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390 Cannon House Office Building, Washington DC 20515
Televised live on the Committee's site, PBS and other channels as mentioned in this L.A. Times newspaper article along with discussion about what to expect, what has occurred and other political commentary HERE
The final Committee report release expected soon may be discussed.
QUESTION: Will the Committee's final report rightfully include findings about ALL involved in the January 6th seditious activities -- including any that may have involved former President Donald J. Trump, any Congresspersons, U.S. Government law enforcement departments including FBI, Secret Service, other organizations, any religious entities, corporate and private financial backers, foreign governments?
CATCH-UP BREAK
Hope all is going well for each of you. Expect you may be busy with life including any preparations for the coming holidays. I'm continuing to focus on my need to catch-up on some matters here, so am not writing on any topics interesting me this week and for the next several weeks.
The Committee's subpoena to Donald Trump to testify resulted in the 45th President failing to comply and suing the Committee.
Former integrity chief Jack Smith, has been appointed by the Attorney General as a special counsel to "oversee the Justice Department's criminal investigations involving Donald Trump" as NPR describes HERE
QUESTION: Will the Committee's final report rightfully include findings about all involved in the January 6th seditious activities in addition to those of former President Donald J. Trump -- the Congresspersons, Government law enforcement departments including FBI, Secret Service, other organizations, any religious entities, possibly any corporate and private financial backers?
UP WHERE WE BELONGsung by Buffy Sainte-Marie
This is the composer's version of the song which is best known from the movie, "An Officer and a Gentleman" sung by Joe Cocker. "Buffy won an Oscar for this song with Jack Nitzsche and Will Jennings."
PERSPECTIVE
How we view life's experiences is all a matter of perspective. Buffy Sainte-Marie, now 81 years old, recalled in her youth being taught in school that in 1492 Columbus discovered America, but as an indigenous native Canadian American Cree Indian she knew that wasn't true. She said, in 1492 we Indians in America discovered Columbus.
Buffy expressed a variety of thoughts in her music's lyrics through the years including some about current events as others like Bob Dylan did. Elvis Presley and other singers performed and recorded her songs. Her career progressed until unbeknown to her the U.S. government began black-listing her, suppressed her music recordings she discovered years later in her FBI files. Not realizing her activism had become of concern, she thought her popularity has just waned.
Other credits Buffy has acquired included repeated appearances on Sesame Street introducing that young community to indigenous people. The story-line with her husband continued through her pregnancy, subsequent natural breast-feeding of her new-born baby.
Thanksgiving's celebration fostered my remembrances of what I was taught about the holiday in school. We focused on the Pilgrims and the Indians forging a friendship by sharing a meal.
Were some of you in later generations taught more facts about the Pilgrims and Indians relationship?
I have long since learned there is much more to the story of the Native American Indians, the indigenous people of our nation, from whom the Pilgrims began taking their land with and without their agreement.
The American Indian perspective on the Thanksgiving myth can be viewed on PBS.org HERE
"Wampanoag historian Linda Coombs and Narragansett Knowledge Keeper Cassius Spears speak with filmmaker Yvonne Russo about the experiences of Native populations at the time of European settlers' arrival in New England 400 years ago, and what is actually known about the first Thanksgiving."
The arriving pilgrims encountered the aftermath of a plague thought to have been brought to them a short time earlier by fishermen. Thousands of Indians died in this fast moving disease that decimated their villages of their health care providers and even those who bury the dead. Seeing this devastation a pilgrim leader reported God had cleared the land for them revealing an insensitive, even heinous view -- lacking in compassion for other human beings to say the least by this Christian likely intolerant of others different spiritual views.
Centuries later I recall attending the reading of a new book by author Dee Brown when we lived in Arizona. "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee" proved to be a novel describing how the American west was won. Heart-breaking descriptions reveal the "...systematic destruction of American Indian tribes in the late nineteenth century" as Good Reads reviews HERE
Native American Cultural Heritage Month is currently being celebrated on PBS. A number of programs are being aired about life on the reservations today you may find of interest.
Indian reservation life can still leave much to be desired for many residents lacking basic utilities taken for granted elsewhere. Agreements between the Indians and the U.S. Government also can continue to present challenges resolving.
Now may be a reckoning time as our nation's people need to relinquish the colorful notions and stories told about our history. The reality of our indigenous people, also of those held in slavery often has been romanticized and is long overdue for truthful descriptions.
We might also want to take special care to tolerate, especially in leadership positions and news disseminators, only those committed to speaking, writing truth.
The Committee's subpoena to Donald Trump to testify resulted in the 45th President failing to comply, then suing the Committee.
Attorney General Merrick Garland, DOJ, has appointed former integrity chief, Jack Smith, as a special counsel to "oversee the Justice Department's criminal investigations involving Donald Trump" as NPR describes HERE.
QUESTION: Will we see justice, know the results of the Committee's Hearings and the DOJ's criminal investigations involving Donald Trump before the November 2024 Presidential election?
"The time has come", the Walrus said, "To talk of many things: Of shoes - and ships - and sealing wax - Of cabbages - and kings - And why the sea is boiling hot - And whether pigs have wings." The Walrus and the Carpenter by Lewis Carroll
One interpretation at interesting literature HERE: "The story ... is, in one sense, the story of encroachment and entitlement: the sun upon the moon's territory or time, the walrus and the carpenters upon the oysters, which they presume to eat -- because they can."
DROUGHT -- We wait in the midst of our rainy season for more of the wet stuff, but no moisture here since last week. None projected for this week. Maybe next week, next month.
Typically, this is our fire season in which dangerous flames every year have been very destructive, often of people's homes, lives, pets, livestock, in addition to surrounding forests, also dislocating, even injuring or killing some wildlife there. We've been spared fires so far this season said to be due to the absence of diablo (devil) winds. These winds "catapult embers and fan flames" spreading the fire far and wide.
KIWIS and BAMBOO FABRIC INNOCENT -- (see my previous post. ). I have since consulted with my Dermatologist, then referral to an Allergist has me finally getting some meaningful treatment gradually affecting all that itching, hives/rash, watery eyes, runny nose, other symptoms, and energy, alertness level depletions alleviating some sleep complications.
Seems I did what many people do with my symptoms -- think food or some other item is the potential cause, so we try the process of elimination. The reality, I was told, is that most often the cause has to do with pollens, airborne matters also affecting the respiratory system. This may be more prevalent in some areas such as where I live than in others, I think.
So, I can eat those kiwis, wear those bamboo fabric P.J.s I was told (but I may wait 'til this is over). Given some of the relief I'm experiencing indicates we're on the right track though there is still a toll as each day wears on. Meanwhile, a thorough examination with blood work and other will be occurring.
My fatigue level, endurance have all been affected for much longer than a month now, resulting in my getting even more behind on so many things. The annual holidays are coming, too, so, I will continue with limited time spent blogging, probably writing only here, among other things. Thanks for your understanding.
