Presidential Disconnect
In response to the president's speech about Iraq yesterday.
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Bush: Bloodshed in Iraq Is 'Worth It' [?]
Bush: Bloodshed in Iraq Is 'Worth It' - Yahoo! News
Is it really?
Bush to give speech about Iraq tonight.
Note, also, that in this article mention is made that more troops from California have been killed than from any other state.
Is it really?
Bush to give speech about Iraq tonight.
Note, also, that in this article mention is made that more troops from California have been killed than from any other state.
Friday, June 24, 2005
Gov. Arnold to Appear on Leno tonight
Yes, Gov. Arnold Schwartenegger will be Jay Leno's guest on The Tonight Show tonight.
I'll be watching.
I'll be watching.
Thursday, June 23, 2005
House Won't Cut Public Broadcasting Funds! Hurray.
House Won't Cut Public Broadcasting Funds - Yahoo! News
Sesame Street is still safe.
Jeez, when you can't afford cable, what else is there to watch but PBS?
(Okay, okay, a few things, but not enough.)
Sesame Street is still safe.
Jeez, when you can't afford cable, what else is there to watch but PBS?
(Okay, okay, a few things, but not enough.)
Wildfires in SoCal - News Update
Up to 9 Homes Burn; More Threatened
I wish these people well! Also our firefighters. (They do deserve their pensions, don't they?)
I wish these people well! Also our firefighters. (They do deserve their pensions, don't they?)
Coastal Commission Upheld in California - Hurray!
Coastal Commission Upheld in California
The beautiful coast of California protected and preserved for the People of California (and other Americans and tourists, too, of course.)
Safeguarding one of our most precious assets.
The beautiful coast of California protected and preserved for the People of California (and other Americans and tourists, too, of course.)
Safeguarding one of our most precious assets.
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Schwarzenegger Approval Ratings Sliding
Schwarzenegger Approval Ratings Sliding - Yahoo! News
And it's looking as if I'm certainly not the only one opposed to this special election.
And it's looking as if I'm certainly not the only one opposed to this special election.
Sunday, June 19, 2005
Unsure of reality due to his after-surgery daze Steve Lopez tries to make sense of this week in SoCal
Valium Leads to Altered State
One of my favorite TIMES columnists - Steve Lopez - does an excellent job of describing this week in SoCal.
It does make one's head spin (or is that just another earthquake?)
One of my favorite TIMES columnists - Steve Lopez - does an excellent job of describing this week in SoCal.
It does make one's head spin (or is that just another earthquake?)
Friday, June 17, 2005
A Wiki for Your Thoughts - Los Angeles Times Editorial Page
A Wiki for Your Thoughts
The Los Angeles Times is joining the Wiki revolution. Check it out - edit the newspaper's editorials if you think you know better.
The Los Angeles Times is joining the Wiki revolution. Check it out - edit the newspaper's editorials if you think you know better.
Thursday, June 16, 2005
4.9-Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Southland
NBC 4 - News - 4.9-Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Southland
An update. Magnitude downgraded. A few injuries reported, after all. Rocks in the roads, possible phone outage within Riverside County.
PS: There were not two earthquakes today! This is about one earthquake which was then downgraded magnitude-wise. Sorry.
An update. Magnitude downgraded. A few injuries reported, after all. Rocks in the roads, possible phone outage within Riverside County.
PS: There were not two earthquakes today! This is about one earthquake which was then downgraded magnitude-wise. Sorry.
5.3-Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Southland
NBC 4 - News - 5.3-Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Southland
I'm glad that everyone seems to be okay. But, I'm disappointed - I never felt a thing!
I'm glad that everyone seems to be okay. But, I'm disappointed - I never felt a thing!
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
Calif. Quake Prompts Brief Tsunami Warning [and some residents left unaware and confused!]
Calif. Quake Prompts Brief Tsunami Warning - Yahoo! News
Oddly enough - in spite of living in a CA beach town! - I didn't know about the tsunami warning until it was almost called off. I was just about to phone my son's cell to let him know about it.
Turns out my son was at the beach and couldn't figure out why so many places were shut down.
Sounds like some of our beach cities could do a better of a job of notifying residents about tsunami warnings.
