The calendar, if not the moon itself provides warning that aberrant, stupid and crazy behavior is on its way, but when the moon is not misbehaving and the world around me is unexplainably "going nuts, then my only comment is that this isn't at all fair, blindsided by incipient bedlam. Yes, I am once again immersed, or submersed in all things taxi, and while sometimes amusing, it certainly is not where I want to be, as I said last week, sitting next to a river with my shoes off much preferable.
On my first full day back, Omar gets in my cab at 5th & Pine, and says he had to get back home, having left his gas stove on, translating into me flying like the proverbial taxi "bat-out-of-hell" to 34th and East Denny, running red lights etc to save his house and soul. Nuts!
And my very next fare is Tracy, a woman clearly in psychosis wanting to go all the way up to the Shoreline Fred Meyers, this after buying over $160.00 in items from the Queen Anne Bartell's Drugstore. How do I know this? As Tracy was doing what I can't describe next to the store, a clerk came out to assure me she had plenty of money. And she did, holding a huge wad of cash in her hand. Once up at the Fred Meyer's, I suggested it would be better if she concealed all that money.
Later, picking up a Hopelink fare at University Hospital, a Hopelink representative motioned to me after the clients got in my cab, quietly telling me they were armed with both a knife and ax. I told him not to worry, as I had "sharp teeth," making him laugh. Why the young couple brought cutting tools to a maternity appointment is beyond me but they were fine, making it all the way to Federal Way without beheading me.
Today I was first up in the Medical (zone 230) and thought I might get lucky with a good account fare but no, instead I got C______ who was concerned that I was sent some by nefarious organization called Stalkers International, a group now tracking her every movement because she had filed an anti-discrimination complaint, and due to that action, targeting her for surveillance. I dropped her off at a grocery store.
Richard Alder Symphony
Last year, driving in Seattle's Broadview neighborhood, I found a entire rack of classical CDs, many of then unopened. They had been left out in the aftermath of a garage sell. Not believing my luck, I discovered a collection worth perhaps one thousand dollars. And amongst those treasures I discovered this World Premiere Recording of "The Lady Remembers---The Statue of Liberty Suite." It is an amazing tribute to America and American music and I started off each morning during my stay in San Lorenzo with it. It has 11 parts. The recording I have features the Detroit Symphony led by Gunther Herbig, which also features the soprano, Julia Migenes Johnson, Johnson famous for her permormance in the 1984 film version of the opera "Carmen." This is a great piece and I recommend it highly.
Dennis Robert Donations
The only real news is that the medical examiner's office found a distant cousin. The current total is just over $500.00 At the moment I am essentially exhausted from my return to Cab Land but next Saturday I will provide a more extensive report and commentary upon all this.
And you can also look forward to a quote from Uber's founder concerning taxi. Yes, he is a real sweetheart.
Wednesday, May 20, 2020
Wednesday, May 13, 2020
Greetings From Albuquerque: Essay: Taxi, An Unnatural World & Update On Dennis Roberts Fund Raising & Uber's Final Year?
This time around it seems circumstances conspired to keep from writing this week's post. First back in San Lorenzo, my temporary wifi connection kept disappearing, and today, after flying in from Silver City, my hotel's wifi was down for hours, only now, at about 9:07 PM, did it return. Of course it's getting late and I should be thinking about sleeping instead of sitting here typing away.
And by the way, there is some sacrifice taken making sure I get this done week after week for more-or-less ten years, keeping this ongoing line of communication going. I'm not whining but I know sometimes my effort is taken for granted, wishing it wasn't the case, looking at least 2-3 hours of work ahead of me. Enough of that and down to the business at hand, making this blog readable and entertaining for you, the taxi public.
In the essay, my point is a personal one, trying to make sense of something that only seems sane if you pretend it is, both driving a cab and living in our spinning top of a modern world. Did you know that in the Indian city of Mumbai there are a million people living in an slum called Dharavi in an area comprising only 2/3s of NYC's Central Park, which totals 840 acres or put another way, 1.317 square miles, or in Dharavi, just over 620 acres. That is their modern reality. For comparison, the State of Alaska has a 2019 population of 731,545 spread over a landmass of 663,300 miles, or 101 million acres. I just read a Washington Post article about Dharavi and how the "packed like sardines" residents are coping with the coronavirus pandemic. The answer is not very well, and there I was sitting in the proverbial middle-of-nowhere next to the Mimbres River surrounded by towering cottonwoods all by myself, for two hours only me and the flowing water. What condition, what reality would you choose?
