tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50014462024-03-13T21:31:25.854-07:00Parting ShotsComments on politics, daily life and anything that catches my interest by Steve Chaput, retired Librarian & 'progressive'.Steve Chaputhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125192472002278757noreply@blogger.comBlogger1371125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001446.post-77078861166774984022023-01-13T20:55:00.000-08:002023-01-13T20:55:00.857-08:00Carnival Radiance cruise (1/9/-1/13/2023) - Solo cruising<p> Unfortunately, my 4-night cruise turned into a 'cruise to nowhere' thanks to the weather. Bad weather last Tuesday caused our stop in Catalina Island to be canceled as the tenders could not operate, going down to Ensenada the rain caused my tour for Mexican Food & Margaritas to be canceled as well.</p><br />Can't blame Carnival for that and port charges & tour costs were refunded. Naturally, the weather on Wednesday and Thursday was nice so I could sit out and get some sun. <br /><br />The comedians were both pretty good, although one did a better job in the 'adult' show than in the 'family' show earlier in the evening. You could tell he wasn't as comfortable trying to keep his routine more acceptable, but he's not the only comedian I've seen have that problem, no matter where they may be performing. <br /><br />Carnival Radiance was built as the Victory beginning in '98 and sailed under that name until late 2021 when it was refitted and renamed. It's similar to its sister ship the Triumph (now the Sunrise), which was the first cruise ship Donna and I sailed on in '99, which was her inaugural year. The Destiny class all have the same issue where it is impossible to go directly forward or aft on some decks, making it a pain in the ass getting to the dining rooms if you happen to be either forward or aft and your reservation is in the restaurant on the opposite end. <br /><br />Guy Fieri has two restaurants on board, including at no additional cost, his Guy's Burger Joint and the later Pig & Anchor BBQ. I recommend both. Shaquille O'Neal heavily promotes the 'Funships' and has his Big Chicken franchise aboard as well. I enjoyed all three places. The only restaurant, at an extra cost I went to was Bonsai Sushi, open in the evenings.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil6wUc4GH6Tzu5jliW6ojgc3qqA3GWdxR3IXkEdxziabdZQ1GT6FPHLre_pXGMkEw1h3YuSDTT7QMOPqSLqId8-K0zXo7ZbgX8ErydEPCvkcziNCLUePoWknbUsqoNdZFEJ8vR1sVZzi5jCfIRZzkn3wzHtA45x9SV6WDz-m6x8iQXfgS2Hh8/s1024/carnival-radiance-aerial-hero-mobile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="776" data-original-width="1024" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil6wUc4GH6Tzu5jliW6ojgc3qqA3GWdxR3IXkEdxziabdZQ1GT6FPHLre_pXGMkEw1h3YuSDTT7QMOPqSLqId8-K0zXo7ZbgX8ErydEPCvkcziNCLUePoWknbUsqoNdZFEJ8vR1sVZzi5jCfIRZzkn3wzHtA45x9SV6WDz-m6x8iQXfgS2Hh8/s320/carnival-radiance-aerial-hero-mobile.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Steve Chaputhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125192472002278757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001446.post-38178734643269836822023-01-04T17:12:00.005-08:002023-01-04T17:12:59.204-08:00A few quick comments on politcal events. <p> Things could change by the time I post this, but earlier it does not look good for Kevin McCarthy in his desperate attempt to become speaker. Already a proven non-entity he's giving away any power he might have had by kowtowing to the worst elements in his Party.</p><br />I find it funny that he actually had his office files moved into the Speaker's office (video available) and may have to move them back out later. At least he's moved George Santos (if that is his name) out of the headlines for a bit. <br /><br />By the way, does the editor in charge of Santos' Wikipedia page get extra for changing things daily? There is more stuff there than on the pages of politicians who have been in office for decades. Steve Chaputhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125192472002278757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001446.post-62601138337589310472022-12-06T10:17:00.002-08:002022-12-06T10:17:33.559-08:00Getting New Glasses<p> <span style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; white-space: pre-wrap;">Went for an eye exam yesterday. Had to see a new doctor as my former one, Dr. Roberts has retired. This is the first eye exam and new pair of glasses since before the pandemic.