Trooper York: Trooper's Starship

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Trooper's Starship

So I was thinking I might take that very smart suggestion by one of our favorite knuckleheads and put out a public blog called "Trooper's Starship" where I can repost some of my favorite series and things that are ok for public view. And to give people who don't have my email a place to comment and or contact me to see if they want to be on the main supersecret blog

I don't know if I will....it is just something I am thinking about. What do you think?

149 comments:

Chip S. said...: Brilliant, of course.; February 18, 2012 at 2:21 PM
chickelit said...: Reposts as in reruns? Can you export original comments with old blog posts?

I like the idea of new stuff for public consumption. Not sure about reruns.

OTOH, links to classic episodes (and the original commentary) are highly worthwhile though perhaps a tad nostalgic.; February 18, 2012 at 2:27 PM
chickelit said...: In any case, since Troop is usually an integral part of any commentary on one of his original blog post I can't see him wanting to separate the two.; February 18, 2012 at 2:29 PM
Chip S. said...: I thought he meant "double posts," like simulcasting, so that TY members wouldn't have to visit both sites to see everything.

One blog for garagemahal to enjoy and comment on, and this one for Sixty Grit.

But maybe that's not what he meant.; February 18, 2012 at 2:31 PM
chickelit said...: I thought he meant "double posts," like simulcasting, so that TY members wouldn't have to visit both sites to see everything.

Cross-posting?; February 18, 2012 at 2:41 PM
Anonymous said...: Double the fun, double the pleasure, go for it. Since it may be called Trooper's Starship, I have first dips on a Lieutenant Uhura character.

So who will be Spock?; February 18, 2012 at 2:48 PM
Chip S. said...: Yeah, that. I thought of it as simul-posting b/c it would be routine.

The downside of this is Trooper spreading himself too thinly across the two, as noted by chicklit. The upside is widening of the audience.

In the end, the question is what the tag says: Why this blog exists.; February 18, 2012 at 2:52 PM
Chip S. said...: Trooper may be thinking of a different movie, Allie.

You're perfect for the role of Dizzy Flores.

I got dibs on Ace Levy.; February 18, 2012 at 2:57 PM
Anonymous said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; February 18, 2012 at 3:05 PM
Evi L. Bloggerlady said...: Sure why not? BTW, what is Ritmo's email? He has gone private and I want to request to join. But now that he is private, I can't reach him.; February 18, 2012 at 3:12 PM
Anonymous said...: OK , I'll take Dizzy Flores, Darcy gets Lt. Carmen Ibanez. I admit I had to look up Starship Troopers, I do think I saw the first one, did they land on a planet with huge bugs?; February 18, 2012 at 3:14 PM
chickelit said...: Who gets dibs on Grace Slick?; February 18, 2012 at 3:29 PM
chickelit said...: Sorry--wrong Starship; February 18, 2012 at 3:30 PM
chickelit said...: We Built This City!; February 18, 2012 at 3:32 PM
Chip S. said...: I just remembered that 90% of my blog traffic is people asking for directions here.

So put me down as a "no".; February 18, 2012 at 3:44 PM
Chip S. said...: Who gets dibs on Grace Slick?

She's all yours, amigo mio.; February 18, 2012 at 3:47 PM
The Dude said...: I met the members of the original Jefferson Airplane on their farewell tour in the early 90s. Grace was too stuck up to visit the unwashed masses who had backstage passes. Her loss.

But the rest of the band was great - down to earth, not a bunch of burn-outs as I imagined they would be. One of the, I think it was Jorma Kaukonen, who grew up in the same county I did, had a Bull Terrier dog - a Spuds MacKenzie look-alike. Nice guy, great dog. Long ago, far away.

OH-KAY! Enough name dropping for one day. I think that's all of it, in any case.; February 18, 2012 at 3:50 PM
Chip S. said...: I'm working on a book with the working title Thomas Jefferson Starship, in which I propose the theory that the Founding Fathers were visitors from a highly advanced civilization. It has a lot of explanatory power.

Also, I'm hoping to develop it into a religion led by me.; February 18, 2012 at 3:57 PM
chickelit said...: I just remembered that 90% of my blog traffic is people asking for directions here.

Really? I got one request. I guess that's about 50% of my blog traffic.; February 18, 2012 at 4:01 PM
chickelit said...: OH-KAY! Enough name dropping for one day. I think that's all of it, in any case.

