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Those That Cannot Do--Protest (or make cruddy movies)!
Ok, Fish...so be it! Please all--please none! Even so, I do appreciate your input. Writing these blogs is more than an exercise is English composition-cum-flapping your beak via a computer keyboard. They are also a great learning experience for both those who write the blog, and those who read-and-comment on the entry-in-question. That's why I look forwards to any comments I get regarding each entry. Good or ill, they all are a learning experience! Thanks, folks--you make Vista Blues better! --Robbiebear— September 25, 2009 11:17 a.m.
Those That Cannot Do--Protest (or make cruddy movies)!
Ah, fish, good to see you are up-and-about (normally, I'm out cold until 9am). There are those who forget that not only is John Rambo a fictional character, but also that the Rambo-bees would only merit the contempt of the real Rambo. That is why I also referenced the main villain from Stuart Woods's masterpiece "CHIEFS"--Foxy Funderburke--as the prototypical wannabe cop/security officer. Read the book, and you'll get my point (check your local used book emporium or library used book store for a copy--it's worth every penny). And as for some of the more violent actions: A transit cop, like any other security officer, needs to use their head before using force. If they do not, it is the responsibility of the complaintant to contact MTS or NCTD for further action. On the Sprinter, for example, if a passenger is cuffed, they have to be taken off at the next stop...and the SD Sheriff's Dept (or OPD or EPD, depending on where the detention was made), has to be notified. It is the decision of the responding law-enforcent officer on whether to transport the detainee to the county jail in Vista, or not. Also, the fare enforcement officers on the Sprinter are sworn peace officers (the transit patrol told me of this). As a side-note: I wish the kids well on their enterprise. They are using the First Amendment the right way. However, that does not exempt them from commentary, be it good or bad. C'mon...let me hear ya! --Robbiebear— September 25, 2009 1:07 a.m.
J. David Dominelli, Nancy Hoover, and their early years of wealth
Captain Money may have tried to do well--but his now ex-investors are hoping he burns in Hell! A good book to read is "Inside Job" by Pizzio, Fricker, and Muolo. Put out by McGrawHill, it's basicly a charachter study of folks like Captain Money during the S&L mega-disaster of the 1980's. Both stories are a cautionary tale of why Gordie Gekko was not only wrong...but did time for his arrogant ways. GREED AIN'T GOOD! --Robbiebear— September 24, 2009 10:32 p.m.
The Silly Season Awaits Us...Again!
Thanks, Fish--I needed that! Working in retail can produce a decent supply of stand-up material. When our Store team Leader once told me that working at Target was "like working at Disneyland," I replied that if this were Disneyland, Mickey Mouse would be wearing horns and carrying a pitchfork! --Robbiebear— September 24, 2009 9:15 a.m.
Fanaticism, Zealotry--Cal It What You Will...
Hey, Josh! Thanks for the kind words! You are correct, with the Internet, those who spread vitriol can now do so withour fear of retribution, in the form of going to Fist City for a well-deserved and bloody attitude adjustment! And as for that secret ingredient that KFC put in their chicken batter to induce cravings? As my Home Ec teacher at Lemoore High School told us during class (thank you, Frau Kolewyne): "It's like the ingredients of a typical school lunch--the less you know, the better it is." --Robbiebear— September 22, 2009 6:42 p.m.
Fanaticism, Zealotry--Cal It What You Will...
SDaniels and Fish: I thank you kindly for your comments. SDaniels--I appeciate the input on why KFC is #1 on PeTA's "Doo-Doo List" (and Boy Howdy, do they deserve getting the crud slung at them)(since The Reader doesn't allow cuss-words in their blogs, I have to improvise). My point, however, is that there are far more targets of opportunity than just KFC...which is why I listed the places I did to begin with. Go for one--go for broke! Fish--Good insight. However, PeTA vs KFC is merely one of my points. My main point is that even though we might detest folks like PeTA (btw, check out their letterhead and logo, and you'll see why I'm using the spelling I am), there are ways to deal with them that do not include bullets, bloodshed, or prison time. For dealing with zealots of any stripe, nobody beat George Carlin, and Carlos Mencia carries on today (as does Robin Williams) with the tradition of deflating the egos of any zealot who crosses their path. Sounding good--let's have some more! --Robbiebear— September 21, 2009 10:16 a.m.
