Since that would be me, I am mortified that my editorial side neglected to acknowledge the death of Nelson Mandela. I really have no words which adequately capture the grace of the man--though it is enough to be clear that apartheid is no longer in place in South Africa. There are tons of other issues but that is gone in large measure due to him and in some measure (a small measure) due to deKlerk.
Condolences to Steve's family and John's family. I hope the memories of these two men and the strength of your families will give you the support you need in the coming weeks and months. Over and above the death of those close to us, this forces us to confront our own mortality. Since Yvette's passing, I have been preoccupied by just that--death and dying and wondering how to maximize whatever time I have. It is not an easy feeling to struggle with. I do believe that no matter what religion we are part of, the structure of our funerals and their aftermath makes it "easier" for us to grieve.
Moving on to better and brighter (hopefully).
--Partners got told no--it could not acquire South Shore Hospital. Good--and then they decided to move some jobs to Somerville. Good for Somerville but what message does it send when the alternative the City of Boston offered was in Roxbury and Partners passed so they could locate in a mall. They deserve to be kicked to the curb.
--Aleppo is being flattened and this time I am on the side of getting more involved--at least with more weapons and more advisers. In a month, I am not sure what I will think. What Assad is doing to his own people (well he probably does not consider you a person if you are not an Alawite) is nothing short of murder. And the refugees--come on.
--Two terrific New Yorker articles. One about the whole issue of the NSA spying on Americans. Ron Wyden, an Oregon Senator, really has a lot to say (most of very unpleasant) about what we don't know. The second article is about Pope Frankie written by James Carrol--himself a former priest and now an editorial writer in the Globe. This guy should scare the bejeezus (!) out of Conservative Catholics. I only hope he is around for a while considering he is in his mid 70's.
--In the space of a week, we learned: that a child in Central Mass. had been missing since the fall and no one did anything; that a teacher at the prestigious and private Park School may have been molesting students; and that an aide in the Brookline schools may have also been molesting students. There is no end to the lack of respect we as a society have for our children. It never ends and it makes me want to puke., In the first situation, DCF was involved but their Social Worker apparently lied about making home visits and her lies were covered up by superiors. That job is a thankless one made all the worse by the union jumping up and blaming caseloads. Lies are different that caseloads. It was said the kid was in Florida--at the racetrack?
--Richard Deitsch of SI gave out some journalism awards. I did not read them all but some were terrific articles.
--Suffolk Downs and the plans for a casino there are on life support. The one in Springfield might actually happen and force some of us to go visit the Pioneer Valley.
--Good luck Thursday, Norma.
--A happy and healthy New Year to all of you.
SPORTS TALK
--As I write this, Kessel has 17 goals, Seguin has 19 goals, and Thornton has 35 assists (first in the league). None of them "fit" the Bruins philosophy. Yeah I know we got some bodies in exchange and we won a Cup but don't you think we need a scorer?
--Michigan should not be allowed to play in a bowl game ever again. They simply sucked this year and in general screw up in the bowl games. In spite of his spaceman sunglasses, I am not sure about Hoke.
--The Pats, bless their souls, get a bye by playing the most rookies in the league and discovering a running game. McCourty has to come back and it would be terrific if whoever plays Denver put a sock in Peytons mouth.
Sayonara--loved seeing you, Anna
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Monday, December 16, 2013
AND THE WINNER IS......................
According to my crack accounting team at Price Waterhouse, they have certified the winning submission that pushed the blog over the magical 100 mark. It just so happens it is a person I am related to--not in my immediate family; but in the extended one. This person worked very hard to support the groundswell of interest and got her referrals time stamped by the crack accounting team just ahead of a tough competitor from the Big Apple. But, knowing how selfless all of you are, I am sure the prize was of less interest than being a member of the "100 Club". Kind of like the 700 Club but then I am not like Pat Robertson. Congratulations to all of you. Moving on to some very deep topics.
--The lawsuits have already started regarding the casino process in this fine state. The chair of the commission awarding the contracts has been found to have had a "business" relationship with one of the applicants. Really, they will totally fuck this up and one can only wonder why they just did not integrate the whole deal into the lottery organization. After all, it's all gambling, right?
--Syria is a lousy mess. At first, I thought we needed to get in there with some sort of multi-national group. Now I am thinking we should stay the hell away. I know Assad is a mean spirited murderer; but there are no boundaries in that country and no way of telling the good guys from the bad.
--Socialite item: RFK's son has a daughter who made her debutante debut in Paris. If that does not boggle the mind, nothing would. Would Bobby have been there?
--Those funny google engineers are at it again mucking up with the format of my access page and just in general messing with my mind. Maybe they should all just play ping pong all day and stay away from changing fonts and formats and other words beginning with f.
--Obama shook Raul Castro's had at Mandela's funeral and the world did not fall apart though some of those surly right wingers were quite upset. That fine senator from the state of Texas, Mr. Cruz, just up and left the service in protest of something or other. One can only wonder what he was doing there in the first place.
--Speaking of the right's bright lights (how's that for being a rhymin Simon?), Rush Limbaugh has decided the Pope is a Marxist. Mostly because he is trying to get his flock to think about poor people more and profits less. Old Rush nearly had a coronary.
--John Boehner has decided that the Tea partiers are not being helpful--this in response to the recent budget deal. John is angry at their rigidity--oh my. I actually was hoping that these guys would not catch on until after the 2014 election--but I guess they can see the writing on the electorate wall. Next thing you know, we might get an immigration bill.
--Obamacare is moving along and seems to have overcome the initial hysteria about computer glitches. And I do love Elizabeth Warren--just terrific. Now we even have a Congresswoman to go along with all our white male Congressmen.
--That crazy Kim fella over there in North Korea just killed his uncle. Cannot say I care but I do wonder how many relatives he has. Bad for tourism too.
--I have been contacted by folks planning my 50th High School reunion (!)--scary in and of itself. What startled me more was the number of Hispanic students on the list. I knew only one and only because he was on the basketball team. I am thinking they were some of the early refugees from Cuba--but also am thinking what a closed world I was part of.
--Doonesbury had about a two week sketch focussing on hiring a nanny and poking fun at all the current crop of parents and their worries. Funny stuff.
SPORTS TALK
You heard it here first--Cano is gone to the soggy Northwest--though I do love Seattle. He will remain one of the top 5 players in baseball; but I have no problem with his departure. Too many years for Ellsbury though he is an improvement over Granderson. Michigan football remains an embarrassment on the defensive side of the ball a la the Pats. The guy who hit the Gronk weighs 190 and the Gronk goes about 260. The tackler claims he never meant to hurt anyone--no offense to him but he is full of shit. Those guys are trained to inflict pain and people frequently get hurt. He aimed for and hit the Gronk's knee nearly straight on. Brady may need to pass for 500 yards per game if the Pats are to get anywhere. and they better get more than 3 points down there in the red zone. Getting a bye is important. Finally, if you have not seen Thornton's battering of Orpik, watch it and get sick.
Sayonara.
Saturday, December 14, 2013
SPECIAL EDITION
Yvette, Barbara's mother, passed away this week. Like so many of you, Barbara and I have now experienced the passing of both parents. We are at the head of the table even if, as in my case, I still wish someone would show up who is the "elder" and sit in that seat. I don't want to be there. It carries too much symbolic weight and meaning. But no matter how often I have that wish, it will not change a thing--it is up to us now.
I am pretty clear that only time helps--not words on a page like this. Memories help also. Like this one--I am coming off a 4 stop propeller flight from Detroit to Scranton on good old Allegheny Airlines. It is 1968. My Levis have just been patched (in my man area) by a close friend. Barbara and I are to be married in less than a year. Yvette is berserk about how I could look like that; but, more importantly, how could they have been fixed and by whom. She frequently reminded me of this episode. I was a stranger in a strange land who was met with hugs, kisses, and warmth. Then, of course, fed.
She was a professional woman at a time when there were few of them. But, like Al her husband, that professional role was only a supplement to her core values--her love of family and her strong religious belief. Her family "tent" was enormous. Cousins twice and three times removed were welcomed and sat at her table. And not just welcomed--made to feel comfortable. Much like the way she made me feel.
Over the last few months, as she struggled with her diminished capacity, I marveled at her absence of fear. Yes, she complained of the pain; but she never said "I am scared". There is no doubt in my mind that I will be scared silly if (or when) I am ever in a similar situation. This strength comes from within; but also comes from her strong reliance on faith--this characteristic is something that her generation has that most of us in my generation do not have. In many ways, I am jealous.
Finally--to Jess, Anna, Tess, Jake, Lilli, and Oliver--hang onto the memories, remember the anecdotes, take strength from her strength, and be proud of what she accomplished. Remember her values and how they can help guide you as you each move through life.
I am pretty clear that only time helps--not words on a page like this. Memories help also. Like this one--I am coming off a 4 stop propeller flight from Detroit to Scranton on good old Allegheny Airlines. It is 1968. My Levis have just been patched (in my man area) by a close friend. Barbara and I are to be married in less than a year. Yvette is berserk about how I could look like that; but, more importantly, how could they have been fixed and by whom. She frequently reminded me of this episode. I was a stranger in a strange land who was met with hugs, kisses, and warmth. Then, of course, fed.
She was a professional woman at a time when there were few of them. But, like Al her husband, that professional role was only a supplement to her core values--her love of family and her strong religious belief. Her family "tent" was enormous. Cousins twice and three times removed were welcomed and sat at her table. And not just welcomed--made to feel comfortable. Much like the way she made me feel.
Over the last few months, as she struggled with her diminished capacity, I marveled at her absence of fear. Yes, she complained of the pain; but she never said "I am scared". There is no doubt in my mind that I will be scared silly if (or when) I am ever in a similar situation. This strength comes from within; but also comes from her strong reliance on faith--this characteristic is something that her generation has that most of us in my generation do not have. In many ways, I am jealous.
Finally--to Jess, Anna, Tess, Jake, Lilli, and Oliver--hang onto the memories, remember the anecdotes, take strength from her strength, and be proud of what she accomplished. Remember her values and how they can help guide you as you each move through life.
Sunday, December 1, 2013
GETTING A BIT NERVOUS?
Bet you thought I would be delayed or have to postpone or otherwise totally disappoint all of you who have been waiting anxiously for this entry. Probably needed meds to get through the withdrawal. But here I am with all the stuff that is hugely IMPORTANT.
First of all, in my endless striving to embarrass my adult children, I would like to congratulate the younger child for buying and moving into a condo. I would then like to congratulate the older child and her hubster for having a purchase and sale signed for a house they will be buying. The American dream in action.
Now the ends and odds:
--Of note is that the Supremes upheld the Texas abortion law which is truly restrictive. It was a typical 5-4 vote with Roberts and Kennedy siding with the the three stooges. There really is no hope unless and until Kennedy swings the other way--he is the equivalent of being bisexual.
--Rush Limbaugh compared the Senate filibuster vote to being raped. As if he even knows what that is like. I actually am not sure what I think except it could come to bite the Dems in the ass should the Republicans win a majority, Until then, let the nominations flow.
--George Zimmerman was arrested. If there is anyone left who does not believe old Georgie should have already been in jail for the death of Tayvon, please just shut up and sit in the corner. He is an unpleasant human being.
--JFK's assassination was 50 years ago. Not so coincidentally my 50th High School reunion is next Spring. The day he was assassinated, I was in my last class of the day and we heard the announcment that he had been shot. I left school and noticed the flag at half mast--he had died. I typically hitched home and got a ride with a black man who was just crying his eyes out. Memories. On other other hand, the Globe outdid itself with some very maudlin coverage.
--The minute Kerry got the breakthrough on Iran's nuclear weapons, Netanyahu went ballistic. There has got to be an Israeli alternative to him that is balanced in its approach to Israel's neighbors. Otherwise it is an endless and, perhaps, losing position that he consistently takes.
--I have mentioned a writer on the SI website named Richard Deitsch. He is just terrific. Through his column I read an article on Gawker about Florida State and its football program. (NOTE: IT IS NOT ABOUT SPORTS; IT IS ABOUT THE CULTURE). Just a terrific piece especially coming out the same week their quarterback is being accused of sexual assault.
--Three women Marines passed all the physical requirements to be soldiers and not in supportive roles but out there where people die for us. But the Marines will not deploy them because they simply don't know how to do it. Ugh.
--Happened to have been in both Costco and Whole Food just before Thanksgiving--PEOPLE LET ME TELL YOU , TH ECONOMY IS BACK. Folks are buying all sorts of shit filling shopping carts to the brim. Oh my.
--An unnamed person attended a conference at Gillette Stadium which apparently has conference space. Her comment upon attending this conference was that the room was as big as a football field (!)--but I responded the football field was outside the window. Something about communication breakdowns.
--"This Town" by some guy whose last name is Leibovich--terrific non fiction account of the big shots who really run the country.
--Any comments about casinos is a waste--just keep buying lottery tickets and pretending that the lottery is not gambling.
SPORTS TALK
Been 3 Patriot games since last I wrote. Gronk did get held in that Panther game. But they deserved the loss. On the other hand they also did not deserve to beat either the Broncos or the Texans and they won both games. This puts them on the inside track for a bye--which may not help their swiss cheese defense.
The Yanks signing McCann is huge but I continue to wish ARod would go away.
The Bruins are practicing for the playoffs by playing low scoring games and having the best goaltending in the league. But do check out how many goals Seguin and Kessel have, wont you?
Hope you all had a pleasant Thanksgiving and an enjoyable Hanukkah.
Sayonara.
First of all, in my endless striving to embarrass my adult children, I would like to congratulate the younger child for buying and moving into a condo. I would then like to congratulate the older child and her hubster for having a purchase and sale signed for a house they will be buying. The American dream in action.
Now the ends and odds:
--Of note is that the Supremes upheld the Texas abortion law which is truly restrictive. It was a typical 5-4 vote with Roberts and Kennedy siding with the the three stooges. There really is no hope unless and until Kennedy swings the other way--he is the equivalent of being bisexual.
--Rush Limbaugh compared the Senate filibuster vote to being raped. As if he even knows what that is like. I actually am not sure what I think except it could come to bite the Dems in the ass should the Republicans win a majority, Until then, let the nominations flow.
--George Zimmerman was arrested. If there is anyone left who does not believe old Georgie should have already been in jail for the death of Tayvon, please just shut up and sit in the corner. He is an unpleasant human being.
--JFK's assassination was 50 years ago. Not so coincidentally my 50th High School reunion is next Spring. The day he was assassinated, I was in my last class of the day and we heard the announcment that he had been shot. I left school and noticed the flag at half mast--he had died. I typically hitched home and got a ride with a black man who was just crying his eyes out. Memories. On other other hand, the Globe outdid itself with some very maudlin coverage.
--The minute Kerry got the breakthrough on Iran's nuclear weapons, Netanyahu went ballistic. There has got to be an Israeli alternative to him that is balanced in its approach to Israel's neighbors. Otherwise it is an endless and, perhaps, losing position that he consistently takes.
--I have mentioned a writer on the SI website named Richard Deitsch. He is just terrific. Through his column I read an article on Gawker about Florida State and its football program. (NOTE: IT IS NOT ABOUT SPORTS; IT IS ABOUT THE CULTURE). Just a terrific piece especially coming out the same week their quarterback is being accused of sexual assault.
--Three women Marines passed all the physical requirements to be soldiers and not in supportive roles but out there where people die for us. But the Marines will not deploy them because they simply don't know how to do it. Ugh.
--Happened to have been in both Costco and Whole Food just before Thanksgiving--PEOPLE LET ME TELL YOU , TH ECONOMY IS BACK. Folks are buying all sorts of shit filling shopping carts to the brim. Oh my.
--An unnamed person attended a conference at Gillette Stadium which apparently has conference space. Her comment upon attending this conference was that the room was as big as a football field (!)--but I responded the football field was outside the window. Something about communication breakdowns.
--"This Town" by some guy whose last name is Leibovich--terrific non fiction account of the big shots who really run the country.
--Any comments about casinos is a waste--just keep buying lottery tickets and pretending that the lottery is not gambling.
SPORTS TALK
Been 3 Patriot games since last I wrote. Gronk did get held in that Panther game. But they deserved the loss. On the other hand they also did not deserve to beat either the Broncos or the Texans and they won both games. This puts them on the inside track for a bye--which may not help their swiss cheese defense.
The Yanks signing McCann is huge but I continue to wish ARod would go away.
The Bruins are practicing for the playoffs by playing low scoring games and having the best goaltending in the league. But do check out how many goals Seguin and Kessel have, wont you?
Hope you all had a pleasant Thanksgiving and an enjoyable Hanukkah.
Sayonara.
Saturday, November 16, 2013
TWEEDLE DEE AND TWEEDLE DUM
The night before our recent mayoral election, I had to ask again who I was to vote for. And I am pretty sure I actually got it right and my guy (Walsh) won. But let me tell you that the differences between these two guys is the width of a hair. In fact, I truly believe they are twins separated at birth and were born with identical black pin stripe suits complemented with those red regimental ties. They are so alike. But neither compares with that wild man who says he is the Mayor of Toronto. As Jon Stewart might say, please don't resign--you give me too much material. I mean the football jersey at meetings is the least of it. And why should crack smoking have anything to do with the competency required of a Mayor. Poor C and M.
