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BISBEE WIRE #92/nix viz center go kiosks?/lotsa happenings in the next month/my fave easter poem/border army and their rides/

  • Writer: fred
    fred
  • Apr 18
  • 19 min read

  


editor: fred miller           April 18 , 20235             #92/April 2024

Hello,



Folks in Portal are looking for acoustic musicians to play at their Get Up! Stand Up! protest music festival Sat, May 17, 10 AM - 6 PM  Potential performers should contact Scott Huber wmscotthuber@gmail.com.

The free event will be held at the Geronimo Event Center. More info


Steve Bannon's strategy of 'flood the zone' as well as 'shock and awe' is playing out. Whether ousting the head of Social Security, firing 10,000 workers at the DHHS, gutting the Consumer Protection Agency, reducing the EPA staff, putting key scientists and researchers on leave, attacking judges, targeting hard working taxpaying immigrants by denying due process, imposing tariffs, and much more, this administration is trying to take over and consolidate control over the mechanisms of our government.


   They are jeopardizing our access to health, decreasing our life savings, censoring information, and restricting movement. To  further understand the blueprint for this, Project 2025's radical changes including christian nationalism, go here


  


   When you can, where you can, how you can, stand up for the government that belongs to us and carries out the difficult work of improving our quality of life. Volunteering and working in our community, invests in our future, protects our access to health care, and illustrates the concern we have for each other. That's the true ticket to resistance. Try to do the small daily things that prevent or overcome your discouragement; take the long view because this is a process of focusing the fear, rage, and opposition into a movement with positive demands and goals. We will grow stronger this year. Show up.



KBRP can use some volunteers, particularly if you are a programmer or engineer, but also to do the tasks that keep an organization moving. Get in touch with me at bisbeewire@gmail.com or BisbeeKBRP@gmail.com 



fred

................​AROUND TOWN................

TRUMP RESURRECTION REJECTION 4/19


There will be demos Saturday; Sierra Vist at the mall @ 11-12:30 and Bisbee Grassy Park 11:00.


+++++++++++


BURNERELLA AT THE JONQUIL 4/19, 20


The 4th annual Burnerella, the Burning Man inspired event, is happening this weekend (4/19-20) at the Jonquil Motel (317 Tombstone Canyon). The multi faceted event features outrageous costumes, the Mile High Music Festival with an impressive roster of all-local musicians, a craft cocktail bar, food trucks, yoga, a trail run, a roster of art activities, intuitive readings, and more. Go here for info.


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MOVIE SHOOT-SUBWAY & ERIE STREETS TO BE CLOSED 4/21


A film project sponsored by the Southern Arizona Film Society (SoAZFilm) that aims to showcase and link the varied towns and cities of southern Arizona will be coming to Bisbee for on-location filming.  The movie titled, "Stray" will be about 15 minutes and completed in the fall of this year. 


   Subway Street will be closed for the film shoot on Monday April 21 from  6 am to 1 pm. The crew will then move to Erie St. in Lowell which  be closed from 2-5 pm. There may be a call for extras soon


Other parts of the film will be filmed a Tombstone mine the day prior to the Bisbee shoot.


(When I looking if extras were needed for this film, I stumbled on a FB page that had posts seeking actors/extras paid/unpaid for many different film projects. I saw asks for a police car, a kids party, prisoners, musicians, and more. Go here  to see the wide variety of projects and needs.


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CITIZEN ENGAGEMENT BEYOND VOTING COMING TO BISBEE 4/24


One of the more dynamic groups in AZ will be making a swing through Cochise County including a stop in Bisbee,Thursday April 24, 9:30-11. It is an opportunity to forge new networks, build on existing connections, and focus on our collective power to be Agents of Change!


