Rebane's Ruminations
July 2015
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[The old sandbox again filled more rapidly than I expected.  Thought I'd start the new one off with a comment of my own which was motivated by a report from the radio as it announced the start of a new day. BTW, I am noticing the tendency of some commenters to get back into ad hominems.  Attack the ideas, not the ideologues.  gjr]

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187 responses to “Sandbox – 26jul15”

  1. Todd Juvinall Avatar
    Todd Juvinall

    Kesti, I have taken your spelling check under advisement. I don’t think there is any hope for me. But keep trying. WAH!

    Like

  2. Bill Tozer Avatar
    Bill Tozer

    Grammar school? Me thinks you meant elementary school. Or grammer school. I have learned one thing. Just because you spell a word correctly, it don’t mean you got them there correct meaning attached to the proper sequence of letters. Me and youse agree Kestie.
    If only peoples would look beyond the printed/spoken word to see what I meant instead of being small minded and no seeing what I meant, life would be much easier.
    What, wad it sumthang I said?

    Like

  3. Jon Avatar
    Jon

    Todd, I did live in NYC in the 80s, and I’ve lived in a few big cities. There have been curb cuts in various busy intersections as long as their have been concerned residents with wheelchairs, walkers, strollers, toddlers, the elderly and handicapped. Yup, many more were added after Republican President Bush and Senator Bob Dole’s signature legislation. There were some costs, borne directly by affected business, homeowners and yes, some taxpayers. A very, very good thing. Its called PROGRESS. An intelligent project by an intelligent and modern society.
    The numbers you spouted remain ridiculous and childishly exaggerated. You will never be able to find a backup your wild exaggeration, so no Todd, Steve was not defeated. You were trounced.

    Like

  4. Bill Tozer Avatar
    Bill Tozer

    Boy, Todd, Jon really told you. Are you hanging your head in shame? Us sensitive types are fragil and bruise easily. I am so wounded.

    Like

  5. George Rebane Avatar

    MichaelK 908am – In the dark recesses of memory, I remember writing (drafting?) a piece on the most egregious grammatical mistakes that have crept or galloped into our vernacular during the recent 25 years. Now I can’t find it. I recall it wasn’t a long piece since the errors I cited were just the most popular handful. In any event, now as our designated grammarian, I invite you to offer such a compendium which you can email to me and I will post. Our railing against the abandonment of grammar and the slow evaporation of the information carrying capacity of our language may not change much in the larger scheme of things. But perhaps in this tiny corner of the web we can still continue the fight for our mother tongue (Yes, my mom also added English to her Estonian and German.) Regarding this effort I am again reminded of and take heart from Overstreet’s ‘Stubborn Ounces’ –
    You say the Little efforts that I make
    will do no good: they never will prevail
    to tip the hovering scale
    where Justice hangs in balance.
    I don’t think I ever thought they would.
    But I am prejudiced beyond debate
    in favor of my right to choose which side
    shall feel the stubborn ounces of my weight.

    Like

  6. Michael R. Kesti Avatar
    Michael R. Kesti

    Todd Juvinall 28Jul15 09:21
    I agree, Todd. There seems to be little hope for you. You may be mistaken, however, if you believe that my efforts are for your benefit only.
    Bill Tozer 28Jul15 10:01
    In the US, “grammar school” and “elementary school” are synonymous although the former is little used these days.

    Like

  7. Todd Juvinall Avatar
    Todd Juvinall

    BillT, yep I hang my head in shame. “Jon” lived in NYC and kept track of the curb cuts so I must be wrong in my estimates. Of course he probably worked for the NYC Transportation Department since he seems to know all about those 12,000 intersections in Manhattan. Yep he really must know since he lived in a hostel then Wow!
    Of course my knowledge is not to be trusted either. I only dealt with the budgets for transportation projects (local and state STIP’s) for eight years and was on the Transportation Commission where we distributed sidewalk money. And all those roads I helped put together here mean nothing since “jon” has one-upped me with his few years living in NYC. I am ashamed BillT.
    Oh, as one of the people who helped put FREED together here with Sam ardick, I know nothing about the pre-ADA days. Yep, I am ashamed.

