THINGS GROW IN FRESNO
Saturday, February 06, 2010
Monday, February 01, 2010
The Grammys are a bought and sold scam product of Payola - Always has been always will be and have nothing to do with what is really going on in the world of music.
There is a much, much bigger world of musicians, venues, recordings and promoters out there creating and playing music for a vastly larger audience than that of the Grammy artists.
Examples of NARAS bias:
- In the 1950s, when Elvis was the biggest pop culture icon in the world they ignored him and gave awards to singers like Domenico Modugno and Percy Faith.
- In the 1960’s when the Beatles were an even bigger pop culture phenomenon Grammys were given to Henry Mancini and Herb Alpert while the Fab Four were hung out to dry.
- In the 70’s they dug their heels in further and refused to acknowledge Punk, New Wave and Metal and gave awards to artists like The Starland Vocal Band and Debby Boone.
- In the 80’s as the grass-roots phenomena of Punk Rock swept across the world awards were given to artists like The Doobie Brothers and Kenny Loggins.
- In the 90’s they famously ignored Grunge and the massive impact of Curt Cobain and Nirvana to give awards to Whitney Houston and Eric Clapton. After that I lost interest in the Grammys.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grammy_Awards
http://openlibrary.org/b/OL9224402M/Contemporary_Music_Almanac
Friday, January 15, 2010
Fresno Fresh & Easy opening day 13JAN10
This is a good thing no matter how you slice it. And the best thing is the location: another grocery store in downtown Fresno!
We just did our grocery shopping on sunday so I didn't really need anything except cookies and a 24oz. bottle of beer. No single bottles of beer but they did have my favorite Loacker cookies for $2 a bag.
I was disappointed to see their reluctance to go below the $3 an item price point, something that The Joe does well.
We will definitely shop there from time to time, but I was disappointed in the stocking of major brands like Coca Cola and Fruit Loops, which I think is somewhat responsible for the fattening up and dumbing down of America.
A piece in the Fresno Bee yesterday said that "Americans are still among the chunkiest folks on the planet, with 68% of adults overweight or obese."
New data based on surveys by the AMA and published by the Center for Disease Control says that not only are adults overweight but 17% of children are obese, too.
40 years of advertising, telling the American people that eating cold cereal and drinking soda pop is good for you is partly to blame for this epidemic. That's why I look for foods that are low in fat, salt and sugar. But, it's an acquired taste.
It takes a long time and a lot of will to get off the unhealthy diet and start to enjoy healthier foods.
One way is to try to find foods that are healthier but are just as satisfying. But, it is difficult to do that when your choices are so slim as are found in most chain store supermarkets. There are about 5 corporations that sell most of the food in the US and they are the kings of high fat, high salt and high sugar content.
That's why I appreciate the selection at Trader Joes. They are the kings of Budget
Gourmet, quite unlike Whole Foods which is king of Expensive Gourmet. The Joe consistently finds ways to include fiber and reduce fat, salt and sugar in great tasting foods that have a relatively low price.
This is a good thing no matter how you slice it. And the best thing is the location: another grocery store in downtown Fresno!
We just did our grocery shopping on sunday so I didn't really need anything except cookies and a 24oz. bottle of beer. No single bottles of beer but they did have my favorite Loacker cookies for $2 a bag.
I was disappointed to see their reluctance to go below the $3 an item price point, something that The Joe does well.
We will definitely shop there from time to time, but I was disappointed in the stocking of major brands like Coca Cola and Fruit Loops, which I think is somewhat responsible for the fattening up and dumbing down of America.
A piece in the Fresno Bee yesterday said that "Americans are still among the chunkiest folks on the planet, with 68% of adults overweight or obese."
New data based on surveys by the AMA and published by the Center for Disease Control says that not only are adults overweight but 17% of children are obese, too.
40 years of advertising, telling the American people that eating cold cereal and drinking soda pop is good for you is partly to blame for this epidemic. That's why I look for foods that are low in fat, salt and sugar. But, it's an acquired taste.
It takes a long time and a lot of will to get off the unhealthy diet and start to enjoy healthier foods.
One way is to try to find foods that are healthier but are just as satisfying. But, it is difficult to do that when your choices are so slim as are found in most chain store supermarkets. There are about 5 corporations that sell most of the food in the US and they are the kings of high fat, high salt and high sugar content.