MUSIC MEMORIES -- An early 20th century variety of jazz and swing, before my day, continues to be popular with many of all ages -- young and old. Dixieland is one such style that has had a popular group of musicians in our town. Jazz evolved into later 20th century styles I especially enjoy more and shared with my husband. Performing jazz with his groups, including a vocal one, and backing some name artists was my husband's professional avocation for many years which I've previously written about here.
I welcome promoting jazz so was pleased to recently learn of this 43-year-old Thanksgiving festival. Check your community for music festivals year 'round featuring the music you favor and support them. Area Philharmonic Orchestras can be especially enjoyable, too., as are any local area symphonies that sometimes hold outdoor concerts.
2022San Diego Jazz Fest & Swing Extravaganza.
Celebrating 43 Years! Thanksgiving Weekend
"The San Diego Jazz Fest is one of the longest running annual music festivals dedicated to celebrating jazz music of the early 20th Century. Since 1980, this event has been held during Thanksgiving weekend in San Diego, California, and features a variety of musical artists performing traditional jazz, swing, blues, ragtime, boogie woogie, gospel, and rhythm and blues."
MY FIRST THANKSGIVING I recall when I was quite young was spent on a Great Aunt's midwest Ohio farm with other of my family members on what became an extended long weekend due to unexpected snow creating safe driving concerns. Having had our Thanksgiving dinner, we now needed more food due to our sudden necessary delayed departure in those times before home freezers with an emergency supply of food were prevalent.
The next day the men, including my older brother, went out hunting for rabbits. Tracking the rabbits footprints in the snow aided in the task. They allowed me to traipse along to observe the whole process which culminated in the men dressing the rabbits for the women who later prepared them for dinner.
I was quite appalled with the demise of the rabbits, refusing to eat any of the meat. Finally, I reluctantly agreed to taste a bite which led to a second, then more. Surprisingly to me, the meat was quite tasty, overcoming my focus on what had happened to the rabbits and I continued to finish my serving. The next morning, I even ate some of the meat cold. I've never eaten rabbit since, but then the occasion to do so has never presented itself.
THANKSGIVING celebrations will soon have many enjoying time and delicious food with family and/or friends. Some may celebrate virtually. Others will settle on relishing long ago memories of those times.
DJT, 45TH President, is suing the Committee in what appears to be his classic technique designed to avoid or delay having to respond to their subpoena compelling he testify, initially delayed to ll/14/22 at his request. If 45's political party takes control of the House of Representatives as is presently expected, pundits expect the Committee will cease to function meaningfully and/or will be terminated since his party has previously declared the Committee to be nonpartisan.
QUESTION: Will the top U.S. government officials in the executive, legislative, judicial, other law enforcement individuals including Secret Service, FBI, Police Departments aligned with organizing and support of the January 6th Capitol coup/insurrection/assault ever be held accountable to the American people?
MIDTERM ELECTION RESULT projections as I write this restores my faith the majority of the U.S. voting public is determined to maintain our form of democracy with the current Administration retaining Senate control. There is much more to be accomplished.
May such voter numbers increase in all future elections. This dedication to thoughtfully participate in all future elections must continue in order to preserve our democratic republic based on our current major political parties ideologies.
So Cal where I live actually received about three inches of rain, more in other communities. Snow fell in California mountains, including Northern California, earlier in the season than usual, leading us to hope there will be more rain and snow contributing toward ending our drought.
BIG BEAR BALD EAGLES FRIENDS site HERE you may read the latest report about the eagle pair, Jackie and Shadow, recently observed to have returned to the area. Likely these eagles may soon begin refurbishing the nest in readiness to hatch a new brood for 2023. The Friends update (9/29/22) describes all the maintenance and enhancements provided for live 24/7 audio and video coverage of the eagles' nest with a spectacular background view of the surrounding area and lake.
LIFE'S DISRUPTIONS continue for me interfering with my having any semblance of routine. Annoyingly, to say the least, I'm again periodically experiencing nights when I'm unable to sleep with or without itching. Early in October I wrote HERE about what I took to be a simple allergic reaction I attributed to Kiwi fruit. I've not eaten any Kiwis since but clearly my problem is far from over. Surely there has been ample time for the Kiwis to leave my system.
A pattern has developed with increasing reactions including itchy feelings, inflammation with red rash splotches spreading these symptoms, finally over my whole body this past week. I did get a high dose flu shot at the end of the previous week but don't think that would have been a causal factor. Coping with these symptoms, erratically trying to get adequate sleep through varied daytime hours is my priority as I address this not-always-so-mild discomfort while I try to figure out what is the cause. I think I best wait for my final Covid booster vaccine until this issue is resolved.
Most recently I have begun to wonder if some new bamboo fabric pajamas I began wearing weeks prior to my symptoms might be the cause, so I've ceased wearing them. I never heard of bamboo fabric much less considered it could trigger such skin issues, but I don't yet know if this is the cause. I continue taking an antihistamine. I have consulted with my doctor who was unable to provide a curative medication, referring me to see a Dermatologist which I will do if there is no resolution soon.
The Night Watchman, 2021 Pulitzer Prize winning novel for fiction written by Louise Erdrich captured my attention to read on sleepless nights, selected from my stack of unread books. Erdrich, a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, has authored many novels, as well as volumes of poetry, children's books, and a memoir of early motherhood, received numerous awards. She lives in Minnesota with her daughters, owns a small independent bookstore, Birchbark Books.
Recent news stories about efforts to suppress the native American Indian vote reminded me of this historical fictional story based on the author's grandfather's life. The story describes Indian life on their reservation, the challenges they face surviving attitudes and obstacles encountered from our government. They deserve to retain decent productive soil on land where they can live and prosper, keep their culture, language. All this with individuals lives created are embedded in a story of the true Americans on this land our immigrant forefathers forcefully took from them.
The Brennan Center explains how voter suppression laws target Native Americans HERE. These citizens often have to travel many miles to vote, may have few, if any, ballot deposit boxes they can readily access to name a few deterrents. Native American voting rights need to be protected by Congressional action with just such a bill defeated in the 2021 Senate.
A political party that actively attempts to thwart citizens ability to vote in our elections through sabotaging restrictions including gerrymandering undermines the basic foundation of our Constitution and form of government.
FREEDOM -- Jon Batiste
An American singer, songwriter, musician, bandleader, television personality, and Grammy Award winner.
QUESTION: Will the 45th President, DJT, respond by November 14th to the Committee's subpoena extension he was able to receive to give his deposition and to provide requested documents?
DROUGHT UPDATE -- We actually received some rain showers last week where I live in SoCal.
Encouragingly we are being told to expect some hard rain, snow in the mountains for a couple days this week. Promises! Promises! Hopefully the moisture arrives here with snow in Northern California mountains plus more to come in the weeks and months ahead, normally our wet months for decades in past years.
