I think in high school we learned about words like bereft. Words that sound like what they mean--onomatopoetic or something like that. I obviously got the concept but not the spelling. In any event,I have been bereft since Tuesday when Jess and her family moved to Philadelphia. I dare say Barbara shares those feelings but this blog is about ME. I know many of you have had kids go to college (our own dear Anna is in NYC via Ohio), deaths of loved ones, job changes, and other difficult transitions. I am not implying this one is worse than those but it is happening now and it is happening to me (and Barbara and the Helmling family). I know I can drive there, fly there, or train there. But it is not Hyde Square and it is not 5 minutes away. I know that even if I complained about some of those early morning calls requiring an extra pair of hands,I am going to miss the school pickups or the daycare deliveries or simply the spontaneous lets have dinner together offers. I am also aware this is not permanent. But I have had the following AHA moment--it is a transition not just for them but for me. We have to adjust and have already begun doing that--our living room has a vacant hole in the middle because we gave them a bunch of furniture so re-decorating is on the agenda. Kind of a symbolic hole, no? And we have decided to try and bring them, Anna, and others up to the Berkshires next summer so we can spend time with them. We already have tickets to fly down in mid-January. Bereft. Enough.
FACTS ACCORDING TO ME
How can it be that the Republicans were so oppositional and recalcitrant for two years and then the week before Christmas, all this important legislation gets passed with their assistance. Did Obama do something different? Did the election force some things to get done? I did not ask and I am not smart enough to tell. All I know is that the treaty passed, don't ask was repealed, and that tax bill which I still don't get but the guy from the Atlantic has assured us is good--that passed.
I also know that I have enough paranoia to believe the Republicans are teasing me personally. That their intention is to block anything decent for the next two years and run on that. I have already seen enough and heard enough from He Who Has a Perpetual Tan and He Who is a Member of My Tribe--neither are bright lights and both are in charge.
My brethren in Israel continue to make life miserable for the Palestinians and continue to allow the building of settlements. I know not what to do except whine and complain about them and Netanyahu in particular. I despair.
The little men with little machines and shovels were out in force during the recent snow storm even shoveling a path from our front gate to our front door. Oh the joy and oh how my monthly condo fee is worth every penny even if no more snow arrives.
SPORTS
I think Brady has played at a level that very few players ever get to--it is just unworldly and even if they don't get to the Super Bowl, we have seen (especially the last 7 games) a very special performance. On the whole, I am a worrier and worry that this will come to a crashing end.
Speaking of which, the Celtics dodged a crashing end when it turned out Garnet's injury was not season ending and I am now thinking it is not so bad having him take two weeks off. Much like the Pats--it will heal his bones.
The Bruins never see an open net that they can hit. It is so pathetic watching them on offense. No one can score.
That's about it. Hope all of you have a happy, healthy, and peaceful 2011. Be well.
Sayonara.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
IT'S BACK--A SPECIAL EDITION
For awhile there, I thought my unending supply of rage had ended. Either do to maturity or the great quantities of drugs I took to get rid of a cold, I could not find it. But, lo and behold, I have come out of my fog and am back in touch with my dark side. You, dear readers, are the very fortunate recipients of my re-connection with this quick special.
1. Don't Ask Don't Tell--So the Republicans have appointed a tea bagger to chair the House Military Affairs committee. He has promised to kill any effort to repeal DADT. Other similar House chairs are going after Obamacare (helped to be sure by today's federal court decision) and abortion rights. We do get what we deserve.
2. I thought I understood the Obama deal on taxes until I read this article by a guy from the Atlantic--Joshua Green. I like him a lot and he said, in fact, that this is a good compromise getting lots of money into the economy and helping the unemployed. He accused some of us (one of whom would be me) of over reacting. If so, I take it all back. However, I still believe the Prez has been way too kind and I would be happy to share some of my rage now that I have re-located it.
3.Temple Avodah in Newton caved in on the question of letting the folks from J Street speak. The big machers (that would be donors for those of you not fluent in Yiddish) probably threatened to pull their money out. Really a bad sign when dissent cannot even be tolerated in the House of God.
SPORTS
OK, both the Jets and the Bears were probably over rated. But Mr. Brady and the boys were stupendous especially in that winter mess yesterday. Brady is simply playing at a level beyond excellent; playing where few people dare to tread. We are lucky to be watching all this.
Sayonara.
1. Don't Ask Don't Tell--So the Republicans have appointed a tea bagger to chair the House Military Affairs committee. He has promised to kill any effort to repeal DADT. Other similar House chairs are going after Obamacare (helped to be sure by today's federal court decision) and abortion rights. We do get what we deserve.
2. I thought I understood the Obama deal on taxes until I read this article by a guy from the Atlantic--Joshua Green. I like him a lot and he said, in fact, that this is a good compromise getting lots of money into the economy and helping the unemployed. He accused some of us (one of whom would be me) of over reacting. If so, I take it all back. However, I still believe the Prez has been way too kind and I would be happy to share some of my rage now that I have re-located it.
3.Temple Avodah in Newton caved in on the question of letting the folks from J Street speak. The big machers (that would be donors for those of you not fluent in Yiddish) probably threatened to pull their money out. Really a bad sign when dissent cannot even be tolerated in the House of God.
SPORTS
OK, both the Jets and the Bears were probably over rated. But Mr. Brady and the boys were stupendous especially in that winter mess yesterday. Brady is simply playing at a level beyond excellent; playing where few people dare to tread. We are lucky to be watching all this.
Sayonara.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
IF THE ELECTION WERE TODAY.....
If it were, we would be in a re-run of back to the future starring George McGovern and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Maybe not as bad as in 1972 since most of the left coast and some of the Northeast would be with us--but otherwise a total shambles. Obama would be a one termer. And we would have a Luddite (to use one of Barbara's favorite words) as our next President. Mitt Romney would look palatable.
This tax cut business just totally confuses me--he backs way down as a way to get unemployment benefits extended and to insure middle class folks get the benefits but allows those earning more than $250,000 to keep the cuts also. Gives business all sorts of breaks. Maybe it is a "good" expedient decision but it is so counter to what we thought when he was elected that it is appalling. But, as I have said before, there are more of them than there are of me.
Plus he is just not angry enough. His speeches are out of sync from his actions. Don't ask don't tell is supported by the Pentagon report, the Republicans continue to attack it, and he has not said one word. Whats up with that? I have always had the fantasy (even before he was elected) that his staff was smart and knew what they were doing--now I am not sure and I think minimally they are still recovering from the mid terms. Well, they better get over it soon because 2012 will be here quicker than we think.
There are over 5,000 vacant seats in the Boston Public Schools but every time the Superintendent tries to close some, the union freaks out. Then she starts to waffle and then the whole plan collapses. Closing schools means losing jobs--I get that. But empty seats without staff reductions makes no sense either. She is dithering too much.
Chuck Turner, now an ex- City Councilor, managed to turn his bribery conviction into a race issue. I don't care how much he took--but assuming he did it, he should be on the street like any other government official or elected official. Like Charlie Rangel--both of them good progressive people who abused our collective trust. And Maxine Waters is next.
In my new neighborhood, 3 men murdered in a local pizza joint. Apparently, it was gang related and furthermore has ties to conflicts in the Dominican Republic where the 3 of them were from. Even if all the guns in the city were suddenly to disappear, we are apparently not going to resolve these village-like conflicts. I have no clue what that means (or how to solve the dilemma) but I have a feeling, better schools, better police, more police--I have a feeling none of those will help. Its kind of like the tribal wars which frequently erupt in Africa. They go back years.
Beware: Those of you approaching 65. Medicare knows you are out there (much like AARP knew when you turned 50) and 3 months before that magical date, you will get your medicare card. I will say that I have had very few interactions with MY federal government. The ones with Social Security and Medicare have been very positive. I still believe the Health care bill should have just expanded Medicare and Medicaid and everyone would have understood it. Anyhow, they got me and I can hardly wait to reach that famous donut hole.
SPORTS
We all know Jeter was going to be a Yankee and all the yakking about it was just a bunch of shit from the talking heads who have nothing else to do--another example would be Albert Haynesworth's suspension. a lot of yakking about that too as if...
Mr. Brady and the boys really stomped on Rex and his big mouth. Not sure they will win the last 4 (especially Green Bay though they are lucky it is at home). But Brady is very very hot and they are getting just enough running to keep defenses honest. They have beaten the Ravens, the Colts, the Chargers, the Steelers, and now the Jets--two of those wins on the road.
BTW--don't care who else the Yanks sign now that Jeter and Rivera are in the fold. And, no offense, but Adrian Gonzalez is good but does not put the Red Flops in the World Series even if Kevin Millar (now a sportscaster???) says so.
A FINAL THOUGHT
By the next posting, Jess, Steffen, and the kids will be in Philadelphia. I have instructed them that they cannot under any circumstance become fans of any Philly team. Obviously, nothing else matters. We already have reservations for our first visit.
Adios.
This tax cut business just totally confuses me--he backs way down as a way to get unemployment benefits extended and to insure middle class folks get the benefits but allows those earning more than $250,000 to keep the cuts also. Gives business all sorts of breaks. Maybe it is a "good" expedient decision but it is so counter to what we thought when he was elected that it is appalling. But, as I have said before, there are more of them than there are of me.
Plus he is just not angry enough. His speeches are out of sync from his actions. Don't ask don't tell is supported by the Pentagon report, the Republicans continue to attack it, and he has not said one word. Whats up with that? I have always had the fantasy (even before he was elected) that his staff was smart and knew what they were doing--now I am not sure and I think minimally they are still recovering from the mid terms. Well, they better get over it soon because 2012 will be here quicker than we think.
There are over 5,000 vacant seats in the Boston Public Schools but every time the Superintendent tries to close some, the union freaks out. Then she starts to waffle and then the whole plan collapses. Closing schools means losing jobs--I get that. But empty seats without staff reductions makes no sense either. She is dithering too much.
Chuck Turner, now an ex- City Councilor, managed to turn his bribery conviction into a race issue. I don't care how much he took--but assuming he did it, he should be on the street like any other government official or elected official. Like Charlie Rangel--both of them good progressive people who abused our collective trust. And Maxine Waters is next.
In my new neighborhood, 3 men murdered in a local pizza joint. Apparently, it was gang related and furthermore has ties to conflicts in the Dominican Republic where the 3 of them were from. Even if all the guns in the city were suddenly to disappear, we are apparently not going to resolve these village-like conflicts. I have no clue what that means (or how to solve the dilemma) but I have a feeling, better schools, better police, more police--I have a feeling none of those will help. Its kind of like the tribal wars which frequently erupt in Africa. They go back years.
Beware: Those of you approaching 65. Medicare knows you are out there (much like AARP knew when you turned 50) and 3 months before that magical date, you will get your medicare card. I will say that I have had very few interactions with MY federal government. The ones with Social Security and Medicare have been very positive. I still believe the Health care bill should have just expanded Medicare and Medicaid and everyone would have understood it. Anyhow, they got me and I can hardly wait to reach that famous donut hole.
SPORTS
We all know Jeter was going to be a Yankee and all the yakking about it was just a bunch of shit from the talking heads who have nothing else to do--another example would be Albert Haynesworth's suspension. a lot of yakking about that too as if...
Mr. Brady and the boys really stomped on Rex and his big mouth. Not sure they will win the last 4 (especially Green Bay though they are lucky it is at home). But Brady is very very hot and they are getting just enough running to keep defenses honest. They have beaten the Ravens, the Colts, the Chargers, the Steelers, and now the Jets--two of those wins on the road.
BTW--don't care who else the Yanks sign now that Jeter and Rivera are in the fold. And, no offense, but Adrian Gonzalez is good but does not put the Red Flops in the World Series even if Kevin Millar (now a sportscaster???) says so.
A FINAL THOUGHT
By the next posting, Jess, Steffen, and the kids will be in Philadelphia. I have instructed them that they cannot under any circumstance become fans of any Philly team. Obviously, nothing else matters. We already have reservations for our first visit.
Adios.
Monday, November 8, 2010
HE OF THE PERPETUAL TAN AND HE WHO IS A MEMBER OF MY TRIBE
That would be John Boehner and Eric Cantor the new leaders of the U.S. House. I already was predicting how awful it was going to be seeing these two on a regular basis but in a few short days, they have already exceeded my worst fears. Let's roll back and/or eliminate health care as a start. And then roll back or eliminate anything which helps the poor, immigrants, kids--but protects those who elected us some of whom are poor immigrants with children.
My hindsight being as perfect as yours, I still think the best approach to health care would have been the following words from Obama: "Here is Medicaid and here is Medicare. Both allow management by private insurers. Our new health care system will allow you to be in one or the other of those groups. I will delegate Secretary Sibelius responsibility to come up with regulations." The bill was in fact too complicated and too long even if it is correct. My other criticism of the Prez is that he has been too nice in defeat. Still yakking about bi-partisanship when for the next two years, the Republicans are going to do everything they can to insure his defeat in 2012. They will not play nice especially since they believe their obstructionism of the last two years was rewarded. And those of us serious about a two state solution involving Israel will need some tape for Mr. Cantor's mouth who will be the lead apologist for Israel.
Then we have this woman interviewed by the Globe after the election. She was "proud" of the results here and proud to live in Massachusetts. This guy Walsh from Abington who ran the whole thing for the Democrats should be hired again to go after Scottie. Plus Deval has not been so nicey nice (like the Prez) with his opponent. Hasn't met with him and is not sure he will. He has bee justifiably feisty. Good for him and thanks to Cahill for siphoning some votes off of Baker. Maybe Charlie can go to the Kennedy School whee a lot of ex-pols hide out until they get some fat offers. And I loved every angry word out of Barney's mouth.
Can someone please tell me what Russ Feingold did wrong? He got clobbered out there in Wisconsin which is normally more or less a liberal state. This could have been much worse--Washington, Colorado, and West Virginia were squeakers. Losing them would have been disastrous. I still believe running away from Obama as many Dems did was wrong and chicken shit. They should have run forcefully with his congressional victories and not been so shy about it. But what do I know?
Not one Halloweener for us. Saving millions on calories and dollars not buying any candy. It is, however, Barbara's national holiday so she went with Oliver and Lilli to trick or treat in Brookline--I watched the Pats.
SPORTS
Speaking of which, they looked invincible beating the Vikings and then threw a stinker yesterday which exposed all their flaws--especially the passivity of their offense in the first half. And Wes Welker is not the answer to their kicking game. If Gostokowski is out for awhile, they better find someone. Brady looks off and I am not one of those big moss fans but some receiver needs to step up and get free.
Richrod out there in Ann Arbor celebrated his triple OT win like he won the national championship. Their defense sucks. You don't get 676 (!) yards in total offense and still give up 65 points. Let him go.
Sooner or later, Rajon Rondo will come back to earth but right now he is playing out of his mind. And still forces things a bit much. This Turkish guy (from Istanbul!)is looking good and Marquis Daniels seems to have undergone some sort of transplant. The bench is much better than last years and Garnett is jumping like before his injury. Not sure they beat Miami or the Lakers but last nights game in Oklahoma was a strong one.
That's about it. Good luck, Charles.
Sayonara.
My hindsight being as perfect as yours, I still think the best approach to health care would have been the following words from Obama: "Here is Medicaid and here is Medicare. Both allow management by private insurers. Our new health care system will allow you to be in one or the other of those groups. I will delegate Secretary Sibelius responsibility to come up with regulations." The bill was in fact too complicated and too long even if it is correct. My other criticism of the Prez is that he has been too nice in defeat. Still yakking about bi-partisanship when for the next two years, the Republicans are going to do everything they can to insure his defeat in 2012. They will not play nice especially since they believe their obstructionism of the last two years was rewarded. And those of us serious about a two state solution involving Israel will need some tape for Mr. Cantor's mouth who will be the lead apologist for Israel.