Essay: Taxi, An Unnatural World
Sitting next to the Mimbres River (Rio Mimbres), wonderfully shaded by tall, leafy cottonwood trees, could seem an odd location to argue the sanity of flying around Seattle, or any city for that matter, in a taxicab. One could convincingly, I think, promote that the money is good and, as I know well, taxi is itself a kind of urban human river transporting everyone day and night down that asphalt stream. Yes, that's all true but I know it would be much better if everyone had a wild, unpolluted river to sit by, the modern world suddenly disappearing due to a lack of merit---restaurants, symphony halls, NFL football teams, art museums no longer important. But of course, that won't be happening, the so-called civilization we have cultivated remaining, sitting here in the sand next to the Mimbres, a breeze rustling branches, better than anything else I could be doing, coming down to, I suppose, what you value, finding nature's acumen superior to humankind's chaos. I know this is true, all other realities untrue, leading to deaths quick or slow, to what purpose, to what gain? That's why I enjoy the river speaking to me while I say nothing at all, soaking my feet in its persistent, babbling flow.
Update on Dennis Roberts' Burial Fund Raising
The start has been disappointingly slow, the total so far about $500.00. Folks, all I can say is that the spirit of a fallen taxi comrade is in your hands. 2 former BYG owners have each sent me $100.00 checks. Much more is needed. In addition to the go fund me site, you can send checks directly to me. One interesting development is that the KC Medical Examiner's Office located a distant cousin in California, someone who will be providing legal permission to go ahead with any burial arrangements possible, which is why your financial support is essential. This week I will be contacting taxi companies nationwide in an effort to raise funds for Dennis. Please be generous.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/burial-and-obituary-for-dennis-roberts
My mailing address is J. Blondo, POB 20023, Seattle, WA 98102
Uber is in trouble
Uber has just announced another loss of 3 billion dollars this past operating quarter. And now the State of California is suing Uber and Lyft over the misclassification of their workers, violating a new state law, A. B. 5, which requires companies to treat their workers as employees if the company controls their tasks or if such activity is a routine part of company business. Amazingly, Uber has made the specious claim that their business is technology, and the drivers themselves not a key part of their business. Huh? can only be the response to that. Since the pandemic, Uber rides have dropped by 83 %. Uber's total loss since its inception must now be close to 45 billion dollars. With these newly added pressures, how long can they survive?
Hungry in Albuquerque?
Great China, 3143 San Mateo---Good, cheap and big portions.
Brickyard Pizza---avoid the salads but the pizza is great! And they deliver.
Annapurna's World Vegetarian Cafe---Ate there in November with "she-who-can't-be-named." I liked it but she not as much, she of two stays in India. 2201 Silver Ave SE. Near the university.
And by the way, there is some sacrifice taken making sure I get this done week after week for more-or-less ten years, keeping this ongoing line of communication going. I'm not whining but I know sometimes my effort is taken for granted, wishing it wasn't the case, looking at least 2-3 hours of work ahead of me. Enough of that and down to the business at hand, making this blog readable and entertaining for you, the taxi public.
In the essay, my point is a personal one, trying to make sense of something that only seems sane if you pretend it is, both driving a cab and living in our spinning top of a modern world. Did you know that in the Indian city of Mumbai there are a million people living in an slum called Dharavi in an area comprising only 2/3s of NYC's Central Park, which totals 840 acres or put another way, 1.317 square miles, or in Dharavi, just over 620 acres. That is their modern reality. For comparison, the State of Alaska has a 2019 population of 731,545 spread over a landmass of 663,300 miles, or 101 million acres. I just read a Washington Post article about Dharavi and how the "packed like sardines" residents are coping with the coronavirus pandemic. The answer is not very well, and there I was sitting in the proverbial middle-of-nowhere next to the Mimbres River surrounded by towering cottonwoods all by myself, for two hours only me and the flowing water. What condition, what reality would you choose?
Essay: Taxi, An Unnatural World
Sitting next to the Mimbres River (Rio Mimbres), wonderfully shaded by tall, leafy cottonwood trees, could seem an odd location to argue the sanity of flying around Seattle, or any city for that matter, in a taxicab. One could convincingly, I think, promote that the money is good and, as I know well, taxi is itself a kind of urban human river transporting everyone day and night down that asphalt stream. Yes, that's all true but I know it would be much better if everyone had a wild, unpolluted river to sit by, the modern world suddenly disappearing due to a lack of merit---restaurants, symphony halls, NFL football teams, art museums no longer important. But of course, that won't be happening, the so-called civilization we have cultivated remaining, sitting here in the sand next to the Mimbres, a breeze rustling branches, better than anything else I could be doing, coming down to, I suppose, what you value, finding nature's acumen superior to humankind's chaos. I know this is true, all other realities untrue, leading to deaths quick or slow, to what purpose, to what gain? That's why I enjoy the river speaking to me while I say nothing at all, soaking my feet in its persistent, babbling flow.
