I give up

No, this is not a post about the Cheeto-in-Chief.  It could be.  With such an innocuous heading, there's much to throw up your hands about (or just throw up).  With a Senatorial Republican't majority, the sailing through of sub-par cabinet selections was to be expected.  Granted, it would go more speedily if the first choice for Labor Secretary didn't regularly employ illegal aliens, and the National Security Advisor didn't go mouthing off to the Russians before he was authorized to.  Yes, yes, leaks.  Frankly, if I were being accused of improprieties with Moscovian whores, the word "leak" is probably the last one I'd use.  (ed. Tee hee!)

Instead I'm talking about Mozilla: the one-time obvious choice for browser over IE and Safari where one could tailor it to one's specific needs. And, I thought it was building steam.  It had already developed a free and functional e-mail client that was sufficiently capable enough to remove the need for Outlook.  And, it experimented with a phone OS which fell flat against the major mobile players.  You can still download it...if you have an Android phone, and then it acts as a "skin" over your typical Android look.

Finally, while a Firefox app exists for iOS and Android, there's no real marketing push.  It's bare-bones.  It can do the job, but iOS devices already come with web browsers aplenty.  Plus, as browsers go, Firefox no longer reign's supreme as the "only" customizable alternative to IE, edge and Safari.  I believe that the champ for that is now Google's Chrome.  In fact, as of the end of last month (January, 2017), NetMarketShare reported that Google Chrome is easily the #1 Desktop Browser with over 57% of the market.  Where's Firefox?  Mozilla clocks in at over 11, while IE (despite the release of Edge) clocks in at nearly 20%.

Call me a follower, but that's where I'm heading.  I'm taking all of my RSS feeds and loading them into feedly.com.  As I already use G-Mail, my contacts, Google Drive, and e-mail accounts are already integrated...including this blog. Don't get me wrong, Mozilla has publicly declared that they're refocusing on the Firefox browser and improved browsing privacy.  That beats Chrome with a stick as the life-blood of Chrome and the Google business model is to sneak keywords you use and sell them to advertisers.  Still, more and more applications and websites tailor themselves to Chrome as it's the largest, and if you want to maximize functionality, you have to go with the 800 lb. Gorilla in the room.  Maybe, one day, I'll return to Firefox...but until then, I give up.

A hodgepodge

Three things.

One - If you haven't been to www.newtradio.org or visited their Facebook page and "liked" it, do it. The format is Adult Alternative and most DJs provide a great mix of classic rock, rock and alternative.  Me?  I always start with the Grateful Dead, meander into classic rock, maybe touch on prog rock, return to Phish and Zappa and then find some cool cover to end on...all in a 2-hour spot: Wednesdays, 5pm-7pm.  Do check it out on your drive home if you're on the East Coast, and/or have it playing in your office on the West.

Two - I'm not even sure if it's real, but, if you're a liberal or even a conservative who is sick of the bombastic tones from this president (note the little 'p'...I'm sure he does!  POW!) then the twitter feed of Rogue POTUS Staff is a fun read.  They make claims about the daily goings on in the White House and are specific enough (or creative enough) to make you think it's really happening.  I especially like the tweet from this morning which states:

"POTUS irritated that sev. members of Patriots team will not attend WH visit. Saying he will lobby owner to cut them from the team."

Now, I would argue that even the president is aware that the NFL is a business...and that the random cutting of personnel that may harm your bottom line is probably a poor way to manage your business.

Three - While the above was meant to be entertaining, the following is political advice.  Do you want change?  Do you have federal representatives already voting the way you would have them?  Then, it's time to turn your focus to your state representation.  Work on them to vote the way you'd like.  If they vote the way you would, then get local.  There is no shortage of people who are in the position of representing your interests.  Don't know who that is?  Check out this finder for the State of NJ.  I'm sure other states have similar utilities.

That's it.  3 things: Listen to me on the "radio," have a laugh, and restore power to the people.  Have a great weekend.

Compassionate Plea

For better or for worse, Sara's 2-year anniversary of her accident passed; better because she is; worse that I'm very frequently reminded of that uncertain time.

My posts about her condition were intended to be optimistic...mostly for selfish reasons.  I wanted people to not constantly ask me about how her recovery was going.  At first, it didn't appear that it was as her status didn't change much day to day.  Eventually, she did make an almost full recovery, and so, without getting back into the weeds of what needed to happen to have her the way she is today, let's just say that it worked.