VIRAL COMBAT -- I have my flu shot -- was given the high-dose version this year. In two weeks I'll seek the latest and final Covid vaccine. Continued wearing of the N95 mask when I'm in contact with most others will continue to be the order of the day for me.
I could still contract a virus but the severity of my illness would likely be minimal, might not even require hospitalization much less result in my death. I like those odds -- better than my winning the lottery.
MIDTERM ELECTION VOTING -- I chose to submit my ballot in a local drop box again this year. I will receive an email confirmation my ballot has been received and votes counted within the next few days.
What a tragedy with the suppressing effort to thwart this means as an an individual voter's right in some other states. There are those who promote proven deliberate lies discounting the trustworthiness of our election system.
DEMOCRACY PRESERVATION -- I continue to believe our democracy's preservation is the primary issue that needs to guide voters in their candidate selections. Candidates who are deniers of the legitimacy of the 2020 election results and conspiracy believers unable to discern fact from fiction pose a danger to our democratic constitutional republic's freedoms, true justice with genuine law and order.
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME AGAIN!
Barbra Streisand -- Everything Must Change & I Didn't Know What Time It Was Performed at Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York on Saturday 6 May 2017
Barbra was 75 (!) when she sang these songs with a voice showing minimal age-related effects.
Barbra's dedications were tributes following recent deaths then of Sandy Gallin who was a talent manager adored and respected by many stars you can read about HERE
Virginia Kelley, is a nurse anesthetist and mother of former President Bill Clinton who came to be warmly regarded by many you can read about HERE. Coincidentally, a friend of mine described her baby's birth as being "midwifed" by Virginia.
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME and OUR HEALTH -- Did you remember to "fall back" one hour effective Sunday, Nov.6th at 2 a.m.?
Once again in the U.S. we all must change our clocks for daylight savings time adjustment except for Arizona and Hawaii who did not adopt this DST change system years ago. I won't go into the whys and wherefores for all this but maybe this will be the last year we will be required to make this time change on our clocks.
You can read the DST history (not simply to accommodate farmers) in this succinct informative PBS News Hour transcript along with what has been learned about the effect of all this time manipulation on our health HERE
Seems research studies have shown these time changes may be having a more serious impact on our health than we ever knew beyond our own experiences considered merely anecdotal in official scientific 'worldom'.
Our U.S. Senate did finally act based on legislation passed in several states to end this change by establishing daylight savings time year 'round. That bill has stalled in the House of Representatives since some states, including my own California, desire returning to regular time, which I prefer, too. This difference must be resolved between both branches of government before officially being signed into law.
Meanwhile, I'm coping with my clock-radio purchased many years ago to automatically "spring forward" and "fall back". I was delighted to never have to bother with manually changing this clock twice each year -- just my wristwatch and other clocks in my house. At least one clock would have the correct time to begin the day if I hadn't noticed the time change was occurring.
Then, a few years ago officials altered the days DST would be in effect so my clock-radio's date for time change has been out of synchronicity ever since. For example, this past week my clock "fell back" an hour several days before official time changed. What an annoyance!
,
I'll patiently await our Congress to finally act to establish the time system we will use, quite willing to accept whichever one they decide to use -- standard time or daylight savings time. Then I will determine what to do about my clock-radio. Maybe I can turn off the automatic date/time change feature as I like the device's size for my bedside table and the other functions. Otherwise, to dispense with adjusting my clock twice a year, I'll be shopping for a new clock-radio.
What do you think?
Do you want to continue the system we have, "springing forward" an hour in early March and "falling back" an hour in early November?
Would you prefer to adopt standard time or daylight savings time year 'round?
Your response will have no known influence on how this government policy is decided but perhaps you'll feel better having expressed your point of view. We can see at least how our legislator's actions reflect our point of view on this one matter -- if and when they act and we live long enough to see the results.
QUESTION: Will DJT follow law and order in which he says he believes to tell the truth under oath to the U.S. Select House Committee on Jan. 6th Hearings?
FWIW I've been blogging on other sites less frequently recently, if you've noticed. This is due to personal issues but I want you to know I still care about each of you.
DEMOCRACY
A nation of freedom-loving people we have plenty about which to be concerned though in my eighty-plus years this is one of the most dangerous ones. I feel compelled to continue expressing my thoughts since critical U.S. midterm elections are still in process, so be forewarned. Should you prefer to avoid reading more about these issues, you may prefer to skip directly to AGING PERCEPTIONS below.
Democracy preservation for the United States is of the utmost priority when selecting candidates for whom to vote in this midterm election IMHO. Given the gravity of the situation I cannot avoid continuing to focus some attention on what is at stake for the survival of our nation as the constitutional republic and democracy with the freedoms our forefathers gave to us, "if you can keep it."
I wanted this blog to be politically nonpartisan when I began in 2006, but am dedicated to upholding our constitutional republic's democracy I have observed being under attack since 2016. I cannot remain silent since a once respectable political party became subverted into undermining our government by any means possible with lies regarding the results of our election process, even inciting violence in an effort to establish an autocratic system with a one-man ruler.
Obviously, by the actions of those aligned with the violent instigating political party and even the words of the leader they claim to follow, law and order is not observed or respected and won't be in the future for anyone whose views differ from theirs.
Individual rights and freedoms are being seriously threatened by that party. Unfortunately, many citizens have and still do take our rights and freedoms for granted, assuming we'll always have them or can easily regain them if taken from us no matter what we do or don't do. Nothing could be further from the truth as they can be whittled away little by little by various politicized government branches by far too many of that party's candidates such as those recent women's rights were taken away.
Government office appointments in the future and Congressional action by that party will jeopardize many citizen rights including healthcare, Medicare and Social Security in our richest of all nations -- our U.S. nation that already falls well below the offerings reported in the rankings of other nations in the democratic western world.
Federal, state, local elections, judges and appointees matter and we the people with our votes can determine what kind of country in which we and future generations live.
I know some of my words resonate with many in the U.S. and some others elsewhere in the world. I don't presume to know what if any meaningful impact occurs on any U.S. voter with what I write, but I must make the effort on my limited platform.
AGEING PERCEPTIONS OVER 90
We're fortunate whatever our older age to have individuals who have enriched our lives. The reality is that the older we become the fewer remain who are still living. That's certainly been true in my life as I've previously shared here. Celebrating my recent birthday many memories cross my mind.
I recall with loving thoughts the year my young teen son asked me to stay in the other room because he was going to undertake his first solo baking effort without supervision. He baked me a birthday cake from scratch which was quite successful when all was said and done -- probably the best cake, commercial or otherwise, I ever had made for me!
