Taking a breather

By Jeff Wilson

I woke up this morning with a stomach ache that's becoming increasingly worse, so much so that it's distracting me. So I'm copping out of the daily brief.

That and the fact that I feel like there's not a whole lot of news to report until we learn the results of the autopsy of the victim found in Castaic. Actually, check that. While we don't know the identity of the person who burned to death -in broad daylight....in Castaic!!- we know that that person suffered an awful and grisly death. I think it's highly likely it was murder as I can't imagine a self-immolation on a vacant Lake Hughes road at 6am of a Tuesday morning in Santa Clarita, of all places, and there's no indication that it was somehow accidental, that a cyclist climbing the ultra-tough Lake Hughes road, came upon a man who accidentally lit himself on fire at dawn in a brushy area with no structures, cars, or anything at all, around.

So yeah, in my view, a vicious and unspeakable murder happened this week in the SCV, that much is certain. That's what's making my stomach upset. And that's before we get to the whole bizarre Laspisa story!

Here's hoping the LA County Homicide Detective Squad, aka the Bulldogs, are up to the task of solving both crimes, or God forbid, well I won't even say it. I know the Bulldogs are overworked, there's only a hundred of them to cover the whole County and such, but in the six years I've been blogging the SCV, they don't have a very impressive record of solving murder cases in the SCV. Yeah yeah, I know I'm being unfair, real life is not like an episode of NYPD Blue or CSI : Vegas, but tough cookies. I, and many other readers of this blog, can instantly name the names of at least five or six murder victims in the SCV whose killers have escaped justice, whose cases have gone cold. And that's just in the last few years.

I know they are skilled & elite detectives but I fear the Laspisa and/or Burning Man case will simply be forgotten and by next week, we'll all be talking about something else. Certainly that's the way it feels; yesterday Smith @ KHTS reported that the Bulldogs had put some kind of "security hold" on the Laspisa case, which sounds either entirely reasonable in a case attracting big media attention, or run of the mill, since I can't distinguish it from what I usually hear out of the Bulldogs unit (that would be silence).

I just want better for the SCV and I really take these crimes to heart and dwell on them, and I think of what John Donne wrote:

No man is an island,
Entire of itself,
Every man is a piece of the continent,
A part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea,
Europe is the less.
As well as if a promontory were.
As well as if a manor of thy friend's
Or of thine own were:
Any man's death diminishes me,
Because I am involved in mankind,
And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls;
It tolls for thee.

Speaking of disturbing, and while I'm bitching about institutions, here's a giant middle finger to the National Security Agency for the most disturbing set of details about the Prism program yet. Reviewing this story once again can't be helping my stomach at this point.

The NSA, through brute supercomputing force, threats of jailtime for private industry technologists, or simply by asking nicely, has found ways to break or decrypt just about every major security system we use on the internet. That little lock symbol in your browser window when you visit your bank's website? They've broken and/or co-opted that, without your knowledge or consent. Your company's private VPN connection? They've actually threatened internet providers, equipment manufacturers, and software programmers with jail time unless they provide a back-door into what you thought was a secured, private connection. Details released today by the NY Times, Guardian, and ProPublica show that the NSA & GCHQ, the UK Equivalent, were overjoyed in 2010 when they finally were able to break commercial SSL/TLS security safeguards, even the ones thought to be impenetrable and really safe (like 256 bit aes certs). In many cases all they had to do was ask a Microsoft here, threaten an Apple there, and these companies let them in.

This is our government doing this to us. It's being done by an agency whose charter is not just to hack & decrypt foreign communications but importantly, to make sure the US is not vulnerable to being hacked- that has turned on us, that's joyful that they've finally broken commercial security technology. They've weakened our national security; not protected it. They've violated the more important part of their charter.

It's like the NSA saw that 1998 movie, Enemy of the State, and instead of interpreting it as a moderately entertaining sci-fi movie, embraced its premise and said, "Hell yeah. We need to get busy making that shit a reality."

