Timb's Blog - Last comments http://timbuk3.com/blog/index.php?blog=2&disp=comments en-US hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 In response to: An Early Prediction http://timbuk3.com/blog/index.php?blog=2&title=an_early_prediction&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c11727 2010-07-02T13:17:40Z Timbuk3 [Member] Please sign up for and use the other blog at http://www.timbuk3.com/discuss. I deleted your account here before I saw this, thinking you were a spammer. Sorry about that, but no one uses this blog any more, anyway. If I see you on the other blog I'll approve your account. http://www.timbuk3.com/discuss.

I deleted your account here before I saw this, thinking you were a spammer. Sorry about that, but no one uses this blog any more, anyway. If I see you on the other blog I'll approve your account.]]> In response to: An Early Prediction http://timbuk3.com/blog/index.php?blog=2&title=an_early_prediction&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c11726 2010-06-20T15:25:11Z bhbro [Visitor] I so agree. see my blog at http://heterogeneousdemocracy.blogspot.com/2010/06/confederate-states-dirty-little-secret.html I am more raw than you and angry. Yet in many ways we share the same concerns.
see my blog at http://heterogeneousdemocracy.blogspot.com/2010/06/confederate-states-dirty-little-secret.html

I am more raw than you and angry. Yet in many ways we share the same concerns.]]> In response to: Happy Father's Day http://timbuk3.com/blog/index.php?blog=2&title=happy_father_s_day_1&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c11717 2009-06-22T11:24:10Z Timbuk3 [Member] On the plus side, the new software will be easier for me to maintain. On the negative side, people who are signed up here but post infrequently might not find the other site unless I shut this one down and put in a re-direct. I haven't tried, but I'm pretty sure I can archive this site. On Monday morning, faced with another work week, I'm leaning toward doing the latter. I think I'll give it another week or two, then decide. In the meantime, post wherever you want to.
On the negative side, people who are signed up here but post infrequently might not find the other site unless I shut this one down and put in a re-direct. I haven't tried, but I'm pretty sure I can archive this site.

On Monday morning, faced with another work week, I'm leaning toward doing the latter. I think I'll give it another week or two, then decide. In the meantime, post wherever you want to.]]> In response to: Happy Father's Day http://timbuk3.com/blog/index.php?blog=2&title=happy_father_s_day_1&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c11716 2009-06-22T07:01:22Z lewagner [Member] I haven't had time to play with the new software, yet. Happy Father's Day (though I guess it's a little late). In response to: Happy Father's Day http://timbuk3.com/blog/index.php?blog=2&title=happy_father_s_day_1&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c11715 2009-06-21T15:35:56Z edjasie [Member] Happy Fathers day back to ya. In response to: Rate the new blog http://timbuk3.com/blog/index.php?blog=2&title=rate_the_new_blog&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c11709 2009-06-13T14:40:07Z Timbuk3 [Member] I left you a voice mail. Did you check your spam inbox? My emails from word press have been going there. If you haven't posted there by noon I'll reset your password. I told you in the VM what that will be.
If you haven't posted there by noon I'll reset your password. I told you in the VM what that will be.]]> In response to: Rate the new blog http://timbuk3.com/blog/index.php?blog=2&title=rate_the_new_blog&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c11708 2009-06-13T14:18:54Z speedy [Member] I'd post over there if Word Press would send me my activation e-mail. In response to: New Blog http://timbuk3.com/blog/index.php?blog=2&title=new_blog&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c11692 2009-06-12T17:33:52Z Timbuk3 [Member] What the hell. I took today off. I might take Monday off, too. For a few days I'll just run both blogs... If I decide to take off for a day I'll have speedy someone "moderate" the other blog. Please check it out and sign up for a new account. I think you'll like the nested comments.
If I decide to take off for a day I'll have speedy someone "moderate" the other blog.