Nationally, we have cut food stamps for the poor which passed quite easily and reflects the sneering disdain our elected officials have for those among us who do not have enough to eat. Please please let the recipients who have lost food stamps remember this in 2014 and 2016. One can only hope. And remember this too: John Boehner (he who has a perpetual tan) has decided there will be no vote in the House on immigration. Really, he represents one fucking district in Ohio and was not elected by the rest of us to be dictator for life. And remember this: Ted Cruz's father (a Cuban immigrant himself) wants Obama to go back to Africa--this guy is now a minister and God has spoken to him on this. Yup.
Speaking of dictatorships, I have decided that the following is not a sports story--so tough luck for you non sports folks. This mess in the locker room of the Dolphins is a good example of both blaming the victim (and you can be a victim even if you are 6 feet 7 and weigh nearly 300 pounds) and bullying. It is also about race and who can and cannot use the "N" word. And Richie Incognito certainly cannot use it. The coach and GM should be kicked to the curb--if this were in a non sports setting, they would already be looking for work. But football, intertwined as it is with the military, is a world unto its own and remains even more in the dark ages than the military. I could puke every time a game begins with jets flying over stadia (thank you Mrs. Reynolds for teaching me how to make a plural of stadium). And, oh yeah, its a "war" out there on the field. NOT. I watch a show on ESPN called Pardon the Interruption with a white reporter and an African American reporter. They have the most honest conversations about race that I have seen on TV--better than the so called news stations.
More ends than odds:
-Terrific article in a recent Boston Mag about why people hate those of us who live in Boston. A lot of it has to do with our sports teams; but some of it has to do with our perceived snobbery. Moi?
-Great documentary called "The Waiting Room" about an ER in Oakland and what it is like to receive your primary care in that setting. Makes a strong yet unspoken case for Obamacare. Which I cannot believe got totally fucked up by IT. Boggles the mind.
-Ever try to renew a prescription which has expired? Oh my--the calls between my doctor and the pharmacy and my doctor and the pharmacy. Takes 3 days to fill the friggin things. Got to be a better way.
-Put those gloves away, put the down coats away, put those Tibetan woolen hats away--folks it just ain't that cold and winter is literally a month away. It will be in the 60's here this week. Come on.
-Monday to Friday Centre St. is bumper to bumper with women pushing carriages--both nannys and presumably "real" parents. Oh bless those new fangled carriages. Lets them put their lattes in the cup holder, yak on the phone while pushing, and have the second baby on their chest facing out. Forget walking if they happen to have a double wide (a la trailers) with twins. Might as well walk in the gutter.
-I will not see a Boston casino in my lifetime after the recent votes. I actually don't care but if it means Suffolk Downs will close because of the absence of a casino, I will be disappointed. Meanwhile NY state just approved 7 more casino licenses two of which might be in my old Catskill haunt.
-There was not an outpouring from you, my readers, in terms of my goal to reach 100--so I have upped the prize to whomsoever gets me past the century mark.
-If you stop reading here, I will give shout outs to Jake on his birthday, to John to get better, to Holly and Yvette for their strength, and to Anna on becoming a homeowner
SPORTS TALK
The Pats will have mucho trouble this coming Monday but I do believe they will win. The Bruins have now traded 3 players (Thornton, Seguin, and Kessel) who are perceived to be too soft. Now I am no fool and know they got something in return but is there no room on this team for guys who just happen to score. All Thornton does is get 100 points a year and I am betting both Seguin and Kessel will each get 35 goals. No one on the Bruins (except possibly Lucic) will get near that. Am trying not to get too excited when the Celtics win--they are at best a .500 team and if we are lucky, they will get in the lottery.
Happy Hanukkah and Happy Turkey Day.
Sayonara
Nationally, we have cut food stamps for the poor which passed quite easily and reflects the sneering disdain our elected officials have for those among us who do not have enough to eat. Please please let the recipients who have lost food stamps remember this in 2014 and 2016. One can only hope. And remember this too: John Boehner (he who has a perpetual tan) has decided there will be no vote in the House on immigration. Really, he represents one fucking district in Ohio and was not elected by the rest of us to be dictator for life. And remember this: Ted Cruz's father (a Cuban immigrant himself) wants Obama to go back to Africa--this guy is now a minister and God has spoken to him on this. Yup.
Speaking of dictatorships, I have decided that the following is not a sports story--so tough luck for you non sports folks. This mess in the locker room of the Dolphins is a good example of both blaming the victim (and you can be a victim even if you are 6 feet 7 and weigh nearly 300 pounds) and bullying. It is also about race and who can and cannot use the "N" word. And Richie Incognito certainly cannot use it. The coach and GM should be kicked to the curb--if this were in a non sports setting, they would already be looking for work. But football, intertwined as it is with the military, is a world unto its own and remains even more in the dark ages than the military. I could puke every time a game begins with jets flying over stadia (thank you Mrs. Reynolds for teaching me how to make a plural of stadium). And, oh yeah, its a "war" out there on the field. NOT. I watch a show on ESPN called Pardon the Interruption with a white reporter and an African American reporter. They have the most honest conversations about race that I have seen on TV--better than the so called news stations.
More ends than odds:
-Terrific article in a recent Boston Mag about why people hate those of us who live in Boston. A lot of it has to do with our sports teams; but some of it has to do with our perceived snobbery. Moi?
-Great documentary called "The Waiting Room" about an ER in Oakland and what it is like to receive your primary care in that setting. Makes a strong yet unspoken case for Obamacare. Which I cannot believe got totally fucked up by IT. Boggles the mind.
-Ever try to renew a prescription which has expired? Oh my--the calls between my doctor and the pharmacy and my doctor and the pharmacy. Takes 3 days to fill the friggin things. Got to be a better way.
-Put those gloves away, put the down coats away, put those Tibetan woolen hats away--folks it just ain't that cold and winter is literally a month away. It will be in the 60's here this week. Come on.
-Monday to Friday Centre St. is bumper to bumper with women pushing carriages--both nannys and presumably "real" parents. Oh bless those new fangled carriages. Lets them put their lattes in the cup holder, yak on the phone while pushing, and have the second baby on their chest facing out. Forget walking if they happen to have a double wide (a la trailers) with twins. Might as well walk in the gutter.
-I will not see a Boston casino in my lifetime after the recent votes. I actually don't care but if it means Suffolk Downs will close because of the absence of a casino, I will be disappointed. Meanwhile NY state just approved 7 more casino licenses two of which might be in my old Catskill haunt.
-There was not an outpouring from you, my readers, in terms of my goal to reach 100--so I have upped the prize to whomsoever gets me past the century mark.
-If you stop reading here, I will give shout outs to Jake on his birthday, to John to get better, to Holly and Yvette for their strength, and to Anna on becoming a homeowner
SPORTS TALK
The Pats will have mucho trouble this coming Monday but I do believe they will win. The Bruins have now traded 3 players (Thornton, Seguin, and Kessel) who are perceived to be too soft. Now I am no fool and know they got something in return but is there no room on this team for guys who just happen to score. All Thornton does is get 100 points a year and I am betting both Seguin and Kessel will each get 35 goals. No one on the Bruins (except possibly Lucic) will get near that. Am trying not to get too excited when the Celtics win--they are at best a .500 team and if we are lucky, they will get in the lottery.
Happy Hanukkah and Happy Turkey Day.
Sayonara
Thursday, October 31, 2013
OH THOSE FUNNY ENGINEERS AT GOOGLE
There must be too many engineers with time on their hands out there in Silicon Valley. At least once a month, they must have a meeting to decide how to change the pages that access either the Internet or my email. Or they restructure the email pages themselves. Oh what fun--I mean beside getting to play ping pong, dressing as shabbily as me, and eating peanut m and m's all day. The height of hilarity--kicking a few to the curb would not hurt.
Many many ends and odds. Here goes:
--From the Globe: "Man accused of driving drunk on mower". Well of course, we wouldn't want him driving his car while drunk. And besides, he was just going to the corner to buy more beer. Makes sense to me and obviously it was worthy of the Globe.
--From the Globe: "Quake devastates Filipino churches". Clearly pandering to the majority of its readers, this headline actually skips over the fact that lots of folks died in the earthquake which was not limited to houses of worships of any sort.
--On a sweatshirt: "JMU/LAX". Now I know what that stands for--do any of you? James Madison University Lacrosse. Rip it off, dude. No one knows about your school let alone the lacrosse team. If the "M" turned into an "H", we could then bow down to the gods of Johns Hopkins Lacrosse--usually the best college team. But this dumb bunny and his sweatshirt shold be in the gutter along with the Google engineers.
--Boehner (he who has a perpetual tan) and Cantor (he who is a member of my tribe) have both shut up for awhile ever since they could not corral their own wacky conservative House colleagues. But, trust me, they will rear their ugly heads again. Speaking of those wild and crazy Republicans, they are now blocking Obama nominees. They just hate him, don't they? And it is that barely intelligible Lindsey Graham with his wicked drawl leading this charge.
--Some terrific articles: A piece in the New Yorker by Jon Lee Anderson who is a favorite of mine. About a mystery writer from Havana but really about culture and the arts in Cuba and how the artists have to anticipate what the regime will tolerate. An article about the Grambling fiasco by George Dohrmann in Sports Illustrated about its football team but really about athletics at the Historically Black Universities and how they have been impacted both by budget cuts and the recruitment of the best African American athletes to the really big, formerly all white, southern universities. Last, a book by Jonathan Alter about how Obama won the election. Two points about this--first Alter argues the race was over by Labor Day and, second, Valerie Jeffries is the power behind the throne in that White house.
--Saw Warren Buffet on TV the other day. If he is not one of the finest men in America, then I am not sure who is unless it is me.
--I have no words to describe the computer glitches related to Obamacare. Just on the cusp of having the whole thing culturally accepted and then this. Yikes what a fuck up.
--The female sculptor for the Bill Russell statue is barely 5 feet tall and had to stand on chairs and ladders to get to the top of his head. Cannot imagine how strong she is.
--Can't wait for open tolling. It means I will never have to get an EZ pass because they will bill me. Oh those google guys. Came full circle, huh.
NEWSFLASH: There are now 90 of you and I am shvitzing to break 100. Whoever gets me over the top gets a special prize.
SPORTS TALK
--I have two good things to say about the red flops. Ortiz is some fucking hitter. Kudos to the fans for not copying those in other cities waving hankies like fools. Sorry but John Lackey is still an asshole.
--Michigan can only win if they score 60 points a game because for some reason their defense sucks.
--Brady is hurt and this Patriot subterfuge about injuries is both boring and pathetic. But having the Gronkster back surely helps.
--One of my favorite jockeys is Rosie (the queen of Corona) Napravnik. She has a few mounts this weekend in the Breeders Cup which is great horse racing but I refuse to be on it. Too difficult and too many horses.
Sayonara and dont forget the contest.
Many many ends and odds. Here goes:
--From the Globe: "Man accused of driving drunk on mower". Well of course, we wouldn't want him driving his car while drunk. And besides, he was just going to the corner to buy more beer. Makes sense to me and obviously it was worthy of the Globe.
--From the Globe: "Quake devastates Filipino churches". Clearly pandering to the majority of its readers, this headline actually skips over the fact that lots of folks died in the earthquake which was not limited to houses of worships of any sort.
--On a sweatshirt: "JMU/LAX". Now I know what that stands for--do any of you? James Madison University Lacrosse. Rip it off, dude. No one knows about your school let alone the lacrosse team. If the "M" turned into an "H", we could then bow down to the gods of Johns Hopkins Lacrosse--usually the best college team. But this dumb bunny and his sweatshirt shold be in the gutter along with the Google engineers.
--Boehner (he who has a perpetual tan) and Cantor (he who is a member of my tribe) have both shut up for awhile ever since they could not corral their own wacky conservative House colleagues. But, trust me, they will rear their ugly heads again. Speaking of those wild and crazy Republicans, they are now blocking Obama nominees. They just hate him, don't they? And it is that barely intelligible Lindsey Graham with his wicked drawl leading this charge.
--Some terrific articles: A piece in the New Yorker by Jon Lee Anderson who is a favorite of mine. About a mystery writer from Havana but really about culture and the arts in Cuba and how the artists have to anticipate what the regime will tolerate. An article about the Grambling fiasco by George Dohrmann in Sports Illustrated about its football team but really about athletics at the Historically Black Universities and how they have been impacted both by budget cuts and the recruitment of the best African American athletes to the really big, formerly all white, southern universities. Last, a book by Jonathan Alter about how Obama won the election. Two points about this--first Alter argues the race was over by Labor Day and, second, Valerie Jeffries is the power behind the throne in that White house.
--Saw Warren Buffet on TV the other day. If he is not one of the finest men in America, then I am not sure who is unless it is me.
--I have no words to describe the computer glitches related to Obamacare. Just on the cusp of having the whole thing culturally accepted and then this. Yikes what a fuck up.
--The female sculptor for the Bill Russell statue is barely 5 feet tall and had to stand on chairs and ladders to get to the top of his head. Cannot imagine how strong she is.
--Can't wait for open tolling. It means I will never have to get an EZ pass because they will bill me. Oh those google guys. Came full circle, huh.
NEWSFLASH: There are now 90 of you and I am shvitzing to break 100. Whoever gets me over the top gets a special prize.
SPORTS TALK
--I have two good things to say about the red flops. Ortiz is some fucking hitter. Kudos to the fans for not copying those in other cities waving hankies like fools. Sorry but John Lackey is still an asshole.
--Michigan can only win if they score 60 points a game because for some reason their defense sucks.
--Brady is hurt and this Patriot subterfuge about injuries is both boring and pathetic. But having the Gronkster back surely helps.
--One of my favorite jockeys is Rosie (the queen of Corona) Napravnik. She has a few mounts this weekend in the Breeders Cup which is great horse racing but I refuse to be on it. Too difficult and too many horses.
Sayonara and dont forget the contest.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
WHO'S ON FIRST?
Yeah, yeah I stole the title from Abbott and Costello. But if you remember that sketch, then you know it perfectly fits the current muck up in our nation's capital. Or, if you follow Jon Stewart, you can call it the 2013 "Shutstorm"--as opposed to shit storm which it really is but which he cannot utter on TV--but I have the luxury of using here. Because it is a SHIT STORM. I will give credit where credit is due--those Tea partiers in the House are true to their roots (I happen to detest the ground those roots are in)--they will not bend and it is ok if Obamacare is over turned and it is ok if we default. Even more mainstream conservatives (like Jeff Jacoby in today's Globe) cannot see any damage done by the shutdown. He must not need any of those experimental cancer treatments which have been put on hold.
Speaking of health care (what a transition, huh?)--we might as well just divide up this state into two hospital systems--Care Group and Partners. Every hospital and every health center. Life will be much easier. These "non profit" behemoths are just taking over anyhow. St. E's is only around because of its Catholic affiliation and BU Medical is around because of its commitment to the urban core of the city. But it would not surprise me if Tufts bit the dust one of these days. After dividing us up, they can go after some other states. Let me tell you that bigger is not always better even if we are told it will reduce their costs. But guess what--the Insurance companies (the same men and women who fought the Affordable Care Act) have finally figured out they love it because they have more customers and some of them are young and healthy and will stay with the companies for a long time. They are quite pissed that their House Republican buds want to gut it when it is making them money.
Janet Yellen will be the first woman to head the Fed (a rhyme to spice your day). We can partly thank my own Senator--Warren, that is--for kicking Larry Summers to the curb and advocating for Yellen. Five minutes after the announcement of her appointment, that bright light Richard Shelby, (Alabama's Senator) decided she might not have the skills for the job. He cannot even play in her sandbox--thats how stupid he is. But then again, he is from Alabama and they all know more than the rest of us.
Odds and Ends: That PBS documentary on the NFL and how it has handled concussions was both disturbing and excellent. ESPN pulled out of its sponsorship under (what may have been) pressure from the NFL. This is very scary and if anyone has a child playing Pop Warner football, I would pull him or her out right now.
Under undue and enormous pressure from 4 of the women in my family (and you all can count so you know who the culprits are) I broke down and got an I phone which I hate but caved in and got. The only upside so far was that I was able to follow the Patriots game this past weekend while on the train. I do make a point of talking on it while I cross the street oblivious to all cars.
Mildred and Yvette continue to hang in there and Oliver had a birthday--hoorays all around.
SPORTS TALK
I hate college coaches. They are pro wannabes who get in the faces of 18 year olds and treat them like shit. Some of their behavior is nearly abusive--yet we all idolize them and the $$$ they bring into their schools. The suck up commentators who kiss to the game are equally offensive.
If I am the Yanks there is no way I give Cano $300 million--and I love the guy. Let him go at that price. I hate those red flops but do admit they are more fun than those beer swiggers from last year.
And somehow, I think ARod is going to get a lighter "sentence" which is too bad--he should really be kicked down the dugout steps.
How to figure the Pats? They were pathetic against the Bengals and superlative against the Saints. Without Welker, Hernandez, and Gronkowski, they are 5-1. More injuries on top of more injuries. If I were me, I would worry about the Jets.
But hockey is back and boy do I love it.
Great fans in Houston cheering when Matt Schaub, who they hate, lay in pain on the field. Oh Texas--like Alabama--one of those football first states with just wondeful politicians as well.
