Indentured Servants via TDOT Contractor

I added the following post at KnoxViews yesterday and am reprinting it here today.

Workers for a Smyrna company TDOT contracted for landscaping say they are being treated to horrible conditions, according to this report from the Daily News Journal. One worker, here on a work visa, was "rescued" this week by a group based in New Orleans. It's a truly grim tale - TDOT is trying to distance itself from the company's actions.

From the report:

A Mexican guest worker says a landscaping company with Tennessee state contracts and a federal stimulus loan guarantee held him and fellow workers like indentured servants, confiscating their passports and subjecting them to constant surveillance by managers who were often armed.
---
At the company housing in Smyrna, 13 or 14 people are lodged in a small house with one bathroom and no beds, Jimenez said. Workers built their own beds, he said. They each pay $100 a month rent, which is deducted from their pay.

They routinely were driven to the office at 6 a.m. and sometimes did not return until 8 p.m., but were not paid for any of the time spent waiting for assignments, going between the office and worksites or cleaning and maintaining the equipment, Jimenez said. Paychecks were often for only about 25 hours of work a week.

TDOT spokeswoman Julie Oaks said in an e-mail that most of the claims made about Vanderbilt Landscaping were outside the purview of the Transportation Department, but it was preparing to review the company’s payroll records

Full story here.

Abbey Faces Criminal Charges For Making Wooden Coffins

Even though St. Joseph's Abbey in Louisiana has been making and selling wooden caskets, by hand, for over 100 years to earn income, the state of Louisiana (at the urging a state board) says they are criminals and are demanding the group must now:

" ... apprentice at a licensed funeral home, learn unnecessary skills and take a funeral industry test. They would also have to convert their monastery into a "funeral establishment" by, among other things, installing equipment for embalming human remains."



Keep in mind, all these monks do is make the caskets and sell them to individuals.

And this LA claim seems to fly against Federal Law:

Before making a trip to a funeral home or casket showroom, you should be aware of the Federal Trade Commissions Funeral Rule. Central to the Funeral Rule is the General Price List (GPL). Directors of funeral homes are required - by this law - to provide a copy of the GPL to anyone who makes a request in person for information about goods and/or services of the establishment. This information is not merely shown to the individual in a bound folder in the office of the funeral home but a GPL copy must be given to the consumer to take home.

Additionally, the funeral home may not refuse to use a casket purchased elsewhere. Nor are they allowed to add a “handling fee” if you order a casket on your own. By Federal Law, you have the right to purchase your casket anywhere you choose. However, it is possible that you will meet with resentment at the funeral home since they will be losing a large percentage of profit on this transaction.

More background here at Institute for Justice.

Tennessee Republicans Vote No on Funding for Teachers, Police, Jobs

All of Tennessee's congressmen and senators voted NO for receiving millions of dollars in funding for Tennessee teachers.

This despite the fact the monies would be taken from a program which eliminates a loophole which allows for U.S. multinational firms to receive foreign tax credits. Some Congressional members called this a 'bailout for special interests'.

Tom Humphrey writes:

"Under a $26 billion "state aid" package given final approval by the U.S. House on Tuesday, Tennessee's share of K-through-12 assistance funding is shown as $195.8 million.

A second part of the package provide money to states based on Medicaid spending. Tennessee's share of that portion is pegged at $240 million and the state budget for the current fiscal year, as enacted, included a "contingent" plan for spending that money. In fact the final figure is less than the $341 million in "contingent" spending envisioned in the Tennessee budget as possible in new federal aid.

The education aid portion was added - and the Medicaid-based portion reduced - after earlier attempts at passage in Congress failed. The final version was opposed by both of Tennessee's Republican U.S. senators and all Republican members of the House who voted. Rep. Jim Cooper, D-Nashville, joined the Republicans in voting no.

---

"If $240 million is received, it would apparently cover $100 million for new and improved buildings at community colleges and state technical schools, $9.6 million toward preparation of a West Tennessee industrial megasite, $10 million for "critical access" hospitals, $10 million for a "jobs opportunity fund" and $90 million for a new Highway Patrol radio communications system.