Update on Dennis Roberts' Burial Fund Raising
The start has been disappointingly slow, the total so far about $500.00. Folks, all I can say is that the spirit of a fallen taxi comrade is in your hands. 2 former BYG owners have each sent me $100.00 checks. Much more is needed. In addition to the go fund me site, you can send checks directly to me. One interesting development is that the KC Medical Examiner's Office located a distant cousin in California, someone who will be providing legal permission to go ahead with any burial arrangements possible, which is why your financial support is essential. This week I will be contacting taxi companies nationwide in an effort to raise funds for Dennis. Please be generous.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/burial-and-obituary-for-dennis-roberts
My mailing address is J. Blondo, POB 20023, Seattle, WA 98102
Uber is in trouble
Uber has just announced another loss of 3 billion dollars this past operating quarter. And now the State of California is suing Uber and Lyft over the misclassification of their workers, violating a new state law, A. B. 5, which requires companies to treat their workers as employees if the company controls their tasks or if such activity is a routine part of company business. Amazingly, Uber has made the specious claim that their business is technology, and the drivers themselves not a key part of their business. Huh? can only be the response to that. Since the pandemic, Uber rides have dropped by 83 %. Uber's total loss since its inception must now be close to 45 billion dollars. With these newly added pressures, how long can they survive?
Hungry in Albuquerque?
Great China, 3143 San Mateo---Good, cheap and big portions.
Brickyard Pizza---avoid the salads but the pizza is great! And they deliver.
Annapurna's World Vegetarian Cafe---Ate there in November with "she-who-can't-be-named." I liked it but she not as much, she of two stays in India. 2201 Silver Ave SE. Near the university.
Sunday, May 3, 2020
Greetings Once Again From San Lorenzo, NM---Hopelink's Dubious Appreciation & Go Fund Me Site For Dennis Roberts---Donate If You Can
A neighbor tells me that summer is arriving early this year, though its only the first weekend in May, temperatures are in the mid-80s F., hinting its going to be hot until autumn arrives way off in September. Thankfully there often is a cooling breeze blowing through, and night temperatures are currently in the low 50s. Yes, very different from Seattle, where I am told it is raining but here I have miles of silence surrounding me, the high desert hills and mountains guaranteeing development remaining limited, with big city Silver City (population about 10,000) 24 miles away. Last night I noticed that the Big Dipper had shifted to the west of my rear north-facing door, changing its position from last October when it seemed that the constellation so near I could almost touch it. Such are the big thrills around here: sun, wind and crystal clear night skies. And who needs neon when the moon is a spotlight illuminating the desert night?
But getting back to taxi realities, this week I have to report more questionable shenanigans from that local sweetheart of a helping agency, Hopelink, and how it displayed its respect for Eastside Flat-Rate-for-Hire and its independent operators.
Be Careful When Hopelink Says It Loves You
This truly is a sad and short woe begotten tale, telling anyone interested to leave well enough alone when dealing with a quasi-governmental agency. The story begins with Hopelink telling Eastside how pleased they were with its performance during this coronavirus pandemic. Eastside responds back stating all appreciation goes to a small percentage of their drivers focusing upon serving the Hopelink account. Hopelink then audits Eastside's Hopelink paperwork, where upon they suspend a number of drivers from the account for improperly filled out vouchers. When Eastside responds to that indignity, Hopelink suspends the entire company from serving the account. And remember, this all started with Hopelink congratulating Eastside for a job well done. Ya gotta be kiddin'!?
This sorry tale tells me many things, of course about Hopelink but also how too many of my fellow for-hire operators just aren't completely prepared to be doing what they are doing, having in their minds simplified what cab driving is: picking people up and grabbing the money, end of story, and knowing how to fill out a voucher properly not important, not part of the job description.
From close observation, learning how to be professional is not everyone's first interest, again explaining why Uber and Lyft legacy of poor operator performance will be a permanent part of their history. If you can't be sincere, at least try to fake it. Most won't notice the different so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by pretending you care about your passengers. And you never know, they might even tip you, surprise, surprise!
Go Fund Me site for Dennis
I've set this up to provide Dennis Roberts a decent burial, and if the funds are available, a Seattle Times obituary. Once I found out that Dennis had died from COVID-19, I contacted a few Seattle media outlets but to this point no one seems interested in knowing that a cabbie died while working the novel coronavirus front lines. What is true is that Dennis was taking precautions, wiping down his cab and wearing a mask, doing what he could do protect both himself and his passengers. He was also in the process of contacting the City of Seattle in an attempt to lend better protection to the Seattle taxi community. Regardless, Dennis deserves better than an unmarked grave, and given that potential reality, I encourage all who knew him to contribute. I personally will be committing $100.00 but anything you can afford will be greatly appreciated. Any funds above and beyond funeral and obituary costs will be donated to Dennis's favorite cause, Seattle Children's Hospital.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/burial-and-obituary-for-dennis-roberts
A Grim Reminder from October 18th, 2005---HPV, the human papillomavirus
Yesterday, unpacking a box I came across a NY Times "Personal Health" column published on 10/18/2005 by Jane Brody entitled "Getting to Know a Virus, and When It Can Kill." HPV, and there being over 100 types of HPV, can be deadly, with about 15 HPV varieties identified as causing cervical cancer. I tell you this just to let everyone know that HPV and other viruses like COVID-19 are real and not some kind of fiction. Of course everyone is aware of the influenza virus but what about small pox, rabies, ebola, HIV, Dengue fever, measles, Lassa fever, killers all. Here in Southwest New Mexico, where everyone is fairly isolated from the current pandemic, I have certainly overheard some truly dumbbell comments; and unsolicited, I have responded back, ignorance and stupidity certainly grabbing my attention. If they think they're tough, perhaps I''ll squeeze on them. I know they will appreciate that! And yes, the virus is active in the state, with 131 reported deaths.
