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.....I've [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Articles_for_deletion/Lolo_Soetoro listed Lolo for its only AfD so far to-date -- ''here'']. At the article's present length, for it to be found within the family article would be the best, I think. In any case, I'm hoping this AfD might contribute to some sort of basic principles being figured out to apply to various family members across the board(?)[[User:Justmeherenow|<span style="font-family: Mistral ; font-size: 10p"> &nbsp;<math>\sim</math>&nbsp;J''ust''me''here''now</span>]] [[User talk:Justmeherenow|<small>'''''(&nbsp;&nbsp;)'''''</small>]] 21:26, 8 November 2008 (UTC)
.....I've [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Articles_for_deletion/Lolo_Soetoro listed Lolo for its only AfD so far to-date -- ''here'']. At the article's present length, for it to be found within the family article would be the best, I think. In any case, I'm hoping this AfD might contribute to some sort of basic principles being figured out to apply to various family members across the board(?)[[User:Justmeherenow|<span style="font-family: Mistral ; font-size: 10p"> &nbsp;<math>\sim</math>&nbsp;J''ust''me''here''now</span>]] [[User talk:Justmeherenow|<small>'''''(&nbsp;&nbsp;)'''''</small>]] 21:26, 8 November 2008 (UTC)
:Hooo. It was basically speedy kept.[[User:Justmeherenow|<span style="font-family: Mistral ; font-size: 10p"> &nbsp;<math>\sim</math>&nbsp;J''ust''me''here''now</span>]] [[User talk:Justmeherenow|<small>'''''(&nbsp;&nbsp;)'''''</small>]] 23:34, 10 November 2008 (UTC)
:Hooo. It was basically speedy kept.[[User:Justmeherenow|<span style="font-family: Mistral ; font-size: 10p"> &nbsp;<math>\sim</math>&nbsp;J''ust''me''here''now</span>]] [[User talk:Justmeherenow|<small>'''''(&nbsp;&nbsp;)'''''</small>]] 23:34, 10 November 2008 (UTC)

== April 2009 ==
[[Image:Stop hand nuvola.svg|30px|]] This is the '''last warning''' you will receive for your disruptive edits. <br> The next time you violate Wikipedia's [[Wikipedia:Biographies of living persons|biographies of living persons]] policy by inserting [[Wikipedia:Verifiability|unsourced]] [[Wikipedia:Libel|defamatory]] content into an article or any other Wikipedia page{{#if:Barack Obama|, as you did to [[:Barack Obama]]}}, you '''will''' be blocked from editing Wikipedia. {{#if:|{{{2}}}|}}<!-- Template:uw-biog4 --> '''[[User:MBisanz|<span style='color: #FFFF00;background-color: #0000FF;'>MBisanz</span>]]''' <sup>[[User talk:MBisanz|<span style='color: #FFA500;'>talk</span>]]</sup> 01:36, 9 April 2009 (UTC)
:[http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Barack_Obama&diff=prev&oldid=282606486 This] edit is completely unacceptable. Changing Obama's signature line to that of Adolf Hitler is beyond the pale, and frankly you are lucky that MBisanz just gave you a warning. Any further similar edits may result in a very long block. [[User:Risker|Risker]] ([[User talk:Risker|talk]]) 01:43, 9 April 2009 (UTC)

Revision as of 01:43, 9 April 2009

Original Wiki-welcome

ɵWelcome!

Hello, Utahredrock, and welcome to Wikipedia! Thank you for your contributions. I hope you like the place and decide to stay. Here are a few good links for newcomers:

I hope you enjoy editing here and being a Wikipedian! Please sign your name on talk pages using four tildes (~~~~); this will automatically produce your name and the date. If you need help, check out Wikipedia:Where to ask a question, ask me on my talk page, or place {{helpme}} on your talk page and someone will show up shortly to answer your questions. Again, welcome!  Alai 06:51, 1 May 2005 (UTC)[reply]

Comment on God Committee

Jim -- I figured out how to do this! Anyway -- you're right, the God Squad is a colloquial name for the 7- member committee that reviews possible ESA exemptions. I saw the name in 'Environmental Law and Policy' by Salzman and Thompson -- an excellent book by the way. I have also seen the God Squad refered to in law journals, so this colloquialism seems to be at least somewhat widespread. (do a google search of 'God Squad' and 'endangered species act' if you're not convinced) I'm certainly open to debate as to how prominent of a place the name should have in the article -- it might be a good idea to begin a whole new article and look at cases where the Committee has ruled for exemptions -- this will get into spotted owl territory and get quite controversial.

Anway -- what do you say that we continue this on the discussion page of the article? -- that way we may get more folks involved. Just a thought, I'm a newcomer here.

Matt

My original name

Utahmountainman was my original name on Wikipedia, though I also made earlier contributions under no name. I am not a native of Utah, haven't lived there since 2002, and am not LDS. It's my favorite state.--Utahredrock 04:18, 19 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

On moves

Hi there, and (once again!) welcome to Wikipedia. I noticed your request for a move to Confederacy of Fools and did so, as this clearly seemed purely like as technical issue, and nothing controversial. Note that you can perform such moves yourself, just click on the "move" tab that should appear when you're logged in, and at the article in question. I've also added a 'cleanup' tag to the article; I hope you don't take this amiss, as it seems to me to be a very nice article -- I've been here for months and haven't written that much new text at a gulp. :) Rather, I just think it suffers a possible 'tone' worry, as it indeed seems somewhat to take the attitude of a review of the book. That's probably straying into original research and point of view warning bell territory. Ideally such an article would confine itself to the purely factual and indisputable (and undisputed), and those opinions on the book that can be attributed to "notable" critics and commentators. I'm sure this can be done without any major overhaul of content, though. Perhaps I can help out if there are any policy or technical issues you'd like input on. Alai 07:01, 1 May 2005 (UTC)[reply]

Katrina

In reply to [1]. The FEMA disaster declaration information for Alabama (for example) is here. In addition to a "major disaster" declaration, there is now an "emergency" declaration [2], which gives FEMA broader authority and releases more federal funding. Similar declarations were made for all four states most affected (FL, AB, MS, LA).

