takes a detached clinician to state the facts so boldly.
Maybe I'll put out a book and include the audio version from the get go. In many cases the kid would learn better values and receive a better education marooned on a deserted island than in his present environment. Kind of makes me envious. Wish my parents had been astute enough to do that for me.
Anyway, the oldest man is 114. From what I read he is not out of it or ultra frail. Maybe it is worth living as if all the stereotypical stuff we're fed is just so much drivel. Ignore it. At least for me, that is the only course other than planning an early demise. And for God's sake, quit with the terminology. Senior this, those zany seniors, blablabla. I really think it is slave state talk and mentality that convinces people to assign themselves into stupid blocks like that.
Either you are a child or an adult Beyond that forget it. Even the concept of retirement is sort of an industrial age invention. In the family based agrarian world I guess people took on tasks they could and if they couldn't they did other things.
Certainly they did not hold up a calendar and say, "OK, you are now 65 and time to sit down and shut up. Well, maybe people didn't live so long, but the point stands. Those Russian yogurt people lived a long time and they were not industrial regimented types who called one another senior citizens and all that.
It's nice that people could work for a set time then call it quits and receive a pension, however the system got to be somewhat peculiar I think. Government involvement is largely a scam. But it is so entrenched that many wonder what would we do without their programs and care. Never mind that life would be somewhat different if they hadn't become involved, hadn't instituted income tax and complicated hoops through which we jump. People are different so some at 60 are like others at 95. Can't manufacture a cookie cutter model like is pushed on us.
There are a number of people who don't fall into any media concept of private or public sector. We are private but not under the company-pays-my-wages model. And not under the model of someone who does an independent thing for years. (Although, those people are rarer and rarer due to the BS they endure for the "privilege" of being their own boss. Rarer in crafts type fields, instruction and such. I wouldn't be a piano teacher in today's environment. You could get accused of anything and go to hell before clearing your name.) Vagabonds of a sort are the ones somewhat like me. Little of this, little of that, but never got married to any job for the xyz corporation for life. And don't get government aid. Unless we lied, we probably wouldn't qualify. I don't think I could wait in line then deal with a condescending clerk anyway. Just slit my throat instead.
In my case, I still have faith that I will find the inspiration and energy to launch one or more schemes that pay off. I hope to avoid ever taking a dime from a government program. Some people have to, that is how it is set up. Not dissing them, just expressing my wish for myself. It is hard to avoid as it is almost a requirement in certain circumstances.
My idea of proper redistribution of wealth is this; I give you a good honest reason to pull money from your pocket and place it in mine. All voluntarily, of course. I'm a huge fan of that model of wealth redistribution.
I figure my best bet for good income is advising parents on the ins and outs of raising children. Someone who has actually raised children is too close to the issue. Outsiders like myself are the best ones to give advice. Besides, there are cases in which the kid should be shipped off to a deserted island and left there with maybe a pocket knife, a candle and some chewing gum. Abandon the miscreant. Best thing for his teachers, friends, neighbors, etc. You know such demons yourself, but it takes a detached clinician to state the facts so boldly.
Maybe I'll put out a book and include the audio version from the get go. In many cases the kid would learn better values and receive a better education marooned on a deserted island than in his present environment. Kind of makes me envious. Wish my parents had been astute enough to do that for me.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Great for West of the Rockies, but how to cool the humid east?
This company (coolerado.com) has a great design for A/C in the low humidity West, as their first stage heat exchanger relies on evaporative cooling for much of its function.
There must be a way to work with nature to air condition Miami without huge power company bills. The humidity is the big culprit to be overcome. These things pique my interest. Got to be a way.
Anything that decreases dependence upon the grid, government and utility monopolies, in general is a worthy thing to pursue. It only makes sense anyway. The idea is to increase standard of living at lowest possible cost.
I guess I will add it to my list of such things I ponder from time to time over the years. I am still stuck on how to design the ultimate mobility vehicle for wheelchair bound people; something that achieves access to cabinets, stairs, wilderness, etc, and hauls ass.
Or This
this guy doesn't appear to be having fun
I think his issue is more mental illness than physical disability
He's wondering how he got there, frozen with fear
Maybe this is not exactly it, but it looks closer than some powered chairs I've seen.
That is an industry which needs to advance by leaps and bounds. Due to relatively low demand it has been stuck in primitive designs forever. The difficulties daily encountered by chair bound people in conducting basic life tasks are not always obvious to those of us without the same roadblocks. The way people get treated when we think they are sick or in need may also limit imagination in this field.
Inadequate mobility machinery somewhat adds insult to injury when all about them they see technology advancing by leaps and bounds.
Just think how much easier it is to type a letter now that we have delete buttons etc. Some of you may remember typewriters and carbon paper, and what a thrill it was when white-out came on the scene.
I still think the money spent renovating buildings could have been put toward R&D to design devices that overcome the obstacles, which would serve the handicapped individual better in the long run. Ramps are good but the whole thing became ridiculous, like most public projects.
That is what it is. I'd love to figure out this engineering problem. Someone will. I research it from time to time but never have found that one answer that hits the spot and covers all the functions I think modern technology could do.
With luck, nano technology, molecular engineering in the medical field will be able to solve many of the ills which render people confined to a chair.
I hope the ultimate, kickass, 40 mph, do-it-all wheelchair design comes to me someday soon. That is a project I could sink my teeth into. It would be a fun obsession and just the kind of workaholic endeavor I need.
There must be a way to work with nature to air condition Miami without huge power company bills. The humidity is the big culprit to be overcome. These things pique my interest. Got to be a way.
Anything that decreases dependence upon the grid, government and utility monopolies, in general is a worthy thing to pursue. It only makes sense anyway. The idea is to increase standard of living at lowest possible cost.
I guess I will add it to my list of such things I ponder from time to time over the years. I am still stuck on how to design the ultimate mobility vehicle for wheelchair bound people; something that achieves access to cabinets, stairs, wilderness, etc, and hauls ass.
I think his issue is more mental illness than physical disability
He's wondering how he got there, frozen with fear
That is an industry which needs to advance by leaps and bounds. Due to relatively low demand it has been stuck in primitive designs forever. The difficulties daily encountered by chair bound people in conducting basic life tasks are not always obvious to those of us without the same roadblocks. The way people get treated when we think they are sick or in need may also limit imagination in this field.
Inadequate mobility machinery somewhat adds insult to injury when all about them they see technology advancing by leaps and bounds.
Just think how much easier it is to type a letter now that we have delete buttons etc. Some of you may remember typewriters and carbon paper, and what a thrill it was when white-out came on the scene.
I still think the money spent renovating buildings could have been put toward R&D to design devices that overcome the obstacles, which would serve the handicapped individual better in the long run. Ramps are good but the whole thing became ridiculous, like most public projects.
That is what it is. I'd love to figure out this engineering problem. Someone will. I research it from time to time but never have found that one answer that hits the spot and covers all the functions I think modern technology could do.
With luck, nano technology, molecular engineering in the medical field will be able to solve many of the ills which render people confined to a chair.
I hope the ultimate, kickass, 40 mph, do-it-all wheelchair design comes to me someday soon. That is a project I could sink my teeth into. It would be a fun obsession and just the kind of workaholic endeavor I need.
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About Me
- John0 Juanderlust
- Ballistic Mountain, CA, United States
- Like spring on a summer's day
