THE FIRST DAY OF THE REST OF MY LIFE

I positively/absolutely hate that phrase. And yet, as of this particular moment, I am the recipient of not one but two federal programs. They shall remain nameless but obvious. I wish to add that one of them is related specifically to a certain age--but I will not reach that momentous age until the end of the month. One other thing--I continue to be impressed that so far both of these programs seem very consumer friendly.

So we have been to Philadelphia--delayed going by one of these monster snow storms. Be aware that once the airline declares a weather advisory, you can change your tickets for free (most of you probably knew that but I did not). We had to do that and otherwise the change would have cost $150 each for a round trip. It's all about the money, honey. But the point is that all is well in the city of brotherly love. The weird thing is that Jess and her family will have to move again in the late spring so while they are settled in, they are settled only for a respite and still have a basement full of boxes. I had been to Philadelphia about 45 years ago so I felt like a newbie. First of all, it is way bigger than Boston in terms of both area and population. Second, there are way more African Americans than in Boston. Lastly, all 4 pro teams play adjacent to each other in 3 virtually brand new stadia (ah, good old Mrs. Reynolds teaching us that the plural of words ending in "um" is an "a")sharing a mammoth parking area. I still wonder what was there before. We had a great time and the flying time is only 45 minutes which makes it feel very close.

Meanwhile, Keith Olberman got his ass fired--no matter what nice words were put to his departure. Not surprising and yet Rachel is still on in spite of being nearly twice as progressive as he was. She does have softer edges and somehow a more intellectual take on the issues. Keith was both visceral and vitriolic--don't you just love alliterations.

Speaking of harder edges, I get a bazillion comments from readers of this blog--not really but I do get a few. One of you took me to task about the horrific shootings in Arizona. My problem (according to this reader) was not attacking the gun lobby and the availability of guns for causing that disaster. Point taken but not so fast. I still believe leaders shape these events both before and after they occur and bear a special responsibility to actually lead. But keep those cards and letters coming.

I was already feeling helpless about the situation in the Middle East and now we have Egypt erupting. Cairo is a city of 20 million--can anyone imagine that if you have not been there? I have not been there and I can't. Egypt is one of our "allies" over there. But most importantly, it actually is an "ally" of Israel. If I am Netanyahu, I have got all my soldiers on very high alert and I am a very worried President. Especially since I just read that the King of Jordan just appointed a brand new cabinet. Egypt also has tons of our military equipment and utilizes our military as advisers. It would not surprise me if some of our boys are over there right now trying to facilitate some sort of smooth transition. Very very ugly/scary.

I was disappointed by Obama's State of the Union speech. Tossed too many bones to the Republicans and to the right wing of his party. Plus, it seemed as if he was speaking in platitudes. Too pie in he sky for me. Now he has to deal with the Egypt mess. I almost feel bad for him. But then the economy seems to be creeping back up and I believe that is all that will matter come 2012--or at least I hope so. My other hope is that Eric Cantor and John Boehner actually hate each other as much as some articles have said. Maybe they will divide and fail to conquer.

Anna is heading to Iceland for a 5 day adventure. Plans to eat whale while there. Good luck to her--I don't even want to know about it.

SPORTS TALK

Ok, so Brady had a stress fracture in his foot. Let me say this right now (boy am I bold or what?)--they lost because he had a terrible day fracture or not. And because Belichik got out coached by the big mouth in NY. I have the full support of two readers on this one. Sounds like the majority I need.

Slowly but surely, the Celtics are pulling things together. Garnett and Rondo remain for me the keys. It will help when West returns in the sense that the rotation will be clearer. But they do not miss Jermaine O'Neal. It is also worth noting that their first draft choice (Bradley) is virtually absent while this Wafer kid is getting more minutes. My big worry in the East is actually Chicago--not Miami or Orlando. Rondo has big time trouble with Derrick Rose and Noah is just the kid of active player that causes them fits. We shall see.

Just finished that 700 page book by Bill Simmons--aka "The Sports Guy". Terrific and so funny. Laughed out loud regularly. Discovered his web site and it is equally funny.

That is it for now.
Sayonara.