As for your question about the "size at landfall" of Katrina, a few sources showed a radius of 200 miles from the eye for the hurricane-force winds, meaning an area of some 120,000 miles was potentially enclosed by the hurricane. Fortunately landfall quickly weakens a tropical cyclone. --Dhartung | Talk 08:02, 3 September 2005 (UTC)[reply]

Please do not add commercial links (or links to your own private websites) to Wikipedia. Wikipedia is not a vehicle for advertising or a mere collection of external links. You are, however, encouraged to add content instead of links to the encyclopedia as we drive for print or DVD publication; see the welcome page to learn more. Thanks. Vsmith 14:07, 18 February 2006 (UTC)[reply]

  • Note This user was referring to links I added to my very non-commercial online magazine on the Colorado Plateau. Utahredrock the magazine can be viewed at http://www.utahredrock.com it has not been maintained as I would like but links to important information on the Colorado Plateau region including both news stories and other more permanent web resources. While it is non-commercial at this stage of it's [barely] existence, it could be fairly classified as my private web site and as such I don't dispute the suggestion.--Utahredrock 17:34, 19 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
  • Utahredrock.com still exists, but the online magazine of the Colorado Plateau is long gone.--Utahredrock (talk) 19:01, 21 June 2008 (UTC)[reply]

The following arose from the discussion regarding the request to delete the Gabrielle Giffords page I created, and defended. --Utahredrock 01:08, 25 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Please don't do this. The article was going to be kept anyway. She was or is a state senator and meets WP:BIO. Removing the nom was unnecessary and uncool. JChap (talkcontribs) 23:22, 17 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Please do not remove warnings from your talk page or replace them with offensive content. Removing or maliciously altering warnings from your talk page will not remove them from the page history. If you continue to remove or vandalize warnings from your talk page, you will lose your privilege of editing your talk page. Thanks. --Wine Guy Talk 06:25, 19 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

As an info point, WP policies of course would affirm any user's right to remove contributions from their own talkpage after they've been read.   Justmeherenow (  ) 11:49, 10 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Just saw the vandal label. Definitely don't want that.

Are you an administrator? If the Giffords article will be kept, when will the nomination for deletion be removed?--Utahredrock 15:56, 18 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

  • I'm not an admin, but I sometimes play one on TV. I read your argument at the AfD. It is a hotly debated issue around here and I encourage you to go to Wikipedia talk:Candidates and elections and make your views known. Also, if you wish to retract a statement you made, you normally should strike it out by bracketting it with <s> and </s> rather than just deleting it. Best, JChap (talkcontribs) 23:08, 18 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Initial review of wiki-vandalism

The vandalism page states:

Vandalism is any addition, deletion, or change to content made in a deliberate attempt to reduce the quality of the encyclopedia. The most common type of vandalism is the replacement of existing text with obscenities, page blanking, or the insertion of bad jokes or other nonsense. Fortunately, this kind of vandalism is usually easy to spot.

Any good-faith effort to improve the encyclopedia, even if misguided or ill-considered, is not vandalism. Apparent bad-faith edits that do not make their bad-faith nature inarguably explicit are not considered vandalism at Wikipedia. For example, adding an opinion once is not vandalism — it's just not helpful, and should be removed or restated. Utahredrock 02:45, 19 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Look mate, I really don't have anything against you or your candidate. But you're going about things the wrong way. Your second modification to the Articles for deletion nomination, while it didn't eliminate the nom, was still immature and reflected poorly on you and your position. Also, you restored the links that I had deleted without providing an edit summary or discussing why they should be included on the talk page, as I had invited you to do. Links to blogs generally fall pretty far outside WP:EL, but if you want to make a case for their inclusion on the talk page, I encourage you to do so. You should also read the page on the three revert rule, which your last change violated. I hope you enjoy your time editing at WP, but you really need to calm down, use edit summaries, and don't climb the Washington Monument dressed as the Green Hornet. JChap (talkcontribs) 15:37, 18 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Sure I am a novice, but immature and uncool? OK, maybe that too.

I like the Green Hornet on the Washington Monument image.

My intention is to provide additional sources of information on Giffords. Adding the entry on Giffords was/is merely an attempt to provide a source of information on this candidate. If I had time and knowledge of other candidates I'd be writing mini-bios on people from all sides of the political spectrum including links to sites that discuss and or endorse those candidates as that is important additional info.

Cheers.--Utahredrock 15:51, 18 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

  • The big lie (RE the charge of vandalism) When something is said often and loudly enough that people start to think it must be true. For God's sake, it was a mistake . . . a mistake . . . . just a flippin mistake. --Utahredrock 16:11, 19 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]


The vandalism which I reverted (see here) regarded you editing signed comments by other users, which is covered in WP:VANDAL, an official policy on the English Wikipedia (which BTW I strongly suggest you read). Another bit of suggested reading would be Wikipedia:Articles for deletion, in particular How to discuss an AfD/Wikietiquette; following these guidelines will help in getting your point across to other users. Alternativly, not following these guidelines a.) is rude b.) will annoy other editors c.) may cause the admin who closes the discussion to discount or ignore your comments.

Regarding your question as to how long the discussion will continue, AfD discussions typically go on for about five days. Unless an admin decides that there is an obvious consensus, or a clear policy issue, the discussion will likely be closed on Thursday.

I hope you will have a look at the policies and guidelines which I have suggested (as well as others) so that you'll be able to contribute more constructivly to the encyclopedia. --Wine Guy Talk 23:14, 18 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

  • Reply Thanks for the feedback. I want it to be clear that when I added the brackets I did so in a way that was meant to not edit what anyone had contributed, but to clarify that Giffords is simply not a current senator--and I signed them so it would be clear that I'd added a comment to someone elses comment. This was done with no intent of vandalism though it is clear that it was done improperly. Regards, --Utahredrock 02:37, 19 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I have responded on my talk page. --Wine Guy Talk 10:22, 19 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]


Civil?

Civil behavior in life and on Wikipedia are critical. Engaging in name calling is uncivil.

One final quote drawn from the vandal policy--again: Any good-faith effort to improve the encyclopedia, even if misguided or ill-considered, is not vandalism. --Utahredrock 01:01, 25 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

An Inclusionist's Manifesto

It is critical we have more articles on politicians running for office, be it a municipal race, a national legislature, or an executive position. One of the great strengths of Wikipedia is the fact that it contains current and up to date information as well as obscure information that is hard to find in other places. But the key is: information. I’ve been updating myself on some Wiki-controversies. In the world of Wikia I am a devout inclusionist!