As a 14 year IT Professional who worries about this stuff for a living, I apologize to all the cranks prophets over the years who said this bedrock security technology was insecure. Today I read a post by a professional cryptologist, a research professor at Johns Hopkins University, and even he's shocked by this news:

All of this is a long way of saying that I was totally unprepared for today's bombshell revelations describing the NSA's efforts to defeat encryption. Not only does the worst possible hypothetical I discussed appear to be true, but it's true on a scale I couldn't even imagine. I'm no longer the crank. I wasn't even close to cranky enough.

You know what I think? Any government that needs to know what the hell I'm buying at Amazon or what I'm typing in my personal email in order to safeguard my "security" isn't really concerned about my security at all. They're concerned about raw, unbridled, unchecked, and secret power. What you're reading in the Times this morning is something the KGB or the East German STASI could only have dreamed of in their hey-day of trawling their citizens for data.

This is an agency that needs to be dismantled pronto, "terrorist" threats be damned.

Argh! Anyway, sorry for there not being a Daily Brief today and please excuse me while I rush to get some Pepto Bismol. Also, Shana Tova to any and all Jewish readers & residents of the SCV and everyone have a good weekend and stay cool. In fact, just leave the SCV and get this stuff off your mind. Spend time with your family and go lay at the beach or in a park or something. I think I'll read a book this weekend. Any suggestions?

Comments (28)

RedShiftFriday, September 6th, 2013 at 11:14 am

SCV = Hollywood North Castaic = Mulholland Falls North ?? I don't say much, but I do enjoy the chatter. Feel better soon...

Timothy Myers, Sr.Friday, September 6th, 2013 at 11:25 am

Bryce Laspisa case is weighing heavily on me too, because we have a male college student of similar age. Like you I am definitely getting the vibe that if the burned body cannot be identified as Bryce Laspisa the story will be ended by Monday and we will talking about something else.

WalkerSaturday, September 7th, 2013 at 12:51 pm

Bryce's disappearance has been weighing heavily on my mind as well. It just doesn't make sense. Neither the circumstances surrounding his disappearance, or the lack of information/searching. I mean, Hanna Anderson was only 3 years younger than Bryce and we were getting (multiple) texts in the middle of the night asking us to be on the alert, and for Bryce it seems like, aside from searching the lake, they're barely looking for him at all. Obviously he's too old for an Amber Alert, but he's certainly still a young man and you'd think sheriff dept would want to release whatever information they could to help find him, to keep his face and story in the news. Aside from the efforts of his parents, his name doesn't seem to be much of a headline in the news at all. Part of me thinks the burned body has to be his. Why else would they not be plastering his name and story all over the news? Perhaps they have reason to believe it is him and that's why there isn't a greater effort on the 'missing person' side of things? While they may not be able to confirm whether or not it is him at this point (and should it really be taking this long!?!), Bryce had a permanent retainer and unusually large feet...you'd at least think they'd be able to tell if it was 'likely' to be him. It's frustrating that they're just letting his disappearance slip away.

Timothy Myers, Sr.Monday, September 9th, 2013 at 9:59 am

Walker: There are differences in the case. First, Hannah Anderson was a minor and their was clear evidence she had been abducted and that a crime had been committed. Second, Bryce's mother said that she spoke to him just three hours before his wrecked car was found and everything seemed fine, so all the evidence pointed to an accident. It is really an issue of wise use of resources. Remember that the Santa Clarita sheriff's station handles about 1 missing persons report A DAY, 60% being juveniles. Thankfully, nearly all of these cases are just an angry teen who is crashing at a friend's house and they show up fairly quickly, but imagine the expenditure of resources if we called an Amber alert every single day just in this area. With regard to the search, the borders of the Angeles National Forest are brushy, brambly and dense and one could walk by something 100 times without seeing it; grid searches are virtually impossible because of the terrain. And something in the lake? It is deep and dark this late in the summer and divers would just find something by accident if at all. I am now brokenhearted because with each passing day Aachen's Razor narrows the chances of finding Bryce Laspisa. Hope that he has lost his memory and is wondering around the woods or is being held against his will are just not likely. It may be years before any recovery occurs.