Then we have this woman interviewed by the Globe after the election. She was "proud" of the results here and proud to live in Massachusetts. This guy Walsh from Abington who ran the whole thing for the Democrats should be hired again to go after Scottie. Plus Deval has not been so nicey nice (like the Prez) with his opponent. Hasn't met with him and is not sure he will. He has bee justifiably feisty. Good for him and thanks to Cahill for siphoning some votes off of Baker. Maybe Charlie can go to the Kennedy School whee a lot of ex-pols hide out until they get some fat offers. And I loved every angry word out of Barney's mouth.
Can someone please tell me what Russ Feingold did wrong? He got clobbered out there in Wisconsin which is normally more or less a liberal state. This could have been much worse--Washington, Colorado, and West Virginia were squeakers. Losing them would have been disastrous. I still believe running away from Obama as many Dems did was wrong and chicken shit. They should have run forcefully with his congressional victories and not been so shy about it. But what do I know?
Not one Halloweener for us. Saving millions on calories and dollars not buying any candy. It is, however, Barbara's national holiday so she went with Oliver and Lilli to trick or treat in Brookline--I watched the Pats.
SPORTS
Speaking of which, they looked invincible beating the Vikings and then threw a stinker yesterday which exposed all their flaws--especially the passivity of their offense in the first half. And Wes Welker is not the answer to their kicking game. If Gostokowski is out for awhile, they better find someone. Brady looks off and I am not one of those big moss fans but some receiver needs to step up and get free.
Richrod out there in Ann Arbor celebrated his triple OT win like he won the national championship. Their defense sucks. You don't get 676 (!) yards in total offense and still give up 65 points. Let him go.
Sooner or later, Rajon Rondo will come back to earth but right now he is playing out of his mind. And still forces things a bit much. This Turkish guy (from Istanbul!)is looking good and Marquis Daniels seems to have undergone some sort of transplant. The bench is much better than last years and Garnett is jumping like before his injury. Not sure they beat Miami or the Lakers but last nights game in Oklahoma was a strong one.
That's about it. Good luck, Charles.
Sayonara.
Friday, October 22, 2010
A TURKISH TRAVELOGUE: INCISIVE, INSIGHTFUL, AND NOT OBJECTIVE
So I know some of you have those special eyeglasses which allow you to look into the computer and see me. Some others have that special camera gizmo which allows you to do the same thing. For those of you who cannot see me, I am sitting here at the desk playing with the tassle on my fez as I puff madly on my hookah and re-arrange my caftan which is itching like hell. What ever--here are some thoguhts/facts/opinions about our recent trip to Turkey. Bet you missed me.
-Before we went to Venice, no one told me Venice was an island and had no cars. I had to discover that for myself. Likewise, none of you told me 90% of Turkey's land is in Asia. I have been to Asia is now something I can boast about much like I just snuck in the fact that I also have been in Italy.
-99% of Turkey is Muslim. A friend told me before we left that the most secular part of the country is the military and that the military keeps "the lid" on any extremist tendencies.
-Did you know that in the 1920's thee was a poplulation exchange: Turks living in Greece were exchanged for Greeks living in Turkey. Unfortunatley, that sometimes meant fisherman landed on farms and had to learn farming. But large numbers of folks were involved.
-We are in a cab on a narrow one way Istanbul street. Our driver comes to the end of the street where he must make another turn onto another one way street ( a right turn). He prefers, however, going left and to accomplish that trick, he gets out of the cab and proceeds to direct the traffic on that one way street (traffic which included a police car). Meanwhile, Barbara and I are sitting in the cab listening to the honks of the cars behind us. Those drivers get out to yell at our cabby until he gets back in and does make the illegal left. Point is: don't let anyone ever tell you how bad Boston drivers are; Turkish cab drivers are the worst.
-The Great Bazaar is stupendous and overwhelming but we liked the Spice market just as much. Aisles and aisles of spices piled in in an array of colors and smells.
-The country is the second largest in Europe after Russia--even though only 10% is in Europe. Point is, it is huge.
-The Turkish soccer team lost twice while we were there--once to Germany (expected) and once to Azerbajan (not expected). Front page news in every Turkish daily and there are many dailies in Istanbul not just two or three. Including one in English.
-In the most rural of villages we visited, everyone has a dish, everyone has a solar panel for hot water not heat, and everyone is yakking on their cell phone.
-No one has heard of decaf coffee or margarine.
-Each of the 3 guides we used took us to their "special" rug factory. I have to say the rugs were beautiful and if not for Barbara, I would be expecting a big shipment any minute now. They all had little guys to run the carpets in, lay them out, and show them. Some even offered us tea.
-Drank more tea than I have ever had in my life. In these little glassess with those "old fahsioned" sugar cubes.
-Dont want to be too "America is the best"--but our dentists are better than theirs.
-And, no thanks, I don't want mayo on everything I eat.
-Istanbul is aplit by the Bosporos Straits and that waterway further separates the country into a European side and an Asian side. Turkey borders Georgia, Armenia, Iran, Iraq, and Syria.
-So we are in a tourist trap of a wine shop when up pulls a big old tourist bus full of Syrians mostly women. They get off the bus, enter the shop, and seemingly go berserk buying shit. These were "modern" Muslim women all bejeweled, made up, and smoking like fiends.
-Speaking of smoking, most restaurants in Istanbul ban it but once you move into the country all bets are off and not just about smoking. The country becomes more "traditional" (meaning more religiously conservative) the further east you go.
-In Bodrum, a resort city on the Aegean, almost every sailboat in the marina was wodden and gorgeous.
-The level of sophistication of the people who built and lived in some of these ancient (and recently excavated) cities is remarkable. Running water anyone? Libraries? Hospitlas? Toilets? Just incredible.
-During WWII, the Turkish government actively sought out Jewish European intellectuals and scientists both to save them from the Nazis and to staff their universities. They saved many-A great trip with a few minor hiccups along the way and two ugly layovers At Heathrow. And Steffen, by the way, those couches you said they had--nope.
SPORTS TALK
--Danny emiled me scores via Barbara's blackberry regularly--what a reporter he was. So I was wrong about my Yanks but right on about Michigan. RichRod out there in Ann Arbor is on the verge of another mediocre if not losing season. He should be sent to his room and join AJ Burnett and Javier Vazquez. Or kicked to the curb or both.
-I am writing this on the verge of game 6 with the Rangers. I'm now thinking that even if the Yanks win tonight, Cliff Lee has looked unhittable. On the other hand, I don't trust the Texas middle relief and if the Rangers can be forced to use them, there is a chance.
-Kudos to the Bruins for playing so many young energetic kids. I hope they can sustain it. And they are fun to watch.
-Ditto to the Pats. If you remember, I believed the more the defense played, the better they would get. and they too are very very young including what could be the two best young safeties in the NFL.
-Not sure about the Celtics given their age but I do hope they crush Miami next week just so the folks down South start worrying right away.
That's about it.
Sayonara
-Before we went to Venice, no one told me Venice was an island and had no cars. I had to discover that for myself. Likewise, none of you told me 90% of Turkey's land is in Asia. I have been to Asia is now something I can boast about much like I just snuck in the fact that I also have been in Italy.
-99% of Turkey is Muslim. A friend told me before we left that the most secular part of the country is the military and that the military keeps "the lid" on any extremist tendencies.
-Did you know that in the 1920's thee was a poplulation exchange: Turks living in Greece were exchanged for Greeks living in Turkey. Unfortunatley, that sometimes meant fisherman landed on farms and had to learn farming. But large numbers of folks were involved.
-We are in a cab on a narrow one way Istanbul street. Our driver comes to the end of the street where he must make another turn onto another one way street ( a right turn). He prefers, however, going left and to accomplish that trick, he gets out of the cab and proceeds to direct the traffic on that one way street (traffic which included a police car). Meanwhile, Barbara and I are sitting in the cab listening to the honks of the cars behind us. Those drivers get out to yell at our cabby until he gets back in and does make the illegal left. Point is: don't let anyone ever tell you how bad Boston drivers are; Turkish cab drivers are the worst.
-The Great Bazaar is stupendous and overwhelming but we liked the Spice market just as much. Aisles and aisles of spices piled in in an array of colors and smells.
-The country is the second largest in Europe after Russia--even though only 10% is in Europe. Point is, it is huge.
-The Turkish soccer team lost twice while we were there--once to Germany (expected) and once to Azerbajan (not expected). Front page news in every Turkish daily and there are many dailies in Istanbul not just two or three. Including one in English.
-In the most rural of villages we visited, everyone has a dish, everyone has a solar panel for hot water not heat, and everyone is yakking on their cell phone.
-No one has heard of decaf coffee or margarine.
-Each of the 3 guides we used took us to their "special" rug factory. I have to say the rugs were beautiful and if not for Barbara, I would be expecting a big shipment any minute now. They all had little guys to run the carpets in, lay them out, and show them. Some even offered us tea.
-Drank more tea than I have ever had in my life. In these little glassess with those "old fahsioned" sugar cubes.
-Dont want to be too "America is the best"--but our dentists are better than theirs.
-And, no thanks, I don't want mayo on everything I eat.
-Istanbul is aplit by the Bosporos Straits and that waterway further separates the country into a European side and an Asian side. Turkey borders Georgia, Armenia, Iran, Iraq, and Syria.
-So we are in a tourist trap of a wine shop when up pulls a big old tourist bus full of Syrians mostly women. They get off the bus, enter the shop, and seemingly go berserk buying shit. These were "modern" Muslim women all bejeweled, made up, and smoking like fiends.
-Speaking of smoking, most restaurants in Istanbul ban it but once you move into the country all bets are off and not just about smoking. The country becomes more "traditional" (meaning more religiously conservative) the further east you go.
-In Bodrum, a resort city on the Aegean, almost every sailboat in the marina was wodden and gorgeous.
-The level of sophistication of the people who built and lived in some of these ancient (and recently excavated) cities is remarkable. Running water anyone? Libraries? Hospitlas? Toilets? Just incredible.
-During WWII, the Turkish government actively sought out Jewish European intellectuals and scientists both to save them from the Nazis and to staff their universities. They saved many-A great trip with a few minor hiccups along the way and two ugly layovers At Heathrow. And Steffen, by the way, those couches you said they had--nope.
SPORTS TALK
--Danny emiled me scores via Barbara's blackberry regularly--what a reporter he was. So I was wrong about my Yanks but right on about Michigan. RichRod out there in Ann Arbor is on the verge of another mediocre if not losing season. He should be sent to his room and join AJ Burnett and Javier Vazquez. Or kicked to the curb or both.
-I am writing this on the verge of game 6 with the Rangers. I'm now thinking that even if the Yanks win tonight, Cliff Lee has looked unhittable. On the other hand, I don't trust the Texas middle relief and if the Rangers can be forced to use them, there is a chance.
-Kudos to the Bruins for playing so many young energetic kids. I hope they can sustain it. And they are fun to watch.
-Ditto to the Pats. If you remember, I believed the more the defense played, the better they would get. and they too are very very young including what could be the two best young safeties in the NFL.
-Not sure about the Celtics given their age but I do hope they crush Miami next week just so the folks down South start worrying right away.
That's about it.
Sayonara
Monday, October 4, 2010
A FEW BRIEF AND CHOICE WORDS
Barbara and I take a big silver bird tonight on our way to Istanbul. She is a fearless flyer. I am a tepid and anxious one--stomach already rumbling and now the new alerts all over Europe. Each of you should now close your eyes and give both Barbara and me kisses on both cheeks and big hugs (as in Europe) as we say fare well. SMOOCH, SMOOCH, SQUEEZE.
So Mr. Barack did the best he could and got Elizabeth Warren into a position where she will have a big role in the structure of the consumer protection agency. I guess those wonderful folks in congress would have tied her nomination up forever. Nate Silver and his voting analysis must have gotten a deal with the NY times cuz that's where you find him these days. Forget the governor's races cuz you have to be crazy to want to be a governor given the budget problems. Nate is still predicting a House run by Republicans but the gap is slightly narrower than it was. And he is predicting the Senate remains Democratic by narrow margin. He believes Boxer will win in California. What worries me is Russ Feingold is on the ropes in Wisconsin. Very scary.
THIS IS NOT ABOUT SPORTS/IT JUST SEEMS LIKE IT IS
When Anna was a fanatic red flop fan in high school, I always admired her steady faith in HER team. Even in the worst of times, she was there with them. I have discovered in these last few weeks that I am not that kind of fan. The Yanks stumbled and still managed to make it into the playoffs. I jumped off their ship fast and moved onto the Pats, the Bruins, and the Celtics. My realization is that I am not just a fair weather fan but a fan of winners. Don't want to be on that boat when the losses pile up. Some of you red flop fans are like Anna. I will never be.
I don't think life will be any easier for Mr. Barack without Rahm and with a less abrasive person now in charge. I thought he was not abrasive enough and if you have been following Doonesbury, you know the theme recently has been to try and get the president to stop taking chill pills. The Republicans were bold, brassy, and gummed up things without control of the House. With control, there could be two years of stagnation. And that's just about the best scenario. I actually would love to see them try to take back health care reform now that some of the most sensible pieces have been activated.
THIS IS ABOUT SPORTS
I think Michigan will lose one of these days and I still detest their coach. But if you have not seen their qb, Dennard Robinson, whoa--he is mighty exciting. He also could get hurt very quickly since he has the ball so much of the time--he is their leading rusher in addition to being the leading passer.
I am guessing the Pats lose tonight down in Miamah. They have gotta be hoping that the defense will mature the more games they play. Otherwise it is a .500 season.
Mr. Shaughnessy wrote a good season review of the red flops and also managed to take a few swipes at Theo. Just don,t know whey he does that and what he does not like abou him. But Mr. Dan cannot quite zip it up even when he writes good pieces.
Scene in Newport where the Celtics are training: A bar on Thames street (mostly white, let's be honest). The door opens and Shaq, the other O'neal and Perk stroll in with about 10 other African American guys behind them all over 6 feet 8. Whats that like for the yachtsmen in the bar?
If I see Zdeno Chara in a European airport I will immediately attempt to reach up and shake his big hand. After all, they are in Prague this week and it is a small place!!
Yankees will surprise me if they make it to the world series. no pitching. But I will say this. Cano is the best second basemen in the game--200 hits, 100 runs , 100 rbis, 29 hrs--and less than five errors. And don't even think about telling me about Pedroia who is very good but on a different planet. In honor of Abe's approaching 100, I am rooting for SF.
That's about it. Take care of this country while we are gone and if you read the glenn beck article in this week's times, you know you need to.
Sayonara.
So Mr. Barack did the best he could and got Elizabeth Warren into a position where she will have a big role in the structure of the consumer protection agency. I guess those wonderful folks in congress would have tied her nomination up forever. Nate Silver and his voting analysis must have gotten a deal with the NY times cuz that's where you find him these days. Forget the governor's races cuz you have to be crazy to want to be a governor given the budget problems. Nate is still predicting a House run by Republicans but the gap is slightly narrower than it was. And he is predicting the Senate remains Democratic by narrow margin. He believes Boxer will win in California. What worries me is Russ Feingold is on the ropes in Wisconsin. Very scary.
THIS IS NOT ABOUT SPORTS/IT JUST SEEMS LIKE IT IS
When Anna was a fanatic red flop fan in high school, I always admired her steady faith in HER team. Even in the worst of times, she was there with them. I have discovered in these last few weeks that I am not that kind of fan. The Yanks stumbled and still managed to make it into the playoffs. I jumped off their ship fast and moved onto the Pats, the Bruins, and the Celtics. My realization is that I am not just a fair weather fan but a fan of winners. Don't want to be on that boat when the losses pile up. Some of you red flop fans are like Anna. I will never be.
I don't think life will be any easier for Mr. Barack without Rahm and with a less abrasive person now in charge. I thought he was not abrasive enough and if you have been following Doonesbury, you know the theme recently has been to try and get the president to stop taking chill pills. The Republicans were bold, brassy, and gummed up things without control of the House. With control, there could be two years of stagnation. And that's just about the best scenario. I actually would love to see them try to take back health care reform now that some of the most sensible pieces have been activated.