In the case of candidates it is important to note that elections are the lifeblood of the political process of a republic or democracy. One political challenger pointed out the obvious and painful truth of how the decks are stacked against challengers in democracies. Wiki doesn’t need to be an additional barrier for entry to aspiring politicians when it can be a source of information on such people.

In a democracy citizens need as many sources of information as possible on their candidates. It's a crime how much politicians have to spend to get their messages out. Candidates from all parties and levels of government are important to our political process. Suppressing information about them makes no sense. Wikipedia exists not to promote a candidate or cause but to serve as a source of information.

One of the worst Supreme Court decisions of the past fifty years was 1976’s Buckley case which limits the amount people can give to candidates. The net effect is that wealthy people can self-fund their elections leaving the average challenger begging for contributions maxed out at $4,200 per person per candidate in U.S. federal elections (primary plus general).

People need to write more articles on candidates to provide a good source of free information.

PS—Don’t knock Homestead City! I spent a few weeks there as a volunteer in the Hurricane Andrew cleanup. Those people are plenty important! (See: Wikipedia talk:Candidates and elections for the Homestead City reference.)


--Utahredrock 04:46, 19 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

My Giffords entry survived the request for deletion made by the high school student from Australia.

Also, I survived the mini-mini-controversy (see above) as well.

I learned to NEVER alter in any way (even correcting spelling!) someone else's comments.

I'd never really engaged on discussion pages before this and got a bit of a baptism.

That addition of the word former was especially pernicious! (Trying in my very dry way to be humorous.) Learned something. --Utahredrock 05:42, 21 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Apparently, somewhere along the way you learned how to create and edit what is IMO a pretty good article! This woman is very notable. She was already arguably notable IMO as a former state representative and then became unquestionably notable when she became a major-party nominee for Congress. (If you care to, you can check out my comments at the candidates and elections discussion, which probably don't exactly mirror yours but would come closer to being "inclusionist" than "deletionist" IMO, which I feel is pretty consistent with my overall view of Wikipedia, which, after all, is not paper. (Note: No trees were destroyed in the creation of this comment :) Rlquall 14:22, 18 August 2006 (UTC)[reply]

PS

As of last night 90 of the 131 articles that were nominated for deletion last Saturday, July 15, were closed. Of those ninety, 77% were deleted, only 23% survived. Of the 41 that were still open last night I am guessing a much high percentage will survive since they were harder to resolve. Won't be going back to check that theory out though! This Wiki-editing can become an obsession. --Utahredrock 16:16, 21 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Religion and politicians

Regarding your most recent edit, on her own website it states that she's a member of "Congregation Chaverim", a Jewish synagogue. I've also found this congress.org website, this Washington Post website, and this Jewish periodical website all referring to her religion. Should I cite these sources in the article? I just thought it would be a bit messy for a template like that. johnpseudo 22:49, 9 November 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Oops, nevermind. The new "Congressman" infobox doesn't have a religion box. johnpseudo 22:52, 9 November 2006 (UTC)[reply]
As per the discussion on some of the other template pages, it is a piece of information kept by the Records office of the congress. Stating a person's beliefs does not make anyone or any article a part of the Nazi legacy. Also, I feel that to remove it would only cater to WP:POINT. Stealthound 23:35, 20 November 2006 (UTC)[reply]

My thoughts

Not that my thoughts matter one way of the other here, however, I strongly think people's religion is a private matter whether or not they are in public life. If they choose to discuss it, that's their business, but it is nobody else's business unless someone is a religious figure or chooses to make it other people's business (beyond mere disclosure). This is especially true of those in public life. The founders of this nation wisely chose to separate church and state creating what many now would term as a secular government. The intermingling of religion and politics has a long, sad, sordid history.--Utahredrock 06:50, 11 November 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Pinaleno Mountains

I wrote a new article: Pinaleno Mountains. An amazing spot in AZ--especially for escaping the summer heat.

Image issues

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image uploads

Hi there, thank you for uploading images to wikipedia. For future reference. Please add where you got the image from (usually a weblink is the easiest). Also, when possible, please upload new NASA images directly to Wikimedia Commons, so that all projects can use them (as a matter of fact a couple of your images were already present there and tag them as NASA images instead of the more generic "US Government". I have now moved them all to commons and added sources as well. --TheDJ (talkcontribs) 13:44, 16 June 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks for doing that and thanks for the input.--Utahredrock (talk) 20:52, 16 June 2008 (UTC)[reply]


Relatives of Barack Obama

Introduction

I am adding this preface to issues covered on my talk page related to Obama family members. The rest of this introduction is copied from the second Roy/Abongo deletition debate I took part in (there were one or more previous debates on Roy/Abongo).

What's really at stake

The main argument to delete is the alleged non-notability of Abongo/Roy/Malik? Obama. The guy’s life is forever changed because of his remarkably talented brother who has a good chance at becoming the president of the United States. We edit Wikipedia, I hope, less as voters and more as arbiters of facts.

What got me interested in the family of Barack Obama was the viral email that was going around claiming he is not a Christian and he is a _________ extremist. While I could see through the lie immediately, I had friends who just as immediately bought in to it. When I tried to find information on the supposed accomplices to Barack’s supposed religious views, it was hard to find a thing on the Internet.

As editors of Wikipedia we have responsibility and power. We have a responsibility to do our best to get the facts out. We have power because in this age of Google and Wikipedia circa 2008, tens of millions of people look to us, as imperfect as we are, as a source for information. In the case of Obama the numbers could be higher. Do all of those people read Wikipedia? Not necessarily, but the power of this online encyclopedia to disperse information is enormous.

If this article is deleted again, for at least the third time, life will go on.

What will be lost is a place that could serve as a small beacon of truth in a world filled with those who will twist the truth.

Not notable? Who are we kidding?

Barack wrote extensively about his brother in his bestselling book. That fact alone, given Barack’s international prominence makes Abongo/Roy notable. It’s a burden that Roy didn’t ask for and I wish him the best.

I ask my fellow Wikipedians to offer a simple place where people can easily get well sourced facts on this man and not be left wondering if the latest viral email they received is true or not.

Another reason why this man is incredibly notable

While I personally could care less what somebody’s religion is or isn’t, it’s an unfortunate fact that many people do care and a person’s religion is often included in encyclopedic entries (something I’ve argued against before).

