writch

The Ukiah Daily Journal

Yes on Measure A

I'm looking over my sample ballot, and reading the 'arguments for/against' and I'm noting some differences on paper than what the 'whisper gallery' has been carrying. Specifically, though I was told about the horrible environmental clean-up problems at the site, I don't see that 'fact' repeated on paper. I do see 'economic studies' mis-cited (er, ya ever heard of a 'reference'). I find it hard to swallow that any 'study' would be non-biased at the outset, but w/o so much as a name to research, it's likely entirely hot-air. This measure *does* bring more water into the area, which is something that the local governments seem to have been incapable of providing on their own. I've come to have a great distaste for misstatement of 'fact' in order to sway a political debate. There are a number of 'artists' in that field in Mendocino County. Richard Johnson is likely the worst offender, but I've seen some really entertaining stances taken here by a number of individuals. There is also a much higher percentage than one might expect (given that 'rural' people supposedly have more common-sense than city folk) of just sheer gullible idiots here who are willing to believe almost anything as long as it tends to make Mendocino County 'unique'. I'm not sure what the *real* underlying problem is in this, but I'm sure that none of the 'facts' presented yet 'against' it address that topic. I think I'll vote 'Yes' on Measure A, since I tend to vote for truth, even if I also tend to dislike urban sprawl. I like taking showers more, and it appears I'll be voting for more water and money to be in the area.  (Oct 21, 2009 | post #2)

The Ukiah Daily Journal

Self-represented child molester takes stand

I hope some of you write to your representation in the various legislatures (perhaps a bit more calmly) reiterating the point that these people are born, live, and die this way, and that the only possible way to be 'just' to them is to incarcerate them for life. They can't be 'rehabilitated' (as it's not a 'learned' behavior--it can't be 'unleared/retraine d' into anything else). Leaving them out here (marked with a scarlet letter, as it were) does nothing for either them, or us. They live miserable, degraded lives, and it scares the bejezus out of any parent who has to endure their presence nearby. I want the 'list' of predators and the 'list' of inmates to be orthogonal, personally. I suspect you do, too.  (Oct 21, 2009 | post #24)

The Ukiah Daily Journal

Marijuana grows' fire danger, pesticide use discussed

Well, damn near anything 'might' cause health problems (most things do, when you think of it). However, I really should give a plug in for Ed Rosenthal's 'Zero Tolerance' brand of natural pesticide (which I know for sure does a number on spider-mites). It's nothing but rosemary, thyme, cinnamon, and clove oils. I don't think you'd want to drink a shot, or breathe the mist as a 'supplement', but it smells really good, and it kills bugs dead.  (Oct 21, 2009 | post #2)

The Ukiah Daily Journal

Chinks in Tichinin's niggardly education

Yano, Bruce, you are the *first* person in Mendocino County I detested, long before I ever set foot in this place (and ultimately--you're the reason I'm here at all), because you're a liar, and a publisher, and I thought there couldn't be many people on earth worse than you (of course, that was before I met Richard Johnson). And I still detest you, personally, but I have to admit, that was pretty freakin' funny.  (Oct 20, 2009 | post #8)

The Ukiah Daily Journal

We're on CNBC right now

This was not the CNBC/Comedy Central issue, it's actually called: "Marijuana, Inc." It's got interviews with Allman, and local potheads (I think I recognized one, even though I only saw his nose up close). Now, this is *really* peculiar, but there are actually two documentaries of the *same* name going on this weekend on the 'NBC' family of channels. The one I referred to is called "Marijuana, Inc.: Inside America's Pot Industry" and is a CNBC production which aired last night, and will air again on the following schedule: SHOW TIMES Friday, March 13th 9p | 10p | 1a ET Monday, March 23rd 9p | 1a ET Friday, April 10th 11a ET Saturday, April 11th 1a | 4a ET Of course, subtract three hours from eastern time. The web site for this production is: http://www.cnbc.co m/id/28281668 It's not to be confused with the show *tomorrow* night at seven on MSNBC, titled "Al Roker Reporting: Marijuana, Inc." It's URL is: http://www.msnbc.m sn.com/id/21134540 /vp/29617264#29617 264 I guess maybe they don't smoke enough over there to really get that 'variety of thought pattern' thing you see in potheads so frequently.  (Mar 14, 2009 | post #3)

The Ukiah Daily Journal

We're on CNBC right now

Marijuana, Inc. Nice shot of the courthouse, BTW.  (Mar 13, 2009 | post #1)

The Ukiah Daily Journal

Funny? Serious? On the collapse of the USSA

My friend sent me this freakin' hilarious but serious take on the 'Collapse of the USSA' from someone who watched the collapse of the USSR. Here's a small tidbithttp://cultu rechange.org/cms/i ndex.php?option=co m_content&task =view&id=325 &Itemid=66  (Mar 1, 2009 | post #1)

The Ukiah Daily Journal

Assignment: Ukiah - Home is where the art isn't

I disagree. The woman who did my portrait (my avatar) is quite talented, if you like the style of Freda Kahlo and can see it expressed (along with a healthy dose of anime) in her work. I've been watching her mature (she's quite young) into a fascinating creature: http://callowlily. com or http://myspace.com /callowlily I have also noticed over the past week the exquisite fabric mosaics hanging up at the MEC (across from the courthouse on Standley St.). While some are more plain, many of them are far more adept work than I saw last year in Texas' St. Fair's 'quilting' display with blue ribbons on them. You can see some of them (interspersed with less impressive items) in the panorama picture I took of it to test some software. http://blog.writch .com/2009/02/the-m ec.html  (Feb 28, 2009 | post #28)

The Ukiah Daily Journal

No More DEA MedMar Busts in CA!