Sayonara
Speaking of health care (what a transition, huh?)--we might as well just divide up this state into two hospital systems--Care Group and Partners. Every hospital and every health center. Life will be much easier. These "non profit" behemoths are just taking over anyhow. St. E's is only around because of its Catholic affiliation and BU Medical is around because of its commitment to the urban core of the city. But it would not surprise me if Tufts bit the dust one of these days. After dividing us up, they can go after some other states. Let me tell you that bigger is not always better even if we are told it will reduce their costs. But guess what--the Insurance companies (the same men and women who fought the Affordable Care Act) have finally figured out they love it because they have more customers and some of them are young and healthy and will stay with the companies for a long time. They are quite pissed that their House Republican buds want to gut it when it is making them money.
Janet Yellen will be the first woman to head the Fed (a rhyme to spice your day). We can partly thank my own Senator--Warren, that is--for kicking Larry Summers to the curb and advocating for Yellen. Five minutes after the announcement of her appointment, that bright light Richard Shelby, (Alabama's Senator) decided she might not have the skills for the job. He cannot even play in her sandbox--thats how stupid he is. But then again, he is from Alabama and they all know more than the rest of us.
Odds and Ends: That PBS documentary on the NFL and how it has handled concussions was both disturbing and excellent. ESPN pulled out of its sponsorship under (what may have been) pressure from the NFL. This is very scary and if anyone has a child playing Pop Warner football, I would pull him or her out right now.
Under undue and enormous pressure from 4 of the women in my family (and you all can count so you know who the culprits are) I broke down and got an I phone which I hate but caved in and got. The only upside so far was that I was able to follow the Patriots game this past weekend while on the train. I do make a point of talking on it while I cross the street oblivious to all cars.
Mildred and Yvette continue to hang in there and Oliver had a birthday--hoorays all around.
SPORTS TALK
I hate college coaches. They are pro wannabes who get in the faces of 18 year olds and treat them like shit. Some of their behavior is nearly abusive--yet we all idolize them and the $$$ they bring into their schools. The suck up commentators who kiss to the game are equally offensive.
If I am the Yanks there is no way I give Cano $300 million--and I love the guy. Let him go at that price. I hate those red flops but do admit they are more fun than those beer swiggers from last year.
And somehow, I think ARod is going to get a lighter "sentence" which is too bad--he should really be kicked down the dugout steps.
How to figure the Pats? They were pathetic against the Bengals and superlative against the Saints. Without Welker, Hernandez, and Gronkowski, they are 5-1. More injuries on top of more injuries. If I were me, I would worry about the Jets.
But hockey is back and boy do I love it.
Great fans in Houston cheering when Matt Schaub, who they hate, lay in pain on the field. Oh Texas--like Alabama--one of those football first states with just wondeful politicians as well.
Sayonara
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
MY BOYFRIENDS ARE BACK AND THEY ARE GONNA CAUSE TROUBLE--HEY LA LI LA
Those two boys are Eric (he who is a member of my tribe) Cantor and John (he who has a perpetual tan) Boehner. Basically they hate poor people--how else to explain leading the charge to reduce dollars for food stamps and Head Start plus attempting to overturn Obamacare. They keep saying the Affordable Care Act is unconstitutional--but did I miss something? Didn't those ultra progressives on the Supreme Court declare it valid? Look, they also hate the President and there is not a shred of doubt in my simple mind that the dots can be connected and this whole mess has more than an undercurrent of racism. Now they get to shut down the government holding Obamacare hostage to their rigidity.
Meanwhile, up here in the most Liberal state, we had a primary mayoral election with a bunch of candidates--felt like millions given how often the phone rang. Guess who the top two vote getters were--two white Irish guys. All the candidates of color (and there were a bunch) split that vote. I read or heard somewhere that Boston and Indianapolis are the only two Northern cities who have never had a mayor of color. And yet every day we slap ourselves on the back to congratulate ourselves on being a majority minority city. Means nada.
A word about Ted Cruz--I blame a close relative for his election but, being a great humanitarian, I let let bygones be bygones. He is a first generation American--the son of immigrants. But he is quick to point out his parents are from Cuba who we are supposed to despise. His parents are not people who crossed the Rio Grande. How can Wendy Davis win an election in that sorry mind numbing state. Maybe if she ran for Mayor(ess) of Austin.
Elizabeth Warren is turning out to be a terrific Senator so good that Scottie is leaving us for that Live Free or Die state just up the road--running scared because he knows he can never ever beat her. She stomped all over Larry Summers and his possible appointment to be Chief of the Fed. He continues to need reminders that he is a weasel and not a friend of women. She gave him another boot to the ass.
Nate Silver has moved to ESPN and is likely now a bazillionaire. He started as a sports statistician and is returning to his roots. Turns out he gets to keep his political survey blog which is great news though I am not sure I want to look at it just yet--maybe by next June and only if the boys continue to self destruct.
While not a Catholic, I have been struck by the words of this Pope guy. The Jesuits are a bit different--that was obvious to me ever since Father Drinan was in Congress. This Poppe seems to be trying at least to mend some fences--let's all hope he has a long papacy.
A terrific New Yorker cover--Assad and Bryan Cranston (from Breaking Bad) both mixing chemicals. Words do not do it justice. But the finale of Breaking Bad was perfect and not one of those neat, clear, typical tv finales. I did think, however, that the new season of Homeland began with somewhat of a dopey episode. By the way, Gatekeepers is a great documentary about the intelligence service of Israel and its leaders. Scary too.
After all the violence in Kenya, I get very worried about another close relative who will be travelling to Africa in a month or so--not Kenya but still.
Having Jess, Steffen, and the kids one town over is really special and I know how lucky Barbara and I are.
SPORTS TALK
Ok, Robinson Cano will not be the MVP. But the year he had on a team with a bunch of nobodies was spectacular. I cannot stand the humongous salaries these players get but how the Yankees cannot sign him is beyond me.
I am shocked that the Pats are 4-0 but am not one of those worried about the loss of Wilfork. They just need to find another fatty to put in there. That offense is only going to get better. I am thinking the Gronkster comes back against the Saints not the Bengals.
Sayonara and a shout out to Yvette who is fighting the good fight.
Meanwhile, up here in the most Liberal state, we had a primary mayoral election with a bunch of candidates--felt like millions given how often the phone rang. Guess who the top two vote getters were--two white Irish guys. All the candidates of color (and there were a bunch) split that vote. I read or heard somewhere that Boston and Indianapolis are the only two Northern cities who have never had a mayor of color. And yet every day we slap ourselves on the back to congratulate ourselves on being a majority minority city. Means nada.
A word about Ted Cruz--I blame a close relative for his election but, being a great humanitarian, I let let bygones be bygones. He is a first generation American--the son of immigrants. But he is quick to point out his parents are from Cuba who we are supposed to despise. His parents are not people who crossed the Rio Grande. How can Wendy Davis win an election in that sorry mind numbing state. Maybe if she ran for Mayor(ess) of Austin.
Elizabeth Warren is turning out to be a terrific Senator so good that Scottie is leaving us for that Live Free or Die state just up the road--running scared because he knows he can never ever beat her. She stomped all over Larry Summers and his possible appointment to be Chief of the Fed. He continues to need reminders that he is a weasel and not a friend of women. She gave him another boot to the ass.
Nate Silver has moved to ESPN and is likely now a bazillionaire. He started as a sports statistician and is returning to his roots. Turns out he gets to keep his political survey blog which is great news though I am not sure I want to look at it just yet--maybe by next June and only if the boys continue to self destruct.
While not a Catholic, I have been struck by the words of this Pope guy. The Jesuits are a bit different--that was obvious to me ever since Father Drinan was in Congress. This Poppe seems to be trying at least to mend some fences--let's all hope he has a long papacy.
A terrific New Yorker cover--Assad and Bryan Cranston (from Breaking Bad) both mixing chemicals. Words do not do it justice. But the finale of Breaking Bad was perfect and not one of those neat, clear, typical tv finales. I did think, however, that the new season of Homeland began with somewhat of a dopey episode. By the way, Gatekeepers is a great documentary about the intelligence service of Israel and its leaders. Scary too.
After all the violence in Kenya, I get very worried about another close relative who will be travelling to Africa in a month or so--not Kenya but still.
Having Jess, Steffen, and the kids one town over is really special and I know how lucky Barbara and I are.
SPORTS TALK
Ok, Robinson Cano will not be the MVP. But the year he had on a team with a bunch of nobodies was spectacular. I cannot stand the humongous salaries these players get but how the Yankees cannot sign him is beyond me.
I am shocked that the Pats are 4-0 but am not one of those worried about the loss of Wilfork. They just need to find another fatty to put in there. That offense is only going to get better. I am thinking the Gronkster comes back against the Saints not the Bengals.
Sayonara and a shout out to Yvette who is fighting the good fight.
Sunday, September 15, 2013
I'M BAAACK!!
And not a moment too soon I might add. My mumblings and rumblings are desperately needed for a chaotic world. But first a word from my sponsors.
Context is important as you shall see: Grew in Miami. Mother's relatives were all in Maine. Father's relatives were (and continue to be) in Brazil having escaped the horrors of Hitler. No relatives around Miami to celebrate holidays with, to go on vacations with, or to experience life in an extended family with. That is what I carry with me sometimes as a burden but mostly just as reality (a bit too profound, no?). Anyhow, we spent the month of August in the Berkshires and, truth be told, it was wonderful. How can it not be when we are all (as a family) so lucky, so healthy, and mostly so comfortable with each other. Joining us were assorted children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, brothers in law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. As a member of this smallish tribe, I continue to marvel at how families work and sometimes don't work. I am amazed to be sitting with 3 generations of what is now my family. I am astounded at actually having grandchildren. I feel feministic (Please no comments on my word creation skills.) about the strong women who are my children and my partner. How can this be and how do I fit in? It is something I continue to learn about and attempt to feel settled with. The chaos at times makes me crazy; but then upon our return here, I am ready to sign up again for next summer. It hits me deeply that I am so attached to this group of people and reminds me of all I missed down there in Miami as I grew up.
Moving on to the odds and ends section. I am sitting in my dermatologist's office watching a guy talking in Hebrew on his cell phone--VERY LOUDLY. Almost directly under the sign which says please don't use your cell phone. Then, proceeds to pick his nose. Really? This is topped by the guy on the bike on Centre Street that I saw before our trip. Gotta weigh a smidgen over 300 pounds and is riding one of those old Schwinn bikes with no gears and with those funky streamers coming out of the handle bars. He is wearing those Daisy May tight shorts and as he rides away the crack in his ass is visible from at least a mile away. Really? Who wins this battle of the "oh my, who are these creeps" contest?
So, Egypt continues to be in turmoil. Jordan has refugee cities which have become 3 of the 5 largest cities in the country and, in those cities, stores have sprung up and cafes have sprung up and hospitals have sprung up. And people are being born and people are dying. The world is propping Jordan up because right next door is the mess they call Syria. Maybe we have escaped a military intervention but maybe not and, if not Syria, there will be other chances down the road in other Middle East countries. I really have no answers just know Obama put himself in a real box with some of his rhetoric. On the other hand, for Donald Rumsfeld to offer advice after his mishandling of Iraq is a big fat joke. And, as I have previously said (and self congratulated myself about), Lebanon is a tinder box because of Hezbollah's support of Assad. The only miracle so far is that the Israelis have kept their mouths shut. By the way, if you don't believe the CIA and, perhaps U.S. Special Forces, are inside of Syria, you are most certainly wrong.
Bumped into Post Mistress Thalia in July. She retired because she could not stand the crazy people in the JP branch (her words not mine). I really miss her but have, to my delight, learned how to operate the computerized set up in the lobby--so I avoid all the unpleasantness of the real people who work there.
Truer odds and ends: Go immediately and see the movie Fruitvale Station and then get really depressed. Go and read "As Texas Goes..." by Gail Collins and also get really depressed. Go out on the highway and count how many different license plates the state of Florida has and then get really depressed because the Floridians believe that makes things all better. But it doesn't. It is still the ugly South and George Zimmerman was a free man until he beat his wife.
The cuts to Head start are unconscionable but then most members of the House of Representatives
still do not believe Obama was born here--so what can you expect.
Fight on, Yvette.
SPORTS TALK
The Yankees will not make it and really do not deserve to. But the trade for Soriano coupled with the out of this world performance of Cano has kept them in there. Cano easily is one of the top 5 players in all of baseball. And, oh by the way, he makes Pedey look oh so ordinary. ARod is a lying fool.
Mr. Brady and the boys have now struggled twice and have another semi easy game coming up. But after that the real world intrudes and those kiddy receivers better learn to catch the ball and we all should hope the Gronkster gets back.
Sayonara.
Context is important as you shall see: Grew in Miami. Mother's relatives were all in Maine. Father's relatives were (and continue to be) in Brazil having escaped the horrors of Hitler. No relatives around Miami to celebrate holidays with, to go on vacations with, or to experience life in an extended family with. That is what I carry with me sometimes as a burden but mostly just as reality (a bit too profound, no?). Anyhow, we spent the month of August in the Berkshires and, truth be told, it was wonderful. How can it not be when we are all (as a family) so lucky, so healthy, and mostly so comfortable with each other. Joining us were assorted children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, brothers in law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. As a member of this smallish tribe, I continue to marvel at how families work and sometimes don't work. I am amazed to be sitting with 3 generations of what is now my family. I am astounded at actually having grandchildren. I feel feministic (Please no comments on my word creation skills.) about the strong women who are my children and my partner. How can this be and how do I fit in? It is something I continue to learn about and attempt to feel settled with. The chaos at times makes me crazy; but then upon our return here, I am ready to sign up again for next summer. It hits me deeply that I am so attached to this group of people and reminds me of all I missed down there in Miami as I grew up.
Moving on to the odds and ends section. I am sitting in my dermatologist's office watching a guy talking in Hebrew on his cell phone--VERY LOUDLY. Almost directly under the sign which says please don't use your cell phone. Then, proceeds to pick his nose. Really? This is topped by the guy on the bike on Centre Street that I saw before our trip. Gotta weigh a smidgen over 300 pounds and is riding one of those old Schwinn bikes with no gears and with those funky streamers coming out of the handle bars. He is wearing those Daisy May tight shorts and as he rides away the crack in his ass is visible from at least a mile away. Really? Who wins this battle of the "oh my, who are these creeps" contest?
So, Egypt continues to be in turmoil. Jordan has refugee cities which have become 3 of the 5 largest cities in the country and, in those cities, stores have sprung up and cafes have sprung up and hospitals have sprung up. And people are being born and people are dying. The world is propping Jordan up because right next door is the mess they call Syria. Maybe we have escaped a military intervention but maybe not and, if not Syria, there will be other chances down the road in other Middle East countries. I really have no answers just know Obama put himself in a real box with some of his rhetoric. On the other hand, for Donald Rumsfeld to offer advice after his mishandling of Iraq is a big fat joke. And, as I have previously said (and self congratulated myself about), Lebanon is a tinder box because of Hezbollah's support of Assad. The only miracle so far is that the Israelis have kept their mouths shut. By the way, if you don't believe the CIA and, perhaps U.S. Special Forces, are inside of Syria, you are most certainly wrong.
Bumped into Post Mistress Thalia in July. She retired because she could not stand the crazy people in the JP branch (her words not mine). I really miss her but have, to my delight, learned how to operate the computerized set up in the lobby--so I avoid all the unpleasantness of the real people who work there.
Truer odds and ends: Go immediately and see the movie Fruitvale Station and then get really depressed. Go and read "As Texas Goes..." by Gail Collins and also get really depressed. Go out on the highway and count how many different license plates the state of Florida has and then get really depressed because the Floridians believe that makes things all better. But it doesn't. It is still the ugly South and George Zimmerman was a free man until he beat his wife.
The cuts to Head start are unconscionable but then most members of the House of Representatives
still do not believe Obama was born here--so what can you expect.
Fight on, Yvette.
SPORTS TALK
The Yankees will not make it and really do not deserve to. But the trade for Soriano coupled with the out of this world performance of Cano has kept them in there. Cano easily is one of the top 5 players in all of baseball. And, oh by the way, he makes Pedey look oh so ordinary. ARod is a lying fool.
Mr. Brady and the boys have now struggled twice and have another semi easy game coming up. But after that the real world intrudes and those kiddy receivers better learn to catch the ball and we all should hope the Gronkster gets back.
Sayonara.
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
SEE YOU IN SEPTEMBER
I know how you feel. I have that same baited breath (and what the fuck is baited breath anyway?) feeling as I wait each month for my Social Security check to be deposited. I say to myself will it be there, will it be accurate, what do I do if it is not deposited? That is exactly how you must feel twice a month (oh gosh, twice the anxiety) as you await my amazing words. Well tough luck, campers. We are off for a month and you won't be hearing from me until mid September. But I will be keeping a list and checking it twice to be sure I keep track of all the high and low lights in the world. And lest I forget--Happy Labor day to all and, to those of the Jewish persuasion, Happy New Year--it comes very early, so get ready.
Where to start? How about this direct quote from the Globe. On an episode of "Face The Nation, John Boehner (he who has a perpetual tan) said: "Congress ought to be judged on how many laws we repeal" not by how many laws we pass. This is one of our leaders, third in line for the Presidency. And they get all the help they need from the Supremes. Beside everything else, he simply has no clue what leadership is and/or how to be a LEADER--and of course there is no outrage from any of his colleagues over this bit of nastiness.