I’ve signed up to attend the community meeting with Civic Engagement Beyond Voting on Thursday, Apr 24, 2025. If interested Use this link to sign up: https://mobilize.us/s/RpgADG Go here to contact organizer. Location details will be included in your confirmation email. or go here


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IF YOU WANT TO KNOW ABOUT GOURDS THIS IS THE PLACE  4/24


Lollie Yancey, the President of the Arizona Gourd Society and a successful gourd artist, will present an educational program on gourd art at the Bisbee Woman’s Club on Thursday, April 24 from 1:30-3:30 p.m. At the free program she will address the history of how gourds have been used over the centuries for everything from food storage to musical instruments, décor, crafts, and art. The Bisbee Woman’s Club is located at 7 Ledge Avenue in Old Bisbee, at the intersection of Cross and Ledge Streetshttps://mobilize.us/s/RpgADG


+++++++


CARRIAGE HOUSE EXHIBIT OPENS 4/19+


Carriage House Studios presents an exhibit of 14 artists of all media: sculptors, painters, photographers, assemblage, and collage.  Although the opening day has passed, the current exhibit is open on Saturdays April 19, 26, and closes May 3 , from noon to five at 308 Powell Street, in Warren. This year’s Spirit of the Body theme is “the cradle to the grave”. It will feature works by Joe Massey, Darren Engelman, Reva Myers Shemanski, Virgil Hancock, Jill Harding, Dennis Galloway, Sam Woolcott, Camille Vojnar, Juanetta Hill, Dylan Morgan, David Neufeld, Jeff Hughart, Larry Milam, and Poe Dismuke.


 Artist David Neufeld has created the newly opened gallery space in Warren.


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MILE HIGH MERCANTILE OPENS 4/26


The Mile High Ranch, 901 Tombstone Canyon,  is the site of a new gift shop in an old building. The shop is themed to the flora, fauna, and history of the Bisbee area. “This is not your typical gift shop,” said owner Henry Miller, “it has the look and feel of something you could find in a theme park, including music, sound effects, and scents.” A grand opening is scheduled for April 26th, from 10 am to 5 pm. More info here


+++++++++++


TOUR CAMP NACO 4/26


Mike Anderson leads a tour and discussion about the historic setting including the baseball field. Saturday, Apr. 26, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Camp located at the corner of W. Newell Street and S. Willson Road.


++++++++


THE CHORUS GETS THEIR ROCK N ROLL ON  4/27 & 5/4


The Bisbee Community Chorus is digging into musical history and getting their chops going with some rocknroll.  Led by artistic director Nathan Darus and accompanied by Timothy Dick, the chorus will celebrate musical history with favorites from the Beatles, Beach Boys, Tears for Fears and more. Sundays April 27, 3:00,  May 4 at Presbyterian Annex, 24 Howell Av. $15 at the door.


++++++++++++


BORDER WALL CONCERT IN NACO AZ/SONORA 4/29


Starts at 11, both sides of the fence, April 29. Hosted by the BiNational ArtsInstitute Details here


++++++++++++


CITY HALL GRAND OPENING  5/3


Saturday, May 3rd will be the ribbon-cutting and grand opening for the building. Starts at noon and everyone is invited.


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SHRED YOUR DOCS! 5/10


The Bisbee Community Chorus holds their bi-annual shredding of the papers, getting rid of old eyeglasses, passing on toiletries you no longer use. A good time to get rid of those tax returns from 2002-2019 or any ole paper you don't need. Ace parking lot Saturday May 10, 9am-12. (note: They no longer take electronics, outdated prescriptions.)


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THE FIRST CONTRA DANCE 5/14


The First!! Bisbee Contradance, Wednesday May 14 at St John's Episcopal Church Hall (the Sweet Hall). Lesson at 6:30, dancing from 7 to 10 PM. Caller Suze St. John, music by Larry Ayers and Jennifer Tomchick. Contra dance is a form of folk dancing made up of long lines of couples. All dances are walked through beforehand. No dance experience necessary. Bring a water bottle and soft soled shoes. Suggested donation $10 per adult. Children free.


+++++++++


LIBRARY SERVICES IN JEOPARDY?