Those on this page may have not noticed, but there is a struggle in this world between Muslim extremists and others. Few people who do pay attention would deny this.

It is a historic and notable fact that the brother of a major candidate for the president of the U.S. is Muslim. To my knowledge it is a historic first, and firsts are usually notable to writers of encyclopedias.--Utahredrock (talk) 12:01, 12 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

NOTE: I want to emphasize that there is zero evidence (and I've spent many hours researching this) to suggest Abongo/Roy is an extremist.

Speedy deletion of Lolo Soetoro

A tag has been placed on Lolo Soetoro, requesting that it be speedily deleted from Wikipedia. This has been done under section G4 of the criteria for speedy deletion, because the article appears to be a repost of material that was previously deleted following a deletion debate, such as at articles for deletion. Under the specified criteria, where an article has substantially identical content to that of an article deleted after debate, and any changes in the content do not address the reasons for which the material was previously deleted, it may be deleted at any time.

If you think that this notice was placed here in error, you may contest the deletion by adding {{hangon}} to the top of the page that has been nominated for deletion (just below the existing speedy deletion or "db" tag), coupled with adding a note on the talk page explaining your position, but be aware that once tagged for speedy deletion, if the article meets the criterion it may be deleted without delay. Please do not remove the speedy deletion tag yourself, but don't hesitate to add information to the article that would would render it more in conformance with Wikipedia's policies and guidelines. Lastly, please note that if the article does get deleted, you can contact one of these admins to request that a copy be emailed to you. Loonymonkey (talk) 17:36, 17 June 2008 (UTC)[reply]

More Lolo

Of course I agree that everyone deserves to get the facts, but the facts are well handled in Barack Obama and Ann Dunham in my opinion, and I don't see anything in Lolo's separate article that is new or not already covered, and a fair amount missing or incorrect. I think people looking for information on Obama's religion will be looking at his own article, and having a separate article that seems dedicated to mentioning Lolo's Muslim background doesn't seem to be doing what you say you wanted to do. I don't at all suggest that information about Lolo be left out of the encyclopedia, but I think a separate article that has nothing additional is problematic. As for the missing and incorrect information . . . Tvoz

there's nothing about their daughter, for example,

I wasn't sure whether or not to add information on her since she's living person--Utahredrock (talk) 03:22, 18 June 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Yes, you can say that Ann Dunham and Lolo had a daughter, her name, date of birth, and a wikilink to her article all are fine.Tvoz/talk 03:41, 18 June 2008 (UTC)[reply]

unclear info about when Dunham and Soetoro met,

It states "He met Obama's mother, Ann Dunham, when they were both students at the University of Hawaii.[1]" It does not have the year, that would be good to add.--Utahredrock (talk) 03:22, 18 June 2008 (UTC)[reply]
No, that's the point - we don't have any more info than that they met while in college. We certainly don't know that they met as early as 1963. Tvoz/talk 03:41, 18 June 2008 (UTC)[reply]

when he was an Indonesian oil engineer,

Are you saying it doesn't have the years? It does state that is what he did.--Utahredrock (talk) 03:22, 18 June 2008 (UTC)[reply]
you say they met at college, then suddenly he's an oil engineer in Indonesia. No mention of when they moved there.Tvoz/talk 03:41, 18 June 2008 (UTC)[reply]


unsourced comment about Soetoro's influence on Obama,

Which comment? The whole thing is well sourced.--Utahredrock (talk) 03:22, 18 June 2008 (UTC)[reply]
You said that he was a big influence - where does that come from? Do you have a source for it? Tvoz/talk 03:41, 18 June 2008 (UTC)[reply]

error about Obama's Hawaii school, etc.

Thanks for fixing that--Utahredrock (talk) 03:22, 18 June 2008 (UTC)[reply]
No problem Tvoz/talk 03:41, 18 June 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Was there a rush to add this article that prevented more research?

I certainly agree more research is needed. Unfortunately there didn't seem to be much left out there at least on the Internet.--Utahredrock (talk) 03:22, 18 June 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Yeah, that's the point - not much is known, and what is known is amply covered in Barack Obama, Ann Dunham, etc. I'm not trying to get on your case, and I appreciate that sometimes we set up stubs for other people to fill out, but it seems to me that that this one didn't even use the information right here on Wikipedia, so I have to wonder what the rush was. Tvoz/talk 00:44, 18 June 2008 (UTC)[reply]


There was no "rush" there was and perhaps still is just a huge gap of information on this man who played a key role in Obama's life. I encourage you to fill in those blanks if you're more knowledgable and have better and more sources. I notice somebody removed a critical quote that she light on the fact that neither Soetoro, nor Obama's mother were muslim extremists. It is unfortunate how little detail is available on this man who has become central to the absurd argument that Obama is muslim and worse.--Utahredrock (talk) 03:22, 18 June 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Why do you assume he played a "key role"? As far as I can tell, Obama only lived with him for four years from ages 6-10. I removed the quote because it is not the way we write articles - it was hanging there without any context. And it was about how Ann felt, not information about Lolo. Right, the rumor is wrong. But this article stub, unfortunately, really does nothing to refute it. I don't know that any more information is going to become available - and the piece as it is fails to meet notability standards in my opinion. I don't care to do much work on it because I don't think it should be there at all. But perhaps you want to. I'll take your word for it that your intentions are good, but I don't find this article worth saving. Tvoz/talk 03:41, 18 June 2008 (UTC)[reply]

