To contact us Click HERE
istanbul redux
(2007) First the businessman, then the taxi driver, then the cleric (the translator calls him a "preacher"), then the ex-soldier, then the dentist--could they be any more ordinary? We collect their testimonies, the week goes on and on. Now it's a thirty-year-old student, telling of being picked up in a sweep, part of the recent "surge." U.S. soldiers kicked their way into his apartment in the middle of the night, while he slept with his pregnant wife. The soldiers pulled the both of them from bed, shone a light in their faces, asked him a question about a neighbor, a neighbor he didn't know, a question he could not answer. They threatened to take his wife into the next room, alone --You know what that will mean, they told him, but still he had no answer. He was then beaten and shackled and hooded and dragged from the house, thrown into a humvee, driven to a landing strip, thrown into a helicopter, until he eventually arrived at a building he now believes is near the airport, either in Mosul or Baghdad. Once inside this building, he found himself in a large room, maybe the size of a gymnasium, filled with black boxes lined up in rows. Maybe a hundred boxes, maybe two hundred, hard for him to say--he was hooded nearly constantly and quickly lost track of night and day. The boxes are about two and a half feet wide, five and a half feet long. He was thrown into one of these boxes, for days, which turn into weeks, unable to straighten his body, barely able to breathe. Every twenty or thirty minutes a soldier kicked the box, or hit it hard with a club, and it made his shackled body jump. Around him he could hear the screams and pleadings of his fellow prisoners--those with stomach pains, those with infections, those slowly going mad. Three years since the release of the photographs, and you can be assured there will be no photographs of these boxes slipping out. What was once the vaguely directed actions of a bunch of amateurs on the night shift (if, in fact, that is what it was)has become professional, organized, sanctioned. Someone designed this room, someone fabricated these boxes, a memo went out telling the soldiers how often to bang on the side of the boxes, a memo we will likely never see. Among themselves the Iraqis call these boxes tawabeet sood, or nash sood --black coffins-- I can't help thinking of them as the shadows of the flag-draped coffins we were also not allowed--or couldn't--or refused--to see.
Nick Flynn
The Ticking Is The Bomb
(w/thanks to Justin Smith)
30 Eylül 2012 Pazar
Did The Producers Buy The Unions?
To contact us Click HERE
I really am enjoying this site, Sagwatchdog.com.
JPMorgan Chase, AFTRA settlement approved
Lawsuit filed over hedge fund losses
By Dave McNary
A federal judge has approved JPMorgan Chase & Co.’s $150 million settlement of a lawsuit by the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists retirement fund and other investors over losses that the plan sustained from the bank’s Sigma Finance hedge fund.
U.S. District Court Judge Shira A. Scheindlin filed the settlement on Wednesday. The bank said on its website that the filing commenced a 30-day appeal period and that if no appeals are filed, the settlement will become effective.
The bank and the AFTRA fund had no comment.
The settlement with investors was disclosed in March. The AFTRA fund and the bank announced on Feb. 7 that they had reached a tentative settlement.
The suit alleged that JPMorgan Chase lost a “substantial portion” in cash collateral in medium-term notes issued by Sigma Finance Inc., a structured investment vehicle sponsored by Sigma Finance Corp. It said creditors seized over $25 billion of Sigma’s $27 billion in assets in September and October 2008, leaving about $1.9 billion as security for about $6.2 billion of outstanding medium-term notes.
Sigma once carried “triple-A” ratings, but the suit alleged that JPMorgan “buried its head in the sand and refused to heed the warning signs” when analysts predicted in 2007 that Sigma would be unable to repay the notes.
Other plaintiffs in the JPMorgan case are the Manhattan and Bronx Surface Transit Operating Authority Pension Fund in New York City, and the Imperial County Employees’ Retirement System in El Centro, Calif.
Athough AFTRA merged with the Screen Actors Guild on March 30, the unions’ respective health and retirement plans remained intact and were not combined.
Contact Dave McNary at dave.mcnary@variety.com
aaron4gold said:
AND WE WERE TOLD AFTRA WAS SOLVENT! WE WERE TOLD SAG NEEDED AFTRA! WHAT ELSE ARE THEY HIDING? The cockroaches are coming out of hiding now. Art Lynch felt confident enough to admit his role in SAG's demise, NOW WE LEARN SAG BOUGHT AN ALREADY LOOTED AFTRA! THE ISSUE IS HOW MUCH DID JP MORGAN PAY SAG TO TAKE AFTRA? Folks, this is high class swindling on a scale we cannot even imagine. chase lost $27 billion in Sigma. THEY KNEW IT WAS BROKE. The question to US is DID SAG KNOW? How much was ken Howard paid and BY WHOM? We as lowly actors work day to day. Chase, Sag and Aftra are BIG DOLLAR PLAYERS. They are stinking rich. If AFTRA only received $100 million then it is safe to assume they collected 10-20% of their initial investment. CLOSE TO A BILLION! We can see that it was profitable to MERGE WITH VERY WEALTHY SAG in order to RECOUP THEIR INVESTMENT LOSSSES! Now the issue is, WHO FUNDED THE PUSH TO MERGE?
Doug Jorgenson · Los Angeles, California
Aaron4gold? Don't you mean Shit4Brains?
me (signed in using yahoo)
i dont know who or what YOU are, but your adolescent language skills seem to indicate you disagree with my comment. you could just say so, but your moniker and word choices place you at about an 8th grade emotional level. This is adequate evidence that the pro MERGER campaign was designed to attract the LOWEST level of SAG membership. If you and your cohorts had an ounce of credible critical thinking skills you would have demanded adequate assurances from the "sagwatch" crowd that SAG wouldn't have to stand as surety for AFTRA's excesses and financial baggage. Because you don't understand what that means, just be content to know that JP Morgan Chase dined lavishly on AFTRA dues money THEN after they ate it all up THEY funded cockroaches like howard and reardon to lead simpletons like banana head Doug to vote to HAND OVER SAG's financial resources so the billionaires can have a SECOND helping of dues money. THIS TIME SAG'S!
Reply · 2 · Unlike · June 10 at 3:14pm
Doug Jorgenson · Los Angeles, California
I repeat: Don't you mean Shit4Brains?
Reply · Like · June 11 at 5:22am
me (signed in using yahoo)
you just keep proving my point. just did a quick IMDB search for you banana head and found NOTHING! you are a child with a computer but NO brain. you repeatedly attack Arl and anyone else who doesn't confirm your pathetic, imbalanced world view. the people who view this site are mostly VETERAN actors who have made more contributions to SAG then you will ever make. please list your acomplishments IF you have any. you are a classic self indulgent bi polar sufferer. please get help, take your meds and stay away from adult conversation until AFTER you turn 18.
Doug Jorgenson · Los Angeles, California
I looked up your IMDb profile and it noted that "me" is best known among the extras community as having Shit4Brains." I rest my case, S4B.
Reply · Like · June 11 at 3:23pm
Here's a post regarding the website Sagwatch.com.
Sagwatch.com has been online for a few years and puported to be a neutral site (with an unknown owner/moderator) in the time approaching the merger of actors' union SAG and tv/radio performers union AFTRA.
It turned out that Sagwatch.com was being anonymously run by SAG board members.
A name like "SAGWatch" would lead one to believe the site is a watchdog site aimed at holding SAG leadership to account on members' behalf. But it appears the site was actually the opposite: a site run by SAG leadership (without telling anyone who was running the site, in the years leading up to a mega merger).
Here's Sagwatchdog.com's post on the matter, followed by comments:
Our belated Turkey Award goes to the most disingenuous website on the Internet that deals with entertainment union politics. *
In this category, there is, of course, this website, The SAG Actor & Showfax’s Bulletin Boards, along with Deadline Hollywood, The Wrap, Handel’s website and a few others. All of them but one, identifies who runs the website.
The only exception is the anonymously run Baghead website SAG Watch; an employer friendly website that, all evidence, indicates is run by AFTRA trustee member David Browde. Browde is an AFTRA member who worked non-union at CNN during the early Eighties.
Besides cowering beneath the cloak of anonymity our SAG Watch ‘gutless’ wonders spread innuendo and murky missives without any merit, or substantiation.
The following post is as indicative, as any, as to why these ‘Turkeys’ are the overwhelming winners of our 2009 “Turkey Website of the Year” Award. Their article is entitled ‘Rounding up the Usual Suspects.”
The Ol’ Dog has included a photo of the Usual Suspects when it comes to collaborating with our employers.
—
Round up the Usual Suspects, and Say Thanks
Posted on November 25, 2009, 3:56 PM, by Editor, under SAG Politics, SAG-AFTRA.
Yes, we’ve been quiet lately. That’s probably good news and bad news, all wrapped up in one.
No actually, it’s just good news.
As we’ve moved into the Thanksgiving holiday, official union activity wound down, as it often does around holiday periods, leaving us with little to do beyond reading the repetitive and occasionally frustrating diatribes posted in a variety of places by the usual suspects from the hard and harder line factions, and the predictable responses from the more moderate and now in power.
Hardliners to these employer sycophants is anyone who doesn’t not carry a tube of KY-jell to union/employer negotiations.
That no one has compromised and no one has advanced the ball is unsurprising. The hard liners have the pseudo-moral high ground with their grandiose statements that they’d demand more, and get it too, accompanied by dismissive rhetoric aimed at the more rational, those who’ve already figured out that it takes more than a demand and a threat of a strike to actually accomplish something at a negotiating table.
And what have the rational USAN/UFS “go-along-to-get-alongs’ accomplished? We’ll they sacrificed pre ’74 residuals for the Internet, they gutted force majeure, gave up current residuals on the Internet, deep sixed clip consent, and for the first time in SAG history allowed SAG signatories do non-uion productions.
As we see it, that pseudo-moral high ground looks more and more like a little buildup over quicksand. Threats of lawsuits to “enforce” a misreading of 1950s documents? It’s enough to make one cringe at the foolishness.
You’ll notice they don’t specify those Fifties documents. Course, if they did then they’d have to produce them and give readers their “reading of them.” Well, let’s have a look at the Fifties document that spells out jurisdiction for both SAG and AFTRA.
Pretty hard to misread those. SAG has jurisdiction over ALL acting on TV except that done in the MANNER of a LIVE broadcast.
Meanwhile, the merger question is still a hot topic, though a real solution seems as frustratingly elusive as it has been over the past decade.
The only frustration here is that these employer kiss asses refuse to acknowledge that merger with AFTRA will bailout broadcasters and screw SAG actors by diminishing their pension plan. This from the Mercer Memo released during the last attempt at CONsolidation.
If all that seems like we have little about which to be thankful this holiday, that would be wrong. We actually have a lot in the past year about which we are grateful. First, the new leadership at SAG seems committed to a reasoned approach to all the problems that face us.
“Reasoned” approach; Translation: Members take whatever employers offer.
Second, the working performers in SAG and AFTRA have been energized, and seem engaged in trying to make things better on a number of levels.
Hard to argue against specifics like that.
That can’t be anything less than a good sign.
These no names make non specific statements while saying nothing. But then, it only takes a quick read of their AFTRA/Employer First website to realize that’s because they really don’t know anything.
And, of course, we have the staff members of all our unions, whose remarkable efforts may be largely unseen by the rank and file, but without which we would not enjoy the benefits and protections we have today.
Look, certainly the overwhelming majority of our staff members are dedicated to the welfare of their memberships. Unfortunately, there are those in power positions that are dedicated to THEIRSELVES and employer agendas.
To them, and you, our thanks, and best wishes for a happy Thanksgiving from all of us at SAGWatch.
—
A.L. Miller SW Editor & Chief
* Since the above post, AFTRA, after an “Independent investigation” determined that trustee Browde did not own SAG Watch! Aaahhh, Okay.
Comments
Me:
CONSPIRACY TO TOPPLE A $10 BILLION UNION? WHERE WOULD IT ORIGINATE? VEGAS, BABY VEGAS?
As SAG leaders sat by and watched AFTRA literally steal TV jurisdiction away from it and they actually gifted to producers DVD and residual benefits, SAG's elected leaders claimed that they were powerless to stop it.
Meanwhile, AFTRA BEGAN ANOTHER MERGER PROPOSAL. In the face of two previous defeats it didn't seem likely. SUDDENLY SAG'S LEADERS BECAME CATATONIC.
