Out of nowhere, with no warning, power went out in San Diego county, part of Orange county, Tijuana, and even out to Yuma, AZ today at 3:40 PM. It has been very hot, but the demand was well under capacity.
It took close to an hour before anyone heard a word from SDGE. I'm surprised I got online. Most cell phone service is out, and I'm on a cell card.
The whole thing is quite strange. Over 1.4 million customers, which means maybe 5 to 8 million people, or more are without power. Gas stations can't pump gas, most stop lights are out. Not sure how the ones that were working are powered, but a few are operating. Traffic was very backed up. Since I travel the back way from Rancho Santa Fe, I encountered less delay that those in the city.
Most people behaved, treating intersections like four way stops; first come first go. Of course there were a few idiots, mostly those who do the work we won't do, allegedly. And a redneck or two. But the vast majority stepped up to the plate and did the right thing.
They seem to have difficulty really explaining it all. A gazillion volt line in AZ which is interconnected with our grid had some sort of irregularity and that started a chain reaction which cause the nuclear plants up north to shut down which is automatic. Now they are working to get the gazillion volt lines up, and the one that started it is up, but they have to go in from out, and then out from in and it takes time, and then the lesser stations will be up and then the get power there, and later here, but before that the hospitals get power, and it is not their fault and check to see if your sick and elderly neighbors are dead and don't open the fridge any more than you have to and don't put hot food in there, and schools are closed tomorrow, and no they have no evidence to indicate foul play or terrorizm, but there is a rumor a clerk in some office made an error and maybe pushed the wrong button, and it may be late tomorrow before you have power, but some parts of Orange County, the O.C., already have their power restored, and isn't this an historic occasion?
So, that's the word from the radio. Most stations cannot broadcast, so KOGO is letting many of them tap in with their crack reporters all over the county relaying valuable information. Traffic is at a snail's pace downtown, maybe even slower. With no lights on, gee you can see the moon and stars, etc.
I can always see the moon and stars at night where I am. But I cannot run the fans without electricity.
My first thought, when the extent of outage became evident, was that this illustrates perfectly my Centralization Theory. Since back in the 70's I tried to tell anyone who'd listen, or was a captive audience, that it makes no sense to have so many people dependent upon so few sources of power so far from the end user. More sources of generation, serving fewer users so they are smaller and more localized. Ideally, power is generated at the site of use.
That is not always possible, but there is no question the design is ill conceived when a problem at one specific point in the system can cripple an area larger than San Diego county, which is huge and includes many cities and towns.
But, I've been warning against centralized control of power and water for many years, usually to skeptical and disapproving looks and reaction. As this case demonstrates, we are highly vulnerable, and needlessly so, to clever attack from without or within. So far no one declared martial law. Had this been Dade County, or Oakland, they'd probably feel they had to---looters and other idiocy would surely run rampant in those places under these conditions.
Nope. So far, San Diego stayed classy.
I've been without power for weeks at a time due to hurricanes. That is different. You know it is coming and so you prepare. Fortunately I have pretty much everything I need to carry me a day or three. Good think I bought fuel yesterday, and deposited those checks on the way in to work instead of on the way home like usual. It was a last minute impulse.
This may skew tomorrow's plans, although I may have enough fuel left to get to Rancho SF and back. At least they might get power sooner and they have a pool. It is always much cooler there. Maybe there is food, too.
I wonder if they'd say if this had been a planned assault of some kind. Maybe they'd keep it under wraps to avoid panic. It wasn't a big explosion or an airplane hijacked for the purpose, so I guess it could be exactly what the CEO of SDGE said, "A fluctuation of the line which blablabla.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Quick Message to Self Titled Anarchists
Anarchist is a term for one who does not believe in any form of government. That is why, to those in the know, the phrase "anarchists unite" is a clever and humorous oxymoron.
So, if you are one of those who spray paints that red A logo on private property, breaks windows, and violates the natural rights and space of others, and then call yourself an anarchist to explain it, you are an idiot.
Such behavior is not the stuff of one who eschews all forms of government, it is the behavior of a cowardly vandal who needs to have his ass kicked by an anarchist who respects life and liberty. One may not like rulers and people wielding power over others. That does not mean he embraces the notion of creating chaos and violating the lives of others.
I take issue with those who see the word anarchy as synonymous with chaos and destruction. That slant is purely the stuff of those who crave power and those who believe the alpha dogs of government will protect them.