As the effect of the trump/musk purchase of the government, lots of DC actions are beginning to be felt in the hinterlands. One of the several departments that have been slated for either extreme reduction or extermination is the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS). This could cripple key Arizona library and museum programs, wiping out Wi-Fi hotspots, literacy efforts, foster family services and more


IMLS has provided $20 million in grants and funds to state Library systems during the past four years. 


   The Bisbee library could be affected if/when funds are cut off. In recent years a Wi-Fi Hot Spot Lending program was funded with a IMLS grant. After school programs could be on the block. The library annex was opened with grant funds.


   AZ AG Kris Mayes has joined with 19 AG’s in other states to file a lawsuit to block the trumpie actions.


++++++++++


BISBEE MEDIA MENTIONS


The 1000


https://thetrek.co/the-great-stair-climb/


Bisbee Bikeways


https://www.newsnationnow.com/us-news/woman-creates-mobility-plan-to-enhance-communitys-safety-remarkable-women/


Hidden gems


https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/tripideas/15-hidden-gems-in-america-even-most-americans-miss/ss-AA1CL5r8


Things to do


https://coppercourier.com/community/things-to-do-in-bisbee/


New porphyry copper-gold near Bisbee


https://www.stocktitan.net/news/IMTCF/intrepid-metals-identifies-several-new-porphyry-copper-gold-targets-2rtix5affi2t.html


Bisbee travel Vid (starts about 17 minutes in)


https://www.gettogoing.com/episode-1


++++++++


BORDER FENCE CONSTRUCTION TO START IN BIO-SENSITIVE AREA


Customs and Border Protection confirmed that 24.7 miles of wall between the Nogales Border Patrol Station in Santa Cruz County and the town of Naco will soon be built. Bidders are sought for construction for the fence that will travel through pristine grasslands as well as portions of the Patagonia and Huachucha mountains. According to the Sierra Club, that first revealed the proposed fence, the area is a biodiversity hotspot with animal trails on both sides of the border and contains the origin of the Santa Cruz river. More details here

       ..........CITY ISSUES AT BUDGET TIME..........      

BIZ BUZ


There is a business group forming, the Bisbee Tourism Coalition, that has had two meetings and a third scheduled. It is a welcome development because the business community has had little representation or voice in city developments in the past five years.  I'll have more info next issue.


........


Grafitti


A new website hosted by a few business owners, https://preservebisbee.com/ has generated some controversy by taking on the problem of graffiti/vandalism in Bisbee. Many cities have had to deal with the vandalism/tagging/art aspects that often is divisive with proponents of the absolutism of 'free expression' versus those of property owners, city officials, others who object to unwanted 'decoration' of buildings and public structures . It is a particular issue in older cities like Bisbee, because of the degradation of historic and unique architectural works. Some studies have found there not only is a correlation between the prevalence of graffiti and the degradation of an area, but often it is the work of a relatively few individuals. Stay tuned.

.........


VISITOR FRIENDLY KIOSKS AS OPPOSED TO A COSTLY VISITOR CENTER


An issue has come up in conjunction with the budget work sessions next week. (Beginning Monday 4/21-24, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM, 915 S. Tovreaville Road. Go here for the draft budget.


There has been talk by the city manager, mayor, and a few others about building a visitor center in the city-owned building on Main St. that  that was the scene of the Valentine's night fire last year. In fact $400,000 has been proposed in the visitor center draft budget coming from a line item for capital projects.



This sounded like a good thing to those of us who have bemoaned the visitor center stuck out of the way at the mine tour for many years, but further consideration reveals some economic problems as well as some recent trends in tourism that indicate that this may not be the best use of bed tax money for our city. Therefore it would be good to have a discussion about this before it is a done deal.


 


Economically, a visitor center would be costly, to build ($400k?) and maintaining yearly staffing 20-40 hrs a week would cost at least $50k. This would wipe out the visitor center reserve fund that is now approaching $400,000. And recent trends indicate visitor centers have become less visited and less important as sources of visitor information because of the rapid increase of digital devices.