Iraqi War Dead---Roster of the Dead 10/26/2005
Yesterday I also found a NY Times roster of US military dead from the Iraqi War started by President George Bush Jr. Yes, 265 photos of dead soldiers, having given their lives up for what, the creation of ISIS?
War, especially unnecessary war is a crime, and just so people won't forget I will be randomly listing one name from the list of 15 rows. The majority of the killed are young, many aged 19. Reminds me when I walked in the Normandy, France German cemetery, noting the ages of the young men killed in the D-Day invasion. Some were as young as 15. Yes war, what is it good for?
John M. Smith, age 22, from WA DC
James D. Stewart, age 29, from Chattanooga, TN
Nathaniel Swindell, age 24, from the Bronx, NY
Tran Quoc Binh, age 26, from Mission Viejo, CA
Drew M. Uhles, age 20, DuQuoin, ILL
Ramon A. Villatoro, age 19, from Bakersfield, CA
Charles. G. Wells, Jr, age 32, from Montgomery, Alabama
Dion M. Whitley, age 21, from Los Angeles, CA
Luke Wullenwaber, age 24, from Lewiston, Idaho
Michael Campbell, age 34, from Marshfield, MO
Jonathan Falaniko, age 20, from Pago Pago, American Samoa
Richard Gottried, age 42, from Lake Ozark, MO
Nick R. Nygardbekowsky, age 21, from Concord, CA
Gregory A. Ratzlaff, age 36, from Olympia, WA
Dana N. Wilson, age 26, from Fountain, CO
The photographs are haunting, with many smiling, Dana Wilson for one. In the summer of 1966, I visited my sister JoAnn in Fountain where she was training horses at a race track.
Update 05/04/2020
The donation total for Dennis Roberts is currently $150.00. This includes $100.00 from me. I talked to the King County medical examiner's office today and, nearly a month later, they have failed to find any next of kin. This probably means that the onus is upon the Seattle/KC to come through for Dennis. Thanks.
But getting back to taxi realities, this week I have to report more questionable shenanigans from that local sweetheart of a helping agency, Hopelink, and how it displayed its respect for Eastside Flat-Rate-for-Hire and its independent operators.
Be Careful When Hopelink Says It Loves You
This truly is a sad and short woe begotten tale, telling anyone interested to leave well enough alone when dealing with a quasi-governmental agency. The story begins with Hopelink telling Eastside how pleased they were with its performance during this coronavirus pandemic. Eastside responds back stating all appreciation goes to a small percentage of their drivers focusing upon serving the Hopelink account. Hopelink then audits Eastside's Hopelink paperwork, where upon they suspend a number of drivers from the account for improperly filled out vouchers. When Eastside responds to that indignity, Hopelink suspends the entire company from serving the account. And remember, this all started with Hopelink congratulating Eastside for a job well done. Ya gotta be kiddin'!?
This sorry tale tells me many things, of course about Hopelink but also how too many of my fellow for-hire operators just aren't completely prepared to be doing what they are doing, having in their minds simplified what cab driving is: picking people up and grabbing the money, end of story, and knowing how to fill out a voucher properly not important, not part of the job description.
From close observation, learning how to be professional is not everyone's first interest, again explaining why Uber and Lyft legacy of poor operator performance will be a permanent part of their history. If you can't be sincere, at least try to fake it. Most won't notice the different so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by pretending you care about your passengers. And you never know, they might even tip you, surprise, surprise!