One can question the value of authoritative institutions and systems without defiling the shops and other products of the hard work of others. The idea that government is all knowing, all powerful and the sun won't rise without its blessing is the propaganda of tyrants and their sycophants.
So, next time you see that A logo, just know it does not really mean "anarchy", it stands for as****e.
Some of those idiots now have an organized effort going in the name of communist anarchists, or something to that effect. Talk about your radical oxymorons, and just plain morons. This is why I think it should be ok to shoot looters and vandals. If you don't, they go out, get themselves a logo and do even more obnoxious acts hoping to get attention.
So, if you are one of those who spray paints that red A logo on private property, breaks windows, and violates the natural rights and space of others, and then call yourself an anarchist to explain it, you are an idiot.
Such behavior is not the stuff of one who eschews all forms of government, it is the behavior of a cowardly vandal who needs to have his ass kicked by an anarchist who respects life and liberty. One may not like rulers and people wielding power over others. That does not mean he embraces the notion of creating chaos and violating the lives of others.
I take issue with those who see the word anarchy as synonymous with chaos and destruction. That slant is purely the stuff of those who crave power and those who believe the alpha dogs of government will protect them.
One can question the value of authoritative institutions and systems without defiling the shops and other products of the hard work of others. The idea that government is all knowing, all powerful and the sun won't rise without its blessing is the propaganda of tyrants and their sycophants.
So, next time you see that A logo, just know it does not really mean "anarchy", it stands for as****e.
Some of those idiots now have an organized effort going in the name of communist anarchists, or something to that effect. Talk about your radical oxymorons, and just plain morons. This is why I think it should be ok to shoot looters and vandals. If you don't, they go out, get themselves a logo and do even more obnoxious acts hoping to get attention.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Here we go again...Rigged "debates"
It is OK to say "I told you so". I decided to see what was up in the Republican debate. There is no Democratic debate, so I already know what's up in that camp.
More important than what anyone had to say was the way the questions were asked and the way two candidates were given main stage. Since when is what goes on in Texas or Massachusetts the relevant topic that candidates for federal office should address?
"Candidate X, what do you think of what Rick did in Texas? Of what Mitt did in Massachusetts? Rick, Mitt, would you like to respond? Candidate Y, whose response did you like best? blablabla" Then the AP reports on radio say, "All eyes were on Perry and Romney". Really. Last time the manipulation was transparent enough. This time I guess they think people have simply quit thinking altogether, and they may be right.
It is very clear that none of the journalists asking questions have the slightest idea of how the country is structured or why. They think we are like Denmark or some small homogenous culture which runs on a uniform set of rules and agencies. They are idiots. "Where would you draw the line on the federal government's powers?", they ask a constitutionalist. Holy smoke, Moron, a constitutionalist draws the line where it is drawn in the friggin constitution. That is the purpose of the document.
Although you can be forgiven, Mr Moron moderator, in light of the fact that we may have had only one or two presidents and probably no congresses who've actually paid attention to that fact. And many a supreme court which believes it is all a matter of semantics and spirit and purpose of the law be damned.
Like the anchor baby thing. That law was never meant to be a conduit for people to abuse the immigration system. It was put in place so that ex-slaves would not be disenfranchised when slavery was abolished. Some shrewd lawyer figured out how to circumvent the spirit of the law to serve some other purpose. Now, few people realize how or why the law got there. They just abuse it and allow others to do the same.
The questions addressed to Ron Paul weren't questions but combative challenges. Everyone else was pretty much asked if they like Rick or Mitt better. Then they'd let Mitt or Rick respond. Most of Paul's time was wasted by the panelist who conducted his own mini-debate against whatever Paul had to say.
The other people were grossly marginalized. I find this a real shame. I'm not one of those who thinks the label, "Republican", is a pejorative. I almost don't think the term, "Democrat", is a pejorative either. I actually try to find anyone in either camp who comprehends the value of freedom and the reality of where many of our troubles originate.
Looks like we'll get another McCain out of this--someone with little appeal and no chance. Our country is being crippled in many ways. That much I agree with, as far as what was said. I tend to think the favored candidates would no more get us out of bad international entanglements, and free up our own energy sources, and mind their own business than Obama. And he's done no better than Bush on matters of too much power at the top, abuse of individual rights, and entangling our military while kicking them around if they do their job. I'd never want to be a soldier under such commanders.