Oh go read my Chowchilla story. I'm sure I could google up some names and maybe even a map.; February 18, 2012 at 4:02 PM
Anonymous said...: Exogenesis from the planet Niburu.; February 18, 2012 at 4:05 PM
Chip S. said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; February 18, 2012 at 4:06 PM
ricpic said...: Just go back to 100% public. You got paranoid, yes, PARANOID, for a little while. It's okay. We all have feverish moments. But they subside. And no criticism will come your way because let him who is without sin etc. etc. Do it. Go back to public. The Great Oz commands you.; February 18, 2012 at 4:17 PM
Darcy said...: I liked Dizzy better than Carmen!

Not complaining, though.

I think it's a shame that you have to hide some of your masterpieces, Trooper. So I think it's a good idea to have a dual blog.; February 18, 2012 at 4:17 PM
Anonymous said...: We can trade at will Darcy, lol.; February 18, 2012 at 4:23 PM
Trooper York said...: Sorry ricpic but this blog will not go public ever again. I can't do that. It is not worth it.

I can start fresh with a new place and continue with what I am doing here as sort of an on going diary. But I won't let some people into the inner sactum ever again.; February 18, 2012 at 4:26 PM
Anonymous said...: The truly private blog posts will be safe here, Troop. I agree you need to be a bit paranoid in your position.

All the rest of the great fun stuff can be shared with the public, it's really the best of both worlds.; February 18, 2012 at 4:39 PM
The Dude said...: Well, you answered my questions. Start a public blog if that's what you want to do - go for it.

And just because you are paranoid doesn't mean that people aren't out to get you.; February 18, 2012 at 4:52 PM
Chip S. said...: The more I think about it, the more it seems like a lot of extra work for you just to get pageviews from garage mahal.

If you care about traffic, then do it.

If you don't care about traffic, what's the upside?; February 18, 2012 at 5:02 PM
The Dude said...: Think of all the important things we might learn, such as MadisonMan announcing that he is, from here on out, a sitztinkler.

Yeah, and more Garbage Mahal can only be a good thing, if by good thing one means "sucks donkey schlong".; February 18, 2012 at 5:09 PM
Trooper York said...: Well the upside is that if there is a Marilyn's Diary or Betty Rubble is a big cartoon slut post that I really like I might like it to be out there.

I don't know if I will do it. I was just thinking about it.

Sometimes Betty wants to have her slutiness acknowledged.; February 18, 2012 at 5:10 PM
ndspinelli said...: Good idea, sort of "Best of The Bullshitter and Bullshittees."; February 18, 2012 at 5:10 PM
Chip S. said...: If you love paradox, then you can make the public blog "nonmembers only."; February 18, 2012 at 5:14 PM
Trooper York said...: What only women can read it?; February 18, 2012 at 5:28 PM
windbag said...: My $.02. If you do re-posts, like you said, I'm assuming you'll just cut and paste over at the new place. What I'm anticipating is the amount of bleed-over between the blogs. Obviously, the non-dues-paying members at the new place can't see what's going on in the inner sanctum of Trooperville, while the dues-paying members over here can see all. It might become confusing when people start carrying on conversations in both places. We could take the time to do that, but the ignorant masses couldn't.

I'm not sure I've got the time to try to sort out the bleed-over from two blogs. I'll probably mainly just visit here, and if something is intriguing enough, visit the other blog to sort out the conversation.

The main thing is to remember that the Mets suck. Having two blogs to declare that might be good.; February 18, 2012 at 5:44 PM
Evi L. Bloggerlady said...: I can understand the private vs the public. I say go for it. BTW does anyone have the email so I can contact http://dichotomies1.blogspot.com/ Thanks,; February 18, 2012 at 6:08 PM
Evi L. Bloggerlady said...: I think Trooper would have some general posts on the new site and more personal stuff here. Going back and forth is not that difficult.; February 18, 2012 at 6:09 PM
Dust Bunny Queen said...: One of the, I think it was Jorma Kaukonen, who grew up in the same county I did, had a Bull Terrier dog - a Spuds MacKenzie look-alike. Nice guy, great dog. Long ago, far away

He was my guitar teacher for a while when I was a teenager. In Santa Clara. Jerry, as we called him, worked in the store where we bought my first guitar. A 1966 D-18 Martin.

He was a pretty good teacher and quite popular. Very nice guy and patient with the newbies. Taught me some blues licks and other blues type songs.

Imagine my surprise when I moved to SF and saw Jefferson Airplane at the Filmore and went...."Hey...that's Jerry!"

Never did get to meet him after he became famous though.