Oddly enough - in spite of living in a CA beach town! - I didn't know about the tsunami warning until it was almost called off. I was just about to phone my son's cell to let him know about it.
Turns out my son was at the beach and couldn't figure out why so many places were shut down.
Sounds like some of our beach cities could do a better of a job of notifying residents about tsunami warnings.
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Re the Growing Gap Between Rich and Poor in the U.S.
Rich-poor gap gaining attention - Yahoo! News
"The income gap between the rich and the rest of the US population has become so wide, and is growing so fast, that it might eventually threaten the stability of democratic capitalism itself." So says Alan Greenspan even.
"The income gap between the rich and the rest of the US population has become so wide, and is growing so fast, that it might eventually threaten the stability of democratic capitalism itself." So says Alan Greenspan even.
Monday, June 13, 2005
Schwarzenegger to Call for Special Vote [Darn it!]
Schwarzenegger to Call for Special Vote - Yahoo! News
As this article says, a majority of California voters do not want this special election, and include me in on that.
Arnold claims he's trying to save California money, so why hold a $45+ million election that's not needed?
Keep in mind that this will be the second special election we've had in the past few years.
You know, this could backfire on Arnold. Voters may be as fed up with him, and his proposals, as we are with the state of this state and our state legislators.
As this article says, a majority of California voters do not want this special election, and include me in on that.
Arnold claims he's trying to save California money, so why hold a $45+ million election that's not needed?
Keep in mind that this will be the second special election we've had in the past few years.
You know, this could backfire on Arnold. Voters may be as fed up with him, and his proposals, as we are with the state of this state and our state legislators.
Michael Jackson Acquitted of All Charges
Michael Jackson Acquitted of All Charges - Yahoo! News
Frankly, I'm somewhat surprised as I believed Jackson was neither 100% guilty nor 100% innocent of all 10 counts.
I do hope that Jackson's learned to keep young boys out of his bed, though... (and what were all those parents thinking?!)
Frankly, I'm somewhat surprised as I believed Jackson was neither 100% guilty nor 100% innocent of all 10 counts.
I do hope that Jackson's learned to keep young boys out of his bed, though... (and what were all those parents thinking?!)
Sunday, June 12, 2005
Today's Anza Quake Stats
Event 14151344 Map
I like this USGS stuff. I've filled out these "Did You Feel It?"s before. So we were 100+ miles away and I rated the quake as "II - Weak". The average in my zip was "III - Weak." My family in Corona had "IV - Light"
Here's the form link with the criteria for rating quake experiences.
We experienced the Northridege, Whittier Narrows, and the Big Bear/Landers quakes on a scale of "V and VI - Moderate and Strong"
Those quakes made things fall over and broke things, made cracks in our house and patio, and knocked out the electricity. Now, these were scary quakes!
Your friend, the Quake Wonk/Nerd
I like this USGS stuff. I've filled out these "Did You Feel It?"s before. So we were 100+ miles away and I rated the quake as "II - Weak". The average in my zip was "III - Weak." My family in Corona had "IV - Light"
Here's the form link with the criteria for rating quake experiences.
We experienced the Northridege, Whittier Narrows, and the Big Bear/Landers quakes on a scale of "V and VI - Moderate and Strong"
Those quakes made things fall over and broke things, made cracks in our house and patio, and knocked out the electricity. Now, these were scary quakes!
Your friend, the Quake Wonk/Nerd
Moderate Quake Rattles S. California
Moderate Quake Rattles S. California - Yahoo! News
Jeez, I almost forgot, that's how used to quakes I've become...
Yep, this one woke me up. Rattled my windows and binds. But, no big deal, I fell back to sleep... My son never woke up.
Although, we're on the coast, this quake was all the way out in the desert.
Jeez, I almost forgot, that's how used to quakes I've become...
Yep, this one woke me up. Rattled my windows and binds. But, no big deal, I fell back to sleep... My son never woke up.
Although, we're on the coast, this quake was all the way out in the desert.
More babies, young kids going hungry in US
More babies, young kids going hungry in US - Yahoo! News
While at the same time, 2/3 of the US population is either overweight or obese.
Food for thought.
While at the same time, 2/3 of the US population is either overweight or obese.
Food for thought.