THIS IS ABOUT SPORTS
I think Michigan will lose one of these days and I still detest their coach. But if you have not seen their qb, Dennard Robinson, whoa--he is mighty exciting. He also could get hurt very quickly since he has the ball so much of the time--he is their leading rusher in addition to being the leading passer.
I am guessing the Pats lose tonight down in Miamah. They have gotta be hoping that the defense will mature the more games they play. Otherwise it is a .500 season.
Mr. Shaughnessy wrote a good season review of the red flops and also managed to take a few swipes at Theo. Just don,t know whey he does that and what he does not like abou him. But Mr. Dan cannot quite zip it up even when he writes good pieces.
Scene in Newport where the Celtics are training: A bar on Thames street (mostly white, let's be honest). The door opens and Shaq, the other O'neal and Perk stroll in with about 10 other African American guys behind them all over 6 feet 8. Whats that like for the yachtsmen in the bar?
If I see Zdeno Chara in a European airport I will immediately attempt to reach up and shake his big hand. After all, they are in Prague this week and it is a small place!!
Yankees will surprise me if they make it to the world series. no pitching. But I will say this. Cano is the best second basemen in the game--200 hits, 100 runs , 100 rbis, 29 hrs--and less than five errors. And don't even think about telling me about Pedroia who is very good but on a different planet. In honor of Abe's approaching 100, I am rooting for SF.
That's about it. Take care of this country while we are gone and if you read the glenn beck article in this week's times, you know you need to.
Sayonara.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
MANY ANECTDOTES AND A FEW TALL TALES
This is true: Many of you may know we are going to Turkey in early October. Unless you wish to pay $30 per flight segment (and for the two of us there are 8 segments), you cannot reserve seats. So I decided to call British Air last night and whine. After a monumental wait, I get this guy on the phone and confirm my reservations. Then I ask about the seat assignment deal--he says that if I can answer a trivia question, he will get me seats. He realizes I am from Boston (don't you hate it when they know where you are calling from?)and wants to know who sits two seats away from Doc Rivers the Celtics coach on the Celtic bench. I guess Cliff Ray and was wrong--then he tells me who it is (Kevin Eastman) and that this Kevin was his coach at Washington State when he (the British Air guy) played ball there. So I say, I will tell him where that school is and where it is located if he will still keep the offer on the table. He agrees. I then tell him the school is in Pullman which is close to Spokane and the Idaho border and it is flat and full of wheat. BINGO--got my seats--all aisles for both of us on all flights. Is this a great country or what?
Don't you just love those baby kosher hot dogs wrapped in puff pastry? They are probably really bad for you but it turns out unlike a bunch of other stuff, I can eat them with no problemo. I used to wait by the kitchen doors at weddings etc. just to attack them when they came out because they were always the first to go. At our nephew's bar mitzvah, they had great food for the adults but the baby dogs were set apart and just for the kids. No way--I snuck over regularly and elbowed those kids away from the table. It was ugly but I prevailed.
Speaking of events, we went to a bar mitzvah in Delaware. I don't know about you but I always congratulate the kid and tell them they did a wonderful job even if they tripped over every Hebrew word. Well Nathan has some sort of pervasive developmental disorder (some form of autism which I truly do not understand--I especially don't understand why no one had it 50 years ago). Yet he led the service, read the Torah, and really wowed me. I was inspired by what he managed to do and MEANT it when I shook his him and told him how well he did. Worth every minute of the 8 hour return trip in driving rain!!
So Elizabeth Warren deserves the job, should get the job, but the Obamaites are afraid of a filibuster. So he might appoint her temporarily to avoid congress altogether. We really are in bad shape although last I looked, Mr. Silver of 538 still has the Dems holding onto to both houses of Congress. And of course Mitch and the boys are drawing yet another line in the sand about the tax cuts. the rich are just like you and me and deserve another break. Scottie is in full support of this position--and as i have said before, IT IS TED KENNEDY'S SEAT. unbelievable. Great article in the recent New Yorker about the house on "C" Street where a bunch of these jokers live and pray. scary is a better word than great.
I love Maine even when I go for the purpose of visiting my mother's grave. This time Barbara and Anna went with me and after our cemetery prayers, we went to York Beach for a few days and ate lobster daily. Oh my, along with shrimp and those baby dogs, lobster makes three.
SPORTS TALK
The Pats were never (as in ever) going to lose Sunday. They were under rated and the Bengals were over rated. My British Air guy and I agreed that if they are doing well after 8 games, those young kids on defense are going to be be very good. And the two cornerbacks are from those big football powers--Rutgers and UConn. And let me just say Brady has no business taking that car given his contract but----he is sooo good. The jets away will be tough but they too are over hyped and their qb is not as good as anyone thinks.
The yanks are in trouble--no hitting and one starting pitcher until Petite gets back. Bullpen has kept them in. Not sure if they can limp through this. Boo hoo for those red flops but they do have a great start on next year what with all those young guys.
Still hate Rodriquez out there in Ann Arbor. Robinson is a great qb but if they use him that much, something will fall off his body. He is getting banged on every play.
sayonara and happy new year to those who celebrate as well as having an easy fast.
Don't you just love those baby kosher hot dogs wrapped in puff pastry? They are probably really bad for you but it turns out unlike a bunch of other stuff, I can eat them with no problemo. I used to wait by the kitchen doors at weddings etc. just to attack them when they came out because they were always the first to go. At our nephew's bar mitzvah, they had great food for the adults but the baby dogs were set apart and just for the kids. No way--I snuck over regularly and elbowed those kids away from the table. It was ugly but I prevailed.
Speaking of events, we went to a bar mitzvah in Delaware. I don't know about you but I always congratulate the kid and tell them they did a wonderful job even if they tripped over every Hebrew word. Well Nathan has some sort of pervasive developmental disorder (some form of autism which I truly do not understand--I especially don't understand why no one had it 50 years ago). Yet he led the service, read the Torah, and really wowed me. I was inspired by what he managed to do and MEANT it when I shook his him and told him how well he did. Worth every minute of the 8 hour return trip in driving rain!!
So Elizabeth Warren deserves the job, should get the job, but the Obamaites are afraid of a filibuster. So he might appoint her temporarily to avoid congress altogether. We really are in bad shape although last I looked, Mr. Silver of 538 still has the Dems holding onto to both houses of Congress. And of course Mitch and the boys are drawing yet another line in the sand about the tax cuts. the rich are just like you and me and deserve another break. Scottie is in full support of this position--and as i have said before, IT IS TED KENNEDY'S SEAT. unbelievable. Great article in the recent New Yorker about the house on "C" Street where a bunch of these jokers live and pray. scary is a better word than great.
I love Maine even when I go for the purpose of visiting my mother's grave. This time Barbara and Anna went with me and after our cemetery prayers, we went to York Beach for a few days and ate lobster daily. Oh my, along with shrimp and those baby dogs, lobster makes three.
SPORTS TALK
The Pats were never (as in ever) going to lose Sunday. They were under rated and the Bengals were over rated. My British Air guy and I agreed that if they are doing well after 8 games, those young kids on defense are going to be be very good. And the two cornerbacks are from those big football powers--Rutgers and UConn. And let me just say Brady has no business taking that car given his contract but----he is sooo good. The jets away will be tough but they too are over hyped and their qb is not as good as anyone thinks.
The yanks are in trouble--no hitting and one starting pitcher until Petite gets back. Bullpen has kept them in. Not sure if they can limp through this. Boo hoo for those red flops but they do have a great start on next year what with all those young guys.
Still hate Rodriquez out there in Ann Arbor. Robinson is a great qb but if they use him that much, something will fall off his body. He is getting banged on every play.
sayonara and happy new year to those who celebrate as well as having an easy fast.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
"A METAPHYSICAL WRESTLING MATCH"
First this title: It is in caps because it is stolen. Barbara and I were at Jacob's Pillow this past Saturday and heard a pre-dance talk. During the talk I had one of those "A-HA" moments. I know that rabbis drive me crazy when they believe they need to mediate my relationship to God--whomever that might be. Sermons especially make me nudgy. The a-ha moment this week was that I realized I don't like any kind of mediation--not just rabbinic. So, in the course of the speech, this person used the above captioned phrase to describe the dance we were about to see. I wanted to fall out of my seat--but being mature and all I kept it together and got to the point of actually having the following insight--I want to enjoy the dance or the music or the temple service without having the professional tell me or interpret for me what it is I am about to see or hear. I want it unfiltered on my terms not theirs.
Moving along. A friend reminded me of the website fivethirtyeight.com--this is the very nerdy guy's website (name is Nate Silver I think) who predicted every state accurately in the 2008 presidential election. We need to keep an eye on the website as we approach November. Right now, for instance, he is predicting that the Dems will hold onto majorities in both the House and Senate. Specifically, he even has Barbara Boxer beating Carly Fiorina in California. What is especially interesting for you past or present Floridians is that he has Charley Crist beating that tea bagger Rubio. Anyway, check him out.
Barbara is in Pennsylvania with her brother and sister helping break up their mother's apartment. Which is very important to them and has had the following unexpected impact on me. I get up every day with her and we breakfast together in the salon. In her absence, I have found myself sleeping later which means it is now almost lunch time and the morning is nearly over--feels very odd. One of my readers who refuses to give feedback electronically has given me feedback in person. Wants to know how I spend my time and other factoids about a retiree's life--the last few sentences are for you and Gus, my friend.
No word on Elizabeth Warren and I am not sure how to interpret that--either Geithner is killing her chances or Barney and the boys are fighting hard to get her in that consumer position. Obama and his crew have us over a barrel (us meaning any sort of person even slightly to the left of center)--he knows we will vote for him so he is really going after the middle. I would fire Summers along with Geithner but it will never happen since Wall Street loves them both and Obama needs Wall Street.
So the casino bill died and the gutless wonders escaped town without even voting on it stuck in some sort of stalemate. Meanwhile, the lottery had its best year ever. One of you suggests that if the lottery were new and just now coming up for approval, you would vote against it. As my mother would say, you cannot get blood out of a rock. And you cannot get revenue out of taxes since those same gutless wonders will not increase them. So huh--where does it come from? I'm over it until the next time!!
I know how important this is to you so I will share--I am doing quite well (thanks) avoiding all talking head shows. Withdrawal without any meds.
SPORTS TALK
The Yanks have stopped hitting and have only two consistent starting pitchers--cc and hughes. Then they have riviera and actually may have solved their bullpen woes by getting rid of joba. The hits are not coming but the rays are and they are real. Also (hello, up there in Canada)watch out for the jays who are very hot and this guy bautista almost has 40 home runs. Not sure about the red flops. They certainly are within reach but have big starting pitcher problems after bucholz and lester. and dont tell me about beckett and lackey--they are the equivalent of vazquez and burnett on the yanks.
rich rodriquez and the Michigan president spent a day in Seattle having their hands slapped by the NCAA--I hope they kick the shit out of him and maybe he will be fired--I'm even willing for those mighty wolverines to have another losing season if it leads to his dismissal. he is lucky he is not in jail.
More later. Go Pats. Sayonara
Moving along. A friend reminded me of the website fivethirtyeight.com--this is the very nerdy guy's website (name is Nate Silver I think) who predicted every state accurately in the 2008 presidential election. We need to keep an eye on the website as we approach November. Right now, for instance, he is predicting that the Dems will hold onto majorities in both the House and Senate. Specifically, he even has Barbara Boxer beating Carly Fiorina in California. What is especially interesting for you past or present Floridians is that he has Charley Crist beating that tea bagger Rubio. Anyway, check him out.
Barbara is in Pennsylvania with her brother and sister helping break up their mother's apartment. Which is very important to them and has had the following unexpected impact on me. I get up every day with her and we breakfast together in the salon. In her absence, I have found myself sleeping later which means it is now almost lunch time and the morning is nearly over--feels very odd. One of my readers who refuses to give feedback electronically has given me feedback in person. Wants to know how I spend my time and other factoids about a retiree's life--the last few sentences are for you and Gus, my friend.
No word on Elizabeth Warren and I am not sure how to interpret that--either Geithner is killing her chances or Barney and the boys are fighting hard to get her in that consumer position. Obama and his crew have us over a barrel (us meaning any sort of person even slightly to the left of center)--he knows we will vote for him so he is really going after the middle. I would fire Summers along with Geithner but it will never happen since Wall Street loves them both and Obama needs Wall Street.
So the casino bill died and the gutless wonders escaped town without even voting on it stuck in some sort of stalemate. Meanwhile, the lottery had its best year ever. One of you suggests that if the lottery were new and just now coming up for approval, you would vote against it. As my mother would say, you cannot get blood out of a rock. And you cannot get revenue out of taxes since those same gutless wonders will not increase them. So huh--where does it come from? I'm over it until the next time!!
I know how important this is to you so I will share--I am doing quite well (thanks) avoiding all talking head shows. Withdrawal without any meds.
SPORTS TALK
The Yanks have stopped hitting and have only two consistent starting pitchers--cc and hughes. Then they have riviera and actually may have solved their bullpen woes by getting rid of joba. The hits are not coming but the rays are and they are real. Also (hello, up there in Canada)watch out for the jays who are very hot and this guy bautista almost has 40 home runs. Not sure about the red flops. They certainly are within reach but have big starting pitcher problems after bucholz and lester. and dont tell me about beckett and lackey--they are the equivalent of vazquez and burnett on the yanks.
rich rodriquez and the Michigan president spent a day in Seattle having their hands slapped by the NCAA--I hope they kick the shit out of him and maybe he will be fired--I'm even willing for those mighty wolverines to have another losing season if it leads to his dismissal. he is lucky he is not in jail.
More later. Go Pats. Sayonara
Monday, August 2, 2010
NO DECISION IS A DECISION--OF SORTS
So one of the columnists in today's Globe asked the following question: If slots are so bad, why don't we also get rid of the lottery? Sound familiar? Hate to say I am all knowing or so so brilliant but my thoughts exactly in one of these blogs a while back. I think this is what has just happened on Beacon Hill with respect to casinos. The gov said no slots. The House wants two sites for slots not necessarily tied to casinos. The Senate (being oh so magnanimous) is willing to consider one site for slots. Neither the governor nor the Senate want to simply hand over the key to slots to existing race tracks--they want competitive bids. The house wants to give the slot business to existing race tracks--preferably the ones in the district of the Speaker of the House. I admit I may have some details wrong but I believe this is the gist. If so, here is what I think--didn't we elect these people to vote and make decisions. We did not elect them to moan and groan about how tough this is. Plus liberals (presumably like me) are described as against all forms of this gambling business. While worker bees especially the unions are in favor. Oh so simple and oh so simply in error. Sure there are jobs involved but there is also revenue for cities and towns involved and implicitly this kind of vote is a hell of a lot easier than a vote to increase taxes which is another source of the revenue. And now they have gone home and publicly are refusing to come back until after Labor day. I think they should just stay home and shut up.
In other VERY IMPORTANT NEWS:
I understand (from the pundits) the President should not have gone to Maine for 3 days because he should have gone to the Gulf region. Can he not do anything without Fox and the other right wing big mouths taking him to task. Get ready--he will also be on the Vineyard but I think he has agreed to hold Bobby Jindal's hand for a day or two also.
What I don't understand about Mr. Obama is why he won't just appoint Elizabeth Warren to that consumer position just approved in the Wall Street bill. If you have seen her on either Charlie Rose or Jon Stewart, you know she is both brilliant and funny. She apparently is not a fave of Geithner who I think needs to go back to New Yawk. Just saw Capitalism--A Love Story which is not one of Michael Moore's best but does skewer Mr. Geithner pretty badly for his non oversight of Wall Street when he was at the Fed. This Warren woman is just wonderful. And I do think there will be a message in Obama's decision for all of us--one way or the other.
Does anyone care about John Kerry's yacht and where he berths it. He and Teresa have more money than god and obviously can pay the taxes. The Globe did all of us a great service by getting so worked up about it.
Liev Schreiber paid a visit to Jon Stewart this past week. They spent much time discussing how they were both "Semites" and what that meant. Stewart is very good about being "out" there in a Jewish sense. Makes for some very funny stuff--Schreiber could not even plug his movie. The other big item on Stewart's agenda was the oil spill and his outrage at BP. As I have said, I get my TV news from him now and skip the yakkers.