The great SAG was suddenly powerless and to solve the SAG's problems along came a great white shadow to save us all. his solution JOIN AFTRA! HUH? REMEMBER, AFTRA WAS THE PROBLEM.
aftra was stealing away SAG work by using scab workers and cut throat negotiating techniques. BUT, TV STAR KEN HOWARD SAW IT DIFFERENTLY! Suddenly, 100% of SAG efforts wre directed to MERGE. NOT FIGHT BUT MER...GE.
A major proponent and source of confidential information was the website "SAGWATCH." not watchdog, just sagwatch.
That website started receiving and publishing confidential information all geared to one purpose, MERGE.
The issue was, WHO WAS SAGWATCH?
Today we know at least one them and the picture isn't good. HE IS AN ELECTED SAG BOARD MEMBER IN LAS VEGAS. HE IS ART LYNCH!
here is information directly from Art Lynch: "His belief is that all those who find enjoyment in the crafts and take the time to train and pursue work, should call themselves actors, has been at the center of his over a decade of coaching acting full-time.
Lynch is an instructor at the College of Southern Nevada, where his focus is communication and helping students to achieve their personal goals. His voice can be heard on Sundays over Nevada Public Radio (based through KNPR 88.9 FM) statewide as the state voice of Weekend Edition Sundays." http://arthurlynch.wordpress.com/.
Here is more from Art Lynch directly pertaining to SAGWATCH: Posted by Art Lynch : "SAGWatch was an idea hatched in the back of a meeting during the heart of the War of the Allens. At the time the Membership First faction of SAG had complete control of the messaging and owned all the websites...Initially five people spent countless hours on the SAGWatch project. There was only one person outside the core group that knew any of the details of how the site worked and provided tons of organizational help, for reasons of his own. A sixth key player joined, and will be leading the way forward, as SAG-AFTRA moves forward representing us all.
We invite you to join most of us at the new site, SAG-AFTRA Watch..." HERE IT IS IN PLAIN LANGUAGE! NOW WHAT KNID OF MEETING COULD IT HAVE BEEN?
Here are some of the meetings Art Lynch attends: Art Lynch is an actor and educator who serves on the National Board of Directors of the Screen Actors Guild representing Nevada." "As I shared in today's membership meeting, it is my hope that, whether we merge or not, members continue to step forward and run for office, volunteer for committees and do all they can to turn potential work union in Nevada. We are the union..."
Then there is this: "In Nevada, Art Lynch won a contested national board seat. Six other national board seats from the Regional Branch Division were uncontested, and the winners were previously announced: Boston – Bill Mootos; Dallas – Suzanne Burkhead; Detroit – Ed Kelly; Houston – Robert Nelson; Nashville – Cece DuBois; Washington, D.C./Baltimore –Stephen F. Schmidt. All of those are three-year positions, and all of the regional winners are believed to favor merger." http://actingresources.blogspot.com/.
The problem with all this is that SAGWATCH APPARENTLY VIOLATED AFTRA RULES BY OBTAING CONFIDENTIAL INFO! "AFTRA probes operator of Sagwatch site".
Org investigates allegations of union violations:
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118025208?refCatId=18. You see, someone was feeding SAGWATCH INFORMATION FROM THE INSIDE.
AFTRA issued a statement Tuesday confirming that it has been probing the allegations regarding David Browde and the two-year-old website, which is operated anonymously.
Sagwatch has been supportive of the current elected leadership of the Screen Actors Guild and highly critical of SAG's Membership First faction, which has been losing power for the past two years."
Now, we see through a glass darkly. SAG'S OWN ELECTED LEADERS JOINED WITH AFTRA'S LEADERS TO START A DISINFORMATION CAMPAIGN DESIGNED TO TOPPLE SAG. THE REAL ISSUE IS WHAT ELSE DID THEY DO?
"Me" continues:
SAGWATCH UNMASKED-DID 5 SAG BOARD MEMBERS CONSPIRE TO DESTROY SAG?
SAG MEMBERS LOST MILLIONS IN SALARIES, BENEFITS, RESIDUALS AND PENSION PAYMENTS!
IF SAG'S ELECTED BOARD INTENTIONALLY THREW THE NEGOTIATIONS IT IS A CRIME!
THE COCKROACHES RUN FROM THE LIGHT! TODAY ONE OF THE FIVE ADMITS THE PLOT!
According to Art Lynch he and five others conspired at a "meeting" to form SAGWATCH.
As we know, AFTRA claimed that they investigated whether their own board member was connected to SAGWATCH.
If he were then it would be a violation of their union's rules.
make no mistake, ONLY PEOPLE WITH INSIDE INFORMATION COULD HAVE REVEALED WHAT APPEARED ON SAGWATCH.
here is what Variety said: "AFTRA noted that it is investigating whether there have been any violations of its confidentiality rules or of the two-year-old non-disparagement agreement b...etween SAG and AFTRA.
That "no raiding" agreement, brokered by the AFL-CIO as a condition of the unions negotiating a joint commercials contract, bars elected leaders of each union from publicly criticizing the other -- and required each union to deposit $2 million for fines."
AFTRA RAIDED SAG'S TERRITORY.
PERIOD!
THE ISSUE IS DID SAG'S BOARD USE CONFIDENTIAL INSIDER INFORMATION TO DESTROY SAG? THAT IS A MAJOR CRIME.
JUST THINK, IF SAG BOARD MEMBERS USED INSIDER INFORMATION TO NOT NEGOTIATE IN GOOD FAITH THAT WAS A SAVINGS TO PRODUCERS OF TENS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS.
NOW, WE HAVE AN ADISSION FROM A SITTING SAG BOARD MEMBER THAT HE AND FIVE OTHERS ARE SAGWATCH.
I CALL ON ARLIN MILLER TO START A CAMPAIGN TO CALL FOR AN OFFICIAL OUTSIDE IMVESTIGATION TO SEE WHAT HAPPENED.
THESE ARE DISPICABLE ACTIONS AND THE ENTIRE STORY HAS TO BE INVESTIGATED AND IF WRONG DOING IS FOUND, THEN APPROPRIATE LEGAL ACTIONS NEED TO BE TAKEN.
The Hollywood Reporter says AFTRA investigated whether AFTRA board member David Browde ran the website SAGWATCH and found the answer was "no."
Not everyone thinks it matters who ran Sagwatch.
Source: SAGAFTRAnext.com
Boy, Fred, I couldn't agree more. I think Matt's agenda isn't based in proving the audio/visual elements as real, but to use it as a means of outing the real individuals behind Sagwatch. The problem is, the only ones who really care who runs Sagwatch are the half dozen or so sad/frustrated people over on that other site. Not only does 99.9% of the union membership have no interest or care in who runs Sagwatch, if they did learn who it was, the revelation would be about as important to them as learning who manages their local McDonald's.
The real shame of this is that the rabid insistence that SAGWatch is at the center of a conspiracy has completely destroyed the opportunity for anyone with a valid anti-merger argument to speak out. They've been drowned out by truly idiotic claims that current SAG leadership is conspiring to destroy SAG and deliver the corpse to an AMPTP-AFTRA cabal. How can any rational conversation take place when there are folks ready to give credit to proven fabricated emails and phone calls that make "The Protocols Of The Elders Of Zion" look as authentic as the Declaration Of Independence?
There are going to be weak spots in the merger plan when it is presented. That's a given for any document created by a committee seeking consensus. It is highly unlikely that the weak spots will be fatal to the entire plan, but the period after the plan is revealed and the referendum is held should be an opportunity to probe, and prospectively fix, things. It's pretty clear right now that the time and energy that should be spent in that endeavor is more likely to be wasted dealing with the kind of misinformation we've already seen on the message boards, and the irrelevant personal attacks that are a substitute for real discussion. The opportunity to improve the merger proposal will be lost forever, and that's shameful, but no more than the conduct of the handful of cranks who will say ANYTHING to defeat merger.
_____________
Back to "me" at Sagwatchdog.com:
YOUR SAG DUES FUNDED "SAGWATCH" BUT NOBODY CARES!
THE PRODUCERS JUST BOUGHT BOTH UNIONS! AND YOU PAID FOR IT!
“Once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth.”.
shelock holmes
Believe it or not SAG MEMBER'S DUES FUNDED THE PROPAGANDA WEB SITE SAGWATCH! Not to worry though NOBODY CARES!
Art Lynch a current SAG Board member and four other SAG Board members specifically the NEW TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE used YOUR SAG DUES to initiate, establish and pay for the operation of "sagwatch."
But don't worry, nobody cares.
Since Art Lynch openly admitted that it was he and four other SAG Board members who founded SAGWATCH at a SAG Board meeting I have contact many media people to try and get an investigation.
NOBODY CARES! Why not? Because the producers just bought BOTH SAG AND AFTRA!
In one of the most devious schemes in history, the producers union funded both aftra and SAG board members elections.
After successfully installing promerger boards at both unions, the Producers then used Union member's dues to force the merger.
one weapon they used was "sagwatch."
like a tpjyo rose sagwatch pumper out lies and distortions and SECRET INSIDE INFORMATION.
Only AFTRA and SAG board members could have access to that information. Oh well, nobody cares. absolutely nobody cares."
JPMorgan Chase, AFTRA settlement approved
Lawsuit filed over hedge fund losses
By Dave McNary
A federal judge has approved JPMorgan Chase & Co.’s $150 million settlement of a lawsuit by the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists retirement fund and other investors over losses that the plan sustained from the bank’s Sigma Finance hedge fund.
U.S. District Court Judge Shira A. Scheindlin filed the settlement on Wednesday. The bank said on its website that the filing commenced a 30-day appeal period and that if no appeals are filed, the settlement will become effective.
The bank and the AFTRA fund had no comment.
The settlement with investors was disclosed in March. The AFTRA fund and the bank announced on Feb. 7 that they had reached a tentative settlement.
The suit alleged that JPMorgan Chase lost a “substantial portion” in cash collateral in medium-term notes issued by Sigma Finance Inc., a structured investment vehicle sponsored by Sigma Finance Corp. It said creditors seized over $25 billion of Sigma’s $27 billion in assets in September and October 2008, leaving about $1.9 billion as security for about $6.2 billion of outstanding medium-term notes.
Sigma once carried “triple-A” ratings, but the suit alleged that JPMorgan “buried its head in the sand and refused to heed the warning signs” when analysts predicted in 2007 that Sigma would be unable to repay the notes.
Other plaintiffs in the JPMorgan case are the Manhattan and Bronx Surface Transit Operating Authority Pension Fund in New York City, and the Imperial County Employees’ Retirement System in El Centro, Calif.
Athough AFTRA merged with the Screen Actors Guild on March 30, the unions’ respective health and retirement plans remained intact and were not combined.
Contact Dave McNary at dave.mcnary@variety.com
aaron4gold said:
AND WE WERE TOLD AFTRA WAS SOLVENT! WE WERE TOLD SAG NEEDED AFTRA! WHAT ELSE ARE THEY HIDING? The cockroaches are coming out of hiding now. Art Lynch felt confident enough to admit his role in SAG's demise, NOW WE LEARN SAG BOUGHT AN ALREADY LOOTED AFTRA! THE ISSUE IS HOW MUCH DID JP MORGAN PAY SAG TO TAKE AFTRA? Folks, this is high class swindling on a scale we cannot even imagine. chase lost $27 billion in Sigma. THEY KNEW IT WAS BROKE. The question to US is DID SAG KNOW? How much was ken Howard paid and BY WHOM? We as lowly actors work day to day. Chase, Sag and Aftra are BIG DOLLAR PLAYERS. They are stinking rich. If AFTRA only received $100 million then it is safe to assume they collected 10-20% of their initial investment. CLOSE TO A BILLION! We can see that it was profitable to MERGE WITH VERY WEALTHY SAG in order to RECOUP THEIR INVESTMENT LOSSSES! Now the issue is, WHO FUNDED THE PUSH TO MERGE?
Doug Jorgenson · Los Angeles, California
Aaron4gold? Don't you mean Shit4Brains?
me (signed in using yahoo)
i dont know who or what YOU are, but your adolescent language skills seem to indicate you disagree with my comment. you could just say so, but your moniker and word choices place you at about an 8th grade emotional level. This is adequate evidence that the pro MERGER campaign was designed to attract the LOWEST level of SAG membership. If you and your cohorts had an ounce of credible critical thinking skills you would have demanded adequate assurances from the "sagwatch" crowd that SAG wouldn't have to stand as surety for AFTRA's excesses and financial baggage. Because you don't understand what that means, just be content to know that JP Morgan Chase dined lavishly on AFTRA dues money THEN after they ate it all up THEY funded cockroaches like howard and reardon to lead simpletons like banana head Doug to vote to HAND OVER SAG's financial resources so the billionaires can have a SECOND helping of dues money. THIS TIME SAG'S!
