In the daytime, from 9am-5pm EST, the loons are about. They bring with them chaos, disease and apathy that would not have been tolerated by their parents (and our grandparents would've just belted 'em one in the chops). I used to call these frantic, humanless drones "witless consumers", and the name still fits. They couldn't be bothered to put their shopping cart (trolley) away when finish shopping. These day-crawlers seldom look you in the eye (results may vary by geographical location). They couldn't be bothered to investigate the results of their actions (ie: elections, consumerism, news consumption, bad driving....)
Perfect examples: while typing this in the library, so far, an old lady sat in a chair for 30 seconds, plied her pile, left several things behind at my desk, then left her chair pulled out blocking the lane. Then a fellow nearby sneezed, without covering his mouth. "Bless you", I said against my better judgment. He soundlessly let the bacteria-mist fall, and is still milling around looking for a DVD that probably is not here.
When I used to work nights, I was largely free of the misery the rat-racers. Not long after 5pm, people tend to let civility creep into their behavior. Amicable conversations, good manners... shit I had it made! Now that I'm jobless, I have to deal with unionized local, state and federal employees who don't have to worry about job performance so as long as they show up on time. ....
If you're under 18 and reading this, I apologize deeply. I wish I could unsee the degradation of our Western civilization-type culture. I wish I could tell you the future will be brighter, with real choices and accountability for all. Sorry kids, the sun is setting in the West, and it's time to bundle up against the cold.

Big shout out to all the NG enthusiasts and friends in Australia and New Zealand - this has been a hard month for you guys, so all the best in the coming days.
From what I've read and been told over the years, the news as we've seen it so far, will get worse with no let up. (When I get more time, I'll track the # of the post and insert here) It's a fine thing to create and enjoy the wonderful work showcased here, but never forget things can change in an instant.

.. If you haven't been there recently, I fervently urge you to check out the art pages; they have been totally raging lately!! It almost makes up for the lack of Top Gear episodes (c'mon BBC, let us colonists have a peek!) on file sharing. Anyone know a better place to get old episodes?

After bumping into sugarsweetvenom's news post, I'm beginning to realize just how fucked up we all feel these days. It's like walking on the beach... and then you realize, you're in a wheelchair, and the sand is getting finer, deeper. The muscles on the back of your hands and forearms ache as you press down on the only means of escape (or escalation). The poorer you get, the more you have to move farther and farther; from post to pillar you must tread, no matter the cost.
Endeavor to strain the muscles in your smile, for they are the only ones that will never hurt you.
Peace and strength fellow NGers.

Been here for ten years, so I guess it's time to reveal myself! Since I'm trying to claw my way back up the digital divide, these images will have to suffice. "Disposable People" used to be my cable-access TV show. Since it was done using cassette tapes of variable types, few digital remnants remain. However, some of the "desktop publishing" artwork survived... might even post a few, despite their cut n' paste nature. Merry New Year! Avoid the joy-suckers.

Mid-term elections 2010.
The End ... ?
No.
Expect severe Federal disruption sometime next year (2011), after the Senate goes 50(D)-50(R). Conditions suggest the conflict between the "bible-belt" and "wall street" interests, will last several weeks. I advise stocking up on gasoline/ diesel, generator-juice, water, food and money prior to this event. Radios and over-the-air HDTV's would be helpful.
Wal-Mart knows, when disaster strikes, Americans buy Pop-Tarts off 'em ($$). So stock up after Christmas or whenever they're on sale. If you do. Eat them I mean. MRE's can keep good for over ten years! Grow some food next year, will ya?

This election is going to look like what Roscoe P. Coltrain once called, "...a horrendous crash!" It's going to be a Dukes of Hazzard-style election this year, with all the O.J. trial-trimmings. <sniff-sniff> is that fire and brimstone I smell or Diebold's voting machines? Time to start stocking up on Pop-Tarts and MRE's pretty soon.

I'm sorry, but after the Reagan/Bush years, I'm still creeped out on too many non-halloween levels. Not much more I can say on the subject, but I think I speak for a lot of US citizens..... who would probably like to move to Australia or New Zealand where the economy and politics are more civilized.

You can know someone for twenty years, live with them, share your meals... but do you really know them?
The only way to find out, is to hold them over the volcano's edge, tie them to the train tracks... then the real person comes out. People are dishonest so often, you can't tell who they really are until you threaten them with their own mortality.
I blame reality TV.

Not so many plants this year - between gas and seed prices, it's rough. I was purty young when the seed guys started making the plants you grew sterile. Too bad they don't make people like that... feh.
Still trying to get online in a wireless dead done, w/ out busting my non-existent bank. Should knock over a liquor store like my cousin keeps saying. Remember, hope is a four letter word... and if is just over 10,000.