Curt Schilling (no this is not about baseball) got 38 million buckaroos to move his video game company to Little Rhody. Has not made one thing yet--glad the wise state of Mass. passed on this great opportunity. Hope he takes his bloody sock with him (A little baseball!).
Babs and I took our second walk on the Greenway--for those who don't know it, it is the park land covering up the Big Dig. Still not fully landscaped or developed because of the economy but we walked 3/4 of it and took a left to the Institute of Contemporary Art. Saw a wonderful exhibit (Ledray is the guys name) involving miniature replicas of clothing--but identical to regular sized stuff. So a wall full of 35 hats--each the size of my fist but perfectly identical to real hats. All made by hand and from found objects. Anna says he is coming to the Whitney in NYC soon.
SPORTS
Gotta love Wes Welker--just also gotta worry someone will hit that knee and it will be all over. I do believe Brady and Kraft will get the deal done.
I'm the one who does not talk about baseball until after July 4th--well lets go. I am a bit worried about my Yanks who seem to have stopped hitting just at the time that they have really gotten good pitching. Except of course for Joba who is a lunatic that I would not trust in any tense situation. Logan and Robertson seem to have replaced him as set up men for Mariano. And if Tampa keeps getting this kind of pitching, watch out. I also have to admit the red flops are not out of it but they cannot keep waiting for 9th inning heroics. Plus their bullpen is as shaky as the yankees.
Addendum: I find myself perversely attracted to Madmen though I cannot stand any of the characters. Don especially stirs up very ugly memories of my father.
That's it. Sayonara.
In other VERY IMPORTANT NEWS:
I understand (from the pundits) the President should not have gone to Maine for 3 days because he should have gone to the Gulf region. Can he not do anything without Fox and the other right wing big mouths taking him to task. Get ready--he will also be on the Vineyard but I think he has agreed to hold Bobby Jindal's hand for a day or two also.
What I don't understand about Mr. Obama is why he won't just appoint Elizabeth Warren to that consumer position just approved in the Wall Street bill. If you have seen her on either Charlie Rose or Jon Stewart, you know she is both brilliant and funny. She apparently is not a fave of Geithner who I think needs to go back to New Yawk. Just saw Capitalism--A Love Story which is not one of Michael Moore's best but does skewer Mr. Geithner pretty badly for his non oversight of Wall Street when he was at the Fed. This Warren woman is just wonderful. And I do think there will be a message in Obama's decision for all of us--one way or the other.
Does anyone care about John Kerry's yacht and where he berths it. He and Teresa have more money than god and obviously can pay the taxes. The Globe did all of us a great service by getting so worked up about it.
Liev Schreiber paid a visit to Jon Stewart this past week. They spent much time discussing how they were both "Semites" and what that meant. Stewart is very good about being "out" there in a Jewish sense. Makes for some very funny stuff--Schreiber could not even plug his movie. The other big item on Stewart's agenda was the oil spill and his outrage at BP. As I have said, I get my TV news from him now and skip the yakkers.
Curt Schilling (no this is not about baseball) got 38 million buckaroos to move his video game company to Little Rhody. Has not made one thing yet--glad the wise state of Mass. passed on this great opportunity. Hope he takes his bloody sock with him (A little baseball!).
Babs and I took our second walk on the Greenway--for those who don't know it, it is the park land covering up the Big Dig. Still not fully landscaped or developed because of the economy but we walked 3/4 of it and took a left to the Institute of Contemporary Art. Saw a wonderful exhibit (Ledray is the guys name) involving miniature replicas of clothing--but identical to regular sized stuff. So a wall full of 35 hats--each the size of my fist but perfectly identical to real hats. All made by hand and from found objects. Anna says he is coming to the Whitney in NYC soon.
SPORTS
Gotta love Wes Welker--just also gotta worry someone will hit that knee and it will be all over. I do believe Brady and Kraft will get the deal done.
I'm the one who does not talk about baseball until after July 4th--well lets go. I am a bit worried about my Yanks who seem to have stopped hitting just at the time that they have really gotten good pitching. Except of course for Joba who is a lunatic that I would not trust in any tense situation. Logan and Robertson seem to have replaced him as set up men for Mariano. And if Tampa keeps getting this kind of pitching, watch out. I also have to admit the red flops are not out of it but they cannot keep waiting for 9th inning heroics. Plus their bullpen is as shaky as the yankees.
Addendum: I find myself perversely attracted to Madmen though I cannot stand any of the characters. Don especially stirs up very ugly memories of my father.
That's it. Sayonara.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
I CANNOT FOR THE LIFE OF ME FIGURE IT OUT
So, I swear I started this at 10 this morning and was nearly finished until I hit some screwy key and the whole thing vanished. I either need a plastic surgeon specializing in the slenderizing of fat fingers or someone to tell me where in the ether this shit goes. I have no fucking clue and it was quite good.
Yesterday, I needed to buy some Doritos for our nephew who is coming tomorrow. I get in line right behind a rather scruffily character (scruffily unlike me)who is buying up lottery tickets--I mean he bought $42 worth because I overheard the cashier. Then in today's paper, there is the usual article about how stuck the legislature is about casinos and slots and whoa is me because these folks are just wringing their hands and don't know what to do. As I have repeatedly said to you, my kind readers, the lottery has worse odds than slots and we have already crossed that bridge and entered the evil empire. I have my own remedy. Pass the casino only bill and eliminate the lottery for the same reason no one likes slots. Don't you think some cities and towns might literally go belly up. In any case, these folks think they were elected to make easy decisions--like no texting in cars which has just been banned--that's a "DUH" decision. This is hard and I just wish they would make it and get it over with.
Scotty Brown had another tough decision to make and finally decided to support the financial reform bill which likely does not go far enough. But he managed to get some concessions out of Barney. He acts like he is really thoughtful but is basically just down at the trough with the rest--am I supposed to feel better that he took care of two big Massachusetts corporations at the expense of a tougher bill?
Senator Jefferson Davis Sessions from Alabama (and I did not make his name up--he just conveniently forgets to use his full name)who was rejected by his current Senate colleagues for a Federal judgeship because of his thoughts about race--this guy decided to hold up Elena Kagan's nomination because he is just not comfortable--just for a week mind you and in the face of the fact that she will get confirmed anyhow.
The Globe gave way too much notice on its editorial page to the crazy rantings of that anti-Semite Mel Gibson. He should be ignored and kicked to the curb publicity wise. I hereby vow never to watch another of his movies.
Harvey Pekar died. He was the subject of one of my all time favorite movies--"American Splendor". He's the guy who worked with R.Crumb on those comics (name forgotten). I believe he did the words and Crumb did the drawings. Paul Giamatti (son of Bart, a Commissioner of baseball for too short a time and former President of Yale) played him in the movie and I thought it was wonderful.
Saw "The Kids are All Right". I came away believing that if you go into it with an open mind, you see it as a movie about families, relationships, and adolescents. Otherwise, pro or con, you can get ugly about it. I loved it and actually thought the kids were right on.
BRIEF SPORTS TALK
We Americans suck at soccer. Tough for us I know; but once I watched the Spaniards play the Dutch, I knew we could not compete with them. Oh sure, ever so often we can upset one of them (like that lucky win over England) but in total, we just don't have the players. Those Spanish players were like dancing fleas--moving, moving, moving/nipping, nipping, nipping/then bang a goal-all without Torres who is probably one of the best players in the world.
Great article about Big Papi in the recent New Yorker. He apparently has felt overly criticized by the the Boston media and not coincidentally opened up to the guy from the New Yorker.
My Yanks better find someone other than Joba to set up Mariano. If they do, its lights out.
Here's what I think about the LeBron business. He is like so many other sports figures and politicians--egos as big as this room. I could not care less about his signing. And if I am Chris Bosh, I better get used to being the third person on a two man bicycle--he may never touch the ball until he gets rebounds from other two. Only one ball last I looked.
That's it. And no mis-hit keys!!
Sayonara
Yesterday, I needed to buy some Doritos for our nephew who is coming tomorrow. I get in line right behind a rather scruffily character (scruffily unlike me)who is buying up lottery tickets--I mean he bought $42 worth because I overheard the cashier. Then in today's paper, there is the usual article about how stuck the legislature is about casinos and slots and whoa is me because these folks are just wringing their hands and don't know what to do. As I have repeatedly said to you, my kind readers, the lottery has worse odds than slots and we have already crossed that bridge and entered the evil empire. I have my own remedy. Pass the casino only bill and eliminate the lottery for the same reason no one likes slots. Don't you think some cities and towns might literally go belly up. In any case, these folks think they were elected to make easy decisions--like no texting in cars which has just been banned--that's a "DUH" decision. This is hard and I just wish they would make it and get it over with.
Scotty Brown had another tough decision to make and finally decided to support the financial reform bill which likely does not go far enough. But he managed to get some concessions out of Barney. He acts like he is really thoughtful but is basically just down at the trough with the rest--am I supposed to feel better that he took care of two big Massachusetts corporations at the expense of a tougher bill?
Senator Jefferson Davis Sessions from Alabama (and I did not make his name up--he just conveniently forgets to use his full name)who was rejected by his current Senate colleagues for a Federal judgeship because of his thoughts about race--this guy decided to hold up Elena Kagan's nomination because he is just not comfortable--just for a week mind you and in the face of the fact that she will get confirmed anyhow.
The Globe gave way too much notice on its editorial page to the crazy rantings of that anti-Semite Mel Gibson. He should be ignored and kicked to the curb publicity wise. I hereby vow never to watch another of his movies.
Harvey Pekar died. He was the subject of one of my all time favorite movies--"American Splendor". He's the guy who worked with R.Crumb on those comics (name forgotten). I believe he did the words and Crumb did the drawings. Paul Giamatti (son of Bart, a Commissioner of baseball for too short a time and former President of Yale) played him in the movie and I thought it was wonderful.
Saw "The Kids are All Right". I came away believing that if you go into it with an open mind, you see it as a movie about families, relationships, and adolescents. Otherwise, pro or con, you can get ugly about it. I loved it and actually thought the kids were right on.
BRIEF SPORTS TALK
We Americans suck at soccer. Tough for us I know; but once I watched the Spaniards play the Dutch, I knew we could not compete with them. Oh sure, ever so often we can upset one of them (like that lucky win over England) but in total, we just don't have the players. Those Spanish players were like dancing fleas--moving, moving, moving/nipping, nipping, nipping/then bang a goal-all without Torres who is probably one of the best players in the world.
Great article about Big Papi in the recent New Yorker. He apparently has felt overly criticized by the the Boston media and not coincidentally opened up to the guy from the New Yorker.
My Yanks better find someone other than Joba to set up Mariano. If they do, its lights out.
Here's what I think about the LeBron business. He is like so many other sports figures and politicians--egos as big as this room. I could not care less about his signing. And if I am Chris Bosh, I better get used to being the third person on a two man bicycle--he may never touch the ball until he gets rebounds from other two. Only one ball last I looked.
That's it. And no mis-hit keys!!
Sayonara
Thursday, June 24, 2010
USA! USA! USA!
Well, first a few more topics more serious than sports. I am finished with the yakkers--even Charlies Rose who is probably the mildest of them all. Five minutes after Obama's speech about the BP oil crisis, Keith and his crew totally trashed the speech, Obama, and anything he has done so far. I really believe they want him down there with a pitchfork cleaning up the beaches with the rest of the workers. He got more out of BP in terms of cold hard cash than most people thought. What in the world is he supposed to do? He fired all those bureaucrats in bed with the oil interests and came down as hard on big oil as anyone ever has--probably what he should have done with Wall Street during that crisis. I am not Obama's apologist but enough already with every second guesser on cable. Oh, by the way, he was never going to be as liberal as a lot of people thought. He is more or less a middle of the road president who seems quite liberal compared to what came before (and what may come after) and compared to Congressmen who call him "liar" and who apologize to BP.
Charley Baker (the Republican nominee for Governor here in the Bay State) had his fingers all over the Big Dig but cannot decide what to tell any of us about it. He is getting killed by Patrick on the left (more or less the left) and is catering to the right in order to fight off the Independent challenge of a very conservative candidate. He is getting squeezed and deserves it waffling as he does so regularly.
OK--now all the rest is about the World Cup. Obviously I cannot control what you read but some of it is not specifically about sports but some random thoughts about the milieu and the gestalt of the whole scene. So you sports avoiders, you might want to take a look. Here goes.
1. The fact that this is occurring in South Africa at all is stupendous. It is in our lifetime that apartheid ended and sure South Africa has tons of problems. But to see the diverse and varied faces of South African people in these stadia is awesome.
2. France, England, and Germany all struggle with the "immigrant problem". Much like we are beginning to struggle with here. But what do those immigrant haters think about their soccer teams which are represented significantly either by first or second generation immigrants. Half of the French team are Black men whose families are from Africa. It must be ok if they play soccer but dont let them into my back yard.
3. Any player that waves his hand calling for the ball invariably mishandles it when it actually is kicked his way. This is especially true if that player has a head band or braids.
4. The clothing of the coaches is a squalid disaster. The English coach was the worst offender. Did you see his eyeglasses? The Chilean coach in his velour sweat suit looked like he badly needed a cigarette or was going to have a heart attack or both. I hate to admit it (especially to Steffen) but the German coach wins best dressed. Quite suave, that guy; but clearly did not buy his clothes in Europa. The ties worn were the worst.
5. The best uniform award goes to either the team from Cameroon or the team from Cote d'Ivoire--Ivory Coast for those of you not fluent in French like me.
5. Goalies who wax their eyebrows should be fired. same for goalies who wear tights. Those who wax and wear tights are beyond my vocabulary.
6. The U.S. team has lucked out in one game and gotten "reffed out" in another but in general have exceeded expectations. They have the capacity to beat Ghana but better be prepared to run for a full 90 minutes. Those Ghanaians (?) never stop.
7. New rules required: On throw ins, you cannot move 20 feet up the line and have to throw it in within 15 seconds. These guys move the ball anywhere they please and take forever to toss the thing.
8. In hockey, there are penalties for diving--for faking in other words. That needs to happen in soccer. Thanks to replay, 90% of these guys writhing on the ground are down due to nothing more than air passing by their shins. It is pathetic.
9. No sane person can ever explain off sides to me.
10. I love the Africans and the teams from Central and South America--more exciting, faster,and riskier than the Euro teams which seems so plodding. Even Japan beating Denmark today looked like they were playing a different game.
11. The best player I have seen is number 2 for Brazil--cannot remember his name but he is either a right mid fielder or right fullback. So strong on the ball and all over the place. The best American is the coaches son who is absolutely controlling the whole midfield and scored the tying goal against Slovenia.
12. The least pretty fans were from either Serbia or Slovenia. The men were all slobs.
13. I am surprised that the passing and shooting is not better. Also I remember now that so much of the game is in the air--but did not realize that an almost ideal header is down with a bounce up into the goal.
14. The Danish goalie spent the first 30 minutes screaming at his teammates and oh by the way let in two soft goals because he was caught leaning the wrong way.
Thats it. This is what happens when you get to watch daytime TV.
Sayonara.
Charley Baker (the Republican nominee for Governor here in the Bay State) had his fingers all over the Big Dig but cannot decide what to tell any of us about it. He is getting killed by Patrick on the left (more or less the left) and is catering to the right in order to fight off the Independent challenge of a very conservative candidate. He is getting squeezed and deserves it waffling as he does so regularly.
OK--now all the rest is about the World Cup. Obviously I cannot control what you read but some of it is not specifically about sports but some random thoughts about the milieu and the gestalt of the whole scene. So you sports avoiders, you might want to take a look. Here goes.
1. The fact that this is occurring in South Africa at all is stupendous. It is in our lifetime that apartheid ended and sure South Africa has tons of problems. But to see the diverse and varied faces of South African people in these stadia is awesome.