</span></p><div class="x1lliihq" style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #1c1e21; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><div style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="x1yztbdb x1n2onr6 xh8yej3 x1ja2u2z" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 16px; position: relative; width: 590px; z-index: 0;"><div class="x1n2onr6 x1ja2u2z" style="font-family: inherit; position: relative; z-index: 0;"><div class="" style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="" style="font-family: inherit;"><div aria-describedby="jsc_c_fk jsc_c_fl jsc_c_fm jsc_c_fo jsc_c_fn" aria-labelledby="jsc_c_fj" aria-posinset="1" class="x1a2a7pz" role="article" style="font-family: inherit; outline: none;"><div class="x78zum5 xdt5ytf" style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; font-family: inherit;"><div class="x9f619 x1n2onr6 x1ja2u2z" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; position: relative; z-index: 0;"><div class="x78zum5 x1n2onr6 xh8yej3" style="display: flex; font-family: inherit; position: relative; width: 590px;"><div class="x9f619 x1n2onr6 x1ja2u2z x2bj2ny x1qpq9i9 xdney7k xu5ydu1 xt3gfkd xh8yej3 x6ikm8r x10wlt62 xquyuld" style="background-color: var(--surface-background); border-radius: max(0px, min(8px, ((100vw - 4px) - 100%) * 9999)) / 8px; box-shadow: 0 1px 2px var(--shadow-2); box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; overflow: hidden; position: relative; width: 590px; z-index: 0;"><div style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="" dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="x1iorvi4 x1pi30zi xjkvuk6 x1swvt13" data-ad-comet-preview="message" data-ad-preview="message" id="jsc_c_fl" style="font-family: inherit; padding: 4px 16px;"><div class="x78zum5 xdt5ytf xz62fqu x16ldp7u" style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: -5px; margin-top: -5px;"><div class="xu06os2 x1ok221b" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px;"><span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs x1xmvt09 x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x3x7a5m x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1yc453h" dir="auto" style="color: var(--primary-text); display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">I have an issue with my eyes which causes me to see everything blurred or double-vision unless I tilt my head to the right. I also have the habit of closing my left eye when reading, since this gets rid of the double-vision for close-up stuff. </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Dr. Roberts did what he could, but there was nothing he <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a style="color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit;" tabindex="-1"></a></span>could do about the tilt. I lost count of the number of machines I had to look into and the tests I took yesterday. Dr. Goldman believes he can correct some of it through a series of prisms in my lens. Not even going to tell you how much it cost for the regular glasses and the computer ones. If it makes driving, reading and watching TV & films much less tiring it will be worth it.</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Going to take a few weeks, so I may or may not have them by the holidays. I'll keep you updated. </div></div></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="x1lliihq" style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #1c1e21; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><div style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="x1yztbdb x1n2onr6 xh8yej3 x1ja2u2z" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 16px; position: relative; width: 590px; z-index: 0;"><div class="x1n2onr6 x1ja2u2z" style="font-family: inherit; position: relative; z-index: 0;"><div class="" style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="" style="font-family: inherit;"><div aria-describedby="jsc_c_ao jsc_c_ap jsc_c_aq jsc_c_as jsc_c_ar" aria-labelledby="jsc_c_an" aria-posinset="2" class="x1a2a7pz" role="article" style="font-family: inherit; outline: none;"><div class="x78zum5 xdt5ytf" style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; font-family: inherit;"><div class="x9f619 x1n2onr6 x1ja2u2z" style="box-sizing: border-box; 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align-items: stretch; background-color: transparent; border-bottom-color: var(--always-dark-overlay); border-left-color: var(--always-dark-overlay); border-radius: inherit; border-right-color: var(--always-dark-overlay); border-style: solid; border-top-color: var(--always-dark-overlay); border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; flex-basis: auto; flex-direction: row; flex-shrink: 0; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation; user-select: none; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><div class="x14yjl9h xudhj91 x18nykt9 xww2gxu x10l6tqk xhtitgo" data-visualcompletion="ignore" style="border-radius: 50%; bottom: 6px; font-family: inherit; position: absolute; right: 6px; transform: translate(50%, 50%); z-index: 2;"><div class="x14yjl9h xudhj91 x18nykt9 xww2gxu x78zum5 x6ikm8r x10wlt62 x1n2onr6" style="border-radius: 50%; display: flex; font-family: inherit; overflow: hidden; position: relative;"><div class="x4k7w5x x1h91t0o x1o1ewxj x3x9cwd x1e5q0jg x13rtm0m x1jfb8zj x1beo9mf x3igimt xarpa2k x1n2onr6 x1qrby5j" style="align-items: inherit; border-radius: inherit; display: inherit; flex-direction: inherit; font-family: inherit; height: inherit; place-content: inherit; position: relative; width: inherit;"><span class="x3nfvp2 xv9rvxn x13fuv20 xu3j5b3 x1q0q8m5 x26u7qi xegnrdp x1wc42o8 x972fbf xcfux6l x1qhh985 xm0m39n x14yjl9h xudhj91 x18nykt9 xww2gxu" data-visualcompletion="ignore" style="background-color: var(--positive); border-radius: 