Reply · 2 · Unlike · June 10 at 3:14pm
Doug Jorgenson · Los Angeles, California
I repeat: Don't you mean Shit4Brains?
Reply · Like · June 11 at 5:22am
me (signed in using yahoo)
you just keep proving my point. just did a quick IMDB search for you banana head and found NOTHING! you are a child with a computer but NO brain. you repeatedly attack Arl and anyone else who doesn't confirm your pathetic, imbalanced world view. the people who view this site are mostly VETERAN actors who have made more contributions to SAG then you will ever make. please list your acomplishments IF you have any. you are a classic self indulgent bi polar sufferer. please get help, take your meds and stay away from adult conversation until AFTER you turn 18.
Doug Jorgenson · Los Angeles, California
I looked up your IMDb profile and it noted that "me" is best known among the extras community as having Shit4Brains." I rest my case, S4B.
Reply · Like · June 11 at 3:23pm
Here's a post regarding the website Sagwatch.com.
Sagwatch.com has been online for a few years and puported to be a neutral site (with an unknown owner/moderator) in the time approaching the merger of actors' union SAG and tv/radio performers union AFTRA.
It turned out that Sagwatch.com was being anonymously run by SAG board members.
A name like "SAGWatch" would lead one to believe the site is a watchdog site aimed at holding SAG leadership to account on members' behalf. But it appears the site was actually the opposite: a site run by SAG leadership (without telling anyone who was running the site, in the years leading up to a mega merger).
Here's Sagwatchdog.com's post on the matter, followed by comments:
Our belated Turkey Award goes to the most disingenuous website on the Internet that deals with entertainment union politics. *
In this category, there is, of course, this website, The SAG Actor & Showfax’s Bulletin Boards, along with Deadline Hollywood, The Wrap, Handel’s website and a few others. All of them but one, identifies who runs the website.
The only exception is the anonymously run Baghead website SAG Watch; an employer friendly website that, all evidence, indicates is run by AFTRA trustee member David Browde. Browde is an AFTRA member who worked non-union at CNN during the early Eighties.
Besides cowering beneath the cloak of anonymity our SAG Watch ‘gutless’ wonders spread innuendo and murky missives without any merit, or substantiation.
The following post is as indicative, as any, as to why these ‘Turkeys’ are the overwhelming winners of our 2009 “Turkey Website of the Year” Award. Their article is entitled ‘Rounding up the Usual Suspects.”
The Ol’ Dog has included a photo of the Usual Suspects when it comes to collaborating with our employers.
—
Round up the Usual Suspects, and Say Thanks
Posted on November 25, 2009, 3:56 PM, by Editor, under SAG Politics, SAG-AFTRA.
Yes, we’ve been quiet lately. That’s probably good news and bad news, all wrapped up in one.
No actually, it’s just good news.
As we’ve moved into the Thanksgiving holiday, official union activity wound down, as it often does around holiday periods, leaving us with little to do beyond reading the repetitive and occasionally frustrating diatribes posted in a variety of places by the usual suspects from the hard and harder line factions, and the predictable responses from the more moderate and now in power.
Hardliners to these employer sycophants is anyone who doesn’t not carry a tube of KY-jell to union/employer negotiations.
That no one has compromised and no one has advanced the ball is unsurprising. The hard liners have the pseudo-moral high ground with their grandiose statements that they’d demand more, and get it too, accompanied by dismissive rhetoric aimed at the more rational, those who’ve already figured out that it takes more than a demand and a threat of a strike to actually accomplish something at a negotiating table.
And what have the rational USAN/UFS “go-along-to-get-alongs’ accomplished? We’ll they sacrificed pre ’74 residuals for the Internet, they gutted force majeure, gave up current residuals on the Internet, deep sixed clip consent, and for the first time in SAG history allowed SAG signatories do non-uion productions.
As we see it, that pseudo-moral high ground looks more and more like a little buildup over quicksand. Threats of lawsuits to “enforce” a misreading of 1950s documents? It’s enough to make one cringe at the foolishness.
You’ll notice they don’t specify those Fifties documents. Course, if they did then they’d have to produce them and give readers their “reading of them.” Well, let’s have a look at the Fifties document that spells out jurisdiction for both SAG and AFTRA.
Pretty hard to misread those. SAG has jurisdiction over ALL acting on TV except that done in the MANNER of a LIVE broadcast.
Meanwhile, the merger question is still a hot topic, though a real solution seems as frustratingly elusive as it has been over the past decade.
The only frustration here is that these employer kiss asses refuse to acknowledge that merger with AFTRA will bailout broadcasters and screw SAG actors by diminishing their pension plan. This from the Mercer Memo released during the last attempt at CONsolidation.
If all that seems like we have little about which to be thankful this holiday, that would be wrong. We actually have a lot in the past year about which we are grateful. First, the new leadership at SAG seems committed to a reasoned approach to all the problems that face us.
“Reasoned” approach; Translation: Members take whatever employers offer.
Second, the working performers in SAG and AFTRA have been energized, and seem engaged in trying to make things better on a number of levels.
Hard to argue against specifics like that.
That can’t be anything less than a good sign.
These no names make non specific statements while saying nothing. But then, it only takes a quick read of their AFTRA/Employer First website to realize that’s because they really don’t know anything.
And, of course, we have the staff members of all our unions, whose remarkable efforts may be largely unseen by the rank and file, but without which we would not enjoy the benefits and protections we have today.
Look, certainly the overwhelming majority of our staff members are dedicated to the welfare of their memberships. Unfortunately, there are those in power positions that are dedicated to THEIRSELVES and employer agendas.
To them, and you, our thanks, and best wishes for a happy Thanksgiving from all of us at SAGWatch.
—
A.L. Miller SW Editor & Chief
* Since the above post, AFTRA, after an “Independent investigation” determined that trustee Browde did not own SAG Watch! Aaahhh, Okay.
Comments
Me:
CONSPIRACY TO TOPPLE A $10 BILLION UNION? WHERE WOULD IT ORIGINATE? VEGAS, BABY VEGAS?
As SAG leaders sat by and watched AFTRA literally steal TV jurisdiction away from it and they actually gifted to producers DVD and residual benefits, SAG's elected leaders claimed that they were powerless to stop it.
Meanwhile, AFTRA BEGAN ANOTHER MERGER PROPOSAL. In the face of two previous defeats it didn't seem likely. SUDDENLY SAG'S LEADERS BECAME CATATONIC.
The great SAG was suddenly powerless and to solve the SAG's problems along came a great white shadow to save us all. his solution JOIN AFTRA! HUH? REMEMBER, AFTRA WAS THE PROBLEM.
aftra was stealing away SAG work by using scab workers and cut throat negotiating techniques. BUT, TV STAR KEN HOWARD SAW IT DIFFERENTLY! Suddenly, 100% of SAG efforts wre directed to MERGE. NOT FIGHT BUT MER...GE.
A major proponent and source of confidential information was the website "SAGWATCH." not watchdog, just sagwatch.
That website started receiving and publishing confidential information all geared to one purpose, MERGE.
The issue was, WHO WAS SAGWATCH?
Today we know at least one them and the picture isn't good. HE IS AN ELECTED SAG BOARD MEMBER IN LAS VEGAS. HE IS ART LYNCH!
here is information directly from Art Lynch: "His belief is that all those who find enjoyment in the crafts and take the time to train and pursue work, should call themselves actors, has been at the center of his over a decade of coaching acting full-time.
Lynch is an instructor at the College of Southern Nevada, where his focus is communication and helping students to achieve their personal goals. His voice can be heard on Sundays over Nevada Public Radio (based through KNPR 88.9 FM) statewide as the state voice of Weekend Edition Sundays." http://arthurlynch.wordpress.com/.
Here is more from Art Lynch directly pertaining to SAGWATCH: Posted by Art Lynch : "SAGWatch was an idea hatched in the back of a meeting during the heart of the War of the Allens. At the time the Membership First faction of SAG had complete control of the messaging and owned all the websites...Initially five people spent countless hours on the SAGWatch project. There was only one person outside the core group that knew any of the details of how the site worked and provided tons of organizational help, for reasons of his own. A sixth key player joined, and will be leading the way forward, as SAG-AFTRA moves forward representing us all.
We invite you to join most of us at the new site, SAG-AFTRA Watch..." HERE IT IS IN PLAIN LANGUAGE! NOW WHAT KNID OF MEETING COULD IT HAVE BEEN?
Here are some of the meetings Art Lynch attends: Art Lynch is an actor and educator who serves on the National Board of Directors of the Screen Actors Guild representing Nevada." "As I shared in today's membership meeting, it is my hope that, whether we merge or not, members continue to step forward and run for office, volunteer for committees and do all they can to turn potential work union in Nevada. We are the union..."
Then there is this: "In Nevada, Art Lynch won a contested national board seat. Six other national board seats from the Regional Branch Division were uncontested, and the winners were previously announced: Boston – Bill Mootos; Dallas – Suzanne Burkhead; Detroit – Ed Kelly; Houston – Robert Nelson; Nashville – Cece DuBois; Washington, D.C./Baltimore –Stephen F. Schmidt. All of those are three-year positions, and all of the regional winners are believed to favor merger." http://actingresources.blogspot.com/.
The problem with all this is that SAGWATCH APPARENTLY VIOLATED AFTRA RULES BY OBTAING CONFIDENTIAL INFO! "AFTRA probes operator of Sagwatch site".
Org investigates allegations of union violations:
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118025208?refCatId=18. You see, someone was feeding SAGWATCH INFORMATION FROM THE INSIDE.
AFTRA issued a statement Tuesday confirming that it has been probing the allegations regarding David Browde and the two-year-old website, which is operated anonymously.
Sagwatch has been supportive of the current elected leadership of the Screen Actors Guild and highly critical of SAG's Membership First faction, which has been losing power for the past two years."
Now, we see through a glass darkly. SAG'S OWN ELECTED LEADERS JOINED WITH AFTRA'S LEADERS TO START A DISINFORMATION CAMPAIGN DESIGNED TO TOPPLE SAG. THE REAL ISSUE IS WHAT ELSE DID THEY DO?
"Me" continues:
SAGWATCH UNMASKED-DID 5 SAG BOARD MEMBERS CONSPIRE TO DESTROY SAG?
SAG MEMBERS LOST MILLIONS IN SALARIES, BENEFITS, RESIDUALS AND PENSION PAYMENTS!
IF SAG'S ELECTED BOARD INTENTIONALLY THREW THE NEGOTIATIONS IT IS A CRIME!
THE COCKROACHES RUN FROM THE LIGHT! TODAY ONE OF THE FIVE ADMITS THE PLOT!
According to Art Lynch he and five others conspired at a "meeting" to form SAGWATCH.
As we know, AFTRA claimed that they investigated whether their own board member was connected to SAGWATCH.
If he were then it would be a violation of their union's rules.
make no mistake, ONLY PEOPLE WITH INSIDE INFORMATION COULD HAVE REVEALED WHAT APPEARED ON SAGWATCH.
here is what Variety said: "AFTRA noted that it is investigating whether there have been any violations of its confidentiality rules or of the two-year-old non-disparagement agreement b...etween SAG and AFTRA.
That "no raiding" agreement, brokered by the AFL-CIO as a condition of the unions negotiating a joint commercials contract, bars elected leaders of each union from publicly criticizing the other -- and required each union to deposit $2 million for fines."
AFTRA RAIDED SAG'S TERRITORY.
PERIOD!
THE ISSUE IS DID SAG'S BOARD USE CONFIDENTIAL INSIDER INFORMATION TO DESTROY SAG? THAT IS A MAJOR CRIME.
JUST THINK, IF SAG BOARD MEMBERS USED INSIDER INFORMATION TO NOT NEGOTIATE IN GOOD FAITH THAT WAS A SAVINGS TO PRODUCERS OF TENS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS.
NOW, WE HAVE AN ADISSION FROM A SITTING SAG BOARD MEMBER THAT HE AND FIVE OTHERS ARE SAGWATCH.
I CALL ON ARLIN MILLER TO START A CAMPAIGN TO CALL FOR AN OFFICIAL OUTSIDE IMVESTIGATION TO SEE WHAT HAPPENED.
THESE ARE DISPICABLE ACTIONS AND THE ENTIRE STORY HAS TO BE INVESTIGATED AND IF WRONG DOING IS FOUND, THEN APPROPRIATE LEGAL ACTIONS NEED TO BE TAKEN.
