Mickey Z
Cool Observer
Monday, January 30, 2006
There's no place like home
Morning Mickey - Where’s JOS? Where’s everybody?!
A warm welcome to those Expendables who arrive later.I think most major cities have such papers and I think they’ve all experienced a sales slump over the past years. It’s a shame that while politicians and police are legislating and arresting homeless people for all number of trumped up loitering charges and for squeegying windshields (I don’t care for the latter myself, but I don’t want those people doing it arrested either!); those productive jobs such as selling a paper are discouraged.
It’s a social experiment, I’m pretty convinced of that.
Good on Indio!And thanks for posting the link to my place Mickey.
Posted by Amelopsis on from Canada 01/30 at 09:34 AMGood morning, Empress. Always a pleasure…
It’s interesting that traffic is picking up dramatically here...but comments are down. No big deal. I’d hate for anyone to feel pressured to write something. It’s enough for me to know folks are stopping by for a look around.
Another unseasonably warm, sunny day here in Astoria.
Posted by Mickey Z. on from Astoria 01/30 at 10:15 AMi have been back to lurking a bit because i am trying to get a lot of things done but i should jump in a bit more because the standard of chat is so high (unless its me!)
Posted by michael on from scotland 01/30 at 10:21 AMYes, fortunately or unfortunately I’m still quite busy too, likely to be that way for a while yet. It’s a stupid warm day here again too. This weather is wreaking havoc with all the wildlife. Fat lumbering squirrels who should be hibernating are out and about foraging through their spring stores...What’ll they do when spring REALLY arrives??
Posted by Amelopsis on from Canada 01/30 at 11:39 AMHey all,
While using my niece’s computer I’m trying to keep the traffic to a minimum while they’re both around.
Almost 80F yesterday...but at least it rained for a while on Saturday. Not a drought-buster, but enough to make it feel like a normal city again. A bunch of brown things turned green again.
Sounds like the shindig was a success, CatLady. Glad to hear it! And Empress, your Garden was beautifully tended re: RMJ. Youngfox and you make a scary-good team.
MZ, as someone who’s on the gentrified edge of homelessness, I think Indio’s right...a social experiment indeed. I love the fact that traffic is up at the site. I wonder how much of it is monitoring, and how much lurking. Not that it matters, since nothing actionable in a national security sense is going on.
Wonderful days, Expendables! What do we say about another round of Expendable Book Club? I’m “game” for any of the books mooted so far.
Posted by Mudge on from Austin 01/30 at 11:51 AMGood news!
Michael’s link is up:
http://tinyurl.com/88lz4And Hawk has kindly reproduced the entire post:
http://tinyurl.com/c2fvvPosted by Amelopsis on from Canada 01/30 at 11:55 AMA quote a propos RMJ’s situation vis a vis the Vermont Intimidators:
“Truth is not only violated by falsehood; it may be equally outraged by silence.”
--Henri Frederic Amiel, French philosopher and writer (1821-1881)I encourage all lurkers to click and type a brief message of support for Rosemarie’s human rights and dignity in this case. Wherever you work, whatever you believe, please think about what YOU would want done on your behalf and in your defense if and when it’s your turn to displease the power structure. It is not safe, in today’s political climate, to assume that YOU will never be the object of political targeting. Please, whether you’re in agreement with the politics of this site or not, add your voice to the chorus of support for Rosemarie Jackowski. What’s happening to her today could happen to any of us tomorrow.
That’s my take on today’s “issue.”
Posted by Mudge on from Austin 01/30 at 12:12 PMHere here, Mudge.
Posted by Amelopsis on from Canada 01/30 at 12:24 PMHello Expendables, lurkers and otherwise visitors to Mickey Z’s Bookery and Cafe:
I apologize for being so absent this past week. I have a couple projects that have suddenly moved from simmer to boil, and it’s good to jump on opportunities when they arise. Long story short, I’m planning a summer retreat to be taught by my meditation teacher, who is on a three-year solo wilderness retreat that ends in May. Also, a new yoga/dharma studio in town asked me to lead a sitting/study group on Sunday nights, so that’s also something needing lots of up-front work. Feels good to see the door to my cave finally swinging open.
I want to thank Amelopsis for alerting me to the Rosemarie blogswarm. I’d been aware of the legal entanglement around her act of civil disobedience, but had not heard about the traffic accident shakedown. Mudge is absolutely right: it could be any one of us at any time who comes up against The Man, just for standing up to a criminally corrupt System. Rosemarie took a stand when most folks were hiding under a matress—the least we can do is stand up for her now.
All things are “possible”....
Posted by Hawk on from Boulder, CO, USA 01/30 at 12:29 PMpulled this from another blog. its a bit of advice about how all the US MZer’s could cope with tomorrows state of the union speech.