County Health Meet County Fair
Yo, Josh! Not cool, m'man! First off the bat, the word you are looking for is "lobotomy," as in "prefrontal lobotomy" aka: "Friedman's Specials." And believe me, they are no laughing matter...they often did catastrophic damage to the paitent, rendering them virtual walking zombies. Second, ECT (shock therapy) used to be done "bi-polar," with the electrodes attached to both sides of the paitent's head before flipping the switch. It was used more for punative than theraputic means of "controlling" problem paitents. Today, the paitent is first sedated and given an anesthetic. The current only goes through one electrode, and the paitent's vital signs are watch very closely. It is only used when talk therapy and medication therapy both prove useless...which is very rare...in cases of severe major depression. Third, the movie "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest" may have been entertaining...but it also set back the mental-health cause several years. Also, winning an "insanity plea" in court (and a trip to, in our case, Patton State Hospital) is extremely rare...as in five-to-ten percent success rate. Most of the time, juries can see the game being played by someone faking a mental illness...and will not reward with the desired award! Also, committment to a State Mental Hospital--in cases of a temporary insanty ruling--is only for as long as treatment is required to render them "legally sane." Then they come back to court for trial/sentencing. This is why Mr. Nicholson's character isn't based on real-life...he'd be in a prison, not a State Hospital. The worst part is your flippant attitude about the whole situation, Mr. Board. As someone who has struggled (and continues to struggle) with a mental illness, I found the story-in-question to be not only a sad case of malignant derliction of duty on the part of the staff at Eastern Hospital. I also prayed that the fugitive-in-question got caught before he reached his destination! He was apprehended...and I hope that he gets the help he needs. However, I also hope that Eastern State goes through it's policies on day trips with a fine-toothed comb, and acts accordingly. For it is stories like these that drive unfounded speculation about we mental health clients...and the horrid stigma that goes with it. In the future, Josh, please think before you blog...we are not our illnesses--we are members of the human race, just like you! And using a story like the one about the Eastern State escapee as a springboard for unfunny, snarky comments does neither you, me, or anyone else any favors! That being said, I'll still read your blogs...when they hit me right, they are downright rib-tickling! --RKJ— September 21, 2009 9:55 a.m.
Home Is Where Cheap Rent Is
When I first saw this article, I thought that it was about "cheap rents" on this side of the border. It's a pleasant surprise to read about folks crossing the border to find housing that isn't "priced to gouge," but can be afforded...if you do not mind living outside the U.S. to do it! However, this whizzing contest I saw in the comments section only serves one purpose: it reminds me that as you are peeing on your rival's leg, you are doing the same to the Reader itself! There's a difference between jalepeno-level give and take, and outright poo-slinging with five-gallon buckets as "entertainment." Just remember a saying from The Second World War: "Indescretions Breed Repercussions!" I appreciate both Refried and Big Bob trying to make their points, natch. However, dragging down the conversation to what one would expect on "South Park" isn't chill at all. Leave the poo-flinging to the inhabitants of the ape enclosure at the Wild Animal Park, and just present the info you are trying to get across, OK? Other than that...cool! --RKJ— September 21, 2009 9:23 a.m.
Driving Pet Peeves
Yo, Josh m'man! When you get pulled over by the cops, it's not because they would rather "write a cite" than go off and take down "Real Bad Guys!" To pull you over, pal, there has to be "probable cause" before they go Code-3 and wave you over. Now, I realize that there are quite a few Barney Fifes in any law-enforcement agency. However, most of the other officers are out on the streets and highways, doing a job that keeps them in food, clothing, shelter, and transportation. And here's the best part. If you disagree with said citation, you can dispute it in court! A typical citation is only a promise to appear before the judge, where you can explain your side--and cop a walk, if you're lucky! Other than that...now you know why I stick to public transportation! Oh, if the seats on those MTS/NCTD buses could talk... --Robbiebear— September 20, 2009 8:26 a.m.
Plymouth Congregational Church
Good article! It's as I have always said..."we all work for the same boss, and belong to the same family." Keep 'er going, pastor...maybe those on the County Board Of Supes can learn a few things from you! --Robbiebear— September 19, 2009 4:01 p.m.