50%; border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; display: inline-flex; font-family: inherit; height: 9px; width: 9px;"></span><div class="x1ey2m1c xds687c xg01cxk x47corl x10l6tqk x17qophe x13vifvy x1ebt8du x19991ni x1dhq9h x14yjl9h xudhj91 x18nykt9 xww2gxu" data-visualcompletion="ignore" style="border-radius: 50%; font-family: inherit; inset: 0px; opacity: 0; pointer-events: none; position: absolute; transition-duration: var(--fds-duration-extra-extra-short-out); transition-property: opacity; transition-timing-function: var(--fds-animation-fade-out);"></div></div><div class="x9f619 x1ja2u2z xzpqnlu x1hyvwdk xjm9jq1 x6ikm8r x10wlt62 x10l6tqk x1i1rx1s" style="box-sizing: border-box; clip-path: inset(50%); clip: rect(0px, 0px, 0px, 0px); font-family: inherit; height: 1px; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; width: 1px; z-index: 0;">Active</div></div></div></a></div></div></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Steve Chaputhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125192472002278757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001446.post-16833614117124330812022-11-29T13:56:00.002-08:002022-11-29T13:56:51.977-08:00NYC is going to try to assist some of the homeless for the own good, plus an admission of my own brush with a legal issue.<p> </p><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xdj266r x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Have to admit that I am of two minds when it comes to this. I believe that the homeless should be entitled to all their rights, as being without a permanent residence should not be a crime. On the other hand, if a person is likely to harm themselves or others it would be best to put them under observation. They should also be receiving psychological and medical help during this time. </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Going to make an admission here. While I was still working, shortly after Donna had passed <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a style="color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit;" tabindex="-1"></a></span>away, I made what was in hindsight a stupid comment which was taken out of context. At least I saw it. Due to this, it was reported that I had made a threat and the police, along with Human Resources were contacted. Despite my explanation, I was taken to a local hospital and put into a ward where a psychologist could speak to me. I admit that I really wasn't aware at the time that if the doctor didn't sign my release I could be kept for several days. Fortunately, I was able to explain the situation and what I had been saying was a misunderstanding. I was released, but could not return to work until an independent therapist could sign off on me. I was able to return to work a couple of weeks later and the matter was dropped. By that time I only had a month until I retired and it seemed everyone wanted to move on. </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Most of you have never heard this story before, or if you did it might have been a shorter version. I felt this story from NYC was a good way to get into the subject. Hope that no one thinks less of me for this</div></div><p>https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/29/nyregion/nyc-mentally-ill-involuntary-custody.html?smid=url-share</p>Steve Chaputhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125192472002278757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001446.post-677042102509877822022-11-20T08:24:00.000-08:002022-11-20T08:24:37.419-08:00Shooting in Colorado Gay Bar<p> </p><p>There was a mass shooting last night in Colorado Springs, CO At this time five are confirmed dead and over 18 injured, but those numbers can go up. </p><p>It's just sad that these events continue to take place. This targeted a particular group, but we see these in schools, malls and grocery stores where the people being killed or injured are just going about their lives. Gun violence is an ongoing issue, but sadly the incoming GOP House will do nothing about it. This is on the voters who continue to vote against their own interests just to anger the Libs. This is on you, so don't bother with the thoughts & prayers. </p>Steve Chaputhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125192472002278757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001446.post-15553304302945586092022-11-19T10:34:00.000-08:002022-11-19T10:34:05.963-08:00Marjorie Taylor Greene STALKS and HARASSES Ukrainian Soldiers Through Ha...<iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/wT-9KdBDN-U" width="480"></iframe><div><br /></div><div>We get the government we deserve and apparently, her constituents believe her to be the best they can get. </div>Steve Chaputhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125192472002278757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001446.post-15000963507712587292022-11-12T07:53:00.002-08:002022-11-12T07:53:24.022-08:00Ultra, the Rachel Maddow podcast<p> Listening to Ultra, the new Rachel Maddow podcast. Covers the right-wing/pro-Hitler movement in America in the late '30s and early '40s. It has the same targets that many of the MAGAites and the current GOP use to split the country.