That's why I appreciate the selection at Trader Joes. They are the kings of Budget
Gourmet, quite unlike Whole Foods which is king of Expensive Gourmet. The Joe consistently finds ways to include fiber and reduce fat, salt and sugar in great tasting foods that have a relatively low price.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
It was the Night before Christmas (as read by Sen. Burris)
It was the night before Christmas, and all through the Senate
The right held up our health care bill, no matter what was in it
The people had voted a mandated reform
But Republicans blew off the gathering storm
We'll clog up the Senate, they cried with a grin
And in the midterm elections, we'll get voted in
They knew regular folks needed help right this second
But fundraisers, lobbyists and politics beckoned
So try as they might, Democrats could not win
Because the majority was simply too thin
Then across every state there rose such a clatter
The whole senate rushed out to see what was the matter
All sprang up from their desk and ran from the floor
Straight through the cloakroom and right out the door
And what in the world would be quite so raucous?
But a mandate for change from the Democratic caucus
The president, the Speaker, of course Leader Reid
Had answered the call in our hour of need
More rapid than eagles, the provisions they came
And they whistled and shouted and called them by name
Better coverage, cost savings, a strong public plan
Accountable options. We said, 'Yes, we can.'
No exclusions or changes for pre-existing conditions
Let's pass a bill that restores competition
The Democrats all came together to fight
For the American people that Christmas Eve night
And then in a twinkle, I heard under the dome
The roll call was closed, and it was time to go home
Despite the obstructionist tactics of some
The filibuster had broken, the people had won
And a good bill was ready for President Obama
Ready to sign and end health care drama
Democrats explained as they drove out of sight
Better coverage for all, even our friends on the right.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
How to make a cajon w/snare
http://stagedive-records.com/cajonhomemade
When my former percussionist brought a cajon to rehearsal I was intrigued but put-off because of the way I
thought it had to be played, bending way over to reach the striking surface, or Tapa. But, after I heard the
playback I was hooked. It sounded so cool and homemade, but kind of like a drum kit, with snare and kick.
I thought, if you had a crash you indeed would have an acoustic percussive instrument that could imitate a
drum kit. But, it would be hard to hit a crash cymbal bending over like that. Then I saw many different
configurations of the cajon, in many different sizes and shapes. And many you don't have to play bending
over. I have this problem with my back and so does my percussionist, so it was nice to see that you can
definitely play it standing or sitting up. And as it turns out, do it in an interesting way that records easily and
well. The ones on youtube that were miked in the hole sounded great. You could really get a loud, thumping
beat. Pumping it through a big PA, you could rival the volume of a drum kit.
When I looked online at how a cajon is made, I was amazed at the wealth of information out there. Many
different plans, videos and diagrams on how they are made, what they sound like and how the cajon
originated is available online. Just Google 'how to make a cajon'.
I printed out several plans from the net. It seemed like each plan left out some key details and so, puttting
them all together gave me a more complete vision of how to make it. I have to be able to visualize the
finished product and most of it's detail in my mind before I can feel confident enough to make it.
Materials
Wood: One sheet of 2'x4' 1/2" plywood
One sheet of 2'x4' 1/4" plywood
3/4"x3/4" hardwood square dowel
1"x2" furring strip
Orchard supply and Lowe's both had a good selection and low prices for
the wood. The half inch birch plywood was $13 and the quarter-inch was
$8. They've got the hardwood square dowels and furring strips, too.
4 guitar tuners and 4 bass guitar strings or a snare drum snare
20 or so screws OSH Wood screw brass, flat head phillips 7x3/4
Wood glue - Elmer's was lot cheaper than Gorilla and worked just fine
Minwax Wood Finish - Dark Walnut 2716 Stain/sealer
Tools
Circular or table saw
Jigsaw
VSR Drill or screwdriver
Clamps
I already had some painted, half-inch plywood and so I
used that for the three sides and top and bottom. As it
turned out my wood was a little warped and I couldn't see
where the blade was cutting with precision so I got some
pretty crooked lines that made for a box that was not
square. I now wish I would have started with a new piece
of birch plywood. The whole thing would have been more
square. And therefore would have been easier to glue and
would have looked a lot better. If I build another cajon, I'll
use a new piece of plywood and not paint it, but just
stain/seal it with Minwax Wood Finish.
I first drilled a small hole with the drill, big enough to get
the Jigsaw blade in it and then cut the 4-inch soundhole.
