caucus99percent

free-range politics, organic community

Middle East Wrestlemania!

Blinking my pretty damned cynical eyes at the brazen bull shit coming out of the Federal Government with contradictions galore and absurdity for dessert. It is as if it just never occurs to them that the obvious question from anybody hearing the bragging about how we are stomping the crap put of Iran is, "Then why ain't it over?"

All I can say, folks, is hang on. We're all in this together and don't expect help from the government, unless, of course, you are a billionaire and can afford to buy politicians.

Wars Gone Wrong

Doug Macgregor described our approach to war as, "Ready, FIRE, Aim!". I think that is about right, or as my family used to say, "You've got your wagon in front of your horse". The US has no understanding of other cultures (and doesn't want it). We are arrogant about our power, which is waning fast, and to put the icing on the cake, we're incompetent. No wonder NATO is losing in Ukraine, and my bet is the US and Israel will lose a protracted war to Iran and their Russian and Chinese allies. These are all signs of end of empire, and I for one wish we would accept it and join the new cooperative win-win world order. Instead, we must prevent the rise of peer powers...how foolish.

Afternoon folks!

We've got a grab-bag of good stuff this week. Starting out we have an album from a soul-blues singer, Little Johnny Taylor, followed by one from a great Chicago blues piano player, Sunnyland Slim. After that it's two live albums, the first from "The Texas Cannonball," Freddy King, followed by a Mardi Gras performance from Dr. John in New Orleans. After that we've got a sort of acoustic folk blues album from The Nighthawks former guitar player Jimmy Thackery and slide guitarist John Mooney - an album definitely worth a listen. Finishing up we have an odd sort of album from French, Frith, Kaiser and Thompson a bunch of interesting guitarists and the drummer from Captain Beefheart's band.

Enjoy the tunes and have a great weekend!

Good morning, good people! I sincerely hope this morning finds you all safe, sound, and in fine fettle.

"We are in for a ride!" is the theme of my next two topics.

First, I took a 30 free continuing legal education course between client interviews on Thursday. It was about an aspect of law greatly changed by AI. These presentation are typically cringe worthy, but this one changed my customary views of travel drastically. I will point out the laws apply to Texas, but several aspect apply to the US.

Lyft and Uber. Who hasn't hired one? Ok. Uber is the Big Boy, but Lyft is identical except smaller. They operate Identically, they are the monopoly. They sent lobbyists to Austin, wrote some legislation, got it passed, campaign funds grew. Background checks on drivers are not conducted now. Fingerprints are not required of drivers now. Thousands of Texas men and women have been raped or victims of lesser sexual assaults by drivers. Prosecute, fine. Sue ? Forget it. The monopoly(s) are network transportation providers only. Their drivers are contract laborers. No point in suing them. Whereas they began as a cheaper choice than government regulated taxi services, taxis no longer exist, the the monopoly prices are now much higher that taxis ever were.

Happy Friday everyone. Welcome to Friday Night Photos your once a week escape from the day to day insanity of the world we live in. Post any photos, memes, music or whatever else you find of interest that helps tune out the madness.

February is half off admission month at many museums and other attractions in San Diego county. Last Friday I took advantage and went to the San Diego Museum of Art. I love surrealism so was happy to see the museum was featuring the art work of Mexican artist Alfredo Castañeda.
https://www.sdmart.org/exhibition/alfredo-castaneda-beyond-surrealism/

Hushed Music (2003)