The Hollywood Reporter says AFTRA investigated whether AFTRA board member David Browde ran the website SAGWATCH and found the answer was "no."
Not everyone thinks it matters who ran Sagwatch.
Source: SAGAFTRAnext.com
Boy, Fred, I couldn't agree more. I think Matt's agenda isn't based in proving the audio/visual elements as real, but to use it as a means of outing the real individuals behind Sagwatch. The problem is, the only ones who really care who runs Sagwatch are the half dozen or so sad/frustrated people over on that other site. Not only does 99.9% of the union membership have no interest or care in who runs Sagwatch, if they did learn who it was, the revelation would be about as important to them as learning who manages their local McDonald's.
The real shame of this is that the rabid insistence that SAGWatch is at the center of a conspiracy has completely destroyed the opportunity for anyone with a valid anti-merger argument to speak out. They've been drowned out by truly idiotic claims that current SAG leadership is conspiring to destroy SAG and deliver the corpse to an AMPTP-AFTRA cabal. How can any rational conversation take place when there are folks ready to give credit to proven fabricated emails and phone calls that make "The Protocols Of The Elders Of Zion" look as authentic as the Declaration Of Independence?
There are going to be weak spots in the merger plan when it is presented. That's a given for any document created by a committee seeking consensus. It is highly unlikely that the weak spots will be fatal to the entire plan, but the period after the plan is revealed and the referendum is held should be an opportunity to probe, and prospectively fix, things. It's pretty clear right now that the time and energy that should be spent in that endeavor is more likely to be wasted dealing with the kind of misinformation we've already seen on the message boards, and the irrelevant personal attacks that are a substitute for real discussion. The opportunity to improve the merger proposal will be lost forever, and that's shameful, but no more than the conduct of the handful of cranks who will say ANYTHING to defeat merger.
_____________
Back to "me" at Sagwatchdog.com:
YOUR SAG DUES FUNDED "SAGWATCH" BUT NOBODY CARES!
THE PRODUCERS JUST BOUGHT BOTH UNIONS! AND YOU PAID FOR IT!
“Once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth.”.
shelock holmes
Believe it or not SAG MEMBER'S DUES FUNDED THE PROPAGANDA WEB SITE SAGWATCH! Not to worry though NOBODY CARES!
Art Lynch a current SAG Board member and four other SAG Board members specifically the NEW TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE used YOUR SAG DUES to initiate, establish and pay for the operation of "sagwatch."
But don't worry, nobody cares.
Since Art Lynch openly admitted that it was he and four other SAG Board members who founded SAGWATCH at a SAG Board meeting I have contact many media people to try and get an investigation.
NOBODY CARES! Why not? Because the producers just bought BOTH SAG AND AFTRA!
In one of the most devious schemes in history, the producers union funded both aftra and SAG board members elections.
After successfully installing promerger boards at both unions, the Producers then used Union member's dues to force the merger.
one weapon they used was "sagwatch."
like a tpjyo rose sagwatch pumper out lies and distortions and SECRET INSIDE INFORMATION.
Only AFTRA and SAG board members could have access to that information. Oh well, nobody cares. absolutely nobody cares."
Poking Fun At Cell Phone Fears
To contact us Click HERE
Source: SmartGridNews.com
I love when the technology worshipers get all condescending...
"Just for the record -- we don't object to people who sincerely believe that ("smart") meters emit harmful radiation (though we do wonder why they didn't protest when microwave ovens and cellular phones were introduced)."
The comment the article wouldn't let me post:
Really? Do you really wonder that? Because it's pretty simple, actually: we're just now finding out that the radiation is harmful. The US Navy has been studying the health effects of microwave radiation and as of the early 70's they had thousands of articles referenced....but nobody ever let anyone know. Now that we've got the Net, well, we've been able to find out about these things.
Back in the day of microwaves, there was no internet. Now there's an internet and information can be shared. Information about public safety and health that manufacturers and powers that be didn't want us to know about before because it might have affected their bottom line.
(I might also have replied that George Carlo's studies were suppressed in the 1990's and that's why no one protested about the cell phones.)
Matt Fisken said:
By definition, "progress" must produce an overall improvement in the human condition. Wireless smart meters are creating a "progress trap," bursting massive amounts of RF emissions into the air and negatively affecting power quality to potentially save some CO2 emissions. Even smart grid shills will admit that RF heats water molecules, so it would be wise for y'all to consider the effects microwave energy has on the atmosphere and climate change.
The argument that those who opt-out should pay to do so is absurd. The smart grid is already socialized through our taxes and the ARRA of 2009, (American Reinvestment and Recovery Act...billions!) so it makes no sense that those who can see through this con would be asked to pay extra.
If you believe you need a new computer or piece of software, would you expect someone who is content with their old system to subsidize your purchase? Should non-smokers be taxed to help pay for people's cigarettes? Maybe everyone should get a free government issued cell phone and those who don't want one should have to pay for the "privilege" of using an existing landline.
If you really want a product that emits random and frequent bursts of harmful radiation, you should pay for it out of pocket and those who opt out, making do with their perfectly good analog meter, should get a refund.
What it boils down to is that you are getting paid to pretend these things aren't dangerous. The "fringe" who are unafraid to stand up to this tyranny are receiving no money and are working to help people, not their bottom line.
"Analog phobia" is a new condition where people become afraid of anything with moving parts, causing them to obsessively replace functional equipment with digital gear. Is it really so hard to read those little dials and report your usage by phone, email or post card? You don't need a smart meter to turn off a light switch or turn down a thermostat.
Ron Gordon said:
There are no 'benefits' to 'smart meters', except to the corporations forcing them on us. The safety of these W.H.O. Class 2B 'possible carcinogens' has not been proven and is very much in doubt. People did not complain when microwave ovens and cell phones were introduced because they are not bolted to the side of your home against your will and on 24/7/365...and they are on 24/7/365. The smart meter is just the start of an avalance of such devices...next you will need to purchase new 'smart' appliances. Wake up.
Joel Moscowitz, PhD said:
MONTREAL, Sept. 24, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Children may particularly be at risk of developing electromagnetic hypersensitivity or diseases such as cancer from overexposure to radiofrequency(RF)/microwaves emitted by smart meters and other wireless devices, say 54 experts who have authored hundreds of peer-reviewed studies on the health effects of electromagnetic fields.
"Adverse neurological effects have been reported in people who sustain close proximity to wireless meters, especially under 10 feet," says an open letter recently endorsed by the experts from 20 countries, including Yury Grigoriev, Chair of the Russian National Committee on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection.
Entitled "Smart Meters: Correcting the Gross Misinformation", the letter written by Dr David Carpenter, founder of the University at Albany School of Public Health, states notably:
"Wireless smart meters typically produce… millisecond-long RF bursts on average 9,600 times a day with a maximum of 190,000 daily transmissions…
People in proximity to a smart meter are at risk of significantly greater aggregate of RF/microwave exposure than with a cell phone, not to mention the cumulative exposure received by people living near multiple meters mounted together, pole-mounted routers or utility collector meters using a third antenna to relay RF signals from 500 to 5,000 homes.''
"Many scientists and medical experts urgently recommend that measures following the Precautionary Principle be applied immediately — such as using wired meters — to reduce biologically inappropriate microwave exposure.''
Full text and list of the 54 experts : http://tinyurl.com/rfmeters
Summary by UC Berkeley School of Public Health: http://www.prlog.org/11978228
http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/1041159/health-experts-from-20-countries-caution-about-smart-meter-risks
Physicist Barrie Trower warns WiFi radiation is similar to microwave weaponry
Source: SmartGridNews.com
I love when the technology worshipers get all condescending...
"Just for the record -- we don't object to people who sincerely believe that ("smart") meters emit harmful radiation (though we do wonder why they didn't protest when microwave ovens and cellular phones were introduced)."
The comment the article wouldn't let me post:
Really? Do you really wonder that? Because it's pretty simple, actually: we're just now finding out that the radiation is harmful. The US Navy has been studying the health effects of microwave radiation and as of the early 70's they had thousands of articles referenced....but nobody ever let anyone know. Now that we've got the Net, well, we've been able to find out about these things.
Back in the day of microwaves, there was no internet. Now there's an internet and information can be shared. Information about public safety and health that manufacturers and powers that be didn't want us to know about before because it might have affected their bottom line.
(I might also have replied that George Carlo's studies were suppressed in the 1990's and that's why no one protested about the cell phones.)
Matt Fisken said:
By definition, "progress" must produce an overall improvement in the human condition. Wireless smart meters are creating a "progress trap," bursting massive amounts of RF emissions into the air and negatively affecting power quality to potentially save some CO2 emissions. Even smart grid shills will admit that RF heats water molecules, so it would be wise for y'all to consider the effects microwave energy has on the atmosphere and climate change.
The argument that those who opt-out should pay to do so is absurd. The smart grid is already socialized through our taxes and the ARRA of 2009, (American Reinvestment and Recovery Act...billions!) so it makes no sense that those who can see through this con would be asked to pay extra.
If you believe you need a new computer or piece of software, would you expect someone who is content with their old system to subsidize your purchase? Should non-smokers be taxed to help pay for people's cigarettes? Maybe everyone should get a free government issued cell phone and those who don't want one should have to pay for the "privilege" of using an existing landline.
If you really want a product that emits random and frequent bursts of harmful radiation, you should pay for it out of pocket and those who opt out, making do with their perfectly good analog meter, should get a refund.
What it boils down to is that you are getting paid to pretend these things aren't dangerous. The "fringe" who are unafraid to stand up to this tyranny are receiving no money and are working to help people, not their bottom line.
"Analog phobia" is a new condition where people become afraid of anything with moving parts, causing them to obsessively replace functional equipment with digital gear. Is it really so hard to read those little dials and report your usage by phone, email or post card? You don't need a smart meter to turn off a light switch or turn down a thermostat.
Ron Gordon said:
There are no 'benefits' to 'smart meters', except to the corporations forcing them on us. The safety of these W.H.O. Class 2B 'possible carcinogens' has not been proven and is very much in doubt. People did not complain when microwave ovens and cell phones were introduced because they are not bolted to the side of your home against your will and on 24/7/365...and they are on 24/7/365. The smart meter is just the start of an avalance of such devices...next you will need to purchase new 'smart' appliances. Wake up.
Joel Moscowitz, PhD said:
MONTREAL, Sept. 24, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Children may particularly be at risk of developing electromagnetic hypersensitivity or diseases such as cancer from overexposure to radiofrequency(RF)/microwaves emitted by smart meters and other wireless devices, say 54 experts who have authored hundreds of peer-reviewed studies on the health effects of electromagnetic fields.
"Adverse neurological effects have been reported in people who sustain close proximity to wireless meters, especially under 10 feet," says an open letter recently endorsed by the experts from 20 countries, including Yury Grigoriev, Chair of the Russian National Committee on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection.
Entitled "Smart Meters: Correcting the Gross Misinformation", the letter written by Dr David Carpenter, founder of the University at Albany School of Public Health, states notably:
"Wireless smart meters typically produce… millisecond-long RF bursts on average 9,600 times a day with a maximum of 190,000 daily transmissions…
People in proximity to a smart meter are at risk of significantly greater aggregate of RF/microwave exposure than with a cell phone, not to mention the cumulative exposure received by people living near multiple meters mounted together, pole-mounted routers or utility collector meters using a third antenna to relay RF signals from 500 to 5,000 homes.''
"Many scientists and medical experts urgently recommend that measures following the Precautionary Principle be applied immediately — such as using wired meters — to reduce biologically inappropriate microwave exposure.''
