This is now important because Anna is headed there to work--to Austin that is. Everyone keeps telling me it is like going to Ann Arbor or Madison or Cambridge--that people who live in Austin actually pretend they do not live in Texas. But they do allow you to carry your weapon in full view, they do have the worst health care in America, and they are in a race with Florida to see who can execute the most people in a year. But they now will also have my wonderful daughter who by her arrival there will improve the whole city and state immeasurably. Anna will be working at the Blanton Museum which I know nothing about but do know it is part of the University system. I have already directed her (and I am sure she will listen) not to become a fan of any sports team in that state--perhaps UTEP (the former Texas Western which was the first big time basketball program to put 5 African Americans on the court at the same time) would be ok but certainly not the Cowboys or Longhorns. But wise readers will know all of this rhetoric is but a subterfuge--Anna is getting a great job and has a great opportunity but I will miss her "east coast" presence and I am already looking up flights--turns out once a day Jet Blue flies non stop to Austin. Who knew. Jessica of course lived in Germany for many years and Austin is closer---but still. Our Rosh Hashanah celebrations were noticeable to me for both their absences. Enough--ride 'em cowgirl.
Speaking of Rick Perry--I am rooting for him especially after reading Doonesbury all week. Trudeau is really after him and this is after Trudeau spent a week going after Palin. Here is hoping he wins and says nationally that we should be a Christian nation. One of those other bright lights (either Sarah or Michelle) referred to the president (come on, no respect at all- so fucking personal it is almost ominous) as the anti christ whatever that is (though I can guess).
For the first time in a long time I am worried about Israel's isolation. New regimes in the Middle East, Israeli intransigence, instability in Syria, the break up with Turkey, and the erratic behavior of Iran--let alone Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah In Lebanon. I am very afraid someone (including the Israelis) might just do something and spark a big time war over there. Then I see Netanyahu on Charlie Rose--"I will go anywhere and negotiate anything" he says. Next day in the paper: Netanyahu approves settlements in Jerusalem. Very disheartened. Jon Stewart had a terrific piece about the Israelis and the Palestinians last week--hilarious but oh so scary.
Let's talk about something a bit lighter--casinos. Hah, some of you fanatic anti casino people were fooled. On a recent trip to Scranton, Barbara agreed that if you oppose casinos, you need to opposed the lottery. And she does oppose both--she is consistent and though I disagree I respect the consistency. Keno, the lottery, casinos--all part of one strand. But the 365 cities and towns in the state would go bankrupt without Keno and/or the lottery. Ahhh, you say--just raise taxes. To that, I say--read the papers. There will be no new taxes. Won't happen and unless you replace the revenue, the city/town where you live will be in big trouble. There would only be cuts and classroom sizes would likely double. So, aside from my own opinion about gambling, those who oppose casinos better have some thoughts about financing since it is fanciful to believe taxes will offset the losses.
SPORTS
I hate the Red Sox but even I did not foresee their total collapse. However, I did predict that Pedroia being on the SI cover would jinx him and I got that right. Ellsbury is the MVP of that team even if Pedroia is the leader. By the way, their pitching died--some due to injury and some due to bad pitchers (no offense, it is nice to love Wakefield but he is finished). John Lackey is in the race for the AJ Burnett I suck award. I might pull out a few of my remaining hairs if Burnett gets a start in any of the upcoming playoff games. Colon and Burnett should be bullpenned. And I was shocked to hear Francona fess up that he kind of lost control of the clubhouse--until then I thought he was being scapegoated by the likes of Shaughnessy; but that confession was startling. Finally, the big boys (Big Papi and the rest) totally choked.
Speaking of which we now know what happens when Mr. Brady has an off day--31 points becomes too few with a porous defense leaking both in the front four and in the secondary. Plus Ochocinco is not Randy Moss and one day Welker will get hurt again if they insist on having him run so many over the middle routes. This kid Mcfadden from Oakland could run up some big yards if they are not careful. But did you notice they are almost America's team--I think their next 7 games are either at night or at 4. Everyone gets to see them.
The Bruins are back this coming week--and if you haven't seen that pest Marchand, give it a shot.
One further thought: No "inside" section because really the whole first section is about that. Second further thought: I welcome an additional reader--enjoy, Frank.
Demand is high but I still have room for increased readership!! Get well, Charles and you better hope Phil Kessel learns to back check.
Sayonara.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Thursday, September 15, 2011
IT'S ANTHONY WEINER'S FAULT
OUTSIDE
First of all, there would have been no special election if Weiner did not have the same disease as a lot of politicians which is egomania coupled with "I'm special". Then a 70 year old beats an Orthodox Jew for a lot of reasons one of which he is perceived to be stronger on Israel. OY--Obama better get a move on.