Anthoney Weiner won't drop out? What's wrong with that picture? And his wife still is supportive. People really are out of touch and so full of themselves that it boggles the mind. Then we have the sad and pathetic tale of the city of Detroit. Though it takes an average 60 minutes for police to respond to 911 calls, they are going ahead with a $400 million dollar arena plan for downtown. And the conservative put in charge of the city by the Gov thinks it is a brilliant idea. This in a city with 40,000 abandoned but standing houses. Pathetic.
Elizabeth Warren is turning into one helluva Senator--plus she is actually doing what she promised which is going after Wall Street and protecting middle Americans. Even going against her party at certain times. And little Eddie Markey is following in her footsteps--what a turnaround. But those wonderful House Republicans have not reversed their decision about eliminating food stamps even as they continued farm subsidies. Next on their agenda--another vote to overturn Obamacare.
Nothing better to do especially with Boehner (he who has a perpetual tan--oh, I did say that once already, huh?) wanting more not fewer repeals.
A few words (a day late and way more than a dollar short) about George Zimmerman. Jurors now saying he really was guilty but the law prevented them from finding him guilty. I cannot bear it or hear it and want them to just shut up and go away. The best piece I saw or read on this travesty was on the Jon Stewart show which is being hosted over the summer by John Oliver. I saw it on You Tube and he was both funny and enraged--just terrific. And oh, by the way, he is British where even the police do not carry guns.
Watch out: The Popester had some semi normal things to say about gay folks.
A confession, I am starting to have sympathy for the devil. The devil being Whitey Bulger. Not exactly sympathy but they guy is 83 and is going to prison for the rest of his life no matter what. I think the judge should just call it quits, let the victim's families give impact statements, and get it over with. Send him off. And if you don't think Whitey will be running a few little things from prison, you are nuts--he still has plenty of influence in that new yuppie world of Southie. Plus the much more important trial of the Marathon bomber is going on in the same building and is deserving of much more of our attention.
Getting all sorts of communiques about my 50th HS reunion--one of which opened with "I am a widow"--what do you say in response to someone you have not seen in 30 years--seems a bit too intimate for our first conversation, no?
"The Bridge" on FX is excellent.
SPORTS TALK
Not getting too carried away with the US men's soccer team. Though I did read someplace that part of their improvement is the greater involvement of Hispanic players especially those raised in Southern California. Check out some of the names the next time they are on TV and then maybe someone should discuss immigration reform since most of them were not born here.
You heard it here first--two Buckeyes under Urban Meyer's blind oversight have already been arrested. More surely will follow. He is a thug coach with a proven track record of being just that at Florida. On the other hand, when our prisons are disproportionately filled with men of color, should we expect anything different in the "real world"? It is a very fine line and I have no answers; just questions.
See you soon Lilli and Oliver.
Sayonara
Where to start? How about this direct quote from the Globe. On an episode of "Face The Nation, John Boehner (he who has a perpetual tan) said: "Congress ought to be judged on how many laws we repeal" not by how many laws we pass. This is one of our leaders, third in line for the Presidency. And they get all the help they need from the Supremes. Beside everything else, he simply has no clue what leadership is and/or how to be a LEADER--and of course there is no outrage from any of his colleagues over this bit of nastiness.
Anthoney Weiner won't drop out? What's wrong with that picture? And his wife still is supportive. People really are out of touch and so full of themselves that it boggles the mind. Then we have the sad and pathetic tale of the city of Detroit. Though it takes an average 60 minutes for police to respond to 911 calls, they are going ahead with a $400 million dollar arena plan for downtown. And the conservative put in charge of the city by the Gov thinks it is a brilliant idea. This in a city with 40,000 abandoned but standing houses. Pathetic.
Elizabeth Warren is turning into one helluva Senator--plus she is actually doing what she promised which is going after Wall Street and protecting middle Americans. Even going against her party at certain times. And little Eddie Markey is following in her footsteps--what a turnaround. But those wonderful House Republicans have not reversed their decision about eliminating food stamps even as they continued farm subsidies. Next on their agenda--another vote to overturn Obamacare.
Nothing better to do especially with Boehner (he who has a perpetual tan--oh, I did say that once already, huh?) wanting more not fewer repeals.
A few words (a day late and way more than a dollar short) about George Zimmerman. Jurors now saying he really was guilty but the law prevented them from finding him guilty. I cannot bear it or hear it and want them to just shut up and go away. The best piece I saw or read on this travesty was on the Jon Stewart show which is being hosted over the summer by John Oliver. I saw it on You Tube and he was both funny and enraged--just terrific. And oh, by the way, he is British where even the police do not carry guns.
Watch out: The Popester had some semi normal things to say about gay folks.
A confession, I am starting to have sympathy for the devil. The devil being Whitey Bulger. Not exactly sympathy but they guy is 83 and is going to prison for the rest of his life no matter what. I think the judge should just call it quits, let the victim's families give impact statements, and get it over with. Send him off. And if you don't think Whitey will be running a few little things from prison, you are nuts--he still has plenty of influence in that new yuppie world of Southie. Plus the much more important trial of the Marathon bomber is going on in the same building and is deserving of much more of our attention.
Getting all sorts of communiques about my 50th HS reunion--one of which opened with "I am a widow"--what do you say in response to someone you have not seen in 30 years--seems a bit too intimate for our first conversation, no?
"The Bridge" on FX is excellent.
SPORTS TALK
Not getting too carried away with the US men's soccer team. Though I did read someplace that part of their improvement is the greater involvement of Hispanic players especially those raised in Southern California. Check out some of the names the next time they are on TV and then maybe someone should discuss immigration reform since most of them were not born here.
You heard it here first--two Buckeyes under Urban Meyer's blind oversight have already been arrested. More surely will follow. He is a thug coach with a proven track record of being just that at Florida. On the other hand, when our prisons are disproportionately filled with men of color, should we expect anything different in the "real world"? It is a very fine line and I have no answers; just questions.
See you soon Lilli and Oliver.
Sayonara
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
I WISH I WAS IN THE LAND OF COTTON, OLD TIMES THERE ARE NOT FORGOTTEN
That's from the song Dixie which I am sure someone famous wrote (?Stephen Foster?). Anyhow, I was reminded of it when Barbara asked if I was surprised at the result of the Zimmerman trial and I said no. Florida is the South--though if you start in Key West, you may not think so. But as you move North, and eventually end up in Pensacola near the "Redneck Riviera", you know you are in the heart of the good ole boy South. Six white women felt the killing of Trayvon was acceptable for someone "feeling fear". The breakthrough here is that the verdict was delivered by the good ole girls--a victory for feminism? So I don't care about the Justice Department inquiry and I don't care about civil suits. Parents lost a son who was wearing a hoodie and scared poor little Georgie. I am not beyond any guilt. On July 4th, we stopped on a bridge in South Boston to observe the fireworks--a bridge teeming with Hispanic teenagers. I was quite tense and unsure of my own safety though I hope it could have been any group of adolescents raising hell and running around yelling. The Florida self defense law which allows you to shoot if you "feel" threatened (not necessarily physically threatened) is beyond any words available to me. The trial was the same week that Doonesbury resurrected "Jimmy Crow"--the character representing voter suppression in the South. Clerks and registrars all over the South (and redistricting committees in legislatures) must of all had some good chuckles about how they could could further screw black voters. All this thanks to the destruction of the enforcement provision of the Voting Rights Act. Sleep soundly Clarence Thomas. Cannot say enough but will move on.
Now those U.S.Congress House Republicans are really special. They passed a farm bill but totally eliminated food stamps. Did not see Boehner (he of the perpetual tan) or Cantor (he who is a member of my tribe) do any sound bites about that. And they are on the verge of scuttling the immigration bill because it rewards people who got here illegally--all of whom may vote them out of office. One can only hope. These same refugees are of course in schools and in the Armed Forces and literally dying so that the Republicans can fuck them over. They and their Senate colleagues also managed to squash any bill to freeze interest rates on student loans. You gotta love their cojones and can only hope that we all remember them in 2014.
Then the animal stories featured in the Globe. Great white sharks continue to swim off the shores of Cape Cod--as opposed to appearing in downtown Hyannis. There are bears on the roads of Vermont as opposed to the main streets of Vermont. And in upstate New York, deer will be shot with contraceptives as a way to manage their proliferation. Really, do we need this news? Aren't we better off with accident articles or crime stories or Whitey Bulger stories?
Quick notes: Egypt is on the verge of civil war and is a totally out of control country. The civil war in Syria is turning in favor of the government which is really bad news for the countries supporting the rebels. And ditto for the citizens of the country.
Two culture items. The most recent cover of the New Yorker showed Bert and Ernie with their arms around each other as DOMA was declared null and void on their TV. "20 Feet from Stardom" is a terrific movie about the importance of back up singers in the lives of the best bands in the world.
SPORTS TALK
Will be brief because it feels a bit trivial. Hate the Seguin trade even if he is an asshole. Urban Meyer should be kicked to the curb and the real question is how many Buckeyes will be in jail (a la his time at Florida) before he is through there. Hard to imagine what goes through the minds of the Haitian national soccer team as they play here in that CONCACAF tourney. With what their country has gone through? And a final stolen idea: Hernandez should have his trial moved to Sanford, Florida.
So very proud of my children and grandchildren. Love you all.
Sayonara
Now those U.S.Congress House Republicans are really special. They passed a farm bill but totally eliminated food stamps. Did not see Boehner (he of the perpetual tan) or Cantor (he who is a member of my tribe) do any sound bites about that. And they are on the verge of scuttling the immigration bill because it rewards people who got here illegally--all of whom may vote them out of office. One can only hope. These same refugees are of course in schools and in the Armed Forces and literally dying so that the Republicans can fuck them over. They and their Senate colleagues also managed to squash any bill to freeze interest rates on student loans. You gotta love their cojones and can only hope that we all remember them in 2014.
Then the animal stories featured in the Globe. Great white sharks continue to swim off the shores of Cape Cod--as opposed to appearing in downtown Hyannis. There are bears on the roads of Vermont as opposed to the main streets of Vermont. And in upstate New York, deer will be shot with contraceptives as a way to manage their proliferation. Really, do we need this news? Aren't we better off with accident articles or crime stories or Whitey Bulger stories?
Quick notes: Egypt is on the verge of civil war and is a totally out of control country. The civil war in Syria is turning in favor of the government which is really bad news for the countries supporting the rebels. And ditto for the citizens of the country.
Two culture items. The most recent cover of the New Yorker showed Bert and Ernie with their arms around each other as DOMA was declared null and void on their TV. "20 Feet from Stardom" is a terrific movie about the importance of back up singers in the lives of the best bands in the world.
SPORTS TALK
Will be brief because it feels a bit trivial. Hate the Seguin trade even if he is an asshole. Urban Meyer should be kicked to the curb and the real question is how many Buckeyes will be in jail (a la his time at Florida) before he is through there. Hard to imagine what goes through the minds of the Haitian national soccer team as they play here in that CONCACAF tourney. With what their country has gone through? And a final stolen idea: Hernandez should have his trial moved to Sanford, Florida.
So very proud of my children and grandchildren. Love you all.
Sayonara
Monday, July 1, 2013
TWO RULES TO LIVE BY AND OTHER ASSORTED ITEMS IN MY WORLD
1. Never, ever, converse with someone in the supermarket who is talking to either canned goods or fresh vegetables. Talking to the meat is ok.
2. Never, ever, smile at a person who is entering the library--it is a super secret code for "I will see you in the rest room".
Been getting a lot of not so pleasant comments about a loss of "edginess" in this screed. Will hope I have regained some of mojo in this post.
Moving on, we met with our financial planners recently and one of them plotted out how much money we would need given my life expectancy--which by the way is 81. I was floored and at least once a day since then, the number has popped into my head. I should have throttled him. Then today an article appeared in the Globe about an upcoming arts festival funded by this 83 year old philanthropist who was told not to have it occur so soon. His response: "I don't even buy green bananas". Love it. The Globe also did manage on the same day to have 3 brief pieces about bears.
A close relative who knows much more about immigration especially how it plays out in Congress is not optimistic about this Senate bill passing the fucking crazy Republicans in the House. The Republicans simply don't want "those people" to become citizens. However, those folks do vote and one can only hope that this will backfire and changes will occur in 2014. It is ok if they are in the military and die for the country but not ok if they also are citizens. And a wall along the border will not solve the problem--just ask the Israelis. After reading a recent article in the New Yorker, I will admit John McCain had a lot to do with the Senate passing the bill. Ditto for that yokel Lindsey Graham.
Hate to depend on Anthony Kennedy for every 5-4 Supreme Court decision. They gutted the enforcement section of the the Voting rights Act (check out today's Doonesbury to see what he had to say about the return of Jim Crow). Yet they virtually did away with DOMA. Go figure.
That Texas State Senator who spoke for 11 hours straight was terrific; but Perry will have his way and Texas will end up severely limiting access to abortions. She is a single parent who ended up at Harvard Law. Perry suggested she should know better since she chose not to have an abortion. CHOSE being my operative word. Meanwhile the Gov did permit Texas to execute another person making it an even 500. Oh, Anna, do something down there, please. I am not sure where this guy Snowden will end up (what is a transit area anyway?) but I am damn sure the more we learn the better even if it takes leaks like this.
And now we are providing arms to the Syrian rebels. I am not sure what the best choice was given Assad's murderous tendencies and his Hezbollah pals. But I would be worried especially with Egypt starting to blow up and Turkey still simmering.
Paula Deen deserves every bit of negativity we can summon. Usage of the "N" word is bad enough--but she serves up the unhealthiest fattifying food on her show and chats us up with that "Y all" crap--makes me puke. A la Lindsey Graham.
Semi sports: Trust me when I say it is not a good idea to wish you knew about the personal lives of athletes. And I am not just talking about Aaron Hernandez and his plight. Serena Williams had a few ugly words about the victim of that rape in Steubenville. We know too much about Tiger Woods also. Just focus on what happens between the lines. Screw the rest . I am as guilty as the next person on this one.
Welcome to Jake, Tess, and Fay Still trying to reach 100. Got any newbies?
SPORTS TALK
Very tough loss for the Bruins but I did love what they did to Sid the kid. Their loss was in part due to the better team winning and Rask cooling off a bit. Plus they gave up too many leads late in games. Now the talking heads are going after Sequin who is all of 21.
I think the moves Ainge is making will in the long run be better for the team. But if you have Celtic season tickets, you have a tough 2 or 3 years ahead. And I would dump rondo as well. Just saying.
The Yankees, like water, are seeking their own level which is about .500 baseball. Injuries for sure but also age. I wish Brian Cashman all the luck getting rid of ARod but it won't happen unless he gets busted for that steroid business. Beware, you red flop fans, of the Blue Jays and the Orioles.
Sayonara and Happy 4th.
2. Never, ever, smile at a person who is entering the library--it is a super secret code for "I will see you in the rest room".
Been getting a lot of not so pleasant comments about a loss of "edginess" in this screed. Will hope I have regained some of mojo in this post.
Moving on, we met with our financial planners recently and one of them plotted out how much money we would need given my life expectancy--which by the way is 81. I was floored and at least once a day since then, the number has popped into my head. I should have throttled him. Then today an article appeared in the Globe about an upcoming arts festival funded by this 83 year old philanthropist who was told not to have it occur so soon. His response: "I don't even buy green bananas". Love it. The Globe also did manage on the same day to have 3 brief pieces about bears.
A close relative who knows much more about immigration especially how it plays out in Congress is not optimistic about this Senate bill passing the fucking crazy Republicans in the House. The Republicans simply don't want "those people" to become citizens. However, those folks do vote and one can only hope that this will backfire and changes will occur in 2014. It is ok if they are in the military and die for the country but not ok if they also are citizens. And a wall along the border will not solve the problem--just ask the Israelis. After reading a recent article in the New Yorker, I will admit John McCain had a lot to do with the Senate passing the bill. Ditto for that yokel Lindsey Graham.
Hate to depend on Anthony Kennedy for every 5-4 Supreme Court decision. They gutted the enforcement section of the the Voting rights Act (check out today's Doonesbury to see what he had to say about the return of Jim Crow). Yet they virtually did away with DOMA. Go figure.
That Texas State Senator who spoke for 11 hours straight was terrific; but Perry will have his way and Texas will end up severely limiting access to abortions. She is a single parent who ended up at Harvard Law. Perry suggested she should know better since she chose not to have an abortion. CHOSE being my operative word. Meanwhile the Gov did permit Texas to execute another person making it an even 500. Oh, Anna, do something down there, please. I am not sure where this guy Snowden will end up (what is a transit area anyway?) but I am damn sure the more we learn the better even if it takes leaks like this.
And now we are providing arms to the Syrian rebels. I am not sure what the best choice was given Assad's murderous tendencies and his Hezbollah pals. But I would be worried especially with Egypt starting to blow up and Turkey still simmering.
Paula Deen deserves every bit of negativity we can summon. Usage of the "N" word is bad enough--but she serves up the unhealthiest fattifying food on her show and chats us up with that "Y all" crap--makes me puke. A la Lindsey Graham.
Semi sports: Trust me when I say it is not a good idea to wish you knew about the personal lives of athletes. And I am not just talking about Aaron Hernandez and his plight. Serena Williams had a few ugly words about the victim of that rape in Steubenville. We know too much about Tiger Woods also. Just focus on what happens between the lines. Screw the rest . I am as guilty as the next person on this one.