[outdent] Utah, I still don't think that Lolo has independent notability, and I think he can amply be covered in Ann Dunham - in fact I think that all of what we have in Lolo Soetoro is found in Ann's article or can be easily added without causing an undue weight problem in Ann's piece. Since notability can't be inherited - that is, just because someone has a connection to a notable person doesn't automatically make him notable too - and because we have yet to find anything at all that is about Lolo independent of Ann and Barack, I see no reason for Lolo's separate article. My concern about coatracking, as I have said, is that it appears to me that contrary to your stated intention in creating this article - to debunk the lies about Obama's religion - this article only serves to fuel those rumors with its sourcing (read some of the source articles) and the text having phrases like "Obama is a Muslim", even though it is preceded by "incorrect rumor" (maybe to increase Google hits on the phrase?). You saw the completely unacceptable, lying source that I removed whose title was something like "Barack Obama was a Muslim until age 31" - that is the kind of specious editing we have seen and can expect in this article, which is why I am watching it and removing that kind of garbage. But it would be better if we didn't have this article at all, as it adds nothing to our knowledge and is an attractive target for anti-Obama attacks. I am not here as pro-Obama or anti-Obama - I am here to defend the neutrality and integrity of Wikipedia and not allow it to be taken over by the right-wing or left-wing blog readers who frequently get their marching orders to "Add blah blah to Wikipedia", as if that will somehow validate their lies. To the best of my ability, not on my watch - and there are many other editors here who similarly watch and stop this garbage, but one of the ways we do it is to not encourage unneeded outposts for it. I think that Lolo Soetoro is one of them - even if you didn't intend it as such, and when an AfD is posted I will support it, if nothing has changed. Meanwhile, I'll be watching it and trying to keep it in check. Obama's campaign has taken a different approach to the problem - they've created a website that posts the smears and then debunks them - that's fine, and good luck to them, but it's not what we do on Wikipedia, so your idea of having Lolo's article serve that purpose is, I think, mistaken, even if well-intentioned. Tvoz/talk 21:14, 21 June 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I don't follow all of that convoluted reasoning. Still, thanks for your outstanding contributions to the Lolo Soetoro article. Excellent work.--Utahredrock (talk) 21:38, 21 June 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Nothing convoluted about it. Lolo has no independent notability and we have no information about him that does not involve Ann and/or Barack and is not easily covered in their articles. Tvoz/talk 22:00, 21 June 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Please note: Wikipedia:Administrators' noticeboard#Can a proposal be made by an opponent to gauge the sense of the community?. — Justmeherenow (   ) 18:42, 26 June 2008 (UTC)[reply]



The deletion debate of Abongo (Roy) Obama

This may be what you are looking for, sixth one down. Regards. --Malcolmxl5 (talk) 15:43, 6 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Deletionists and canvassing

Please make sure you're not violating WP:CANVASS. I assume you'll be contacting people on both sides (say, others on the Barack Obama talk page), assuming there is a "both sides" to this (I don't know anything about it). Read WP:CANVASS carefully, please. Later I'll take a look at the AfD. Thanks for telling me about it. Noroton (talk) 18:06, 6 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I added this to Noroton's talk page, but will expand on it here too. I didn't know of this CANVASS policy, which makes sense. I do feel the parties who are pro-deletion regarding Abongo Obama need a counterweight beyond my own dilligent arguments in favor of keeping the article. The primary argument for deletion seems to be that being the brother (half-brother) of a politician does not make one noteable. I agree with that, but in Abongo's case the story goes deeper.
Due to widespread mis-information on Barack Obama's religious affiliation, key players in that aspect of Obama's life are indeed highly noteable. This whole noteability thing has always seemed like some what of a red herring (narrative) to me. Under the best of circumstances it is a very subjective call whether someone is noteable enough or note for wikipedia inclusion.--Utahredrock (talk) 18:34, 6 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]
See http://www.nizkor.org/features/fallacies/red-herring.html for another definition of red herring.--Utahredrock (talk) 18:37, 6 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

A post that made me question if user was assuming good faith

Noroton's caution about canvassing is completely correct, Utharedrock. As for your not being aware of the policy, I would have thought you read my post on Abongo's talk page which specifically pointed out how you were inappropriately canvassing on that talk page for the same thing, which was before you canvassed Noroton. Nor have you posted neutral comments on other users' pages as far as I have seen which might satisfy the requirement that these be "friendly reminders". As for the AfD itself - you are entitled to express your opinion, of course, which you have done repeatedly. But I believe you are way out of line with how you re-formatted the AfD - you ought to familiarize yourself with basic policies before jumping in with both feet: AfD's do not have sections the way you added them - this kind of commentary would go on the Talk page or elsewhere - the project page is for other people to weigh in on whether they think an article should be kept, deleted, merged, etc. Replies can be posted, but what you did is way out of process. Jameson was right in his attempt to get it back on track - I think in fact all of the stuff you added from "Who is Malik" on down belongs at best on the Talk page and not on the project page at all. The only reason I didn;t change it myself was because I have commented there. Tvoz/talk 19:23, 6 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I replied to this on Tvoz's talk page.--Utahredrock (talk) 19:40, 6 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Where I replied as well. I'd also suggest another look at WP:NOTABILITY because you seem not to understand that Barack's inclusion of his half-brother in his memoir doesn't automatically mean the guy is notable by Wikipedia standards. There is no independent notability demonstrated, as has been said over and over again, and yet you just posted another comment that said that if Barack thinks he's notable, he's notable. It's just not the way it works here. Tvoz/talk 19:54, 6 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

[out] Are you going to claim again that you didn't know about the policy against canvassing when you made these edits a few hours ago? Tvoz/talk 07:36, 7 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Didn't have clue. You're far more the wiki-veteran than I am ever likely to be. I am still a little confused actually (nothing new). It seems like a common practice to ask for input. When I read the policy it looks like you can ask, but should be neutral in the ask. Will read again.--Utahredrock (talk) 19:49, 7 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Yet you didn't remove your inappropriate canvass on John McCain. Tvoz/talk 07:12, 8 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]
After reviewing the canvassing policy you've graciously directed me to, I don't find my comment at McCain inappropriate. Anyone, including you, can remove it of course.--Utahredrock (talk) 07:26, 8 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Oh please. Do you seriously think your post on McCain was "neutrally-worded" as called for in the canvassing guideline? Did you follow the guideline and neutrally - i.e., not saying what your preferred outcome is - solicit comments from all sides of the issue after you canvassed Noroton and he correctly cautioned you about it? Also, did you miss this in the first paragraph: "messages that are written to influence the outcome rather than to improve the quality of a discussion compromise the consensus building process and are generally considered disruptive" after you were directed to the guideline? Utahredrock, it's one thing to not be aware of a policy - that's fair enough - and it's another to come up with creative interpretations that go directly against what the words of the policy/guideline say - after it's been pointed out to you. You might think about getting some mentoring here about basic stuff - I'm done. Tvoz/talk 07:36, 8 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I replied to this on Tvoz's page, but in case she deletes will add a comment here. I dispute her interpretation of canvassing, but wrote more about that on her page, and the McCain page. I hope she's done. I think she's taking it all too personally. I speak with some authority since, yesterday especially, I was starting to take this delete/keep debate too seriously and probably too personally too. From looking at Tvoz's talk page it appears she's been an outstanding contributor to Wikipedia and I commend her for that. We just happen to be on different sides of a debate now, big deal . . . I mean really. She's become a deletionist (at least on Obama family articles) and I have maintained my inclusionist leanings. I do wish Tvoz the best and I do hope she is done with this debate--I am close to being done, but feel obligated to reply to comments from others.--Utahredrock (talk) 07:46, 8 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

PS I've also edited my comment at McCain talk based on Tvoz's input some of which was correct and I agree with.--Utahredrock (talk) 08:24, 8 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

More thoughts and a prediction

Whether or not the deletionists, including Tvoz, win another round RE Abongo/Roy Obama is not all important. The issue will rise again because of his clear and obvious notability. At some point, the deletionists will almost certainly lose their battle.--Utahredrock (talk) 22:09, 6 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Abongo deleted

The article on Abongo Obama was deleted . . . again.