Full text and list of the 54 experts : http://tinyurl.com/rfmeters
Summary by UC Berkeley School of Public Health: http://www.prlog.org/11978228
http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/1041159/health-experts-from-20-countries-caution-about-smart-meter-risks
Physicist Barrie Trower warns WiFi radiation is similar to microwave weaponry
Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan Votes Against Miranda Protections
To contact us Click HERE
Source: Salon.com
Glenn Greenwald
The Supreme Court today reversed the Sixth Circuit’s grant of habeas corpus. All nine of the justices agreed that the legal conclusion of the Sixth Circuit — that “isolation from the general prison population, combined with questioning about conduct occurring outside the prison, makes any such interrogation custodial per se” – was not “clearly established Federal law” (a prerequisite to granting habeas corpus relief for a state prisoner). But on the question of whether the prisoner was entitled to be read his Miranda rights under the circumstances here — i.e., he did not consent to being removed from his cell for interrogation and was “questioned by two armed deputies long into the night and early morning,” often with the door closed — the Supreme Court split by a 6-3 vote. Six justices (the 5 right-wing justices plus Kagan) signed onto Justice Alito’s opinion ruling that the prisoner was not in “custody for purposes of Miranda,” while the 3 relative liberals on the Court (Ginsburg, Sotomayor and Breyer) all joined Justice Ginsburg’s dissenting opinion, which concluded (citations omitted):
As the Court acknowledges, Fields did not invite or consent to the interview. He was removed from his cell in the evening, taken to a conference room in the sheriff ’s quarters, and questioned by two armed deputies long into the night and early morning. He was not told at the outset that he had the right to decline to speak with the deputies. Shut in with the armed officers, Fields felt “trapped.” Although told he could return to his cell if he did not want to cooperate, Fields believed the deputies “would not have allowed [him] to leave the room.” And with good reason. More than once, “he told the officers . . . he did not want to speak with them anymore” . . . .
Was Fields “held for interrogation”? See Miranda, 384 U. S., at 471. Brought to, and left alone with, the gun-bearing deputies, he surely was in my judgment. . . . For the reasons stated, I would hold that the “incommunicado interrogation [of Fields] in a police-dominated atmosphere,” without informing him of his rights, dishonored the Fifth Amendment privilege Miranda was designed to safeguard.
I don’t want to overstate the importance of this ruling: it’s not the most significant Supreme Court decision ever and it’s not dispositive on the question of whether Kagan will turn out to be a good replacement for Stevens; that still remains to be seen. But it’s also far from unimportant. As the lawyer Bmaz at Marcy Wheeler’s blog observes today, “the decision is a significant further erosion of the critical Constitutional protections embodied in Miranda.” That’s because it “specifically holds that police are not automatically required to tell prisoners of their legal right to remain silent and have an attorney present when being questioned in prison about another crime.”
Glenn Greenwald
The Supreme Court today reversed the Sixth Circuit’s grant of habeas corpus. All nine of the justices agreed that the legal conclusion of the Sixth Circuit — that “isolation from the general prison population, combined with questioning about conduct occurring outside the prison, makes any such interrogation custodial per se” – was not “clearly established Federal law” (a prerequisite to granting habeas corpus relief for a state prisoner). But on the question of whether the prisoner was entitled to be read his Miranda rights under the circumstances here — i.e., he did not consent to being removed from his cell for interrogation and was “questioned by two armed deputies long into the night and early morning,” often with the door closed — the Supreme Court split by a 6-3 vote. Six justices (the 5 right-wing justices plus Kagan) signed onto Justice Alito’s opinion ruling that the prisoner was not in “custody for purposes of Miranda,” while the 3 relative liberals on the Court (Ginsburg, Sotomayor and Breyer) all joined Justice Ginsburg’s dissenting opinion, which concluded (citations omitted):
As the Court acknowledges, Fields did not invite or consent to the interview. He was removed from his cell in the evening, taken to a conference room in the sheriff ’s quarters, and questioned by two armed deputies long into the night and early morning. He was not told at the outset that he had the right to decline to speak with the deputies. Shut in with the armed officers, Fields felt “trapped.” Although told he could return to his cell if he did not want to cooperate, Fields believed the deputies “would not have allowed [him] to leave the room.” And with good reason. More than once, “he told the officers . . . he did not want to speak with them anymore” . . . .
Was Fields “held for interrogation”? See Miranda, 384 U. S., at 471. Brought to, and left alone with, the gun-bearing deputies, he surely was in my judgment. . . . For the reasons stated, I would hold that the “incommunicado interrogation [of Fields] in a police-dominated atmosphere,” without informing him of his rights, dishonored the Fifth Amendment privilege Miranda was designed to safeguard.
I don’t want to overstate the importance of this ruling: it’s not the most significant Supreme Court decision ever and it’s not dispositive on the question of whether Kagan will turn out to be a good replacement for Stevens; that still remains to be seen. But it’s also far from unimportant. As the lawyer Bmaz at Marcy Wheeler’s blog observes today, “the decision is a significant further erosion of the critical Constitutional protections embodied in Miranda.” That’s because it “specifically holds that police are not automatically required to tell prisoners of their legal right to remain silent and have an attorney present when being questioned in prison about another crime.”
Pay In Blood --The Bipartisan Terror Machine
To contact us Click HERE
Source: Another World Is Possible -dot com
Once in a while, a writer comes along. A writer who hasn't been battered by the relentless you-are-powerless voices that bring learned helplessness via the tv and radio. A writer who hasn't been cowed by criticism from the more "sensible" among us, who hasn't allowed the numbness to scare every last trace of passion from his understanding of how things ought to be.
The truth is we are all at the mercy of a giant power system driven by murderous forces which literally are running amok in the atmosphere, in the sky. From the oil-probing intrusiveness of the HAARP radio waves to the drones that buzz day in, day out over people going to school, going to work, going home, going somewhere they hopefully won't be killed by the "surgical" drone strikes.
Those "surgical" (means less collateral damage) strikes only kill serious terrorists about two percent of the time, according to a new study. That's real surgical.
The other day I overheard a woman saying her friend is a drone pilot, a drone warrior. She said he spends his days in front of the computer and drinks the rest of the time. Killing via computer---from Sunny So Cal.
What I can't understand is that the world goes on turning, happily, people jabbering on their phones, laughing on the patio, going on and on and on with life while continuing to pay money to the cabal that kills through their taxes.....not caring, not despairing, oh well, it's something that's beyond our control.
Sometimes a writer comes along whose soul isn't killed by apathy. Here's Chris Floyd:
"US drones hover 24 hours a day over communities in north-west Pakistan, striking homes, vehicles, and public spaces without warning," the American law schools report says. "Their presence terrorises men, women, and children, giving rise to anxiety and psychological trauma among civilian communities. Those living under drones have to face the constant worry that a deadly strike may be fired at any moment, and the knowledge that they are powerless to protect themselves.
"These fears have affected behaviour. The US practice of striking one area multiple times, and evidence that it has killed rescuers, makes both community members and humanitarian workers afraid or unwilling to assist injured victims."
The study goes on to say: "Publicly available evidence that the strikes have made the US safer overall is ambiguous at best … The number of 'high-level' militants killed as a percentage of total casualties is extremely low – estimated at just 2% [of deaths]. Evidence suggests that US strikes have facilitated recruitment to violent non-state armed groups, and motivated further violent attacks … One major study shows that 74% of Pakistanis now consider the US an enemy."
A powerful story, setting out the lineaments of the report with admirable concision. But then the Guardian correspondent, Owen Bowcott [or his inserting editors], betray heartbreaking naivete:
Coming from American lawyers rather than overseas human rights groups, the criticisms are likely to be more influential in US domestic debates over the legality of drone warfare.
The truth, of course, is that regardless of its "Homeland" provenance, this report will have no influence whatsoever on the non-existent "debate over the legality of drone warfare" in the United States. For beyond the rare, isolated op-ed, there is no "debate" on drone warfare in American political or media circles. The bipartisan political establishment is united in its support of the practice; indeed, both parties plan to expand the use of drones on a large scale in the future. This murderous record -- and this shameful complicity -- will be one of the Peace Laureate lasting legacies, whether he wins re-election or not.
Once in a while, a writer comes along. A writer who hasn't been battered by the relentless you-are-powerless voices that bring learned helplessness via the tv and radio. A writer who hasn't been cowed by criticism from the more "sensible" among us, who hasn't allowed the numbness to scare every last trace of passion from his understanding of how things ought to be.
The truth is we are all at the mercy of a giant power system driven by murderous forces which literally are running amok in the atmosphere, in the sky. From the oil-probing intrusiveness of the HAARP radio waves to the drones that buzz day in, day out over people going to school, going to work, going home, going somewhere they hopefully won't be killed by the "surgical" drone strikes.
Those "surgical" (means less collateral damage) strikes only kill serious terrorists about two percent of the time, according to a new study. That's real surgical.
The other day I overheard a woman saying her friend is a drone pilot, a drone warrior. She said he spends his days in front of the computer and drinks the rest of the time. Killing via computer---from Sunny So Cal.
What I can't understand is that the world goes on turning, happily, people jabbering on their phones, laughing on the patio, going on and on and on with life while continuing to pay money to the cabal that kills through their taxes.....not caring, not despairing, oh well, it's something that's beyond our control.
Sometimes a writer comes along whose soul isn't killed by apathy. Here's Chris Floyd:
"US drones hover 24 hours a day over communities in north-west Pakistan, striking homes, vehicles, and public spaces without warning," the American law schools report says. "Their presence terrorises men, women, and children, giving rise to anxiety and psychological trauma among civilian communities. Those living under drones have to face the constant worry that a deadly strike may be fired at any moment, and the knowledge that they are powerless to protect themselves.
"These fears have affected behaviour. The US practice of striking one area multiple times, and evidence that it has killed rescuers, makes both community members and humanitarian workers afraid or unwilling to assist injured victims."
The study goes on to say: "Publicly available evidence that the strikes have made the US safer overall is ambiguous at best … The number of 'high-level' militants killed as a percentage of total casualties is extremely low – estimated at just 2% [of deaths]. Evidence suggests that US strikes have facilitated recruitment to violent non-state armed groups, and motivated further violent attacks … One major study shows that 74% of Pakistanis now consider the US an enemy."
A powerful story, setting out the lineaments of the report with admirable concision. But then the Guardian correspondent, Owen Bowcott [or his inserting editors], betray heartbreaking naivete:
Coming from American lawyers rather than overseas human rights groups, the criticisms are likely to be more influential in US domestic debates over the legality of drone warfare.
The truth, of course, is that regardless of its "Homeland" provenance, this report will have no influence whatsoever on the non-existent "debate over the legality of drone warfare" in the United States. For beyond the rare, isolated op-ed, there is no "debate" on drone warfare in American political or media circles. The bipartisan political establishment is united in its support of the practice; indeed, both parties plan to expand the use of drones on a large scale in the future. This murderous record -- and this shameful complicity -- will be one of the Peace Laureate lasting legacies, whether he wins re-election or not.
29 Eylül 2012 Cumartesi
United States Ambassador Christopher Stevens is Murdered as State Department snuggles up to Muslim Extremists
To contact us Click HERE
Yesterday on the anniversary of September 11 a coordinated attack by Muslim Extremists was carried out under the banner of "You Insulted Mohammad" and a little known film that was posted on YouTube over the weekend.
The United States responded to concerns about the film and protests via this press release:
"The Embassy of the United States in Cairo condemns the continuing efforts by misguided individuals to hurt the religious feelings of Muslims – as we condemn efforts to offend believers of all religions. Today, the 11th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, Americans are honoring our patriots and those who serve our nation as the fitting response to the enemies of democracy. Respect for religious beliefs is a cornerstone of American democracy. We firmly reject the actions by those who abuse the universal right of free speech to hurt the religious beliefs of others."
The Obama administration later said the above press release was not cleared by Washington, in an effort to distance itself from the statement.
But Obama's response did little to stem the violence which was met with minimal if any Libyan or Egyptian military, police or governmental response.
The violence in Benghazi Libya eventually led to the murder of US Ambassador Christopher Stevens and 3 others.
Cedar's Take: I don't often speak out on world affairs, knowing my voice is only "spit on the skillet" but in this case I'm going to make an exception:
The only action at this point is a strong and rapid response to secure American interests, to protect American citizens and to show the world we will not sit by and wring our hands while Muslim nut cases murder our ambassadors. Mr. President you either act now or we the people will act in November.
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| United States Ambassador to Libya Christopher Stevens is dragged away by a Muslim Mob just before he is murdered. Cedar Posts Update: Obama Adminstration says mob was carrying Stevens to the hospital. |
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| The US Consulate in Benghazi is seen in flames during a protest by an armed group said to have been protesting a film being produced in the United States on September 11, 2012 |
Yesterday on the anniversary of September 11 a coordinated attack by Muslim Extremists was carried out under the banner of "You Insulted Mohammad" and a little known film that was posted on YouTube over the weekend.
The United States responded to concerns about the film and protests via this press release:
"The Embassy of the United States in Cairo condemns the continuing efforts by misguided individuals to hurt the religious feelings of Muslims – as we condemn efforts to offend believers of all religions. Today, the 11th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, Americans are honoring our patriots and those who serve our nation as the fitting response to the enemies of democracy. Respect for religious beliefs is a cornerstone of American democracy. We firmly reject the actions by those who abuse the universal right of free speech to hurt the religious beliefs of others."