Please check it out and sign up for a new account. I think you'll like the nested comments.]]> In response to: Waterboarding: Other Uses http://timbuk3.com/blog/index.php?blog=2&title=waterboarding_other_uses&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c11674 2009-06-10T13:02:09Z whatta [Member] Here is another blog I read on occasion, it seems like one that lllloyd in particular would like, but this particular entry fits in with your waterboarding... "Confronted with an intransigent suspect who refused to provide critical evidence, the investigators reluctantly strapped the handcuffed Smith to a downward sloping table, covered his face with a towel, and waterboarded him. He broke within seconds, and meekly permitted the DNA sample to be taken. On the basis of the DNA evidence, Smith was hit with a 24-count criminal indictment. He was also charged with "criminal contempt of court" for forcing his interrogators to torture him. When Smith's defense counsel filed a motion to suppress the evidence based on Fourth and Fifth Amendment protections, the same Judge who issued the ex parte orders produced a ruling validating the use of waterboarding as means of forcing compliance, as long as it's not done "maliciously" or to "excess." This account is true and accurate in every detail, save one - the specific torture protocol that was used to compel Smith to surrender a sample of his DNA. He wasn't subjected to water torture; instead, he was given a brief taste of electroshock torture by way of a Taser that was used to inflict a "drive stun." This involves placing the prongs of the device directly on the body of the victim for a brief, painful, paralyzing charge." ...pretty sickening stuff. another blog I read on occasion, it seems like one that lllloyd in particular would like, but this particular entry fits in with your waterboarding...


"Confronted with an intransigent suspect who refused to provide critical evidence, the investigators reluctantly strapped the handcuffed Smith to a downward sloping table, covered his face with a towel, and waterboarded him. He broke within seconds, and meekly permitted the DNA sample to be taken.

On the basis of the DNA evidence, Smith was hit with a 24-count criminal indictment. He was also charged with "criminal contempt of court" for forcing his interrogators to torture him.

When Smith's defense counsel filed a motion to suppress the evidence based on Fourth and Fifth Amendment protections, the same Judge who issued the ex parte orders produced a ruling validating the use of waterboarding as means of forcing compliance, as long as it's not done "maliciously" or to "excess."

This account is true and accurate in every detail, save one - the specific torture protocol that was used to compel Smith to surrender a sample of his DNA.

He wasn't subjected to water torture; instead, he was given a brief taste of electroshock torture by way of a Taser that was used to inflict a "drive stun." This involves placing the prongs of the device directly on the body of the victim for a brief, painful, paralyzing charge."


...pretty sickening stuff.]]> In response to: Dear WSJ http://timbuk3.com/blog/index.php?blog=2&title=dear_wsj&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c11673 2009-06-10T12:51:44Z whatta [Member] LOL, I read Taibbi's blog yesterday myself. Damn funny stuff. I wonder which came first...Goldman Sachs or the Federal Gubermint? Taibbi's blog yesterday myself. Damn funny stuff.

I wonder which came first...Goldman Sachs or the Federal Gubermint?]]> In response to: The United States of Insurance Companies? http://timbuk3.com/blog/index.php?blog=2&title=the_united_states_of_insurance_companies&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c11672 2009-06-10T01:57:39Z Timbuk3 [Member] "major gripe about Obama" AFAIK, Obama has said he'd "accept" it, but doesn't want it. It's the fucking DEMOCRATS who are selling us out (Landrieu). The GOP were never going to go for it in the first place. It's too bad the Democrats are so often the only party that can beat the GOP, because they by and large SUCK THE GREEN WIENIE. Progressives have no voice in government, today. "major gripe about Obama"

AFAIK, Obama has said he'd "accept" it, but doesn't want it.

It's the fucking DEMOCRATS who are selling us out (Landrieu). The GOP were never going to go for it in the first place.

It's too bad the Democrats are so often the only party that can beat the GOP, because they by and large SUCK THE GREEN WIENIE.