Welcome to Jake, Tess, and Fay Still trying to reach 100. Got any newbies?
SPORTS TALK
Very tough loss for the Bruins but I did love what they did to Sid the kid. Their loss was in part due to the better team winning and Rask cooling off a bit. Plus they gave up too many leads late in games. Now the talking heads are going after Sequin who is all of 21.
I think the moves Ainge is making will in the long run be better for the team. But if you have Celtic season tickets, you have a tough 2 or 3 years ahead. And I would dump rondo as well. Just saying.
The Yankees, like water, are seeking their own level which is about .500 baseball. Injuries for sure but also age. I wish Brian Cashman all the luck getting rid of ARod but it won't happen unless he gets busted for that steroid business. Beware, you red flop fans, of the Blue Jays and the Orioles.
Sayonara and Happy 4th.
Sunday, June 16, 2013
FATHERS AND OTHER IMPORTANT PEOPLE
Some of whom are actually women. Seriously, Happy Father's Day to all of you who are fathers, were fathered, or aspire to be fathers. I had a terrific day though of course in my world (which is about me), there needs to be an additional thought. Namely, I have struggled and perhaps succeeded in being a better father (and now grandfather) than my father was to me and his grandchildren. Won't pursue that further except to hope i have achieved that goal.
Forget about gun control, approval of judges, immigration, or any other seemingly controversial legislation. The fucking Senate could not even pass a student loan bill which in essence would have capped and limited interest rates for students. The Republicans simply would not go for it. It really is pathetic and makes the 2014 mid terms real important if Obama is going to get anything through. Base closings--nope. Guantanamo closing--nope. Immigration only after 13 years of who knows what. And the House Republicans (in the majority) are even worse. Reduction in food stamp allocations--oh, that will pass.
Predicted here first--fighting spread from Syria into Lebanon and,worse, Hezbollah has publicly acknowledged assisting Assad and fighting with him to suppress the rebels. The tide seems to have turned in Assad's favor and then lo and behold we have agreed that the "line in the sand" was crossed and Assad did use chemical weapons. Kind of coincidental, don't you think? But it means that arms will begin flowing from us via Jordan and Turkey to the rebels. McCain and his buds will likely push for more of something once this starts moving.
Speaking of Turkey, turmoil in a very important country literally on the cusp of the Arab world and the European world. A beautiful place with a Muslim majority but a relatively benign non religious democratic leader. Relatively being the operative word. They just hate Kurds but are dying to be part of the European Union. Meanwhile let's not forget the Israelis who continue with settlement expansion even as they permit the religious right to block women from praying at the wailing wall.
Senator Chambliss, one of our fine Southern gentlemen Senators, believes it is just a hormonal problem that causes sexual assaults in the Armed Forces. Honest to god, they are just stupid and would like to take us all back to Noah and his ark. Thankfully, Boehner and Cantor have kept their mouths shut,.
So I signed up for Markey's senate campaign and was told to expect a call that day. That day was 10 days ago and because I frequently act like an infant, I decided to not help out until I was called. Still waiting. But it looks like he will be fine. Every ad from Gomez, his opponent, starts off with jets landing on aircraft carriers. His service record is both impressive and irrelevant--especially when he nonchalantly talks about overturning Roe v. Wade.
Ends and odds: Truly, in the last week alone, the Globe had stories about seals, sharks, and bears. All on the front page. Some southern states have approved legislation allowing local communities to license teachers to carry weapons in class rooms--terrific. Dunkin Donuts is now offering a glazed donut sliced horizontally like a bagel. Inside is a cheese, egg, and ham concoction probably prepared months ago. Wonder what the nutritionists think of that one. A key question is whether I will see a casino in Massachusetts during my life time.
But Oliver and Lilli--can't wait until your imminent return.
SPORTS TALK
What's with all those straw hats at the French Open. Does it mean something that I don't understand. And the bouncing of those Europeans between serves--whats up with that? Didn't help the women.
Hate the Heat and Phil (The man with the shit eating grin/the great white hype) Mickelson.
I admit I was not optimistic about the Bruins but they are so responsive in the face of adversity. I also admit, because of prior commitments, I have seen only brief parts of the 2 games. But home is where the heart is and they are home tomorrow night and I will be front and center perhaps with a cocktail.
Sayonara
Forget about gun control, approval of judges, immigration, or any other seemingly controversial legislation. The fucking Senate could not even pass a student loan bill which in essence would have capped and limited interest rates for students. The Republicans simply would not go for it. It really is pathetic and makes the 2014 mid terms real important if Obama is going to get anything through. Base closings--nope. Guantanamo closing--nope. Immigration only after 13 years of who knows what. And the House Republicans (in the majority) are even worse. Reduction in food stamp allocations--oh, that will pass.
Predicted here first--fighting spread from Syria into Lebanon and,worse, Hezbollah has publicly acknowledged assisting Assad and fighting with him to suppress the rebels. The tide seems to have turned in Assad's favor and then lo and behold we have agreed that the "line in the sand" was crossed and Assad did use chemical weapons. Kind of coincidental, don't you think? But it means that arms will begin flowing from us via Jordan and Turkey to the rebels. McCain and his buds will likely push for more of something once this starts moving.
Speaking of Turkey, turmoil in a very important country literally on the cusp of the Arab world and the European world. A beautiful place with a Muslim majority but a relatively benign non religious democratic leader. Relatively being the operative word. They just hate Kurds but are dying to be part of the European Union. Meanwhile let's not forget the Israelis who continue with settlement expansion even as they permit the religious right to block women from praying at the wailing wall.
Senator Chambliss, one of our fine Southern gentlemen Senators, believes it is just a hormonal problem that causes sexual assaults in the Armed Forces. Honest to god, they are just stupid and would like to take us all back to Noah and his ark. Thankfully, Boehner and Cantor have kept their mouths shut,.
So I signed up for Markey's senate campaign and was told to expect a call that day. That day was 10 days ago and because I frequently act like an infant, I decided to not help out until I was called. Still waiting. But it looks like he will be fine. Every ad from Gomez, his opponent, starts off with jets landing on aircraft carriers. His service record is both impressive and irrelevant--especially when he nonchalantly talks about overturning Roe v. Wade.
Ends and odds: Truly, in the last week alone, the Globe had stories about seals, sharks, and bears. All on the front page. Some southern states have approved legislation allowing local communities to license teachers to carry weapons in class rooms--terrific. Dunkin Donuts is now offering a glazed donut sliced horizontally like a bagel. Inside is a cheese, egg, and ham concoction probably prepared months ago. Wonder what the nutritionists think of that one. A key question is whether I will see a casino in Massachusetts during my life time.
But Oliver and Lilli--can't wait until your imminent return.
SPORTS TALK
What's with all those straw hats at the French Open. Does it mean something that I don't understand. And the bouncing of those Europeans between serves--whats up with that? Didn't help the women.
Hate the Heat and Phil (The man with the shit eating grin/the great white hype) Mickelson.
I admit I was not optimistic about the Bruins but they are so responsive in the face of adversity. I also admit, because of prior commitments, I have seen only brief parts of the 2 games. But home is where the heart is and they are home tomorrow night and I will be front and center perhaps with a cocktail.
Sayonara
Sunday, June 2, 2013
LIFE CYCLES
A few shout outs--Yo, Yvette. You are fighting the good fight and you are showing us what strength is. Yo, Lilli/Oliver. What a joy and pleasure it has been for me to spend almost a week with you both. I am so proud of you. Yo, Holly. I admire, respect, and envy your courage.
I do not consider myself profound in a deeply intellectual sense. Even in an every day sort of way, I struggle with the words to describe my own thoughts and feelings about the 4 people I have mentioned. I am pulled in so many directions by them and wish I could sensitively yet accurately put words to what I am experiencing with them.
Moving on. Two more animal stories in my favorite Globe. Giant snails are on the loose in guess where--Florida, of course. Escargot anyone? And of course there are bears in the suburbs of Boston so stay inside probably forever.
I swear that the Arizona woman arrested and jailed for drug trafficking set the whole thing up to guarantee her 15 minutes of fame. I really do believe that in my over simplified world view. Speaking of over simplified, I give you John McCain who has snuck into Syria and decided we need to give the rebels more arms and perhaps put feet on the ground. He is joking, right? We do not even know who all the rebels are and when this is over, there will be a whole lot more weapons available than would be considered safe. Meanwhile, I worry that Israel will be pulled in (as they minimally already have), that Lebanon will become destabilized because of Hezbollah involvement (which it already is), and that Jordan will be next on the list of countries rocked by civil unrest considering the number of refugees it has. The sale of jets by Russia to Syria also has raised the stakes for Obama and other Western countries in terms of what Assad now has in his arsenal. It is a fucking mess.
Speaking of messes, I give you John Boehner (he of the perpetual tan). Wants someone, anyone, to go to jail for (pick one): the IRS clumsy mess, the AP records clumsy mess, or the Benghazi mess. He likens it all to Watergate which is so fucking off the mark, he is not even aiming in the right direction. Like all Republicans he has adopted the "I will not approve anything for Obama" position. The latest is that the Republicans are gearing up to decimate if not eliminate Obamacare. I hope every person with a child under 26 who now has insurance is really listening. On the other hand, the financial hand that is, the front page of today's NY Times has an article about the cost of our health care--using the example of colonoscopies. I am here to say , one of those procedures saved my life and I am willing to talk out of both sides of my mouth when I say I would pay anything for one--even though I know these are costs bankrupting us.
A recent article in the New Yorker about the Colorado governor (Hickenlooper) was excellent. It focused on how a pretty mainstream governor had to deal with fairly restrictive gun legislation, legalization of pot, and support for civil unions. This guy is no screaming liberal--just a middle of the road normal kind of guy who actually is also thoughtful about issues.
This post-Marathon bombing business is getting curiouser and curiouser. Linked to murders a year ago; the death of someone who knew them in the midst of an FBI interview; and more video. It boggles the mind.
I wish I could believe Obama will actually close Guantanamo. I just feel he is better at okaying drone strikes than at muddling his way through the mess down there on the island of Cuba. Let alone ever normalizing our relationship with the rest of the island.
Then there was the picture of the 12 most highly paid CEO's--all white men. Terrific.
Cannot even fathom what people in Oklahoma must have experienced. Do have memories of Miami in the 50's and a hurricane blowing the roof off our apartment. Spent the night in a local bar with my still yet to be divorced parents.
SPORTS TALK
I just loved how ugly the Penguins got last night--Crosby and Malkin both yakking but doing NOTHING. This may not last but it was such a pleasure to see the Bruins bang them around.
Gronkowski should not be allowed outside the house until he grows up.
And if Miguel Cabrera is actually able to win back to back triple crowns, we will have very few descriptors for how good a hitter he is.
Sayonara
I do not consider myself profound in a deeply intellectual sense. Even in an every day sort of way, I struggle with the words to describe my own thoughts and feelings about the 4 people I have mentioned. I am pulled in so many directions by them and wish I could sensitively yet accurately put words to what I am experiencing with them.
Moving on. Two more animal stories in my favorite Globe. Giant snails are on the loose in guess where--Florida, of course. Escargot anyone? And of course there are bears in the suburbs of Boston so stay inside probably forever.
I swear that the Arizona woman arrested and jailed for drug trafficking set the whole thing up to guarantee her 15 minutes of fame. I really do believe that in my over simplified world view. Speaking of over simplified, I give you John McCain who has snuck into Syria and decided we need to give the rebels more arms and perhaps put feet on the ground. He is joking, right? We do not even know who all the rebels are and when this is over, there will be a whole lot more weapons available than would be considered safe. Meanwhile, I worry that Israel will be pulled in (as they minimally already have), that Lebanon will become destabilized because of Hezbollah involvement (which it already is), and that Jordan will be next on the list of countries rocked by civil unrest considering the number of refugees it has. The sale of jets by Russia to Syria also has raised the stakes for Obama and other Western countries in terms of what Assad now has in his arsenal. It is a fucking mess.
Speaking of messes, I give you John Boehner (he of the perpetual tan). Wants someone, anyone, to go to jail for (pick one): the IRS clumsy mess, the AP records clumsy mess, or the Benghazi mess. He likens it all to Watergate which is so fucking off the mark, he is not even aiming in the right direction. Like all Republicans he has adopted the "I will not approve anything for Obama" position. The latest is that the Republicans are gearing up to decimate if not eliminate Obamacare. I hope every person with a child under 26 who now has insurance is really listening. On the other hand, the financial hand that is, the front page of today's NY Times has an article about the cost of our health care--using the example of colonoscopies. I am here to say , one of those procedures saved my life and I am willing to talk out of both sides of my mouth when I say I would pay anything for one--even though I know these are costs bankrupting us.
A recent article in the New Yorker about the Colorado governor (Hickenlooper) was excellent. It focused on how a pretty mainstream governor had to deal with fairly restrictive gun legislation, legalization of pot, and support for civil unions. This guy is no screaming liberal--just a middle of the road normal kind of guy who actually is also thoughtful about issues.
This post-Marathon bombing business is getting curiouser and curiouser. Linked to murders a year ago; the death of someone who knew them in the midst of an FBI interview; and more video. It boggles the mind.
I wish I could believe Obama will actually close Guantanamo. I just feel he is better at okaying drone strikes than at muddling his way through the mess down there on the island of Cuba. Let alone ever normalizing our relationship with the rest of the island.
Then there was the picture of the 12 most highly paid CEO's--all white men. Terrific.
Cannot even fathom what people in Oklahoma must have experienced. Do have memories of Miami in the 50's and a hurricane blowing the roof off our apartment. Spent the night in a local bar with my still yet to be divorced parents.
SPORTS TALK
I just loved how ugly the Penguins got last night--Crosby and Malkin both yakking but doing NOTHING. This may not last but it was such a pleasure to see the Bruins bang them around.
Gronkowski should not be allowed outside the house until he grows up.
And if Miguel Cabrera is actually able to win back to back triple crowns, we will have very few descriptors for how good a hitter he is.
Sayonara
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
GOBBLE, GOBBLE, GOBBLE
Let's start on a light note and talk turkey. The Boston Globe in its never ending committtment to publish a daily animal article outdid itself last week. It gave up 4 columns and a byline (no wire services for something this important) to a "wild turkey invading a Brookline home". Apparently, this mad bird flew through a window and began harassing the occupants. To double its pleasure at this invasion, the Globe then added that the house cat went berserk. Fortunately, the bird escaped alive. Then I was in a car with a friend who listens to NPR (by the way I have two thoughts about NPR--first it is not much different than CNN and the other 24/7 news organizations--it voraciously searches for stories; second, I believe there is really only one man and one woman who are on the air. They call themselves different names at different times but they all sound the same). So, NPR is reporting from Samoa (and I have now learned that there are 2 Samoas--an American one and "another" which is its own country)--the Samoa that is its own country. Guess what? They eat turkey butts--and they love them despite how fatty and unhealthy they are. Problem is they cannot get enough and the government is limiting what they can get in order to support healthy lifestyles. Terrific reporting if only it had been on Fox News and we could have seen pictures of turkey asses.
In a more serious note, if I hear McCain or Graham say one more thing about boots on the ground in Syria, I might explode. The same guys who supported invading Iraq and going into Afghanistan want us to unilaterally go into Syria --by the way, my guess is that we are already in Syria is some limited Special Forces kind of way. In this case, I get even more irritated at the sound of Lindsey Graham's voice--I try to keep an open mind and consistently fail when it comes to those good ol boy southern accents. Obama seems rightly cautious about Syria which feels just like another swamp.
On the other hand, he better get ahead of these domestic scandals which are rocking his second term. The IRS stuff, the Associated Press stuff, and Ben Ghazi are all irritants to any progress he might be making. In addition, they are stalling and sidetracking any conversations on immigration (Jeff Sessions, another one of those GOP stalwarts from the South with another one of those accents, might stop the bill just by himself). The marathon bombers and how they got here does not help either.
Speaking of which, Fox News wanted to arrest the ex wife of the older brother for wearing her hajib in public. They do get to the core of every issue very quickly. And who were those fools who had a problem with the burial of the older brother--including our own Governor. Kudos to that Funeral Director in Worcester who felt he had a professional responsibility to bury the man. And did it take all of 5 minutes for the site of that "secret" cemetery where he was buried to be discovered. How naive are we that we think no one will know. Come on.
Does anyone really care about Jodi Arias and whatever she did--I mean beside Nancy Grace.
Charley Rose is in a competitive race with Chris Matthews to see who can interrupt their guest the most times in one interview. I still think Matthews wins but Charley is just inches behind. And smarter.
Worrying about Israel getting drawn into the Syrian mess more than just blowing up missiles headed for Lebanon. Or Turkey finally having enough of all the refugees and deciding to "do" something. Or Jordan whose refugee population is now the third largest city in the country. And if you don't think we are in all those countries doing something, think again.
Two items about my youth: Getting emails about my 50th H.S. reunion. Can't wait to see some of those really cool football players and cheerleaders who have now decided in our doddering older years that we (the unwashed and uncool) can now be included. And a question: I have pictures of myself at 5 or 6 in a cabana suit made of some fluffy material--is that terry cloth or something else? I do look fashionable. Anyone else ever have a cabana outfit?