Steve Benen writes:

"In a statement, DNC Chairman Tim Kaine raises a noteworthy point: "There could not be a better example of the differences in priorities between Republicans and Democrats than this legislation. While Democrats are working to help preserve the jobs of hundreds of thousands of teachers, firefighters, police officers and others, Republicans continue to obstruct legislation while supporting tax cuts that would only benefit Wall Street CEOs and other wealthy Americans. Even after Democrats made every effort to reach out to GOP lawmakers, Republicans fought tooth-and-nail against this critical legislation -- refusing to help those who continue to struggle because of the failed Republican economic policies of the past. This stark difference in priorities could not be more clear to the American people, who now have yet another reminder of which party is on their side."

WVLT has more, including some spread sheets on the program.

UPDATE: My Congressman, Phil Roe, defends his No vote, saying more jobs for teachers and police is an example of wasting money.

Pop-Tart Sushi?

I did not ask for it. Did anyone ask for Pop Tart sushi?

Why not just grab a 5-pound bag o' sugar and chomp into it?

Next Wasilla Mayor - Levi Johnston??

Ah, the Palin Tragi-Comedy Entertainment Machine just never, ever stops.

So what's next for the PTCEM??

Spin-off celebrity Levi Johnston says he wants to run for Mayor of Wasilla, yes, the same town where Sarah herself gained the ability to become a half-term governor and failed V.P. nominee, and it will be a TV show too!!

"Stone and Co., which describes Loving Levi as a "real inside look into who he is as a father, a skilled hunter, an avid dirt biker, and his journey down the road of small-town politics... right after he gets his high school diploma," has already started shooting the pilot, according to Variety.

And though Johnston didn't look as if he was kicking off a political campaign last night at the 2010 Teen Choice Awards, he says that he will fulfill his duties as mayor if elected.

"It's hard to figure me out," he said. "You've got to follow me around. I'm very different. I lead a crazy life. But it will basically be both worlds, my life in Hollywood and back home, the real country boy that I am."

Well, you don't have to follow him around, but apparently somebody's going to.

The 22-year-old father of one ... said that he and Bristol were indeed looking for the right reality-show opportunity during the brief time they were back together, but that they "weren't thrilled with any of the ideas. We got a lot of offers. But the fact is we didn't want to do it."

Too bad "Love Boat" and "Fantasy Island" are off the air ... but I'm kinda thinking none of the PTCEM crew knows that. Or maybe they just think they are all on both shows now.

High School Grad Shreds Public Education System

A valedictorian speech at a New York high school is gaining national attention:

"And now here I am in a world guided by fear, a world suppressing the uniqueness that lies inside each of us, a world where we can either acquiesce to the inhuman nonsense of corporatism and materialism or insist on change. We are not enlivened by an educational system that clandestinely sets us up for jobs that could be automated, for work that need not be done, for enslavement without fervency for meaningful achievement. We have no choices in life when money is our motivational force. Our motivational force ought to be passion, but this is lost from the moment we step into a system that trains us, rather than inspires us".

Tea Party 'Refudiated' In TN Elections

Despite hosting 'national tea party conventions' over the last few months in Tennessee, the so-called 'Tea Party' earned blistering losses in the elections and primaries on Thursday.

Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey, proud Tea Party candidate, landed a distant 3rd place in the Republican primary, just ahead of Basil Marceaux. Other candidates in the mostly mythical 'tea party' got support from media celebs like Sarah Palin and New Gingrich were also ignored by voters.

"Perhaps also the Tennessee race can put to rest the piece of media conventional wisdom that the Tea Party is a significant political movement. They're going to need to start winning some actual elections for that to be true."

NOTE: "Refudiate" is Palin-speak.

NOTE 2: Tennessee Democrats still could not gain ground among voters despite the splintering of the Republican party.

Rep. Roe's Health Care Plan: 'Heal Yourself'

Busy seeking re-election to Congress, 1st District Republican Phil Roe offers his Health Care Plan to the Johnson City Press -- if you're sick, it's your fault and you should heal yourself.