Friday, June 10, 2005
A Moveable Beach - Another TIMES editorial - about a perpetual war over the beach
A Moveable Beach
It keeps going on in Malibu, the celebrities defending their beach property, while California law rules that beaches are public.
The California Public vs. Hollywood
It keeps going on in Malibu, the celebrities defending their beach property, while California law rules that beaches are public.
The California Public vs. Hollywood
The Anger Initiative - L.A. Times editorial about our governor
The Anger Initiative
Very interesting. Sums up much of the trouble with Arnold lately.
If you don't read anything else, read that concluding paragraph.
Very interesting. Sums up much of the trouble with Arnold lately.
If you don't read anything else, read that concluding paragraph.
A Teacher Dreads This Badge of Courage [Homeless in Laguna]
A Teacher Dreads This Badge of Courage
"As soon as you reach Bluebird Canyon, there's a tranquillity there," [the teacher] says. "It isn't something you feel everywhere. You can feel the peacefulness. That's what's so ironic. This peacefulness and such destruction."
Often true in California...
"As soon as you reach Bluebird Canyon, there's a tranquillity there," [the teacher] says. "It isn't something you feel everywhere. You can feel the peacefulness. That's what's so ironic. This peacefulness and such destruction."
Often true in California...
Thursday, June 09, 2005
Monday, June 06, 2005
Study: U.S. Leads In Mental Illness, Lags in Treatment
(Remember, this is about news and views, with a location in California. Instead of California, this posting is about the US in general.)
Study: U.S. Leads In Mental Illness, Lags in Treatment
The final paragraph is particularly interesting in that it addresses the WHY of the matter:
"It is not clear why Americans have such high rates of mental illness, but cultural factors clearly play a role. People who move here from abroad quickly increase their risk of mental health problems, especially if they do not live in native ethnic communities. Minorities also tend to have lower levels of mental health problems despite their lower economic status, suggesting that the social support they provide each other is protective."
From the Washington Post
Study: U.S. Leads In Mental Illness, Lags in Treatment
The final paragraph is particularly interesting in that it addresses the WHY of the matter:
"It is not clear why Americans have such high rates of mental illness, but cultural factors clearly play a role. People who move here from abroad quickly increase their risk of mental health problems, especially if they do not live in native ethnic communities. Minorities also tend to have lower levels of mental health problems despite their lower economic status, suggesting that the social support they provide each other is protective."
From the Washington Post
Thursday, June 02, 2005
Poway [in the San Diego area] eighth-grader wins National Spelling Bee
SignOnSanDiego.com > News > North County -- Poway eighth-grader wins National Spelling Bee
So, there is hope for education in California!
So, there is hope for education in California!
California's future is now, report says / Lawmakers, voters should address critical issues immediately in order to avoid crisis
CALIFORNIA / California's future is now, report says / Lawmakers, voters should address critical issues immediately in order to avoid crisis
Interesting and important article.
Interesting and important article.
EarthCam - MetroCams - Laguna Beach Cam
EarthCam - MetroCams - Laguna Beach Cam
We're "suffering" "June Gloom" today, so this pic is more dismal than usual. Even so, you can see the loveliness here.
We're "suffering" "June Gloom" today, so this pic is more dismal than usual. Even so, you can see the loveliness here.
About the Michael Jackson Trial - Prosecutors blast Jackson as pedophile, alcoholic
Prosecutors blast Jackson as pedophile, alcoholic - Yahoo! News
Wow. Now, let's see what the jury decides...
Wow. Now, let's see what the jury decides...
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
The Illegal Immigration Issue
There is so much in the Times about this, here's the whole list of recent articles - see above link. (You have to register to read these articles, sorry! You may also locate them from the home page if you'd rather.)
Steve Lopez, the columnist I praised the other day, has a few words today and is in the listing.
Dana Parsons, another excellent columnist whose beat is Orange County only, has another good article here.
Roger Mahoney, the Cardinal of Los Angeles, of all people (he's on my bad side because of the priest pedophilia issue...), puts in his two cents, also. Mahoney says, "Our country stands at a critical point in its history. Our heritage as a nation of immigrants is at stake..... As we have in the past, we should embrace our immigrant roots and recognize that newcomers to our land are not part of the problem, they are part of the solution." I agree! But, Mahoney is equating legal immigrants with illegal immigrants. There is a difference. Against the law is against the law, for a start.