Maybe I'll have to run again. It will be fun when they dig up things from my past and expect me to care. Yes, that was a monkey I took to the prom--one of the best nights of my life. Well, that night with the chicken was quite memorable as well.
OK. It was dumb to think I should check it out and be informed, but I can't form my opinions according to who is most lampooned, and who is most favored by Colbert or John Stewart. They are clueless elitists who know on which side their bread is buttered. Yes, I believe they are not courageously bucking the Man's views in hopes of promoting a better America. They are market driven, and without clear cut moral integrity. This means they do what makes themselves popular with the audience and the brass. You may think they are the brass, but I fear the thing is deeper than that.
In any case, the debate would have been better run had Colbert and Stewart been asking the questions. They could not have done anyone less justice than the goof balls who ran the show.
More important than what anyone had to say was the way the questions were asked and the way two candidates were given main stage. Since when is what goes on in Texas or Massachusetts the relevant topic that candidates for federal office should address?
"Candidate X, what do you think of what Rick did in Texas? Of what Mitt did in Massachusetts? Rick, Mitt, would you like to respond? Candidate Y, whose response did you like best? blablabla" Then the AP reports on radio say, "All eyes were on Perry and Romney". Really. Last time the manipulation was transparent enough. This time I guess they think people have simply quit thinking altogether, and they may be right.
It is very clear that none of the journalists asking questions have the slightest idea of how the country is structured or why. They think we are like Denmark or some small homogenous culture which runs on a uniform set of rules and agencies. They are idiots. "Where would you draw the line on the federal government's powers?", they ask a constitutionalist. Holy smoke, Moron, a constitutionalist draws the line where it is drawn in the friggin constitution. That is the purpose of the document.
Although you can be forgiven, Mr Moron moderator, in light of the fact that we may have had only one or two presidents and probably no congresses who've actually paid attention to that fact. And many a supreme court which believes it is all a matter of semantics and spirit and purpose of the law be damned.
Like the anchor baby thing. That law was never meant to be a conduit for people to abuse the immigration system. It was put in place so that ex-slaves would not be disenfranchised when slavery was abolished. Some shrewd lawyer figured out how to circumvent the spirit of the law to serve some other purpose. Now, few people realize how or why the law got there. They just abuse it and allow others to do the same.
The questions addressed to Ron Paul weren't questions but combative challenges. Everyone else was pretty much asked if they like Rick or Mitt better. Then they'd let Mitt or Rick respond. Most of Paul's time was wasted by the panelist who conducted his own mini-debate against whatever Paul had to say.
The other people were grossly marginalized. I find this a real shame. I'm not one of those who thinks the label, "Republican", is a pejorative. I almost don't think the term, "Democrat", is a pejorative either. I actually try to find anyone in either camp who comprehends the value of freedom and the reality of where many of our troubles originate.
Looks like we'll get another McCain out of this--someone with little appeal and no chance. Our country is being crippled in many ways. That much I agree with, as far as what was said. I tend to think the favored candidates would no more get us out of bad international entanglements, and free up our own energy sources, and mind their own business than Obama. And he's done no better than Bush on matters of too much power at the top, abuse of individual rights, and entangling our military while kicking them around if they do their job. I'd never want to be a soldier under such commanders.
Maybe I'll have to run again. It will be fun when they dig up things from my past and expect me to care. Yes, that was a monkey I took to the prom--one of the best nights of my life. Well, that night with the chicken was quite memorable as well.
OK. It was dumb to think I should check it out and be informed, but I can't form my opinions according to who is most lampooned, and who is most favored by Colbert or John Stewart. They are clueless elitists who know on which side their bread is buttered. Yes, I believe they are not courageously bucking the Man's views in hopes of promoting a better America. They are market driven, and without clear cut moral integrity. This means they do what makes themselves popular with the audience and the brass. You may think they are the brass, but I fear the thing is deeper than that.
In any case, the debate would have been better run had Colbert and Stewart been asking the questions. They could not have done anyone less justice than the goof balls who ran the show.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Argument That Humans Are Alien To Earth
It's one thing to allegedly be at the top of the food chain. That, itself, is a dubious proposition. Go swimming with sharks and then tell me who's your daddy.
The general confusion of humans when it comes to other creatures makes theories of evolution and survival quite questionable as well. We sacrifice our own well being, much needed water for crops, etc. to snail darters, swamp guppies, bears, and who knows what else. I'll try not to get started on bears and their over abundance of rights.