Here is the discussion: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Articles_for_deletion/Abongo_Obama

I would love to know if it's been deleted more than twice.

I am not of the consipracy minded sort, but this deletion feels suspicious to me. I believe it was good people who were misguided. Oh well!--Utahredrock (talk) 04:41, 7 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Here is a page with a link to the previous deletion discussion that I know of:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Deletion_review/Log/2008_February_24 --Utahredrock (talk) 04:48, 7 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Then recreated as Malik Obama----

is sure to be nominated for deletion; so I've actually done so myself here even though I believe it now passes muster due to Maliks multiple press mentions (which had not yet been catalogued when contributors had so very recently weighed in on its "Obongo" iteration. Please be patient with this proposal while those interested weight in again. (I'm notifying those who commented.) — Justmeherenow (   ) 06:18, 7 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Stop what? Did you not support the deletion? How is it a "personal attack" to call those who supported deletion, deletionists? I recognize that suppressionist sounds more offensive, but how can you argue against deletionist? Until you change your position, the term seems to fit quite well and it is not meant as a personal attack. Please calm down and stay on topic. With regards, --Utahredrock (talk) 19:02, 7 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I've dobbed you in, or at leasty made a de facto request to rent out some of your user space. Trying to find an actual solution for this, and examing the reasons for oppostiion to a merge into Obama family, I believe that they have an argument, but that there is a straight-forward solution. By writing a good, well sourced article at User:Utahredrock/Obama family and taking it to deletion review you'd be re-testing consensus in a socially acceptable way. I'd be happy to assisst with any questions about how the process works, such as how to write your pitch at deletion review, etc.

On another note, with respect to the short exchange above. I'm officially the Supreme Dark Angel of Deletion. But there was a time I chucked a serious cranky at being called "deletionist." There are multiple analogs in popular culture, where a group may self-identify using words that are unacceptable from someone outside the group.

In general, I try to remember that the mission here is to make the best content imaginable. By deleting everything into a micro-dot, but still...

brenneman 00:48, 8 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

  • Brenneman, I appreciate your comments, and even more I appreciate what appears to be a sense of humor (sometimes lacking out here, even from me). While some sort of Obama Family article makes sense, I don't have the time or desire to work on it right now. Though I sure wasted a lot of time this past weekend defending Abongo . . . but it's hot here in the Sonoran Desert and there is only so much to do in the middle of the summer heat! Cheers,--Utahredrock (talk) 00:53, 8 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]
    • Too easy, mate. If you're ever looking for something to do that might have a different enjoyment-to-frustration ratio, drop a note on my talk page. - brenneman 01:08, 8 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Good (not brilliant) article

This is relevant to the inclusionist/deletionist debates of the wiki-world . . . .

http://radar.oreilly.com/archives/2008/06/on-wikipedia-storms-teacups-an.html

--Utahredrock (talk) 08:38, 8 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Canvassing suggestion

Re: [3]

Per WP:CANVASS, notifying users that may be interested in an AFD is generally acceptable as long as you notify everyone that may be interested and not just users that may support your opinion and that you do so in a manner that is neutrally worded and doesn't bias the readers of your notifications. I noticed in the past that you have been rather blatant in your canvassing of users that support your opinion[4][5], but at the time said you were not aware of the guideline. However, following that comment, you submitted a request on Talk:John McCain that seems to violate the campaigning portion of the guideline by wording your notification in a way that seems intended to influence how they should vote.[6] In looking at your edit history do not appear be a new user, but WP:AGF and your prior comment requires me to give you a suggestion, the proper way to contact interested editors is by leaving a message that basically says:

There is a [[WP:AFD]] discussion under way for [[Malik Abongo Obama]] that may interest you. If you wish to participate in the deletion discussion, you may do so [[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Malik Abongo Obama|here]]. --~~~~

Please try to avoid contacting interested parties in a manner that violates WP:CANVASS again in the future as continuation of such may result in you being blocked for disruption. Thanks! --Bobblehead (rants) 22:41, 8 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

McCain talk update My efforts to solicit input have since been deleted (by another user) from the McCain talk page. As of this writing they remain on the Obama talk page, which is where they were posted first. My goal, no matter how ineptly it was carried out, was to solicit input of all types. Of course my position was no secret, and it has been pointed out to me that my solicitation language made that too clear. I will be more careful in the future.--Utahredrock (talk) 13:47, 9 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

A failure to communicate with users S. Dean and Tvoz

Please reread WP:NOTE

Being mentioned in a notable book does not make a person notable. It really is as simple as that. His half-brother simply is not notable in his own right. Once he becomes so, I for one will certainly support a stand-alone article on him. Until then, I don't. S. Dean Jameson 02:02, 10 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Too too funny

Note: What I paste in below was initially unrelated to S. Dean, though it inspired him to reply. --Utahredrock (talk) 08:53, 11 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

As I think I've said elsewhere here (my user page?) editing Wikipedia can be fun, and as many of us know it can be obsessing too. Is that a word?

I do believe our work is important here, but it's not that important. Everyone, me first, needs to lighten up a little.