"He said instead, to lower health care costs, Americans should take more responsibility for their own health by using a health savings account, which would provide care up to a set amount using an individual’s personal savings toward their health care."

Forget health insurance. Just save some money up and spend it yourself. And stay away from a doctor and just don't make the mistake of being sick.

TN Urged To Vote Basil Marceaux Thursday!!

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
Republican Gubernatorial Primary Battle Watch '010 - Basil Marceaux.com
www.colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full Episodes 2010 Election Fox News

Starting Year 6 of Your Cup of Joe Powell

Five years ago today I started this humble but lovable blog, posting three times that day, which I seldom do these days. My final post that day noted that studies at that time indicated 15,000 web logs were being launched daily. That number has likely fallen too. (Though one poorly designed page I found claims some 35,000 blogs are created each hour as of 2009 but I doubt that.)

The goals from day one remain as the Cup of Joe Powell Guidelines -- writing about news, writing about politics, writing about writing and all of the arts, exploring the Internet, and one more goal: push Joe Powell's views and ideas into the global marketplace. The Internet has allowed me to move far beyond annoying people in my community, and I annoy globally today.

I take much pleasure in the fact that as the years have rolled past, many of the most popular posts I've created have been about movies and entertainment and music. I have a deep passion for movies which has now been shared with almost every nation on the planet. Thanks for visiting and come back often!

I've also been greatly supported by many news outlets, other bloggers and writers, and others who quite often share what I write here and I thank them too. And thanks to each and every reader!!

And I'm pretty confident that today, if you click on any random collection in my Archive list, you'll find a heap of stories worth reading and re-reading, tales which will inform and amuse and capture your imagination.

On to Year 6 and Beyond. And Happy Birthday to Cup of Joe Powell!!

BONUS GIFT: While I remain mostly opposed to offering current images of myself, here's one someone posted to Facebook from sometime in the early 1990s, taken backstage at the Morristown Theatre Guild as I was about to play the role of a 1960s hippie director named Ralph in the play "Butterflies Are Free." I look nothing like this person at all. Nice mustache, too. Enjoy!!

UT Project Turns TN Newspapers Digital

Expected to take 2 years to bring the newspapers online, the project will transfer state archived microfilm to digital files, focusing first on the years 1836-1922.

The Tennessean incorrectly notes that Knoxville was home to the 'first newspaper' in TN, The Knoxville Gazette founded in 1791 (though really it began in Rogersville and did not arrive in Knox-vegas until 1792). (And come on, Tennessean - I found that info in 0.32 seconds via Google.)

On the state's huge library of holdings statewide I discovered there have been at least 19 newspapers in Morristown I had not known about, including The Daily Pilot, also known as The Tennessee Pilot, which described itself as "The Republican Organ of the First Congressional District". Later years brought out The Christian Democrat. Good to know there was never ANY media bias until now.

UT's press release on the project.

National list of newspaper holdings on microfilm.

In Which We Say Goodbye To Pooh and Friends

It's always a bit sad to say farewell to friends -- and the cast for "Winnie The Pooh" has but one more performance -- at 2pm today at Rose Center. But don't tell Eeyore it's almost over. He can be slightly gloomy, you know.

And three giant cheers for a cast of young actors who made my summer so much fun!! Thank you all very, very much!!

Only Two Shows Left for Winnie The Pooh

Kanga gives Piglet a Bath

Eeyore, Piglet, Rabbit and family join Pooh

Winnie The Pooh is Thinking

Thanks to my friend Roger Fleenor, an terrific photographer, I can provide a few photos from opening night for Winnie The Pooh. Only two shows left! Saturday night at 8 pm, and Sunday at 2 pm at Rose Center in Morristown. Tickets will be available at the door for only 5 dollars!!

This is the 19th year for the Rose Center Summer Players program, and is the best possible way to spend your summer vacation. My thanks to Rose Center and to the entire cast and crew for their hard work and many talents.