There have certainly been other significant family birthday occasions and some with co-workers as well as personal friends. Often lovely flowers my husband brought with memorable gifts, including unexpectedly unique ones from my daughter. Across the miles now I am not forgotten as grandchildren join my celebration. Far too many other family members and friends exist only in my memory.
This year, I unexpectedly was delighted to share some of my much younger neighbors delicious chocolaty chocolate October birthday cake.
Author, blogger, Katherine Esty recently celebrated her 88th birthday which caused her to think about what life might be like at 90 or older as she edges closer to that decade. She shares "What It's Like To Be Over 90" HEREin interviews with some she knows that age.
Wellness and disability issues are discussed coupled with a view revealing whatever one's physical condition an attitude exists of believing we're "Lucky To Be Alive" as younger old folks have said, too.
A probably 95 year old woman now I know is continuing to thrive living independently in her single family home following her husband's death some years ago. "C" as I'll refer to her continued her career as a hairdresser after she left the aerospace industry in an earlier decade until Covid caused the hair salon to close when she was age 93. Even then she often continued helping clients where they lived including shopping for them.
"C" had begun experiencing some challenges standing for long periods and began using a walker in some situations outside the beauty salon. She has some medical problems but continues to cope. She's always been in an upbeat mood in our occasional phone conversations to catch up on our lives, or when she stopped by the house a year or so ago.
Most recently, "C" speaks of selling her home and moving as one of her daughters may from her state to northern California where more of their immediate family is now living.
I appreciate learning about other individuals lives as they travel along the ageing highway, especially those living independently in their homes without benefit of community care facilities offerings. My situation presents challenges quite different from that provided in long term care even at the independent living level.
Having no family or even immediate close friends nearby can present additional complications as I experience which doesn't lessen the older one becomes. I have characterized my decision to choose this way of living my sunset years as "The Grand Experiment". Experiments outcomes can become unpredictable.
Perhaps you'll find Katherine Esty's blog at the link provided above of interest as she writes from her long term continuing care community. Certainly the views and attitudes of her fellow residents reflect the lives they lead and their experiences. I wonder if or how they might differ from those living in other than in long term continuing care settings?
Everyone living who survives many years with the obstacles they may have encountered in their path sprinkled among the joy and happiness they've had can consider themselves fortunate. Some of those obstacles may be of the person's own making caused by words said or unsaid, actions taken or lack of action. Then there are other complications that occur beyond the person's influence or control. Somehow the individual has bypassed the obstacle in some fashion, overcome, or found a way to live with the result.
Whatever the situation celebrating each birthday is well-deserved the older we become, especially when we consider the alternative.
"HERE'S TO LIFE" -- Shirley Horn with John Williams and the Boston Pops Orchestra, 1993
QUESTION: Has the U.S. Select House Committee on Jan. 6th Hearings shown evidence the ex-President Donald John Trump has violated his oath of office to support and defend the Constitution of the United States presenting a clear and present danger to democracy?
President's oath or affirmation "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."
10/13/22 SELECT COMMITTEE HEARING
Ex- President Donald J. Trump has been subpoenaed to testify before the U.S. Select House Committee on the Jan. 6th Hearings. Will he be able to find the truth to speak amid his many prevarications?
BETRAYAL
We might well come away from viewing all these Hearing sessions appalled at how many people in our government have betrayed their oath of office and our democratic republic.
"History of the Oath. At the start of each new Congress, in January of every odd-numbered year, the entire House of Representatives and one-third of the Senate performs a solemn and festive constitutional rite that is as old as the Republic."
U.S. Govt. form sf61 for all employees: "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God."
RAINDROPS KEEP FALLIN' ON MY HEAD by B. J. Thomas
Burt Bacharach and Hal David wrote this song with uplifting lyrics for the 1969 film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
Fall is teasing us with cool temperatures where I live in SoCal, but summer's heat will return for a few days before the coming week ends. Rain-promising dark clouds have been hiding the sun most days where I live only to release their much-needed moisture elsewhere. A sudden loud sharp clap of thunder as I write this has followed a finally left token amount of the wet stuff tonight for which I'm grateful in this drought-ridden state.
DEMOCRACY -- VOTING
November mid-term election voting has me reviewing my 5 page ballot that consists of federal, state, local municipal candidates and issues. Likely those of you in the U.S. are voting your own ballots or readying to do so on election day.
There is so much more at stake dwarfing the focus said to be primary such as inflation, immigration, environment to list a few issues. Those matters all become secondary to my voting only for those candidates dedicated to preserving our republic's democracy. They are the leaders I trust most to address our nation's problems with dedication to providing the highest degree of respect for truth and individual freedoms. Deniers of the 2020 presidential election legitimacy must themselves be denied my vote.
(A final Sept. Hearing canceled due to Hurricane Ian -- Reschedule TBA)
QUESTION: Does Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas' wife's persistence in stating our ex-President's lie the 2020 election was stolen from him present questionable issues about her husband's impartiality, need to recuse himself from some Court case considerations?
Here in sunny Southern California our temperature has dropped by a few degrees with the extreme heat past. Fall may actually arrive soon though only the calendar says it's here now. We still lack sufficient rain with no end to our drought in sight.
Florida and other U.S. east coast states have shared in Puerto Rico's Hurricane Ian's disaster-producing weather -- floods, high winds, tornados, destruction, death. I guess we will be challenged by events such as this, maybe even worse in the years to come due to changes in our earth's climate. This sort of weather causing disasters prevalent in other parts of the world is no less serious.
West Coast gas exploitation continues here in California. No more of those one cent, two cents or nickel a gallon raises overnight. This past week they just socked it to us -- fifteen cents plus not just one night, but fifteen more cents the next night, too. The third night the raise eased a bit to ten cents, then seven plus cents the next night.
"Sock It To Me" -- Judy Carne
Clip from the US TV series "Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In" (1960s - '70s)
Our Governor has arranged our less expensive winter gas mixture be sold earlier than usual by another week which is expected to result in a twenty-five cents per gallon cost reduction. He also requests a special windfall tax on oil companies who have made huge profits on gas sales with oil costs expected to decrease. We could use a little gas pricing stability.
Humor is where we find it, often with quirky matters triggering my funny bone. I've always derived lots of laughs from reading posted signs as we drove about locally wherever we lived across this country, also with advertisements in newspapers, brochures. Not everyone has shared my sometimes-weird sense of humor.
I recall my youth and first date, a blind date at that. I had reluctantly agreed to this setup by a girl who was only a casual acquaintance, but she had been persistent wearing down my resistance to the idea. He arrived at my house in a pickup truck in a time when such vehicles were strictly utilitarian on farms -- before becoming culturally popular everywhere in the U.S., including cities.
My blind date may have felt as I did, nervous, lacking in self-confidence, awkward, uncomfortable -- each of us focused on ourselves and how we were feeling inadequate. I was shy, especially in 1:1 situations unlike with the boys I grew up with where we lived previously. I don't recall what verbal efforts were made by either of us to become acquainted. I just recall the long silence driving into town as he said nothing.