:-D

I have two blogs. Of course, I don't do much with either one. One is mostly about food and the other is just random stuff. Some posts I put both places. It isn't to time consuming.; February 18, 2012 at 6:28 PM
MamaM said...: Would it be a boost or benefit for your reality show persona to have a blog?

I think a public blog showcasing more of who you are, without going Whole Hog, might add another layer of "reality" and serve to enhance or expand on what is being presented on camera while adding intrigue.

What if you used this one as a place to vent, laugh and present whatever you want with freedom and impunity, and use the other to create more color for a character that may or may not be limited, marginalized or buttonholed by the producers of the show? Whatever view they choose to present of you is certain to be less than the full monty.

The stories you've done about the neighborhood, your experiences as a shopkeeper and accountant, and your views on NY, douches, ball players, books and authors etc are good reading.

The recent post about dancing with the added comments and links to the Hucklebuck, Ballin' the Jack and the video from Windbag caused me to wish the producers could include some of that stuff in the show, because it was funny, memorable and connective. If you had a blog where that kind of extra was added on to whatever was going on, I think there'd be a following.; February 18, 2012 at 6:44 PM
chickelit said...: Agree with MamaM. I think that this should be the place where people come to unwind and to be themselves. A place to set aside differences and the usual affected political stances.

For me, this is the bar or faculty club I imagined where passionate people went to remind themselves that they were human.; February 18, 2012 at 7:01 PM
chickelit said...: Let's all project on Trooper what we want this place to to be or to forever hold our piece.; February 18, 2012 at 7:04 PM
Dust Bunny Queen said...: I agree with MammaM.

A blog showcasing some of the neighborhood stories, the trials and tribulations of a shopkeeper, behind the scenes of a reality show... and some of the more entertaining but still 'safe for work' postings would be a good public persona and might be good to show to the producers.

While at the same time keeping the ...ahem...less politically correct and racy items and pointed complaints about the people producing the show in the private clubhouse.

Vent in private and entertaining face for public.; February 18, 2012 at 7:12 PM
chickelit said...: BTW does anyone have the email so I can contact http://dichotomies1.blogspot.com/ Thanks,

I don't. I presume he reads here and will answer your distress call. OTOH, Allie must have his email so maybe she can help?; February 18, 2012 at 7:14 PM
Anonymous said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; February 18, 2012 at 7:16 PM
Anonymous said...: Sorry Chickie and EBL, I can't help you with that email addy.; February 18, 2012 at 7:18 PM
john said...: Trooper York said...
But I won't let some people into the inner sactum ever again.

I won't either. Been there, it hurts.; February 18, 2012 at 7:33 PM
chickelit said...: My 7:04 comment was directed at me.; February 18, 2012 at 7:44 PM
Michael Haz said...: I dunno. Keep it private, I think. Unless the other blog is, you know, private-private. And we can talk about sex and stuff.; February 18, 2012 at 9:16 PM
Michael Haz said...: Please..no twenty-seven paragraph explanation of how to (and how not to) comment, okay?

Sheesh. The rules over there are longer than the comments.; February 18, 2012 at 9:19 PM
Titus said...: Will there still be tits?

tits.; February 18, 2012 at 10:02 PM
The Dude said...: “Ye are the salt of the earth. But if the salt hath lost its savour, wherewith shall it be salted?”

Matthew 5:13; February 18, 2012 at 10:28 PM
Evi L. Bloggerlady said...: Titus, here is a bible verse you might like:

If only you were to me like a brother, who was nursed at my mother’s breasts! Then, if I found you outside, I would kiss you, and no one would despise me.
Song of Solomon 8:1-3; February 18, 2012 at 11:09 PM
chickelit said...: Titus said...
Will there still be tits?

Will there tits be still?

jiggle; February 18, 2012 at 11:18 PM
blake said...: Seems like a time-consuming pain in the ass to me.

But I'm not the one running a shop, building an industrial back-end, and a show biz front-end.

I also didn't take a massive traffic hit when my blog went private (don't have the traffic to take a hit in the first place).

So what do I know?

Damn little.

Unless you want a website. I could probably do that.; February 19, 2012 at 1:18 AM
Evi L. Bloggerlady said...: Troop, what ever works for you will be fine.; February 19, 2012 at 3:06 AM
rcommal said...: Starship Trooper

(Why wasn't this posted earlier?); February 19, 2012 at 3:33 AM
TTBurnett said...: There are some old Arabic proverbs that might be worth thinking about here:

Do not tell a friend anything that you would conceal from an enemy.