Here are the three 1/2" sides, the back, left and right. I
made a big mistake by painting them again with a gloss
Rustoleum, which is very slippery and made it even more
difficult to clamp and hold steady.
Bar clamps holding the sides glued with
wood glue. I let them dry overnight, but
found out just an hour or two in fall
weather was enough. Got the clamps at
Harbor Freight tools for about $5 each
I neglected to photograph the cutting,
glueing and clamping of the hardwood
frame, which was made of 3/4" square
dowels from Orchard Supply hardware.
But, once that was accomplished it was
just a matter of glueing and clamping
the frame to the sides of the body. There
again the crooked lines in the sawing of
the three sides made for problems at
this juncture. But, with enough clamping
it was forced into contact, no matter
how not square it was.
I found some old tuning keys from a
couple of beat up, old electric guitars I
had laying around and attached them to
to 6-inch piece of furring strip. Found
out later, as I installed the bass guitar
strings that the fatter bass strings would
not fit in the holes on the guitar tuners,
but the thinner, (.050 - .058 gauge)
bass strings would fit.
With bass tuners you could use a fatter
string and maybe get a fatter, slappier
sound on the Tapa.
I also tried regular guitars strings and
they were not functional at all. Because
they are so much smaller they tend to
rattle and ring too much, making a
musical note and would vibrate and
linger too long, getting in the way of the
percussive, rhythmic attack.
I do think that a snare drum snare would
work perhaps even better. Which is what
most of the factory-made cajons use.
But, I was attempting to make this with
as much materials I had on hand.
The strings must slap against the Tapa
to make the slapping sound, so they
have to be touching or lying against the
Tapa. Here I drilled holes for the strings
and tried some grooves to further seat
the strings right against the Tapa. It
was a trial and error process to find the
best position for the strings. I noticed
the hardwood frame was so much more
stable than the soft plywood.
The finished product with all it's crooked
corners and warped surfaces. It took some
tweaking of the tuners and strings to get it
to sound good. A slappy, snarey sound with
not too much overring. The strings
shouldn't be too tight, which is easy to do
with the tuners. I also added a small piece
of masking tape to hold the strings against
the Tapa and cut down on the ringing.
There again, the snare drum snare would
probably work better. But, since I am a
guitarist the whole idea of using bass
guitar strings was attractive
http://stagedive-records.com/cajonhomemade
When my former percussionist brought a cajon to rehearsal I was intrigued but put-off because of the way I
thought it had to be played, bending way over to reach the striking surface, or Tapa. But, after I heard the
playback I was hooked. It sounded so cool and homemade, but kind of like a drum kit, with snare and kick.
I thought, if you had a crash you indeed would have an acoustic percussive instrument that could imitate a
drum kit. But, it would be hard to hit a crash cymbal bending over like that. Then I saw many different
configurations of the cajon, in many different sizes and shapes. And many you don't have to play bending
over. I have this problem with my back and so does my percussionist, so it was nice to see that you can
definitely play it standing or sitting up. And as it turns out, do it in an interesting way that records easily and
well. The ones on youtube that were miked in the hole sounded great. You could really get a loud, thumping
beat. Pumping it through a big PA, you could rival the volume of a drum kit.
When I looked online at how a cajon is made, I was amazed at the wealth of information out there. Many
different plans, videos and diagrams on how they are made, what they sound like and how the cajon
originated is available online. Just Google 'how to make a cajon'.
I printed out several plans from the net. It seemed like each plan left out some key details and so, puttting
them all together gave me a more complete vision of how to make it. I have to be able to visualize the
finished product and most of it's detail in my mind before I can feel confident enough to make it.
Materials
Wood: One sheet of 2'x4' 1/2" plywood
One sheet of 2'x4' 1/4" plywood
3/4"x3/4" hardwood square dowel
1"x2" furring strip
Orchard supply and Lowe's both had a good selection and low prices for
the wood. The half inch birch plywood was $13 and the quarter-inch was
$8. They've got the hardwood square dowels and furring strips, too.