Best regards to all Wiki-editors,

--Utahredrock (talk) 02:40, 10 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Just priceless

The following interchange inspired the above:

And I am not, nor have I ever been, Utahredrock's mentor - I have merely pointed out to him, repeatedly, when he violated policy. I did, however, recommend that he obtain mentoring through WP:MENTOR, and still think he needs to pursue that, to learn how to conduct himself in actions like this one. Tvoz/talk 23:34, 9 July 2008 (UTC) Wow, that felt personal.--Utahredrock (talk) 02:33, 10 July 2008 (UTC)

(The above was copied from the latest debate on whether or not to keep Abongo Obama.)--Utahredrock (talk) 02:45, 10 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

  • Tvoz is absolutely correct, and your inappropriate, "Tvoz vs. Utahredrock" edit summary just proves that point. You treat Wikipedia like it is a battleground. It is most definitely not. You become so passionate about an article that you leave long, often difficult to decipher, and many times improperly formatted essays at the AfD. I think you would do well to heed Tvoz's advice about obtaining a mentor. S. Dean Jameson 02:53, 10 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Reply to S. Dean

Is it possible you're writing this just because you disagree with a position I've taken?

For example, "Tvoz vs. Utahredrock," from my perspective, was meant to be humorous. Also, she and I have had a matching of the wits for well over a week now. From my simple-minded perspective, that is due to the age old debate of inclusion vs. deletion.

I thought it was funny, but I have a dry sense of humor (though I do have one). I don't think she, and maybe you, like to have holes pointed out in arguments. Debating the merits of topics are what talk pages are for. Regardless of my relative amount of experience on Wikipedia, I don't need a mentor to tell me that.

If anything I've written is difficult to decipher, please give me an example.

I value your input.--Utahredrock (talk) 14:40, 10 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

  • We've displayed no aversion to "having holes pointe out in [our] arguments." You simply have not done so. And you ignored and talked past us when we've tried to help you understand the points we've been trying to make regarding the policies that are pertinent to this discussion. And when Tvoz recommended that you find a mentor, you made a joke of it, claiming that she had been mentoring you. Please reevaluate your contributions to these discussions. S. Dean Jameson 14:42, 10 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]
    • I have indeed listened to Tvoz, you, and others. I have reviewed the notability page at your request and I disagree with your interpretation. It is possible for two intelligent people to disagree, though you may disagree about my intelligence. I on the other hand assume you're intelligent, and believe that Tvoz is too. I thought Tvoz's comment was hilarious that I copied above. I toned down my "canvassing" as other users alleged and believe that I did go over the line there. I did not know about that policy prior to this little dispute and when I said that earlier Tvoz questioned my veracity--a comment of hers that I took in bad faith. My intentions are good--I want an inclusive well written Wikipedia--that is my only goal. You can assume whatever you want. Any user can question my motives. I've gone out of my way to focus my arguments on the questions at hand. If you disagree that that is what I have done then that is your right and I honor your opinion. If you have something specific you would like me to re-evaluate beyond my canvassing (which I've already considered) then please be specific.--Utahredrock (talk) 14:54, 10 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

WP as a battlground

I have followed a link by S. Dean that points out how WP is not a battleground and it does no good to hold grudges--mentioned on the link, which yes I did read.

This is of course obviously true and I am sorry that my passionate inclusionists arguments have been mistaken for grudges.

I agree 100% it does no good to hold grudges on Wikipedia, or in life. While I don't believe that I do--it's hard to be objective about yourself.

As for Tvoz, it is my opinion that she is a valuable and excellent editor on Wikipedia. I happen to strongly disagree with her on subjects related to Obama family members and believe her arguments to be weak and sometimes illogical. Do not mistake that for a grudge. Actual edits she's made on pages like Lolo Soetoro were simply excellent. I am not obsessed with her or her edits so I have not done a review beyond the topics that we have mutually edited. I've said this before and I am very sincere, but I will underscore it again--I believe Tvoz is an outstanding contributor to Wikipedia. Further more, despite her disowning me (see above), I feel she has served as a mentor and I value that too.

I don't have as much of an opinon on S. Dean, though I do disagree with S. Dean on some topics (see above). This is far different from holding a grudge as it appears he(?) has alledged.--Utahredrock (talk) 16:20, 10 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

It continues

Despite my best attempts to engage S Dean Jameson in a civil way, he/she simply gave up on me as hopeless. Worse, he/she just deleted or moved my comments on his/her talk page without replying to the latest. They were moved to an unknown place. Unknown to me.

The most complete version of my efforts to engage him/her appears to be at

http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=User_talk:S._Dean_Jameson&oldid=224962375

I truly did hope to engage him/her productively even after I felt he/she attacked me personally and with no good reason besides disagreeing on a debate. It's all a tempest in a teapot, but worthy of note all the same. Tvoz seemed to do the same. Obviously I am doing something wrong, but when I read the interchanges I believe it's just that they disagree with my arguments and get upset when I punch holes in theirs. Best regards to both.--Utahredrock (talk) 06:05, 11 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

  • Regarding your latest comment--S. Dean--over at Abongo. I did try to discuss it with you and agree I had no right to remove your comment. Now they're both back. I am not sure if I will add Tvoz's role in the merge situation. I still think it makes more sense to just delete both of our comments. But while you're sighing and asking for help, let's pause. Frankly I don't think any of it is all that important and it is quite a sorry situation if we can't discuss it ourselves. That seems to be the case though, with you deleting my comments on your talk page and not responding. Why even reply here, or add a comment at Abongo if you won't talk to me? --Utahredrock (talk) 06:15, 11 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Another reply

Since I've been banned from S Dean's and Tvoz's talk pages, per their requests, I am replying to S Dean's comment on Tvoz's page here. S Dean you can 2nd Tvoz's request, but as I said to her I can not honor it. I will not try to talk to you on your talk page (how ridiculous is that?) since you requested that I do not. However, if you're engaged in a debate in which I am part of, and when it's relevant, I will refer to you by name and refer to your comments. How else can things be discussed on Wikipedia talk pages?

Both you and Tvoz, honorable people both I am sure, have taken the absurd position that you've had it with me and that I can no longer talk to you on your talk pages. So now I am in the even more absurd position of essentially talking to myself on my own talk page!

The hilarity has returned indeed.

It was/is a mistake for me to feel attacked by you (S Dean), regardless of the things you've said. It was such an interesting example of absurdity when you (S. Dean) ran to T-rex's talk page to caution him from talking to me. You did this just after T-rex told somebody to F#!k off, which apparently was much less egregious than all of my so called violations of etiqutette. Have I violated etiquette? Probably, though I've gone out of my way to tone things down and keep things in check. I've done this specifically in response to people like you and Tvoz, who despite your repeated statesments I am actually "listening" to (both of you).