I started reading some funny signs aloud I spotted along the highway into town as he said nothing. He did not react, say anything, or laugh, even chuckle -- apparently, he did not share my sense of humor. Or maybe, I wasn't supposed to be the entertainer, but he wasn't entertaining. I don't recall anything more about that evening, but I don't think it got better for either of us wherever we went or whatever we did -- maybe we went to a movie. Fortunately, in the years to come my self-confidence improved as my relationships developed, but I don't recall ever going on a blind date again.
My sources for humor continue to emerge in everyday life, not as many when you live alone, in just about every situation, even some that are quite serious. Sometimes I laugh so hard I end up crying, and occasionally I've laughed to keep from crying. Some of my laughter is prompted by matters some people might think weird. The digital world and the internet have certainly contributed to some laughable events as some of you have probably found, too.
I recently fired off one of my occasional brief instant messages, this time to my daughter -- an observation about a current news report about which I felt compelled to comment. My daughter responded, "Not in this Pili A1 world would either of those states be ideal". Reading her observation, I thought, oh dear, some more new terminology younger generations are using, and I don't have the slightest idea what "Pili A1" means. So, revealing my ignorance of current lingo as I used to know in the days of yore, I asked her, "What does Pili A1 mean?"
I learned later she was puzzled when she read my query, so busily began a Google terminology search for the meaning of "Pili A1" since she didn't know the meaning either. She came up with nothing specific that made sense. Then she happened to re-read our previous messages exchange and found "Pili A1" in her's to me. She could only laugh, she said, as she thought she had typed "political", but Google's automatic word correction had produced "Pili A1".
Google's system often does some curious word creations in messages I've sent confusing or totally altering my message's meaning. When I read how she had searched Google I started laughing, too. Now, every time I think about the whole comedy of assumptions and misperceptions we each had made, I start laughing out loud to myself. Maybe I'm finally cracking up.
U.S. Select House Committee on Jan. 6th Hearings continue in the fall.
QUESTION: Are there "echoes" we can observe in recent years and now of what preceded the Holocaust as shown in the new PBS Ken Burn's three program series with that title?
SEPTEMBER SONG -- Ray Conniff's arrangement.
Harry James Orchestra's triumphant tour of Japan in 1964.
Fall, my favorite season has arrived along with a week or so of cooler temperatures but summer is sneaking back this week to give us high 90' s to 100+ F (37+ C) here in Southern California, U.S. I'm not complaining as I read about hurricane Fiona tearing through Newfoundland where WiseWebWoman ("Other Side of Sixty" Blog HERE) whose last writing featured photos of her beautiful St. John's city. I await to read news from her after the storm hoping her city is spared. Meanwhile, click on this PBS 9/24 report.
My Fiberoptic internet installation updated from my previous blogpost about our community finally receiving this speedier connection -- I have now been able to see how much faster it is when downloading, then installing Apple tech data. This task was completed in only a few minutes compared to up to an hour or more required previously.
Cannabis use is a topic that has periodically come to the forefront in our city ever since ..... "California became the first state to allow medicinal cannabis use when voters passed the Compassionate Use Act in 1996. Today, cannabis is legal in California for both medicinal and adult (recreational) use." Laws and regulationsHERE
Our residents like some other cities have resisted allowing such businesses selling Cannabis. Now our City Council voted to place a measure on our November ballot seeking to establish a tax on businesses that sell, deliver, test, distribute, manufacture, process, and cultivate cannabis in our city. It sets gross receipts tax rates for the sale of cannabis and hemp sales in the city. There would need to be many further actions including some involving the public before any businesses could setup here.
Subsequently, following an educational presentation to our city council, a business existing in a nearby community established by a retired nurse and her daughter, who is also a nurse working in hospice offered that information to the public. The nurse daughter has taken specialized training studying cannabis so provided in-person and virtually, an educational session on the substance. They also sell cannabis and counsel purchasers on its use. I chose to take the virtual session though at the one on site they shared some actual items for individual examination.
They presented filmed testimonials of a few cannabis users for various medical problems, discussed side effects including noting with use short term memory problems could occur which I wouldn't welcome.
It is not my intention to influence anyone to use or not use cannabis. I've not used cannabis, but I do support controlled research especially for medicinal use which finally began some years ago. I do think seeking the latest information on cannabis would be most appropriate before using the product, including consultation with a knowledgeable person such as this nurse appears to be.
The use of cannabis continues to be federally illegal. The Center of Disease Control (CDC) position on cannabis you may read HERE. Various reliable medical internet sites also provide detailed information.
Meanwhile, I've found the anecdotal reports of those who have used the various cannabis products being legally sold now to be of interest.
Cannabis use for medicinal purposes was a discussion topic on Ronni Bennett's"Time Goes By"blog. "Marijuana and Old Folks"she wrote about 1/31/2020 describing her views with many of her readers sharing their own perspective and experiences. You may read that blog post HERE. (Note: A direct link does not work I discovered after publishing this post. You must scroll down to Categories on that right side bar home page, click on Health, next you scroll down that last page of blog post title listings for the blog title above.)
The use of cannabis continues to be controversial with some unresolved concerns. I would consult with my doctor regarding use in case there could be conflicts with other medications. Attitudes have obviously softened allowing selective use medicinally and recreationally in some locales. Check for what is legal where you live if you are interested in cannabis.
U.S. Select House Committee on Jan. 6th Hearings continue in the fall.
QUESTION: Are more of the American people beginning to realize the threat to turn our form of government into an autocracy by using fear and intimidation of possible violence by those inciting a civil war?
Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms died at age 96 years, 8 September 2022, Balmoral Castle Scotland. She reigned 70 years.
WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS
Dull moments seldom appear in my household. I always have something to either demand my attention or I am attracted to engaging in numerous other activities that give me pleasure.
Wonders never change -- last week I was writing of our unusual excessively hot humid temperatures. Now, thanks to that rare Hurricane Kay coming up our Pacific Coast from Mexico our heat wave ended. Kay became a lesser tropical storm after colliding with a high-pressure system from the north resulting in our experiencing very welcome but unusual cooler temperatures. Never mind, we're promised some hotter weather again before our summer ends.
The dreaded mud slides in previously burned forest fire areas have brought devastation but not to my community. I shudder when I view TV news reports here and around the world of those driven from their homes or worse, thanks to the vagaries of climate change.
Long-promised and even longer awaited conversion to fiber-optic internet service has finally come to our neighborhood and more specifically my home. Even my landline phone service transmission is now changed to the internet with an 8-hour backup battery should my electricity ever cease.