The Obama administration later said the above press release was not cleared by Washington, in an effort to distance itself from the statement.
But Obama's response did little to stem the violence which was met with minimal if any Libyan or Egyptian military, police or governmental response.
The violence in Benghazi Libya eventually led to the murder of US Ambassador Christopher Stevens and 3 others.
Cedar's Take: I don't often speak out on world affairs, knowing my voice is only "spit on the skillet" but in this case I'm going to make an exception:
The only action at this point is a strong and rapid response to secure American interests, to protect American citizens and to show the world we will not sit by and wring our hands while Muslim nut cases murder our ambassadors. Mr. President you either act now or we the people will act in November.
Odd Family Photos Assad and Gaddafi
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I might come as a surprise the Syrian connection to Libya's Muammar Gaddafi, but the Assad and Gaddafi families go back nearly half a century.
The young Bashar Hafez al-Assad in the chair, Seif al Gaddafi, Muammar al Gaffafi and then president of Syria Bashar's Hafez al-Assad looking on from the end of the couch.
As Syria’s bloody uprising continues into its second year, there’s a growing realization that President Bashar Hafez al-Assad just might outlast the rebels. While many had hoped that al-Assad would soon go the way of Libya’s Muammar Gaddafi, it’s clear that even if it happens, his departure won’t be so swift. There are a number of reasons why Syria’s Assad has stuck around, and why some people are even predicting the Syrian strongman may ultimately prevail. Here are the top five ways that Syria is no Libya.
Russian Weapons: Like Syria, Libya relied heavily on importing arms from Russia, using weapons systems such as the Soviet-designed T-72 battle tank and Su-22 aircraft. But in March 2011, Russia finally sided with the international community asking for Gaddafi to step down, which ended the Russian arms pipeline to Libya. That decision ultimately cost Russia billions of dollars in arms sales, which may be why Moscow decided not to repeat the same mistake twice. In Syria, the flow of Russian weapons goes on, much to the consternation of the United States. Russia has pledged continuing support to the Assad regime, and has even made recent arms deliveries to the country.
Intelligence Service: Syria’s Mukhabarat intelligence service is one of the most ruthless in the Middle East, eliciting fear and even paranoia among the local population. Some estimates claim that as much as 20 percent of the population is on the intelligence service’s payroll. (As in other authoritarian states, the truth of the number may not matter; what matters is that people believe it.) Syria has effectively used the Mukhabarat to keep tabs on the insurgency and to limit its effectiveness by arresting leaders—even kidnapping them from Lebanon in some cases. Read more: 5 Reasons Why Syria Isn’t Libya - Bashar Hafez al-Assad - Popular Mechanics
Realistic President: Muammar Gaddafi was smart—you can’t hold on to power for decades without cunning. But he was also delusional, believing, perhaps until the very end, that his people loved and admired him. Assad may harbor some elements of self-delusion, but he clearly knows the extent of unrest in Syria. In fact, Assad, who was educated in the United Kingdom, is well-informed on the importance of social media; according to leaked emails, he regularly discusses coverage of events posted on YouTube and Facebook. And at this point, he probably knows his choices are down to clinging to power and trying to weather the storm or facing an end like Gaddafi’s.
Strong Military: Although there have been defections from the Syrian military, so far the rebels in Syria don’t have the equivalent of the Free Libyan Army (later renamed the National Liberation Army). That group, though it was a ragtag resistance force, could fight a conventional military. Syrian rebels, by contrast, aren’t so organized. Even when rebels take over neighborhoods or towns, the Syrian army has been able to roll back those gains. The rebels have formed a military council based in Paris but don’t yet appear to have any formal military hierarchy within Syria.
Iranian Support: Gaddafi was largely isolated from the international community before the collapse of his regime, but Assad still has a couple of stalwart supporters. Iran’s leaders, like Russia’s, have refused to join international condemnation of Assad, promising to stand by their man in Damascus. While Russia supplies Syria with weapons, Iran, a major player in the region, is allegedly providing surveillance assistance, helping the Assad regime keep tabs on the opposition.
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| Bashar al-Assad, Seif al-Islam al-Gaddafi, Muammar al-Gaddafi, Hafez al-Assad |
I might come as a surprise the Syrian connection to Libya's Muammar Gaddafi, but the Assad and Gaddafi families go back nearly half a century.
The young Bashar Hafez al-Assad in the chair, Seif al Gaddafi, Muammar al Gaffafi and then president of Syria Bashar's Hafez al-Assad looking on from the end of the couch.
As Syria’s bloody uprising continues into its second year, there’s a growing realization that President Bashar Hafez al-Assad just might outlast the rebels. While many had hoped that al-Assad would soon go the way of Libya’s Muammar Gaddafi, it’s clear that even if it happens, his departure won’t be so swift. There are a number of reasons why Syria’s Assad has stuck around, and why some people are even predicting the Syrian strongman may ultimately prevail. Here are the top five ways that Syria is no Libya.
Russian Weapons: Like Syria, Libya relied heavily on importing arms from Russia, using weapons systems such as the Soviet-designed T-72 battle tank and Su-22 aircraft. But in March 2011, Russia finally sided with the international community asking for Gaddafi to step down, which ended the Russian arms pipeline to Libya. That decision ultimately cost Russia billions of dollars in arms sales, which may be why Moscow decided not to repeat the same mistake twice. In Syria, the flow of Russian weapons goes on, much to the consternation of the United States. Russia has pledged continuing support to the Assad regime, and has even made recent arms deliveries to the country.
Intelligence Service: Syria’s Mukhabarat intelligence service is one of the most ruthless in the Middle East, eliciting fear and even paranoia among the local population. Some estimates claim that as much as 20 percent of the population is on the intelligence service’s payroll. (As in other authoritarian states, the truth of the number may not matter; what matters is that people believe it.) Syria has effectively used the Mukhabarat to keep tabs on the insurgency and to limit its effectiveness by arresting leaders—even kidnapping them from Lebanon in some cases. Read more: 5 Reasons Why Syria Isn’t Libya - Bashar Hafez al-Assad - Popular Mechanics
Realistic President: Muammar Gaddafi was smart—you can’t hold on to power for decades without cunning. But he was also delusional, believing, perhaps until the very end, that his people loved and admired him. Assad may harbor some elements of self-delusion, but he clearly knows the extent of unrest in Syria. In fact, Assad, who was educated in the United Kingdom, is well-informed on the importance of social media; according to leaked emails, he regularly discusses coverage of events posted on YouTube and Facebook. And at this point, he probably knows his choices are down to clinging to power and trying to weather the storm or facing an end like Gaddafi’s.
Strong Military: Although there have been defections from the Syrian military, so far the rebels in Syria don’t have the equivalent of the Free Libyan Army (later renamed the National Liberation Army). That group, though it was a ragtag resistance force, could fight a conventional military. Syrian rebels, by contrast, aren’t so organized. Even when rebels take over neighborhoods or towns, the Syrian army has been able to roll back those gains. The rebels have formed a military council based in Paris but don’t yet appear to have any formal military hierarchy within Syria.
Iranian Support: Gaddafi was largely isolated from the international community before the collapse of his regime, but Assad still has a couple of stalwart supporters. Iran’s leaders, like Russia’s, have refused to join international condemnation of Assad, promising to stand by their man in Damascus. While Russia supplies Syria with weapons, Iran, a major player in the region, is allegedly providing surveillance assistance, helping the Assad regime keep tabs on the opposition.
Monday's Odd and Ends
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Belk South Park Fire Hazard - This is the fire exit at Belk SouthPark, which is cluttered with boxes and stock. You got to love the sign "Do Not Block Fire Door"
The trouble is this exit is one of two on the second floor that in the event of a fire customers would use to escape death. So CP was pretty surprised when one of the floor managers offered, "It doesn't look that bad".
The Belk manager is correct it doesn't look that bad, except with the power out, smoke filling rapidly and a store filled with Christmas shoppers the death toll would be stunning. They would all die right here, with the first person to stumble and fall.
You can guess that if this is in plain sight there are more violations behind the doors.
Cedar Posts not being real pleased with the official response from Belk looked to Charlotte's Fire Department as plan "B". The CFD has a "on-line" form that can be completed to "rat out" violators, so CP did just that. But a week later, nothing but crickets.
The CFD form is here.
Plan "C" was a tweet with the above photo attached directed to CFD public information officer Mark Basnight. His response was classic "@MarkBasnight Sorry, not on the clock nor do the comments made on my personal Twitter account represent CFD"
Rea Road Construction - The mess on Rea Road between Highway 51 and Colony continues. The good news is that after a week of traffic tie-ups the improvements to the intersection at 51 and Rea was completed Sunday afternoon.
Bank of America - Friday BofA announced 16,000 lay offs, that will happen before Christmas.
Greed of course is good, and with interest margins shrinking and banking fees coming under the watchful eyes of the Feds, Bank of America has little choice but to try and cut their way to profitability.
Laying off 16 thousand employees when just a week before they announced they were ready to grow strikes many as odd. But this is the way Bank of America has treated their customers for years.
More from ABC News here.
Percy Craven - Cedar Posts is going to spin off Percy Craven and give him a dedicated twitter account. I doubt the world will flock to see what Percy has on his mind but if a far right leaning, 89 year old self admitted "semi" racist pickup truck driving hillbilly farmer former USFS employee now turned "full time" fisherman has something on his mind you just might read it here. https://twitter.com/@percycraven A little insight at Percy Craven and a fish story of sorts is here http://cedarposts.blogspot.com/2012/08/percy-craven.html
The trouble is this exit is one of two on the second floor that in the event of a fire customers would use to escape death. So CP was pretty surprised when one of the floor managers offered, "It doesn't look that bad".
The Belk manager is correct it doesn't look that bad, except with the power out, smoke filling rapidly and a store filled with Christmas shoppers the death toll would be stunning. They would all die right here, with the first person to stumble and fall.
You can guess that if this is in plain sight there are more violations behind the doors.
Cedar Posts not being real pleased with the official response from Belk looked to Charlotte's Fire Department as plan "B". The CFD has a "on-line" form that can be completed to "rat out" violators, so CP did just that. But a week later, nothing but crickets.
The CFD form is here.
Plan "C" was a tweet with the above photo attached directed to CFD public information officer Mark Basnight. His response was classic "@MarkBasnight Sorry, not on the clock nor do the comments made on my personal Twitter account represent CFD"
Rea Road Construction - The mess on Rea Road between Highway 51 and Colony continues. The good news is that after a week of traffic tie-ups the improvements to the intersection at 51 and Rea was completed Sunday afternoon.
Bank of America - Friday BofA announced 16,000 lay offs, that will happen before Christmas.
Greed of course is good, and with interest margins shrinking and banking fees coming under the watchful eyes of the Feds, Bank of America has little choice but to try and cut their way to profitability.
Laying off 16 thousand employees when just a week before they announced they were ready to grow strikes many as odd. But this is the way Bank of America has treated their customers for years.
More from ABC News here.
Percy Craven - Cedar Posts is going to spin off Percy Craven and give him a dedicated twitter account. I doubt the world will flock to see what Percy has on his mind but if a far right leaning, 89 year old self admitted "semi" racist pickup truck driving hillbilly farmer former USFS employee now turned "full time" fisherman has something on his mind you just might read it here. https://twitter.com/@percycraven A little insight at Percy Craven and a fish story of sorts is here http://cedarposts.blogspot.com/2012/08/percy-craven.html
Hunting With Percy Craven
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It is more than a mile off the blacktop and down a winding gravel road to Percy's cabin at the lake. The road is bumpy yet soft thanks to the Carolina Pines that litter their needles like rust colored carpet atop the stones. The frost has come early this year, it is not yet October and with the frost comes the smell of burning fires and fresh coffee on a wood stove.
Percy's cabin is more shack than home, the kind of place that Eric Rudolph the Olympic park bomber would have called home while on the run for five years in the North Carolina mountains. There is not even the slightest amount of insulation, in fact some of the cedar planks that cover the walls show daylight as the sun first beams across the lake in the early dawn.
The water comes from a spring up the side of the mountain that collects into a concrete tank barely visible half way up the hill and tucked into the woods. Water pressure is supplied by gravity and the 200 foot run down to the house.