Boehner announces that this super debt committee cannot discuss taxes even before they start meeting--no response from Obama. He simply cannot negotiate everything. Some things require that you step on the neck of the opponent. James Carville sounded a big time alarm today and suggested Obama start firing people if only for symbolism. Jon Stewart showed clips from Obama as the "negotiator" and Obama as the "leader" and the differences were amazing. And your humble servant believes it's stepping on the neck time to show he is the leader. Even when he led, as in the jobs speech, the Republican's silence, if not indifference, was deafening. A great, but depressing, article in the recent New Yorker by George Packer about what has happened since 9/11 in terms of the political discourse--There is simply no common ground anymore and each party has just given up on certain states and/or issues.
As an aside, is Wales part of England or a separate country or is it kind of like Scotland? I just don't get it.
Going to Cuba in January which is very exciting and probably means we will get there before it turns into Las Vegas South. It's a trip with the narrow focus of connecting to the remnants of the Jewish community there--but it is CUBA and I will get to see the Malecon and the rest of Havana. My major question since I quit smoking cigars is whether or not I can have just one cigar without a full scale fall off the smoking wagon.
INSIDE
A reader wondered if I was struggling with my mortality--first of all thanks for the question (don't get many) and the answer is yes and it is a struggle that has been part of my life (!) since adolescence. Hard not to now when there is more behind me than in front of me. My fantasy is that I have a neighbor who is a physician/friend and who examines me daily for all the terminal illnesses I imagine having. Then I could probably relax but I am not even sure about that. Plus I would need attention in the middle of the night when the god awful nightmares hit.
One of my current goals is to be able to take a solo trip on my own for a number of days. Have not quite pulled it together but must do it--probably take my fantasy physician with me!! Have been immobilized by fear every time I approach it.
SPORTS
OK, I do believe the SI jinx is alive and well as "Pedey" slowly falls apart and Cano now (among other things) is leading the league in RBI's. Oh by the way, anyone notice Jeter is flirting with a .300 batting average. I should add that I don't believe either team will win the AL--I believe that it will be either Detroit or whoever represents the West. Both my boys and the red flops have falling apart pitching which will hasten their departure. I would like to thank Charles and the rest of the Blue Jays for what they did at Fenway this week. Three thoughts on the US Open (that would be tennis): I want Sharapova to stop grunting each time she hits the ball; I want Roddick to quit sweating so profusely; and most of all I want Nadal to quit pulling out his wedgies in full view of the camera. I happen to like Nadal but detest Djokobvic due to some of his more right wing political thoughts about the war in the former Yugoslavia.
But Mr. Brady and the boys were pretty good and the defense will get better. Otherwise, the Chargers will eat them up. And oh my--those mighty Wolverines in front of 114,000 in the big house--kicked Notre Dame right down Interstate 94. Loved it.
That's about it. If you celebrate it, l'shanah tovah (that would be happy new year for any non believers). Peace.
Sayonara.
First of all, there would have been no special election if Weiner did not have the same disease as a lot of politicians which is egomania coupled with "I'm special". Then a 70 year old beats an Orthodox Jew for a lot of reasons one of which he is perceived to be stronger on Israel. OY--Obama better get a move on.
Boehner announces that this super debt committee cannot discuss taxes even before they start meeting--no response from Obama. He simply cannot negotiate everything. Some things require that you step on the neck of the opponent. James Carville sounded a big time alarm today and suggested Obama start firing people if only for symbolism. Jon Stewart showed clips from Obama as the "negotiator" and Obama as the "leader" and the differences were amazing. And your humble servant believes it's stepping on the neck time to show he is the leader. Even when he led, as in the jobs speech, the Republican's silence, if not indifference, was deafening. A great, but depressing, article in the recent New Yorker by George Packer about what has happened since 9/11 in terms of the political discourse--There is simply no common ground anymore and each party has just given up on certain states and/or issues.
As an aside, is Wales part of England or a separate country or is it kind of like Scotland? I just don't get it.
Going to Cuba in January which is very exciting and probably means we will get there before it turns into Las Vegas South. It's a trip with the narrow focus of connecting to the remnants of the Jewish community there--but it is CUBA and I will get to see the Malecon and the rest of Havana. My major question since I quit smoking cigars is whether or not I can have just one cigar without a full scale fall off the smoking wagon.