Progressives have no voice in government, today.]]> In response to: The United States of Insurance Companies? http://timbuk3.com/blog/index.php?blog=2&title=the_united_states_of_insurance_companies&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c11663 2009-06-09T13:39:12Z pnh [Member] Huh? This was the first major gripe about Obama -- that Hillary and Edwards both included this mandatory insurance provision in their health care plans and Obama didn't. In response to: On What Passes For "News" These Days http://timbuk3.com/blog/index.php?blog=2&title=on_what_passes_for_news_these_days&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c11661 2009-06-09T12:45:02Z billy b [Member] I agreed with what I quoted Me too. I just got side-tracked by Stuart's whining about partisanship now that someone, anyone is slightly favoring Democrats. Reminds me of the jackass wingnuts that are now deficit hawks screaming about the huge deficit. Nevermind that > 70 percent of the national debt was run up by Reegun and the 2 Bush assholes. Nevermind that all of the trouble we are in now is due to republican policies. I agreed with what I quoted

Me too. I just got side-tracked by Stuart's whining about partisanship now that someone, anyone is slightly favoring Democrats.

Reminds me of the jackass wingnuts that are now deficit hawks screaming about the huge deficit. Nevermind that > 70 percent of the national debt was run up by Reegun and the 2 Bush assholes.

Nevermind that all of the trouble we are in now is due to republican policies.



]]> In response to: On What Passes For "News" These Days http://timbuk3.com/blog/index.php?blog=2&title=on_what_passes_for_news_these_days&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c11660 2009-06-09T12:36:31Z Timbuk3 [Member] JFTR, I agree with you (and apparently Atrios and Digby). I agreed with what I quoted, but had similar misgivings about the rest; "the writer of the column decided that Tweety was too partisan once he started going after republics and 'favoring' Dems." If Tweets is "going after" Dems, WTF does FOX do to them? Put them in a meatgrinder and ask them to explain why they're not steak AFTER they've ground them into hamburger? The 24/7 "news" (AKA talk shows) have become (perhaps always been) little more than RW radio (or, in the case of Olberman/Maddow "LW Radio") on television. If there's a "straight" news program on any of the 3 24/7 "news" channels, one that actually DOES leave it up to me to "decide", I haven't found it.
I agreed with what I quoted, but had similar misgivings about the rest; "the writer of the column decided that Tweety was too partisan once he started going after republics and 'favoring' Dems."

If Tweets is "going after" Dems, WTF does FOX do to them? Put them in a meatgrinder and ask them to explain why they're not steak AFTER they've ground them into hamburger?

The 24/7 "news" (AKA talk shows) have become (perhaps always been) little more than RW radio (or, in the case of Olberman/Maddow "LW Radio") on television.

If there's a "straight" news program on any of the 3 24/7 "news" channels, one that actually DOES leave it up to me to "decide", I haven't found it.]]> In response to: On What Passes For "News" These Days http://timbuk3.com/blog/index.php?blog=2&title=on_what_passes_for_news_these_days&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c11659 2009-06-09T11:53:53Z billy b [Member] From the column: "The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer," for example - remain, and there are a handful of others worth watching elsewhere (e.g., "Morning Joe" on MSNBC is fun, informative and thoughtful, and CNN and C-SPAN have their moments). Moanin' Ho is a porcine-visaged republic hack. Period. Most of his guests are republics or are blue dog Dems. It is interesting that the writer of the column decided that Tweety was too partisan once he started going after republics and "favoring" Dems. The lion's share of cable news is slanted WAY toward republics. Stick that up your ass, Stuart. Update - After I posted this, I went over to Eschaton. Atrios linked to Digby who commented on the same column. Atrios named Rothenberg "Wanker of the Day".
"The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer," for example - remain, and there are a handful of others worth watching elsewhere (e.g., "Morning Joe" on MSNBC is fun, informative and thoughtful, and CNN and C-SPAN have their moments).