4 guitar tuners and 4 bass guitar strings or a snare drum snare
20 or so screws OSH Wood screw brass, flat head phillips 7x3/4
Wood glue - Elmer's was lot cheaper than Gorilla and worked just fine
Minwax Wood Finish - Dark Walnut 2716 Stain/sealer
Tools
Circular or table saw
Jigsaw
VSR Drill or screwdriver
Clamps
I already had some painted, half-inch plywood and so I
used that for the three sides and top and bottom. As it
turned out my wood was a little warped and I couldn't see
where the blade was cutting with precision so I got some
pretty crooked lines that made for a box that was not
square. I now wish I would have started with a new piece
of birch plywood. The whole thing would have been more
square. And therefore would have been easier to glue and
would have looked a lot better. If I build another cajon, I'll
use a new piece of plywood and not paint it, but just
stain/seal it with Minwax Wood Finish.
I first drilled a small hole with the drill, big enough to get
the Jigsaw blade in it and then cut the 4-inch soundhole.
Here are the three 1/2" sides, the back, left and right. I
made a big mistake by painting them again with a gloss
Rustoleum, which is very slippery and made it even more
difficult to clamp and hold steady.
Bar clamps holding the sides glued with
wood glue. I let them dry overnight, but
found out just an hour or two in fall
weather was enough. Got the clamps at
Harbor Freight tools for about $5 each
I neglected to photograph the cutting,
glueing and clamping of the hardwood
frame, which was made of 3/4" square
dowels from Orchard Supply hardware.
But, once that was accomplished it was
just a matter of glueing and clamping
the frame to the sides of the body. There
again the crooked lines in the sawing of
the three sides made for problems at
this juncture. But, with enough clamping
it was forced into contact, no matter
how not square it was.
I found some old tuning keys from a
couple of beat up, old electric guitars I
had laying around and attached them to
to 6-inch piece of furring strip. Found
out later, as I installed the bass guitar
strings that the fatter bass strings would
not fit in the holes on the guitar tuners,
but the thinner, (.050 - .058 gauge)
bass strings would fit.
With bass tuners you could use a fatter
string and maybe get a fatter, slappier
sound on the Tapa.
I also tried regular guitars strings and
they were not functional at all. Because
they are so much smaller they tend to
rattle and ring too much, making a
musical note and would vibrate and
linger too long, getting in the way of the
percussive, rhythmic attack.
I do think that a snare drum snare would
work perhaps even better. Which is what
most of the factory-made cajons use.
But, I was attempting to make this with
as much materials I had on hand.
The strings must slap against the Tapa
to make the slapping sound, so they
have to be touching or lying against the
Tapa. Here I drilled holes for the strings
and tried some grooves to further seat
the strings right against the Tapa. It
was a trial and error process to find the
best position for the strings. I noticed
the hardwood frame was so much more
stable than the soft plywood.
The finished product with all it's crooked
corners and warped surfaces. It took some
tweaking of the tuners and strings to get it
to sound good. A slappy, snarey sound with
not too much overring. The strings
shouldn't be too tight, which is easy to do
with the tuners. I also added a small piece
of masking tape to hold the strings against
the Tapa and cut down on the ringing.
There again, the snare drum snare would
probably work better. But, since I am a
guitarist the whole idea of using bass
guitar strings was attractive
Saturday, December 12, 2009
The Ballad of Ramblin Jack video documentary
I knew absolutely nothing about this guy. It was a big empty hole in my record collection. About 5 minutes into the Ballad of Ramblin Jack I was turned off by his simple playing and seemingly phoney personna.
But, by the time the credits were rolling, and we had gone from the early 50's to the double naughts and I had this need to stay there and continue to be fascinated by this flaky traveling minstrel. It didn't do a thing to change my lack of interest in 'cowboy music' but it did put me firmly in the camp of fans of his blazingly colorful story. A
long life full of contradictions. Cliche and yet unique.
We laughed to the point of tears at some of his comments on stage and his off the wall adventures at odd times in his life. Film, video and stills document every move from birth to today and they fill this loving, yet honest look by his daughter.
I thought I knew what 'flat-picking' was, but I didn't. And now I must learn this technique that he was known for.
He's still gigging at nearly 80 years old and has a show coming up next month in San Francisco. http://ramblinjack.com/home
http://www.netflix.com/Movie/The_Ballad_of_Ramblin_Jack/60001826?trkid=226870
I knew absolutely nothing about this guy. It was a big empty hole in my record collection. About 5 minutes into the Ballad of Ramblin Jack I was turned off by his simple playing and seemingly phoney personna.
But, by the time the credits were rolling, and we had gone from the early 50's to the double naughts and I had this need to stay there and continue to be fascinated by this flaky traveling minstrel. It didn't do a thing to change my lack of interest in 'cowboy music' but it did put me firmly in the camp of fans of his blazingly colorful story. A
long life full of contradictions. Cliche and yet unique.