</p>Called the America First movement, it's all too familiar, including arming their supporters and planning an insurrection. Chapter 5 examines how certain folks in Congress call for investigations, not against the movement, but against the Justice Dept. to investigate them. We can see the playbook. Steve Chaputhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125192472002278757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001446.post-84173025891871791712022-11-09T07:41:00.001-08:002022-11-09T07:41:18.799-08:00Quick comments about the election yesterday (11/8/22)<p> Not going into everything from the election, since there are still votes being counted in a number of races. Two good things are that the Red Wave certainly didn't occur and Abortion Rights were given a boost in statewide voting. Another proof that the GOP is out of touch with the majority of America.</p><p>I'll have updates on all this later this week, as things become more apparent. </p><p><br /></p>Steve Chaputhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125192472002278757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001446.post-40424954715126749112022-11-07T14:44:00.004-08:002022-11-07T14:44:51.334-08:00All Quiet on the MSNBC Front<p> It was sprinlling earlier, but it's just overcast right now. The rain is supposed to pick up tonight and continue tomorrow.</p>Figured now was the best time to do some shopping, so I'll be set for the next few days. No way do I want to go out tomorrow, not only because of the weather, but you never know what sort of craziness might begin anywhere near a polling place. Already reports of some of the outdoor ballot boxes having signs placed on them saying that early voting was over. Wonder who would be doing that?<br /><br />Keith Olbermann spent some time naming names and pointing fingers at various MSNBC hosts that have decided that their contracts are more important than speaking out about the firing of Tiffany Cross by the company. Apparently, Tucker Carlson was upset by things she said about him and Fox contacted the execs at NBC. We know how brave they can be. Sad, that the "progressive" hosts can't stand up for one of their own. Only Joy Reed took a few minutes to talk about the situation, and she's the newest of the Prime Time hosts. Steve Chaputhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125192472002278757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001446.post-38615836950492800142022-11-07T09:08:00.001-08:002022-11-07T09:08:23.689-08:00Violent GOP<iframe width="480" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/Mw9OQ8s5dZ8" frameborder="0"></iframe>Steve Chaputhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125192472002278757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001446.post-40558696073519863332022-11-06T12:10:00.000-08:002022-11-06T12:10:12.666-08:00I shouldn't be allowed near computers<p> About a month ago I got a new modem for my computer and this caused the Google Chromecast, given me by The Girls when they updated, to start having issues I couldn't seem to fix. I broke down and purchased a new one with a trial of Google TV.</p>For some reason, this started isssues with my computer. I'm one of those folks knows just enough about computers and software to be dangerous. I caused my toolbar to disappear and the screen to have a black bar across the top. I would sometimes have to minimize my screen to be able to scroll down enough to perform some task. <br /><br />When I finally got the toolbar back in place everything I had put there had disppeared. I decided that I had to finally admit defeat and was going to call Geek Squad. This was where I was when I left for my cruise.<br /><br />I had signed out and turned off my computer, as I always do when I go away for more than a day or two. When I came back there were some updates that needed to be installed. When the computer had rebooted I found that all my previous issues had been corrected. I have a full screen and the items on the old toolbar reappeared. <br /><br />I have no clue and I'm not going to question it. Guessing that I had done something and the update went back to older settings. From now on I'm just going to call Best Buy and let their folks handle it. Steve Chaputhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125192472002278757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001446.post-1626671662140931362022-11-04T16:33:00.001-07:002022-11-04T16:33:17.448-07:00I am one of little faith <p> As a progressive and an atheist, I have to admit that I have little confidence that the election next week will be good for either of my philosophies. I see the Trumpist/Evangelical politicians taking the House and even more state & local seats, leaving the majority of Americans looking at the possibility of democracy's end. </p><p>Even should the Dems maintain the Senate, the House and state legislators will do their best to rid Americans of every freedom, except those in the Second Amendment, which they have already twisted. I think the surprise for those who praise guns over humanity is going to be when the Right decides that their base might have too many guns after all and turn on them before it's the other way around. It will start with limits on any guns held by non-white/non-Christians and move on from there. </p><p>The imaginary separation of Church & State will become even more of a joke and the "religious right" will have even more non-taxable privileges given to them.