Moanin' Ho is a porcine-visaged republic hack. Period. Most of his guests are republics or are blue dog Dems.

It is interesting that the writer of the column decided that Tweety was too partisan once he started going after republics and "favoring" Dems.

The lion's share of cable news is slanted WAY toward republics.

Stick that up your ass, Stuart.

Update - After I posted this, I went over to Eschaton. Atrios linked to Digby who commented on the same column. Atrios named Rothenberg "Wanker of the Day".
]]> In response to: 'Stop' the War, 'F' the Blue Dogs, and Support Justice!!! Blogidarity! http://timbuk3.com/blog/index.php?blog=2&title=stop_the_war_f_the_blue_dogs_and_support&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c11654 2009-06-08T02:25:56Z Timbuk3 [Member] I'm watching game 2 of the NBA finals. The only two players left from when I lived near LA are Kobe and Fischer, but it's fun being a Lakers fan on the East Coast. No limit on how many people will give you grief. ;-> I hope your sister is doing well. "I've tried to reach across to other evil liberals (lol) - but I keep gettin' bitten in the ass..." Do you have a luscious ass? That could explain it. ;-> We don't have to hate each other. Politicians like it when we do. It takes our minds off how much they're fuckin' up the world for our kids. Seriously. I'd throw in with you on some things, and I think you'd do the same. Set aside our differences and make a difference on what we agree on. We can beat the hell out of each other in other battles, later. Doesn't that make more sense? Oh yeah, thanks for sending the link along. I'll recognize you if you order something. Maybe I'll throw in a little "extra", just for the fun of it. I have two new ones that I just picked up a couple of weeks ago: Organic Ethiopian Djimmah Royal Select WP Decaf Like sweet chocolate, this robust decaf is the perfect end to a nice evening meal. The aromas have excellent potency with floral and caramel overtones. Certified organic. and Organic Nicaraguan SHG Mancotal Fair Tade Aroma is chocolaty and creamy caramel. Impressive flavors (cocoa, licorice, nut, dark chocolate with lemony undertones) come out from the fairly robust-tasting cup. Organic, Fair Trade, Bird Friendly certifications. Send me your address (by email, not here) and I'll send you some samples the next time I roast (which is about once/week.)

I hope your sister is doing well.

"I've tried to reach across to other evil liberals (lol) - but I keep gettin' bitten in the ass..."

Do you have a luscious ass? That could explain it. ;->

We don't have to hate each other. Politicians like it when we do. It takes our minds off how much they're fuckin' up the world for our kids.

Seriously. I'd throw in with you on some things, and I think you'd do the same. Set aside our differences and make a difference on what we agree on.

We can beat the hell out of each other in other battles, later.

Doesn't that make more sense?

Oh yeah, thanks for sending the link along. I'll recognize you if you order something. Maybe I'll throw in a little "extra", just for the fun of it.

I have two new ones that I just picked up a couple of weeks ago:

Organic Ethiopian Djimmah Royal Select WP Decaf

Like sweet chocolate, this robust decaf is the perfect end to a nice evening meal. The aromas have excellent potency with floral and caramel overtones. Certified organic.


and

Organic Nicaraguan SHG Mancotal Fair Tade

Aroma is chocolaty and creamy caramel. Impressive flavors (cocoa, licorice, nut, dark chocolate with lemony undertones) come out from the fairly robust-tasting cup. Organic, Fair Trade, Bird Friendly certifications.