That said, the reason I'm even writing about this is because of FaceBook.  The easiest way to communicate with friends, family and the community that was quickly rallying around her was by posting to FB.  It had some very positive and unintended consequences.  For one, my family was able to live on one salary uninterrupted.  My friends went to the grocery store for me and bought me groceries.  My kids were shuttled wherever they needed to be without question.  And, the comments and support I received was unified and loving and sensitive from everyone.

My selfishness is kicking in again.  All of the above happened regardless of religion or political belief in the name of humanitarian kindness for someone they knew or knew through me/family/friends/her work.   It was powerful and it was constant until she was able to finally return to home for her new lease on life. 

We need this now.

I know that it is far easier to care about someone you know, even if it's on the periphery, but that overwhelming support for me, should translate even more for those in war-torn countries?  No?  Or our student body in public schools?  Or for anybody who has family here from another country...or came from another country?

I understand the desire to "turtle:" bringing in your head, arms and legs into the shell so that you can protect yourself.  However, there is a delicate balance between liberty and security.  And this is not new:

"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." Benjamin Franklin

"[L]iberty is to be free from restraint and violence from others." John Locke

It is a question as old as our democracy.  Personally, I believe that we should sacrifice the perceived safety garnered by closing our borders to specific ethnicities and countries.  There are good people everywhere...people who are suffering...people who just want better lives.  The Statue of Liberty's inscription doesn't say "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!...except for those from Yemen or Syria or Mexico."  We were supposed to be a haven for the oppressed, a genuine melting pot of culture where, as long as you're not negatively impacting those around you, you're free to practice what you like. 

For those still impacted by the recession, I understand the allure of an administration claiming to make your lives better financially.  However, to what end?  The money we save by cutting "red-tape" on the environment will have to be spent on increased international pricing due to our more strict import tariffs.   Illegal immigrants are the grease that allows this country to move...including the one who hit Sara in her accident.  While it seems counter-intuitive, I understand that illegal immigrants are how I get my groceries delivered, how my dishes are washed at a restaurant, how my yard is landscaped, how my construction projects are completed on time and at a competitive price.  Once those people are removed from the equation, a part of our functioning society will go with it...one that's absolutely necessary as more and more "Americans" seek white-collar work.

I know I probably will not change the minds of anyone with this post, but, before you get into your next FaceBook argument or you start de-friending everyone with an opposing view, try to think about all the issues with a lens on humanity and compassion, much like you showed me. 

What you can do

A short blog post about two things you can do.  I think you all know what I’m talking about.  Look, as the President cuts funding to programs we find value for, there’s really only one choice: pay for it ourselves.  So, with that, I urge you to take a couple bucks, throw it in an envelope and send it to Planned Parenthood or the ACLU or any one of many worthy organizations who will need help in the coming months due to budget shortfalls. 

Too complicated?  What’s in it for me?  Well, sir/madam, have I got the site for you.  Presenting a newly updated www.impeachthemotherfuckeralready.com!  Now with your purchase of ITMFA gear, “all the money raised will be donated to the American Civil Liberties Union, Planned Parenthood, and the International Refugee Assistance Project.”  Let’s make this a thing, no?

Also, I see a lot of posts on FaceBook about what Congress is voting on and when they’re going to vote for something and how they’re going to dismantle this and that.  It’s time to get your civics on so that we can be informed.  A repeal of a law can only be accomplished by a simple majority vote in the House AND a super-majority vote in the Senate (60+ votes).  While Congress can gut the financials of almost any law, they can't touch the things where Federal monies don't play a part.

Secondly, google how a Bill becomes a law.  There are a number of good sites, but The Kids in the House spells it out simply.  It's all about simple majorities, folks.  So, we need to be vigilant that our elected officials are doing what we voted them in for.  That said, if you want to keep up on Congressional comings and goings there’s an app for that.  While it’s still a little slow, Countable for iOS and Android allows you to either link your FaceBook account or create a separate account with your home address so that you can keep track of not only when Congress votes on certain bills, but also when your specific Senator or Congressman/woman votes and how they vote.  You can even set alerts every time they vote.  Also, in the app there are links providing your Congress-people’s phone numbers so that you can call them with your opinion.  These days, elected officials are swamped by e-mails that are easily dismissed.  However, phone calls seem to be far more effective.  If you have an opinion about a bill on either the House or Senate floor, make sure you call your legislators so that they’re working for you.