WalkerMonday, September 9th, 2013 at 10:21 am

Right. I pointed out that obviously she was a minor, and yes I was aware that the nature of the situations is different. Still, there's a missing kid out there an no one (but his family/friends) seems to be paying it much attention at all. Seriously, it has now been, what, 5 days since the body was found and still no word on whether it belongs to Bryce? No pleas for anyone who saw him in the towns north of SCV, or of course in SCV. Refusing assistance of outside agencies skilled at and willing to conduct searches in that rough terrain you speak of? I just don't get it. It sucks. As a community member, as a parent, as a human, I just can't understand why his case does not seem to be a priority. If in fact they are working things behind the scenes (like, um, IDing the body in some sort of reasonable time frame) then say that. Say the reason it looks like we're not looking, the reason we are refusing help from outside agencies is because (insert excuse here). But until you find him in the lake or ID the body as his, keep his name and face and car and drivers license number out there and beg for anyone who saw him at some point during his drive home to call the authorities.

WalkerMonday, September 9th, 2013 at 10:22 am

*license plate number

Timothy Myers, Sr.Monday, September 9th, 2013 at 11:42 am

Walker: Not to be harsh but LE is thinking hard about the Terry Smith, Jr. case in Menifee where inexperienced volunteer searchers had to be "rescued" by LE when they got lost or ran out of water or both during some hot July days. Also, most of the searchers (thankfully) are sticking to the roads which have already been searched multiple times. On your final point, the vehicle was "seen" by surveillance cameras at the crash scene just three hours before the wrecked car was discovered, so their would be little gained by trying to vet what occurred between Buttonwillow and Castaic since there is not much missing time between his purchase of an energy drink at the Buttonwillow Shell and when the vehicle is recording by surveillance cameras at Castaic Lake. In summary I think people should feel perfectly free to search but be careful and not put themselves into jeopardy and compound the tragedy.

WalkerMonday, September 9th, 2013 at 11:56 am

Meh. The search organizations that have been contacted are skilled, in fact, some sources claim these search organizations are more skilled at such things than the local LE. On his whereabouts during the time leading up to the crash, I couldn't disagree more. Where are the 'friends' he was going to see? Has anyone talked to them (if they exist)? Does anyone know who they are? Does anyone know where they are? What they did? Where they met? Where in Castaic did he go aside from the lake (since the vehicle was seen entering several times over the course of a few hours....where did it / he go after exiting on those several trips?). Perhaps if they were plastering the description of Bryce / his car in the media someone who saw something would have valuable information to share.

mikecFriday, September 6th, 2013 at 11:36 am

Jeff, Feel better! At least we don't have cc cameras everywhere like the United Kingdom

Lori RivasFriday, September 6th, 2013 at 1:58 pm

I've recently read: Faith, by Jennifer Haigh; Girl in Translation by Jeane Kwok; Say You're One of Them, by Uwem Akpan; Cold Mountain, by Charles Frazier (currently reading) -- I see Cold Mountain was made into a movie, as well. Some of my all-time favorites are: Catch-22; 100 Years of Solitude; Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight; Los de abajo (The Underdogs, I think, in English?); Night of Sorrows; Saving the World....aside from more well-known classics.

JoshPremakoFriday, September 6th, 2013 at 3:09 pm

The Winter of Our Discontent by John Steinbeck is a personal favorite. Another great read is War by Sebastian Junger. I know, cheery. If you’re in the mood for something easy, delightful and inspiring, read Travels with Charley by John Steinbeck.