 


But tourism is valuable to Bisbee, by some estimates more than 50% of  the budget in direct and indirect spending is visitor-dependent. So it is important that visitors get information about dining, lodging, retail stores, events, and more.


 


THE FIVE KIOSK SUGGESTION 


    Placing interactive information dissemination and collection kiosks where visitors actually are-not where they are directed to go for info- is a service the city should provide and instead of the very inadequate statistical info currently gathered, it would give far more accurate information about who is visiting.


   I suggest five interactive kiosks be put around town.The total cost would be $125-$175,000 depending on several factors and that is less than half of a new visitor center and with large savings accruing year after year. And if  a kiosk system were in place, the Main storefront could then be sold or leased with a net gain of income to the city.


   The five physical kiosks, 3 in OB, 1 in Warren, and 1 in San Jose would cost about $30k-$100k  depending on design, complexity, installation of the kiosks. (Could be different sizes.)


   Add about $25,000 for programming and graphic design that would entail at the least; a complete map of the city/a link to each business in the city/a calendar and location of events and maybe a short survey about where they come from and how did they hear about Bisbee. 


   The map could also be modified for a printable version that stores could have copies if desired. That would cost somewhere about $3000-$5000 for about 10,000 copies.  Add other unexpected ancillary costs, another $10,000.


   If people want an in-person experience, they could be directed by the kiosk or signs to the folks at the Mining Museum who already field many visitor questions. This would likely increase visitation to the museum.   


   The kiosks would be connected electronically into the website. They would also generate statistical information about which kiosk is being used, how many, what pages or entries looked at and more. The city tourism director (no longer a visitor center manager) would be freed to concentrate on the initiatives that actually bring people to Bisbee, and   a far more accurate idea of who is visiting Bisbee would be a large boon to marketing efforts. Business owners throughout the city would gain valuable info about visitors that would help with their own marketing efforts.


   This is an opportunity to do something better for our City.


.......


AD HOC LODGING GROUP'S PROPOSAL DENIED


A group of lodging owners, an ad hoc group initially called BHG, but changed to BAG, asked for and received a city work session last week on their proposal (lifted from the city of Tucson verbatim) that the city give the group $30k and they would then give grants to organizations that would put on events. They would then see that the events were spread through the year.


   The city council expressed several reservations; that the group was not a legal entity, they were essentially asking to distribute city money as a private group, and that  they made no distinctions between for-profit and non-profit groups. The work session ended with no commitment from the city.


 

As a former lodging owner (Copper City Inn) active in tourism affairs over the past 25 years, and very interested in the long term health and stability of our community, I continue to be interested in tourism related issues. It is heartening to see people get more involved in participating in the life of the city.

   While the groups main idea is laudable-spreading events throughout the year-I don't think it is a good idea for the city to hand over taxpayer money, no matter who generates it, to a private group to do as they wish. I also thought there was a touch of hubris in the proposal.

 

However a welcome establishment of something that has been solely lacking in Bisbee since the demise of the iBisbee economic development committee, Better Bisbee, and the Chamber of Commerce, is  the formation of a city-recognized standing Tourism Committee that would be the official liaison between the city and the tourism community. Five-seven people that would function much like the Bisbee Arts Commission: hearing or generating different ideas for tourism related functions, voting for funding, but would then have to ask the city council through agenda items, for approval. That way the city continues to have control of taxpayer money, as they should, yet there would be citizen/business input into deciding not only events, but the content of the city's tourism efforts and how/for what bed tax funds are spent.

TRUMP RESURRECTION REJECTION


As part of nationwide demonstrations April 5, Bisbee  had 150+ people gather in grassy park to show their rejection of authoritarianism, firings of workers, and severe cuts in services.



photo courtesy of HL


About 75 people showed up in Douglas in front of the Douglas Post office  The cars driving by expressed their enthusiasm by honking their horns, for the peaceful protest of what is going on in DC.



photo courtesy of DJ


In Sierra Vista about 400+ people showed up to line Fry Blved on both sides and corners at Veterans Park. Many creative signs, here are a few: 



photo courtesy of FM


+++++++++++


WHERE TO FIND POLITICAL EVENTS, DEMOS, & INFO


To to these sites for most up to date info.