Finally, "The C Word" with Laura Linney is winding down and has left me in tears for the last 3 weeks. First of all she is terrific. But I have never seen a TV show deal with end of life issues as profoundly as this one. Just mesmerizes me.
Enough/Am very excited to be seeing Anna this weekend/And Oliver and Lilli have convinced their parents that they wanted to move back and so they will--by the fall!!
SPORTS TALK
Ohio State University Assistant football coaches just got raises--they make $500,000 a year. I am guessing there are at least 5 assistants if not more. That is just ugly and likely replicated at all big programs including my Wolverines.
The Celtics got old fast though I actually hope KG returns. I could live without Paul Pierce.
Fair weather fan that I am, I gave up on the Bruins when they were down 4-1. Only saw the rest on replay. Quite a display though I think playing from behind will catch up with them sooner or later.
Terrific article on R.A. Dickey in last week's New Yorker. Boy, does he seem interesting over and above his knuckles.
Sayonara
In a more serious note, if I hear McCain or Graham say one more thing about boots on the ground in Syria, I might explode. The same guys who supported invading Iraq and going into Afghanistan want us to unilaterally go into Syria --by the way, my guess is that we are already in Syria is some limited Special Forces kind of way. In this case, I get even more irritated at the sound of Lindsey Graham's voice--I try to keep an open mind and consistently fail when it comes to those good ol boy southern accents. Obama seems rightly cautious about Syria which feels just like another swamp.
On the other hand, he better get ahead of these domestic scandals which are rocking his second term. The IRS stuff, the Associated Press stuff, and Ben Ghazi are all irritants to any progress he might be making. In addition, they are stalling and sidetracking any conversations on immigration (Jeff Sessions, another one of those GOP stalwarts from the South with another one of those accents, might stop the bill just by himself). The marathon bombers and how they got here does not help either.
Speaking of which, Fox News wanted to arrest the ex wife of the older brother for wearing her hajib in public. They do get to the core of every issue very quickly. And who were those fools who had a problem with the burial of the older brother--including our own Governor. Kudos to that Funeral Director in Worcester who felt he had a professional responsibility to bury the man. And did it take all of 5 minutes for the site of that "secret" cemetery where he was buried to be discovered. How naive are we that we think no one will know. Come on.
Does anyone really care about Jodi Arias and whatever she did--I mean beside Nancy Grace.
Charley Rose is in a competitive race with Chris Matthews to see who can interrupt their guest the most times in one interview. I still think Matthews wins but Charley is just inches behind. And smarter.
Worrying about Israel getting drawn into the Syrian mess more than just blowing up missiles headed for Lebanon. Or Turkey finally having enough of all the refugees and deciding to "do" something. Or Jordan whose refugee population is now the third largest city in the country. And if you don't think we are in all those countries doing something, think again.
Two items about my youth: Getting emails about my 50th H.S. reunion. Can't wait to see some of those really cool football players and cheerleaders who have now decided in our doddering older years that we (the unwashed and uncool) can now be included. And a question: I have pictures of myself at 5 or 6 in a cabana suit made of some fluffy material--is that terry cloth or something else? I do look fashionable. Anyone else ever have a cabana outfit?
Finally, "The C Word" with Laura Linney is winding down and has left me in tears for the last 3 weeks. First of all she is terrific. But I have never seen a TV show deal with end of life issues as profoundly as this one. Just mesmerizes me.
Enough/Am very excited to be seeing Anna this weekend/And Oliver and Lilli have convinced their parents that they wanted to move back and so they will--by the fall!!
SPORTS TALK
Ohio State University Assistant football coaches just got raises--they make $500,000 a year. I am guessing there are at least 5 assistants if not more. That is just ugly and likely replicated at all big programs including my Wolverines.
The Celtics got old fast though I actually hope KG returns. I could live without Paul Pierce.
Fair weather fan that I am, I gave up on the Bruins when they were down 4-1. Only saw the rest on replay. Quite a display though I think playing from behind will catch up with them sooner or later.
Terrific article on R.A. Dickey in last week's New Yorker. Boy, does he seem interesting over and above his knuckles.
Sayonara
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
THOUGHTS FROM BESERKASTAN
Unabashedly stealing from the Beatles, this particular blog already feels like a long and winding road. Try and stick with me--I am not sure what to say, how to say it, or how long I might need to say whatever it is.
This is what I know for sure: I was on vacation when the bombs exploded in Copley Square. I felt personally (yet obviously only psychologically) injured. Stuck in the Miami airport, we watched as the various police forces moved ahead with the investigation. Upon returning we were "sheltered in" (terrific-- a new word to describe a new world) and spent virtually all day in front of the TV watching the hunt for the remaining killer. And then he was caught. Those are the facts.
(Item: The famine in Somalia may have killed as many as 260,000 Somalis).
The next day we went to a birthday party for someone turning 70. During the event, discussion turned to what we had all experienced during the week. It felt as if I was watching the talking heads on TV who really knew nothing but kept talking anyway. Chris Matthews, for one, must have told us 100 times that he went to Holy Cross and managed to speak over all musical interludes during the service at the Cathedral in the South End. But back to the party--second guessing about the overwhelming police reaction and presence was the appetizer. But what did we know even then? My amateur opinion was that there was no down side to over reacting. An under reaction, which might have lead to further death or injury, would have been a mega disaster. So, for a change, count me on the side of the gendarmes. Plus I thought what they did in less than a week was kind of excellent. The folks at this party, the talking heads, anyone else who acted like an expert--we fucking did not know enough to even have an opinion.
(Item: A fire engulfs a psychiatric hospital in Russia killing 35-40 patients.)
I do believe there is something "we" do to young men in this and other countries which leads to their disaffection to the point that they become violent. Newtown, Columbine, Aurora, Gabby Gifford, Oklahoma City--all atrocities committed by young(ish) white guys. Now these brothers from Chechnya--young, very disaffected though tied into some sort of jihadist movement which even now is not so clear. This has something to do with the family life of all these men (which if you have heard some of the relatives of the two brothers, you know they are a few cards short of a full deck--the mother believing it was red paint not blood); but it also has to do with how we misjudge people (everyone loved the younger brother). But a lot of people are disaffected and do not commit such atrocities--what clicks on in their heads and turns them into these killers.
(Item: A bus crash kills 45 in Afghanistan)
I end up feeling very lucky and wondering what if the medical tent was not right at the end of the marathon route. Despite feeling health care costs are unconscionable, I feel lucky that the hospitals in the city are so good during these traumatic events. I heard one trauma surgeon (who must have been 13 years old) say the injuries were not "otherworldly"--he had seen them before. It was the number of patients that was difficult not the severity of their injuries. Can you imagine? I feel unimaginable empathy for the victims who have lost family members and may have also lost body parts. I continue to have no clue what it means or how to prevent the next one.
(Item: an earthquake in rural China and a building collapse in Bangladesh kill hundreds of people.)
I don't think the end of the road is in sight but I have no clue where I am on it. There more questions than answers. So I will stop.
OTHER SNIPPETS:
--Connecticut passed sweeping gun legislation something Congress managed to bail out on to its everlasting disgrace. But then again Newtown is in Connecticut.
--But alas and alack, Connecticut is also considering legislation which wold give pets the right to an attorney--I kid you not.
--I would have felt worse if Meryl Streep had passed away than when I learned Margaret Thatcher did.
--The state of North Carolina has passed a law making Christianity the state religion.
--A town in Georgia passed a local ordinance requiring residents to own guns.
--The NRA obviously continues to push Congress around.
(Item: An explosion near the Charles bridge in Prague injures almost 60)
--You can get "organic cucumber vodka" in Florida and I saw people order it. What the fuck is that?
--John Oliver from the Jon Stewart show had a terrific 3 part series on Australia's gun laws passed with the leadership of Conservatives there. They are the most restrictive in the world.
--While stuck at Miami International, we sat in an area where most flights were going to Central or South America. It seemed like every passenger going to those countries had 8 suitcases each of which got shrink wrapped by guys who work there--not the airline people. What is that about?
--Will the Arkansas oil spill kill the proposed Keystone pipeline?
(Item: The men incarcerated at Guantanamo are on a major hunger strike and some are being fed by tube. No trials/just cells.)
--Richie Havens passed away--loved him and will miss him. But the Monkees are going on tour--I just saved about $100 abstaining from that.
SPORTS TALK
Jason Collins--A gutsy hurrah to him. Nuf said?
Sayonara
This is what I know for sure: I was on vacation when the bombs exploded in Copley Square. I felt personally (yet obviously only psychologically) injured. Stuck in the Miami airport, we watched as the various police forces moved ahead with the investigation. Upon returning we were "sheltered in" (terrific-- a new word to describe a new world) and spent virtually all day in front of the TV watching the hunt for the remaining killer. And then he was caught. Those are the facts.
(Item: The famine in Somalia may have killed as many as 260,000 Somalis).
The next day we went to a birthday party for someone turning 70. During the event, discussion turned to what we had all experienced during the week. It felt as if I was watching the talking heads on TV who really knew nothing but kept talking anyway. Chris Matthews, for one, must have told us 100 times that he went to Holy Cross and managed to speak over all musical interludes during the service at the Cathedral in the South End. But back to the party--second guessing about the overwhelming police reaction and presence was the appetizer. But what did we know even then? My amateur opinion was that there was no down side to over reacting. An under reaction, which might have lead to further death or injury, would have been a mega disaster. So, for a change, count me on the side of the gendarmes. Plus I thought what they did in less than a week was kind of excellent. The folks at this party, the talking heads, anyone else who acted like an expert--we fucking did not know enough to even have an opinion.
(Item: A fire engulfs a psychiatric hospital in Russia killing 35-40 patients.)
I do believe there is something "we" do to young men in this and other countries which leads to their disaffection to the point that they become violent. Newtown, Columbine, Aurora, Gabby Gifford, Oklahoma City--all atrocities committed by young(ish) white guys. Now these brothers from Chechnya--young, very disaffected though tied into some sort of jihadist movement which even now is not so clear. This has something to do with the family life of all these men (which if you have heard some of the relatives of the two brothers, you know they are a few cards short of a full deck--the mother believing it was red paint not blood); but it also has to do with how we misjudge people (everyone loved the younger brother). But a lot of people are disaffected and do not commit such atrocities--what clicks on in their heads and turns them into these killers.
(Item: A bus crash kills 45 in Afghanistan)
I end up feeling very lucky and wondering what if the medical tent was not right at the end of the marathon route. Despite feeling health care costs are unconscionable, I feel lucky that the hospitals in the city are so good during these traumatic events. I heard one trauma surgeon (who must have been 13 years old) say the injuries were not "otherworldly"--he had seen them before. It was the number of patients that was difficult not the severity of their injuries. Can you imagine? I feel unimaginable empathy for the victims who have lost family members and may have also lost body parts. I continue to have no clue what it means or how to prevent the next one.
(Item: an earthquake in rural China and a building collapse in Bangladesh kill hundreds of people.)
I don't think the end of the road is in sight but I have no clue where I am on it. There more questions than answers. So I will stop.
OTHER SNIPPETS:
--Connecticut passed sweeping gun legislation something Congress managed to bail out on to its everlasting disgrace. But then again Newtown is in Connecticut.
--But alas and alack, Connecticut is also considering legislation which wold give pets the right to an attorney--I kid you not.
--I would have felt worse if Meryl Streep had passed away than when I learned Margaret Thatcher did.
--The state of North Carolina has passed a law making Christianity the state religion.
--A town in Georgia passed a local ordinance requiring residents to own guns.
--The NRA obviously continues to push Congress around.
(Item: An explosion near the Charles bridge in Prague injures almost 60)
--You can get "organic cucumber vodka" in Florida and I saw people order it. What the fuck is that?
--John Oliver from the Jon Stewart show had a terrific 3 part series on Australia's gun laws passed with the leadership of Conservatives there. They are the most restrictive in the world.
--While stuck at Miami International, we sat in an area where most flights were going to Central or South America. It seemed like every passenger going to those countries had 8 suitcases each of which got shrink wrapped by guys who work there--not the airline people. What is that about?
--Will the Arkansas oil spill kill the proposed Keystone pipeline?
(Item: The men incarcerated at Guantanamo are on a major hunger strike and some are being fed by tube. No trials/just cells.)
--Richie Havens passed away--loved him and will miss him. But the Monkees are going on tour--I just saved about $100 abstaining from that.
SPORTS TALK
Jason Collins--A gutsy hurrah to him. Nuf said?
Sayonara
Monday, April 1, 2013
AT THE HEAD OF THE TABLE
Hope all your holidays were pleasant and happy--for those celebrating Greek Easter, good luck with the goats!
During our holiday of Passover, a Seder is held. In Hebrew, Seder translates into "order". And, in fact, there is an order to the meal with certain foods and a fairly extensive written script. The leader kind of orchestrates the whole deal and the children participate to their maximum abilities. Since the death of my last surviving uncle and the death of Barbara's father, I have led this Seder. This year Oliver, our grandson, sat on my left. Lilli, our granddaughter, sat near Barbara but helped me with certain sections of the script. I felt deeply the absence of their mother and their aunt--my own daughters. The point of describing the context is this: I have never felt comfortable being at the head of this table. It should belong to the older generation--they were the ones who knew the whole thing by heart; they were the ones who believed the words in a literal sense; and they are the ones we have replaced. I am not being nostalgic when I say that I wish one of them were here to be the leader. My being the leader has all sorts of symbolic meaning none of which I care to explore here; but all of them heavily laden with the issue of becoming older. Despite my own inner turmoil, it was a very nice evening with friends and family. Enough.
Two more crazy Florida stories--not counting Senator Rubio who, immigrant child though he is, is not sure about immigrant reform and is consistently crazed. The first concerns the University of Central Florida and the body found in a dorm room which was stacked with weapons no one knew about. I guess those mean RA's from my dorm days do not go into rooms anymore. The second concerns Florida Gulf Coast University which made it to the NCAA sweet 16. This is a school carved out of the Everglades which apparently takes anyone and everyone. The coach's wife is a rather risque kind of model. 400 acres of swampland.
The state with the worse health in the country--that would be Mississippi--objects to Mayor Bloomberg trying to ban big gulp drinks. I say let them get all the big gulps they want and gain as much weight as they want and continue to have their health worsen. It is after all a free country--right? They probably will opt out of the medicaid piece of Obamacare but will surely be at the trough if they want federal highway dollars..
A terrific few strips in Doonesbury. Joanie Caucus has gone to work for my very own Senator Warren. She is kind of always under dressed and under made up--but she has to sit behind the Senator at a hearing. So the comic strip focused on her getting "prepped" with make up and clothes because she would be on tv--just wonderful.
Saw the documentary on Dick Cheney. The filmmakers never pushed him or confronted him and maybe that was the deal. Even so, this guy is scary and is unapologetic and still believes Saddam had WMD's all evidence to the contrary. Very creepy.
Another judge withdrew after Obama nominated her--too liberal say the Republicans. Having 60 votes in the senate apparently makes a difference unless you are considered a good old boy like Kerry.
I love having a pile of books and magazines next to my bed. I like the choices they offer and the idea that I can move among them. Great article a couple of weeks ago in the NY Times magazine about a Palestinian village. The residents non-violently stage a weekly protest along with pro peace Israelis and Americans in objection to the restrictions placed on their lives including that fucking wall.
Menino will not seek re-election. All I know is that he is very good at fixing potholes which I read somewhere is the most important job of a mayor.
And if you read no further, look for me in a month after the great silver bird returns us from a week or so in Key West.
SPORTS TALK
Got obliterated in my NCAA brackets--did not even back my boys from Ann Arbor and now they are in the final 4. I would like to ask this question: does Wisconsin have a special recruiter who locates tall thin non jumping white guys who can hit 3's? Those guys usually are led by an African American guard who can fly. Where do they come from?
I was going to complain about these long term extensions college coaches get--all paid for with public dollars and was going to use Steve Alford at New Mexico as my worst example. But he did me one better. Days after getting a 10 year extension, he bolted the Lobos for the UCLA job. Hope he loses 20..
Celtics and Bruins looking mighty lethargic. Baseball in the Bronx today--but talk to me about baseball after July 4th.
Sayonara.
During our holiday of Passover, a Seder is held. In Hebrew, Seder translates into "order". And, in fact, there is an order to the meal with certain foods and a fairly extensive written script. The leader kind of orchestrates the whole deal and the children participate to their maximum abilities. Since the death of my last surviving uncle and the death of Barbara's father, I have led this Seder. This year Oliver, our grandson, sat on my left. Lilli, our granddaughter, sat near Barbara but helped me with certain sections of the script. I felt deeply the absence of their mother and their aunt--my own daughters. The point of describing the context is this: I have never felt comfortable being at the head of this table. It should belong to the older generation--they were the ones who knew the whole thing by heart; they were the ones who believed the words in a literal sense; and they are the ones we have replaced. I am not being nostalgic when I say that I wish one of them were here to be the leader. My being the leader has all sorts of symbolic meaning none of which I care to explore here; but all of them heavily laden with the issue of becoming older. Despite my own inner turmoil, it was a very nice evening with friends and family. Enough.