Send me your address (by email, not here) and I'll send you some samples the next time I roast (which is about once/week.)]]> In response to: 'Stop' the War, 'F' the Blue Dogs, and Support Justice!!! Blogidarity! http://timbuk3.com/blog/index.php?blog=2&title=stop_the_war_f_the_blue_dogs_and_support&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c11653 2009-06-08T02:06:46Z squaette1999 [Member] Baby sister and I are watching the Tony Awards, with kleenex in hand - thinking how much our mother would love it. Every year, she took each of us (a one-on-one trip) to a Broadway Play - we went by train. I always KNEW I'd grow up to be a Rockette! Little did I know that I'd stop growing at 5'2" - well - 5' 1-1/2" - but I could sure KICK! I didn't know your wife is an art teacher - it must be very fulfilling for her. Artists are generally such gentle people - I admire their gift. Speaking of art - my dad was the creative one in our family. In fact, one of his best friends was Laurance Sickman, who was with the The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. In the 60's, my dad actually had a "hand" in the Chinese Art Exhibit - with his name on a plague - which we're all very proud of. Not bad for an "Injun" from Kansas, eh. Believe me, I understand your position with your job, retirement, health care, etc. I think we'll get national health care - something has to be done, and I sure as hell don't have a better idea. None of it is simple, that's for darn sure. Obama has a lot on his plate - but every President does. There's only one past President that I have absolutely no love for - of course - Andrew Jackson. I wouldn't mind if they replaced his picture on the twenty with Obama's - lmao! (None of us carry twenty dollar bills in our billfolds - it's just a thang we got, and we're gonna keep a goin' with it) I'm not surprised to here of your work the at battered women's shelter - you always were my favorite liberal. I've tried to reach across to other evil liberals (lol) - but I keep gettin' bitten in the ass - what is up with that? I hope you can realize your dream of the coffee shop. We have an area on the Missouri side called the River Market - which has a couple of coffee shops like you envision - they seem to be doing well - they've been there for several years now. I'm pretty sick of politicians - both sides. I can't name any one person who ruined it for me - but this is the first time in my life I'd vote ALL of them gone - which would probably mean throwing out some good guys - but at least I'd know the bums were gone for good. I'm not one who believes in "you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours" - to that I say screw your back - mine's just fine. Oh, and I saw your pics - they were great - ya sure do have an ornery look - chuckle. I just might buy me some of your coffee - I sent the link to a good friend of mine (the one who always loses bets to me) - she says she's gonna buy some - she's got lotsa money (I think she loses to me on purpose) - she's of Indian ancestry too - only she's a really mean one - lol - Huron - she can dress ya down faster than - well - I don't know what. Take care.
Every year, she took each of us (a one-on-one trip) to a Broadway Play - we went by train. I always KNEW I'd grow up to be a Rockette! Little did I know that I'd stop growing at 5'2" - well - 5' 1-1/2" - but I could sure KICK!

I didn't know your wife is an art teacher - it must be very fulfilling for her. Artists are generally such gentle people - I admire their gift.

Speaking of art - my dad was the creative one in our family. In fact, one of his best friends was Laurance Sickman, who was with the The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.

In the 60's, my dad actually had a "hand" in the Chinese Art Exhibit - with his name on a plague - which we're all very proud of. Not bad for an "Injun" from Kansas, eh.

Believe me, I understand your position with your job, retirement, health care, etc. I think we'll get national health care - something has to be done, and I sure as hell don't have a better idea. None of it is simple, that's for darn sure.

Obama has a lot on his plate - but every President does. There's only one past President that I have absolutely no love for - of course - Andrew Jackson. I wouldn't mind if they replaced his picture on the twenty with Obama's - lmao! (None of us carry twenty dollar bills in our billfolds - it's just a thang we got, and we're gonna keep a goin' with it)

I'm not surprised to here of your work the at battered women's shelter - you always were my favorite liberal. I've tried to reach across to other evil liberals (lol) - but I keep gettin' bitten in the ass - what is up with that?

I hope you can realize your dream of the coffee shop. We have an area on the Missouri side called the River Market - which has a couple of coffee shops like you envision - they seem to be doing well - they've been there for several years now.

I'm pretty sick of politicians - both sides. I can't name any one person who ruined it for me - but this is the first time in my life I'd vote ALL of them gone - which would probably mean throwing out some good guys - but at least I'd know the bums were gone for good. I'm not one who believes in "you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours" - to that I say screw your back - mine's just fine.