No natural species on earth does that sort of self sacrifice, and fosters within its kind a warped sense of self hatred for being able to do what other creatures can't, like make metal, film sex, cook grilled cheese sandwiches, and drive drunk. Maybe the lawyers for the earth are right--we don't belong here. We ain't from around these parts.
If we were, and we were truly evolved more than all other life to adapt to the place, we'd be able to eat dirt and sand, happily, to survive and would be able to quench our thirst with salt water. That's why I think we are from elsewhere. We are radically confused and because of that we tend to make life way more complex and confusing than it ought to be. Huge numbers of us get so screwed up that we live in dingy parts of cities and thrive on nothing but anger and jealousy, having no clue how to make sense of life. So, life becomes cheap.
Then there is the matter of the mass killing of our own species. Much of that fueled by confused allegiance to various religions and a willingness to believe conflicting vague explanations about how it's us or them.
Since we're stuck here and salt water won't do on a hot day, we've invented negative emotions, false values and the likes of Che and Paris Hilton. Then we sell tee shirts and gossip so we can drive nice cars and sport about town with trophy wives and such.
I wondered why this set up was so odd and didn't feel right for many years. Now I know the simple truth. It is quite clear this is not our natural home, but we are stranded. The eons of living in confusion have given rise to ridiculous institutions and methods of coping. It resulted in a mass mental illness that often parades as virtue or some lofty thing. What we are witnessing is a battle of wits between very nutso people.
Once they figure it out, the number one priority will be to develop forms of transportation, as yet unknown to us, and to search for clues regarding our true home. Bears be damned.
The general confusion of humans when it comes to other creatures makes theories of evolution and survival quite questionable as well. We sacrifice our own well being, much needed water for crops, etc. to snail darters, swamp guppies, bears, and who knows what else. I'll try not to get started on bears and their over abundance of rights.
No natural species on earth does that sort of self sacrifice, and fosters within its kind a warped sense of self hatred for being able to do what other creatures can't, like make metal, film sex, cook grilled cheese sandwiches, and drive drunk. Maybe the lawyers for the earth are right--we don't belong here. We ain't from around these parts.
If we were, and we were truly evolved more than all other life to adapt to the place, we'd be able to eat dirt and sand, happily, to survive and would be able to quench our thirst with salt water. That's why I think we are from elsewhere. We are radically confused and because of that we tend to make life way more complex and confusing than it ought to be. Huge numbers of us get so screwed up that we live in dingy parts of cities and thrive on nothing but anger and jealousy, having no clue how to make sense of life. So, life becomes cheap.
Then there is the matter of the mass killing of our own species. Much of that fueled by confused allegiance to various religions and a willingness to believe conflicting vague explanations about how it's us or them.
Since we're stuck here and salt water won't do on a hot day, we've invented negative emotions, false values and the likes of Che and Paris Hilton. Then we sell tee shirts and gossip so we can drive nice cars and sport about town with trophy wives and such.
I wondered why this set up was so odd and didn't feel right for many years. Now I know the simple truth. It is quite clear this is not our natural home, but we are stranded. The eons of living in confusion have given rise to ridiculous institutions and methods of coping. It resulted in a mass mental illness that often parades as virtue or some lofty thing. What we are witnessing is a battle of wits between very nutso people.
Once they figure it out, the number one priority will be to develop forms of transportation, as yet unknown to us, and to search for clues regarding our true home. Bears be damned.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Advertising Conspiracy Unveiled
For some time I have harbored a resentment against Dodge commercials and those to whom they appeal. Truth be known, I actually have a minor grudge working against Dodge drivers in general, with a few exceptions.
Even more than BMW motorists, they seem to resist any urge to exercise common courtesy and good sense on highways and in parking lots. Upon purchase the new Dodge owner is brainwashed to believe he is invincible and all powerful, and on a mission to stamp the mark of the Ram into rear view mirrors everywhere.
The BMW owner is usually hypnotized into believing he is superior to all, and that other drivers are inferior and have no right to soil his view of the road, the parking space or the world at large. They certainly rate no common courtesy. Like I said, there are exceptions--not everyone is susceptible to hypnosis or brain washing.
Now I suspect that those who make Dodge commercials which are rife with subliminal messages which appeal to a particular demographic now make Dove-for-men commercials. There are too many similarities for the keen observer to ignore. I shudder to think what may be next. We must find this agency and discover the other mind control plots they may be weaving before it is too late.