We laughed to the point of tears at some of his comments on stage and his off the wall adventures at odd times in his life. Film, video and stills document every move from birth to today and they fill this loving, yet honest look by his daughter.
I thought I knew what 'flat-picking' was, but I didn't. And now I must learn this technique that he was known for.
He's still gigging at nearly 80 years old and has a show coming up next month in San Francisco. http://ramblinjack.com/home
http://www.netflix.com/Movie/The_Ballad_of_Ramblin_Jack/60001826?trkid=226870
Monday, December 07, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
Gilmore says first Assembly term may be his last
Sitcom Pitch: My Mother the Mayor. All about the zany antics of two feuding political families. Banana peels thrown in the hallways of the State House to uproarious laughter at the pratfalls. The mother constantly chiding the the two lead characters (based on Dean and Nicole) to get along and yet turns and churns up more bad feelings herself to more laughter when the son has to correct the mother. The underlying sexual tension builds as the audience yearns for the two handsome antagonists to get together. All the support characters are in some level of politics,
too. Even the kids are running for student body president.
After the story in today's Bee about Danny Gilmore's buyer's remorse I'm still convinced that a tv show about the two political families would be viable. Or at least funny as we speculate about the plot and characters.
Sitcom Pitch: My Mother the Mayor. All about the zany antics of two feuding political families. Banana peels thrown in the hallways of the State House to uproarious laughter at the pratfalls. The mother constantly chiding the the two lead characters (based on Dean and Nicole) to get along and yet turns and churns up more bad feelings herself to more laughter when the son has to correct the mother. The underlying sexual tension builds as the audience yearns for the two handsome antagonists to get together. All the support characters are in some level of politics,
too. Even the kids are running for student body president.
After the story in today's Bee about Danny Gilmore's buyer's remorse I'm still convinced that a tv show about the two political families would be viable. Or at least funny as we speculate about the plot and characters.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
I'm learning how to shape a bridge saddle on my D16. Bone sounds a lot better than the plastic one it came with. Might go back to the Clown Cage and get another one and try it again. 4th time should be a charm. But, this one sounds so good, I'll light here and rest awhile. I just can't get over how the notes ring and sustain. Yesterday I just couldn't put it down, played straight through till my hand hurt.
"Give me the liberty to know, to utter, and to argue freely according to conscience, above all other liberties." - Milton
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Hope for local talk radio after all
Jocey and I were interviewed on KMJ back in the 80's before the right-wing hate talkers took over the spectrum. Thanks Donovan. Oh the good old days when the Bee owned seemingly everything in Fresno. Then they passed a law saying it was an unfair advantage for one entity to own the major newspaper, a tv station (ch.24) and the main radio station (KMJ). They basically gave the radio station to the right-wingers and left the Bee with only the newspaper. Now newspapers are going out of business.
I was listening with much frustration, as I usually do, to the Alan Autry radio show the other day as Bill McEwen sounded so intelligent compared to the former mayor when I thought, "They should give this guy a radio show. He's way more informed and intellectually honest than these "Obama is a communist" right-wingers".
KYNO 1300am got rid of stone-age Dr. Laura and replaced her with a talk show featuring Bill McEwen from the Bee. Finally some moderation in this boiling sea of intolerance that is talk radio in Fresno.
http://1300kyno.com/
I was going to put a link to the story by Rick Bentley in today's paper, but again, as usual can't find it at the confusing maze that is the Bee's website.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Jocey's Hard Rock Mix 22MAY09
1 Alice Cooper - I’m 18 2:55 Billion $ Babies 1973
2 Aerosmith - Sweet Emotion 4:34 Toys in the attic 1975
3 Kiss - Rocknroll all nite 2:45 Dressed to kill 1975
4 Montrose - Rock candy 5:17 s/t 1973
5 Robin Trower - Little bit of sympathy s/t 4:20 1973
6 Van Halen - Runnin with the devil s/t 3:32 1978
7 Roxy Music - Love is the drug 4:05 1975
8 Heart - Magic man 5:35 Dreamboat Annie 1975
9 Led Zeppelin - Stairway to heaven zofo 7:55 1972
10 Alan Parsons Project - Be like you 3:19 I Robot 1977
11 Edgar Winter Group - Free ride 45 3:05 1972
12 Jeff Beck - Ain’t superstitious 4:53 Truth 1968
13 ZZ Top - La Grange 3:51 Tres Hombres 1973
14 Motorhead - Ace of spades comp LP 1980
15 Beach Boys - Sail on Sailor 3:15 Holland 1973
16 Genesis - Firth of fifth 9:36 Selling England 1973
17 10cc - Blackmail 4:35 Original soundtrack 1975
18 Rolling Stones - Shattered 45 3:46 1978
78:02 787.7MB
This what we've been listening to the last week or so.