'Winnie The Pooh' Arrives In Morristown

For one weekend only -- join us at the Rose Center in Morristown for the annual Rose Center Summer Players program, as we present "Winnie The Pooh".

The cast are all kids from here in East TN, showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 8 pm, 2 pm on Sunday. We've had a great time working on this show and the cast and I have been laughing and laughing for weeks at our combined silliness. Tickets are only $5. Call 423-581-4330 for reservations.

Does The Internet Never Forget?

A giant slab of self-aggrandizing pride tends to surround the Internet and those who use it.

One thing is for sure - some, like the writer of this NYTimes article, think the Internet is already an Eternal Keeper of All Things Which Will Last Forever.

Yeah, and they told me in grade school that everything I did would go on my "permanent record." Which never existed.

The NYTimes article's headline is utterly wrong: "The Web Means The End Of Forgetting".

But such an 'eternal memory' will work only if you can always access the Web, search it, find information, retrieve it and re-present it to the world. Otherwise, all that info exists in a place none can touch.

Here's the finale to the NYTimes story:

"In the meantime, as all of us stumble over the challenges of living in a world without forgetting, we need to learn new forms of empathy, new ways of defining ourselves without reference to what others say about us and new ways of forgiving one another for the digital trails that will follow us forever."

I suppose not even NYTimes reporters can remember the past ....

"My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings:
Look on my works, ye mighty, and despair!'
Nothing beside remains. Round the decay
Of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare,
The lone and level sands stretch far away".

How Hot Is It?

Looks like a horrible summer all around the globe:

- 71 drown in a single day in Russia: "71 people drowned in Russia in a single day, officials said on Tuesday, as many sought relief from a prolonged heatwave by jumping into lakes and rivers. ... Russia has seen a prolonged heatwave with temperatures reaching 35 degrees Celsius in Moscow on Saturday. Almost 2,500 people have drowned already this year, 1,244 of them in June alone. So far in July, the toll stands at 689. The Interfax news agency said that in recent weeks Mondays had proved by far the most lethal day of the week for swimming in Russia this summer, with 52 also killed on Monday, July 12."

- Sizzling summer shrinks spuds in Germany

- Global rise in heatwaves: "According to the study, the frequency of "heatwave days" will jump from an average of two days per summer during 1961-1990 to around 13 days for 2021-2050 and 40 days for 2071-2100.

- Baltic Sea turns into tropical stew: "A blue-green algae bloom the size of Germany has formed in the Baltic Sea, threatening marine life and even posing a danger to humans, authorities warned this week.

What's Wrong With Getting Unemployment Pay?

Nothing.

Not one thing - and thankfully the Senate today squeaked out a bill to continue payments to 2.5 million jobless Americans. The money - $34 billion - will be quickly spent, yes, but that also means recapturing cash in local economies via spending and local taxes, and reductions in other assistance programs like food stamps and other safety net programs are a likely byproduct too.

And it really galls me that the Republican leaders like Sen. Mitch McConnell who approved and cheered the $700 billion TARP bailout for business, won't extend debt one more penny for unemployment paychecks. We all know that the vast majority of jobless weren't half-assed workers - they were loyal employees dumped in a horrible economic disaster.

I know - and so do all those who receive those checks - that it isn't meant to be a permanent replacement, and it usually is just enough to keep lives together. But I absolutely think the millions of people still jobless deserve some extra time and payment. And it's a great incentive for better governing when the costs and the voices from a battered economy are loud and long.

Little To Celebrate In Latest BP 'Cap'

image via

They've done studies, you know. 60% of the time it works, every time.

And let's check out that tote board and see just how close we are the that magic number of unrecoverable disaster!!



Well, looky there -- as of 9 pm EST June 15, even the BP cameras show no oil or gases escaping.

Now, so long as this new pressure seal on top holds, and does not make the well bore explode some thousands of feet below the surface thus making an unhealable sieve of an endlessly leaking sea bed before they can successfully (and for a record-setting first) connect two relief wells down a couple of miles to seal off the endless Fountain of Filth ... so long as all those firsts and dozens more actually work, then maybe it will all stop for good.