The scenario wasn't that efficient leading up to the installation of this fiber-optic change but that only took several hours for the technician to accomplish one afternoon this past week. Granted for that final actual change I didn't have to do anything, but somehow, I always seem to feel almost as tired as if I had done the labor. I don't recall feeling that way when I was younger so wonder if that is just me, or is it an aging thing? Oh, and another thing, why does everything always happen at once instead of occurring on different days?
The previous week I was busy getting exhausted as the young men working in my garage replaced by hot water heater. In the midst of all this came my phone company agent to discuss my ordering installation of their fiber-optic system for internet and phone. He had no printed material to leave with me to review and consider later. We took a photo of his working rate form and particulars with my iPhone for my convenience.
I phoned the agent the first of the week, discussed further installation matters and placed my order. He immediately connected us with a third party to initiate the change portion taking place by phone which took about a half hour.
As luck would have it, at the end of that process there was a glitz resulting in my having to call their customer service number. I was apprehensive since I had gone through that process a week or so earlier which became one of those recorded message nightmares. The message was: "We're working quickly to answer your call, but it is taking a little bit longer than normal and someone will be with you soon."
That time they eventually said there would be a 45-minute delay. I could hold or they would call me when the customer service agent was available. I optioned the call-back which came after 45 minutes but I still had to hold again. No offer for a call-back as before. Totally exasperated after another 45 minutes passed just as I was about to hang up a real live person answered. What kind of weird system was that?
This time I wasn't offered the call-back option, had to hold 45 minutes again, became exasperated again and was ready to disconnect just as a service representative answered. Turns out there was no need for me to call them but I had no way of knowing that then.
My on-site installation occurred several days later as scheduled -- new line to my house and all the changes inside accomplished by the technician in a few hours.
My landline phone now goes through the internet, has an 8-hour backup battery if the electric power shuts down. I can't see that the internet speed on my computer is any faster than what I had, but I'll see.
U.S. Select House Committee on Jan. 6th Hearing continues in the fall.
U.S. Dept. of Justice and FBI deserving of respect for doing their jobs.
QUESTION: What has happened to the documents missing from the empty file folders marked 'classified' found mixed into personal belongings of the ex-President -- items he allegedly illegally took to his Florida country club resort home -- documents he kept there even after all such records owned by our government his attorneys falsely reported had been returned as required?
"TOO DARN HOT" from the musical film 'Kiss Me Kate' / 1953 Ann Miller dancing and singing Music and Lyrics by Cole Porter Starring: Kathryn Grayson, Howard Keel, Ann Miller, Keenan Wynn, Bobby Van, Tommy Rall, James Whitmore, Bob Fosse, Ron Randell
HOT TIME IN THE OLD TOWN ... many days and nights!
HOT is a term describing the climate in many places around the world including my own here in Southern California, U.S. People are flocking to our SoCal beaches to stay cool. Monsoonal thunderstorms with lightning erratically roll through some communities (not mine) dropping short bursts of rain. Bears seek humans' swimming pools in which to cool themselves.
100+ degrees Fahrenheit (38+ Celsius) our thermometers have been recording beginning last week, continuing into this current week only to get hotter in some SoCal communities -- think 105 - 115 F (43 - 53 C).
Earlier in the season, we received in our mail forms to submit encouraging those who can and want to participate in our utility power company's 'flex alert' program for which they give $$$ credits.
We're now on 'flex alert'. We're asked to eliminate using electric appliances like our ovens, clothes and dishwashers, turn off other devices, to not charge electric autos, between 4-9 p.m. This is also the time period during which we are asked to conserve water due to our drought I've described here previously.
Additionally, for several consecutive days we are being advised we could experience 'rolling blackouts'. This usually means our power could periodically be cut off for an hour, then turned back on, during days and nights.
Provision excluding such power outages can be arranged by individuals whose medical conditions require they must have electricity for their life-sustaining equipment.
Our several years drought has aggravated our parched vegetation due to such extremely hot weather in areas here and in northern California creating even greater susceptibility to fire. Our rationed water is also required to combat these fires. The flames have destroyed acres of countryside along with some resident's homes, causing thousands to evacuate, injuring some and threatening, even taking the lives of people as well as other life.
The future our world is predicted to face includes increasing extreme temperature changes which we are just beginning to experience. In simple terms, in each succeeding year to come, our summer days and nights are likely only going to get hotter.
Perhaps being aware of what others experience now may help inform some to think in terms of their own communities -- what they may be able or want to do in anticipation, if or when they have a similar situation.
Los Angeles has taken the actions so far by only two other cities, Miami and Phoenix -- appointing aChief Heat Officer, Marta Segura, to "oversee the City's response to extreme heat events" described in a city press release. She was previously director of climate emergency mobilization.
The L.A. city plan will include a warning system, interagency emergency response plans, also long-term strategies to reduce exposure. Smithsonian magazine describes "Heat is the leading weather-related killer in the U.S."
"Americans who are over the age of 65, Black Americans, children, patients with cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses and economically disadvantaged populations are more vulnerable to heat and face a higher risk of death, on top of the disparities in mortality reporting" reported by the Environmentally Protection Agency (EPA).
"The idea of Chief Heat Officers isn't exclusive to the US. Since Miami announced its position, Athens, Greece, Freetown, Sierra Leone, Monterey in Mexico, and the Santiago metropolitan region in Chile have all hired in similar positions."
The world in which we live now and will in the future is projected to be quite different from the one into which I was born more than three quarters of a century ago. I think the expectation some seem to have that we can recapture life in the world as we once knew is not at all likely.
Resistance to the changes coming only makes the accommodation more difficult. The complications of too much water, flooding, presents massive threats some in the world have already been experiencing from which we need to be learning, then taking preparatory action now.
Flooding washed out a major connecting freeway (I-10) between L.A.andPhoenix recently, so we are not immune to too much water in some drought areas also vulnerable to the effects of excessive heat. Adaptation to our evolving new world now is our challenge.
Our energy source to power cooling, heating, and lighting our homes, our transportation vehicles, and systems to operate all our devices on which we increasingly depend in most other facets of our lives are central to our existence.
Not all of us are able to incorporate all of the necessary changes into our daily lives but we might best do what we can. Also, I'm no longer a candidate for taking on extra employment to augment costs of some recommended special projects as I might once have done when younger. That situation becomes a fact of life for most at some stage in life.
Meanwhile, I'm keeping cool with air conditioning, doing all I can do in the way of conservation of electric and water usage as necessary. There is more I know would help in overall conservation beyond these immediate special needs I would like to be able to adopt. Some adaptive actions I would take but I'm no longer physically able to perform some of the required tasks that could mitigate upkeep. In other desired actions the cost is prohibitive, considering given the unknowns of what my personal future needs may be I expect is true for others, too.
I wonder .....
..... if others reading here view the future as I've considered it to be?
..... if other readers here have or will be doing all they think could or needs to be done to adapt to this future that is confronting us now?