Other, less aggressive brain control in advertising exists. Of that I am sure. I, myself, have escaped such mental enslavement. Fortunately, my path to becoming a Subaru owner was through research and need, not advertising.
Otherwise, I would be saying prayers to Mother Earth and seeking a sex change so I could become a lesbian. That would require much saving and sacrifice because I would be giving my monthly tithe to one of Al Gore's carbon offset schemes.
I'd be paying Al to change the weather before paying rent or doctor bills. For one to own a Forester and do otherwise is unthinkable to those who've undergone the usual mind warp these sorcerer run ad agencies cast upon the unsuspecting.
So, I guess I am lucky. Sex changes involve much money time and, I am guessing, pain. First we need to thwart the evil Dove and Dodge advertising masterminds. Later, maybe we hit Subaru, although there are worse fates than the one described above for Forester owners. At least it holds a bit of prurient fascination.
Even more than BMW motorists, they seem to resist any urge to exercise common courtesy and good sense on highways and in parking lots. Upon purchase the new Dodge owner is brainwashed to believe he is invincible and all powerful, and on a mission to stamp the mark of the Ram into rear view mirrors everywhere.
The BMW owner is usually hypnotized into believing he is superior to all, and that other drivers are inferior and have no right to soil his view of the road, the parking space or the world at large. They certainly rate no common courtesy. Like I said, there are exceptions--not everyone is susceptible to hypnosis or brain washing.
Now I suspect that those who make Dodge commercials which are rife with subliminal messages which appeal to a particular demographic now make Dove-for-men commercials. There are too many similarities for the keen observer to ignore. I shudder to think what may be next. We must find this agency and discover the other mind control plots they may be weaving before it is too late.
Other, less aggressive brain control in advertising exists. Of that I am sure. I, myself, have escaped such mental enslavement. Fortunately, my path to becoming a Subaru owner was through research and need, not advertising.
Otherwise, I would be saying prayers to Mother Earth and seeking a sex change so I could become a lesbian. That would require much saving and sacrifice because I would be giving my monthly tithe to one of Al Gore's carbon offset schemes.
I'd be paying Al to change the weather before paying rent or doctor bills. For one to own a Forester and do otherwise is unthinkable to those who've undergone the usual mind warp these sorcerer run ad agencies cast upon the unsuspecting.
So, I guess I am lucky. Sex changes involve much money time and, I am guessing, pain. First we need to thwart the evil Dove and Dodge advertising masterminds. Later, maybe we hit Subaru, although there are worse fates than the one described above for Forester owners. At least it holds a bit of prurient fascination.
Not Often One for Quotes, But This is Relevant
"None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe they are free" -- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
This is something worth looking at. I'll not elaborate upon my view of who and what strive to manipulate us to see slavery as freedom.
This is something worth looking at. I'll not elaborate upon my view of who and what strive to manipulate us to see slavery as freedom.
Payback
It was 99 deg F today in some parts of my general area. Maybe a little cooler up on Ballistic Mountain. But hot is hot, and it was hot. I decided to go to the overlook off of I-8 to make a phone call and generally get away from myself.
I'd been there awhile, I guess, and when I tried to start the car, the battery did not have enough energy to do the job. Yikes, I'd been sitting there with radio on, key in accessory position and headlights on. I'm thinking I may have had my foot on the brake as well, which means the brake lights were drawing current.
Good thing I had my trusty booster battery/air compressor. Not such a good thing that it wasn't fully charged and wouldn't do the trick.
As luck would have it, a guy in a Lexus had pulled in nearby and walked over to see what was up. He once had a subaru forester and loved it. OK. We had something in common.
Mr. Lexus seemed to have a fear of bees, though. These little wasps or bees were buzzing all around. He was trying to eat a sandwich and left almost half of it sitting on its wax paper on the wall there because these pests were attracted to it and he was afraid of being stung and eaten alive by bees.
I am unusually NOT afraid of wasps and bees. I have no idea why. Almost all other creatures scare me more than I like to admit. Anyway, I went over and did what I could to terrorize the creatures but Mr L no longer wanted the sandwich. There is no trash there, so I produced a trash bag and dealt with it.
He must have been grateful because he let me charge my booster battery off the 12 volt outlet in his car. After about ten minutes I tried successfully to start the car using the booster battery. His generosity saved me a lot of trouble.