Oh, and I saw your pics - they were great - ya sure do have an ornery look - chuckle.

I just might buy me some of your coffee - I sent the link to a good friend of mine (the one who always loses bets to me) - she says she's gonna buy some - she's got lotsa money (I think she loses to me on purpose) - she's of Indian ancestry too - only she's a really mean one - lol - Huron - she can dress ya down faster than - well - I don't know what.

Take care.

]]> In response to: 'Stop' the War, 'F' the Blue Dogs, and Support Justice!!! Blogidarity! http://timbuk3.com/blog/index.php?blog=2&title=stop_the_war_f_the_blue_dogs_and_support&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c11652 2009-06-07T17:42:49Z Timbuk3 [Member] Thanks, "squaette". ;-> Every thread is an open mic. A bit about the coffee business. I have a full-time job, and lately it's been extremely busy. In addition, two kids got married this summer, so I've burned a lot of vacation time tending to that "business". So, I'm not actively promoting the business, at the moment. I have a few regular customers (one just stopped by a few minutes ago to pick up 3 pounds), and always welcome anyone new (I got an order from Alaska, a few weeks ago, and have no idea how he found me), but the business isn't going to make the house payment. My idea, when I started, was to "learn how to run a coffee business" for when I retire, not to build it as quickly as possible so I could "quit that fucking job". In terms of meeting that particular goal I'd have to say it's been wildly successful. I know that any time I want to I can ramp it up and turn it into a full-time business, not work too hard, enjoy what I do, and make a significant amount of money. One thing I know, for sure, is that selling coffee by the pound is no way to make money. Our plan has always been to open a "coffee shop" with afternoon/evening entertainment (folk music, mostly) and daytime art classes. My wife is a certified art teacher with some significant accomplishments on her resume. One of my favorities (although certainly not the greatest) is that she worked with a poet laureate to produce a piece of art that hangs in the entry of a school that provides alternative education to girls who get pregnant in high school. My own insignificant contribution was that I framed it for them. I, meanwhile, have picked up some used audio equipment over the years and could set up a sound system and all the instruments anyone would need to provide the background music. We'd sell the art supplies, and students could "hang" their work for sale in our coffee shop. It seems likely we'd do best in a "touristy" or "artsy-fartsy" area, so relocation is in the cards. (Speaking of that sort of thing, I know you're into helping "oppressed women". Did you know that I was part of a 5 man crew that landscaped a "battered women's shelter" at no cost to them? For a "liberal", I'm not such an asshole, eh? ;-> ) Anyhoo, back to reality. The place where I work was purchased by one of the largest corporations in the world a little less than 2 years ago. There's now a rumor running wild at work that they're going to close the site where I work in September. Personally, I think this rumor is bullshit. What *I* think is that they'll close it in the next 2 to 5 years, but I can't narrow it down further than that. What I can say is that day will probably be a relief, for me. Things have really changed where I work, and I'd be hard-pressed to give you an example of a change for the better. Mostly it's just "be glad you still have a job and here's something more for you to do." We're not even back-filling when people leave, any more, so there's always more to do. When (and if) they close the site I hope that congress has done something about health care, by then. I'm too old to go back into the sort of position I'm in, now. Too "set in my ways" and FAR more expensive than a recent college grad. Sure, I could find that "perfect" position, but it would take a long time and I'm no longer certain I'd be doing anything more than helping some other CEO make his big bonus. Fuck that, but at least I'm no longer living with the delusion that I've somehow made the world a better place. So, barring national healthcare, I'll be in the same position so many of those entrepreneurs the politicians are so fond of pointing out "create most of the jobs" in America. I won't be able to afford to provide healthcare for my employees, or myself. I'll be one heart attack, stroke, cancer diagnosis away from losing everything I've worked my entirer life for. Not to mention my employees will be looking for work, again. That last would break my heart, but thankfully I wouldn't have much time to think about it as I look for a place to park my car and sleep for the night. So, "making a lot of money" is no longer part of "the American dream". I think that's part of the reason why Icy (who your sister called "the bartender") got so thoughtful when, one of the times we spent some time together in NYC, I said "We're the new conservatives". It's too bad the think tanks and politicians have gotten so good at pitting us against each other. If "we the people" could ever agree to work together we'd vote the lot of them out and start over with politicians who rewarded hard work, not "whoever gave us the most money in our last campaign".