Two more crazy Florida stories--not counting Senator Rubio who, immigrant child though he is, is not sure about immigrant reform and is consistently crazed. The first concerns the University of Central Florida and the body found in a dorm room which was stacked with weapons no one knew about. I guess those mean RA's from my dorm days do not go into rooms anymore. The second concerns Florida Gulf Coast University which made it to the NCAA sweet 16. This is a school carved out of the Everglades which apparently takes anyone and everyone. The coach's wife is a rather risque kind of model. 400 acres of swampland.
The state with the worse health in the country--that would be Mississippi--objects to Mayor Bloomberg trying to ban big gulp drinks. I say let them get all the big gulps they want and gain as much weight as they want and continue to have their health worsen. It is after all a free country--right? They probably will opt out of the medicaid piece of Obamacare but will surely be at the trough if they want federal highway dollars..
A terrific few strips in Doonesbury. Joanie Caucus has gone to work for my very own Senator Warren. She is kind of always under dressed and under made up--but she has to sit behind the Senator at a hearing. So the comic strip focused on her getting "prepped" with make up and clothes because she would be on tv--just wonderful.
Saw the documentary on Dick Cheney. The filmmakers never pushed him or confronted him and maybe that was the deal. Even so, this guy is scary and is unapologetic and still believes Saddam had WMD's all evidence to the contrary. Very creepy.
Another judge withdrew after Obama nominated her--too liberal say the Republicans. Having 60 votes in the senate apparently makes a difference unless you are considered a good old boy like Kerry.
I love having a pile of books and magazines next to my bed. I like the choices they offer and the idea that I can move among them. Great article a couple of weeks ago in the NY Times magazine about a Palestinian village. The residents non-violently stage a weekly protest along with pro peace Israelis and Americans in objection to the restrictions placed on their lives including that fucking wall.
Menino will not seek re-election. All I know is that he is very good at fixing potholes which I read somewhere is the most important job of a mayor.
And if you read no further, look for me in a month after the great silver bird returns us from a week or so in Key West.
SPORTS TALK
Got obliterated in my NCAA brackets--did not even back my boys from Ann Arbor and now they are in the final 4. I would like to ask this question: does Wisconsin have a special recruiter who locates tall thin non jumping white guys who can hit 3's? Those guys usually are led by an African American guard who can fly. Where do they come from?
I was going to complain about these long term extensions college coaches get--all paid for with public dollars and was going to use Steve Alford at New Mexico as my worst example. But he did me one better. Days after getting a 10 year extension, he bolted the Lobos for the UCLA job. Hope he loses 20..
Celtics and Bruins looking mighty lethargic. Baseball in the Bronx today--but talk to me about baseball after July 4th.
Sayonara.
Friday, March 15, 2013
LORD GRANTHAM AND THE PAPISTS
OK--so we are all going to continue our calmness, tolerance, and flexibility from two weeks ago. In the PBS series Downton Abbey (which I watch in order to spend time with Barbara--what's your excuse?), Lord Grantham ends up with a Catholic son-in-law and spends a lot of time moaning and groaning about the Papists and their "god" forsaken practices. So, this whole business of electing a new Pope would have sent him over the edge. I am only teetering on the edge and not because of the selection process; but because of the media coverage. As in--the Globe closed all its foreign bureaus and depends exclusively on wire services. But lo and behold, they did manage to send someone to the Vatican. As in--our local TV stations which normally stick to a diet of blood and disasters also managed to find the time to send a correspondent to the Vatican. As in--CNN actually had on its website a chimney cam so we could all be sure to see the white smoke. As in--all the locals were just wishing and hoping and praying (!) that our Cardinal would become Pope. Kind of like the sports guys hoping for a Super Bowl win. It bordered on the distasteful but surely shows us all who they believe is in their audience.
Gotta move on before my teetering tips me over. Roger Ailes calls the President lazy. OK, so he does not like the guy but they did lose the election and I wonder what people in other countries make of such comments. Lindsey Graham and John McCain hold up Brennan's nomination because of concerns regarding Ben Ghazi. I don't know if Brennan is good or bad (actually some of the stuff about drone use in this country is kind of scary)--but I do know those two guys are idiots and I do mean in a diminished intellectual way. Paul Ryan submits a budget which was identical to what he proposed in the campaign and is not embarrassed. Another loser but a bright one. And then the Mitter comes out of his shell and has no insight into his loss--blaming it on Obama pandering to "minorities". Not to worry, he already has himself on some boards and will shortly be making millions again. And then there is the ugly truth that Obama nominees across the judicial board are held up because the Dems do not have 60 votes in the Senate. They just don't get what happened last November and really dislike the person who happens to be President. One can only hope that they are so far off the mark, 2014 will be a debacle for them.
It is quite easy for Marissa Myers to require folks to work in their office and not at home. As part of her signing package, a room was added to her office for her baby. My partner in crime over here believes her nanny comes to work with her. Now I don't work in an office anymore and am not exactly sure about this tele-commute business. But I am sure, Marissa is not extending her benefits to others.
Victor Jara was a Chilean folk singer memorialized in a song by Arlo Guthrie. He was murdered by the gangsters associated with Pinochet. In the last few months, his murderers were arrested--25 years or so after his death. Terrific.
I don't want anyone to be homeless or lose their homes due to natural disasters. But the whining of those folks who built right on the waters edge up there in Plum Island is plain disgusting. They had million dollar homes and the bucks to live in them. Now they want the ocean to recede and be "normal". Hello.
Some odd ends: So far Penn Sate has spent 41 million on the Sandusky scandal and they are not done. Those are taxpayer dollars folks. A new law in South Dakota allows teacher to carry weapons because it will make schools safer. People really do scare me. Iran is going to sue someone over the movie "Argo". I am hoping Judge Judy gets the case. Jessica's friend Josh produced a terrific segment on the Today Show regarding a woman with ALS. Watch it with tissues nearby. Jacob Bernstein wrote a wonderful elegy to his mother Nora Ephron in a recent NY Times magazine--also a tearjerker but for different reasons.
And, finally, in the Tear Department, I saw the video "Bully". Now I happen to believe kids are mean to each other and especially in adolescence it can be ugly--but it is almost like a developmental step they go through. This documentary was totally disturbing because of the adults including the parents of the kids bullied. The adults made me want to puke.
SPORTS TALKS
Of course, we should be wringing our hands (and perhaps should have tissues nearby for this also) about Wes Welker. But I have to say I am not sure I care though I am very intrigued about how the Pats operate internally. For example, the owner is quoted as saying he wants Welker for life and then his staff lets him go. I would love to hear Kraft and Belichik chat about that. I would worry about cornerbacks though.
Watched Barcelona this week in the UEFA Champions League. I have said this before but their passing is so hard to believe--the scoring almost does not matter. Sure Messi can score at will but the team is so highly skilled, some of his goals are almost "easy".
I hear that point guards are the key during March madness games. Trey Burke out there in Ann Arbor is the best point guard in the country. But my Wolverines are woefully short in the height department (!) and a tad inconsistent. So I am not sure how far they will go.
Good luck with Big Papi, you Red Soxers.
To those who celebrate: Happy Passover and Easter.
Sayonara.
Gotta move on before my teetering tips me over. Roger Ailes calls the President lazy. OK, so he does not like the guy but they did lose the election and I wonder what people in other countries make of such comments. Lindsey Graham and John McCain hold up Brennan's nomination because of concerns regarding Ben Ghazi. I don't know if Brennan is good or bad (actually some of the stuff about drone use in this country is kind of scary)--but I do know those two guys are idiots and I do mean in a diminished intellectual way. Paul Ryan submits a budget which was identical to what he proposed in the campaign and is not embarrassed. Another loser but a bright one. And then the Mitter comes out of his shell and has no insight into his loss--blaming it on Obama pandering to "minorities". Not to worry, he already has himself on some boards and will shortly be making millions again. And then there is the ugly truth that Obama nominees across the judicial board are held up because the Dems do not have 60 votes in the Senate. They just don't get what happened last November and really dislike the person who happens to be President. One can only hope that they are so far off the mark, 2014 will be a debacle for them.
It is quite easy for Marissa Myers to require folks to work in their office and not at home. As part of her signing package, a room was added to her office for her baby. My partner in crime over here believes her nanny comes to work with her. Now I don't work in an office anymore and am not exactly sure about this tele-commute business. But I am sure, Marissa is not extending her benefits to others.
Victor Jara was a Chilean folk singer memorialized in a song by Arlo Guthrie. He was murdered by the gangsters associated with Pinochet. In the last few months, his murderers were arrested--25 years or so after his death. Terrific.
I don't want anyone to be homeless or lose their homes due to natural disasters. But the whining of those folks who built right on the waters edge up there in Plum Island is plain disgusting. They had million dollar homes and the bucks to live in them. Now they want the ocean to recede and be "normal". Hello.
Some odd ends: So far Penn Sate has spent 41 million on the Sandusky scandal and they are not done. Those are taxpayer dollars folks. A new law in South Dakota allows teacher to carry weapons because it will make schools safer. People really do scare me. Iran is going to sue someone over the movie "Argo". I am hoping Judge Judy gets the case. Jessica's friend Josh produced a terrific segment on the Today Show regarding a woman with ALS. Watch it with tissues nearby. Jacob Bernstein wrote a wonderful elegy to his mother Nora Ephron in a recent NY Times magazine--also a tearjerker but for different reasons.
And, finally, in the Tear Department, I saw the video "Bully". Now I happen to believe kids are mean to each other and especially in adolescence it can be ugly--but it is almost like a developmental step they go through. This documentary was totally disturbing because of the adults including the parents of the kids bullied. The adults made me want to puke.
SPORTS TALKS
Of course, we should be wringing our hands (and perhaps should have tissues nearby for this also) about Wes Welker. But I have to say I am not sure I care though I am very intrigued about how the Pats operate internally. For example, the owner is quoted as saying he wants Welker for life and then his staff lets him go. I would love to hear Kraft and Belichik chat about that. I would worry about cornerbacks though.
Watched Barcelona this week in the UEFA Champions League. I have said this before but their passing is so hard to believe--the scoring almost does not matter. Sure Messi can score at will but the team is so highly skilled, some of his goals are almost "easy".
I hear that point guards are the key during March madness games. Trey Burke out there in Ann Arbor is the best point guard in the country. But my Wolverines are woefully short in the height department (!) and a tad inconsistent. So I am not sure how far they will go.
Good luck with Big Papi, you Red Soxers.
To those who celebrate: Happy Passover and Easter.
Sayonara.
Saturday, March 2, 2013
"FISH CONTROL MY BRAIN"
Hah--I won't even tell you what other other animals are involved in controlling other parts of my body. But to be sure, I did not think of the title--just saw it on a bumper sticker and loved it. I would have preferred monkeys but you make do.
OK--so the first thing is be calm, tolerant, and quiet as I comment on one of the world's great religions.
I know very little about Catholicism but after all the Pope has resigned so there are things to say. First of all, I want to know if he gets to keep his red beanie which reminds me of what I wear when I enter a synagogue. Second, those red shoes are killer and I want to know if he gets to keep those. I also need to know about the Pope mobile--is it in the garage for service since obviously there is no one to use it. And, lastly, can we talk about the nuns who will be "serving" him. How do you get a job like that? Should I dare mention the British Cardinal who resigned over allegations in his Diocese about abuse or the LA Cardinal who has no business even voting for a new pope when he has been subpoenaed about abuse in his Diocese. Then, during our blizzard, our Cardinal was quick to let folks know they could skip Mass if it was too dangerous to go out. The same thing should have been said (and as quickly) by Cardinal Law during our sex abuse scandal. But nope. (A reminder about calmness, tolerance, and quiet!!)
A terrific article in the New Yorker about Hezbollah which essentially is running Lebanon and depends almost entirely on money and arms from Iran. That money and those weapons go through Syria. Which means Hezbollah is freaking out about the Syrian uprising and is providing men and advice to Assad. The Israelis meanwhile are also quite edgy that Assad might stay in power and further bolster Hezbollah which is way more proficient than Hamas. That whole Mid East scene is truly like a pot of stew which never ceases to simmer and often in fact boils over. Egypt is still totally unsettled.
Then we have the website called Christian Mingle which I identified in my last post. Seems as if many women using it have been raped by other so called "Christians"using the site as a trolling ground. It does boggle my mind how despicable many of our fellow humans are.
Like Lindsey Graham who continues to act like a plantation owner and has been blasted consistently by Jon Stewart. And John McCain who must be as old as Methuselah and still does not like the plans for immigration reform--Stewart is on to him as well. But the best Stewart sketch was about the Jewish holiday of Purim which is all about a nasty guy who (surprise) wants to get rid of the Jews. Stewart put on an African American comedienne who was called the "Senior Purim Correspondent". She was terrific and, to be balanced, really skewered some of my coreligionists paranoid thoughts about who is out to get us!! (remember what I said about calmness, tolerance, and quiet!!). By the way, Mississippi just officially abolished slavery--really and truly.
A few odds and ends though really more odd than anything. Only in Florida (or actually only in the South)--a man disappeared into a sinkhole which opened up under his house/bed while he was sleeping. Come on. Then we learned that Scottie might run for governor--actually I think it is a perfect job for him; a job where the damage he can do will be limited by a rather fractious and Democratic legislature. Patricia Cornwall wins bazillions from her investment firm and I say--who cares? An article in a recent NY Times mag about the technology used by the Republicans in the recent election and how it was overwhelmed by the technology used by the Dems. And how the younger members of the Republican party cannot get the old goats like Karl Rove to even listen to them about the technology gap.
Finally, plans are afoot to air drop food to the polar bears since the ice cap is shrinking so much. But climate change is a fantasy.
Colonoscopy prep has begun--nasty business that.
SPORTS TALK
They better sign Welker. Especially since Mr. Brady just made that major adjustment. And then sees Flacco get 20 million a year. Whoa.
Oscar P. is guilty as hell but here is a bet--he won't end up in jail. It would not even surprise me if he pulled a Whitey Bulger.
Michigan's BB team has two weaknesses--not enough size inside and too much reliance on Trey Burke who is very good but cannot carry them. I would be surprised if they get to the sweet 16. I think all those Big 10 teams except perhaps Indiana are beatable.
And the NFL is so far in the dark ages on "gay" issues that it is virtually medieval. The players say stuff that is ugly and management asks questions which are patently illegal. And are you telling me that out of 32 teams, each with 50 guys on the roster, no one is gay. Come on, man.
Sayonara
OK--so the first thing is be calm, tolerant, and quiet as I comment on one of the world's great religions.
I know very little about Catholicism but after all the Pope has resigned so there are things to say. First of all, I want to know if he gets to keep his red beanie which reminds me of what I wear when I enter a synagogue. Second, those red shoes are killer and I want to know if he gets to keep those. I also need to know about the Pope mobile--is it in the garage for service since obviously there is no one to use it. And, lastly, can we talk about the nuns who will be "serving" him. How do you get a job like that? Should I dare mention the British Cardinal who resigned over allegations in his Diocese about abuse or the LA Cardinal who has no business even voting for a new pope when he has been subpoenaed about abuse in his Diocese. Then, during our blizzard, our Cardinal was quick to let folks know they could skip Mass if it was too dangerous to go out. The same thing should have been said (and as quickly) by Cardinal Law during our sex abuse scandal. But nope. (A reminder about calmness, tolerance, and quiet!!)
A terrific article in the New Yorker about Hezbollah which essentially is running Lebanon and depends almost entirely on money and arms from Iran. That money and those weapons go through Syria. Which means Hezbollah is freaking out about the Syrian uprising and is providing men and advice to Assad. The Israelis meanwhile are also quite edgy that Assad might stay in power and further bolster Hezbollah which is way more proficient than Hamas. That whole Mid East scene is truly like a pot of stew which never ceases to simmer and often in fact boils over. Egypt is still totally unsettled.
Then we have the website called Christian Mingle which I identified in my last post. Seems as if many women using it have been raped by other so called "Christians"using the site as a trolling ground. It does boggle my mind how despicable many of our fellow humans are.
Like Lindsey Graham who continues to act like a plantation owner and has been blasted consistently by Jon Stewart. And John McCain who must be as old as Methuselah and still does not like the plans for immigration reform--Stewart is on to him as well. But the best Stewart sketch was about the Jewish holiday of Purim which is all about a nasty guy who (surprise) wants to get rid of the Jews. Stewart put on an African American comedienne who was called the "Senior Purim Correspondent". She was terrific and, to be balanced, really skewered some of my coreligionists paranoid thoughts about who is out to get us!! (remember what I said about calmness, tolerance, and quiet!!). By the way, Mississippi just officially abolished slavery--really and truly.
A few odds and ends though really more odd than anything. Only in Florida (or actually only in the South)--a man disappeared into a sinkhole which opened up under his house/bed while he was sleeping. Come on. Then we learned that Scottie might run for governor--actually I think it is a perfect job for him; a job where the damage he can do will be limited by a rather fractious and Democratic legislature. Patricia Cornwall wins bazillions from her investment firm and I say--who cares? An article in a recent NY Times mag about the technology used by the Republicans in the recent election and how it was overwhelmed by the technology used by the Dems. And how the younger members of the Republican party cannot get the old goats like Karl Rove to even listen to them about the technology gap.
Finally, plans are afoot to air drop food to the polar bears since the ice cap is shrinking so much. But climate change is a fantasy.
Colonoscopy prep has begun--nasty business that.