“If you don’t have any protest plans for Tuesday’s State of the Disunion speech, I suggest we all urinate at precisely 9PM EST.
That way, we’ll be a Unified Urination.”
Posted by michael on from scotland 01/30 at 12:34 PM“Truth is not only violated by falsehood; it may be equally outraged by silence.” Thanks for that one, Mudge. It bears repeating. I, not so modestly, say that it has the same sentiment as one of mine, “Now is a time in history when silence is the greatest of all crimes.”
Youngfox, Amelopsis, Hawk, Michael, Mudge, Mickey and all of the others here at Mickey’s have changed everything. My faith in humanity is not only restored, but it is now at an all time high. I sometimes hesitate to list names here because, I am sure that I would inadvertently omit someone, but my gratitude goes to ALL MZ’ers.
I happened to catch a small part of Democracy Now (got interrupted with phone calls.) Harry Bellefonte was on for the whole hour, I think. He is taking a lot of flack for his statement calling Bush a terrorist. The truth hurts./////// Tonight’s TV schedule lists a program about the Nuremberg Trials on PBS. I don’t know if it will be any good but I will check it out./////// I hope that we can bring more exposure to the program of “Leverage” being used by the troops. That is an issue that should offend even the most rabid of the pro-
war. It would be a PR nightmare for the Pentagon, if the Press reported more on it.Posted by RMJ on from Churchill 4 Prez Hdqts 01/30 at 01:37 PMi will take a spin around a lot of other blogs and post the RMJ stuff in the comments - MUDGE - permission to C&P some of what you put??
Posted by michael on from scotland 01/30 at 01:43 PMAh - this is spreading! I’m so pleased. Awareness has been raised.
Youngfox is making the rounds to comment on this, and there are encouraging responses.
Thanks to all, and Mudge your comment#7 is great. Very C&P worthy.
It’s happening - not “now”, right “now”.
Posted by Amelopsis on from Canada 01/30 at 01:52 PMHello you amazing Expendables. I’d just like to add that it might be helpful to post info about RMJ on the Craig’s List and Indy Media in your city...and elsewhere.
I’ll be back soon. Great to see so many of the crew here today.
Posted by Mickey Z. on from Astoria 01/30 at 02:00 PMYes I went on an email binge to some probable and some unlikely sites. Judging from the hit count on my dead/dying blog I do feel that Justice in Vermont/ A freind in need is ready to go viral.
Blogging is good - letter writing is great!Expendables rock the planet!
Mis. Mule at Blondesense is on board with the email army and I expect his work will yield even more letter fruit....damn I am starting to hear back from all over.
Dig it RMJ we got your back!
capcha = “more” - sir, yes sir!
Posted by Youngfox on from wherever,whenever 01/30 at 02:13 PMi have to repost this because it is serious stuff and nearly scared the shit out of me when i read it…
anyone?
YOU CAN’T HANDLE THE TRUTH..
http://tinyurl.com/aga8fcaptcha is “state” - unbelievable!
Posted by michael on from scotland 01/30 at 02:29 PMWell, I have arrived, Amelopsis! And thanks for another enlightening post, Mickey. A warm ‘welcome’ to you and to Amelopsis, Michael, Mudge, Hawk, Rosemarie and Youngfox - the ‘expendables’ family.
We have had another very stormy night - I think highter temperatures and many more storms were predicted by climatologists years ago.
Best of luck to you, Rosemarie!Posted by Helga Fremlin on from Daylesford, Australia 01/30 at 02:52 PM‘The standard of chat is so high (unless it’s me).’
Or me down under, Michael!Like your sense of humour ..
Posted by Helga Fremlin on from Daylesford, Australia 01/30 at 02:58 PMAnd ‘hear hear Mudge’, beloved curmudgeon, from me as well!
I have already suggested a book for a future Expendable Book Club: ‘The Great War for Civilisation’ by Robert Fisk. It is a very big book, though. Would settle for ‘The Rebel’ by Camus as well - or for ‘Hitting Hard’ by Michelangelo Signorile for that matter.Posted by Helga Fremlin on from Daylesford, Australia 01/30 at 03:06 PMHello again everyone (welcome Helga).
That’s some wild stuff, Michael.
I’m wondering if anyone would like to post here a sample of what they are saying in their e-mails to help RMJ. This might make it easier for more people to join in. Thanks.
I’m headed out now into 65-degree weather.
Posted by Mickey Z. on from Astoria 01/30 at 03:27 PMWell, it’s a blizzard on this site today and no mistake! Can’t say I disagree with a single word - Amelopsis’ site is a treasure trove (much like this one) & the coverage of the RMJ outrage at the hands of the fuckers in Vermont is most comprehensive.