Go Fund Me site for Dennis
I've set this up to provide Dennis Roberts a decent burial, and if the funds are available, a Seattle Times obituary. Once I found out that Dennis had died from COVID-19, I contacted a few Seattle media outlets but to this point no one seems interested in knowing that a cabbie died while working the novel coronavirus front lines. What is true is that Dennis was taking precautions, wiping down his cab and wearing a mask, doing what he could do protect both himself and his passengers. He was also in the process of contacting the City of Seattle in an attempt to lend better protection to the Seattle taxi community. Regardless, Dennis deserves better than an unmarked grave, and given that potential reality, I encourage all who knew him to contribute. I personally will be committing $100.00 but anything you can afford will be greatly appreciated. Any funds above and beyond funeral and obituary costs will be donated to Dennis's favorite cause, Seattle Children's Hospital.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/burial-and-obituary-for-dennis-roberts
A Grim Reminder from October 18th, 2005---HPV, the human papillomavirus
Yesterday, unpacking a box I came across a NY Times "Personal Health" column published on 10/18/2005 by Jane Brody entitled "Getting to Know a Virus, and When It Can Kill." HPV, and there being over 100 types of HPV, can be deadly, with about 15 HPV varieties identified as causing cervical cancer. I tell you this just to let everyone know that HPV and other viruses like COVID-19 are real and not some kind of fiction. Of course everyone is aware of the influenza virus but what about small pox, rabies, ebola, HIV, Dengue fever, measles, Lassa fever, killers all. Here in Southwest New Mexico, where everyone is fairly isolated from the current pandemic, I have certainly overheard some truly dumbbell comments; and unsolicited, I have responded back, ignorance and stupidity certainly grabbing my attention. If they think they're tough, perhaps I''ll squeeze on them. I know they will appreciate that! And yes, the virus is active in the state, with 131 reported deaths.
Iraqi War Dead---Roster of the Dead 10/26/2005
Yesterday I also found a NY Times roster of US military dead from the Iraqi War started by President George Bush Jr. Yes, 265 photos of dead soldiers, having given their lives up for what, the creation of ISIS?
War, especially unnecessary war is a crime, and just so people won't forget I will be randomly listing one name from the list of 15 rows. The majority of the killed are young, many aged 19. Reminds me when I walked in the Normandy, France German cemetery, noting the ages of the young men killed in the D-Day invasion. Some were as young as 15. Yes war, what is it good for?
John M. Smith, age 22, from WA DC
James D. Stewart, age 29, from Chattanooga, TN
Nathaniel Swindell, age 24, from the Bronx, NY
Tran Quoc Binh, age 26, from Mission Viejo, CA
Drew M. Uhles, age 20, DuQuoin, ILL
Ramon A. Villatoro, age 19, from Bakersfield, CA
Charles. G. Wells, Jr, age 32, from Montgomery, Alabama
Dion M. Whitley, age 21, from Los Angeles, CA
Luke Wullenwaber, age 24, from Lewiston, Idaho
Michael Campbell, age 34, from Marshfield, MO
Jonathan Falaniko, age 20, from Pago Pago, American Samoa
Richard Gottried, age 42, from Lake Ozark, MO
Nick R. Nygardbekowsky, age 21, from Concord, CA
Gregory A. Ratzlaff, age 36, from Olympia, WA
Dana N. Wilson, age 26, from Fountain, CO
The photographs are haunting, with many smiling, Dana Wilson for one. In the summer of 1966, I visited my sister JoAnn in Fountain where she was training horses at a race track.
Update 05/04/2020
The donation total for Dennis Roberts is currently $150.00. This includes $100.00 from me. I talked to the King County medical examiner's office today and, nearly a month later, they have failed to find any next of kin. This probably means that the onus is upon the Seattle/KC to come through for Dennis. Thanks.
Wednesday, April 29, 2020
Taxi Obituary: Dennis Eugene Roberts---COVID19 & The Loss Of A Seattle Taxi Industry Icon
Eulogy of sorts
All of us at Puget Sound Dispatch (Seattle Yellow Cab) are still processing the loss of Dennis Roberts on April 09, 2020 to the novel coronavirus COVID19 pandemic. One could accurately say Dennis was both a fixture and representative of what is best at Yellow Cab and what we are daily attempting to do: transporting passengers in a cheerful, efficient manner. Dennis was also typical of a certain type of cabbie, his position comparable to the French Foreign Legion, where once recruited, your past identity forgotten, your old self completely absorbed into your new position as a taxi soldier sent off to the cultural battlefields. I say this because currently, though knowing Dennis over twenty years, his past for the most part remains a mystery, at least to me. But it is the known Dennis we are both mourning and celebrating, our friend now taking "bells" somewhere in the celestial heights, delivering singing angels to their lofty choir stalls perched next to Jehovah's Heavenly Gates. Dennis liked to sing, last year on the train station regaling me with the old Johnny Horton C&W hit, "North to Alaska" but why that particular song I can't remember, Dennis having good reasons for everything he did.
Dennis Roberts May/18/1946-April/09/2020
As alluded to, I don't know where he was born and what previous occupations he might have plied but as long as I knew him I believed the rumor that he participated in late 1950s horror films though in what role I never bothered to ask. I am told he also made an appearance in the "Northern Exposure" television series, but again, how and why I don't know. But what I can tell you for sure was Dennis's yearly fund raising efforts for Seattle's Children Hospital, covering his cab with "donation ballon tags" signed with the donor's name, each year all the local cabbies providing funds for his favorite charity.