    Like

  8. Bill Tozer Avatar
    Bill Tozer

    Now I am doubly wounded. Perhaps rereading Dr. Rebane’s poetry will lessen the heartache and soothe the savage beast.
    Kesti. You are slipping up. I misspelled your name on purpose and you failed to gently chastise me. Some days I simply can’t get anything right…er…correct. I was hoping to be hinded and quartered. That would have livened up my day. But, noooooo. You just had to overlook a slight, didn’t you? Drats, foiled again. A wise man overlooks a slight and all that jazz, but why did you have to overlook my mangling of your name this morning?? No chains, no whips, no hurling insults. You left me sooo unsatisified. Alas. You sir, really know how to hurt a guy crying out to be spanked. I will forgive you….someday,.

    Like

  9. Jon Avatar
    Jon

    You are correct Todd. Your knowledge is not to be trusted if you cannot back up your insane dollar figure.

    Like

  10. Todd Juvinall Avatar
    Todd Juvinall

    Kesti, I don’t care but go ahead and do your “smack the fingers with a ruler” to me and the others who don’t spell as good as you. WAH!
    I am more interested in the underlying meat of the posts.

    Like

  11. Michael R. Kesti Avatar
    Michael R. Kesti

    George Rebane 28Jul15 10:26
    I very much appreciate your kind offer but given my character flaws such an effort would lead to a textbook rather than anything sufficiently brief for inclusion here.

    Like

  12. Michael R. Kesti Avatar
    Michael R. Kesti

    Bill Tozer 28Jul15 10:39
    Said the masochist to the sadist, “Hurt me!” “No,” replied the sadist.

    Like

  13. Bill Tozer Avatar
    Bill Tozer

    Todd, forget the underlying meat of the posts. That can come later. You have your priorities all askew. First, the smackdown, with or without the whimpy ruler. This is no time for Kesti to take the high road.
    Consider this like a typical relationship. Tensions rise, bad things are said, people get butthurt, then, Viola!, time to kiss and make up. Now, tell me how can I get to the kiss and make up part without the smackdown first? Riddle me that, Batman. Oh, this is turning out to be a rough morning I tell ya. Screw this high road stuff. We have people in need out there folks and I am part of that crowd. Come on, think of others and hurl insults my way. Pretty please.

    Like

  14. Todd Juvinall Avatar
    Todd Juvinall

    BillT, I feel your pain. Now get back in your room and learn.

    Like

  15. Michael R. Kesti Avatar
    Michael R. Kesti

    Bill Tozer 28Jul15 10:59 AM
    “Viola!”
    What has an oversize violin to do with anything?

    Like

  16. Jon Avatar
    Jon

    Onto more important items of PROGRESS. One Day All Time record for Renewables in use in a modern nation. Exciting stuff.
    http://energytransition.de/2015/07/renewables-covered-78percent-of-german-electricity

    Like

  17. fish Avatar
    fish

    Posted by: Jon | 28 July 2015 at 12:00 PM
    Onto more important items of PROGRESS. One Day All Time record for Renewables in use in a modern nation. Exciting stuff.

    Nahh…that’s just technology…….the link below is the PROGRESSIVE wet dream! Exciting stuff.
    http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/terrorism-in-the-uk/11323558/Anti-terror-plan-to-spy-on-toddlers-is-heavy-handed.html
    Cross posted on “Dump Trump”

    Like

  18. Bill Tozer Avatar
    Bill Tozer

    Thank you Todd and Mr. Kesti. Much better. Good things come to those who wait.
    Jon @ 12:00, high noon.
    Is it onto or on to when starting a sentence?