Timothy Myers, Sr.Friday, September 6th, 2013 at 4:33 pm

Enjoyed "Travels with Charley" before learning that Steinbeck probably made most of it up since he was quite ill (near death) and depressed at the time, and may have not actually made most of the trip.

evitalc31Friday, September 6th, 2013 at 3:55 pm

I love John Steinbeck. My favorite is "Tortilla Flat"

scvmommaFriday, September 6th, 2013 at 6:24 pm

Okay, this blog started out about deep, disturbing issues of a rise in brutal crimes and the agencies in charge of solving them falling short. Then it ends in book recommendations .REALLY, SERIOUSLY . I moved out here to escape the ghetto of San Fernando Valley, yet it I now infecting our city and the only response is literary suggestions. Now I know why this city is going to the dogs

KLBFriday, September 6th, 2013 at 7:37 pm

Yep, this city is going to hell in a handbasket because of the comments on this board. Jeff asked for book recommendations. If you want to weigh in on one of the heavier subjects of today’s blog, have at it.

InkGigoloSaturday, September 7th, 2013 at 8:38 am

“The more I know about SCV people, the better I like my SCV dog.” – Mark Twain (more or less)

JoshPremakoSaturday, September 7th, 2013 at 12:17 pm

Did you actually read the whole post? He concluded by asking for book reccomendations.

larmccSunday, September 8th, 2013 at 12:21 am

If Jeff's blog post does not signal the end of days, then I don't know what does.

Bill ReynoldsSaturday, September 7th, 2013 at 11:46 am

High Density Housing = High Crime

JoshPremakoSaturday, September 7th, 2013 at 2:29 pm

Stimulating, in-depth commentary.

Bill ReynoldsSaturday, September 7th, 2013 at 5:54 pm

Likewise I'm sure...

Bill ReynoldsSaturday, September 7th, 2013 at 12:27 pm

Here's a book recommendation: "The Boy's of '67" by Dr. Andrew Wiest. National Geographic is creating a 2 Hour HD documentary for TV based on this book titled "Brothers in War" and will air March 2014.

Coastal SageSaturday, September 7th, 2013 at 1:37 pm

A book/author recommendation, especially in light of Jeff's comments on the NSA: The Shadow Factory by James Bamford (2009) When the book was first published, I saw Mr. Bamford on two interview shows, where he described the computer programs the NSA was preparing and the agency management's struggling with how to respect Americans' right to privacy. In essence, none of the recent revelations come as a surprise to people who read the book 4 years ago.

evitalc31Saturday, September 7th, 2013 at 9:12 pm

I hope that the burned body isn't his.

TimBen BoydstonSunday, September 8th, 2013 at 9:26 am

1984

4eyedsueSunday, September 8th, 2013 at 9:46 am

Great post. As far as the books go- if you are anything like me- with so much going on- such distracting news- it's hard to get lost in a book right now. I have 3 started and going slow. So- not knowing you- except through your blog- I'm gonna recommend the Lonesome Dove series. I remember a post years ago about good ol' western movies. These books are a fun escape. I also 2nd Lori's suggestion of One Hundred Years of Solitude. If you are in a darker place- Geek Love by Katherine Dunn

RedShiftSunday, September 8th, 2013 at 10:38 am

How about "Vineland" by Thomas Pynchon? If that doesn't bring you out of your funk, there's no hope 8*)

AllanCameronSunday, September 8th, 2013 at 4:17 pm

Hello Jeff. I am sorry you are not feeling well. Please actively consider the possibility that your pain may be from an inflamed appendix. If there is any chance of that, you must seek medical attention immediately. I do not read all of the local "blogs" as often as I would like. Thank you so very much for the New York Times article on the NSA. "What can be abused, will be abused". The article was very helpful, and I would have missed it, were it not for you. On another subject, more than two months ago, you and I had an extensive series of exchanges on a blog site about the on going attempt to deprive most of the SCV of 80 percent of its voting rights. As part of that discussion, you, and at least one other person voiced several complaints about various physical problems in our community, primarily in Newhall. Fixing those problems involves certain kinds of technical knowledge which I have. 10 weeks ago, I said, flat out, that there was no reason to necessarily wait to address the "Newhall Problems". You indicated that you wished to meet in person. I look forward to doing exactly that. Please call at your earliest convenience. I offered to help, right now, with any effort expended to achieve the end of "fixing Newhall". I listed my personal mobile phone number in the posts, several times. Here it is again.....818-634-8669. So far, no one has called me in response to my offer, which I now repeat. If anyone would like to really DO SOMETHING, as opposed to anything else, go ahead. You do not necessarily even need me. However, I can, because of what I do professionally, save folks a huge amount of wasted effort. I also have moved on the issue of protecting everyone's right to vote, AND addressing and fixing the genuine crisis in local government knowledge, election voter participation, and in people's willingness and ability to become local government elected officials. I thank all the others who understand the nature of the threat we face, and thank them all for being so willing to step forward to act. I wonder if I will receive any phone calls this time.