Hands OffSee you in the Streets50501IndivisibleNo Voice UnheardMoblizeWe the People Dissenttakeactiontucson.org+++++++++++++CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT-7Congressional District Seven (CD-7) will have a vigorously contested primary in July for the seat that is open due to the death of Raul Grijalva. Two of the eight  candidates, (5 dems, 3 repubs, and 3 possible writeins), that have turned in signatures, and will be on the ballot, come from well known political families, Adelita Grijalva, daughter of Raul, and Daniel Hernandez, a former AZ congressman whose two younger two sisters represent Arizona districts, Conseuelo-the AZ rep for LD21, and Alma-the AZ rep for LD20. In CD-7 about 80% of registered voters are democrats so who wins the primary will likely win the general.But a young newcomer may shake up the race.The important dates are: vote registration deadline-June 16 ; early voting-June 18; Last date to request a mail ballot-July 3; Primary election-July 15.I'm going to put my money on Deja Foxx, an activist and well known social justice and feminist advocate on social media, that has announced a run. She has been featured in a major article in Vanity Fair, has built something of a campaign in Tucson with her work for women’s reproductive rights working with Planned Parenthood, and is a voice for working class people. She is a welcome fresh breeze in democratic  politics and seems to track kind of in the Ocasio-Cortez groove.   Foxx, who turns 25 this month, is a social media content creator (yeah, I admit that's a cringe but that's the vernacular!) active in Tucson politics for years. During the past presidential campaign she was a 'surrogate' for Kamala Harris. A Filipina-American, that had a period of being homeless in her younger days when her mother could not support her as well as working to support her mother. She has numerous awards for her political and community work with young people.    The Democrats badly need refreshing and I like the genuine fire I see in Foxx. Whether she has the chops-and can raise the dough-to put together a campaign that spans the district, remains to be seen; it's a short window and a 365 mile road till the Primary in June/July. More info here. I hope to get her down here and maybe talk on our Friday KBRP show.     A part of the reason for my support of Foxx is that both Grijalva and Hernandez, particularly him, carry lots of baggage for me. I'm not enamored with political 'dynasties' or offices  'belonging' to a family member. The Democratic establishment in AZ and nationally have indicated who they support, there are quick early endorsements of the two established candidates by elected politicians such as Kelley, Gallego, Giffords (Grijalva) and for Hernandez, American Federation of Teachers, SMART transportation union and the two Hernandez sisters with their fund raising apparatus that is strong among spend-heavy pro-Israel supporters. Daniel Hernandez, an avowed Zionist, is currently the board chair of the Zionist LGBTQ organization A Wider Bridge. (Alma Hernandez, a self-described Zionist, led a delegation of Arizona legislators on an 8-day trip to Israel in March 2024 in the middle of the legislative session. The 17 lawmakers drew per diem pay during the trip.)   The recently deceased Raul Grijalva, built a democratic political machine that was reliably progressive. His daughter will seemingly inherit at least part of that as she tries to turn her Pima County Supe job into a congressional seat. Partly because of Grijalva infirmities, our district has not had the best representation the past couple of years.  Despite the name recognition, she remains beatable by a candidate that brings fresh ideas and optimism.

..............COCHISE COUNTY................

CROSBY HEARING TO DISMISS FELONIES


Supervisor Tom Crosby, or rather his lawyer, will take another crack at dismissing one or both felony charges. The hearing is scheduled for May 2. If needed, the judge scheduled a hearing for his trial on May 8. He is charged with conspiracy and interfering with the election duties of then-Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs. The wheels of justice turn slowly, over the bombastic Mr. Crosby…


+++++++++++


TRUMP ORDERS MILITARY TO CONTROL BORDER LAND


A long sliver of federal land along the U.S.-Mexico border that President Donald Trump is turning over to the Department of Defense would be controlled by the Army as part of a 'base', which could allow troops to detain any trespassers, including migrants, U.S. officials told The Associated Press.