Every thread is an open mic.

A bit about the coffee business. I have a full-time job, and lately it's been extremely busy. In addition, two kids got married this summer, so I've burned a lot of vacation time tending to that "business". So, I'm not actively promoting the business, at the moment. I have a few regular customers (one just stopped by a few minutes ago to pick up 3 pounds), and always welcome anyone new (I got an order from Alaska, a few weeks ago, and have no idea how he found me), but the business isn't going to make the house payment.

My idea, when I started, was to "learn how to run a coffee business" for when I retire, not to build it as quickly as possible so I could "quit that fucking job". In terms of meeting that particular goal I'd have to say it's been wildly successful. I know that any time I want to I can ramp it up and turn it into a full-time business, not work too hard, enjoy what I do, and make a significant amount of money.

One thing I know, for sure, is that selling coffee by the pound is no way to make money. Our plan has always been to open a "coffee shop" with afternoon/evening entertainment (folk music, mostly) and daytime art classes. My wife is a certified art teacher with some significant accomplishments on her resume. One of my favorities (although certainly not the greatest) is that she worked with a poet laureate to produce a piece of art that hangs in the entry of a school that provides alternative education to girls who get pregnant in high school. My own insignificant contribution was that I framed it for them. I, meanwhile, have picked up some used audio equipment over the years and could set up a sound system and all the instruments anyone would need to provide the background music. We'd sell the art supplies, and students could "hang" their work for sale in our coffee shop. It seems likely we'd do best in a "touristy" or "artsy-fartsy" area, so relocation is in the cards.

(Speaking of that sort of thing, I know you're into helping "oppressed women". Did you know that I was part of a 5 man crew that landscaped a "battered women's shelter" at no cost to them? For a "liberal", I'm not such an asshole, eh? ;-> )

Anyhoo, back to reality. The place where I work was purchased by one of the largest corporations in the world a little less than 2 years ago. There's now a rumor running wild at work that they're going to close the site where I work in September. Personally, I think this rumor is bullshit. What *I* think is that they'll close it in the next 2 to 5 years, but I can't narrow it down further than that. What I can say is that day will probably be a relief, for me. Things have really changed where I work, and I'd be hard-pressed to give you an example of a change for the better. Mostly it's just "be glad you still have a job and here's something more for you to do." We're not even back-filling when people leave, any more, so there's always more to do.

When (and if) they close the site I hope that congress has done something about health care, by then. I'm too old to go back into the sort of position I'm in, now. Too "set in my ways" and FAR more expensive than a recent college grad. Sure, I could find that "perfect" position, but it would take a long time and I'm no longer certain I'd be doing anything more than helping some other CEO make his big bonus. Fuck that, but at least I'm no longer living with the delusion that I've somehow made the world a better place.

So, barring national healthcare, I'll be in the same position so many of those entrepreneurs the politicians are so fond of pointing out "create most of the jobs" in America. I won't be able to afford to provide healthcare for my employees, or myself. I'll be one heart attack, stroke, cancer diagnosis away from losing everything I've worked my entirer life for. Not to mention my employees will be looking for work, again. That last would break my heart, but thankfully I wouldn't have much time to think about it as I look for a place to park my car and sleep for the night.

So, "making a lot of money" is no longer part of "the American dream". I think that's part of the reason why Icy (who your sister called "the bartender") got so thoughtful when, one of the times we spent some time together in NYC, I said "We're the new conservatives".