It makes me feel great to know so many people are willing to roll their sleeves up and let their views fly. Hearty congrats to Amelopsis & Youngfox for the their sterling work sweating over a hot PC.
Posted by Chris Wood on from Manchester, England 01/30 at 04:47 PMHere’s the mail I sent to Gaye & Dick:
“I was wondering if you are aware of the disgraceful abuse of the above named lady. She has suffered grotesque & appalling indignities at the hands of a clearly biased, warped & deeply corrupt legal system. Her case has been neglected and she has been victimised, not to mention penalised for being the unfortunate victim in a case of negligent driving from a public employee.
I strongly suggest you look into this terrible matter and flex your influence before the name of Vermont is synonymous with vicious, sleazy corruption of an insidious and foul nature.
It is your reputation & that of your state, not mine.”
Anyone wanting to use any or all of the above, or to amend, please feel free.
Posted by Chris Wood on from Manchester, England 01/30 at 04:56 PMPS If emailing the speaker, they request mailing address by automated return so as to reply in writing.
Posted by Chris Wood on from Manchester, England 01/30 at 04:57 PMChris - Thanks for your kind words and for your contribution. That’s a pretty smokin’ letter!
Again thanks to everyone who’s been so complimentary and who are helping out with this, I’d like to keep spreading the word for as long as it takes to effect some results.
Captcha says “state” - Got to be something good in that!
Posted by Amelopsis on from Canada 01/30 at 05:06 PMIn case “anyone” is interested, here’s the link to the Harry Belafonte interview on DN: http://urlsnip.com/390963
Posted by Mickey Z. on from Astoria 01/30 at 05:25 PMGood evening all, and a GOOD evening it is!
My blog has never had so much traffic and it’s all coming in to the RMJ post.
Youngfox and I both thank Michael who’s been commenting like a fiend all over the blogosphere - successfully generating a great deal of interest and traffic.
One of Youngfox’s many emails was sent to Infoshop http://tinyurl.com/dxdu3 who published his email to them (had he known it would work out that way he’d have copied and pasted the article itself.)Quite a number of blogs - too many to list now - have posted links with brief descriptions of their own, while others state their plans to post on Rosemarie’s case this week.
If even 1/4 of those who’ve read all our collective posts actually write letters, there will be hundreds of letters flooding their email inboxes.
It just goes to show what a group of people with a “common” goal can achieve.
Never mind the bullshit state of the union...I commend the Expedable Nation, and of course our most fine host MickeyZ for enabling us all, and this all, to happen...just by being here and having this site.
Posted by Amelopsis on from Canada 01/30 at 06:30 PMCrap! Meant to say thanks for the Belafonte link but in my exuberance forgot to before ‘submit’ was clicked.
I do love Harry. His outspokeness lends a beautiful voice to the cause of truth.
Posted by Amelopsis on from Canada 01/30 at 06:32 PMHello all,
Implicit in any post I ever make is permission to repost it whence it “works” the best. Michael, I hope you made free with whatever you thought was good.
My good news is that my niece’s brother, nephew Eric, has an extra bedroom and a place for the puppies!!
I’ll move this week, and it’s more or less permanent, which is extremely exciting! So all that kind-hearted focus on li’l ole moi has worked, and I am holding all the Expendables, but most especially our own RMJ (for worrying and caring even in the midst of her own state-sponsored tsurres) responsible for it!
Posted by Mudge on from Austin, where I have a NEW HOME! 01/30 at 06:55 PMI have like no time---a few hours before I fly to London---but I’ll get some links to Amelopsis’ post happening over at mine before the night’s through.
Love the energy. Feels good.
If anyone’s interested (it was a slow weekend, so I don’t know how many saw it), my band is broadcasting live on Wednesday. Webcast at noon in Astoria, Queens (5pm in the UK) at Resonancefm. Perhaps another opportunity will arise to say the things being said in these comments today.
Posted by Keir on from The Hague 01/30 at 07:00 PMMudge! I’m so glad for you and the puppies! (curious again...with which variety of puppies do you share your company?)
Keir thanks for spreading the word. Will your webcast be stored anywhere for later listening? Unfortunately I won’t be “able” to hear it live.
Posted by Amelopsis on from Canada 01/30 at 08:07 PMWow, I get a sense that a snowball is building! Well don everybody, especially Amelopsis and Youngfox and Michael.
Thanks for the Spinwatch link, too, Michael. The subject is nothing new, I’m afraid. My take on it is that it is propaganda for the public, albeit a selective one at this stage (the Kool-Aiders at armament expos) to prepare an image of respectability to what amounts to Govt lying. The Kool-Aiders provide a support base when the propaganda is aimed at the wider public.