See?  It’s not so hard to be proactive about your civic rights.  And, with apps like Countable, you’re going to be in-the-know moving forward so that you can express your pleasure and/or displeasure of the actions of your elected officials.  Now, if only they would make an app for state and local legislators…hm. 

an·ti-Sem·i·tism

This morning, my daughter's pre-school was evacuated due to a phoned-in bomb threat.  As this was happening, similar threats today were phoned in at JCCs in Edison, NJ, Boston, Detroit, Connecticut: Hartford and New Haven, Alabama, Florida and as many as 16 JCCs across the country.  Before I go on, everybody is fine.  Based on early reporting, all JCCs were evacuated by the professional staffs.  Law enforcement was called in and, in each case, the buildings were deemed safe, and staff and students were all allowed inside. 

First and foremost, when similar threats were called in to other JCCs on January 9, the staff at ours set out to be prepared.  Drills were performed in the subsequent weeks, and, I would like to thank the staff at the JCC, their management, and the first-responders, namely the Scotch Plains Police, for taking this issue seriously, and ensuring that the facility was safe to return to.

Now this:


You threatened my daughter and my family and my friends, you spineless, shit-eating, dirt-bag, mother-fuckers!  Go fuck yourselves and the horse you rode in on.

Sorry for that.  The simple fact is that antisemitism is on the rise.  Why?  I'll give you one large orange guess.  As the New York Times reports: "hundreds of Jewish journalists have been the target of anti-Semitic attacks on Twitter during the 2016 presidential campaign, according to a new report by the Anti-Defamation League." If you're a Jew and you voted for Donald Trump, I, partially, blame you.  My 4-year-old daughter stood outside for 40 minutes without her jacket and huddled together with her class while bomb-sniffing dogs were used to ensure that the JCC was safe.  Thanks for peripherally supporting the rhetoric that made this possible.

Are there more racists than there were before?  No. I would argue that Trump's campaign model only brought them to the forefront.  He emboldened them.  He made it seem that his bullying rhetoric was appropriate, which is why it's happening now.  Ask the Blacks.  Ask the Hispanics.  Ask the Asians.  Ask the Muslims. Maybe I'll be putting my foot in my mouth for making this next statement, but I guarantee that the people who are making these phone calls are white and Trump supporters bordering on being Nazis. When they are caught, and they will be caught once Jared Kushner wakes the fuck up and makes this a priority, you will discover that it's a group of white nationalists who call themselves Christian despite effectuating a wholly un-Christian agenda. 

Until law enforcement figures this out, I ask that you think about your consumerism, because what else can we do?  In NJ, our elected officials, including our Governor, are sympathetic on this issue.  Why?  Jews make up over 7% of the State's population according to this well-sourced post by the JVL.  That's enough to sway a vote or two and influence and economy.  It will be a long 4-years of similar, copy-cat acts, unless we hit our politicians and their war-chests where it hurts them most: in their pockets.  Threaten to vote them out...then vote them out.  Write to businesses you believe to have influence in Washington.  Most of them have a FaceBook presence.  Barring that, call them out to the media, who are also married to social media.  Patronize businesses that openly support acceptance and diversity.

We need to end this empty threat of domestic terrorism before it becomes real.  Today it was my family, and tomorrow it may be yours.

Draining the Swamps

So, it seems that senatorial privilege will not keep Mr. Trump's appointees out of their presumed roles heading agencies that, many, have zero experience (Mr. Perry, I'm looking at you, sir).  The Constitutional provision that allows them to move forward with a simple senate majority will allow 51 republicans to push through the various industry insiders and lobbyists into national titles that exacerbate ethical conflicts, thereby refilling the proverbial swamp. 

First and foremost: I like swamps.  So, while that seems to be the accepted analogy, I would propose a different one.  Mr. Trump should have said that his coming to Washington would drain the wastewater wells and cesspools that come as the result of fracking.  No?  You don't believe that "Big Oil" is doing the environment a great disservice by pumping their special blend of frack-juice deep into the earth?  A 2012 article in Scientific American, a respected journal of over 170 years, sees it this way:

"A ProPublica review of well records, case histories and government summaries of more than 220,000 well inspections found that structural failures inside injection wells are routine. From late 2007 to late 2010, one well integrity violation was issued for every six deep injection wells examined — more than 17,000 violations nationally. More than 7,000 wells showed signs that their walls were leaking. Records also show wells are frequently operated in violation of safety regulations and under conditions that greatly increase the risk of fluid leakage and the threat of water contamination."