It's too bad the think tanks and politicians have gotten so good at pitting us against each other. If "we the people" could ever agree to work together we'd vote the lot of them out and start over with politicians who rewarded hard work, not "whoever gave us the most money in our last campaign".]]> In response to: 'Stop' the War, 'F' the Blue Dogs, and Support Justice!!! Blogidarity! http://timbuk3.com/blog/index.php?blog=2&title=stop_the_war_f_the_blue_dogs_and_support&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c11651 2009-06-07T16:28:56Z squaette1999 [Member] I don't see an open mic - but was wondering if you had seen this: http://www.edmontonsun.com/life/2009/06/01/9634286-sun.html Perhaps this could help you sell more coffee - plus - "My House for Coffee" should be in really big letters on your sidebar. :-)
http://www.edmontonsun.com/life/2009/06/01/9634286-sun.html

Perhaps this could help you sell more coffee - plus - "My House for Coffee" should be in really big letters on your sidebar.

:-)
]]> In response to: 'Stop' the War, 'F' the Blue Dogs, and Support Justice!!! Blogidarity! http://timbuk3.com/blog/index.php?blog=2&title=stop_the_war_f_the_blue_dogs_and_support&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1#c11650 2009-06-07T01:22:25Z Timbuk3 [Member] "I'd really like somebody to tell me what those pictures mean to them -- beyond transparency." I'm not sure there is anything more than "transparency", for me. I can confess to an ulterior motive, but not one that denies the "transparency" aspect. Short and sweet, I want Cheney prosecuted NO MATTER WHAT THE COST. If the pictures keep what Cheney did in the minds of the American people an extra day, that would be a positive outcome. "They won't prove anything about the higher ups..." FWIW, I don't care whether or not any more pictures from Abu Graibh come out, or not. I want the American people to see the pictures from Bagram, Gitmo, and other places. I want even the "low information voters" to make the connection between Cheney/Rumsfeld's orders and prisoner abuse in multiple countries. I don't want anyone to be able to say "Lynndie England did time for her crime and that should be the end of it" without setting off a chain reaction of pointing and laughing at them for being so thick-headed. I don't want a "unitary President" ordering trials. I want to see a slow trickle of reports coming out of congress about Cheney's role in torture until "the background noise" becomes a thunderous roar of "PROSECUTE HIM!" Oh, and I don't buy the argument that it would add to the humiliation of the victims unless it DOESN'T lead to prosecution of the person(s) who ordered that humiliation. Then, I might, but only then. No successful criminal prosecution can leave out the facts about what happened to the victim(s). "I'd really like somebody to tell me what those pictures mean to them -- beyond transparency."

I'm not sure there is anything more than "transparency", for me. I can confess to an ulterior motive, but not one that denies the "transparency" aspect.

Short and sweet, I want Cheney prosecuted NO MATTER WHAT THE COST.

If the pictures keep what Cheney did in the minds of the American people an extra day, that would be a positive outcome.

"They won't prove anything about the higher ups..."

FWIW, I don't care whether or not any more pictures from Abu Graibh come out, or not. I want the American people to see the pictures from Bagram, Gitmo, and other places. I want even the "low information voters" to make the connection between Cheney/Rumsfeld's orders and prisoner abuse in multiple countries. I don't want anyone to be able to say "Lynndie England did time for her crime and that should be the end of it" without setting off a chain reaction of pointing and laughing at them for being so thick-headed.

I don't want a "unitary President" ordering trials. I want to see a slow trickle of reports coming out of congress about Cheney's role in torture until "the background noise" becomes a thunderous roar of "PROSECUTE HIM!"

Oh, and I don't buy the argument that it would add to the humiliation of the victims unless it DOESN'T lead to prosecution of the person(s) who ordered that humiliation. Then, I might, but only then. No successful criminal prosecution can leave out the facts about what happened to the victim(s).]]>