..... if special action is being taken in your community to prepare and adapt to changing weather and/or environmental conditions where you live -- locally or in your state?
U.S. Select House Committee on Jan. 6th Hearings continue in the fall.
U.S. Dept. of Justice and FBI deserving of respect for doing their jobs.
QUESTION: What possible justifiable reason could explain why an ex-President would take highly classified, even top-secret documents to his home when his term in office ended -- then keep them though instructed to return them, subsequently his lawyers even lying he had returned them all?
TAKEOVERS
Events in Los Angeles have caused me to think about automobiles, speed, and the attraction they hold for a segment of our population. Some communities in California have been besieged with what are called 'street takeovers' angering residents where they occur and creating other more serious problems. These illegal affairs can occur at any time of day or night.
Imagine being awakened by auto engine roaring sounds, some vehicles without mufflers, in the middle of the night with the various car induced odors of exhaust smoke and burning rubber permeating your home.
Groups of people gather about various streets to view these show-off drivers circling at high speed, 'burning rubber', doing 'donuts' which leaves their tire marks on the street. Tires squealing, exhaust smoke fuming, braked cars skidding about, sometimes into the onlooking crowd, occasionally injuring some, a few even dying. These cars and drivers are sometimes arrested though frequently they have dispersed before law enforcement can arrive at the scene.
Recently, the $588 million Sixth Street Viaduct, the largest bridge project, 3,500 foot long, in the history of Los Angeles became the city's newest attraction. Locals enthusiastically were walking, skating, biking there on opening day since it was closed to automobile traffic on that occasion.
Los Angeles Newest Attraction: 6th Street Bridge -- Yellow Production: The 6th Street Bridge connects Boyle Heights to the Los Angeles Arts District with some amazing views of the downtown Los Angeles skyline along the way."
Subsequently, those street takeovers began happening on the bridge necessitating law enforcement and city officials to devise ways to end them. Initially the bridge was shut down for a period of time. Later, they installed some round speedbumps but they ceased to be a deterrent. The final solution is yet to be announced though the takeovers seem to have lulled for now. Some have suggested a divider in the middle of the street should have been installed as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco has, since no takeover problems on that bridge.
6th STREET BRIDGE SHUT DOWN BY LAPD /NBCLA
Some people have suggested these auto street takeovers are a consequence of people imitating a "Fast andFurious" movie that premiered in 2001, continuing through the years with subsequent features. Last week scenes for the franchise's 10th installment, "Fast X" was shot. This Variety article link features a photo of the street scene created by these cars and describes the complaints numerous residents in that area have. Note: the film shoot was completed as planned.
Here's another takeover blocking traffic on the new bridge not involving cars.
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Time will tell in the future when and how these street takeover problems are resolved.
But then, there are also people climbing on the arches, taxpayer costs for removing graffiti.
CAR CULTURE
Early in the 1970's when we moved to Southern California I became aware of the car culture and what they call lowriders. I must confess to not seeing the utility of converting these autos into being able to perform acrobatics, much less investing so much money into those cars. Probably there are lots of other non-car hobbies people have that may not seem to make sense either. Whatever gives a person pleasure, I guess. Given there's a demand for these lowriders, apparently money can be made with them. I must admit the plush-looking interiors and fancy colorful exterior paint is quite fancy and even attractive on some.
Lowriders TAKE OVER Whittier Blvd! Los Angeles, California
I was never interested in most car activities, like auto races that attract many people, or events where vehicles deliberately crash into one another. My cousin, now deceased, was disappointed when we were young and I declined to go to hot rod racing events with him.
Recent years, a lifelong friend, also deceased now, had told me her sons are into mud bogging with big trucks -- definitely not appealing to me. They have even created their own site on which to indulge in their pastime. When the boys were little, I remember her three young sons playing with Tonka trucks in a dirt and sand pile in their back yard. I think it's interesting they graduated to the real big trucks and started a successful gardening business when they became adults that prospers today.
Speed in vehicles doesn't give me a thrill as some say they feel. I do recall purchasing my second car, a used Plymouth, when I was in my mid-twenties, taking it out on a country road one day. I don't know what prompted me to do this but I pressed the 'pedal to the metal' driving over this roller coaster paved country road going over 100 mph, then the car stalled.
I was out of gas -- the only time I've had a car ever run out of gas in all my presently continuing driving years. I had just passed a farmhouse, so could easily walk back where I encountered a very pleasant accommodating farmer who gave me enough gas to power my car back to town. I'm surprised he was so nice because he must have seen me flying by his house and probably wouldn't have thought too highly of anyone traveling that two-lane road at such a rate of speed.
'Running out of gas' in quite a different way is an expression with which I readily identify the older I become, but we won't get into that right now.
I might add, I've never been automobile obsessed as I perceive some to be, much less attracted to speed. Also, I don't like noise, so I've always disliked the revving roaring motor sounds of all kinds of cars and motorcycles. I guess the sound signifies power to some but it's just plain noise to me.
What will the future bring if we get rid of the combustion engine? Our California Air Resources Board approved new regulations requiring 35% of new cars sold in our state to be electric vehicles by 2026 -- 100% by 2035. Our California Governor Gavin Newson announced this week he plans to eliminate sales of new gas-powered vehicles by 2035. I've heard news reports that as a safety measure for pedestrians that auto manufacturers are designing ways give electric cars sound because they run quite silently.
Whadda yew think about all this car business I've brought up in this latest epistle I've written?
U.S. Select House Committee on January 6th Hearings will continue in the fall.
U.S. Dept. of Justice and F.B.I. deserving of respect for doing their jobs.
Stars / Feelings (Medley / Live at Montreux, 1976)
NINA SIMONE
"Stars lives come and go ... they all have a story." Perhaps this is Nina's story, too, as she also refers to Billie Holiday and Janis Joplin. This talented artist left our world in 2003 at age 70 years. In her mid-twenties she aspired to being a classical concert pianist.
Composer Janis Ian commented on YouTube: "I wrote the song [Stars] when I was 21, and already a 9 year veteran of the music industry. Nina's version is brilliant. She re-writes it some here and there, and I've never known whether the ad libbed sections at the end were because she forgot, was overwhelmed, or what - but brilliant nonetheless. One of the most underrated arrangers and pianists ever, too."
REGRETTABLE UTTERANCE
The heat must be getting to me. I'm lacking enthusiasm of thought to focus on writing here. There are so many issues hanging fire, so to speak, all of which are on my mind from the local to the national level as well as what's occurring around the world. I'm sure you are as aware of them as I am, so I'll not bring up the matters. I'm trying to patiently wait for many of them to move forward toward some resolution. Frankly, it doesn't look like that will occur anytime soon.
Also, I need to focus attention on some personal things here that require more of my time which I'll be doing in the foreseeable future.
