If you actually read my rants, you will remember that in my last blog I wrote about my seven first cousins and how we were now the family elders. Make that six--Arlene passed away just after that was written. She called me on each of my birthdays, on all Jewish holidays, and danced up a storm at all family events. The six of us who remain are all men--four of whom are older than me. This is really getting grim and I have been preoccupied with the losses over the past year and what lies ahead. At times, I wish I had the strong religious belief of my mother--but I don't and, as I have said, this whole thing sucks. Enough.
Ends and Odds:
--So the singer still known as Rihanna got pissed because her song got pulled off the air right after the ugly episode involving Ray Rice came out publicly. Not pissed at him or the violence against his wife--but pissed because her song got pulled. ME, ME, ME. She needs a lesson in priorities.
--And Hope Solo attacks both her sister and her nephew and gets to continue playing. There is some double standard at work but I cannot put words to it. BTW, she is a member of the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team and this is not a sports item.
--Since we were bombing those ISIS madmen during Rosh Hashanah, do you think there were any Jewish pilots who said hell no, I can't go? Just saying.
--Terrific article in last week's New Yorker by Dexter Filkins. Along with Jon Lee Anderson, he is one of the best journalists writing in war zones. Made me even more sure my prediction of a new country called Kurdistan will emerge. Apart from the whole mess with ISIS, Iraq is a horrid swamp.
--Suffolk Downs did not get the casino license for the Boston area which is not really a big deal except they will stop all horse racing this coming Saturday. It is much less of a big deal since the repeal of the whole casino enabling legislation is likely to pass in November anyhow Then, as they say, all bets are off!!
--A close relative sent me a letter written by a woman in Liberia. Everything you have read about the Ebola epidemic is worse than what you read. More people will die and the country simply cannot address the problem without outside help and lots of it. Not enough resources and no infrastructure.
--Meanwhile send Jeanne Shaheen money. Good old Scottie is up there in NH not attacking her but attacking Obama and linking Obama to her. Scottie has no freaking ideas of his own--just is an attack dog. Took advantage of Obamacare for his daughters but wants to repeal it now. Fuck him. Though I have to say, my boy Nate Silver is fairly confident the Republicans will take over the Senate. Makes me cringe.
--Heard while walking around the pond: "my poetry slam is next week". I think I live in some sort of fantasy land. I hope the person is a great poet but it won't matter to citizens of Liberia or Ferguson , Missouri.
--New decision about attire. No more ties for the Crab.
--If you fast, have an easy one.
SPORTS TALK
--Last night's performance by the Pats was one for the ages--at least my ages since I have not seen them ever play so badly. There is just a hint in my mind that Brady is really starting to look his age--and then I deny what I see. And why is Revis all of a sudden beatable?
--Glad Jeter went out on his terms not the terms of the media. Terrible year for the team and him.
--And what about the mighty Wolverines and that stupid coach putting their QB back in when he could barely walk--just had a "mild concussion". Nothing is mild when it involves your brain. Brady Hoke has to
go.
Sayonara
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
HENNY PENNY THE SKY IS FALLING
Like Chicken Little, I have landed and am stuck on the side of the glass is half empty. I continue to hear difficult, if not grim, medical news from friends. I remember one of Barbara's parents kind of warning us that once you reached a certain age, you went to a lot of funerals and a lot of your friends had major medical problems. Of course, I just skipped over that insight. Except it is happening with more and more frequency and I DON'T LIKE IT ONE FUCKING BIT. Someone has to do something.
But I then move on and get in touch with my anger which nicely, if unhealthily, covers up all that sadness (I mean I was in the mental health field so I do get it sometimes). Ends and Odds:
--An article in the New Yorker. Two weeks ago, a piece on the declining influence of AIPAC (the major mainstream Jewish advocacy group). Guys like Kraft, Redstone, and Sheldon Adelson--big Machers--who don't want to hear about a two state solution. Seems like they are losing their grip on the younger generation of Jews who actually have some sympathy for the idea of a Palestinian state.
--ISIS continues to publicly behead people and I continue to get more and more supportive of military action of some sort. I am not in favor of a return to Medieval times but don't believe that is enough to make them go away.
--OK, I get it. Bike lanes for all. No helmets required. Pretend you are a car. Whatever. But please someone explain the following. There are great bike paths on an around the Jamaica Way (for you out of towners, that road is a parkway with 2 lanes of traffic in each direction but with no divider. It is a perfect course for a car race which is how some of us drivers treat it.) Why would any cyclist ride their bike on the road , occupying a whole lane, while cars whiz by going at least 45 mph? What does it prove--that someone has a death wish?
--Ah, the Globe continues its Catholic outreach effort. They must really have done a survey or held focus groups because they will now have a special section called "Catholic Crux"--I have no clue what that means but God bless them.
--We had a primary and, while I voted, I really only cared about a couple of races. My big dilemma will be in November when I have to decide if I can vote for Coakley again (she was the one who lost to Scot Brown after Ted Kennedy died). She blew it big time in that election. I am just not sure what to do because the Republican is not so bad. I will predict that the voters will ban casino gambling. At this point, I could not care less but then again I don't work at Suffolk Downs (our local race track) which likely will close. But no one (I repeat no one) has yet told me how the casinos are worse than the lottery.