At least, stop the leak, that is.

We still face massive years of millions of work hours (and billions of dollars) to clean and re-claim pretty much all the Southern coastline and many, many more miles of inland waterways.

And so very sad amid all of this -- Americans know much about the disaster, but so few know even the names of those 11 workers who lost their lives aboard the Deepwater Horizon for no reason other than a deep desire to make an oil well flow:

Donald Clark
Shane Roshto
Dewey Revette
Adam Weise
Wyatt Kemp
Dale Burkeen
Jason Anderson
Karl Kleppinger
Stephen Curtis
Gordon Jones
Blair Manuel

More Thoughts From The 100 Acre Wood

As I mentioned, I've been wandering about the classic world of Winnie The Pooh and his friends this summer as I'm directing a stage version of the Pooh stories for the 19th annual Rose Center Summer Players program - which runs for three performances only July 30, 31 and Aug 1. And you are invited to attend our show!!

(yes, there is real life outside the binary coded creations the Internet offers ... who knew?)

And of course it has been a very long time for my old self since I first found and read the stories of A.A. Milne. And then, as now, I keep encountering some of the very thoughtful and downright Zen attitudes of all those creatures in the 100 Acre Wood.

Here are a few quotes from the Pooh stories worth remembering:

-- some conversations between Pooh and Piglet:

"When you wake up in the morning, Pooh," said Piglet at last, "what's the first thing you say to yourself?"

"What's for breakfast? said Pooh. "What do you say, Piglet?"

"I say, I wonder what's going to happen exciting today?" said Piglet.

Pooh nodded thoughtfully.

"It's the same thing," he said.
-----

"Lots of people talk to animals," said Pooh.
"Not that many listen though."
"That's the problem."
-----

"If the person you are talking to doesn't appear to be listening, be patient. It may simply be that he has a small piece of fluff in his ear.”
-----

"It is more fun to talk with someone who doesn't use long, difficult words but rather short, easy words like "What about lunch?"
-----

"Poetry and Hums aren't things which you get, they're things which get you. And all you can do is go where they can find you.”
-----

--And some thoughts from Eeyore (don't discount him as a a pessimist):

"It's snowing still," said Eeyore gloomily.
"So it is."
"And freezing."
"Is it?"
"Yes," said Eeyore. "However," he said, brightening up a little, "we haven't had an earthquake lately."

-----

"I'm not saying there won't be an Accident now, mind you. They're funny things, Accidents. You never have them till you're having them."

In Which I Recreate the 100 Acre Wood in Morristown

What has your humble narrator been busy working on the last month or so? I've been working on the 19th Annual Rose Center Summer Players production of "Winnie The Pooh", which runs for three (count 'em, three) performances only July 30, 31 and Aug 1 in Morristown, at Rose Center's Pater Hall. (call 423-581-4330 for ticket information)

This is my third year as director for an immensely talented group of area students, grades 6 to 12, who do more than just audition for a role in the play - they help create costumes, sets, makeup, even develop ad sales for the programs. And, once again, the cast's fierce commitment in all those areas makes for a most wonderful production. It's a very energetic and imaginative process for both myself and the cast and a great way to spend a summer! And the Rose Center, the arts and cultural heart of Morristown, cannot be praised enough for their tireless devotion to supporting the arts and arts education in our community.

And, as before, I consider myself to be most fortunate to have been asked to serve as director for these shows. Last year, we worked on creating a gigantic moving peach and an octopus attack for "James and the Giant Peach", and before that, the fantastical world of "Alice In Wonderland." I selected Milne's story this year for a kinder, gentler world of children and wonder and discovery. True, some of the cast laughingly wondered if the gloomy Eeyore was a "suicidal donkey", which highlights how all the Pooh characters are really more than meet the eye.

In fact, since the Summer of 2010 has woes aplenty in the real world just stacking up, it will be a most welcome change to come visit us in the relaxing and only slightly chaotic 100 Acre Wood. You are invited!

I'll do my best to have some pics up and other details soon, as the July 31 opening is drawing closer.