RedShiftFriday, September 6th, 2013 at 11:14 am
SCV = Hollywood North Castaic = Mulholland Falls North ?? I don't say much, but I do enjoy the chatter. Feel better soon...
Timothy Myers, Sr.Friday, September 6th, 2013 at 11:25 am
Bryce Laspisa case is weighing heavily on me too, because we have a male college student of similar age. Like you I am definitely getting the vibe that if the burned body cannot be identified as Bryce Laspisa the story will be ended by Monday and we will talking about something else.
WalkerSaturday, September 7th, 2013 at 12:51 pm
Bryce's disappearance has been weighing heavily on my mind as well. It just doesn't make sense. Neither the circumstances surrounding his disappearance, or the lack of information/searching. I mean, Hanna Anderson was only 3 years younger than Bryce and we were getting (multiple) texts in the middle of the night asking us to be on the alert, and for Bryce it seems like, aside from searching the lake, they're barely looking for him at all. Obviously he's too old for an Amber Alert, but he's certainly still a young man and you'd think sheriff dept would want to release whatever information they could to help find him, to keep his face and story in the news. Aside from the efforts of his parents, his name doesn't seem to be much of a headline in the news at all. Part of me thinks the burned body has to be his. Why else would they not be plastering his name and story all over the news? Perhaps they have reason to believe it is him and that's why there isn't a greater effort on the 'missing person' side of things? While they may not be able to confirm whether or not it is him at this point (and should it really be taking this long!?!), Bryce had a permanent retainer and unusually large feet...you'd at least think they'd be able to tell if it was 'likely' to be him. It's frustrating that they're just letting his disappearance slip away.
Timothy Myers, Sr.Monday, September 9th, 2013 at 9:59 am
Walker: There are differences in the case. First, Hannah Anderson was a minor and their was clear evidence she had been abducted and that a crime had been committed. Second, Bryce's mother said that she spoke to him just three hours before his wrecked car was found and everything seemed fine, so all the evidence pointed to an accident. It is really an issue of wise use of resources. Remember that the Santa Clarita sheriff's station handles about 1 missing persons report A DAY, 60% being juveniles. Thankfully, nearly all of these cases are just an angry teen who is crashing at a friend's house and they show up fairly quickly, but imagine the expenditure of resources if we called an Amber alert every single day just in this area. With regard to the search, the borders of the Angeles National Forest are brushy, brambly and dense and one could walk by something 100 times without seeing it; grid searches are virtually impossible because of the terrain. And something in the lake? It is deep and dark this late in the summer and divers would just find something by accident if at all. I am now brokenhearted because with each passing day Aachen's Razor narrows the chances of finding Bryce Laspisa. Hope that he has lost his memory and is wondering around the woods or is being held against his will are just not likely. It may be years before any recovery occurs.
WalkerMonday, September 9th, 2013 at 10:21 am
Right. I pointed out that obviously she was a minor, and yes I was aware that the nature of the situations is different. Still, there's a missing kid out there an no one (but his family/friends) seems to be paying it much attention at all. Seriously, it has now been, what, 5 days since the body was found and still no word on whether it belongs to Bryce? No pleas for anyone who saw him in the towns north of SCV, or of course in SCV. Refusing assistance of outside agencies skilled at and willing to conduct searches in that rough terrain you speak of? I just don't get it. It sucks. As a community member, as a parent, as a human, I just can't understand why his case does not seem to be a priority. If in fact they are working things behind the scenes (like, um, IDing the body in some sort of reasonable time frame) then say that. Say the reason it looks like we're not looking, the reason we are refusing help from outside agencies is because (insert excuse here). But until you find him in the lake or ID the body as his, keep his name and face and car and drivers license number out there and beg for anyone who saw him at some point during his drive home to call the authorities.