--If it is "the economy stupid", Obama and the Dems should be heavy favorites in November but my boy Nate Silver has them losing the Senate.
--I can almost understand how this Ebola epidemic in Africa spreads--in a non scientific way. Given the poverty, given the dearth of medical resources, and given the influence of tradition on many people, folks just cannot keep up with the disease. And the governments just do not have an infrastructure to fight it. At least we are sending them troops to help.
--Mitt is making noises like he may run again--that fool. I do worry about Scottie in NH. I just hope those wise folks in the Granite State know he is an interloper and, if he loses, he may buy a house in Vermont and run against Bernie Sanders.
--Great seeing you ever so briefly, A.
--Those of you who read no further and are members of my tribe, have a Happy and Healthy New Year.
SPORTS TALK
--If you saw Brady's press conference after their win against the Vikes, you might want to tell him to quit whining. He is supposed to be a leader and he sounded like a baby. Yup, the offense is still offensive but he is part of that problem. If he is only going to pass to two people, it will not get any easier.
--Both Ray Rice and Adrian Peterson should be kicked to the curb and not allowed to play. I am sick and tired of hearing that a professional player was sentenced to "anger management counselling". As if that is the answer. Taking money and the playing field away is a better answer though even that is not a complete answer.
Sayonara.
But I then move on and get in touch with my anger which nicely, if unhealthily, covers up all that sadness (I mean I was in the mental health field so I do get it sometimes). Ends and Odds:
--An article in the New Yorker. Two weeks ago, a piece on the declining influence of AIPAC (the major mainstream Jewish advocacy group). Guys like Kraft, Redstone, and Sheldon Adelson--big Machers--who don't want to hear about a two state solution. Seems like they are losing their grip on the younger generation of Jews who actually have some sympathy for the idea of a Palestinian state.
--ISIS continues to publicly behead people and I continue to get more and more supportive of military action of some sort. I am not in favor of a return to Medieval times but don't believe that is enough to make them go away.
--OK, I get it. Bike lanes for all. No helmets required. Pretend you are a car. Whatever. But please someone explain the following. There are great bike paths on an around the Jamaica Way (for you out of towners, that road is a parkway with 2 lanes of traffic in each direction but with no divider. It is a perfect course for a car race which is how some of us drivers treat it.) Why would any cyclist ride their bike on the road , occupying a whole lane, while cars whiz by going at least 45 mph? What does it prove--that someone has a death wish?
--Ah, the Globe continues its Catholic outreach effort. They must really have done a survey or held focus groups because they will now have a special section called "Catholic Crux"--I have no clue what that means but God bless them.
--We had a primary and, while I voted, I really only cared about a couple of races. My big dilemma will be in November when I have to decide if I can vote for Coakley again (she was the one who lost to Scot Brown after Ted Kennedy died). She blew it big time in that election. I am just not sure what to do because the Republican is not so bad. I will predict that the voters will ban casino gambling. At this point, I could not care less but then again I don't work at Suffolk Downs (our local race track) which likely will close. But no one (I repeat no one) has yet told me how the casinos are worse than the lottery.
--If it is "the economy stupid", Obama and the Dems should be heavy favorites in November but my boy Nate Silver has them losing the Senate.
--I can almost understand how this Ebola epidemic in Africa spreads--in a non scientific way. Given the poverty, given the dearth of medical resources, and given the influence of tradition on many people, folks just cannot keep up with the disease. And the governments just do not have an infrastructure to fight it. At least we are sending them troops to help.
--Mitt is making noises like he may run again--that fool. I do worry about Scottie in NH. I just hope those wise folks in the Granite State know he is an interloper and, if he loses, he may buy a house in Vermont and run against Bernie Sanders.
--Great seeing you ever so briefly, A.
--Those of you who read no further and are members of my tribe, have a Happy and Healthy New Year.
SPORTS TALK
--If you saw Brady's press conference after their win against the Vikes, you might want to tell him to quit whining. He is supposed to be a leader and he sounded like a baby. Yup, the offense is still offensive but he is part of that problem. If he is only going to pass to two people, it will not get any easier.
--Both Ray Rice and Adrian Peterson should be kicked to the curb and not allowed to play. I am sick and tired of hearing that a professional player was sentenced to "anger management counselling". As if that is the answer. Taking money and the playing field away is a better answer though even that is not a complete answer.
Sayonara.
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
AW, JEEZ!!!!
The siblings were: Abe; Hym; Polly; Itie; and Lil. They have all passed away and are in cemetery plots in Auburn, Maine. Nearby is the grave of their mother Annie Rachael. Izzie, a brother, and their father Nathan are buried in Montefiore cemetery in Queens never having made it north. Among them, these 5 siblings had 9 children. I am, or was, one of those nine--seven of us are alive. This set of seven constitute my first cousins but also constitute the family "elders". I remain uncomfortable playing that role, sitting at the head of the table (instead of someone older like Barbara's father), want to look around, and have someone take my place. This is by way of saying that Norma died during August. She was one of the 9 first cousins and the second to pass away. As a friend mentioned after her death, this one confronted me in very direct ways with my own mortality and my own demise--topics I prefer to keep deeply submerged in my psyche. I still cannot believe I am as old as I apparently am--or that the seven of us still alive will eventually meet the same fate as Norma. I miss her.