A secret is in my custody, if I keep it; but should it escape me, it is I who am the prisoner.

The tree of silence bears the fruit of peace.; February 19, 2012 at 10:07 AM
ricpic said...: One of the great rabbis said that if he had to choose between the world, the whole world, and the Song of Solomon, he'd take the Song of Solomon.; February 19, 2012 at 10:42 AM
ricpic said...: The tree of silence bears the fruit of peace.

So why can't I shut-up?!; February 19, 2012 at 10:44 AM
JamesR said...: Weighing in as a silent fan (preferred term over "lurker"), I am just happy to be able to be here.

If you start a second "public" one, I'll probably just still hang out here. Where all comments are in good faith, and you make sure people are not "cluttering the flow" of conversation. And you don't let people comment on deleted posts or you'll get deleted for bringing up deleted posts discussing deletions.

Or, I could go and read yet another one-year anniversary of the Madison protests post....a topic that became dull as mud after about the 30th post, a year ago. And now we have a nostalgia tour? "Look! The Capital Rotunda! There's some duct tape still on a statue! Discuss!"

Hmmm...nah, I think I prefer Betty Rubble.

Jim; February 19, 2012 at 10:45 AM
chickelit said...: (Why wasn't this posted earlier?)

Someone did a couple weeks ago IIRC. But good of you to put here.; February 19, 2012 at 10:48 AM
windbag said...: Who the hell drank the last beer? I was saving that breakfast.; February 19, 2012 at 12:52 PM
dbp said...: This is a good idea. For re-runs, I think the best format would be a website rather than a blog though. The various series could be presented in different sections, etc.; February 19, 2012 at 1:01 PM
ndspinelli said...: JamesR, I commented that the "One Year Later" posts by Tweedle Dee should be put to the song, Glory Days, and that "Pride comes before the fall." It was quickly deleted; February 19, 2012 at 4:54 PM
The Dude said...: Your faith is not good.; February 19, 2012 at 5:10 PM
Darcy said...: Hi James!

I cringed at the "one year anniversary" stuff. Ick.; February 19, 2012 at 5:15 PM
Chip S. said...: ♬
Mem-reez

♫ ♩ ♩
light the cor-ners of mye mindddd;

♪ ♪ ♩ ♬
misty wah-tah colored mehehehem-o-reez

♪ ♪ ♩ ♬
of the way we were....; February 19, 2012 at 5:32 PM
Michael Haz said...: Rather than a cafe, why not have an open bar where we can post what ever we feel like posting?

And the retro-blog, good idea!!; February 19, 2012 at 6:07 PM
The Dude said...: Wow, Chip S, I could see your lower jaw waggling just like Whitney when you sang that. Well done. Now back away from the pill bottle and everything will be cool.

Where the heck is Troop? We need more dead celebrity smack around here.; February 19, 2012 at 6:13 PM
AllenS said...: Whatever you do, you'll always be:

A zing from our hearts; February 19, 2012 at 6:23 PM
chickelit said...: I'm against Troop taking this blog pubic because of the eventual temptation to shave coverage of the reality show.; February 19, 2012 at 6:40 PM
Chip S. said...: Shaved coverage?

Where's ironrailsironweights to weigh in on this?; February 19, 2012 at 7:50 PM
chickelit said...: I'm looking for a blog where it's cool to talk about "Downton Abbey."; February 20, 2012 at 11:00 AM
chickelit said...: Why

Because I like echo chambers? And also because I watch so little TV.; February 20, 2012 at 11:33 AM
chickelit said...: Maybe I'm finally having my Stockdale moment.; February 20, 2012 at 11:35 AM
The Dude said...: I watch television all the time. Have never seen Downton Abbey - it looks like yet another rehashing of Upstairs Downstairs. I try not to watch the People's Broadcasting System. Not enough gun shows, don't you know...; February 20, 2012 at 11:37 AM
Chip S. said...: They go hunting a lot on Downton Abbey.; February 20, 2012 at 12:17 PM
Anonymous said...: Downton Abbey is far better than Upstairs Downstairs, worth every penny of The People's money. I love PBS.; February 20, 2012 at 12:17 PM
chickelit said...: Twits get poked on "Downton Abbey"; February 20, 2012 at 12:19 PM
Anonymous said...: People are found dead in bed after sex.; February 20, 2012 at 12:20 PM
chickelit said...: I used to like PBS more. They overplayed their political hand--not as badly as NPR did. Plus, lots of evil corporations sponsor shows there. I won't begrudge them now for having a hit with "Downton Abbey"

I would like to see MSNBC or another commercial network flounder and maybe even go belly up w/o a bailout.; February 20, 2012 at 12:23 PM
blake said...: If I were the Koch brothers, I would start donating heavily to PBS, just so the name would appear before popular shows.; February 20, 2012 at 12:30 PM
Chip S. said...: OK, D.A. fans, about Sir Richard...