WalkerMonday, September 9th, 2013 at 10:22 am
*license plate number
Timothy Myers, Sr.Monday, September 9th, 2013 at 11:42 am
Walker: Not to be harsh but LE is thinking hard about the Terry Smith, Jr. case in Menifee where inexperienced volunteer searchers had to be "rescued" by LE when they got lost or ran out of water or both during some hot July days. Also, most of the searchers (thankfully) are sticking to the roads which have already been searched multiple times. On your final point, the vehicle was "seen" by surveillance cameras at the crash scene just three hours before the wrecked car was discovered, so their would be little gained by trying to vet what occurred between Buttonwillow and Castaic since there is not much missing time between his purchase of an energy drink at the Buttonwillow Shell and when the vehicle is recording by surveillance cameras at Castaic Lake. In summary I think people should feel perfectly free to search but be careful and not put themselves into jeopardy and compound the tragedy.
WalkerMonday, September 9th, 2013 at 11:56 am
Meh. The search organizations that have been contacted are skilled, in fact, some sources claim these search organizations are more skilled at such things than the local LE. On his whereabouts during the time leading up to the crash, I couldn't disagree more. Where are the 'friends' he was going to see? Has anyone talked to them (if they exist)? Does anyone know who they are? Does anyone know where they are? What they did? Where they met? Where in Castaic did he go aside from the lake (since the vehicle was seen entering several times over the course of a few hours....where did it / he go after exiting on those several trips?). Perhaps if they were plastering the description of Bryce / his car in the media someone who saw something would have valuable information to share.
mikecFriday, September 6th, 2013 at 11:36 am
Jeff, Feel better! At least we don't have cc cameras everywhere like the United Kingdom
Lori RivasFriday, September 6th, 2013 at 1:58 pm
I've recently read: Faith, by Jennifer Haigh; Girl in Translation by Jeane Kwok; Say You're One of Them, by Uwem Akpan; Cold Mountain, by Charles Frazier (currently reading) -- I see Cold Mountain was made into a movie, as well. Some of my all-time favorites are: Catch-22; 100 Years of Solitude; Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight; Los de abajo (The Underdogs, I think, in English?); Night of Sorrows; Saving the World....aside from more well-known classics.
JoshPremakoFriday, September 6th, 2013 at 3:09 pm
The Winter of Our Discontent by John Steinbeck is a personal favorite. Another great read is War by Sebastian Junger. I know, cheery. If you’re in the mood for something easy, delightful and inspiring, read Travels with Charley by John Steinbeck.
Timothy Myers, Sr.Friday, September 6th, 2013 at 4:33 pm
Enjoyed "Travels with Charley" before learning that Steinbeck probably made most of it up since he was quite ill (near death) and depressed at the time, and may have not actually made most of the trip.
evitalc31Friday, September 6th, 2013 at 3:55 pm
I love John Steinbeck. My favorite is "Tortilla Flat"
scvmommaFriday, September 6th, 2013 at 6:24 pm
Okay, this blog started out about deep, disturbing issues of a rise in brutal crimes and the agencies in charge of solving them falling short. Then it ends in book recommendations .REALLY, SERIOUSLY . I moved out here to escape the ghetto of San Fernando Valley, yet it I now infecting our city and the only response is literary suggestions. Now I know why this city is going to the dogs
KLBFriday, September 6th, 2013 at 7:37 pm
Yep, this city is going to hell in a handbasket because of the comments on this board. Jeff asked for book recommendations. If you want to weigh in on one of the heavier subjects of today’s blog, have at it.
InkGigoloSaturday, September 7th, 2013 at 8:38 am
“The more I know about SCV people, the better I like my SCV dog.” – Mark Twain (more or less)