Dennis also dressed as Santa Claus, and during Seattle's annual "Sea Fair Days" took on the guise of a seafaring pirate. Though in reality, Dennis was the last cabbie requiring a costume, his normal, everyday appearance unforgettable: a squat, somewhat rotund body topped by a perennially smiling face festooned by white sideburns and almost waist length greying hair. Along with baggy trousers and an equally comfortable blue jacket, Dennis could never be mistaken for anyone other than Dennis. Yes, our departed friend was unique, some might say eccentric but if there was a sincerer cabbie, I don't know him, Dennis the personification of 1960s idealism made manifest.
So Dennis, a fond farewell but where ever you might be, keep on singing, be it "North to Heaven" or some other such song. So long and goodbye.
All of us at Puget Sound Dispatch (Seattle Yellow Cab) are still processing the loss of Dennis Roberts on April 09, 2020 to the novel coronavirus COVID19 pandemic. One could accurately say Dennis was both a fixture and representative of what is best at Yellow Cab and what we are daily attempting to do: transporting passengers in a cheerful, efficient manner. Dennis was also typical of a certain type of cabbie, his position comparable to the French Foreign Legion, where once recruited, your past identity forgotten, your old self completely absorbed into your new position as a taxi soldier sent off to the cultural battlefields. I say this because currently, though knowing Dennis over twenty years, his past for the most part remains a mystery, at least to me. But it is the known Dennis we are both mourning and celebrating, our friend now taking "bells" somewhere in the celestial heights, delivering singing angels to their lofty choir stalls perched next to Jehovah's Heavenly Gates. Dennis liked to sing, last year on the train station regaling me with the old Johnny Horton C&W hit, "North to Alaska" but why that particular song I can't remember, Dennis having good reasons for everything he did.
Dennis Roberts May/18/1946-April/09/2020
As alluded to, I don't know where he was born and what previous occupations he might have plied but as long as I knew him I believed the rumor that he participated in late 1950s horror films though in what role I never bothered to ask. I am told he also made an appearance in the "Northern Exposure" television series, but again, how and why I don't know. But what I can tell you for sure was Dennis's yearly fund raising efforts for Seattle's Children Hospital, covering his cab with "donation ballon tags" signed with the donor's name, each year all the local cabbies providing funds for his favorite charity.
Dennis also dressed as Santa Claus, and during Seattle's annual "Sea Fair Days" took on the guise of a seafaring pirate. Though in reality, Dennis was the last cabbie requiring a costume, his normal, everyday appearance unforgettable: a squat, somewhat rotund body topped by a perennially smiling face festooned by white sideburns and almost waist length greying hair. Along with baggy trousers and an equally comfortable blue jacket, Dennis could never be mistaken for anyone other than Dennis. Yes, our departed friend was unique, some might say eccentric but if there was a sincerer cabbie, I don't know him, Dennis the personification of 1960s idealism made manifest.
So Dennis, a fond farewell but where ever you might be, keep on singing, be it "North to Heaven" or some other such song. So long and goodbye.
Monday, April 20, 2020
Admitting I Might Be incredibly Foolish---The Realities Of Driving Cab Amidst the Novel Coronavirus Pandemic & Taxi Doggerel: "58 Coffins"
I admit, when belled into a hospital ER during these "COVID-19" days, it's with a severe apprehension and shudder, finally understanding full well that the next passenger could be contagious, and "why-the-hell-am-I-doing-this?" comes to mind. Yes, it's a good question, and in part it's due to a slow comprehension of how dangerous this virus is, and that it kills, having killed over 170 thousand worldwide per this morning's current figures.
What bothers me personally is my slower than normal reaction to real danger because usually I'm quick in ascertaining when something is wrong. That I have been dumb is disappointing, and even worse, my stupidity potentially fatal, because at this moment I have no idea whether I am contagion free or not.
Yes, I am now wearing my mask, and yes, disinfecting parts of the cab but truly how effective these preventatives are is complete guesswork, a kind of gamble with my life and the life of others. To say this is disconcerting is a great understatement not fully expressing a dilemma I have inserted myself, a diorama not located in a museum but one in constant motion around me. But be it as it may, I am here until I leave for New Mexico on the afternoon of April 29th, visiting my adobe house on the high desert prairie. Perhaps by the time I return on May 13th, the situation will be clearer but do I believe that? I don't.
More or Less Current Worldwide COVID-19 Death Tolls
Underlining my concerns are the grim statistics stating just how many people are dying from the virus. The following is a selective sampling illustrating how wide spread the pandemic is, affecting all countries and all corners of our planet. Most of these figures date from today but a few are from yesterday, Sunday 04/19/20
USA---41,155 Belgium---5,453 Spain---20,852 Italy---23,660 UK---16,060
France---19,728 Iran---5,209 Turkey---2,017 Egypt---239 Algeria---375
Holland---3,100 Costa Rica---5 Saint Maarten---10 China----4,632 Brazil---2,372
Switzerland---1,368 Mexico---686 Canada---1,587 Moldava---67 Bukina Faso---36
Washington State deaths total 620. Two local bus drivers have succumbed to the virus. And very shocking, I have just found out that my friend, longtime cabbie Dennis Roberts, is dead, his cab still sitting in front of his home. RIP Dennis. More on his passing when I have the details.