Will he publish the tale of Mr. Pamuk, or not? What about the Case of the Murderous Valet?

I say no to the first, and yes to the second. It's got legs as a story.

What say you?; February 20, 2012 at 12:34 PM
Chip S. said...: @blake--David Koch contributed $7 mil for Nova. Didn't do him much good.; February 20, 2012 at 12:36 PM
Anonymous said...: Well those corporations that sponsor programming are putting their profits to good use, so that negates the "evilness", no? It promotes the arts and humanities and and more and makes them available to millions of people.

My son in law keeps a huge amount of profit his corporation brings him and they enjoy it immensely, I'm happy for them, as it gives my daughter and grandchildren a wonderful life. I don't consider him evil at all.

BTW he listens to NPR, as does hi wife, my daughter, yet they are staunch conservatives, well fiscally anyway.; February 20, 2012 at 12:37 PM
chickelit said...: Will he publish the tale of Mr. Pamuk, or not?

Yes. Grandmama (Shirley McLain) is up next season to eclipse any and all scandals.

What about the Case of the Murderous Valet?
Ruth Anne threw me for a loop on Twitter when she spoiled that one for me. I think she watches ahead. I can say no more.; February 20, 2012 at 12:41 PM
chickelit said...: "Downton Abbey" is as important as "Mad Men" and fills the same role except earlier in time and in a different place.

Nostalgia is the next boomer boom.; February 20, 2012 at 12:48 PM
Chip S. said...: @chicklit, AFAIK they've only done read-throughs of S3. Does she have an inside source?; February 20, 2012 at 12:57 PM
Chip S. said...: Allie, The Kochs are more ethical than to make their donations out of the income that belongs to their shareholders. They make their contributions from their personal charitable foundations.

Just wait 'til you get to the chapter in C&F about the "social responsibility of business." Fun times!; February 20, 2012 at 1:00 PM
Anonymous said...: Chickie, I say no he won't publish it.; February 20, 2012 at 1:10 PM
Anonymous said...: Chip, reading C&F isn't really my idea of fun times. Whoopie, Milton Friedman!; February 20, 2012 at 1:13 PM
chickelit said...: Chickie, I say no he won't publish it.

Because the "source" is dead?; February 20, 2012 at 1:13 PM
Chip S. said...: @Allie--Think of it as medicine proven to be effective in treating the disease of liberalism.

You're a good nurse. You know good patients stick to their meds, fun or no fun.; February 20, 2012 at 1:21 PM
Anonymous said...: Chickie, no, it's because he recognized the goodness in Lady Mary and she will inspire him to be a decent fellow after all.

Call me Pollyanna.; February 20, 2012 at 1:25 PM
Chip S. said...: Or he won't do it b/c it makes him look bad.

OTOH, the Bates saga can be made into an ongoing saga that will sell lots of papers. Newspapers will split between those that treat him as an innocent man and those that treat him as guilty.

BTW, anybody think he actually did the deed?; February 20, 2012 at 1:27 PM
Anonymous said...: Chip! Are you Michael Savage IRL? But OK I will slog through C&F.; February 20, 2012 at 1:28 PM
chickelit said...: Chickie, no, it's because he recognized the goodness in Lady Mary and she will inspire him to be a decent fellow after all.

There is goodness in Lady Mary but when did he see it in her? That parting shot when he says "I'll make a profit--I always do"?; February 20, 2012 at 1:52 PM
chickelit said...: BTW, anybody think he actually did the deed?

Nope; February 20, 2012 at 1:53 PM
windbag said...: I don't like the "giving back to the community" mindset that corporations engage in. It comes across as phony pandering. I support certain things and promote them in my business. Not because it's good PR, but because they are causes I support and I am able to provide a high profile venue for them to set out a collection box or hang up a flyer. When I find stuff that I didn't approve up on the display shelf, I throw it in the trash.

My business exists because people come in and exchange money for products and services. We're even at the end of the transaction. I don't owe the community anything, nor does it owe me.; February 20, 2012 at 1:55 PM
chickelit said...: I don't like the "giving back to the community" mindset that corporations engage in.