    Like

  19. Michael R. Kesti Avatar
    Michael R. Kesti

    Bill Tozer | 28 July 2015 at 02:45 PM
    An often good way to determine whether to use “onto” or “on to” is to add the word “up” before “on” and use “onto” if it still makes sense. This fails in the case of Jon’s use, though, because his his topic shift can be seen as either a lateral or an upward move. I suspect he sees his topic as loftier or higher minded, however, in which case his use of “onto” was correct.

    Like

  20. Jon Avatar
    Jon

    Exactly right Mr. Kesti.
    I hesitate to point out your typo at 3:25. Oh no..

    Like

  21. Michael R. Kesti Avatar
    Michael R. Kesti

    Jon 28Jul15 03:32 PM
    I encourage you to not again hesitate. I never claim perfection and I’ll not deny I deserve criticism.
    My error, of course, was the duplicate “his” in the second sentence. This occurred while rewording that sentence and is genuinely typographical. Using “I” when “me” is appropriate demonstrates ignorance that is compounded when referred to as a spelling error.

    Like

  22. Don Bessee Avatar
    Don Bessee

    This thread seems to have contracted some kind fue flu infection. lol

    Like

  23. Walt Avatar

    Love it when the “spelln’” police get bit in the ass with their own spelln’ infractions.

    Like

  24. Walt Avatar

    BREAKING NEWS
    http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2015/07/28/house-lawmaker-files-motion-to-oust-boehner/
    Things keep getting better and better. Let’s see how the House LIB may vote.

    Like

  25. Todd Juvinall Avatar
    Todd Juvinall

    Honestly George these spell checkers are making the blog boring. LOL!

    Like

  26. Don Bessee Avatar
    Don Bessee

    Awww poor babies, sniff sniff. The pot growers in Sac are sniveling on the tv news because they have to cut their water use like the rest of us. Oh to be so enlightened, progressive and farmers of life saving crops as well as entitled and self involved. I am sure the voters are impressed with the need for more weed in a drought.

    Like

  27. Walt Avatar

    Sacramento LIBS will dole out a version of the Pigford settlement. ” Did you try to grow weed? Even one plant? Here is a check from the taxpayers…”( nevermind what you made on weed before never was taxed)

    Like

  28. Bill Tozer Avatar
    Bill Tozer

    This comment of me mine, directed to Steve in particular and perhaps other commentators in the field, is also cross posted on Dump Trump. Better suited for The Sandbox: not kidding around.
    Bill Tozer
    Ok, I have a serious question for Steve Frisch and/or an equilivent authority. Serious, not kidding for once. Honest, not joking around.
    Here’s the background. I just came back from the laundromat in PV. In the trash was the front page of the Sac Bee, July 22, 15. The headline and accomplying picture was Gov. Brown addressing a group of international majors with black shirted crucifix adorned Catholic priest behind him. The caption read unequivocally that Brown says we must turn the tide of Climate Change or “humanity will face extinction.”
    In a moment of clarity, it hit me like a ton of bricks he actually truly believes that. Not just spouting words in the limelight pandering to the Eco-nuts or political allies, not just believing in alternative sources of energy, or sustainability, but rather a clear concise core belief believing our present path will led to the extinction of humanity.
    I did not do anything but glance at the paper on top of the trash…er…recycle bin.
    So, here is the question in all earnest:
    Do you believe that Climate Change, Global Warming, whichever term you prefer, will lead to the extinction of humanity??? No tricks up my sleeve. Just want to know.
    I want to know because I really did not think you guys were doing more than symbolic gestures (like PETA), or taking it to the local and State levels like MADD’s successful long campaign. Sure, solar panels are good and I have the perfect acreage facing west for a field of mirrors. Not opposed to them or wind up radios either. But, somehow I never considered that some truly believe in their heart of hearts that left unchecked, Global Climate Change will literally destroy humanity. That is some serious shit. Very serious. If you really believe that, then I must change the way I respond/react to your posts for sure.
    I have no ammo to fight this question with, nor do I intend to form a defense/counter attack to your believes nor intend to. iI am not talking about events nor even ideas. Do you believe in the very depths of your being that Gov Brown is spot on??
    I would appreciate you expressing your feelings, if not Steve then someone else. No facts or links or long disortations required or needed. Thank you, Bill Tozer.
    Posted by: Bill Tozer | 28 July 2015 at 07:18 PM