Taxi Coronavirus Doggerel
As I have been pointing out, clearly the situation is dire, but I was inspired to write this nonsense piece with the Saturday news that Jacksonville, Florida opened its beaches to the public, defying commonsense. The person responsible, Mayor Curry, GOP., this on the day 58 Floridians died from COVID-19.
58 Coffins
Hey Mommy, look! 58 coffins are floating out to sea
in celebration of Florida's state-rights Democracy,
Yes, the very same day Jacksonville's Mayor Curry
announced the city's beaches were free to roam,
tragedy overtook Florida's local cemeteries and funeral
homes,
58 more Floridians declared COVID-19 dead,
and given that sad reality,
there is truly nothing more necessary to be
said!
Special Postscript 04/21/2020----The passing of Dennis Eugene Roberts YC 464
It is with great sadness that I have to announce that longtime Seattle cabbie died April 9th from COVID-19. Dennis might be the first such taxi fatality in the country. Next week I plan a more extensive obituary once I know more details.
What bothers me personally is my slower than normal reaction to real danger because usually I'm quick in ascertaining when something is wrong. That I have been dumb is disappointing, and even worse, my stupidity potentially fatal, because at this moment I have no idea whether I am contagion free or not.
Yes, I am now wearing my mask, and yes, disinfecting parts of the cab but truly how effective these preventatives are is complete guesswork, a kind of gamble with my life and the life of others. To say this is disconcerting is a great understatement not fully expressing a dilemma I have inserted myself, a diorama not located in a museum but one in constant motion around me. But be it as it may, I am here until I leave for New Mexico on the afternoon of April 29th, visiting my adobe house on the high desert prairie. Perhaps by the time I return on May 13th, the situation will be clearer but do I believe that? I don't.
More or Less Current Worldwide COVID-19 Death Tolls
Underlining my concerns are the grim statistics stating just how many people are dying from the virus. The following is a selective sampling illustrating how wide spread the pandemic is, affecting all countries and all corners of our planet. Most of these figures date from today but a few are from yesterday, Sunday 04/19/20
USA---41,155 Belgium---5,453 Spain---20,852 Italy---23,660 UK---16,060
France---19,728 Iran---5,209 Turkey---2,017 Egypt---239 Algeria---375
Holland---3,100 Costa Rica---5 Saint Maarten---10 China----4,632 Brazil---2,372
Switzerland---1,368 Mexico---686 Canada---1,587 Moldava---67 Bukina Faso---36
Washington State deaths total 620. Two local bus drivers have succumbed to the virus. And very shocking, I have just found out that my friend, longtime cabbie Dennis Roberts, is dead, his cab still sitting in front of his home. RIP Dennis. More on his passing when I have the details.
Taxi Coronavirus Doggerel
As I have been pointing out, clearly the situation is dire, but I was inspired to write this nonsense piece with the Saturday news that Jacksonville, Florida opened its beaches to the public, defying commonsense. The person responsible, Mayor Curry, GOP., this on the day 58 Floridians died from COVID-19.
58 Coffins
Hey Mommy, look! 58 coffins are floating out to sea
in celebration of Florida's state-rights Democracy,
Yes, the very same day Jacksonville's Mayor Curry
announced the city's beaches were free to roam,
tragedy overtook Florida's local cemeteries and funeral
homes,
58 more Floridians declared COVID-19 dead,
and given that sad reality,
there is truly nothing more necessary to be
said!
Special Postscript 04/21/2020----The passing of Dennis Eugene Roberts YC 464
It is with great sadness that I have to announce that longtime Seattle cabbie died April 9th from COVID-19. Dennis might be the first such taxi fatality in the country. Next week I plan a more extensive obituary once I know more details.
Saturday, April 11, 2020
The Supreme Irony Of Taxi Designated As An Essential Service---We The Newly Anointed
Yes, if you can believe it, because I still can't, that it is indeed true in the State of Washington, taxis are now considered essential to the well-being and health of the overall community, my disbelief stemming from my long years of harassment and targeting by local police and government, exemplified most recently by discovering I cannot park my taxi legally anywhere upon the streets in the City of Bellevue. Having referenced this in earlier posts, my court date is now rescheduled for July 31th, 2020, finding myself looking forward to the Mayor of Bellevue and other city officials explaining to the judge why taxis are accorded this especial criminal category---cabbies somehow a shameful blot staining Bellevue's streets and byways, requiring a general segregation from normal and usual liberties.