You don't have to like it--just don't begrudge it.; February 20, 2012 at 1:59 PM
chickelit said...: Dale Carnegie--after making his first fortune in steel--scored again by winning friends and influencing people. :D; February 20, 2012 at 2:01 PM
chickelit said...: Dale Carnegie--after making his first fortune in steel--scored again by winning friends and influencing people. :D; February 20, 2012 at 2:01 PM
chickelit said...: Such duplicity there in my last comment!; February 20, 2012 at 2:01 PM
Anonymous said...: I'm messaging on iPad with my daughter in Afghanistan, back later to answer your question.; February 20, 2012 at 2:05 PM
Anonymous said...: Chickie, I think that he will redeem himself in the end. I think that her parting words to him will resonate when the time is right. I think his parting words to her were his hurt feelings talking, something in his expression, made me think he wasn't such a bad guy deep down.

Me being Pollyanna again.

I don't think Bates did it either.; February 20, 2012 at 3:00 PM
chickelit said...: The only bad people in the show are O'Brien and Thomas.; February 20, 2012 at 3:21 PM
Anonymous said...: Even O'Brien and Thomas are not all bad. Thomas was a decent guy to his fellow patients in the hospital and O'Brien shows glimpses of a tender heart at times and loyalty to her mistress.; February 20, 2012 at 3:30 PM
windbag said...: I don't begrudge it. I don't particularly care what anyone spends their money on. I just don't buy into the notion that companies have some duty to give back to the community.; February 20, 2012 at 3:37 PM
Dust Bunny Queen said...: I think that Allie would like Milton Friedman Free to Chose better.

It is probably the most relevant book that I have ever read.; February 20, 2012 at 3:48 PM
Dust Bunny Queen said...: Free to Chose was also a 'legendary' series on PBS, so maybe Allie can allow herself to watch or read it with an open mind

:-D; February 20, 2012 at 3:51 PM
windbag said...: Milton is one of my 17 year old son's heroes. Rightfully so.; February 20, 2012 at 3:53 PM
Anonymous said...: Windbag, I agree with you, they dont have a duty to give back to the community, but isn't great when they do? We don't have a duty to be decent to our fellow man either, especially if the person doesn't subscribe to some religous belief that teaches us to be selfless. Even atheists can be generous of spirit (even though they believe they have no spirit).

It's just uplifting when it happens spontaneously and from the heart.; February 20, 2012 at 3:56 PM
Anonymous said...: OK DBQ, I'll watch it If I can find it, but I may have to wear my aluminum foil hat. ;); February 20, 2012 at 3:59 PM
Chip S. said...: It's just uplifting when it happens spontaneously and from the heart.

Corporations may be people, but they don't have hearts.

The critique of corporate giving is that it's frequently a case of giving $$ to the CEO's pet charity with funds that belong to the shareholders. The complicating factor is that it's also a way for shareholders in a tax bracket below the corp's to get a tax subsidy for giving.

But absent corp tax considerations, it's more "from the heart" if the corp just sends the money to the shareholders and they give it away.; February 20, 2012 at 4:12 PM
Anonymous said...: I understand the tax breaks for corporate giving, why is that a bad thing? Isn't it a worse thing for corporations to get tax breaks to manufacture goods overseas?

It seems to me that the only good that tax break is doing is making the manufacturer richer. Nothing wrong with being rich, but why do they deserve a tax break for taking jobs OUT of this country?; February 20, 2012 at 4:22 PM
BJM said...: AChip S

Will he publish the tale of Mr. Pamuk, or not? What about the Case of the Murderous Valet?

No, to the first as he's shopping for an aristocratic wife...so he won't blot his copybook among the peerage.

Yes, to the second cuz it's exactly the sort of class scandal that Brit tabs were built upon.

A few random thoughts:

-The star-crossed lover meme has propelled the plot through two seasons. Edith is the only loose end and her character has become a cipher.

-Fellowes must have more drama in store for Mary & Matthew with the introduction of MacLaine's character.

-The resolution of Sybil & Tom's story line was too pat unless we're going to revisit them. Season 2 ends in 1920. The war of independence was over and the free Irish state established. Will Branson become a powerful Irish politican, thus bridging the class gap between himself and the Crawleys?