SPORTS TALK
They better sign Welker. Especially since Mr. Brady just made that major adjustment. And then sees Flacco get 20 million a year. Whoa.
Oscar P. is guilty as hell but here is a bet--he won't end up in jail. It would not even surprise me if he pulled a Whitey Bulger.
Michigan's BB team has two weaknesses--not enough size inside and too much reliance on Trey Burke who is very good but cannot carry them. I would be surprised if they get to the sweet 16. I think all those Big 10 teams except perhaps Indiana are beatable.
And the NFL is so far in the dark ages on "gay" issues that it is virtually medieval. The players say stuff that is ugly and management asks questions which are patently illegal. And are you telling me that out of 32 teams, each with 50 guys on the roster, no one is gay. Come on, man.
Sayonara
Saturday, February 16, 2013
WELCOME ROOKIES
The contest to increase readership was a smashing success--well almost. I now have over 70 readers and looking for more. The winner of the contest in a close race was Fuzzie--he has already received his fantabulous award. A word of caution to all you newbies: This little project started because someone I love dearly and live with told me she did not want to hear me rant, rave, scream incoherently, and generally rage against the machine--so why didn't I just start a blog, she asked? Abracadabra, with much help from the young woman in the Lone Star state, here it is. You may wish to comment and may in fact disagree. But this is not truly a two way street since I am invariably right and you are not. So buckle up and hopefully at least enjoy--here goes.
Assorted Items of Interest:
The two Ric's (that would be Santorum and Perry) have decided that the Boy Scouts will be destroyed if they decide to include Gay leaders and Gay Scouts. They just don't get it--by the end of the week, the Illinois State Senate passed a gay marriage bill. These guys lost the Republican nomination but still feel obligated to share their vile opinions. Kick 'em to the curb.
Staying in Pennsylvania, Mrs. Paterno "got ill" from all the bad stuff said about her husband. Well I think she ought to go back in bed and put her blinders back on--she was not sexually abused; the children were and they will have long term problems. Who cares if she is ill--this is about damage done to children; it is about them. And the family's report which contradicted Freeh's report is a basket of BS. This happened and the culture created by Joe Pa allowed it to flourish.
Eric Cantor (he who is a member of my tribe) is back in the news with all sorts of "non -partisan" proposals. He is just reshuffling the deck and calling out the Prez for not being responsive to the middle class. Another one to kick to the curb (which is getting pretty full). Two quotes about these guys. Paul Krugman refers to them as the "ignorance caucus". And I am pretty sure it is Hilary after she left office who referred to them as folks "who don't live in the evidence based world".
Staying in the so called political world. I just want to send Mitch McConnell back to the tobacco fields in Kentucky. After the state of the union speech, this brilliant leader said: "He's gotten all the revenue he is going to get. Been there, done that". Real helpful and very respectful. Any room left on the curb? The 2/5 Globe carried a great Doonesbury strip about Elizabeth Warren and her new staff member who is (ahem) a Senior Citizen. Elizabeth gets "that the elderly are people too". And of course the gutless legislators won't go near any gun legislation. Everyone was all excited about getting some limits after Newtown but, if you have noticed, its back to business as usual. I have to hand it to those NRA assholes--they really are savvy in both a PR and a political sense. Chuck Hagel anyone?
And now to Israel. Police detained women including the Rabbi/sister of comedienne Sarah Silverman because they were praying at the Wailing Wall. These are the same zealots (not the police but the ultra Orthodox Rabbis who oversee the activity at the Wall) who are involved with the illegal settlements but don't want their boys to fight in the IDF. And yup those were Israeli jets destroying a convoy in Syria carrying arms to Lebanon. And OOPS--they also managed to destroy an arms depot which at first was denied. Lebanon, which was the destination of the convoy, is controlled by Hezbollah and is a mess--so I get what the Israelis were up to. But they best be careful about how many of their neighbors they can afford to offend. They are increasingly getting more isolated ---and just became the first country to ever refuse to allow the UN to review the country's Human Rights practices.
So Scottie is now on Fox News--I am guessing some of his truer colors will come out sooner or later.
What scares me is that he will appear to be "normal" compared to Palin. On the other hand, Jon Stewart who may have the best writers and researchers in the world (ditto Rachel Maddow) eviscerated Dick Cheyney who came out of hiding long enough to grant his first interview and blast Obama. Stewart dug up all sorts of old tape and just exposed Cheyney for the fool he is--onto the curb too.
SPORTS TALK
Did not watch one play of the Super Bowl--my protest to no one about the pathetic performance of the Pats. No points in the second half--are you kidding me? Greg Bedard may be the best pro football analyst in America. His positions ratings both during and after the season were terrific. If you want to read a really good sports media critic, you have to read Richard Deitsch in SI.Com. The man writes real well and has great sources.
Any of you know or care about the romance between Danica Patrick and Ricky Stenhouse? It is a NASCAR story which means it hits a wall at the Mason Dixon line. I mean who cares what happens at Talledega?. Much more interested in this whole saga in South Africa with Oscar and his now murdered girl friend. And anyone care about ARod--of course he took those banned substances. He should shut up and go stand on top of those other curb dwellers.
I am one of those who believe the Celtics are better off without Rondo. Three reasons: he is a drama queen; he plays out of control too often; and he falls down like a soccer player if he is breathed on too hard.
I hate players who hold their hand up wanting the ball while they are in a game. They often get it and fuck up. Play the game--don't stand around waving and then sulking when you don't get it.
The goalie for Juventus is a spitting image of Bowser the lead singer for Sha Na Na--you need to be of a certain age to remember that factoid.
Hope you are both feeling better, Peter and Ashok. Happy Belated Valentine's Day to all
Sayonara
Assorted Items of Interest:
The two Ric's (that would be Santorum and Perry) have decided that the Boy Scouts will be destroyed if they decide to include Gay leaders and Gay Scouts. They just don't get it--by the end of the week, the Illinois State Senate passed a gay marriage bill. These guys lost the Republican nomination but still feel obligated to share their vile opinions. Kick 'em to the curb.
Staying in Pennsylvania, Mrs. Paterno "got ill" from all the bad stuff said about her husband. Well I think she ought to go back in bed and put her blinders back on--she was not sexually abused; the children were and they will have long term problems. Who cares if she is ill--this is about damage done to children; it is about them. And the family's report which contradicted Freeh's report is a basket of BS. This happened and the culture created by Joe Pa allowed it to flourish.
Eric Cantor (he who is a member of my tribe) is back in the news with all sorts of "non -partisan" proposals. He is just reshuffling the deck and calling out the Prez for not being responsive to the middle class. Another one to kick to the curb (which is getting pretty full). Two quotes about these guys. Paul Krugman refers to them as the "ignorance caucus". And I am pretty sure it is Hilary after she left office who referred to them as folks "who don't live in the evidence based world".
Staying in the so called political world. I just want to send Mitch McConnell back to the tobacco fields in Kentucky. After the state of the union speech, this brilliant leader said: "He's gotten all the revenue he is going to get. Been there, done that". Real helpful and very respectful. Any room left on the curb? The 2/5 Globe carried a great Doonesbury strip about Elizabeth Warren and her new staff member who is (ahem) a Senior Citizen. Elizabeth gets "that the elderly are people too". And of course the gutless legislators won't go near any gun legislation. Everyone was all excited about getting some limits after Newtown but, if you have noticed, its back to business as usual. I have to hand it to those NRA assholes--they really are savvy in both a PR and a political sense. Chuck Hagel anyone?
And now to Israel. Police detained women including the Rabbi/sister of comedienne Sarah Silverman because they were praying at the Wailing Wall. These are the same zealots (not the police but the ultra Orthodox Rabbis who oversee the activity at the Wall) who are involved with the illegal settlements but don't want their boys to fight in the IDF. And yup those were Israeli jets destroying a convoy in Syria carrying arms to Lebanon. And OOPS--they also managed to destroy an arms depot which at first was denied. Lebanon, which was the destination of the convoy, is controlled by Hezbollah and is a mess--so I get what the Israelis were up to. But they best be careful about how many of their neighbors they can afford to offend. They are increasingly getting more isolated ---and just became the first country to ever refuse to allow the UN to review the country's Human Rights practices.
So Scottie is now on Fox News--I am guessing some of his truer colors will come out sooner or later.
What scares me is that he will appear to be "normal" compared to Palin. On the other hand, Jon Stewart who may have the best writers and researchers in the world (ditto Rachel Maddow) eviscerated Dick Cheyney who came out of hiding long enough to grant his first interview and blast Obama. Stewart dug up all sorts of old tape and just exposed Cheyney for the fool he is--onto the curb too.
SPORTS TALK
Did not watch one play of the Super Bowl--my protest to no one about the pathetic performance of the Pats. No points in the second half--are you kidding me? Greg Bedard may be the best pro football analyst in America. His positions ratings both during and after the season were terrific. If you want to read a really good sports media critic, you have to read Richard Deitsch in SI.Com. The man writes real well and has great sources.
Any of you know or care about the romance between Danica Patrick and Ricky Stenhouse? It is a NASCAR story which means it hits a wall at the Mason Dixon line. I mean who cares what happens at Talledega?. Much more interested in this whole saga in South Africa with Oscar and his now murdered girl friend. And anyone care about ARod--of course he took those banned substances. He should shut up and go stand on top of those other curb dwellers.
I am one of those who believe the Celtics are better off without Rondo. Three reasons: he is a drama queen; he plays out of control too often; and he falls down like a soccer player if he is breathed on too hard.
I hate players who hold their hand up wanting the ball while they are in a game. They often get it and fuck up. Play the game--don't stand around waving and then sulking when you don't get it.
The goalie for Juventus is a spitting image of Bowser the lead singer for Sha Na Na--you need to be of a certain age to remember that factoid.
Hope you are both feeling better, Peter and Ashok. Happy Belated Valentine's Day to all
Sayonara
Friday, February 1, 2013
TWENTY MILLION FOLLOWERS!!!!!!
Read somewhere that a woman who publishes this wedding blog has 20 million followers. I'm trying to get to 100. Cannot fathom how that happens. Or how you can fit all the names into that little "TO" box. Anyhow I have a secret but special reward for the first one of you who sends me 5 email addresses of folks who actually might enjoy this screed. Kind of like a contest. I cannot be categorized but I can hopefully be interesting.
So I loved the speech at the Inauguration. Now I know nothing may come of it but the language and the message was terrific. "Seneca Falls and Selma and Stonewall". First of all, it is beautifully alliterative which is amazing. Second, in a few short words he made history acknowledging women, African Americans, and, for the first time ever, Gay men and women. Even if nothing else happens, he "came out" on these issues and on immigration. The line "do not confuse absolutism with principles"--another terrific use of language and a slap at the Tea Partiers without naming them and thus egging them on. Speaking of slaps, Ryan and Romney must still have red faces from the slaps they got. And that fool Romney is probably still at the Convention Center counting his firecrackers--what a baby not showing for the Inaugural.
OK, so you live in Bethel, Maine and are likely the only Hispanic gay man within a bazillion miles. On the other hand, you happen to be a poet and you get a call sometime after the election and are asked to write a poem for the Inauguration--hello!! I would have headed straight to bed--no, first to the liquor cabinet for the Scotch, then the freezer for the ice, and then bed--but this guy Blanco came up with a beauty under gigantic pressure. The symbolism of his remarks means something to the Immigrants who came before and the ones that will come again. And it blasted away at the homophobes already freaked out by the Stonewall reference.
On a somewhat lighter note, my old hometown (that would be Brookline--though I have a few others) is being overrun by wild turkeys. Front page of the Globe had pix of these critters and all sorts of crazed residents who "cannot leave their houses"; a mailman who had to enter someones home to escape attack (there is a joke there, right?); and children afraid of going to school. The next time there is an absence of an animal story on either the front page of the Globe or the front page of the Metro section of the paper, please notify me immediately. One day last week we learned about insects.
So I am in a fairly legit kind of men's room--not a sleazoid place on the side of a highway. If some of you are not aware of this, there are now urinals for little guys about half the size of the ones for us manly guys. So two urinals down, there is a grown up manly guy using the kid's urinal and reading the paper. He is also peeing all over his shoe because it is a longer shot--does not notice a thing. Flushes and of course walks out without washing his hands--does leave a good size puddle. Un fucking believable.
Before the Israeli election, David Remnick had a New Yorker article about the rise of the secular (as opposed to the religious) right and how rigid they are about the Palestinians. It was very depressing. Surprise--they got crunched in the election and the center of the populace--in other words, those who might actually favor a two state solution--came out big. I like Remnick a lot but he really blew it this time. Then recently Jon Lee Anderson (another writer in the mag who I like a lot) wrote a great piece about Hugo Chavez who is likely dying in Havana. What he is likely to leave behind in Venezuela will not be pretty. Two days later, a prison riot killed a bunch of guards and inmates in that country.
Scotty will not run so I am not sure which Republican will go after Kerry's seat. I hate to admit it but Weld would be better than most. Also would fit in better what with his WASPY noblesse oblige style. Yuk however to the need for another two elections--a special one this summer and then the regular one.
You all do know there is a website called "Christian Mingle", right?
SPORTS TALK
Don't believe ARod and don't believe Teo and believe Ray Lewis is a thug who should have been in jail 10 years ago. And I don't believe him either. I do believe someone on the Pats coaching staff should be kicked someplace for how they managed to get ZERO points in the second half. Sure, Brady stunk and there were injuries but no points--pathetic. Greg Bedard, in the Globe, has been great all season writing about the Pats. His analysis of this game was excellent. I will not be watching the super bowl at all. Going out to din din and watching Downton.
Phil Mickelson has the shit eatingest grin of anyone on the face of the earth. and he is upset because his taxes are so high he could not buy into the Padres. Kick him to the curb or at least into a sand trap.
Don't forget the contest.
Sayonara.
So I loved the speech at the Inauguration. Now I know nothing may come of it but the language and the message was terrific. "Seneca Falls and Selma and Stonewall". First of all, it is beautifully alliterative which is amazing. Second, in a few short words he made history acknowledging women, African Americans, and, for the first time ever, Gay men and women. Even if nothing else happens, he "came out" on these issues and on immigration. The line "do not confuse absolutism with principles"--another terrific use of language and a slap at the Tea Partiers without naming them and thus egging them on. Speaking of slaps, Ryan and Romney must still have red faces from the slaps they got. And that fool Romney is probably still at the Convention Center counting his firecrackers--what a baby not showing for the Inaugural.
OK, so you live in Bethel, Maine and are likely the only Hispanic gay man within a bazillion miles. On the other hand, you happen to be a poet and you get a call sometime after the election and are asked to write a poem for the Inauguration--hello!! I would have headed straight to bed--no, first to the liquor cabinet for the Scotch, then the freezer for the ice, and then bed--but this guy Blanco came up with a beauty under gigantic pressure. The symbolism of his remarks means something to the Immigrants who came before and the ones that will come again. And it blasted away at the homophobes already freaked out by the Stonewall reference.
On a somewhat lighter note, my old hometown (that would be Brookline--though I have a few others) is being overrun by wild turkeys. Front page of the Globe had pix of these critters and all sorts of crazed residents who "cannot leave their houses"; a mailman who had to enter someones home to escape attack (there is a joke there, right?); and children afraid of going to school. The next time there is an absence of an animal story on either the front page of the Globe or the front page of the Metro section of the paper, please notify me immediately. One day last week we learned about insects.
So I am in a fairly legit kind of men's room--not a sleazoid place on the side of a highway. If some of you are not aware of this, there are now urinals for little guys about half the size of the ones for us manly guys. So two urinals down, there is a grown up manly guy using the kid's urinal and reading the paper. He is also peeing all over his shoe because it is a longer shot--does not notice a thing. Flushes and of course walks out without washing his hands--does leave a good size puddle. Un fucking believable.
Before the Israeli election, David Remnick had a New Yorker article about the rise of the secular (as opposed to the religious) right and how rigid they are about the Palestinians. It was very depressing. Surprise--they got crunched in the election and the center of the populace--in other words, those who might actually favor a two state solution--came out big. I like Remnick a lot but he really blew it this time. Then recently Jon Lee Anderson (another writer in the mag who I like a lot) wrote a great piece about Hugo Chavez who is likely dying in Havana. What he is likely to leave behind in Venezuela will not be pretty. Two days later, a prison riot killed a bunch of guards and inmates in that country.
Scotty will not run so I am not sure which Republican will go after Kerry's seat. I hate to admit it but Weld would be better than most. Also would fit in better what with his WASPY noblesse oblige style. Yuk however to the need for another two elections--a special one this summer and then the regular one.
You all do know there is a website called "Christian Mingle", right?
SPORTS TALK
Don't believe ARod and don't believe Teo and believe Ray Lewis is a thug who should have been in jail 10 years ago. And I don't believe him either. I do believe someone on the Pats coaching staff should be kicked someplace for how they managed to get ZERO points in the second half. Sure, Brady stunk and there were injuries but no points--pathetic. Greg Bedard, in the Globe, has been great all season writing about the Pats. His analysis of this game was excellent. I will not be watching the super bowl at all. Going out to din din and watching Downton.
Phil Mickelson has the shit eatingest grin of anyone on the face of the earth. and he is upset because his taxes are so high he could not buy into the Padres. Kick him to the curb or at least into a sand trap.
Don't forget the contest.
Sayonara.
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