The sound the gravel popping under the tires of my SUV quiets as I roll to a stop. The stillness of the lake is stunning in the early morning sun beams of gold as the fog gently lifts and then falls over the tree tops. There are no signs of life inside the cabin but the fire is burning and the front door's ajar.
Percy is old enough that I often fear I'll find him dead one morning and if that be the case today, I'll take great relief knowing that he passed in his sleep in the place his father built nearly 100 years ago.
A raspy familiar voice from around the back side of the shed leaves me startled and relived at the same time.
"Whatcha no good?" Percy calls out.
"Not much, just looking for the old coot, who owns this piece of shit house in the middle of God's majestic wilderness" I figure I'd get that jab in before he says something about my WalMart boots.
"I see's you wearing your fancy boots again" Percy doesn't miss a thing. "You ready to go hunting?"
"Yep", I reply as Percy shoves a Styrofoam cup of black coffee my way.
This is no big game hunt Mr. Carven has invited me on, while it is deer season bears can't be tracked until mid October. Nope, no wall trophies today because we are going to bag squirrels and/or chipmunks.
No doubt some people consider them, adorable little creatures. But before anyone gets all city slicker squeamish on me let me explain at even Percy Craven won't eat a squirrel. Only thing nastier tasting Percy can attest to this fact, is a opossum. I on the other hand have tasted neither and never intend to.
So, we won't be frying up Rocky the Squirrel today, rather those the little varmints will be "shot" for their tails. It just happens that squirrel and chipmunk tails make great flies for trout fishing.
What Percy doesn't keep to make his own trout flies he sells to a artificial lure company in Kingsport, Tennessee. He'll get a dollar a tail, plus his shipping costs.
The trick to shooting squirrels you have to use a 22 with a scope and a steady hand. Head shot and the scope makes it a rather personal interaction with the squirrel. Percy has a Boykin Spaniel named Jake who spent the night snoozing next to the wood stove. Jake's job is to run in circles until the squirrels start chattering. The squirrels sound off about the dog and Percy takes careful aim and drops the squirrel from 30 feet up. Jake then brings the now dead squirrel to Percy and the process is repeated over and over.
It takes about three hours to bring down around 100 squirrels. Percy killed 99 and myself 1. The chipmunks are spared, Jake is wore out, and the coffee inside me is now cold, so we start our walk back to the cabin a 1/2 a mile away.
I ask Percy if it bothers him killing so many animals at one time. His answer a simple "nope". Then he adds: "I guess if it bothered them they would move away, maybe over the ridge or up the road".
Back at the cabin Percy makes another pot of coffee, and begins sorting the tails, selecting the best for himself. The others are put in zip lock bags, boxed and labled to an address in Kingsport and before I know it we are headed the the post office.
We drive along in silence until Percy speaks: "Whatcha thinking about".
"Dead squirrels" I answer.
"I see, well if you're worrying about a giant mother squirrel that is gonna come charging out of the woods after us, forget about it, I shot her last year right between the eyes. Dropped her dead in her tracks back there a spell."
I play along, "What if there's another one?"
Percy holds up a large hand gun: "That's why I brought this along, you never know."
We round the turn, crest a ridge and and the road swings down and to the right, and in the clearing ahead is a lone buck. The buck stands his ground no more than ten feet from the edge of the road.
I slow down to a crawl and the buck stays put. Sixteen point bucks are rare this close to town and I look to Percy as I stop the truck. It is broad daylight at least a mile from anyone. It is deer season. Percy Craven could step out of the truck walk along the road 20 yards and with one shot have the biggest deer of his life.
The stands perfectly still, looking right at us and the truck. I look at Percy and he looks at the buck. Then without waring Percy speaks up:
"Guess we better go", and he reaches across the cab of the truck and taps the horn. The sound sends the buck "tail high" and snorting into the woods.
I look at Percy like he's lost his mind, and he just shakes his head and says, "some other day".
We drive on to the Post Office in silence.
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| Photo by Cedar Posts |
The water comes from a spring up the side of the mountain that collects into a concrete tank barely visible half way up the hill and tucked into the woods. Water pressure is supplied by gravity and the 200 foot run down to the house.
The sound the gravel popping under the tires of my SUV quiets as I roll to a stop. The stillness of the lake is stunning in the early morning sun beams of gold as the fog gently lifts and then falls over the tree tops. There are no signs of life inside the cabin but the fire is burning and the front door's ajar.
Percy is old enough that I often fear I'll find him dead one morning and if that be the case today, I'll take great relief knowing that he passed in his sleep in the place his father built nearly 100 years ago.
A raspy familiar voice from around the back side of the shed leaves me startled and relived at the same time.
"Whatcha no good?" Percy calls out.
"Not much, just looking for the old coot, who owns this piece of shit house in the middle of God's majestic wilderness" I figure I'd get that jab in before he says something about my WalMart boots.
"I see's you wearing your fancy boots again" Percy doesn't miss a thing. "You ready to go hunting?"
"Yep", I reply as Percy shoves a Styrofoam cup of black coffee my way.
This is no big game hunt Mr. Carven has invited me on, while it is deer season bears can't be tracked until mid October. Nope, no wall trophies today because we are going to bag squirrels and/or chipmunks.
No doubt some people consider them, adorable little creatures. But before anyone gets all city slicker squeamish on me let me explain at even Percy Craven won't eat a squirrel. Only thing nastier tasting Percy can attest to this fact, is a opossum. I on the other hand have tasted neither and never intend to.
So, we won't be frying up Rocky the Squirrel today, rather those the little varmints will be "shot" for their tails. It just happens that squirrel and chipmunk tails make great flies for trout fishing.
What Percy doesn't keep to make his own trout flies he sells to a artificial lure company in Kingsport, Tennessee. He'll get a dollar a tail, plus his shipping costs.
The trick to shooting squirrels you have to use a 22 with a scope and a steady hand. Head shot and the scope makes it a rather personal interaction with the squirrel. Percy has a Boykin Spaniel named Jake who spent the night snoozing next to the wood stove. Jake's job is to run in circles until the squirrels start chattering. The squirrels sound off about the dog and Percy takes careful aim and drops the squirrel from 30 feet up. Jake then brings the now dead squirrel to Percy and the process is repeated over and over.
It takes about three hours to bring down around 100 squirrels. Percy killed 99 and myself 1. The chipmunks are spared, Jake is wore out, and the coffee inside me is now cold, so we start our walk back to the cabin a 1/2 a mile away.
I ask Percy if it bothers him killing so many animals at one time. His answer a simple "nope". Then he adds: "I guess if it bothered them they would move away, maybe over the ridge or up the road".
Back at the cabin Percy makes another pot of coffee, and begins sorting the tails, selecting the best for himself. The others are put in zip lock bags, boxed and labled to an address in Kingsport and before I know it we are headed the the post office.
We drive along in silence until Percy speaks: "Whatcha thinking about".
"Dead squirrels" I answer.
"I see, well if you're worrying about a giant mother squirrel that is gonna come charging out of the woods after us, forget about it, I shot her last year right between the eyes. Dropped her dead in her tracks back there a spell."
I play along, "What if there's another one?"
Percy holds up a large hand gun: "That's why I brought this along, you never know."
We round the turn, crest a ridge and and the road swings down and to the right, and in the clearing ahead is a lone buck. The buck stands his ground no more than ten feet from the edge of the road.
I slow down to a crawl and the buck stays put. Sixteen point bucks are rare this close to town and I look to Percy as I stop the truck. It is broad daylight at least a mile from anyone. It is deer season. Percy Craven could step out of the truck walk along the road 20 yards and with one shot have the biggest deer of his life.
The stands perfectly still, looking right at us and the truck. I look at Percy and he looks at the buck. Then without waring Percy speaks up:
"Guess we better go", and he reaches across the cab of the truck and taps the horn. The sound sends the buck "tail high" and snorting into the woods.
I look at Percy like he's lost his mind, and he just shakes his head and says, "some other day".
We drive on to the Post Office in silence.
In Case You Missed It - Chasing Lightning
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Last month National Geographic ran a story about Tim Samaras a lightning chaser following thunderstorms out in the Oklahoma Panhandle.
Writer George Johnson and photographer Carsten Peter, joined Samaras on the hunt for a perfect photo of a perfect storm.“Tim Samaras has a storm in his headlights and the world’s fastest high-resolution camera in the trailer behind. Can it catch lightning in the act?"
Above in the video a cloud-to-ground lightning strike severs the sky near Los Lunas, New Mexico. Tim Samaras and his crew chased the slow-moving storm cell until they ran out of road, and now can only watch as it moves on. New Mexico's sparse road system makes lightning chasing difficult. Far easier to navigate are the tight grids of farm roads crisscrossing the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles.
The full story from National Geographic is here.
Writer George Johnson and photographer Carsten Peter, joined Samaras on the hunt for a perfect photo of a perfect storm.“Tim Samaras has a storm in his headlights and the world’s fastest high-resolution camera in the trailer behind. Can it catch lightning in the act?"
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| Amazing photo by Carsten Peter showing a strike straddling the bridge up ahead. |
Above in the video a cloud-to-ground lightning strike severs the sky near Los Lunas, New Mexico. Tim Samaras and his crew chased the slow-moving storm cell until they ran out of road, and now can only watch as it moves on. New Mexico's sparse road system makes lightning chasing difficult. Far easier to navigate are the tight grids of farm roads crisscrossing the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles.
The full story from National Geographic is here.
28 Eylül 2012 Cuma
Saline Fair Helping Kids Learn About Agriculture
To contact us Click HERE
While I was at the fair this past week, there was one recurring thought that kept coming up in my conversations with people. They wanted the kids in the area to be aware of farm life and agriculture.
I can perfectly understand where they are coming from. During the Miss Saline Pageant one of the contestants was asked why she was active in clubs especially 4H and she responded in length but the part that stuck out to me was, "Saline used to be a farm town." I grew up in Okemos, a town similar to Saline in many ways. One of those ways is that well before I was around on this Earth, Okemos too was a farming community. Until the 70's and 80's that's basically all Okemos was. However, by now, there is scant a farm within the district lines of Okemos. Right when i moved away, the big farm located across the street from Okemos high School was sold so that more subdivisions could be built. AS far as I'm aware the only farm left is Cook's where my family has been buying our sweet corn since I was eight.
This caused problems. Being a nice community, still surrounded by farm communities (sans East Lansing) I see more similarities to Saline, another nice community (granted there is still more farming in Saline and Pittsfield) surrounded by more agriculturally oriented communities (sans Ann Arbor). When I was in high school, some of the more elitist and socially harsh kids would make fun of the neighboring communities for being, "hicks" or farm kids. This is just mean. I obviously don't know the inner-workings of Saline High School, and whether this kind of taunting exists, but i would not be too surprised I guess. Again, growing up I was, and similarly neither were my classmates, schooled in agriculture even though we lived 10 minutes away from one of the biggest agricultural schools in the region. I can't speak for those hurtful kids, but I feel as though if they had truly understood the benefits of agriculture and farming and such, then possibly they would not have been so cruel.
Besides all of that, it just makes sense for kids to be aware of where their food comes from, especially in these times. So much processed and unnatural food is being served to our nation's children, if they knew that they could be supporting local families and neighbors by buying different foods that not only support people, but is actually better for them, who's to say they wouldn't? We need to have faith in our children, and teach them things like this. I know for one, that after high school, I became much more interested in learning where the food I put in my body came from. How hard would it have been to take a field trip in elementary and middle school to a local farm to teach kids that? Not very. Plus, kids are impressionable, and some love to take what they learned at school, and especially on field trips and tell their parents everything they learned.
Parents are also a root cause of this problem, and with enough insistence from their children who knows what differences we could see. The one positive aspect out of all of this that I have noticed in the last few years in the growing trend of non-farm oriented small communities with farmers' markets popping up. That's great in my mind. You can't know where your food is coming from any better than if you're buying it from the person who grew or raised it.
I talked to the fair President Kevin Ernst at the end of the fair and he said thanks in part to the baby animal exhibit and the fact school had not started, they had much more interest and excitement from area children. I asked him if they talked at all with the school district to help promote and he said they had talked with Superintendent Scot Graden. However, since school had not started yet it makes it hard for the schools to help promote the event.
Basically, it seems important to me that kids in areas not focused on farming learn more about it and where there food comes from. Not only from a healthy eating perspective but also from a community building and knowledge perspective.
Recalling 9/11 via interviews
To contact us Click HERE
I'm often emotionally detached from an issue, including when I write a news story. In fact, many years ago in supervisor training at Ford, I was criticized in a role-playing exercise for not appearing sufficiently empathetic to a subordinate's problem. I realized afterward that my critics were right, but it took some time for me to come around. I was genuinely surprised by the feedback.