Given this background, and the reality of receiving dozens of moving violations by local-area police over the years, I can only smile when acknowledging a recognition previously denied me and my fellow taxi ruffians. Now, very suddenly, we hold importance, obtaining a status parallel to doctors and nurses making us frontline warriors, our lives and the threat of contracting the coronavirus secondary to all other duties, societal expectations excluding all other personal considerations. Again, I find this transformation breathtaking, elevating the dalit (untouchable) to the brahmin something even Lord Krishna couldn't contemplate, short-circuiting the karmic/reincarnate cycle---the cockroach now instantaneously a soaring eagle.
Yes, that new ranking, along with the very real prospect, percentage-wise, of being exposed to the novel coronavirus, makes working out here upon the street surreal, a progressive, active hallucination of negative consequences dancing upon sidewalks and roadways, the next passenger, the next moment potentially leading to debilitation and death. But yes, despite that chilling reality, dialysis and cancer patients still requiring their vital, life sustaining treatments, for once making us cabbies a recognizable resource for the greater societal good, providing necessary transport upon and over the viral byways.
Given this background, and the reality of receiving dozens of moving violations by local-area police over the years, I can only smile when acknowledging a recognition previously denied me and my fellow taxi ruffians. Now, very suddenly, we hold importance, obtaining a status parallel to doctors and nurses making us frontline warriors, our lives and the threat of contracting the coronavirus secondary to all other duties, societal expectations excluding all other personal considerations. Again, I find this transformation breathtaking, elevating the dalit (untouchable) to the brahmin something even Lord Krishna couldn't contemplate, short-circuiting the karmic/reincarnate cycle---the cockroach now instantaneously a soaring eagle.
Yes, that new ranking, along with the very real prospect, percentage-wise, of being exposed to the novel coronavirus, makes working out here upon the street surreal, a progressive, active hallucination of negative consequences dancing upon sidewalks and roadways, the next passenger, the next moment potentially leading to debilitation and death. But yes, despite that chilling reality, dialysis and cancer patients still requiring their vital, life sustaining treatments, for once making us cabbies a recognizable resource for the greater societal good, providing necessary transport upon and over the viral byways.
Saturday, April 4, 2020
"Stay Home, Limit Travel, Save Lives"---Stay-In-Place Order Extended Until May 4th, 2020
The message in the title can be seen on 1-5 electronic reader boards in the greater Seattle-area. Are local citizens heeding this suggestion, along with Governor Jay Inslee's order to stay in your home and read a good book? The answer, like most questions addressing human behavior, is yes and no, depending greatly upon time and place. The Renton Walmart and the Seattle 4th Avenue South CostCo remain crowded with shoppers, with Walmart, for one, finally issuing entrance requirement in an attempt to slow down the maddened, undisciplined mobs packing the aisles. Seattle's streets and sidewalks themselves are fairly uninhabited, with shops and restaurants remaining closed. It's on the freeway where you see the people flying down the road in larger numbers---unrestrained 70-80 mph banshees telling you "the hell with the coronavirus! I will do whatever I want regardless of conditions and common sense,"--- reader board warnings mere scenery to crazed minds.
At least here in the State of Washington, there is a theoretical attempt at moderating behavior, while in the States of Arkansas, Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota and North Dakota, their GOP governors have so far refused to issue official statewide "Stay-at-Home" orders. Like everywhere, response to the virus is mixed, many still not realizing we are in the beginning stages of a new worldwide plague. Last week I wrote the death toll was over thirty thousand. It has now surpassed fifty thousand, the pandemic reaching all corners of the earth. One scary development is the very real possibility that the virus is spread simply by the breath, a sneeze or cough not required to send the virus out of an infected person's lungs. The wearing of masks are now suggested for everyone though the president says he won't be wearing one.
Here in Seattle, the mayor announced they will not, for the time being, be issuing parking tickets. Too late, as I saw three days ago in the Ballard neighborhood for a row of at least twelve parked cars, all having newly written parking tickets proudly placed upon the windshield. Hopefully all will be dismissed but since this is Seattle, I wouldn't depend upon it, punishment Seattle's unofficial motto, the wagging of the finger saying "you should have known better!"
At least here in the State of Washington, there is a theoretical attempt at moderating behavior, while in the States of Arkansas, Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota and North Dakota, their GOP governors have so far refused to issue official statewide "Stay-at-Home" orders. Like everywhere, response to the virus is mixed, many still not realizing we are in the beginning stages of a new worldwide plague. Last week I wrote the death toll was over thirty thousand. It has now surpassed fifty thousand, the pandemic reaching all corners of the earth. One scary development is the very real possibility that the virus is spread simply by the breath, a sneeze or cough not required to send the virus out of an infected person's lungs. The wearing of masks are now suggested for everyone though the president says he won't be wearing one.
Here in Seattle, the mayor announced they will not, for the time being, be issuing parking tickets. Too late, as I saw three days ago in the Ballard neighborhood for a row of at least twelve parked cars, all having newly written parking tickets proudly placed upon the windshield. Hopefully all will be dismissed but since this is Seattle, I wouldn't depend upon it, punishment Seattle's unofficial motto, the wagging of the finger saying "you should have known better!"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)