2. France, England, and Germany all struggle with the "immigrant problem". Much like we are beginning to struggle with here. But what do those immigrant haters think about their soccer teams which are represented significantly either by first or second generation immigrants. Half of the French team are Black men whose families are from Africa. It must be ok if they play soccer but dont let them into my back yard.
3. Any player that waves his hand calling for the ball invariably mishandles it when it actually is kicked his way. This is especially true if that player has a head band or braids.
4. The clothing of the coaches is a squalid disaster. The English coach was the worst offender. Did you see his eyeglasses? The Chilean coach in his velour sweat suit looked like he badly needed a cigarette or was going to have a heart attack or both. I hate to admit it (especially to Steffen) but the German coach wins best dressed. Quite suave, that guy; but clearly did not buy his clothes in Europa. The ties worn were the worst.
5. The best uniform award goes to either the team from Cameroon or the team from Cote d'Ivoire--Ivory Coast for those of you not fluent in French like me.
5. Goalies who wax their eyebrows should be fired. same for goalies who wear tights. Those who wax and wear tights are beyond my vocabulary.
6. The U.S. team has lucked out in one game and gotten "reffed out" in another but in general have exceeded expectations. They have the capacity to beat Ghana but better be prepared to run for a full 90 minutes. Those Ghanaians (?) never stop.
7. New rules required: On throw ins, you cannot move 20 feet up the line and have to throw it in within 15 seconds. These guys move the ball anywhere they please and take forever to toss the thing.
8. In hockey, there are penalties for diving--for faking in other words. That needs to happen in soccer. Thanks to replay, 90% of these guys writhing on the ground are down due to nothing more than air passing by their shins. It is pathetic.
9. No sane person can ever explain off sides to me.
10. I love the Africans and the teams from Central and South America--more exciting, faster,and riskier than the Euro teams which seems so plodding. Even Japan beating Denmark today looked like they were playing a different game.
11. The best player I have seen is number 2 for Brazil--cannot remember his name but he is either a right mid fielder or right fullback. So strong on the ball and all over the place. The best American is the coaches son who is absolutely controlling the whole midfield and scored the tying goal against Slovenia.
12. The least pretty fans were from either Serbia or Slovenia. The men were all slobs.
13. I am surprised that the passing and shooting is not better. Also I remember now that so much of the game is in the air--but did not realize that an almost ideal header is down with a bounce up into the goal.
14. The Danish goalie spent the first 30 minutes screaming at his teammates and oh by the way let in two soft goals because he was caught leaning the wrong way.
Thats it. This is what happens when you get to watch daytime TV.
Sayonara.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
DAMN--I DID IT AGAIN
Anna, I am desperate for your help!! I apologize for all the spelling errors and grammar errors in the earlier one. I also apologize for doing this in two parts--again. My fingers are so fat.
BP should go belly up. Barack is getting better and is more visible. But he better get further ahead of this or he will continue to be blamed for it. Disaster is not even a strong enough word.
I have a fantasy that the more these tea bag types get nominated by Republicans, the greater the chances of people like Joe Sestak--running for senate in Pa.and a former Admiral who is way outspoken about eliminating don't ask don't tell. One can only hope.
SPORTS TALK
Went to see the red flops last week. Dice K pitched and actually won--though watching a game with him on the mound is torture. Never on the plate, walks a lot of people, hits a few, and it makes for a less than snappy game. Discovered that you "enter" the park on Yawkey Way so that there is a big street scene before you actually move inside. $7.75 a beer and of course (my, how can they afford it?) folks are drinking it like water which itself is $3.50 a pop. Babs saw her boys win and big papi is coming back. but i would continue to be very worried about pitching if i were one of the fans. Meanwhile, check out what Robinson Cano is doing down there in NYC.
I am very worried about the Celtics tonight--an overused word is "must". But I believe they must win tonight. Cannot be in a position where they have to win 2 games over there on the left coast.
The world cup starts Saturday and lets be honest--the boys from America are over rated as usual but luckily are in a weak group. They may actually move on but i doubt they beat England.
What to make of the tom Brady contract tussle. they gotta sign him--right?
That's about it.
sayanora
BP should go belly up. Barack is getting better and is more visible. But he better get further ahead of this or he will continue to be blamed for it. Disaster is not even a strong enough word.
I have a fantasy that the more these tea bag types get nominated by Republicans, the greater the chances of people like Joe Sestak--running for senate in Pa.and a former Admiral who is way outspoken about eliminating don't ask don't tell. One can only hope.
SPORTS TALK
Went to see the red flops last week. Dice K pitched and actually won--though watching a game with him on the mound is torture. Never on the plate, walks a lot of people, hits a few, and it makes for a less than snappy game. Discovered that you "enter" the park on Yawkey Way so that there is a big street scene before you actually move inside. $7.75 a beer and of course (my, how can they afford it?) folks are drinking it like water which itself is $3.50 a pop. Babs saw her boys win and big papi is coming back. but i would continue to be very worried about pitching if i were one of the fans. Meanwhile, check out what Robinson Cano is doing down there in NYC.
I am very worried about the Celtics tonight--an overused word is "must". But I believe they must win tonight. Cannot be in a position where they have to win 2 games over there on the left coast.
The world cup starts Saturday and lets be honest--the boys from America are over rated as usual but luckily are in a weak group. They may actually move on but i doubt they beat England.
What to make of the tom Brady contract tussle. they gotta sign him--right?
That's about it.
sayanora
I'M ABOUT TO OFFEND SOME PEOPLE
You have been forewarned. I cannot adequately or accurately put in words my feelings about Israel's attack on the Turkish boat. I continue minimally to be dismayed at the bully tactics of Netanyahu. We keep getting told that most Israelis want peace. Yet there he is in charge with a right wing coalition bolstered by the orthodox and ultra orthodox. If the majority want peace, why is he even in power. I no longer buy it--i believe you get what you pay for or in this case you get what you vote for. The problem is that there is another bully (this one much less smart) in Iran. Eventually, as we all know from childhood, two bullies in the same sandbox is a big problem. i am not ineterested in the fact that the folks 0n the boat had clubs. We all know that the Israeli Navy went in spoiling for a fight and killed people. Gaza festers and continues to raise children who hate Israel and the U.S.
It is full of poor and angry people. The naval blockade is only psychologically beneficial. I read today that the Israelis are allowing some food to get through--but nothing to allow people to build with because God only knows what they might build. I begin to feel almost embarassment at how my "bothers/sisters" are treating others. Rage soon follows and i dont want to hear about Israel's right to exist. these actions do nothing to guarantee that and, you could argue, only jeopardize its prospects.And, oh by the way, my new Senator totally supports what they did in a speech to an american based right wing Israeli lobbying group. I personally just made a contribution to J Street.
The we have Meg Whitman (she of ebay fame0 spending 71 million of her own mondy just to be governor of California--a job no one in their right mind should want given that the state is virtually bankrupt. The republicans also got Carly Fioria to run for the Senate--she claims to be a sucessful business person but actually almost ran HP into the ground. On the other hand there is something about women in politics that I suppose should be gratifying--ubt we cannot forget thier politics. Harry reid must be smiling today. The woman in Nevada who will oppose him wants to eliminate medicare, social security, and reinstate prohibition
It is full of poor and angry people. The naval blockade is only psychologically beneficial. I read today that the Israelis are allowing some food to get through--but nothing to allow people to build with because God only knows what they might build. I begin to feel almost embarassment at how my "bothers/sisters" are treating others. Rage soon follows and i dont want to hear about Israel's right to exist. these actions do nothing to guarantee that and, you could argue, only jeopardize its prospects.And, oh by the way, my new Senator totally supports what they did in a speech to an american based right wing Israeli lobbying group. I personally just made a contribution to J Street.
The we have Meg Whitman (she of ebay fame0 spending 71 million of her own mondy just to be governor of California--a job no one in their right mind should want given that the state is virtually bankrupt. The republicans also got Carly Fioria to run for the Senate--she claims to be a sucessful business person but actually almost ran HP into the ground. On the other hand there is something about women in politics that I suppose should be gratifying--ubt we cannot forget thier politics. Harry reid must be smiling today. The woman in Nevada who will oppose him wants to eliminate medicare, social security, and reinstate prohibition
Friday, May 28, 2010
P.S.--PART II
This is really part two of what just got published a minute ago--I cannot figure out how to get back into something once i leave the page!! Where is my webmistress when I need her--in Brooklyn most likely.
Anyhow maybe we can build a wall like they have in Arizona and in Israel--ours can be in the Berkshires and in Sturbridge and we can keep all those dirty folks out of here unless they want to serve in the military. Have to hand it to both Deval Patrick and Obama--they may not have passed any laws but they say the right things. and i do believe taking the high moral ground (even if just verbal) on this serves as a role model for all of us.
Unless of course you are in southern Lousiana where leadership (either from the private sector or the public sector) has consistently been missing--starting with Bush and including my pal Barack. While it is true Obama cannot engineer a solution (literally),he should have been more visible. James Carville's video is stark, angry, on target,and a bad sign. If any of you watch the hbo series Treme--you have to. It is so timely given the derrick explosion that it is scary. Even Olberman is exasperated with Obama.
Scott Brown needs more time to think about Dont Ask/Dont Tell. Hasn't he had enough time to think about this and isnt he just full of shit. The house just voted to repeal it--militaries all over the world already allow it. get over it scottie. we have to make him history. he has to study too many things that one would think he should already know. maybe he just isnt smart or has dull staff- but there are some issues he should have an opinion about (even if I dont share it) if he had been listening to his newscaster wife for the last 10 years.
Then we continue to watch as our legislators dither about casinos. i was behind a woman in a 7/ll this week. Bought a pack of cigs (ahem) and then spent 5 minutes buying what must have been $50 dollars worth of lottery tickets. she would love to play the slots in one of our yet to exist casinos. and, if not, she will hold up that 7/ll line daily getting in her lottery bets.
Everyone should read Blind Side by Michael Lewis who is a fantastic writer. The book is less about sports than about the culture, society, race, and class issues in Memphis. Now it turns out the book is about a fantastic and large human being named Michael Oher who now plays football professionally. sandra bullock deserved that Oscar about as much as I deserve a Pulitzer for doing this blog. My friend charles and I were very squeamish about the role she played in the movie and her relationship with Oher--made me feel a bit creepy. so I actually hope her entire personal life collapses around her. This quote is from a globe reviewer and i wish i wrote this well: "its another Hollywood movie about a black male rescued from god knows what either by nice white people or sports. Here it is both. How good we feel is directly proportional to how blind we are willing to be". Boy oh boy. and so removed from the gist of the book.
SP0RTS TALK
I write this an hour before game 6 of the Celtic/Magic series. I have to say Shaughnessy is more optimistic than me for the first time in forever. i thought the Celtics were visibly tired let along visibly beaten up after game 5. scary analogy is that they are following the path of the bruins. up 3-0, lose the next game in OT, then lose another and come home--to lose again. Im not watching until the second half. i do believe if they return to the land of the magic kingdom, they might as well mail it in.
whoops, they yanks continue to slump. but it is 6 weeks til 7/4 so no talk from any of you or me about the red flops. By the way, Babs and i are going next week to see them play.
Thats about it.
Enjoy the long weekend.
Sayonara
Anyhow maybe we can build a wall like they have in Arizona and in Israel--ours can be in the Berkshires and in Sturbridge and we can keep all those dirty folks out of here unless they want to serve in the military. Have to hand it to both Deval Patrick and Obama--they may not have passed any laws but they say the right things. and i do believe taking the high moral ground (even if just verbal) on this serves as a role model for all of us.
Unless of course you are in southern Lousiana where leadership (either from the private sector or the public sector) has consistently been missing--starting with Bush and including my pal Barack. While it is true Obama cannot engineer a solution (literally),he should have been more visible. James Carville's video is stark, angry, on target,and a bad sign. If any of you watch the hbo series Treme--you have to. It is so timely given the derrick explosion that it is scary. Even Olberman is exasperated with Obama.
Scott Brown needs more time to think about Dont Ask/Dont Tell. Hasn't he had enough time to think about this and isnt he just full of shit. The house just voted to repeal it--militaries all over the world already allow it. get over it scottie. we have to make him history. he has to study too many things that one would think he should already know. maybe he just isnt smart or has dull staff- but there are some issues he should have an opinion about (even if I dont share it) if he had been listening to his newscaster wife for the last 10 years.
Then we continue to watch as our legislators dither about casinos. i was behind a woman in a 7/ll this week. Bought a pack of cigs (ahem) and then spent 5 minutes buying what must have been $50 dollars worth of lottery tickets. she would love to play the slots in one of our yet to exist casinos. and, if not, she will hold up that 7/ll line daily getting in her lottery bets.
Everyone should read Blind Side by Michael Lewis who is a fantastic writer. The book is less about sports than about the culture, society, race, and class issues in Memphis. Now it turns out the book is about a fantastic and large human being named Michael Oher who now plays football professionally. sandra bullock deserved that Oscar about as much as I deserve a Pulitzer for doing this blog. My friend charles and I were very squeamish about the role she played in the movie and her relationship with Oher--made me feel a bit creepy. so I actually hope her entire personal life collapses around her. This quote is from a globe reviewer and i wish i wrote this well: "its another Hollywood movie about a black male rescued from god knows what either by nice white people or sports. Here it is both. How good we feel is directly proportional to how blind we are willing to be". Boy oh boy. and so removed from the gist of the book.
SP0RTS TALK
I write this an hour before game 6 of the Celtic/Magic series. I have to say Shaughnessy is more optimistic than me for the first time in forever. i thought the Celtics were visibly tired let along visibly beaten up after game 5. scary analogy is that they are following the path of the bruins. up 3-0, lose the next game in OT, then lose another and come home--to lose again. Im not watching until the second half. i do believe if they return to the land of the magic kingdom, they might as well mail it in.
whoops, they yanks continue to slump. but it is 6 weeks til 7/4 so no talk from any of you or me about the red flops. By the way, Babs and i are going next week to see them play.
Thats about it.
Enjoy the long weekend.
Sayonara
ENDS AND ODDS
So I am not so openly patriotic but somehow I saw a picture in todfay's Globe whifh really hit me--american flags planted on the Commons almost looking like a real cemetery. As Memorial Day approaches, I am reminded of the soldiers at war--significantly young, significantly lower income, and significantly6 people of color. We are in another war (and we could argue for ever if it the right thing to do)and these kids (and make no mistake, they are kids) are dying. It boggles the mind. And I almost forgot, some are not even citizens. tehy are watchacall "illegals" who just want a piece of our collective dream.
But then most of you who read these are the children or grand children of immigrants--perhaps even illegal ones but from other countries nonetheless. we have the Mass legislators jumping on Arizona's bandwagon and passing very regressive legislation about "illegal" immigrants which severly limits wha they can or cannot be eligible for.
But then most of you who read these are the children or grand children of immigrants--perhaps even illegal ones but from other countries nonetheless. we have the Mass legislators jumping on Arizona's bandwagon and passing very regressive legislation about "illegal" immigrants which severly limits wha they can or cannot be eligible for.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
I'm A Bit Uncomfortable
I was not sure how to start this entry and finally decided to go with the most awkward. With all the talking heads and all the right wing fanatics and all the bloggers (excepting me of course) and all the cable shows, I have consistently learned more than I care to know about politicians and other very famous people. Now we have Elena Kagan and the information silence around her is startling. We know she is Jewish and grew up on the Upper West Side of NYC. We know Thurgood Marshall called her "Shorty". We know she plays poker nd drinks beer and sometimes smokes cigars and never was a judge. But (and here I go)why hasn't anyone told me about her partner(s) or her children (if any)or anything remotely juicy? Is the other shoe going to drop and something god awful (at least to all of THEM) going to come out? Anyone out there have some dirt they wish to share?
So we had a great time at Gary and Somee's wedding excepting of course the travel headaches though I must admit the following--for an airport the size of Atlanta's it is surprisingly clean, efficient, and has a multitude of food choices. Weather was great down there on the Pacific and the Judeo-Korean ceremony was quite nice. Personally, sharing a room with Anna (!) was the high point of the trip. For her too I bet. Actually the high point was having my whole family together without the daily distractions of life.