INSIDE
A reader wondered if I was struggling with my mortality--first of all thanks for the question (don't get many) and the answer is yes and it is a struggle that has been part of my life (!) since adolescence. Hard not to now when there is more behind me than in front of me. My fantasy is that I have a neighbor who is a physician/friend and who examines me daily for all the terminal illnesses I imagine having. Then I could probably relax but I am not even sure about that. Plus I would need attention in the middle of the night when the god awful nightmares hit.
One of my current goals is to be able to take a solo trip on my own for a number of days. Have not quite pulled it together but must do it--probably take my fantasy physician with me!! Have been immobilized by fear every time I approach it.
SPORTS
OK, I do believe the SI jinx is alive and well as "Pedey" slowly falls apart and Cano now (among other things) is leading the league in RBI's. Oh by the way, anyone notice Jeter is flirting with a .300 batting average. I should add that I don't believe either team will win the AL--I believe that it will be either Detroit or whoever represents the West. Both my boys and the red flops have falling apart pitching which will hasten their departure. I would like to thank Charles and the rest of the Blue Jays for what they did at Fenway this week. Three thoughts on the US Open (that would be tennis): I want Sharapova to stop grunting each time she hits the ball; I want Roddick to quit sweating so profusely; and most of all I want Nadal to quit pulling out his wedgies in full view of the camera. I happen to like Nadal but detest Djokobvic due to some of his more right wing political thoughts about the war in the former Yugoslavia.
But Mr. Brady and the boys were pretty good and the defense will get better. Otherwise, the Chargers will eat them up. And oh my--those mighty Wolverines in front of 114,000 in the big house--kicked Notre Dame right down Interstate 94. Loved it.
That's about it. If you celebrate it, l'shanah tovah (that would be happy new year for any non believers). Peace.
Sayonara.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
HAVING AN EMPTY MIND MAY BE AN OK THING
I am aware of how lucky I am to be retired. But contrary to popular opinion, retirement is not the same as being on vacation. Being on vacation means not seeing a newspaper for days on end; it means not watching one tv show let alone CNN or even Jon Stewart; it means eating very bad things at very odd times; and it also means NO ERRANDS. Had great weather in a new spot--the town of Monterey which gave us a whole new orientation from being in Lee. Our focus became Great Barrington where I could see myself living--got up "north" to Lenox just twice and one of those trips was to Tanglewood. Anna takes a train from NYC which lets her off in NY just across the border so it is very convenient for her. Jess and the kids were there for 3 or so weeks and Steffen joined us on the weekends. Susan and her family, Steven, Eve, and assorted hangers on also came and went. Hectic at times but a fine time.
Returned to Irene and the attendant hysteria. These meterologists--I am not sure how to criticize them though I want to and will. We want them to predict these things (and snowstorms are part of this) and warn us. But there is almost a joy they get from all the hype and from standing on a beach as the waves crash in. Reporting it is hard enough but they seem to "Kvell" (that would be yiddish for taking pride or joy in something) in how bad things are. And I swear I will never watch the Weather Channel again--they are the worst offenders though I did see a guy on ABC discuss how Irene was targetting 5th Avenue in Manhattan and its course would put it directly on that street. Give me a break.
All that crap about the debt is over (not that i ever really understood it since everyone has credit cards and isnt that the same thing except on a larger stage?) but not the Republican's distaste for Barack. Boehner reallly dissed the office (let alone the person) by forcing a change in the date of the speech so we could all watch Rick Perry. The government's Office of something or other checked its records and could not find another instance of not honoring a presidential request. Barack seems so weak kneed so often--I just hope he has a plan and it is better than mine since I still believe he and his folks are smarter than me.
And get this--you know that big prayer rally Rick Perry had in Houston. Financially supported by this group from Tupelo, Mississippi which believes the freedom of religion clause in our constitution applies only to Christians. I want him or Michelle to win. That would be a big favor to me personally.
Retail stores were unundated with buyers in advance of Irene but then the Globe reported they were pissed that it negatively affected return to school purchasing. This in the face of a "major" hurricane with all sorts of hysteria around it. What, they wanted folks to buy sump pumps and pencils. People sometimes should just shut up and take things as they are. Ugh.
Please let Elizabeth Warren run. I will sign up immediately to work for her (especially since my gig at The Home is over). I just worry that I will be backing another loser though she will be very different than the white guys currently representing us.
THE INSIDE
I realized that much of this stuff I write is about what is going on out there in the world with very little about what is going on in here--in my head or my soul as it were. Now this is a risk and none of you may be interested and, if so, let me know and I can delete you right out. But I am going to try and share a bit.
Saw "The Help" which I really liked and had an aha moment in it. I remembered having a maid in Miami before my parents divorce--I believe her name was Mary. I remember it was pre divroce because I used to drive with my father to take her home. Had no car after the divorce. The movie really resonated for me and perhaps for anyone else who grew up with signs reading "colored only".