It's a portrait by a local artist, Callow Lily. She does other fine work in a (IMHO) style reminiscent of Freda Kahlo. http://callowlily. com or http://myspace.com /callowlily  (Feb 28, 2009 | post #4)

The Ukiah Daily Journal

No More DEA MedMar Busts in CA!

Supporters of programs to provide legal marijuana to patients with painful medical conditions are celebrating Attorney General Eric Holder’s statement this week that the Drug Enforcement Administration would end its raids on state-approved marijuana dispensaries. Federal raids on medical marijuana distributors continued at least into the second week of Barack Obama’s presidency, when federal agents shut down at least two dispensaries in California on Feb. 3. Holder was asked about those raids Wednesday in Santa Ana, Calif., at a news conference that was called to announce the arrests of 755 people in a nationwide crackdown on the U.S. operations of Mexican drug cartels. He said such operations would no longer be conducted.  (Feb 27, 2009 | post #1)

The Ukiah Daily Journal

No more "tea" for the Tiller, man

I don't want to sound like I don't believe that God can do *anything*, but, thinking of that "God helps those who help themselves" concept makes me wonder if wishing the Grinch's heart grows three sizes today isn't as effective as, perhaps, legal action. To wit: FORT WORTH — News aggregator Topix.net faces a subpoena from a Tarrant County court related to comments posted by anonymous users discussing the trial of a Clarksville couple accused of sexual assault. Mark and Rhonda Lesher were acquitted, and have now filed a libel suit against Topix users who posted negative comments about them. A Tarrant County judge ordered the company to hand over identifying information on the users who posted the comments. The case apparently landed there because at least one of the alleged commenters lives there. Topix CEO Chris Tolles told Mediaweek that the company is studying the court order and trying to decide how to respond, even as their users continue to discuss the case. Even if they comply, they won't be able to provide much beyond IP addresses in most cases, as Topix does not require registration. Their comment boards are largely unmoderated and have more of a "wild west" vibe than a curated community like Pegasus News. They also have lots of activity, as threads go on for thousands of comments. We take our community and user privacy very seriously. However, it's important to remember as you traverse the Interwebs that you are ultimately responsible for what you say online, wherever that might be.  (Feb 27, 2009 | post #121)

The Ukiah Daily Journal

Another Voice - Illegal growers won't be ignored

English is a blunt object, yano? But if you mean that Measure B was declared unconstitutional, that's correct (the current appeal decision on Kelly retains the unconstitutionalit y of SB420 on which B is based). G, on the other hand, was a plebiscite, and would have stood that test of legality just fine. The question that it probably would have failed is the state override of the local, but that's a whole other precedent to argue. Here's from the text of the decisionSo, their decision is that the pot is 'evidence' but the 'crime' is illegal (and they sent it back to be 're-prosecuted' without the original charge, if they could). That's why it's *SO* curious.  (Feb 27, 2009 | post #342)

The Ukiah Daily Journal

No more "tea" for the Tiller, man

Perhaps you haven't been listening to "Wake & Bake" news, or you'd know I crawl out pretty much every mon-fri sometime around five am. Pity, too. I had fun taking apart you folks this week. That 'applause' over the Kelly Appellate Court overturn was obviously founded on *not* having read the decision. It was one of the more curious decisions I ever read. I probably will have that much fun next week, too, since folks such as yourself really a constant source of entertainment (and fodder for the show). I'm sure I'll mention this little interchange if I'm not distracted. You aren't perchance the oddball who visited my house and left the Elvis CD in my machine, are you?  (Feb 27, 2009 | post #108)

The Ukiah Daily Journal

No more "tea" for the Tiller, man

I've noted here before that the 'pro-war' (regardless of topic, but in this case, the 'drug-war') side seems to be pro-death. I'm starting to wonder if the locals don't attend a version of this church: http://en.wikipedi a.org/wiki/Westbor o_Baptist_Church Blessings upon those who are meek, for the earth will be theirs (somewhat shortly, I'm thinking).  (Feb 27, 2009 | post #37)

The Ukiah Daily Journal

Why Are They Hacking KMEC?

Oh, I suppose I should have posted a link to the station: http://kmecradio.o rg Send them some cash so they can make rent.  (Feb 27, 2009 | post #2)