So our state Senate is just sitting around not publicly discussing casinos even as the budget picture gets a tad brighter. They will kill it for sure if the economy and tax revenue continue to improve. It will allow them a way out. Meanwhile does everyone know Barbara's home state has 5 casinos one of which is right down the road from Scranton. Not just places with slots either--a couple of them have card tables and racing. And the world did not collapse.
Just got tickets to see the Lowell Spinners, the Class A affiliate of the dreaded Red Flops. I have been trying to see one or two lower minor league games these last few summers with Babs. Great little parks--the one on Coney Island is very special as is the one in Mancheser NH--and no Big League pretensions. Hope to add the Yanks team on Staten Island this summer as well.
I keep ignoring all these dire predictions about the November midterms--hoping the economy turns around and the Dems don't lose their majorities. Maybe I am being naive. I will say that Kagan will be confirmed. The fights over these nominees will heat up only if one of those conservatives boys (or Kennedy) hit the road--then we will see blood on the tracks (to steal a line from Mr. Dylan.
SPORTS TALK
Could not watch the Celtics game--too nervous. Kept thinking they would blow another lead. But lo and behold, they added to it. I am beginning to envision Perkins scowling at Dwight Howard. It could happen but I don't want to jinx them. Tuuka meanwhile has to steal one of these next two games. The Bruins were horrid the other night and he has to be virtually be superman to keep them in this thing.
I will say that in both sets of playoffs, there is no great team. Everyone looks beatable including our home town boys. What Steve Nash did the other night with one eye was almost as good as Rondos triple double. Plus he blasted the Arizona immigration law clearly and articulately.
Id be worried about Mr. Beckett if I were you fans of the Flops. But I continue to believe it is too early for any of us to be wringing our hands about current standings and such.
Go Bruins/Celtics.
Adios
So we had a great time at Gary and Somee's wedding excepting of course the travel headaches though I must admit the following--for an airport the size of Atlanta's it is surprisingly clean, efficient, and has a multitude of food choices. Weather was great down there on the Pacific and the Judeo-Korean ceremony was quite nice. Personally, sharing a room with Anna (!) was the high point of the trip. For her too I bet. Actually the high point was having my whole family together without the daily distractions of life.
So our state Senate is just sitting around not publicly discussing casinos even as the budget picture gets a tad brighter. They will kill it for sure if the economy and tax revenue continue to improve. It will allow them a way out. Meanwhile does everyone know Barbara's home state has 5 casinos one of which is right down the road from Scranton. Not just places with slots either--a couple of them have card tables and racing. And the world did not collapse.
Just got tickets to see the Lowell Spinners, the Class A affiliate of the dreaded Red Flops. I have been trying to see one or two lower minor league games these last few summers with Babs. Great little parks--the one on Coney Island is very special as is the one in Mancheser NH--and no Big League pretensions. Hope to add the Yanks team on Staten Island this summer as well.
I keep ignoring all these dire predictions about the November midterms--hoping the economy turns around and the Dems don't lose their majorities. Maybe I am being naive. I will say that Kagan will be confirmed. The fights over these nominees will heat up only if one of those conservatives boys (or Kennedy) hit the road--then we will see blood on the tracks (to steal a line from Mr. Dylan.
SPORTS TALK
Could not watch the Celtics game--too nervous. Kept thinking they would blow another lead. But lo and behold, they added to it. I am beginning to envision Perkins scowling at Dwight Howard. It could happen but I don't want to jinx them. Tuuka meanwhile has to steal one of these next two games. The Bruins were horrid the other night and he has to be virtually be superman to keep them in this thing.
I will say that in both sets of playoffs, there is no great team. Everyone looks beatable including our home town boys. What Steve Nash did the other night with one eye was almost as good as Rondos triple double. Plus he blasted the Arizona immigration law clearly and articulately.
Id be worried about Mr. Beckett if I were you fans of the Flops. But I continue to believe it is too early for any of us to be wringing our hands about current standings and such.
Go Bruins/Celtics.
Adios
Saturday, April 24, 2010
And Furthermore
1. I did not want to cast any aspersions on the fine state of Wyoming--after all Noah and his family live there.
2. You folks who really know how to maneuver around the inernet have to find the Jon Stewart/Bernard Goldberg interchange. Goldberg used to be a serious investigative journalist in sports as well as hard news. But one day he woke up and became a Fox mouthpiece. Stewart eats him up alive in this vignette and it is hilarious. Hope you can find it.
Now I am really off.
2. You folks who really know how to maneuver around the inernet have to find the Jon Stewart/Bernard Goldberg interchange. Goldberg used to be a serious investigative journalist in sports as well as hard news. But one day he woke up and became a Fox mouthpiece. Stewart eats him up alive in this vignette and it is hilarious. Hope you can find it.
Now I am really off.
Friday, April 23, 2010
See You By The Pool
I will be the slightly overweight (but nonetheless studly)guy without the umbrella drink. Hopefully, they will have a nice single malt. Gary and Somee are getting married in Puerto Vallarta a week from tomorrow. Apart from being very happy for them, I am personally very happy because Anna will be there as will Jess/Steffen and the kids. A good time will be had by all. I will not even whine about the circuitous flights we will be on--just will enjoy the moment and welcome some joy into our lives (what a positive attitude, huh?).
Wouldn't you think the Vatican would have learned something from the sex abuse scandals in the U.S. generally and Boston specifically? Apparently not--denial follows denial follows blame the victim follows blame the media and the walls go up higher to protect the hierarchy. They learned nothing and one thing they especially did not learn was how to handle their own PR. They gotta know that all sorts of fools (not me of course) have access to the internet and will be trying to nail the Pope. But nope, they refuse any calls for transparency or openness sticking instead to their belief in the infallability theory--since I am infallible I can do no wrong.
So we are halfway to having casinos. Now we have our state senate deliberating and taking their time and studying the issue and mostly stalling until they can figure out what their constituents want. Actually, mostly stalling until they get told how to vote and find out whats in it for them. The realization finally hit that THERE ARE NO OTHER SOURCES OF REVENUE UNLESS TAXES ARE RAISED--and since they are gutless, taxes are not on the table. Plus big time bucks are on the table in terms of fees, construction, and ultimately gambling. I happen not to believe they can turn back now but do believe they can delay it for a while.
So I gotta hand it to Mr. Obama. He can do more than one thing at a time and he can thank Goldman Sachs for perhaps allowing him to be successful again. Financial Reform is coming and Wall Street is about to get kicked where it hurts. Some Republicans are going to think long and hard about voting in a way that seems to defend Wall Street. Then, this coming week Kerry and that Graham character from South Carolina are introducing a big environmental bill. These are major major initiatives and when taken together may not be perfect--but they are important and should put the Bushies to shame.
But not Mr. Cheny who sticks his nose into the Florida senate race and claims Charlie Crist is too tight with Obama and we should all vote for Rubio--who is only tight with the tea baggers. Last I heard, Cheney lives in Wyoming and should mind his own business. Rubio is dangerous much like our own Scottie Brown who is worse than we could have imagined and an embarrassment--its Kennedy's seat for God's sake.
Okay some of you may think this is sports but it is really about college athletics and their total prostitution to big time football/basketball. Turns out the NCAA is not just investigating Rich Rodriquez for his fine work at Michigan--they are looking at some of his efforts at his previous school West Virginia. I have been onto this guy from jump street when Michigan, to its everlasting regret, gave a million bucks to West Virginia to break his contract there. He has got to go to the curb and be kicked on his way there. Damaging two programs while under the supervision (ahem) of Athletic Directors and school Presidents.
Now real sports:
The Celtics and the Bruins have looked better than I expected. The Bruins especially have played way above the way the played in the regular season. They just have to hope Rask stays hot and they don't run into a high scoring team--like the Caps. The Celtics will likely get by Miami but then will have Mr. Lebron in front of them. Serves them right for lazing through a third of their games. The Cavs in my mind are suspect unless Lebron goes berserk.
And, oh by the way, the Yankees look very good even though I wont discuss that sport until July 4th!!
Cerveza por favor--a round for all my friends and a Glenlivet for me.
Sayonara.
Wouldn't you think the Vatican would have learned something from the sex abuse scandals in the U.S. generally and Boston specifically? Apparently not--denial follows denial follows blame the victim follows blame the media and the walls go up higher to protect the hierarchy. They learned nothing and one thing they especially did not learn was how to handle their own PR. They gotta know that all sorts of fools (not me of course) have access to the internet and will be trying to nail the Pope. But nope, they refuse any calls for transparency or openness sticking instead to their belief in the infallability theory--since I am infallible I can do no wrong.
So we are halfway to having casinos. Now we have our state senate deliberating and taking their time and studying the issue and mostly stalling until they can figure out what their constituents want. Actually, mostly stalling until they get told how to vote and find out whats in it for them. The realization finally hit that THERE ARE NO OTHER SOURCES OF REVENUE UNLESS TAXES ARE RAISED--and since they are gutless, taxes are not on the table. Plus big time bucks are on the table in terms of fees, construction, and ultimately gambling. I happen not to believe they can turn back now but do believe they can delay it for a while.
So I gotta hand it to Mr. Obama. He can do more than one thing at a time and he can thank Goldman Sachs for perhaps allowing him to be successful again. Financial Reform is coming and Wall Street is about to get kicked where it hurts. Some Republicans are going to think long and hard about voting in a way that seems to defend Wall Street. Then, this coming week Kerry and that Graham character from South Carolina are introducing a big environmental bill. These are major major initiatives and when taken together may not be perfect--but they are important and should put the Bushies to shame.
But not Mr. Cheny who sticks his nose into the Florida senate race and claims Charlie Crist is too tight with Obama and we should all vote for Rubio--who is only tight with the tea baggers. Last I heard, Cheney lives in Wyoming and should mind his own business. Rubio is dangerous much like our own Scottie Brown who is worse than we could have imagined and an embarrassment--its Kennedy's seat for God's sake.
Okay some of you may think this is sports but it is really about college athletics and their total prostitution to big time football/basketball. Turns out the NCAA is not just investigating Rich Rodriquez for his fine work at Michigan--they are looking at some of his efforts at his previous school West Virginia. I have been onto this guy from jump street when Michigan, to its everlasting regret, gave a million bucks to West Virginia to break his contract there. He has got to go to the curb and be kicked on his way there. Damaging two programs while under the supervision (ahem) of Athletic Directors and school Presidents.
Now real sports:
The Celtics and the Bruins have looked better than I expected. The Bruins especially have played way above the way the played in the regular season. They just have to hope Rask stays hot and they don't run into a high scoring team--like the Caps. The Celtics will likely get by Miami but then will have Mr. Lebron in front of them. Serves them right for lazing through a third of their games. The Cavs in my mind are suspect unless Lebron goes berserk.
And, oh by the way, the Yankees look very good even though I wont discuss that sport until July 4th!!
Cerveza por favor--a round for all my friends and a Glenlivet for me.
Sayonara.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
PLAY BALL!!
The other night on Olberman's show he said (during his comment)that he had nothing he was angry about that day and so he was going to simply stare into the camera--which he did. I have never had that problem--duh. A deep well of anger and angst can be tapped at any time.
So we have Ms. Palin invoking the Holocaust to describe what might happen to Israel if Iran is not dealt with. That set me off. First of all, the frequent use of the word truly trivializes what happened to the Jews in Europe. Second, some people have standing to use that word--members of the "Tribe" and survivors for example. But Sara is neither and she is stupid besides. Now all of this is bad enough if it were not for my unease that Netanyahu is just spoiling for some fight with the Iranians and may not care what the U.S. might think of that. He is being egged on by folks who are in the AIPAC, by right wingers in his own government, and by our own home grown right wingers. Sticking it to Iran is right up Limbaugh's alley. The jets are already streaking over and into Gaza.
Then we have all of you opposed to casinos. I know who you are--hiding out there in the weeds ready to pounce on me--worried all of a sudden about slots and how bad they are and how they don't create jobs (they don't and I agree with that)--but no one has yet to tell me where new revenue is to come from. And we all know where cuts in state budgets come from--Human Services in general, some fee increases, and layoffs. Five years ago, you could go to the registry and get out in less than half an hour because they had plenty of offices and plenty of staff. They have less of both now and encourage you to go online--but guess what? When you reach a certain point (ahem--that would be a certain age), you have to go in for an eye test. Guess what else? You have a 5 minute test after a 90 minute wait. Plus, you out there in the weeds, we got the lottery which has worse odds than slots. No one objected to that. So I got the welcome mat out (though not in my back yard!!) for casinos, slots,and any other new stream of revenue which will protect both educational and human services.
Then we have our new senator, Scott Brown (by the way, I have no truck but I do have a jacket like his) picking a fight with Rachel Maddow in order to scare people. Picked the fight in order to raise money--but not here at home; no, his efforts were focused outside the state where people might actually get freaked out by the prospect of an "out Lesbian" actually dethroning him. If only. I am aware she responded in a big way to boost her ratings but still he is as stupid as Sara.
Sport Talk
Don't care what happens opening week between the Yanks and the Red Flops. My mantra for eons is to talk to me on July 4th. But here in Beantown at least, opening day will help take our minds off the floundering Bruins and the suddenly inept (and perhaps aging) Celtics.
I hate Duke but they are all I have left in the pool which I will lose one way or another anyhow. And I have recently heard a number of interviews with Coach "K"--he seems like quite a bright, articulate, and sensible fellow. Not at all like Calipari, Pitino, Rich Rodriquez, and that crew.
Go Pats.
Sayonara
So we have Ms. Palin invoking the Holocaust to describe what might happen to Israel if Iran is not dealt with. That set me off. First of all, the frequent use of the word truly trivializes what happened to the Jews in Europe. Second, some people have standing to use that word--members of the "Tribe" and survivors for example. But Sara is neither and she is stupid besides. Now all of this is bad enough if it were not for my unease that Netanyahu is just spoiling for some fight with the Iranians and may not care what the U.S. might think of that. He is being egged on by folks who are in the AIPAC, by right wingers in his own government, and by our own home grown right wingers. Sticking it to Iran is right up Limbaugh's alley. The jets are already streaking over and into Gaza.
Then we have all of you opposed to casinos. I know who you are--hiding out there in the weeds ready to pounce on me--worried all of a sudden about slots and how bad they are and how they don't create jobs (they don't and I agree with that)--but no one has yet to tell me where new revenue is to come from. And we all know where cuts in state budgets come from--Human Services in general, some fee increases, and layoffs. Five years ago, you could go to the registry and get out in less than half an hour because they had plenty of offices and plenty of staff. They have less of both now and encourage you to go online--but guess what? When you reach a certain point (ahem--that would be a certain age), you have to go in for an eye test. Guess what else? You have a 5 minute test after a 90 minute wait. Plus, you out there in the weeds, we got the lottery which has worse odds than slots. No one objected to that. So I got the welcome mat out (though not in my back yard!!) for casinos, slots,and any other new stream of revenue which will protect both educational and human services.
Then we have our new senator, Scott Brown (by the way, I have no truck but I do have a jacket like his) picking a fight with Rachel Maddow in order to scare people. Picked the fight in order to raise money--but not here at home; no, his efforts were focused outside the state where people might actually get freaked out by the prospect of an "out Lesbian" actually dethroning him. If only. I am aware she responded in a big way to boost her ratings but still he is as stupid as Sara.
Sport Talk
Don't care what happens opening week between the Yanks and the Red Flops. My mantra for eons is to talk to me on July 4th. But here in Beantown at least, opening day will help take our minds off the floundering Bruins and the suddenly inept (and perhaps aging) Celtics.
I hate Duke but they are all I have left in the pool which I will lose one way or another anyhow. And I have recently heard a number of interviews with Coach "K"--he seems like quite a bright, articulate, and sensible fellow. Not at all like Calipari, Pitino, Rich Rodriquez, and that crew.
Go Pats.
Sayonara
Friday, March 19, 2010
P.S.