Moving on to items perhaps a bit less depressing:
--A full page ad in the Globe during the last month sponsored by Christians United for Israel. Withe friends like these--this right wing group may be taking over as Israel's lead support in America. Ugh.
--A friend sent an excerpt from a book about Israeli High School students who rather consistently and rather sadly exhibit all sorts of racist opinions about the Palestinians.
--The same friend referred me to a NY Times article about the dilemma facing those of us who want Israel to survive, who want a Palestinian state to exist, and yet are appalled by the actions of Hamas.
--Salon had a great article (sent to me by a Texan) about the Black rage in Ferguson. It was scarily reminiscent of the 60's. Jon Stewart did a wondrous piece on that community as well.
--The Kurds will continue to be our best ally and the best hope of stymieing that ISIS group. I am beginning to believe (a little too strongly for my own self opinion) in bombing the shit out of them.
--Went to a wedding in the Red Hook section of Brooklyn--an area which seems like its on the verge of being the next "in" spot. A converted warehouse venue on the harbor. While the ceremony was going on, I could see to my left the Statue of Liberty and to my right what is now called 1 World Trade. A wonderful event, terrific food, and the setting was very special. Also, thanks to my not really brother-in-law, we were staying a block from a place which is referred to as the best place for Hero sandwiches in NYC.
--Plus this: we took the subway from Penn Station to Brooklyn and had to change once. A guy making the same trip virtually led us the whole way, double checked to be sure we knew what he was telling us, and belied all the negatives about the unfriendliness of New Yorkers.
--The economy is better, we are almost out of Afghanistan, we are taking a measured approach to the crazy Middle East and they still hate Obama. If the Senate goes Republican (including that asshole Scott Brown in NH), hold onto your hats. And I again wish Ruth Bader Ginsburg would resign before Obama is totally crippled.
--A sobering scary piece on Putin and his supporters in Russia in the New Yorker by David Remnick who really has his fingers on the pulse of that ugly beast (the person and the country).
SPORTS TALK
--I think the Yanks loss Sunday to the Jays when they were up 3-0 was the final curtain call. They will not be a wild card; but they have found some pitchers.
--Don't give a fuck about Mankins being traded. He is a bull headed cattle farmer from California. Wouldn't renegotiate; let him see how much fun it is in Tampa. But don't write me if Brady gets demolished while throwing.
Sayonara.
Moving on to items perhaps a bit less depressing:
--A full page ad in the Globe during the last month sponsored by Christians United for Israel. Withe friends like these--this right wing group may be taking over as Israel's lead support in America. Ugh.
--A friend sent an excerpt from a book about Israeli High School students who rather consistently and rather sadly exhibit all sorts of racist opinions about the Palestinians.
--The same friend referred me to a NY Times article about the dilemma facing those of us who want Israel to survive, who want a Palestinian state to exist, and yet are appalled by the actions of Hamas.
--Salon had a great article (sent to me by a Texan) about the Black rage in Ferguson. It was scarily reminiscent of the 60's. Jon Stewart did a wondrous piece on that community as well.
--The Kurds will continue to be our best ally and the best hope of stymieing that ISIS group. I am beginning to believe (a little too strongly for my own self opinion) in bombing the shit out of them.
--Went to a wedding in the Red Hook section of Brooklyn--an area which seems like its on the verge of being the next "in" spot. A converted warehouse venue on the harbor. While the ceremony was going on, I could see to my left the Statue of Liberty and to my right what is now called 1 World Trade. A wonderful event, terrific food, and the setting was very special. Also, thanks to my not really brother-in-law, we were staying a block from a place which is referred to as the best place for Hero sandwiches in NYC.
--Plus this: we took the subway from Penn Station to Brooklyn and had to change once. A guy making the same trip virtually led us the whole way, double checked to be sure we knew what he was telling us, and belied all the negatives about the unfriendliness of New Yorkers.
--The economy is better, we are almost out of Afghanistan, we are taking a measured approach to the crazy Middle East and they still hate Obama. If the Senate goes Republican (including that asshole Scott Brown in NH), hold onto your hats. And I again wish Ruth Bader Ginsburg would resign before Obama is totally crippled.
--A sobering scary piece on Putin and his supporters in Russia in the New Yorker by David Remnick who really has his fingers on the pulse of that ugly beast (the person and the country).
SPORTS TALK
--I think the Yanks loss Sunday to the Jays when they were up 3-0 was the final curtain call. They will not be a wild card; but they have found some pitchers.
--Don't give a fuck about Mankins being traded. He is a bull headed cattle farmer from California. Wouldn't renegotiate; let him see how much fun it is in Tampa. But don't write me if Brady gets demolished while throwing.
Sayonara.
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