It's not that I don't care; better, I think, to approach the issue analytically, in order to resolve it most effectively.
For a recent story on the tenth anniversary of 9/11, I interviewed seven people over the phone, recorded the conversations on iPadio software, and published a two-part story.
Part of the fun of writing the story was weaving together the disparate stories, identifying common ground while highlighting the uniqueness of each person's experience.
As I listened to them tell their stories, I was emotionally affected, although I was surprised by it. Parts of their stories responated with me, because I too faced that awful day almost ten years ago. I am grateful to my interview subjects for sharing their stories with me, and for helping to bring yet another new satisfaction with my new career to life.
It's not that I don't care; better, I think, to approach the issue analytically, in order to resolve it most effectively.
For a recent story on the tenth anniversary of 9/11, I interviewed seven people over the phone, recorded the conversations on iPadio software, and published a two-part story.
Part of the fun of writing the story was weaving together the disparate stories, identifying common ground while highlighting the uniqueness of each person's experience.
As I listened to them tell their stories, I was emotionally affected, although I was surprised by it. Parts of their stories responated with me, because I too faced that awful day almost ten years ago. I am grateful to my interview subjects for sharing their stories with me, and for helping to bring yet another new satisfaction with my new career to life.
Ride along with the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office
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I went on a ride along with a deputy of the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday this week. I have been looking forward to it for awhile. As the police and court reporter covering Washtenaw County, I wanted learn more about the sheriff’s department and its methods. I was assigned to ride along with Deputy James Roy, who has been with the sheriff’s department for about five years. He is part of a violent crime unit stationed in Ypsilanti Township, but there are a number of aspects of his job. Deputy Roy explains it himself in this video:
Deputy Roy showed me around Ypsilanti Township and the different areas he regularly patrols, which include neighborhoods like West Willow, some apartment complexes like Village Grove Apartments, and trailer home parks. Part of the reason for the patrols is simply to have a visible police presence in the community. I’m still pretty new to the area so I was seeing quite a few things for the first time. He also talked about the different technology and techniques he uses, and about his own experience as a law enforcement officer.
The different kinds of technology used by police are among what I learned about on the ride along. Recording equipment is heavily used. Deputy Roy showed me a body microphone held in patrol vehicles. When he leaves the vehicle he clips it onto his uniform, and it provides an audio record such as for interactions with residents and suspects. Patrol vehicles have cameras in them. Footage gets downloaded wirelessly when a vehicle gets to the station, which for him is usually the Ypsilanti Township Civic Center on Huron River Drive.
The sheriff’s department also looked into portable video cameras for deputies to keep on themselves like the microphone. Deputy Roy said he tested a few of these cameras out over the summer, trying to find something that works out good. It needs to be easily portable, he said, because deputies carry plenty of equipment already.
From my own understanding, recording equipment is used both as a record of what happened if needed in court and as a means to protect officers from accusations.
I was also shown the computer deputies connect to their vehicles while on the road. They look like heavily armored laptops. There’s all kinds of features, such as a touch screen and easy to navigate screens that allow deputies to look up information even while on the move. Systems are in place capable of pulling up any driver’s license photographs and mug shots a person may have, allowing deputies to cross reference – useful for determining if somebody has a fake ID. Some of the computers even have a print reader, which is able to pull up this information with the imprint of a finger or thumb.
I also learned quite a bit about Deputy Roy during the ride along. I could tell he was passionate about being part of the sheriff’s department and working to make the community a better place.
“I could do this every day,” he said. “It’s what I always wanted to do.”
Three members of his family are also in law enforcement, two cousins and an uncle, so one explanation for his interest in law enforcement is that it’s simply in his bloodline.
Overall the ride along was a good experience. I’m glad I got to know Deputy Roy. He invited me to do another ride along pretty much whenever, but there were some suggestions like a midnight shift in July. I was told that’s one of the most active times in the year for law enforcement – mostly because people are themselves more active and get out more when its warmer, and this activity peaks in July.
Deputy Roy showed me around Ypsilanti Township and the different areas he regularly patrols, which include neighborhoods like West Willow, some apartment complexes like Village Grove Apartments, and trailer home parks. Part of the reason for the patrols is simply to have a visible police presence in the community. I’m still pretty new to the area so I was seeing quite a few things for the first time. He also talked about the different technology and techniques he uses, and about his own experience as a law enforcement officer.
The different kinds of technology used by police are among what I learned about on the ride along. Recording equipment is heavily used. Deputy Roy showed me a body microphone held in patrol vehicles. When he leaves the vehicle he clips it onto his uniform, and it provides an audio record such as for interactions with residents and suspects. Patrol vehicles have cameras in them. Footage gets downloaded wirelessly when a vehicle gets to the station, which for him is usually the Ypsilanti Township Civic Center on Huron River Drive.
The sheriff’s department also looked into portable video cameras for deputies to keep on themselves like the microphone. Deputy Roy said he tested a few of these cameras out over the summer, trying to find something that works out good. It needs to be easily portable, he said, because deputies carry plenty of equipment already.
From my own understanding, recording equipment is used both as a record of what happened if needed in court and as a means to protect officers from accusations.
I was also shown the computer deputies connect to their vehicles while on the road. They look like heavily armored laptops. There’s all kinds of features, such as a touch screen and easy to navigate screens that allow deputies to look up information even while on the move. Systems are in place capable of pulling up any driver’s license photographs and mug shots a person may have, allowing deputies to cross reference – useful for determining if somebody has a fake ID. Some of the computers even have a print reader, which is able to pull up this information with the imprint of a finger or thumb.
I also learned quite a bit about Deputy Roy during the ride along. I could tell he was passionate about being part of the sheriff’s department and working to make the community a better place.
“I could do this every day,” he said. “It’s what I always wanted to do.”
Three members of his family are also in law enforcement, two cousins and an uncle, so one explanation for his interest in law enforcement is that it’s simply in his bloodline.
Overall the ride along was a good experience. I’m glad I got to know Deputy Roy. He invited me to do another ride along pretty much whenever, but there were some suggestions like a midnight shift in July. I was told that’s one of the most active times in the year for law enforcement – mostly because people are themselves more active and get out more when its warmer, and this activity peaks in July.
It's time to get those potholes filled, Washtenaw County Road Commission
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The most obvious sign of the warm weather we've had the last few weeks can be spotted on Austin Road, west of Saline in Saline Township. The potholes are some of the worst I've driven in quite some time.
They stretch from the west side of the City of Saline and then mostly through Saline Township. Once you get to Bridgewater, most of the nasty potholes stop.
The weather looks pretty nice out, perhaps the county could take their truck and fill some of them...?
It's paczki day: where did you get yours?
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Tomorrow begins the season of Lent for Catholics and many Protestants, a season of fasting and penitence. Which means it's time for the metro Detroit favorite, the paczki.
A Polish favorite, the paczki has gained statewide popularity. I picked mine up at Benny's Bakery in downtown Saline this morning, and the line was the longest I've ever seen at the bakery.
Where did you pick yours up around Washtenaw County today? And who makes the best paczki?
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| Breakfast of champions...? |
A Polish favorite, the paczki has gained statewide popularity. I picked mine up at Benny's Bakery in downtown Saline this morning, and the line was the longest I've ever seen at the bakery.
Where did you pick yours up around Washtenaw County today? And who makes the best paczki?
27 Eylül 2012 Perşembe
Marathon man arrested for lewd behavior with two young girls
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A Marathon man is in jail, charged with acting lewdly towardtwo young girls.
Both girls approached School Resource Sergeant Glenn Test atschool in Marathon and told him 56 year old Benjamin Aquino had, on separateoccasions, touched them inappropriately and attempted to kiss them.
One victim, who was 12 years old at the time the incidentoccurred, said she was staying in the same house with him when he startedtalking with her about her breasts, asking to see them. She said he approachedher and put his hand on her leg. She said he moved his hand up her leg askingher if it made her uncomfortable.
The other victim was 14 years old when Aquino began tryingto kiss her when no one else was in the room. She said he asked to see herbathing suit which she was wearing under her clothes and tried to take hershirt off when she refused to show it to him.
Sgt. Test obtained warrants for Aquino’s arrest and onMonday, he was arrested. He was charged with two counts of lewd and lasciviousbehavior in the presence of minors and he was booked into jail.
A Marathon man is in jail, charged with acting lewdly towardtwo young girls.
Both girls approached School Resource Sergeant Glenn Test atschool in Marathon and told him 56 year old Benjamin Aquino had, on separateoccasions, touched them inappropriately and attempted to kiss them.
One victim, who was 12 years old at the time the incidentoccurred, said she was staying in the same house with him when he startedtalking with her about her breasts, asking to see them. She said he approachedher and put his hand on her leg. She said he moved his hand up her leg askingher if it made her uncomfortable.
The other victim was 14 years old when Aquino began tryingto kiss her when no one else was in the room. She said he asked to see herbathing suit which she was wearing under her clothes and tried to take hershirt off when she refused to show it to him.
Sgt. Test obtained warrants for Aquino’s arrest and onMonday, he was arrested. He was charged with two counts of lewd and lasciviousbehavior in the presence of minors and he was booked into jail.
Sergeant’s patrol car burglarized on Big Pine Key
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A Sheriff’s Office patrol car, parked at the Big Pine Key residenceof a Sheriff’s Office sergeant was burglarized. Guns and tactical gear werestolen from inside and from the trunk of the car.
Sgt. Ken Fricke, who is also a member of the agency’sSpecial Weapons and Tactics Team, said he walked out to his car at 9 a.m. todayand discovered it had been burglarized. His personal handgun – a .40 caliberGlock – was missing from the center console. He said he last saw the handgun onSunday evening.
Also missing from the vehicle was an automatic rifle – aColt M4 with a scope – and a second handgun, a .45 caliber Glock pistol. A bagwith all of his SWAT gear was also gone, including a bullet resistant vest,helmet, padding and other items. Ammunition for all three guns was also takenfrom the vehicle.
Detectives and a Crime Scene investigator responded andprocessed the vehicle for evidence. It is unknown, at this time, how suspectsgained access to the vehicle. The neighborhood was canvassed for anyone who mayhave seen anything. Sgt. Fricke said he did hear his dogs bark between 2 and2:30 this morning, but did not look outside. The investigation is active andongoing at this time.
State law prohibits the release of a law enforcementofficers home address, so the exact location of the crime is being withheld.
Anyone with any information about this case is asked toreport it immediately at 305-289-2351. Detective David Brummer is the leadinvestigator. Callers who wish to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppersof the Florida Keys. If a Crime Stoppers tip leads to an arrest, the callerwould be eligible for a $1,000.00 cash reward. The CrimeStoppers hot line is 1-800-346-TIPS or tips can be submitted on line atwww.tipsubmit.com.
A Sheriff’s Office patrol car, parked at the Big Pine Key residenceof a Sheriff’s Office sergeant was burglarized. Guns and tactical gear werestolen from inside and from the trunk of the car.
Sgt. Ken Fricke, who is also a member of the agency’sSpecial Weapons and Tactics Team, said he walked out to his car at 9 a.m. todayand discovered it had been burglarized. His personal handgun – a .40 caliberGlock – was missing from the center console. He said he last saw the handgun onSunday evening.
Also missing from the vehicle was an automatic rifle – aColt M4 with a scope – and a second handgun, a .45 caliber Glock pistol. A bagwith all of his SWAT gear was also gone, including a bullet resistant vest,helmet, padding and other items. Ammunition for all three guns was also takenfrom the vehicle.
Detectives and a Crime Scene investigator responded andprocessed the vehicle for evidence. It is unknown, at this time, how suspectsgained access to the vehicle. The neighborhood was canvassed for anyone who mayhave seen anything. Sgt. Fricke said he did hear his dogs bark between 2 and2:30 this morning, but did not look outside. The investigation is active andongoing at this time.
State law prohibits the release of a law enforcementofficers home address, so the exact location of the crime is being withheld.
Anyone with any information about this case is asked toreport it immediately at 305-289-2351. Detective David Brummer is the leadinvestigator. Callers who wish to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppersof the Florida Keys. If a Crime Stoppers tip leads to an arrest, the callerwould be eligible for a $1,000.00 cash reward. The CrimeStoppers hot line is 1-800-346-TIPS or tips can be submitted on line atwww.tipsubmit.com.
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