Michael Capuano, our erstwhile Senator, is listed by CNN today as undecided on the Health Care bill. Like Steve Lynch, the Congressman from Southie, he apparently only wants the perfect at the expense of the good. These good intenders could kill the thing.
UGH.
UGH.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
MEAE CULPAE, MEAE CULPAE
A couple of words first about the title. Barbara claims she is the one who came to the conclusion that most debates between Obama and the opposition are about race. In my last blog, I claimed that I thought of that first. Since I trust her memory more than mine, I believe she is correct. So, my apologies, my apologies. She did, in this process (might I add), virtually accuse me of plagiarism--not a simple memory lapse--but who is counting?
Now to the words in the title. Charles and I had the same Latin teacher in High School--Mrs. Reynolds. She was, (as I sit here and rewrite the history)the archetype for Latin teachers. My memory of her is that she resembled the witch in the Wizard of Oz--the one riding the bike in the sky with the pointed hat. I believe she also held a ruler--while never hitting us with it; I am seeing her slapping that ruler with one hand into the palm of the other. Now to the point!! Culpa is the word for apology in Latin but it is a singular and female noun. Since I was using the plural, I added the "E". I also believe the adjective "MEAE" should follow the noun but that is way to much information. If you read this, Charles, let me know about my conjugation and my memory.
Please let us all believe in the following scenario: Mr. Barack (the King of the playground) calls up his playmates Ms. Nancy and Mr. Harry. He tells them to go back to their side of the sandbox and count their friends and to be sure they have more friends than the other kids in the sandbox. Then come back and tell Mr. Barack that it is ok to go ahead and run around the country pushing the Health Care bill because they do have more friends. Mr. Barack finally tells them that if they mis-count, they will never have recess again and he (Mr. Barack) will be forever embarrassed. If this scenario has not occurred, this whole process is screwed. CNN on line is now running a total of how many votes are needed to defeat the bill.
Plus the article about Rahm Emanuel in last Sunday's Times Magazine was not helpful and George Packer in last week's New Yorker has an article referring to Obama's first year as "the lost year". I am too afraid to read it after reading about my landsman Rahm. He maybe should look for his next job with that other bully Netanyahu.
Just returned from Key West dodging groups of totally drunk college kids on spring break. Fortunately we could avoid them by going to restaurants only their parents (like us) would take them to. But, I am sure, I NEVER acted like them. Despite over worrying about the weather, we had no problems. Mid 70's and sunny almost the whole time. Holly: You never said Crabby Dick's closed. Managed otherwise to eat some fine food and kept my word about having shrimp daily even though it likely is not fresh even there. Still cannot touch the real estate there--seems like the recession has not affected the prices at all; though on the commercial side, things were a bit grimmer. The Green Parrot is a great bar which has great music and has a happy hour that includes an hour of that music. We had been there before and I had the same thought--I wonder why all these people my age are here drinking like the aforementioned spring breakers? Quite the scene.
Reading the Miami Herald is like deja vu all over. So many things brought right back to me from my childhood. Calle Ocho (8th Street), the heart of Cuban Miami, is in the papers daily and was a few blocks from each of the places I lived. But who knew Jackson Memorial Hospital expanded both into the North part and the South part of the county and by doing that is now almost bankrupt. The "U" (that would be the University of Miami) will have its own football stadium on campus and there is no more Orange Bowl--but there will be a new place for the Marlins to play in the same spot. All of which confirms my perception that it is a beserky kind of city/county.
SPORTS TALK COMING UP
Celtics are too inconsistent and the Bruins are just too inept. I await the arrival of the Pats in July and wont bore any of you with my anticipation of the Yankees repeat. You Red Flop fans better hope that Beckett is healthier than he seems.
Happy Easter and Happy Passover to all who celebrate.
Sayonara
Now to the words in the title. Charles and I had the same Latin teacher in High School--Mrs. Reynolds. She was, (as I sit here and rewrite the history)the archetype for Latin teachers. My memory of her is that she resembled the witch in the Wizard of Oz--the one riding the bike in the sky with the pointed hat. I believe she also held a ruler--while never hitting us with it; I am seeing her slapping that ruler with one hand into the palm of the other. Now to the point!! Culpa is the word for apology in Latin but it is a singular and female noun. Since I was using the plural, I added the "E". I also believe the adjective "MEAE" should follow the noun but that is way to much information. If you read this, Charles, let me know about my conjugation and my memory.
Please let us all believe in the following scenario: Mr. Barack (the King of the playground) calls up his playmates Ms. Nancy and Mr. Harry. He tells them to go back to their side of the sandbox and count their friends and to be sure they have more friends than the other kids in the sandbox. Then come back and tell Mr. Barack that it is ok to go ahead and run around the country pushing the Health Care bill because they do have more friends. Mr. Barack finally tells them that if they mis-count, they will never have recess again and he (Mr. Barack) will be forever embarrassed. If this scenario has not occurred, this whole process is screwed. CNN on line is now running a total of how many votes are needed to defeat the bill.
Plus the article about Rahm Emanuel in last Sunday's Times Magazine was not helpful and George Packer in last week's New Yorker has an article referring to Obama's first year as "the lost year". I am too afraid to read it after reading about my landsman Rahm. He maybe should look for his next job with that other bully Netanyahu.
Just returned from Key West dodging groups of totally drunk college kids on spring break. Fortunately we could avoid them by going to restaurants only their parents (like us) would take them to. But, I am sure, I NEVER acted like them. Despite over worrying about the weather, we had no problems. Mid 70's and sunny almost the whole time. Holly: You never said Crabby Dick's closed. Managed otherwise to eat some fine food and kept my word about having shrimp daily even though it likely is not fresh even there. Still cannot touch the real estate there--seems like the recession has not affected the prices at all; though on the commercial side, things were a bit grimmer. The Green Parrot is a great bar which has great music and has a happy hour that includes an hour of that music. We had been there before and I had the same thought--I wonder why all these people my age are here drinking like the aforementioned spring breakers? Quite the scene.
Reading the Miami Herald is like deja vu all over. So many things brought right back to me from my childhood. Calle Ocho (8th Street), the heart of Cuban Miami, is in the papers daily and was a few blocks from each of the places I lived. But who knew Jackson Memorial Hospital expanded both into the North part and the South part of the county and by doing that is now almost bankrupt. The "U" (that would be the University of Miami) will have its own football stadium on campus and there is no more Orange Bowl--but there will be a new place for the Marlins to play in the same spot. All of which confirms my perception that it is a beserky kind of city/county.
SPORTS TALK COMING UP
Celtics are too inconsistent and the Bruins are just too inept. I await the arrival of the Pats in July and wont bore any of you with my anticipation of the Yankees repeat. You Red Flop fans better hope that Beckett is healthier than he seems.
Happy Easter and Happy Passover to all who celebrate.
Sayonara
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
My Favorite Senator
I am so thankful that we elected Scott Brown to be our second Senator. He along with the two female senators from Maine and two retiring senators were the only Republicans voting on a procedural matter in support of the jobs bill. Of course, he immediately was trashed by the right who now threaten him (ah, the sweet poetic justice)with fielding an opponent in the primary. Which of course is only 3 years away.
I cannot decide if Barack made the right choice about going down the Health Care road again. I am beginning to believe that it only makes sense if he is willing to go that reconciliation route (which I only understand in the sense that you only need 51 votes not 60). Otherwise, McConnell, Cantor, and the boys will just say no again. Assuming there is no public option, there are a number of things which are important to me. First, costs are a big issue. We are learning that in the Bay State where, increasingly, the cost of health care is busting the state budget.
Mandates that folks get insurance are ok as long as the ones that cannot afford it are supported in some fashion. Medicaid flexibility is another must--it gives states the ability to use those dollars in a way that meets the specific needs of each state. Yet, I also wonder why he did not just leave it alone and let the Republicans stew in their own juices come September.
I had avoided Olberman for a week or so to watch the Olympics--saw him again last night and realize that his show (and The Daily show with Jon Stewart which really is my best source for news) are the ones that really get me worked up. So we have the CPACers voting in a straw poll that Ron Paul is their candidate in 2012--he is 70, older than McCain was, and would demolish government. I then heard another speaker bemoan (in very ugly terms) the invitation extended to Gay and Lesbian Conservatives to attend the conference. Then, Mr. Beck got up there with a blackboard to discuss revolution (that would be the bad thing) and evolution (I think that would be a good thing except for those folks who don't believe in it!!). It is beginning to smell a lot like the fabulous 60's for me--I'm way out of touch/don't even know these people. They hate so much and are so fearful--I believe some of this is still related to losing the White House to an African American who actually thinks in very complicated, yet honest, ways. He talks up to us and not down to us. These folks want to be children again and have the father figure (think Reagan) back up there in power.
Then we have Amy Bishop who murdered those folks in Alabama. In Massachusetts, all we care about is what she did here twenty years ago and whose fault it was that she was not arrested--not much to say about what she did in Huntsville. Enough--she should be kicked to the curb and so should her crazy husband. Forget about history and think about the families in Huntsville.
WHAT FOLLOWS IS SEMI SPORTS RELATED
Could have U.S./Canada ice hockey finals for both men and women. I have to say I love the women's game and do love my U.S.A. sisters. They are wonderful skaters and without all the shoving, pulling, and fighting of the men's game--they do some wonderful things with their skills (as do the Canadian women for that matter)--passing, stick work, positioning without forcing a penalty. It is just lovely to watch. Now about curling--a great quote from Sam Allis in the Globe. He said he likes to watch it but feels like he did watching his daughters play field hockey--the game is over before you can ever understand the rules. I felt the same way with Anna--loved to watch but to this day have no clue why the whistle blew every l0 seconds.
OTHER NEWS
Key West in 10 days where the weather is not so hot. Cabinets being delivered today with much trepidation as to color. Wish us luck. Great meal at Scampos Saturday night--it is in the Liberty Hotel which originally was the infamous Charles Street Jail. What a renovation--spectacular. Good food also.
Sayonara.
I cannot decide if Barack made the right choice about going down the Health Care road again. I am beginning to believe that it only makes sense if he is willing to go that reconciliation route (which I only understand in the sense that you only need 51 votes not 60). Otherwise, McConnell, Cantor, and the boys will just say no again. Assuming there is no public option, there are a number of things which are important to me. First, costs are a big issue. We are learning that in the Bay State where, increasingly, the cost of health care is busting the state budget.
Mandates that folks get insurance are ok as long as the ones that cannot afford it are supported in some fashion. Medicaid flexibility is another must--it gives states the ability to use those dollars in a way that meets the specific needs of each state. Yet, I also wonder why he did not just leave it alone and let the Republicans stew in their own juices come September.
I had avoided Olberman for a week or so to watch the Olympics--saw him again last night and realize that his show (and The Daily show with Jon Stewart which really is my best source for news) are the ones that really get me worked up. So we have the CPACers voting in a straw poll that Ron Paul is their candidate in 2012--he is 70, older than McCain was, and would demolish government. I then heard another speaker bemoan (in very ugly terms) the invitation extended to Gay and Lesbian Conservatives to attend the conference. Then, Mr. Beck got up there with a blackboard to discuss revolution (that would be the bad thing) and evolution (I think that would be a good thing except for those folks who don't believe in it!!). It is beginning to smell a lot like the fabulous 60's for me--I'm way out of touch/don't even know these people. They hate so much and are so fearful--I believe some of this is still related to losing the White House to an African American who actually thinks in very complicated, yet honest, ways. He talks up to us and not down to us. These folks want to be children again and have the father figure (think Reagan) back up there in power.
Then we have Amy Bishop who murdered those folks in Alabama. In Massachusetts, all we care about is what she did here twenty years ago and whose fault it was that she was not arrested--not much to say about what she did in Huntsville. Enough--she should be kicked to the curb and so should her crazy husband. Forget about history and think about the families in Huntsville.
WHAT FOLLOWS IS SEMI SPORTS RELATED
Could have U.S./Canada ice hockey finals for both men and women. I have to say I love the women's game and do love my U.S.A. sisters. They are wonderful skaters and without all the shoving, pulling, and fighting of the men's game--they do some wonderful things with their skills (as do the Canadian women for that matter)--passing, stick work, positioning without forcing a penalty. It is just lovely to watch. Now about curling--a great quote from Sam Allis in the Globe. He said he likes to watch it but feels like he did watching his daughters play field hockey--the game is over before you can ever understand the rules. I felt the same way with Anna--loved to watch but to this day have no clue why the whistle blew every l0 seconds.
OTHER NEWS
Key West in 10 days where the weather is not so hot. Cabinets being delivered today with much trepidation as to color. Wish us luck. Great meal at Scampos Saturday night--it is in the Liberty Hotel which originally was the infamous Charles Street Jail. What a renovation--spectacular. Good food also.
Sayonara.
Friday, February 5, 2010
"Images and Assorted Facts"
The title is an approximate quote from a Dylan song. Just felt like it fit since what follows is not all tied together.
This is a semi-sport/semi-political factoid. I have oh so firmly landed on the side of the Saints in the Super Bowl. Has nothing to do with the cities (though come on New Orleans vs. Indianapolis?). Has nothing to do with the teams (though come on, how can you not hate Peyton Manning). Has to do with Scott Fujita. He is a linebacker for the Saints and one of the Globe writers down there for the game (and it seems like they have dozens) wrote about him this week. Turns out he was born to a 15 year old Caucasian woman who gave him up for adoption. He was adopted by an American born Asian-American couple. I forget where he was raised but he went to college at UCal Berkley. Four items in the article pushed me into the Saints column:
a. He was adopted.
b. He completely supports gay marriage and offered it up in the interview.
c. He loves it when people stigmatize (his word) him for coming from Berkley. Says he loved it there--all the diversity etc.
d. He is totally committed to the culture he was raised in (Japanese) and to the adoptive parents.
So let's go Saints.
Then we have the picture of Scott Brown and his newscaster wife (in full length leather coat) going to DC and filling Ted Kennedy's seat. I was settling in with all this and then last night watched both Keith Olberman and Jon Stewart. He was described by one of Keith's guest as a combative pushy addition to the 40 other Just Say No Republicans. He is likely to be number 41 on 90-100% of their issues. He will be worse than even I had already thought.
Then there is the sweeping oratory of Obama--I love to listen to him speak. I loved his interaction with the Republican Senators. He is just a sweet yet forceful talker who has a firm grasp of the facts. Unfortunately,I am beginning to think he is confusing oratory with winning votes--because those same Republicans are killing his initiatives. The Republicans left the room and will likely begin voting against even more of those initiatives given Scott Brown's arrival. I have consistently wished and hoped for more aggressiveness, more initiative (and less reactivity), and a willingness to stand behind something consistently--not start waffling when Mitch McConnell gets up and bloviates. Wishes and hopes (his or mine) wont make anything happen. The down side of the Olberman show was that all the lefty guests were right on with their comments--but it will change nothing and begins to sound like whining. Somehow, the military (including Secretaries Gates and Powell)ares starting to sound sane with their comments on "Don't ask, Don't tell".
The lottery has incorporated the Powerball game into its array of tickets. This is a multi state game which ends up having hundreds of millions of dollars in prizes. This too will support local cities and towns. Not a peep from the anti gambling folks about the money coming to their town or the addition of this new game. But mention casinos and everyone gets excited (even some of you, kind readers) and starts frothing at the mouth. But there has got to be another source of state revenue and given the anger out there, it likely will not be through taxes--though I for one would hike the tax on tobacco and alcohol anytime in the next five minutes. So if we can have Powerball and all the rest of the Lottery, whats up with the opposition to casinos? And I don't just mean slots--the odds of winning at a slot machine are about as bad as Powerball. I mean casinos as in card games and the rest.
Been looking at studs (as in wall construction!!) for the better part of two weeks. We have killed a few tress what with all the paper plates we have used. But the kitchen is halfway done and the messier parts are over. No very fancy meals for any of you visitors for a month or so.