Often Govt/Corporate propaganda campaigns start by doing the rounds of Rotary and Masons etc before hitting the headlines.
Back to Deception Incorporated specifically, who’d do business with a company that specializes in producing bullshit. There’s something bizarre about the pitch.All strength to your arm, Rosemarie
Posted by Jim on from 01/30 at 08:11 PMGreetings, all. I’ve been busy so I haven’t posted much. Here’s what I sent to Vermont in support of Rosemarie:
If you or a family member were the victim of an accident caused by an employee of the State of Vermont, how would you want it dealt with?
Would you want:
A. To have you or a family member’s life and livelihood put on hold for 5 years while you struggle against an old boy’s network that allows state employees to flaunt state laws; to suffer age discrimination when seeking legal counsel; to have your health and finances disintegrate; to face a hostile and abusive state deposition; to travel in dangerous weather conditions to see a state “expert witness” when more convenient options were clearly available?
B. To have the state justice system treat you or a family member with humanity and respect as a human being and a citizen of Vermont; to have the state laws applied to all in equal measure; to be provided an efficient, and impartial system of Justice?
I’m sure you would choose B. Rosemarie Jackowski would. You have some work to do.
For whatever it’s worth. I’ve got family in Burlington, so I guess they’re “covered” too! Good luck Rosemarie.
Posted by Cart on from near Warshington DC 01/30 at 08:44 PMHello everyone...and I mean everyone. I am not one bit surprised by the goings-on here today. The Expendables are a formidable, compassionate crew. I am thankful that you’ve each chosen to spend time in this little corner.
Empress: I will continue to run a link to your original post in each post I make this week.
Mudge: Please tell us more about your new living situation.
Keir, I’ll try to listen in on Wednesday.
Cart: Your e-mail rocked. I will copy the style when I send a follow-up.
Hi Jim. It’s a snowball indeed.Btw, Michele and I just got back from looking at a co-op apartment about ten blocks from where we live now. We’ve never owned much of anything in our lives and now we’re suddenly talking about buying a apartment. Major freak-out time. Anyone have experience with this?
Posted by Mickey Z. on from Astoria 01/30 at 09:16 PMP.S. Here’s Rosemarie’s latest article: http://urlsnip.com/636861
Posted by Mickey Z. on from Astoria 01/30 at 09:21 PMHi again - Keir’s lent his support despite his busy travel plans http://tinyurl.com/duqou
The only snowballs around my place lately are the metaphorical kind. It’s still ridiculously warm in a very unatural way for January.
Mickey the prospect of becoming a home owner is indeed odd when it’s the first time, but I think you might like it. It’s a strange comfort / responsibility when there’s no more landlord to call about a leaky faucet, etc. It sounds like you might’ve found what you & Michele have been looking for though - not too far from your current home. Is ten blocks away still Astoria?
I’m glad you’ve decided to put a link up everyday this week - you could spread the love around too, so many Expendables and others have posted on this.
I “wish” you and all the Expendables, and of course Rosemarie, who’s cause I hope is bolstered by all this local, national & international support.
Posted by Amelopsis on from Canada (where snowballs are born) 01/30 at 09:41 PMYes, Empress, ten blocks brings us to the border of Astoria. Still walking distance to our gym, health food store, subway stop, etc. It’s just daunting to buy something that’s actually a little smaller than what we’re renting now. Hey, even if we put in a bid it doesn’t mean they’ll take us. We’ll see. We’ve got other options cooking.
P.S. I’m not sure what this means: you could spread the love around too, so many Expendables and others have posted on this.
Posted by Mickey Z. on from Astoria 01/30 at 09:48 PMCaptcha sez: party...but I’m off to bed. Thanks, everyone.
Posted by Mickey Z. on from Astoria 01/30 at 10:23 PMI was referring to your pending link a day for the rest of the week....you need not necessarily link only to my site...many have posted it or similar. (I guess my hippy dippy buoyant mood had my typing mashed potatoes.)-(yup - it did - just realised that I was ‘wishing’ all the expendables ...???...left out some sort of well wishing sentiment there too.)
Captcha says “these”, but I’m off to bed too.
(I wish you all a good night.)Posted by Amelopsis on from Canada 01/30 at 11:11 PMgeez - I forgot to thank you Cart, I like the sound of your email.
And Michael - that spinwatch article was disturbing, sadly not suprising. I read it earlier but rudely forgot to mention it in all the blog traffic excitement.
I’m sure that I’ve overlooked a hello (Rosemarie I understand why you hesitate to mention names - there are so many to keep up with in a day!)
So Hello, Good night, and Thank you to Every Expendable.
Posted by Amelopsis on from Canada 01/30 at 11:17 PM
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