Meanwhile, I've resumed some occasional pleasure reading but nothing of any consequence for my reviewing here. They're autobiographies of a couple of now deceased women, each a decade or so older than me. One woman had a career in D.C. legitimate news journalism to which I had paid some attention. The other out of NYC focused on show biz gossip and facts to which I've never paid much attention. I like to think about what I was doing when some events they note were occurring in their life.
I was glancing through some notes I've written from time to time for possible blog topic elaboration in the future, but I'm presently not motivated to further develop them. What I'm relating now reminds me of how our perspective in life evolves with experience over the years.
I guess I could say in this instance I would be generous to myself by saying I simply mis-spoke. This is a regretted utterance I've never forgotten from the moment I heard the words coming out of my mouth.
I was a teen describing to a life-long year-older dear friend when she asked, the names of several Florida cities on the Gulf she might want to visit. They had been included on my high school senior class trip itinerary after we departed New Orleans, heading to the Atlantic east coast. After one Gulf city I mentioned, I hastily added, "Oh, you don't want to go there! There's nothing but a bunch of old people."
I instantly realized, as her mother listened, that her grandmother who I knew and loved had moved to Florida. I thought of my own dearly loved grandmother and felt chagrined at my utterance stimulating heart-sick feelings I've never forgotten. Now that I'm one of those "old people" I can't believe I was so insensitive as to say those words. After all, if we're fortunate enough to avoid the alternative, we all become "old".
U. S. Select House Committee Hearings will continue in the fall.
QUESTION: Why were all those files reported by the Ex-President's lawyer as having been returned to U.S. government still in Mar-a-largo, possibly placing our nation's security at risk?
"Cheats and Liars" (Official Music Video)
by Elles Bailey
"Bristol-based, multi-award-winning, genre-crossing' Elles Bailey's ... video "Cheats and Liars' written with Ashton Tucker from her album "Shinng in the Half Light", released earlier in 2022.
LIFE'S INJUSTICES
Some readers here may recall my writing a few years ago about my frustration with a neighbor's backyard leaning wall subjecting a corner of my attached wall to increasing pressures causing the concrete blocks to destructively pull apart. A licensed arborist informally noted years of rampant uncontrolled growth and underground roots on the opposite side of the neighbor's wall was causing the escalating leaning on that wall that was pulling the corner of my wall out of alignment and away from the rest of my wall. Obviously, the situation would only worsen if some action was not taken by my neighbor with the property owners on the other side of his wall to correct the problem.
Thinking my neighbor would be pleased I had discovered this problem so early, I invited him into my backyard to see what was happening. I thought he could act to contact those tall hedge owners who would want to correct the problem before his wall collapsed and would be much more expensive to repair. My wall was their victim, too, so the neighbor and those other property owners would be responsible for any damage expenses, wouldn't they? Duh! Logic and what is just does not always apply.
I was given the impression the neighbor would pursue the issue and get back to me, expecting we would act together. His wall kept leaning. The corner of my wall cement blocks continued to be pulled further and further apart from one another threatening the integrity of my entire back wall. The neighbor actually never really acknowledged what his eyes and mine, plus scientific measurements with photos taken over time showed.
City officials even became involved to examine the issues in a neutral manner exclusive of any monetary matters in which they don't become involved when I finally contacted them with my concerns. They did point out problems to my neighbor. Concluding much later that the neighbor seemed to be taking no action, I consulted further with our city officials to receive authorization to disconnect his wall from mine. By this time the damage to my wall had reached a degree I had to hire reconstruction which was not inexpensive (10K).
Had I realized the neighbor would persist in inaction, apparent denial of the obvious, and was doing nothing meaningful to rectify the problem, I would have disconnected my wall from his sooner. We had talked periodically, and he observed in person what was occurring to my wall, plus I emailed him photos and data believing he was addressing the issue with the owners on the other side of his wall.
Finally, I was surprised to be told by city officials they had asked and the neighbor said he would provide me some financial reimbursement for my expense. I allowed time to pass. expecting to hear from my neighbor. When last he came to my home, and we talked, he mentioned having some vision problems which were altering his immediate activity. When discussion of my wall reconstruction costs came up, I told him the total I paid. I did not press him on reimbursement when he said nothing, since he was dealing with those medical vision issues.
I expected I would hear from him following some resolution there and he considered the information I had given him. Time passed, so hearing nothing further from him I emailed a brief query asking about his intentions. I eventually received an even briefer two or three word unsigned response to the effect the problem was mine.
I reluctantly considered legal action, but such a small case was not of interest to attorneys or cost effective for me to press them. I was experiencing some medical issues of my own affecting my mobility at the time so small claims court had to be ruled out. I am confident I would have won given my accumulated documentation.
Serving the lawsuit was going to be seriously problematic since the neighbor no longer lived in the home or even in our city. There is no assurance in small claims court a judgment will be collectable if the person chooses not to pay, even though the last I knew the owner was employed in what is typically a high paying profession.
Subsequently, the neighbor's house was sold. New owners are in the construction business I recently learned. They independently replaced their back wall which finally fully collapsed when unusually severe winds blew through our city last year causing much damage. They are not pursuing costs from those property owners on the other side of their wall.
The tall hedges have finally been cut down, though I've wondered if root growth or possible expanding above ground growth into the area behind my reconstructed corner wall section could possibly be a problem in the distant future. I did send a letter to the property owners on the other side of my neighbor's wall alerting them to my concern. I wanted to have that information on record. There is no recompense for my wall expense from the new neighbor owners, of course, which I didn't ask for and wouldn't expect.
A wall section separating our properties has a weakened section the new owner plans to replace but I declined to contribute to the cost of doing so. The problem previously given a band-aid was caused by growth on that neighbor's property since there have never been any plants on my side of the wall. The previous owner of his property had been cautioned by city officials that his plants were of concern as causing that wall problem. I became aware he had all those plants dug up which occurred just prior to his selling the property. This news appeared to be not previously known to the new owner which I think helped him understand my perspective. I hope to hear no more about wall issues.
Some individuals, companies, businesses, disregard what is right and fair if there is no way to enforce what is even legally and morally just. They justify doing so by saying, "It's just business", with no conscience or sense of guilt much less empathy or compassion for the abused party.
I've known life is not always fair, that there are people who really don't care about others or seem to have any moral compass. I always feel such disappointment, anger, sometimes sadness, not to mention regret -- especially, when I think about what I anticipated doing with the money I had to pay to repair my wall, to say the least -- when I encounter such individuals. Justice does not always prevail.
No doubt some of you may have similar stories of injustices you've experienced.
Formed in 2009, the Archive Team (not to be confused with the archive.org Archive-It Team) is a rogue archivist collective dedicated to saving copies of rapidly dying or deleted websites for the sake of history and digital heritage. The group is 100% composed of volunteers and interested parties, and has expanded into a large amount of related projects for saving online and digital history.