As Christie would put it - Fellowes has put a number of guns in the drawers. Who will use them? and why?; February 20, 2012 at 4:23 PM
chickelit said...: Allie Oop said...
Even O'Brien and Thomas are not all bad. Thomas was a decent guy to his fellow patients in the hospital and O'Brien shows glimpses of a tender heart at times and loyalty to her mistress.

Don't mess with my sense of black and white absolute moral certainties. :); February 20, 2012 at 4:26 PM
Anonymous said...: Is there a ripple in the Force?; February 20, 2012 at 4:42 PM
Chip S. said...: Gonna mess with your b&w world a lot more, chick--

I say Bates did the deed. He's been a sort of Billy Budd character all along, so what better twist than for him to be freed on a retrial (Lord G manages to find a decent barrister) and then confess to Anna the reason they're finally together.

Just sayn'.; February 20, 2012 at 4:42 PM
Anonymous said...: Chip, yes, good twist and then Anna LEAVES him.; February 20, 2012 at 4:45 PM
Chip S. said...: I dunno, Allie. I was thinking they'd steal Lord G's car and roam the UK committing a string of bank robberies.

Too much?; February 20, 2012 at 4:48 PM
chickelit said...: Chip S. wrote: Just sayn'

You take that back right now. Only Troop is allowed to spell and elide it that way.; February 20, 2012 at 4:56 PM
chickelit said...: I dunno, Allie. I was thinking they'd steal Lord G's car and roam the UK committing a string of bank robberies.

Thomas would be up for that too in my my little B/W world.

O'Brien will plant fenian bombs, killing more innocents.; February 20, 2012 at 5:01 PM
Chip S. said...: There you go again with that black and white morality.

It's not plagiarism. It's an hommage.; February 20, 2012 at 5:01 PM
chickelit said...: C'est hommage?; February 20, 2012 at 5:04 PM
Chip S. said...: I suppose it was kind of cheesy.

So a fromage, I guess.; February 20, 2012 at 5:09 PM
The Dude said...: Well, CL, it looks as though you have found your DA blog home.

I watched "I Claudius" for the second time not long ago. That has some of the worst production values I have ever seen. You know, like when Sejanus said "Make it so!" - totally out of character and an anachronism besides.

Then Caligula started rolling around on the floor and an alien burst out of his belly. Totally wrong.

And Macro knowing all about Cairo - how is that even possible?; February 20, 2012 at 5:12 PM
chickelit said...: Mi puoi dare un formaggio, per favore?; February 20, 2012 at 5:12 PM
rcommal said...: I love Downton Abbey!; February 20, 2012 at 5:15 PM
chickelit said...: Grit!

A few weeks ago I remarked to Spurs on the Twitters that D.A. reminded me of "I, Claudius." I never explained, but last night I realized that it was because the Livia character is very much like the Dowager roll. I guess that and because they both were BBC productions.; February 20, 2012 at 5:15 PM
BJM said...: @Allie

Isn't it a worse thing for corporations to get tax breaks to manufacture goods overseas?

It seems to me that the only good that tax break is doing is making the manufacturer richer.

Where to begin? Firstly corporations and businesses do not pay taxes. Taxes are part of the overhead and are passed on to customers/consumers in the price of goods & services.

Much of the off-shore manufacturing is done by public companies with hundred of millions of shareholders. Not just Wall St.fat cats & coupon clippers, but people like me who took a chance with their hard earned money and bought shares of companies like Intel, Apple, Home Depot, etc.

Yes, lower taxes mean more profits which drive higher share value and a better return on investments such as pension funds and 401ks.

Lower prices also mean more affordable durable goods and a more comfortable lifestyle across the entire spectrum from poor to rich.

Do you remember when not so long ago a desktop computer cost $4-5k? A laser printer $1200? A Moto cell phone $1000?

Have we lost much of our heavy manufacturing base, yes, but much of it was going the way of the buggy whip as automation advanced and environmental concerns rose.

We made a choice of environment versus manufacturing. Cheaper goods versus jobs. It's facile to point the finger at "business" but we couldn't wait to get our hands on cheaper imported goods. We can't have it both ways.; February 20, 2012 at 5:19 PM
Anonymous said...: It's such a pleasure watching Downton Abbey too, such eye candy, beautiful set and costumes. BJM posted a link to a site that showed all the beautiful hats they wore, magnificent!; February 20, 2012 at 5:25 PM
Anonymous said...: BJM, my son in law manufactures goods in China, they aren't public company. There are many such manufactures that live in my daughter and son in law's subdivision alone. Nation wide, I suspect there are many such small time manufactures.