</p><p>By the way, as some of you already know I've dropped my Twitter account and as much as I enjoy Facebook, I do know that folks there would rather not have me political and anti-religious ranting thrown at them. Going to keep the loudest ranting here. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Steve Chaputhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125192472002278757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001446.post-74739794760265960632021-03-23T11:42:00.000-07:002021-03-23T11:42:09.594-07:00International Atheist Day<iframe width="480" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/79PhXaX0V3w" frameborder="0"></iframe>Steve Chaputhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125192472002278757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001446.post-63948254694720900342021-01-19T09:32:00.001-08:002021-01-19T09:32:47.715-08:00Pardon Party (Parody of "Garden Party" by Rick Nelson)<iframe width="480" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/ZG0_t7qYr2c" frameborder="0"></iframe>Steve Chaputhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125192472002278757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001446.post-38447543780169798902020-11-18T16:04:00.001-08:002020-11-18T16:04:41.239-08:00Olbermann Vs. Trump #28 - Biden Must Not Shy Away From Prosecuting Trump...<iframe width="459" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KM-6MaToThE" frameborder="0"></iframe>Steve Chaputhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125192472002278757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001446.post-15617252349514122652020-09-05T18:52:00.003-07:002020-09-05T18:52:05.802-07:00Trump and his disrespect of veterans<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/f_cUXalJcS8" width="480"></iframe>Steve Chaputhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125192472002278757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001446.post-31840393111676125532020-08-30T12:43:00.001-07:002020-08-30T12:43:51.180-07:00Barn Owl Live at the Monolith<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hFcDzYqTvzA" width="459"></iframe>Steve Chaputhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125192472002278757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001446.post-79963939638907662422020-04-13T12:19:00.001-07:002020-04-13T12:19:38.085-07:00Bernie Sanders endorses Joe Biden for president<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wmSPyocMRyw" width="480"></iframe>Steve Chaputhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125192472002278757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001446.post-75590789985225901812020-03-10T11:42:00.001-07:002020-03-10T11:42:17.948-07:00Coronavirus: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/c09m5f7Gnic" width="480"></iframe>Steve Chaputhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125192472002278757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001446.post-27968985132640820232019-11-24T13:07:00.001-08:002019-11-24T13:07:28.974-08:00FIST OF JESUS www.fistofjesus.com<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GuKV2Z3eYTY" width="480"></iframe>Steve Chaputhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125192472002278757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001446.post-47161664396594368882019-11-24T11:01:00.001-08:002019-11-24T11:01:18.498-08:00Marilyn Manson - The End<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HSs7RhJXEKQ" width="480"></iframe>Steve Chaputhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125192472002278757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001446.post-69432295553088338812019-08-11T11:23:00.001-07:002019-08-11T11:23:55.548-07:00Astérion, the minotaur, walks through the streets of Toulouse<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LUiON6j1GLE" width="480"></iframe>Steve Chaputhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125192472002278757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001446.post-46579284395051488932019-07-12T11:04:00.000-07:002019-07-12T11:04:05.605-07:00<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40512072-panic" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Panic" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1530774677l/40512072._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40512072-panic">Panic</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/51490.Harold_Schechter">Harold Schechter</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2543223096">3 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Was there an epidemic of child predators in America. Men driven to horrible desires by listening to swing music. As usual in these situations politicians, the media and others seeking a platform try to.find someone or something to blame for events that are often hard to explain.<br /><br />One of the more disturbing books in this<br /> series of historical crimes. The author focused on a brutal number of child murders that caused a panic until the more enormous issued taking place around the world in the lead up to WWII drove the issue from the headlines.<br />