I say payback because I have used that booster to jump maybe two cars and definitely one motorcycle at that very spot. Not sure if I used the pump to inflate anyone's tires there, although I know I have in other places, like Descanso. It was pretty cool that when I was in need, the help was right there with no waiting at all. And I got to explain my theory of how one shows bees who is boss and induces them to spread the word.
He was given the very cryptic abridged version.
I did refrain from sharing the story of my first war with yellow jackets on Morrow Mountain in NC. They were beginning to annoy me and really freaking out others that day, many years ago when I was in my early twenties. Finally I managed to kill a few by hand and with a rock. I managed to secure their dead bodies to the ends of little sticks and posted them between my rightful turf and theirs. I saved one to toss right to the edge of their domain as a warning.
Those yellow jackets did not torment anyone within a 30 foot radius of me for the rest of the afternoon. Of course the witnesses to this were convinced I was out of my mind, so they, too, avoided any conflict or contact, with me and my friends. It wasn't as if I'd snuffed some of them and staked them up. People can be so judgmental and cruel.
I was not one of those mean looking overaged punks, so it hurt my feelings just a bit. Even my friends were a little concerned that I would bring on the wrath of the wasps, and feared for my sanity. Seems like some girl among us was on my side and knew I was king of the bees. Back then I think the support of females was much more evident in my life than it has been in the last far too many years.
Anyway. I have had bee battles since then and have had my way with the bad bees. Good bees I salute and bid them go in peace. Wish I had such confidence with bears, raccoons and other snarly mammals.
At least I got the car started and managed to get home without incident. I have to do something to make it cooler in here while we experience our dry, hot, hot season.
Payback was not a bitch in this instance, but a man in a Lexus, and rather pleasant.
I'd been there awhile, I guess, and when I tried to start the car, the battery did not have enough energy to do the job. Yikes, I'd been sitting there with radio on, key in accessory position and headlights on. I'm thinking I may have had my foot on the brake as well, which means the brake lights were drawing current.
Good thing I had my trusty booster battery/air compressor. Not such a good thing that it wasn't fully charged and wouldn't do the trick.
As luck would have it, a guy in a Lexus had pulled in nearby and walked over to see what was up. He once had a subaru forester and loved it. OK. We had something in common.
Mr. Lexus seemed to have a fear of bees, though. These little wasps or bees were buzzing all around. He was trying to eat a sandwich and left almost half of it sitting on its wax paper on the wall there because these pests were attracted to it and he was afraid of being stung and eaten alive by bees.
I am unusually NOT afraid of wasps and bees. I have no idea why. Almost all other creatures scare me more than I like to admit. Anyway, I went over and did what I could to terrorize the creatures but Mr L no longer wanted the sandwich. There is no trash there, so I produced a trash bag and dealt with it.
He must have been grateful because he let me charge my booster battery off the 12 volt outlet in his car. After about ten minutes I tried successfully to start the car using the booster battery. His generosity saved me a lot of trouble.
I say payback because I have used that booster to jump maybe two cars and definitely one motorcycle at that very spot. Not sure if I used the pump to inflate anyone's tires there, although I know I have in other places, like Descanso. It was pretty cool that when I was in need, the help was right there with no waiting at all. And I got to explain my theory of how one shows bees who is boss and induces them to spread the word.
He was given the very cryptic abridged version.
I did refrain from sharing the story of my first war with yellow jackets on Morrow Mountain in NC. They were beginning to annoy me and really freaking out others that day, many years ago when I was in my early twenties. Finally I managed to kill a few by hand and with a rock. I managed to secure their dead bodies to the ends of little sticks and posted them between my rightful turf and theirs. I saved one to toss right to the edge of their domain as a warning.
Those yellow jackets did not torment anyone within a 30 foot radius of me for the rest of the afternoon. Of course the witnesses to this were convinced I was out of my mind, so they, too, avoided any conflict or contact, with me and my friends. It wasn't as if I'd snuffed some of them and staked them up. People can be so judgmental and cruel.
I was not one of those mean looking overaged punks, so it hurt my feelings just a bit. Even my friends were a little concerned that I would bring on the wrath of the wasps, and feared for my sanity. Seems like some girl among us was on my side and knew I was king of the bees. Back then I think the support of females was much more evident in my life than it has been in the last far too many years.
Anyway. I have had bee battles since then and have had my way with the bad bees. Good bees I salute and bid them go in peace. Wish I had such confidence with bears, raccoons and other snarly mammals.