Swamps are clean.  Fracking is not.  

OK, let's say you're for energy independence and you don't care that much of our fresh-water will be polluted in the next 10-100 years.  Shhh.  Don't tell southern Nevada or California that the scarce amount of water they still have will cease being potable.  No, the recent rains did not refill the reservoirs, and more-so, the cleanest water needs to be naturally filtered through the soil...land that has been surrendered to agricultural and livestock uses.  Which brings me to my next gripe, the byproduct of our livestock and meat industry: animal waste.  The New York Times and CBS' 60 Minutes had articles about this in 2003, and not much has changed since then:

Quoth the Times: "A growing number of scientists and public health officials around the country say they have traced a variety of health problems faced by neighbors of huge industrial farms to vast amounts of concentrated animal waste [cesspools], which emit toxic gases while collecting in open-air cesspools or evaporating through sprays. The gases, hydrogen sulfide and ammonia, are poisonous."

Quoth Morley Safer: "Cesspools or lagoons are just holding places for the 9.5 million tons of hog manure that's produced in North Carolina every year. There's real potential for damage when the manure is liquefied, and then sprayed as fertilizer onto the company's fields. There is so much manure that the fields of North Carolina can't absorb it all - and it's beginning to poison the groundwater and contaminate drinking wells. There have been other problems. Lagoons have leaked and overflowed. Lagoon walls have broken, spilling out millions of gallons of hog manure and saturating fields even more.  And where does all this hog dung end up? In the streams and rivers of North Carolina, creating a growth in green algae that has closed rivers for swimming and killed thousands upon thousands of fish."

Swamps cater to biodiversity...livestock cesspools destroy it. 


And maybe we've been misinterpreting Mr. Trump's intent.  He's doing exactly what he's promised.  He's draining the swamp of Washington.  He's killing the biodiversity and a naturally regenerative ecosystem.  One that's essential to migrating species, natural clean water filtration, clean air and overall planetary health.  What he's replacing it with is more akin to the referenced articles above...buried chemical waste and open-pit cesspools that contain known carcinogens and are poorly managed and regulated.  Being that I'm in New Jersey...have witnessed the President Elect at his "finest," and, know the development challenges of a largely built-up state; I know the positive benefits of swamps.  Congrats Mr. President Elect, this may be one campaign promise you've kept. 

A New Trick

So, I'm trying to shake the old dog attitude I frequently adopt on many issues.  In this short post, I wanted you all (both of you who read this) to know that, in addition to these weekly updates of my mostly mundane life, I will be soon be able to be heard over the interwebs.  It's not necessarily a podcast, but it will be weekly and, I believe, able to be heard through iTunes, both live and as a download.  Details are few and far between and still evolving, but I've asked (and been accepted) to be part of the Newton Theatre's live "radio" broadcast. 

For those who don't know, Newton NJ is home to a small performing arts theater that plays host to various genres of acts: music, comedy, movies, etc.  To help advertise upcoming events the theater has decided to embark in a live-streaming radio service which will offer local news, weather, event dates and interviews with artists making their way to northwestern New Jersey.  Yours truly will help by hosting a show on Wednesdays, from 5pm-7pm. 

What's the format?  My intent is to present deep tracks from well known artists, and some lesser known ones while, at the same time, help publicize the upcoming performances at the theater...some of them I'm huge fans of.  For instance, Jim Brewer (whom I've met in a local Star Bucks) will be performing there.  Also, just announced, Rusted Root will bring their world music to downtown Newton as will David Grisman, world renown mandolinist who used to perform with Jerry Garcia...yes, that Jerry. 

All in all, and this post is little more than a tease; the station at the Newton Theatre...or the Newt (i.e. Newt Radio) will go live sometime in the next week.  I'll be sure to alert one and all via the FaceBook as to how and when to listen.  Until then, start brushing up on your Frank Zappa and Phil Lesh so that you're not terribly surprised the first show.

Oh, and feel free to "like" Newt Radio here on FaceBook to be up to speed on our launch.  Wish me/us luck!