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Steve Chaputhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125192472002278757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001446.post-11860621465156443262019-07-05T17:24:00.001-07:002019-07-05T17:24:37.449-07:00<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36978232-the-death-of-truth" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Death of Truth: Notes on Falsehood in the Age of Trump" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1524842909i/36978232._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36978232-the-death-of-truth">The Death of Truth: Notes on Falsehood in the Age of Trump</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/615102.Michiko_Kakutani">Michiko Kakutani</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2828163913">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
This book by Pulitzer prize winning critic Michiko Kakutani could, in a way, be seen as a companion piece to Fantasyland by Kurt Andersen. While Anderson's book looked at a history of America and our countries susceptibility to showman and con artists, from our very beginnings, this book centers on the later part of the Twentieth Century and the early decades of this one that have brought us to where we are. The books subtitle, Notes on Falsehood in the Age of Trump, sums up where the author is coming from and she does it quite well.<br /><br />Kakutani looks back, as does Anderson, on how critical thought and the bending of "reality" began during the cultural and social turmoil of the Sixties. How did many Americans begin the split into two very separate cultures, both unaccepting of what the other felt were legitimate concerns. Social critics as far back as Orwell and Huxley predicted some of the very things that we are seeing taking place. The anti-establishment rhetoric of the Sixties radicals was taken up by the Right and used to turn even more citizens against the institutions that were meant to protect us.<br /><br />The author examines the writings of folks on both the Right and Left, plus a close look at the individuals Russia who developed the techniques there that were used successfully here in 2016, and continue. <br /><br />This book probably won't change minds, but it is fascinating in allowing the reader to see how we have gotten here. What we can do about it, and if we can regain the civility and unity we once had, remains to be seen.<br />
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Steve Chaputhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125192472002278757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001446.post-25946917147411718192019-07-04T10:07:00.001-07:002019-07-04T10:07:59.490-07:00<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40693645-the-pirate" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Pirate (Bloodlands collection)" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1530545318i/40693645._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40693645-the-pirate">The Pirate</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/51490.Harold_Schechter">Harold Schechter</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2882901034">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Harold Schechter is one of my favorite True Crime writers. His focus is mainly American serial killers of the 19th & 20th century. This is the first of a series of shorter works that focus on little known murders that were major events at the time, but have been forgotten.<br /><br />This deals with the event leading to the conviction and execution of Albert W. Hicks, who was charged with "piracy on the high seas", despite the murders taking place in the waters off New York on an oyster boat. Hired as a mate, Hicks killed the other three members of the crew, for what amounted to less than two hundred dollars, a pocket watch and several items of clothing. As the bodies were never recovered the prosecutor went with the piracy charge.<br /><br />P.T. Barnum even makes an appearance here as he paid to be allowed to make a 'life mask' of Hicks and purchased from him the clothes he wore while imprisoned. These Barnum put on exhibit in his NY hall for public display. I found it also interesting that in earlier years Hicks moved to my hometown of Norwich, CT where he was arrested and confined for a series of robberies. <br /><br />Shechter also spends time discussing not only the rise of the oyster industry in NY, but the social and political tone of the era, which helped to make what Hicks did into a huge event. His execution being witnessed by thousands along the shore of what would one day be the island where the Statue of Liberty now stands.<br />
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