The corridor, known as the Roosevelt Reservation, is a 60-foot-wide federal buffer zone that ribbons along the border from New Mexico to California, except where it encounters tribal or privately owned land. It had been run by the Interior Department until Trump directed control be transferred to the Defense Department in a presidential memo released Friday night.


+++++++++++


BORDER SECURITY: IMPLEMENTS OF DESTRUCTION, OBSERVATION,  AND STEALTH

If you would like to take a look at some of the instruments of how border policy may be carried out, go here

...............THE LEGE + AZ NEWS................

The Arizona Agenda  (the best source for politics in AZ) has done us a great service by explaining how legislation becomes a law. You can see it here. A brief description…


Inside the Arizona Budget Beast is their guide to how the state’s biggest, messiest, most powerful set of bills actually comes together — who’s in the room, what the documents look like and why it all happens at midnight.


How a Bill Becomes Frankensteined explains what happens when Arizona lawmakers start resurrecting the dead.


The Long, Strange Road to Law is their trippy little travelogue through the Arizona bill process — from its humble beginnings as an idea, to the procedural gauntlet it must survive, to its final showdown at the governor’s desk.


And how taxes are collected and distributed....The Meat and Potatoes of Taxes


++++++++++++


AI AND ARIZONA


This article in a A.I. Agenda, a sister publication to the Arizona Agenda, details how Arizona has become one of the first states to test various AI concepts. Known as ‘sandboxes’ they allow for controlled pilot programs to test out theories about how AI would work in the real world. “Arizona’s “sandbox state” status isn’t about moving fast and breaking things. It’s about moving thoughtfully, experimenting publicly, and sharing what breaks, so others don’t have to.” There have been many pilots testing ideas for predictive traffic, healthcare, cybersecurity, administrative tasks, and more. It is an informative read. Go here


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ARIZONA AG BATTLES THE FORCES OF DC EVIL


Go here for a rundown on the lawsuits that Kris Mayes has signed onto to try and stop the autocratic trump/musk hijack of fed funds and programs for Arizona. “She has used her position to tell anyone who will listen that we’re in the middle of a coup, as Trump refuses to obey court orders and has allowed the richest man in the world, Elon Musk, to wield an inordinate amount of power with zero accountability.”

...............EVERYTHING ELSE................

BERNIE SANDERS ask the burning question at his snappy-titled 'Fighting Oligarchy' rallies; "What are the moral and economic implications of the three wealthiest people in America owning more wealth than the bottom half of our country – 170 million Americans?" Go here for more info.


++++++++++


IF YOU CROSS THE BORDER, KNOW PHONE SECURITY


Know what to do with your phone and other devices before you cross the border. This article mentions the various things to do, including turning off your phone and devices before your cross as well as using a numeric password rather than biometric.


https://theintercept.com/2025/03/29/customs-us-border-travel-airports-phone-searches/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=The%20Intercept%20Newsletter


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STATEWIDE TRAILS PLAN COMMENTS NEEDED


Arizona State Parks & Trails has opened the Trails Plan for public comment, a crucial step in shaping outdoor recreation efforts statewide.


Updated every five years, this plan guides the acquisition, development and management of motorized and non-motorized trails. The plan also identifies key trail issues, informs the distribution of federal and state grant funds and provides data-driven recommendations to guide resource allocation and actions across agencies.


Submit feedback to trailsplan@azstateparks.gov by April 10. 2025 Trails Plan Draft

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COMPANIES THAT HAVE REMOVED DEI LANGUAGE


There are many


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POST OFFICE TO BECOME MORE EFFECTIVE…by delaying mail


The first round of changes started on April 1. In some areas the changes will result in "2-3-day turnaround service within regions and specific local areas," according to the postal service. Service standards will be "refined" for:

  • First-Class Mail.