1 Alice Cooper - I’m 18 2:55 Billion $ Babies 1973
2 Aerosmith - Sweet Emotion 4:34 Toys in the attic 1975
3 Kiss - Rocknroll all nite 2:45 Dressed to kill 1975
4 Montrose - Rock candy 5:17 s/t 1973
5 Robin Trower - Little bit of sympathy s/t 4:20 1973
6 Van Halen - Runnin with the devil s/t 3:32 1978
7 Roxy Music - Love is the drug 4:05 1975
8 Heart - Magic man 5:35 Dreamboat Annie 1975
9 Led Zeppelin - Stairway to heaven zofo 7:55 1972
10 Alan Parsons Project - Be like you 3:19 I Robot 1977
11 Edgar Winter Group - Free ride 45 3:05 1972
12 Jeff Beck - Ain’t superstitious 4:53 Truth 1968
13 ZZ Top - La Grange 3:51 Tres Hombres 1973
14 Motorhead - Ace of spades comp LP 1980
15 Beach Boys - Sail on Sailor 3:15 Holland 1973
16 Genesis - Firth of fifth 9:36 Selling England 1973
17 10cc - Blackmail 4:35 Original soundtrack 1975
18 Rolling Stones - Shattered 45 3:46 1978
78:02 787.7MB
This what we've been listening to the last week or so.
Friday, May 29, 2009
BUY LOCAL
I like buying local as long as it has good value. And the guy isn't a total crook. I see the buy local tag in the Bee on ads from only certain businesses, like Fresno Volvo and Fashion Furniture. By their definition buying a Volvo is still buying local. Maybe they're making Volvos in Arkansas like Hondas. I noticed Michael Volkswagon doesn't have the buy Local tag on their ads. Maybe it's because they know everybody thinks VWs are made in Germany and it would be a stretch to ask people to buy a VW and call it buying local.
We bought a dining set recently from Macys. On the bottom of the table is an easy to find tag that says, made in China. Checked out a lot of dining tables at other well-known furniture stores in Fresno and could not find one that didn't say made in China.
I think these are the same people who worked so hard to convince us that shipping all the factories overseas in the 90's was a good idea. And continued to give them tax breaks for doing so. And now they want us to buy local when it's not really buying local. The sales tax benefit is cited yet they have been against every tax that has ever come along.
The best argument for the buy local ad campaign is the massive Bee Buy Local section 30MAY09. Talk about math, I'm still going through it all. Anyone would have to be crazy to go against such a massive campaign supported by so many local heavyweights.
It all makes sense until you scratch the surface.
Call me crazy, but I have learned over the years to never, ever believe what is said in advertising.
These local high rollers now want us to buy local when we little people buy stuff, but where do the sellers of the luxury merchandise buy when they buy stuff?
Where are the things manufactured they sell? When they buy the labor to make the stuff where do they go to get it? They buy their manufacturing labor overseas.
I'm a really local guy, but this buy local advertising campaign is phoney. They were the ones who got us into all this financial mess and now they want to tell us how and where to spend our money?
I think the people have spoken. They don't want to buy those bloated gas guzzlers, they want a greener world to live in, universal health care and a government that works for them.
All the things the Republicans have been against for the last....ever.
Article from NYTimes in the Bee 20MAY09
Totally explains this typical top down Republican, pro-big business strategy. They can say it's 'local' even though it's actually manufactured or grown hundreds or even thousands of miles away.
Buy my 'local' music:
www.stagedive-records.com/mailorder
I like buying local as long as it has good value. And the guy isn't a total crook. I see the buy local tag in the Bee on ads from only certain businesses, like Fresno Volvo and Fashion Furniture. By their definition buying a Volvo is still buying local. Maybe they're making Volvos in Arkansas like Hondas. I noticed Michael Volkswagon doesn't have the buy Local tag on their ads. Maybe it's because they know everybody thinks VWs are made in Germany and it would be a stretch to ask people to buy a VW and call it buying local.