Steve Lopez, the columnist I praised the other day, has a few words today and is in the listing.
Dana Parsons, another excellent columnist whose beat is Orange County only, has another good article here.
Roger Mahoney, the Cardinal of Los Angeles, of all people (he's on my bad side because of the priest pedophilia issue...), puts in his two cents, also. Mahoney says, "Our country stands at a critical point in its history. Our heritage as a nation of immigrants is at stake..... As we have in the past, we should embrace our immigrant roots and recognize that newcomers to our land are not part of the problem, they are part of the solution." I agree! But, Mahoney is equating legal immigrants with illegal immigrants. There is a difference. Against the law is against the law, for a start.
I Hardly Know Where to Start - TOO Much Happening
The link above is to the front page of the Los Angeles Times - it's a good place to start.
First and foremost, today's SoCal disaster: The houses that fell down in Laguna Beach. Imagine, 1,000+ people evacuated. My sympathies are with these homeowners.
Funny thing about Laguna Beach... It's a beautiful, wonderful place some call part of the California Riviera. At the very same time this is not the first time houses have slid off those hills, likely it won't be the last. Also, in the '90s, a large section of the town burned down (my doc lost his house in that wildfire). As is often true in California, it's about risking hell to live in heaven.
Second, from an article in the Times, this is something that should have been done around here a long time ago:
"Democrats Propose Income Tax Hikes" -
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-budget1jun01,0,6959503.story?coll=la-home-local
Why shouldn't the very wealthy kick in a little more? How much can you keep cutting, and how big do you grow the already-giant deficit? (Now, to get rid of Proposition 13!)
Now, on the lighter side, much lighter side:
The Grunion are runnin'! As they do every year about this time, covering our beaches in order to mate:
http://www.latimes.com/features/outdoors/la-os-grunion31may31,0,4485501.story?coll=la-home-outdoors
Also, I sure did enjoy watching the "kite surfers" (for lack of a more accurate name) when I went to the beach last weekend. These "kite surfers" essentially hang onto a big kite, which then sends them surfing across the water. It was windy last weekend - these guys were going as fast as water skiiers behind a motor boat. They created a big white wake and were "catching air." A lifeguard jeep pulled up to the shoreline, watching them, wondering if/when they were about to drown, I suppose. I Goggled an image of it - a picture speaks 1K words, right? http://torus.math.uiuc.edu/jms/Photos/03/JulO/img217.jpeg And, it is called kitesurfing!
Next, a couple of words about our illegal immigration issues, then back to work.
First and foremost, today's SoCal disaster: The houses that fell down in Laguna Beach. Imagine, 1,000+ people evacuated. My sympathies are with these homeowners.
Funny thing about Laguna Beach... It's a beautiful, wonderful place some call part of the California Riviera. At the very same time this is not the first time houses have slid off those hills, likely it won't be the last. Also, in the '90s, a large section of the town burned down (my doc lost his house in that wildfire). As is often true in California, it's about risking hell to live in heaven.
Second, from an article in the Times, this is something that should have been done around here a long time ago:
"Democrats Propose Income Tax Hikes" -
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-budget1jun01,0,6959503.story?coll=la-home-local
Why shouldn't the very wealthy kick in a little more? How much can you keep cutting, and how big do you grow the already-giant deficit? (Now, to get rid of Proposition 13!)
Now, on the lighter side, much lighter side:
The Grunion are runnin'! As they do every year about this time, covering our beaches in order to mate:
http://www.latimes.com/features/outdoors/la-os-grunion31may31,0,4485501.story?coll=la-home-outdoors
Also, I sure did enjoy watching the "kite surfers" (for lack of a more accurate name) when I went to the beach last weekend. These "kite surfers" essentially hang onto a big kite, which then sends them surfing across the water. It was windy last weekend - these guys were going as fast as water skiiers behind a motor boat. They created a big white wake and were "catching air." A lifeguard jeep pulled up to the shoreline, watching them, wondering if/when they were about to drown, I suppose. I Goggled an image of it - a picture speaks 1K words, right? http://torus.math.uiuc.edu/jms/Photos/03/JulO/img217.jpeg And, it is called kitesurfing!
Next, a couple of words about our illegal immigration issues, then back to work.
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