At least I got the car started and managed to get home without incident. I have to do something to make it cooler in here while we experience our dry, hot, hot season.
Payback was not a bitch in this instance, but a man in a Lexus, and rather pleasant.
Maybe Mexico
The health care situation in this country has changed. Not because of too little government involvement and non-sense, but because of too much. That is my view.
We can thank the trial lawyers and John Edwards for much of the non-sense. Another case in which charlatans who spout drivel about being there to fight for the little guy actually make life more difficult for those very people, and pretty much everyone else.
If I were to go to the doctor, they'd want to do probably three times more tests than are warranted, plus some, just to cover themselves. So, being a cash guy, I won't go. Maybe I should go somewhere in Mexico where cash means something and the rules can be bent toward my own wishes.
Isn't that bizarre? People flock to the third world because they don't have the freedom to do what they want at home.
So, now I have dizziness, a rash which may be unrelated, and just now, for the first time in my life, a nose bleed. That didn't last long, but it was a big surprise. This keeps up and the car may not get signed over. I'll just drive it off into the sea or into the abyss. Oh wait, I can't be starting any fires so no local abyss for the car.
I'll bet there are fewer noisy, pushy third world urchins in Mexican waiting rooms than there are in US clinics and emergency rooms. Yes, I am a bigot and a snob.
I hate pushy people who sneeze, cough and sweat on you. Like it or not, some cultures are way more pushy as far as not allowing an inch of personal space. In fact almost all other cultures, other than the America we've all been taught to hate and despise, and their northern european predecessors who we also despise if we are politically correct. I love it when the wannabes, like Michael Moore, pretend to hate that which they are in an effort to gain favor with others and convince them they are not what they are. Mike and three quarters of famous people in Hollywood fit that bill.
OK. I'm being punished for being so down on California goof balls, and that is why my nose is now the mouth of the Red River.
We can thank the trial lawyers and John Edwards for much of the non-sense. Another case in which charlatans who spout drivel about being there to fight for the little guy actually make life more difficult for those very people, and pretty much everyone else.
If I were to go to the doctor, they'd want to do probably three times more tests than are warranted, plus some, just to cover themselves. So, being a cash guy, I won't go. Maybe I should go somewhere in Mexico where cash means something and the rules can be bent toward my own wishes.
Isn't that bizarre? People flock to the third world because they don't have the freedom to do what they want at home.
So, now I have dizziness, a rash which may be unrelated, and just now, for the first time in my life, a nose bleed. That didn't last long, but it was a big surprise. This keeps up and the car may not get signed over. I'll just drive it off into the sea or into the abyss. Oh wait, I can't be starting any fires so no local abyss for the car.
I'll bet there are fewer noisy, pushy third world urchins in Mexican waiting rooms than there are in US clinics and emergency rooms. Yes, I am a bigot and a snob.
I hate pushy people who sneeze, cough and sweat on you. Like it or not, some cultures are way more pushy as far as not allowing an inch of personal space. In fact almost all other cultures, other than the America we've all been taught to hate and despise, and their northern european predecessors who we also despise if we are politically correct. I love it when the wannabes, like Michael Moore, pretend to hate that which they are in an effort to gain favor with others and convince them they are not what they are. Mike and three quarters of famous people in Hollywood fit that bill.
OK. I'm being punished for being so down on California goof balls, and that is why my nose is now the mouth of the Red River.
Comedians are Haters
It is not hard to notice that comedians convert rage and anger into rants designed to make you laugh. Very few of them are not visibly angry and kind of hostile. The type of people who would be rude and selfish in public.
I'm not even funny, but I see myself lost for things to write other than semi hostile tirades against the character of Californians or who knows what. Why am I so restless?
It may be because I know I am getting older, I'm disappointed in myself on every level, and I have no one right here whose interests I can put above my own. If I see that I am going to become a bitter old man, I'll sign my car over to whoever I think needs it most, take care of a few more items, and go do a swan dive in the Grand Canyon or other fine place.
You think I joke. I do not. Perhaps if I join a commune of some kind I will socialize better and feel less cranky and critical. Maybe not.
At least I have an excuse to try to clean up things a bit since there will be out of towners passing through and I want to put on a good face. Maybe even conduct a tour. We'll see.
I'm not even funny, but I see myself lost for things to write other than semi hostile tirades against the character of Californians or who knows what. Why am I so restless?