    Like

  29. George Rebane Avatar

    ToddJ 607pm – There is only one “spell checker” who regularly works these pages and he focuses mostly on grammar. So I’m not sure about the source of your boredom. Nevertheless, some of our commenters here can use all the help they can get in the King’s English Department. Consider it a Lucky Strike Extra when you visit RR 😉

    Like

  30. Todd Juvinall Avatar
    Todd Juvinall

    Just kidding George. Hey it looks like Camel-a Harris, our inglorious AG is investigating the camera people of the Planned Parenthood videos. It is more important to a lib like her to arrest a person with a video than a person chopping babies into pieces and selling the parts. Ghouls have nothing on these Planned Parenthood undead. Margaret Sanger who started it won’t be turning over in her eugnics grave though, they destroy mostly black babies as a percentage.

    Like

  31. Michael R. Kesti Avatar
    Michael R. Kesti

    Todd Juvinall 28Jul15 08:03 PM
    Did you actually distort Kamala Harris’ first name so as to suggest that she is in some way akin to camels?

    Like

  32. Steven Frisch Avatar
    Steven Frisch

    Posted by: Bill Tozer | 28 July 2015 at 07:28 PM
    Yes Bill, I do think that left un-addressed, climate change could lead to the extinction of the human species.

    Like

  33. Michael R. Kesti Avatar
    Michael R. Kesti

    Steven Frisch 28Jul15 09:16 PM
    Asking just as seriously as did Bill Tozer, would you add “anthropogenic” ahead of “climate change” in your previous comment?

    Like

  34. Bill Tozer Avatar
    Bill Tozer

    Thanks Steve. Appreciate the no BS answer. Again, thank you.

    Like

  35. Steven Frisch Avatar
    Steven Frisch

    Posted by: Michael R. Kesti | 28 July 2015 at 09:22 PM
    Yes Michael, I do think that left un-addressed anthropogenic climate change could lead to the extinction of the human species.

    Like

  36. Michael R. Kesti Avatar
    Michael R. Kesti

    I thank you, too, Steven, but I have noticed a discrepancy between Bill’s question and your response. Bill asked, “Do you believe that Climate Change, Global Warming, whichever term you prefer, will lead to the extinction of humanity?” (emphasis mine) You have twice responded that you think it could. I hope that you can agree that “will” and “could” are entirely different matters.
    Again, in all seriousness, do you believe that, left un-addressed, anthropogenic climate change will lead to the extinction of the human species.

    Like

  37. Jon Avatar
    Jon

    Todd says: Camel-a Harris
    =RACISM
    Todd, thanks for exposing yourself a bit more obviously that time. Its OK, we understand.

    Like

  38. Walt Avatar

    The AGWers will be the first to die off. The non believers know how to adapt.
    Get ready for a new ice age. that’s what the experts say. Man can’t change the climate.
    that big bright light in the sky has more influence than us knuckle draggers ever will.
    How come the ECO gang don’t practice what they preach? They bitch about oil, yet drive a car every day. They turn on lights at night, and the air conditioner in the Summer.
    Hell. They even use computers made by gross polluting Co.s…
    Let the backpedaling and the excuses fly.
    Whine and snivel about trees being cut, yet live in a house made of wood.
    piss and moan about mining, yet use the stuff dug out of the ground every day.
    The Seattle fools protesting around an oil rig, while paddling around in plastic boats.
    Hummm.. Made from petrochemical??
    Oh.. and NOAA gets busted again for cooking the books to make things look warmer.
    Gotta love the ECO hypocrisy.