We bought a dining set recently from Macys. On the bottom of the table is an easy to find tag that says, made in China. Checked out a lot of dining tables at other well-known furniture stores in Fresno and could not find one that didn't say made in China.
I think these are the same people who worked so hard to convince us that shipping all the factories overseas in the 90's was a good idea. And continued to give them tax breaks for doing so. And now they want us to buy local when it's not really buying local. The sales tax benefit is cited yet they have been against every tax that has ever come along.
The best argument for the buy local ad campaign is the massive Bee Buy Local section 30MAY09. Talk about math, I'm still going through it all. Anyone would have to be crazy to go against such a massive campaign supported by so many local heavyweights.
It all makes sense until you scratch the surface.
Call me crazy, but I have learned over the years to never, ever believe what is said in advertising.
These local high rollers now want us to buy local when we little people buy stuff, but where do the sellers of the luxury merchandise buy when they buy stuff?
Where are the things manufactured they sell? When they buy the labor to make the stuff where do they go to get it? They buy their manufacturing labor overseas.
I'm a really local guy, but this buy local advertising campaign is phoney. They were the ones who got us into all this financial mess and now they want to tell us how and where to spend our money?
I think the people have spoken. They don't want to buy those bloated gas guzzlers, they want a greener world to live in, universal health care and a government that works for them.
All the things the Republicans have been against for the last....ever.
Article from NYTimes in the Bee 20MAY09
Totally explains this typical top down Republican, pro-big business strategy. They can say it's 'local' even though it's actually manufactured or grown hundreds or even thousands of miles away.
Buy my 'local' music:
www.stagedive-records.com/mailorder
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Voting today?
We went over the sample ballots last night and discussed it again this morning. The wording/purpose is confusing on several of the measures.
1A - This one is somewhat clear, in that, it creates a rainy day fund. Sounds like a good idea, but wouldn't just spending less solve the budget shortage?
1B - This is confusing. What are supplemental payments to local school districts? I'm all for generous funding of schools but this is unclear.
1C - We have to have a special election to "modernize the Lottery"?
1D - Take away money from children's services to balance the budget?
No way.
1E - Take away money from mental health to balance the budget? No way again.
1F - This one should have been 1A. It's clear that it says "Prevents pay increases during budget deficit years." We had to have a special election to determine this???
I've gone back and forth as to voting all yes or all no or not voting at all to protest these damn special elections/propositions.
We went over the sample ballots last night and discussed it again this morning. The wording/purpose is confusing on several of the measures.
1A - This one is somewhat clear, in that, it creates a rainy day fund. Sounds like a good idea, but wouldn't just spending less solve the budget shortage?
1B - This is confusing. What are supplemental payments to local school districts? I'm all for generous funding of schools but this is unclear.
1C - We have to have a special election to "modernize the Lottery"?
1D - Take away money from children's services to balance the budget?
No way.
1E - Take away money from mental health to balance the budget? No way again.
1F - This one should have been 1A. It's clear that it says "Prevents pay increases during budget deficit years." We had to have a special election to determine this???
I've gone back and forth as to voting all yes or all no or not voting at all to protest these damn special elections/propositions.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
I listened to KMJ today because they had the big march from Mendota to Firebaugh. Heard several of the politicians try to speak over the wind in the phone to the radio station. At one point ex-mayor Jim said the wind was louder than the one speaking. So, it was windy. On the local news later today they should have videos of how windy it was.
How windy was it?
It was so windy you could hear voices in your head telling you that a coalition between Republicans and Farm workers will turn out just peachy.
Must've been a lot of dust blowing out there, too.
Dust Storm Warning today
http://www.weather.gov/alerts/ca.html...
DUST STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON PDT WEDNESDAY
FOR THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY...
WIDESPREAD BLOWING DUST IS OCCURING...REDUCING VISIBILITY TO NEAR
ZERO AT TIMES. NORTHWEST WINDS WILL INCREASE TO 20 TO 40 MPH WITH
GUSTS UP TO 55 MPH POSSIBLE.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A DUST STORM WARNING MEANS SEVERELY LIMITED VISIBILITIES ARE
EXPECTED WITH BLOWING DUST. TRAVEL COULD BECOME EXTREMELY
DANGEROUS. PERSONS WITH RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS SHOULD MAKE
PREPARATIONS TO STAY INDOORS UNTIL THE STORM PASSES.