Starting to worry about my short term memory--could not idenitfy the word for cookbook last week so I referred to it as the thing with recipes. Scared the shit out of me. Frustrates me as well.
My self perception is so out of whack with the perception others have of me that I am not sure what to do. I want to run away and hide when I get feedback about how family members perceive me and my behavior.
Have to move on.....
SPORTS TALK
Come on Pedey for a nickname? Like that old tv show "Lassie". Pedey is a dog's name not a person's nickname. Maybe June Lockhart is in the Red Flops dugout looking for Timmy or Tommy or whatever that kid's name was. But dont worry--being on the SI cover will screw him up big time. By the way, anyone notice Jeter is closing in on batting .300. And Cano will likely drive in 100 and score 100. Nor even close.
But this is a misdirection. If I were a fan of either team i would worry big time about starting pitching. The yanks have one (CC) and the flops have two (Beckett and Lester)--and then it is time for prayers.
Hoping Mr. Brady and the boys rebound tonight or else Belichik might start spitting blood.
Also hoping The Wolverines do better with this new coach so that my ugly memories of RichRod will fade.
Thats it.
Sayonara
Returned to Irene and the attendant hysteria. These meterologists--I am not sure how to criticize them though I want to and will. We want them to predict these things (and snowstorms are part of this) and warn us. But there is almost a joy they get from all the hype and from standing on a beach as the waves crash in. Reporting it is hard enough but they seem to "Kvell" (that would be yiddish for taking pride or joy in something) in how bad things are. And I swear I will never watch the Weather Channel again--they are the worst offenders though I did see a guy on ABC discuss how Irene was targetting 5th Avenue in Manhattan and its course would put it directly on that street. Give me a break.
All that crap about the debt is over (not that i ever really understood it since everyone has credit cards and isnt that the same thing except on a larger stage?) but not the Republican's distaste for Barack. Boehner reallly dissed the office (let alone the person) by forcing a change in the date of the speech so we could all watch Rick Perry. The government's Office of something or other checked its records and could not find another instance of not honoring a presidential request. Barack seems so weak kneed so often--I just hope he has a plan and it is better than mine since I still believe he and his folks are smarter than me.
And get this--you know that big prayer rally Rick Perry had in Houston. Financially supported by this group from Tupelo, Mississippi which believes the freedom of religion clause in our constitution applies only to Christians. I want him or Michelle to win. That would be a big favor to me personally.
Retail stores were unundated with buyers in advance of Irene but then the Globe reported they were pissed that it negatively affected return to school purchasing. This in the face of a "major" hurricane with all sorts of hysteria around it. What, they wanted folks to buy sump pumps and pencils. People sometimes should just shut up and take things as they are. Ugh.
Please let Elizabeth Warren run. I will sign up immediately to work for her (especially since my gig at The Home is over). I just worry that I will be backing another loser though she will be very different than the white guys currently representing us.
THE INSIDE
I realized that much of this stuff I write is about what is going on out there in the world with very little about what is going on in here--in my head or my soul as it were. Now this is a risk and none of you may be interested and, if so, let me know and I can delete you right out. But I am going to try and share a bit.
Saw "The Help" which I really liked and had an aha moment in it. I remembered having a maid in Miami before my parents divorce--I believe her name was Mary. I remember it was pre divroce because I used to drive with my father to take her home. Had no car after the divorce. The movie really resonated for me and perhaps for anyone else who grew up with signs reading "colored only".
Starting to worry about my short term memory--could not idenitfy the word for cookbook last week so I referred to it as the thing with recipes. Scared the shit out of me. Frustrates me as well.
My self perception is so out of whack with the perception others have of me that I am not sure what to do. I want to run away and hide when I get feedback about how family members perceive me and my behavior.
Have to move on.....
SPORTS TALK
Come on Pedey for a nickname? Like that old tv show "Lassie". Pedey is a dog's name not a person's nickname. Maybe June Lockhart is in the Red Flops dugout looking for Timmy or Tommy or whatever that kid's name was. But dont worry--being on the SI cover will screw him up big time. By the way, anyone notice Jeter is closing in on batting .300. And Cano will likely drive in 100 and score 100. Nor even close.
But this is a misdirection. If I were a fan of either team i would worry big time about starting pitching. The yanks have one (CC) and the flops have two (Beckett and Lester)--and then it is time for prayers.
Hoping Mr. Brady and the boys rebound tonight or else Belichik might start spitting blood.
Also hoping The Wolverines do better with this new coach so that my ugly memories of RichRod will fade.
Thats it.
Sayonara
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