SPORTS TALK
I was right on (slap me on the back) about the Bruins. They cannot score--miss open nets, miss penalty shots, miss shootout shots. They invariably lose if they don't score 3 or more. They may squeeze into the playoffs but they are already cooked. If they play their cards right, they could end up with 2 picks in the top 10 of the draft--their own if they continue their slow downfall and Toronto's. I am a might worried about the Celtics. They are very inconsistent and I am beginning not to like Paul Pierce with the ball at the end of a quarter, the half, or the game. He forces it too much and thinks he can beat anyone--runs the clock way down and seems to never deliver. I actually thought they played better without him in their recent Miami victory.
Thats all folks. Happy Valentines Day and Sayonara.
This is a semi-sport/semi-political factoid. I have oh so firmly landed on the side of the Saints in the Super Bowl. Has nothing to do with the cities (though come on New Orleans vs. Indianapolis?). Has nothing to do with the teams (though come on, how can you not hate Peyton Manning). Has to do with Scott Fujita. He is a linebacker for the Saints and one of the Globe writers down there for the game (and it seems like they have dozens) wrote about him this week. Turns out he was born to a 15 year old Caucasian woman who gave him up for adoption. He was adopted by an American born Asian-American couple. I forget where he was raised but he went to college at UCal Berkley. Four items in the article pushed me into the Saints column:
a. He was adopted.
b. He completely supports gay marriage and offered it up in the interview.
c. He loves it when people stigmatize (his word) him for coming from Berkley. Says he loved it there--all the diversity etc.
d. He is totally committed to the culture he was raised in (Japanese) and to the adoptive parents.
So let's go Saints.
Then we have the picture of Scott Brown and his newscaster wife (in full length leather coat) going to DC and filling Ted Kennedy's seat. I was settling in with all this and then last night watched both Keith Olberman and Jon Stewart. He was described by one of Keith's guest as a combative pushy addition to the 40 other Just Say No Republicans. He is likely to be number 41 on 90-100% of their issues. He will be worse than even I had already thought.
Then there is the sweeping oratory of Obama--I love to listen to him speak. I loved his interaction with the Republican Senators. He is just a sweet yet forceful talker who has a firm grasp of the facts. Unfortunately,I am beginning to think he is confusing oratory with winning votes--because those same Republicans are killing his initiatives. The Republicans left the room and will likely begin voting against even more of those initiatives given Scott Brown's arrival. I have consistently wished and hoped for more aggressiveness, more initiative (and less reactivity), and a willingness to stand behind something consistently--not start waffling when Mitch McConnell gets up and bloviates. Wishes and hopes (his or mine) wont make anything happen. The down side of the Olberman show was that all the lefty guests were right on with their comments--but it will change nothing and begins to sound like whining. Somehow, the military (including Secretaries Gates and Powell)ares starting to sound sane with their comments on "Don't ask, Don't tell".
The lottery has incorporated the Powerball game into its array of tickets. This is a multi state game which ends up having hundreds of millions of dollars in prizes. This too will support local cities and towns. Not a peep from the anti gambling folks about the money coming to their town or the addition of this new game. But mention casinos and everyone gets excited (even some of you, kind readers) and starts frothing at the mouth. But there has got to be another source of state revenue and given the anger out there, it likely will not be through taxes--though I for one would hike the tax on tobacco and alcohol anytime in the next five minutes. So if we can have Powerball and all the rest of the Lottery, whats up with the opposition to casinos? And I don't just mean slots--the odds of winning at a slot machine are about as bad as Powerball. I mean casinos as in card games and the rest.
Been looking at studs (as in wall construction!!) for the better part of two weeks. We have killed a few tress what with all the paper plates we have used. But the kitchen is halfway done and the messier parts are over. No very fancy meals for any of you visitors for a month or so.
SPORTS TALK
I was right on (slap me on the back) about the Bruins. They cannot score--miss open nets, miss penalty shots, miss shootout shots. They invariably lose if they don't score 3 or more. They may squeeze into the playoffs but they are already cooked. If they play their cards right, they could end up with 2 picks in the top 10 of the draft--their own if they continue their slow downfall and Toronto's. I am a might worried about the Celtics. They are very inconsistent and I am beginning not to like Paul Pierce with the ball at the end of a quarter, the half, or the game. He forces it too much and thinks he can beat anyone--runs the clock way down and seems to never deliver. I actually thought they played better without him in their recent Miami victory.
Thats all folks. Happy Valentines Day and Sayonara.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Addendum
It came to pass and the abyss has grabbed us. THEIR anger won. This guy will be worse than we expect. The DC bright guys in the suits better have something figured out otherwise November will be uglier.
Sayonara
Sayonara
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
The Precipice
Without becoming either too poetic or too melodramatic, those of us here in the Bay Sate are teetering on the edge of a deep precipice. As I sit here late on election day, I (and many others) are facing the prospect of having Ted Kennedy's seat filled by a guy (Scott Brown) who is in the Dick Cheney wing of the Republican party. He is against abortion, against the Health Care bill, does not believe in climate change, and once posed 90% nude for Cosmopolitan. If Martha Coakley loses, she will be finished (and I will be furious that she ran such a lousy campaign--and angry at myself because now I am thinking Capuano who lost in the primary would have eaten Brown for lunch and I did not vote for him) but we all will be losers. Listening close to the man/woman street interviews, all I heard was anger at everything in general and nothing specific. The stimulus did not affect/help ME. Health Care will take MY benefits away. Some folks had in fact lost jobs and homes--ok I get that. But it is the generalized anger aimed at the generalized THEM that really gets me. The THEM is partly Barack--this is a way for people to get at him without getting at him directly. They will reject her in his stead. Let me just say that I hope the bright lights down there in DC have a back up plan when they face the fact of only having 59 votes--one of whom is my man Joe Lieberman who is as sturdy as a twig. There is a musical group whose music I don't know but whose name is "Rage Against the Machine". Those words are on an endless loop in my head and in my belly.
Then there is this: two more Democrats will retire from the Senate. Dorgan from North Dakota and Dodd from Connecticut. A Republican cow could beat a Democrat in North Dakota though prospects of replacing Dodd with a Democrat are much better. Many pieces of important legislation are in peril--and that's without me having a clue about any other election issues in other states. Then we have my old home state of Florida (competing mightily with Texas to see who can execute the most people in a year) where the governor (Crist) is running against a real tea bagger (Rubio). One of Crist's biggest problems is a video showing him hugging Obama and thanking him for the stimulus money Florida got. Rubio's take on it: better to have laid off teachers. Crist is not black and white enough for these other Republicans and has not taken a blood oath on a number of real right wing (a la Rush Limbaugh) issues.
There is hope though in a recent New Yorker article about Sonia Sotamayor. A great article which showed her to be much more articulate and on target than was revealed in those dumb hearings. While it is not clear how "liberal" she really is, one thing is already true--she will not be passive and has consistently asked more questions than any of the other justices.
Feels like buffalo around here what with two straight days of seemingly continuous snow flurries. Speaking of SPORTS (fooled some of you, huh?)--worse game I have ever seen the Patriots play. I'm hoping Brady was injured as gruesome as that sounds--otherwise he looked tired and perhaps a bit over the hill. Holly, a friend, is really finished with Belichik and I am starting to wonder about him myself after listening to her. Too arrogant and too confident about his brilliance which I guess is close to the same thing as arrogant. The Celtics will start to look ok according to me and Bob Ryan of the Globe) as soon as all the pieces are in place especially Mr. Garnett. The Bruins season is ready to be flushed.
Had a great weekend in NYC. Via a very close relative, got to see the Tim Burton exhibit at MOMA. How prolific/how varied. I am convinced he took copious amounts of illegal substances in the fabulous sixties. But the guy came out on the other side and is a genius. Also saw other friends, ate very well (thanks to that same relative), and saw a fine play about a Nigerian musician (name of Fela).
All my digits are crossed though I am committed to watching the returns soberly. I am obviously not optimistic. Mind you, there are people all over the place wishing us ill. I think it is ugly.
Sayonara
Then there is this: two more Democrats will retire from the Senate. Dorgan from North Dakota and Dodd from Connecticut. A Republican cow could beat a Democrat in North Dakota though prospects of replacing Dodd with a Democrat are much better. Many pieces of important legislation are in peril--and that's without me having a clue about any other election issues in other states. Then we have my old home state of Florida (competing mightily with Texas to see who can execute the most people in a year) where the governor (Crist) is running against a real tea bagger (Rubio). One of Crist's biggest problems is a video showing him hugging Obama and thanking him for the stimulus money Florida got. Rubio's take on it: better to have laid off teachers. Crist is not black and white enough for these other Republicans and has not taken a blood oath on a number of real right wing (a la Rush Limbaugh) issues.
There is hope though in a recent New Yorker article about Sonia Sotamayor. A great article which showed her to be much more articulate and on target than was revealed in those dumb hearings. While it is not clear how "liberal" she really is, one thing is already true--she will not be passive and has consistently asked more questions than any of the other justices.
Feels like buffalo around here what with two straight days of seemingly continuous snow flurries. Speaking of SPORTS (fooled some of you, huh?)--worse game I have ever seen the Patriots play. I'm hoping Brady was injured as gruesome as that sounds--otherwise he looked tired and perhaps a bit over the hill. Holly, a friend, is really finished with Belichik and I am starting to wonder about him myself after listening to her. Too arrogant and too confident about his brilliance which I guess is close to the same thing as arrogant. The Celtics will start to look ok according to me and Bob Ryan of the Globe) as soon as all the pieces are in place especially Mr. Garnett. The Bruins season is ready to be flushed.
Had a great weekend in NYC. Via a very close relative, got to see the Tim Burton exhibit at MOMA. How prolific/how varied. I am convinced he took copious amounts of illegal substances in the fabulous sixties. But the guy came out on the other side and is a genius. Also saw other friends, ate very well (thanks to that same relative), and saw a fine play about a Nigerian musician (name of Fela).
All my digits are crossed though I am committed to watching the returns soberly. I am obviously not optimistic. Mind you, there are people all over the place wishing us ill. I think it is ugly.
Sayonara
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
A New Year
One of my resolutions was to attempt to achieve a better attitude about what is going on around me. But, as you will see, I have already failed. I blame this totally on what IS going on around me and the impossibility of having a good attitude about it. I also blame Keith Olberman and Jon Stewart--they both returned from vacations last night full of piss and vinegar--got me all worked up. Then poof--my resolution bit the dust. so here goes.
I always knew i hated Whole Foods but it was one of my visceral dislikes--based not much on facts or any information (both prized by certain members if not all members of my immediate family). I admit to the fact that I shopped there when we lived in Brookline--their meat was better than the chains. (An aside: since moving to JP, I have not been there once since Roche Brothers has a butcher shop just as good). After reading a recent article in the New Yorker, i now have facts for my dislike--irrefutable facts I might add. Hurray for me. The guy who founded it is a fool though a wealthy one. Which makes him very dangerous. Turns out he hates unions, is a follower of Ayn Rand, believes if only corporations were unfettered to do "good" , the world would be a better place, and despises any talk of health care reform. They also stack their fruit in a way that makes you think there are gazillions more underneath but they are simply layered on a frame. my oh my. Turns out also he wrote some op ed piece which was so anti health care and anti obama that he has since been forced to give up his ceo role and now is just chairman. Finally, and this is a real HA HA, turns out Wal Mart sells more organic food than Whole Foods. I love that bit of irony.
The NY Times runs a brief interview each sunday in their magazine. this weeks celeb was John Yoo who is scarier than anyone thought. Has two psychiatrists for parents and essentially said he did not know what they did because he never paid attention. That probably sent his parents back to the couch immediately for thier own help. Also was not sure about the difference between psychoanalysis and psychiatry--this from a fully tenured UC Berkeley professor. An awful man totally unapologetic and full of criticisms about Berkeley itself. Needs to be kicked to the curb.
So Dick Cheyney and the rest of those guys are after obama again because of that airline terror incident. Should have come back from Hawaii sooner, did not use the word terrorist enough, is making us less safe--both Keith and Jon fortunately did not let this pass and repeatedly showed video of Cheyney and others singing a much different tune in support of President Bush. He is simply an attack dog who needs to zip it up and wont.
Condo life: We have little people (mostly men) who do all the shovelling and come inside our gate to shovel a path to our door--then salt it. oh how i love that especially when i pass 284 and see their cars hemmed in by piles of the white stuff. it is worth every penny of the monthly fee.
So the race to replace ted kennedy just got interesting. the republican announced he supports water boarding right after this recent terrorist episode. the democrat does not. these elections get me very worried since turnout will be low--just gotta believe/hope every woman in the state will vote for martha, the democrat.
SPORTS Chatter
Ugly video of Welker's injury. I think the Pats beat the Ravens but then if they face either Rivers or Manning, it will be over. The defense just does not make enough big plays. The celtics will be ok once the injured return. they are very deep with their full line up. The
Bruins are in deep doo doo. No big scoring threat and now Bergeron is hurt. Lucic's return will help but no depth on this team.
Please tell me you werent surprised at that texas tech coach and what he did to that player. i hate college sports because they have become bigger than the schools and bigger than the athletes. any florida grad who saw those thugs from florida beat cincinnati should resign from the florida alumni association. it looked like the world wrestling federation. But the coaches are the real villains in this semi drama.
Look forward to your thoughts/comments.
Sayonara
I always knew i hated Whole Foods but it was one of my visceral dislikes--based not much on facts or any information (both prized by certain members if not all members of my immediate family). I admit to the fact that I shopped there when we lived in Brookline--their meat was better than the chains. (An aside: since moving to JP, I have not been there once since Roche Brothers has a butcher shop just as good). After reading a recent article in the New Yorker, i now have facts for my dislike--irrefutable facts I might add. Hurray for me. The guy who founded it is a fool though a wealthy one. Which makes him very dangerous. Turns out he hates unions, is a follower of Ayn Rand, believes if only corporations were unfettered to do "good" , the world would be a better place, and despises any talk of health care reform. They also stack their fruit in a way that makes you think there are gazillions more underneath but they are simply layered on a frame. my oh my. Turns out also he wrote some op ed piece which was so anti health care and anti obama that he has since been forced to give up his ceo role and now is just chairman. Finally, and this is a real HA HA, turns out Wal Mart sells more organic food than Whole Foods. I love that bit of irony.
The NY Times runs a brief interview each sunday in their magazine. this weeks celeb was John Yoo who is scarier than anyone thought. Has two psychiatrists for parents and essentially said he did not know what they did because he never paid attention. That probably sent his parents back to the couch immediately for thier own help. Also was not sure about the difference between psychoanalysis and psychiatry--this from a fully tenured UC Berkeley professor. An awful man totally unapologetic and full of criticisms about Berkeley itself. Needs to be kicked to the curb.
So Dick Cheyney and the rest of those guys are after obama again because of that airline terror incident. Should have come back from Hawaii sooner, did not use the word terrorist enough, is making us less safe--both Keith and Jon fortunately did not let this pass and repeatedly showed video of Cheyney and others singing a much different tune in support of President Bush. He is simply an attack dog who needs to zip it up and wont.
Condo life: We have little people (mostly men) who do all the shovelling and come inside our gate to shovel a path to our door--then salt it. oh how i love that especially when i pass 284 and see their cars hemmed in by piles of the white stuff. it is worth every penny of the monthly fee.
So the race to replace ted kennedy just got interesting. the republican announced he supports water boarding right after this recent terrorist episode. the democrat does not. these elections get me very worried since turnout will be low--just gotta believe/hope every woman in the state will vote for martha, the democrat.
SPORTS Chatter
Ugly video of Welker's injury. I think the Pats beat the Ravens but then if they face either Rivers or Manning, it will be over. The defense just does not make enough big plays. The celtics will be ok once the injured return. they are very deep with their full line up. The
Bruins are in deep doo doo. No big scoring threat and now Bergeron is hurt. Lucic's return will help but no depth on this team.
Please tell me you werent surprised at that texas tech coach and what he did to that player. i hate college sports because they have become bigger than the schools and bigger than the athletes. any florida grad who saw those thugs from florida beat cincinnati should resign from the florida alumni association. it looked like the world wrestling federation. But the coaches are the real villains in this semi drama.
Look forward to your thoughts/comments.
Sayonara
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