It may be because I know I am getting older, I'm disappointed in myself on every level, and I have no one right here whose interests I can put above my own. If I see that I am going to become a bitter old man, I'll sign my car over to whoever I think needs it most, take care of a few more items, and go do a swan dive in the Grand Canyon or other fine place.
You think I joke. I do not. Perhaps if I join a commune of some kind I will socialize better and feel less cranky and critical. Maybe not.
At least I have an excuse to try to clean up things a bit since there will be out of towners passing through and I want to put on a good face. Maybe even conduct a tour. We'll see.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Watching the Drama of the Road
Where I work is a long way from where I live. Fortunately, even though I take a major highway or two to get to and from, I don't take the route that involves a lot of traffic. My chosen path is the scenic route, and as near as I can tell it is no slower than the way the gps used to want me to go.
My gps lady doesn't realize the traffic issues on some roads. She means well.
Today on the way home I was taking it easy, as I usually do. I noticed people were driving oddly. Slower than usual, then speeding up, generally confused. Then I realized it was because many of them were slightly drunk. The good thing is they were trying to appear like responsible safe drivers.
That is funny because when they aren't drunk, they drop all pretense and become more troublesome. The give aways were things like putting the turn signal on at every curve (and we're talking very curvy roads here), slipping over the line and back, showing indecision as to whether the green light meant go or stop, and then when finally turning off, reaching a hand out the window giving the finger to no one in particular.
I was laying back watching interactions, not on their radar, so I wasn't being flipped off. Maybe it was an expression of victory, "Screw you, THE MAN!! I drove drunk from Poway all the way to the other side of Lakeside, and no one suspected a thing. I pulled one over on you and all the people who don't promote drunk driving."
Obviously, I suspected a thing, and maybe some of the other drivers did. Who knows? Didn't pull one over on me, but I'm not The Man. During the part that goes through Lakeside, I'll bet half the drivers were drunk. It's funny how they all drove slower than normal and showed more patience, like not going ninety in the right hand lane.
No idea where the cops were. Probably getting drunk while harassing the innocent. That is pretty much par for the course when it comes to CA Highway patrol, and beach area cops. At least the last part. Not sure of the drinking, though. I hope they are drunk because it speaks quite badly of them if that is how they behave under influence of nothing.
So, there it is. In CA drunk drivers are more considerate than the typical driver here, but they are definitely not more skilled.
I hope all good people avoid driving drunk or being in the proximity of those who do. How these people keep from going off the many cliffs here is a mystery. Good thing my drinking was done on relatively flat terrain. I'd have been toast out here.
My gps lady doesn't realize the traffic issues on some roads. She means well.
Today on the way home I was taking it easy, as I usually do. I noticed people were driving oddly. Slower than usual, then speeding up, generally confused. Then I realized it was because many of them were slightly drunk. The good thing is they were trying to appear like responsible safe drivers.
That is funny because when they aren't drunk, they drop all pretense and become more troublesome. The give aways were things like putting the turn signal on at every curve (and we're talking very curvy roads here), slipping over the line and back, showing indecision as to whether the green light meant go or stop, and then when finally turning off, reaching a hand out the window giving the finger to no one in particular.
I was laying back watching interactions, not on their radar, so I wasn't being flipped off. Maybe it was an expression of victory, "Screw you, THE MAN!! I drove drunk from Poway all the way to the other side of Lakeside, and no one suspected a thing. I pulled one over on you and all the people who don't promote drunk driving."
Obviously, I suspected a thing, and maybe some of the other drivers did. Who knows? Didn't pull one over on me, but I'm not The Man. During the part that goes through Lakeside, I'll bet half the drivers were drunk. It's funny how they all drove slower than normal and showed more patience, like not going ninety in the right hand lane.
No idea where the cops were. Probably getting drunk while harassing the innocent. That is pretty much par for the course when it comes to CA Highway patrol, and beach area cops. At least the last part. Not sure of the drinking, though. I hope they are drunk because it speaks quite badly of them if that is how they behave under influence of nothing.
So, there it is. In CA drunk drivers are more considerate than the typical driver here, but they are definitely not more skilled.
I hope all good people avoid driving drunk or being in the proximity of those who do. How these people keep from going off the many cliffs here is a mystery. Good thing my drinking was done on relatively flat terrain. I'd have been toast out here.
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About Me
- John0 Juanderlust
- Ballistic Mountain, CA, United States
- Like spring on a summer's day