    Like

  39. Steven Frisch Avatar
    Steven Frisch

    Posted by: Michael R. Kesti | 28 July 2015 at 10:02 PM
    So the question is slightly more nuanced and I was trying not to get too in the weeds.
    I used ‘could’ intentionally.
    I’m not trying to split hairs here; I believe the human genome is remarkably resilient, and that anthropogenic climate change left un-addressed, WILL lead to the dramatic reduction of the species, but the human genome might survive in a comparatively small population.
    For example, if the species population crashes (what scientists call a genetic bottleneck) and we are diminished to the point that the human species no longer alters the biosphere, the planet and the species may recover. Many geneticists believe that this may have happened a few times due to natural causes in the history of the human species.

    Like

  40. Bill Tozer Avatar
    Bill Tozer

    Jon, are you saying calling or inferring someone is a camel is actually a racist term? That would be a new one to me. Guess I am behind the times. If she is a camel, would that be one hump or two? Still, don’t see the racist connection you obviously see so clearly and blatantly. Now, Camel Jockey is a derogatory term to some, but plain old “camel”? I am aware of the term “camel toes” when addressing the fashion world and calling someone a hippo usually means obese, albeit the hippo is by far the most dangerous and aggressive animal in Africa (to humans). Please explain. Also, which race did Todd denigrate by calling our State AG a camel via a play on her first name??
    When I called you Johhny on the Spot (a portable kobo) was that racist as well? Boy, when I referred to Obama as a boneless brown trout (aka, ca ca poo-poo dodo) ole Paul EEEEEEEEEEeee took that as very very racist. I suppose calling the President of the U.S. a piece of shit is not racist, but calling him a boneless brown trout is. I am sooo confused. Please enlighten me about why camel or camel-la-Harris (hairass) is a racist epithet. Thank you, Bill Tozer.

    Like

  41. Michael R. Kesti Avatar
    Michael R. Kesti

    Steven Frisch 28Jul15 10:25 PM
    Thanks again, Steven.
    I see that the survival of a comparatively small population is precisely the goal of some of the earth-first group so they might find that AGW isn’t all bad.

    Like

  42. Michael R. Kesti Avatar
    Michael R. Kesti

    Jon 28Jul15 10:10 PM
    I believe that Todd’s distortion goes beyond classless clowning into the arena of despicable distaste but I cannot agree that he has demonstrated racism.
    The best definition of racism that I have found is the belief that one’s racial characteristics determine one’s character. I know that it is lately popular to find racism in anything less than exuberant praise for anybody of color but I don’t buy it.
    Todd said nothing about Harris’ race or, for that matter, directly concerning her character. Instead, he wrote in a way that, at best, is characteristic of those whose age can be described by an homophone of his name and, at worst, indicates that he is genuinely an asshole.
    And just who are this “we” that you declare understand?

    Like

  43. Walt Avatar

    ” Earth first”… Really…. It will still be here long after we are gone. It dosn’t give a shit. One or two big volcanic eruptions, and it’s a frozen waste land for decades.
    One comet or asteroid impact of any decent size in the an ocean, and all cities along the coasts will be GONE. And so will most life as we know it.
    So called geniuses are looking for the cause of a big tidal wave that hit Hawaii decades ago. ( Helo to be specific) Opps,, uh,, can’t find the source.
    Speaking of the Islands,, The big volcano is starting to show signs of life. Earthquakes there don’t lie, but those watching it sure do. ” nothing to see here”. ( bad for business)
    Who knows.. We may all need fur coats here in July in ten years.
    If that’s the case, just what will be the excuse from the true believers (warmers)?
    They sure like putting their faith in data fabricators. ( gotta do something to keep the grant money flowing.)