JoshPremakoSaturday, September 7th, 2013 at 12:17 pm
Did you actually read the whole post? He concluded by asking for book reccomendations.
larmccSunday, September 8th, 2013 at 12:21 am
If Jeff's blog post does not signal the end of days, then I don't know what does.
Bill ReynoldsSaturday, September 7th, 2013 at 11:46 am
High Density Housing = High Crime
JoshPremakoSaturday, September 7th, 2013 at 2:29 pm
Stimulating, in-depth commentary.
Bill ReynoldsSaturday, September 7th, 2013 at 5:54 pm
Likewise I'm sure...
Bill ReynoldsSaturday, September 7th, 2013 at 12:27 pm
Here's a book recommendation: "The Boy's of '67" by Dr. Andrew Wiest. National Geographic is creating a 2 Hour HD documentary for TV based on this book titled "Brothers in War" and will air March 2014.
Coastal SageSaturday, September 7th, 2013 at 1:37 pm
A book/author recommendation, especially in light of Jeff's comments on the NSA: The Shadow Factory by James Bamford (2009) When the book was first published, I saw Mr. Bamford on two interview shows, where he described the computer programs the NSA was preparing and the agency management's struggling with how to respect Americans' right to privacy. In essence, none of the recent revelations come as a surprise to people who read the book 4 years ago.
evitalc31Saturday, September 7th, 2013 at 9:12 pm
I hope that the burned body isn't his.
TimBen BoydstonSunday, September 8th, 2013 at 9:26 am
1984
4eyedsueSunday, September 8th, 2013 at 9:46 am
Great post. As far as the books go- if you are anything like me- with so much going on- such distracting news- it's hard to get lost in a book right now. I have 3 started and going slow. So- not knowing you- except through your blog- I'm gonna recommend the Lonesome Dove series. I remember a post years ago about good ol' western movies. These books are a fun escape. I also 2nd Lori's suggestion of One Hundred Years of Solitude. If you are in a darker place- Geek Love by Katherine Dunn
RedShiftSunday, September 8th, 2013 at 10:38 am
How about "Vineland" by Thomas Pynchon? If that doesn't bring you out of your funk, there's no hope 8*)
AllanCameronSunday, September 8th, 2013 at 4:17 pm
Hello Jeff. I am sorry you are not feeling well. Please actively consider the possibility that your pain may be from an inflamed appendix. If there is any chance of that, you must seek medical attention immediately. I do not read all of the local "blogs" as often as I would like. Thank you so very much for the New York Times article on the NSA. "What can be abused, will be abused". The article was very helpful, and I would have missed it, were it not for you. On another subject, more than two months ago, you and I had an extensive series of exchanges on a blog site about the on going attempt to deprive most of the SCV of 80 percent of its voting rights. As part of that discussion, you, and at least one other person voiced several complaints about various physical problems in our community, primarily in Newhall. Fixing those problems involves certain kinds of technical knowledge which I have. 10 weeks ago, I said, flat out, that there was no reason to necessarily wait to address the "Newhall Problems". You indicated that you wished to meet in person. I look forward to doing exactly that. Please call at your earliest convenience. I offered to help, right now, with any effort expended to achieve the end of "fixing Newhall". I listed my personal mobile phone number in the posts, several times. Here it is again.....818-634-8669. So far, no one has called me in response to my offer, which I now repeat. If anyone would like to really DO SOMETHING, as opposed to anything else, go ahead. You do not necessarily even need me. However, I can, because of what I do professionally, save folks a huge amount of wasted effort. I also have moved on the issue of protecting everyone's right to vote, AND addressing and fixing the genuine crisis in local government knowledge, election voter participation, and in people's willingness and ability to become local government elected officials. I thank all the others who understand the nature of the threat we face, and thank them all for being so willing to step forward to act. I wonder if I will receive any phone calls this time.