I respect your and Tvoz's rights to your opinions and regret that my previous efforts to reach out to each of you have failed so miserably.--Utahredrock (talk) 17:04, 11 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Utrahredrock, once again you either deliberately or not, have misunderstood. Please show me where I "banned" you from my talk page. I don't think I have ever banned anyone from my talk page - the most I've done is said I did not want to continue a conversation, or asked that one take place in what I consider a more appropriate place. I don't ban editors from talking to me. What I said to you is that I don't feel like talking to you any more, because I have talked and talked and not gotten very far, in my estimation. Try to be more precise in your language - it is unnecessarily provocative to make claims like that which are not true. When you push me enough to "ban" you from my talk page, I assure you, it will be in unequivocal terms. But it's not what I do. Tvoz/talk 17:33, 11 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Dear Tvoz, Thanks for clarifying your perspective. Thanks even more for communicating at all. I think dialogue is important--since you wrote here it seems you agree. That in itself encourages me.
World peace is possible! (Or at least Wikipeace).
Whether you've actually banned me or not from your talk page, even your comments above reiterate my perception that the intention communicated in your words is the same as a ban. As such, I will continue to limit my comments to my own talk page. I perceive this as being done out of respect for comments that you have made. Though you may point out how wrong I am on that perception--it is a point on which you've been very persistent. Tvoz, I am listening.--Utahredrock (talk) 17:45, 11 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]
User S Dean, as he/she speedily removed (or moved) comments I was making in a good faith effort to talk to him/her on his/her talk page specifically wrote: "don't post here again." I am happy to honor that request. [this note was added as I reviewed this section.--Utahredrock (talk) 08:55, 12 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  • Utah, perhaps you should consider that if two good-faith editors have the same issue with you that maybe the problem doesn't lie with them. I've never grown so frustrated after a conversation as I have during my conversation with you. Because of that, I have no desire to communicate with you further. If you wish to recover your contributions to my talkpage, you can simply click the small link at the top of my talkpage. It's all there, and in the order you posted it there. As you've refused to continue posting my name all over your talkpage (which is your right), I'll assume that you're not interested in resolving the issue either. Good luck to you, and I hope you take Tvoz's recommendation to look for a mentor seriously. You really do need one. S. Dean Jameson 19:23, 11 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  • And that's all, folks! There's nothing more to see here. I thought I would try one last time to reach out to him, even as I told him I wasn't interested in communicating further, but with that dismissive note, the show ends... S. Dean Jameson 20:19, 11 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I award User:Utahredrock an anchor plate of valor

in recognition of meritorious contributions to Wikipedia (according to my imagination: while listening to sounds of Sonoran Desert fauna Template:Sound sample box align left

Template:Sample box end muffled by the whoosh and drip-drip-drip-drop trickling of a swamp cooler).   Justmeherenow (  ) 02:59, 9 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks mate!--Utahredrock (talk) 04:33, 9 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

See here. Cheerio!   Justmeherenow (  ) 18:08, 9 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]



.

A decision on Abongo and closing thoughts

The result of the debate was merge--with the immediate effect of delete (until some editor makes the next move). The full decision and debate can be read at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Articles_for_deletion/Malik_Abongo_Obama

Abongo's own article is most certainly just a matter of time.

A heartfelt thanks to everyone who took part in the consideration of whether or not to include Abongo Obama in Wikipedia over these past ten or so days.

Regardless of their position I believe everyone's intentions were good.

It will be interesting to see what happens next.

Sincerely,--Utahredrock (talk) 21:26, 12 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Yes, yes I voted -- and thanks!

Thank you very much for the barnstar. Yes, I voted "strong keep" as I remember. No, I don't collect my barnstars in one spot. I keep them in my archives, and I do appreciate them. Thanks again! Noroton (talk) 17:57, 13 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

The New Yorker cover

The New Yorker cover this week underscores the notability of close Obama family members who are Muslim and the absurdity of the whole thing. As I stated in the Abongo debate, it is the context that gives Abongo notability--trying to deny that is as silly as the charges that The New Yorker satirizes on its July 21 cover. It will be a welcome day when this encyclopedia accepts that.--Utahredrock (talk) 09:34, 16 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Good points, I'd forgotten about the cover of the sailors kissing (probably because I didn't see it as offensive myself) and some people probably found the cover of Obama and Clinton sleeping together offensive as well. Still, this is THE offensive cover, the one that's gotten the most attention by far. If the article for The New Yorker is to have a section titled "Offensive Covers," then it should feature more than one cover. Axeman89 (talk)
I agree. Just don't have time to research the other covers. I think the plural usage is good for potential future additions, but have no problem with singular cover now. I don't think I edited that previously, but might have. As a historian (at least in training) it is still soon to say with any certainty if this is the cover or not, but I suspect you're right there too. Cheers,--Utahredrock (talk) 17:25, 16 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Arizona 8th District U.S. House race

I'm proposing a merger of the 8th District campaign article into the United States House of Representatives elections in Arizona, 2008 article. I've already copied all the material. I have no problem with re-creating this later if needed, but for now I don't think there's enough material to justify a separate article. Flatterworld (talk) 16:01, 16 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Zeituni Onyango re-written

This article has been rewritten. Please visit the AfD discussion to see if your concerns have been addressed. Thank you. -- Banjeboi 22:52, 5 November 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Hi Utahredrock

.....I've listed Lolo for its only AfD so far to-date -- here. At the article's present length, for it to be found within the family article would be the best, I think. In any case, I'm hoping this AfD might contribute to some sort of basic principles being figured out to apply to various family members across the board(?)   Justmeherenow (  ) 21:26, 8 November 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Hooo. It was basically speedy kept.   Justmeherenow (  ) 23:34, 10 November 2008 (UTC)[reply]

April 2009

This is the last warning you will receive for your disruptive edits.
The next time you violate Wikipedia's biographies of living persons policy by inserting unsourced defamatory content into an article or any other Wikipedia page, as you did to Barack Obama, you will be blocked from editing Wikipedia. MBisanz talk 01:36, 9 April 2009 (UTC)[reply]

This edit is completely unacceptable. Changing Obama's signature line to that of Adolf Hitler is beyond the pale, and frankly you are lucky that MBisanz just gave you a warning. Any further similar edits may result in a very long block. Risker (talk) 01:43, 9 April 2009 (UTC)[reply]