    Like

  44. Bill Tozer Avatar
    Bill Tozer

    “We” is the operative word of the FUE when trying to project to readers that his opinion is shared by many as he sits alone at the keyboard.
    Boy, Mr. Kesti, if that is what you feel about Todd’s off color humor, please do me a favor and spare me your astute observation and factual opinion of my choice of words. :). Us evolved Phil Donahue types are most hyper-sensitive to stark raving facts which can be taken as criticism.
    If you must issue a commentary on my way with words, please give me an advanced warning…..at least enough time for me to run out and borrow a used dildo. Thank you in advance for extending this courtesy. Bill Tozer.

    Like

  45. Bill Tozer Avatar
    Bill Tozer

    Walt, my question to Mr. Frisch was serious. When I was going back and forth with Joe K, I realized I do have contempt prior to investigation, a guarantee to keep a man in everlasting ignorance. This is a quest for me. Not to score points, but to crack open my mind a wee bit.
    Sure, a geologist is expecting The Big One to hit SF (San Francisco, not Steve Frisch). A chemist or microbiologist is looking for the next pandemic. Our earth may have experienced catastrophic events that could have wiped out 2/3 of the humanoids at some time in the unrecorded past. The Great Flood with Noah’s Ark? BTW the word antediluvian means very old/antique in modern English, but really means “before the flood”. Go figure.
    Walt, mere arguments are not where I am going with this. I want to reach out and find out what people believe in their heart of hearts. Deeper than the surface stuff. And in turn, look at my deepest beliefs, beyond the mind, emotions, and will. Deeper than the heart, deeper than the soul, right to the very essence of the human spirit within.
    For example, I have always had an innate believe in God and an intelligent designer. I did not say intelligent design, I said designer. I believe I was born with this belief ( belief used for lack of a better term for now)….belief in God just as much as I was born with 2 eyes and one nose. Can’t prove it on paper, you can try to dissuade me all day long, but it is still there. And yes, this innate belief in God I was born with I take well beyond Dr. Rebane’s ID to intelligent proactive involved designER. That is what I truly believe, not just think. So my question to Steve and to others in the future is along the lines of what do you really believe down deep. Maybe this is the wrong site for this, but (we) can all benefit from knowing each other’s core senses, be it intuitive or the conclusions they have arrived at after much searching.
    One of my favorite expressions is “all drowning men pray to God.” Not very scientific nor can I source it, nor wish to debate it. That is what I am after. What do you truly believe in your heart of hearts. Facts are secondary. Answer that question and I will know your core values and by extension, understand. Nothing to do with agreeing or disagreeing.
    Done rambling. Boy, I will be grumpy at work in the morning. Nighty night.

    Like

  46. Todd Juvinall Avatar
    Todd Juvinall

    I am going to keep my eye on Camel-a Harris. She is of course running for US Senate to replace the old broad and ultra liberal Babs Box-her. One of the worst Senators in US history and one of the most hypocritical. While she gathered her fellow feminists to march over to the House urging the removal of some Republican with a sexual peccadillo, she got down on her knees for Bill Clinton without a word in Loo-n-ski. The Box-her legacy in Marin is also one of failure. But she was once cute.

    Like

  47. Steven Frisch Avatar
    Steven Frisch

    Posted by: Bill Tozer | 29 July 2015 at 01:08 AM
    I appreciate the point that is was a serious question without ulterior motive, which is why I answered it as directly and honestly as I could.

    Like

  48. Todd Juvinall Avatar
    Todd Juvinall

    Ahhhh, sure you did.

    Like

  49. Steven Frisch Avatar
    Steven Frisch

    Posted by: Todd Juvinall | 29 July 2015 at 07:37 AM
    I am with Mr. Kesti above, it ain’t racism, but it is despicable distaste, which is probably why you appear incapable of maintaining a marriage. Grow up and learn how to be a gentleman.

    Like

  50. Todd Juvinall Avatar
    Todd Juvinall

    Ah the personal attacks. Kesti is just a dope. And Steve Frisch a bankrupt Passages restaurant owner who owed thousands of dollars to the government. Swiping the employees tax money. Yep you two belong together.
    Regarding being a “gentleman”. Never claimed to be one.

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