I asked him once what would happen if the poor could no longer afford his goods? He said he'd be screwed. I hope that there is no such thing as trickle up poverty.; February 20, 2012 at 5:35 PM
The Dude said...: You mean American poor? Those fat fucks with the plasma televisions and cell phones and food stamps and guaranteed income? Or the Calcutta poor?; February 20, 2012 at 5:42 PM
BJM said...: There's another Brit series available on Netflix streaming(or DVD)that DA fans might like:

Anthony Powell's "A Dance to the Music of Time"

Filmed in '97 with an excellent adaptation of the books and a splendid cast...the production values are approaching DA quality and it holds up very well.

I know what youse guys mean about "I Claudius"...I tried to watch it again last summer and it was heavy going...but Sian Phillips almost makes suffering the cheesy production, overblown script and scenery chewing actors worth the time. Almost.; February 20, 2012 at 5:59 PM
BJM said...: @Allie

I hope that there is no such thing as trickle up poverty.

The Bamster's workin' on it.; February 20, 2012 at 6:02 PM
Anonymous said...: BJM, I just got done watching A Dance to the Music of Time, very interesting. I didn't enjoy the last few episodes as much as the earlier ones though, dragged on a bit.; February 20, 2012 at 6:03 PM
BJM said...: @Allie

What did you think about the lead actor switch? That changed it up a bit too.

Have you seen "The Grand"? I got a tad obessed and watched all 18 chapters in one swell foop.; February 20, 2012 at 7:03 PM
Anonymous said...: BJM, the older Nicholas? Bah.

James Purefoy, the younger Nicholas, oh my God! Hot. I watched Dancing to the Music of Time after watching the Rome series. James Purefoy was Mark Antony, I kept seeing his character of Nicholas as Mark Antony, talk about eye candy, mmmm!; February 20, 2012 at 7:35 PM
BJM said...: @Allie

Same here re Purfoy...Hubba-hubba. He even managed to be hot in guyliner.

Sounds like you're sifting through the Netflix catalog too...have you seen "The Edge of Love" based on Dylan Thomas set in WWII London with Kiera Knightly and Sienna Miller? Who knew Knightly could sing?; February 20, 2012 at 7:48 PM
BJM said...: A public blog would be like throwing whatever amuses you on the wall and seeing what sticks...you wouldn't need to be emotionally invested in it.

The private would continue as a social gathering spot combining the functions of a confessional, group therapy, family counseling session, townhall meeting, doowop group, neighborhood dive bar and small-claims court.; February 20, 2012 at 8:06 PM
Anonymous said...: BJM , no I haven't seen it , but will watch, maybe tonight. I love most everything WW2.; February 20, 2012 at 8:27 PM
The Dude said...: I have seen a number of "Band of Brothers" epis today. Never saw it before.; February 20, 2012 at 10:09 PM
Anonymous said...: Band of Brothers, I'll have to rewatch that sometime soon. Probably the best thing HBO ever did.; February 20, 2012 at 10:18 PM
The Dude said...: It's not bad, although that jerky film action during combat scenes gets tiring. I understand it, and it can be effective, but it's over done. I think it helps mask the special effects.; February 20, 2012 at 10:24 PM
Chip S. said...: 60G, Have you seen "The Pacific"?; February 20, 2012 at 10:51 PM
The Dude said...: No, but I probably should. My uncle, with whom I spent the summer of '67 on the Delta, served as a Marine, fighting the Japs island to island. He was as tough a man as I ever worked with. Good man, funny guy, sadly he died in an automobile accident the following year.

He never talked about his many years in the Pacific, other than to chide me for not shaving and telling me how he won thousands of dollars playing poker with sailors on board the ships that carried him from place to place. He was rich when he got home - bought a brand new Cadillac, paid cash for it.

Time marches on, and those with living memory of those days pass from this plane.; February 20, 2012 at 11:03 PM
Chip S. said...: After watching that miniseries I think I understand why your uncle never talked about it.

Un-fucking-believable what those guys went through.

I laugh in the faces of people who say we shouldn't have dropped the bomb. They don't seem to realize how few of them would have been spawned without it.; February 20, 2012 at 11:40 PM
The Dude said...: I agree, Chip S. I say that as a person who has spent time in Japan and who bears no personal animosity towards the Japanese people.

But their fanaticism was such that they would have fought to the bitter end and cost many American lives in the process, my uncle probably among them.

Thank goodness for science and a bit of courage.; February 21, 2012 at 8:15 AM

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Trooper's Starship

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