  • Marketing Mail.

  • Package Services (Bound Printed Matter, Media Mail, and Library Mail).

  • USPS Ground Advantage.

  • Priority Mail.

  • Priority Mail Express.

Another round of changes was scheduled to take effect on July 1, with more information expected as it comes closer. Some post offices could have delivery extended by a day (read rural) . Under the new approach, while most mail will retain the same service standard, some mail will have a faster standard, and some will have a slightly slower standard. For First-Class Mail, the current service standard day range of 1-5 days is staying the same, while the day ranges for end-to-end Marketing Mail, Periodicals, and Package Services are being shortened. All Mail will benefit from more reliable service," a USPS news release reads.


The postal service said, "all packages will benefit from more reliable service." The 2-5 day range for USPS Ground Advantage will stay the same. However, some shipping products will have a slower delivery range going forward.


USPS already has a map online that will let customers see how long it will take to deliver mail from one zip code to another. Customers can also look up service standards at usps.com


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HISTORY REPEATS FOR UNIVERSITIES


Go here for a look at the 1933/2025 parallels of the attacks on colleges and universities by the third reich and trump.

Wire subscriptions are free and will remain so.  I would be grateful for your donation to offset the cost of subscriptions to the many news sites I utilize.  Use the QR code for Zelle with my email (bisbeewire@gmail.com) or send a check made out to fred miller, 39 Hazzard, 85603. Thank you.



And a big thank you to 45+ who have already supported the Wire with contributions. I truly appreciate your support and comments.



                .............. WORD...............                    


An Easter gift to Wire  readers...my annual printing of Lawrence Ferlinghetti's poem-one of the best origin accounts of the birth of Christianity, imho. It first appeared in "A Coney Island of the Mind" (1958), a small book of poems that has sold more than a million copies. LF was arrested for publishing Allen Ginsberg's Howl, resulting in a First Amendment trial in 1957, where Ferlinghetti was charged with publishing an obscene work—and acquitted.


"If you would be a poet, create works capable of answering the challenge of apocalyptic times, even if this meaning sounds apocalyptic." (From Poetry as Insurgent Art [I am signaling you through the flames])

Sometime During Eternity . . .

By Lawrence Ferlinghetti

Sometime during eternity

                                                       some guys show up   

and one of them

                      who shows up real late

                                                       is a kind of carpenter   

      from some square-type place

                                              like Galilee

          and he starts wailing

                                          and claiming he is hip

            to who made heaven

                                       and earth

                                                      and that the cat

                   who really laid it on us

                                                 is his Dad

 

          And moreover

             he adds

                         It’s all writ down

                                              on some scroll-type parchments   

          which some henchmen

                  leave lying around the Dead Sea somewheres   

                a long time ago

                                       and which you won’t even find   

         for a coupla thousand years or so

                                                 or at least for

      nineteen hundred and fortyseven

                                                      of them

                            to be exact

                                             and even then

         nobody really believes them

                                                   or me

                                                            for that matter

          You’re hot

                         they tell him

          And they cool him

 

          They stretch him on the Tree to cool

 

                         And everybody after that

                                                               is always making models   

                                          of this Tree

                                                          with Him hung up   

          and always crooning His name

                                     and calling Him to come down   

                                 and sit in

                                                 on their combo

                           as if he is the king cat

                                                            who’s got to blow   

                      or they can’t quite make it

 

                      Only he don’t come down

                                                         from His Tree

          Him just hang there

                                       on His Tree

          looking real Petered out

                                          and real cool

                                                             and also

                   according to a roundup

                                                    of late world news   

             from the usual unreliable sources

                                                               real dead

 

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editor: fred miller          March 15, 2025        #90/March 2025 Hello, This issue was delayed for five days. My mailchimp account was...

 
 
 

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