WEATHER.GOV/HANFORD
How windy was it?
It was so windy you could hear voices in your head telling you that a coalition between Republicans and Farm workers will turn out just peachy.
Must've been a lot of dust blowing out there, too.
Dust Storm Warning today
http://www.weather.gov/alerts/ca.html...
DUST STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON PDT WEDNESDAY
FOR THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY...
WIDESPREAD BLOWING DUST IS OCCURING...REDUCING VISIBILITY TO NEAR
ZERO AT TIMES. NORTHWEST WINDS WILL INCREASE TO 20 TO 40 MPH WITH
GUSTS UP TO 55 MPH POSSIBLE.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A DUST STORM WARNING MEANS SEVERELY LIMITED VISIBILITIES ARE
EXPECTED WITH BLOWING DUST. TRAVEL COULD BECOME EXTREMELY
DANGEROUS. PERSONS WITH RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS SHOULD MAKE
PREPARATIONS TO STAY INDOORS UNTIL THE STORM PASSES.
WEATHER.GOV/HANFORD
Monday, February 02, 2009
Clash of Ideologies 2feb09
Passage of the stimulus package comes down to whether a few Republican Senators can support it. The Dems have a 57 member majority and they need 60 to keep the opposition from stopping the legislation.
This is a good time to tune in to the debate on C-SPAN2 because anywhere you jump in it's easy to understand what's going on.
In spite of the American people voting in favor of increasing the majority of the Dems in the last few elections the Republicans still cling to their hardline idiology of tax cuts as a solution to all problems. Not one Republican voted in favor of the stimulus in the House. But, they were able to get 3 moderate Republicans in the Senate to support it. The debate goes on all this week. What's your opinion on this issue?
Passage of the stimulus package comes down to whether a few Republican Senators can support it. The Dems have a 57 member majority and they need 60 to keep the opposition from stopping the legislation.
This is a good time to tune in to the debate on C-SPAN2 because anywhere you jump in it's easy to understand what's going on.
In spite of the American people voting in favor of increasing the majority of the Dems in the last few elections the Republicans still cling to their hardline idiology of tax cuts as a solution to all problems. Not one Republican voted in favor of the stimulus in the House. But, they were able to get 3 moderate Republicans in the Senate to support it. The debate goes on all this week. What's your opinion on this issue?
Friday, August 29, 2008
Democratic National Convention 29AUG08
What a great Democratic Convention! I thought speeches by Bill Clinton, Al Gore and Governor Brian Schweitzer of Montana were some of the brightest moments. Tears of joy on the faces of some people in the audience was surprising.
I didn't care too much for Hillary's speech. She seemed conflicted and it came off as slightly dishonest. Although she did have a self-deprecating joke about the "Sisterhood of the Travelling Pantsuits" that showed some humility.
Of course Barack's speech at Invescoe Field was spectacular. But what overshadowed the quality and substance of the speech for me was the sheer volume of people attending: over 84,000! That giant stadium was filled to the rafters. I couldn't believe how high up the top balcony was. And Jocey and I couldn't see any empty seats. Just amazing.
These gigantic crowds Barack is drawing shows his wide appeal and massive support from the general public for his policies. I can't help but look for other Democrats in history who have had such popularity. JFK and FDR come to mind. And similarly we are at a once-in-a-lifetime point in history where Democratic principles can be legislated. Our majority in the House and Senate are set to expand and we will also have the White House. They will not be able to stop us from passing legislation that will turn this nation around and actually help the American people.
As a musician I have to comment on the wonderful orchestra that played during the first 3 nights of the convention at The Pepsi Center. They knew how to groove and use the music to make the event fun and meaningful. Excellent selection of Classic Motown and disco hits that lent an atmosphere of celebration to the historic event.
Stevie Wonder on the last night was just excellent. You could tell he was no stranger to arena-rock events as he belted out "Signed, sealed, delivered I'm yours" with a few newly added verses just for this performance. But, it was a wide selection of music genres that gave it all a democratic feel. I heard a bluegrass band opening at the football stadium. Didn't catch their name but I noticed the bass player was using the largest bass amp known to man: an Ampeg SVT. I guess when you're playing bluegrass in a football stadium an SVT comes in handy.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
