I GOT STUPID WHEN I RETIRED

First the context:  This is not about whining.  I am always trying to avoid presuming to know what it means to be in someone else's shoes.  I would never presume to know what it means to be an African American man stopped by the police.  More to the point, I would not try to pretend that my life is like that of a traditional "housewife".  And yet there is this.  I am not asked to comment on the work a day world since I do not work and therefore must be clueless.  While I am an expert on laundry detergent, no one seems interested in my opinion about the "outside" the home world.  Perhaps if I was a volunteer, there might be some inquiries.  But in the absence of that, most folks are simply stumped when I tell them that I love being retired and love the unstructured routine of my life.  But in groups, or even one on ones, very few people think I have the wherewithal to render opinions about the "world".  In many ways, and without trying to put myself in other's shoes, it makes me feel like those traditional housewives many of us grew up knowing and seeing.  I frequently feel invisible as the conversation whirls around me.  Enough.

ENDS AND ODDS:

--My takeaway from the last Republican debate is that all the candidates are trying to scare the shit out of the electorate.  Some are worse than others--like the Donald.  But they are all playing to fear and it is pathetic.  What is worse is that it seems a lot of people are buying it.
--Speaking of the Donald, he just cannot help himself.  Hilary used the restroom--"its disgusting".  Like he never got caught in a line (actually maybe he never did).  She got "schlonged".  For those of you not conversant in Yiddish, he pretty much is saying she got fucked.  And people love it. I am in the camp that says if he is the nominee, it is great news.  But a close relative is very nervous.
--Last year when we had feet of snow, the ski resorts loved it since they could keep their stupid resorts open well into April.  Now, in the midst of a snow less stretch, we have to listen to their whining about the lack of snow.  Okay, if you open a business that is totally dependent on weather, you knew going in the risks and the rewards.  One more article about it and I might puke.
--The Globe, bless its heart, sent its Catholic reporter around the world to let us all know the status of Catholicism in various places.  Mind you, they do not send anyone to cover the immigration mess in Europe and rely on wire services; but it is important we know how the Church is doing in Kenya.
--On the other hand , the movie Spotlight was just terrific and was able to get me enraged yet again about the damage done by priests.  and of course the leader of that pack, Cardinal Law, got himself a nice promotion inside the Vatican.
--And then this week, they changed delivery service providers and screwed up the entire system.
--Elizabeth Kolbert is tough to read.  She writes about environmental issues in the New Yorker and won a Pulitzer last year.  She is tough because she is so depressingly accurate about how fucked we are in terms of climate change.  If any of you fine readers live in south Florida, you better get high rubberized boots and perhaps a boat because water is about two feet under you--and it is salt water not fresh water.  The Everglades is rapidly becoming brackish if not downright salty.  And the Republican leadership in the state does not believe in the science behind climate change.  You get what you deserve.
--In the big apple, we took a Uber to the train station and I ended up in the front seat with the driver.  He was a young Tajik who came here on his own--his siblings and parents still resided in Tajikistan.  And boy did he miss them.  He was working not to bring them here but to get his ass back there.  A great ride and a fun conversation.
--Very happy to actually have all my family in one room no matter how brief.
--Happy New Year to all of you.  I hope your Hanukkah or Christmas or whatever was pleasant and joyous.

SPORTS TALKS
So now the Miami game is big for the Pats since playing both playoff games at home is important.  They already have the bye which means their walking wounded should be ready.  But home games help.  I am enjoying the Celtics.  Not sure how good they really are but they are fun and I am betting Mr.  Ainge will pull a trade or two before this year is over.  The Bruins are yecch--cannot score and diminish the role of all the younger flashier players.

Adios

"HYSTERIA ABOUT REFUGEES; BLINDNESS ON GUNS"

That is a Nicholas Kristof quote from either the Globe or the Times.  Here are some sobering factoids based on the time period from 2012 through September of 2015.  The U.S. with a population of 300 million absorbed 2,000 Syrian refugees.  German, much smaller, took in 90,000 Syrian refugees.  Canada, smaller still, will take in about 25,000 Syrian refugees.  Our President had the temerity to propose taking in 10,000 Syrian refugees (or about 7,500 more) and the Republicans trashed him.  Five minutes after the President's speech regarding the San Bernadino murders, the CNN anchor chose not to talk about the murders or guns--but the possibility that the shooters were immigrants.  And, since the Prez never addressed that piece, she judged his address as inadequate.  She is an imbecile but was playing to her audience and especially playing to their fears.  Just saw the movie "Trumbo" about the blacklists that hit the movie community in the 50's. They were led by Joseph McCarthy the demagogic Senator from Wisconsin.  The film had actual news clips of McCarthy speaking and interviewing witnesses.  What scared me was how similar some of today's Republican candidates are to McCarthy.  They play to the fear of "the other" and want boots on the ground to fight ISIS not withstanding the fiasco of Iraq or Afghanistan and the deaths of the many men and women who fought there. The male shooter in San Bernadino was an American citizen.  Talk is cheap in any event--these men (and one woman) have cheapened it further.

From the campuses of America.  The President of Liberty University (he being the son of Jerry Falwell) wants to have all his students armed.  And down there in Texas--the Legislature passed a law last year (to be implemented this summer) which required any public university to develop policy and procedure to allow for students (over 18) and staff to carry concealed weapons.  I have been told that it is to be implemented on the 50th anniversary of the mass murders on the Austin campus committed by someone with an automatic weapon who was a red blooded American.  Despite the opposition of University leadership, that law will be implemented on the Austin campus.  One can only hope academics will think twice about teaching there and those academics, with a chance, hit the bricks.

Locally, our mayor is still fighting the casino approved to be built in a contiguous city.  So far, despite a tight fiscal situation, he has managed to spend a million bucks to fight it only to lose--and has promised to appeal. Said it before--be careful about someone who is an "ex-anything".  They tend to be moralistic, rigid, and intolerant.  Our Governor is showing his Republican side--wants no part of Syrian refugees and is cutting way back on public transportation.  We are supposed to accept this because he is pro choice and very moderate on social issues.  I accept none of this bifurcated shit.

A must read:  "Deep South" by Paul Theroux.  Takes a car trip through the South without taking any interstate highways or staying in any motel chains.  Finds poverty worse than anything he saw in Africa. Finds that nearly every independent motel is managed/owned by Indians from the same province in India and who have the same last name:  Patel.  Also consistently trashes Clinton and Gates for spending all their money in Africa when there is so much poverty right under their noses.

A final thought on Vietnam:  the people were wonderful, welcoming, generous, hard working, and young.  I am very lucky.

SPORTS TALK
Am very wary of the Bruins who are way too inconsistent and struggle to score.  Love the Celtics who are exciting, young, athletic and much more fun to watch.  The money paid to Price is mind boggling but the Red Flops have the dough and it appears other teams are equally crazy.  The Gronk is back though two more players are gone for the season.  Their win over a pathetic Houston team was neat and clean and Brady was much more cautious which is how they may need to play going forward.

Adios

A CORNUCOPIA OF TWISTED IDEAS AND POSSIBLE FACTS

Images of Vietnam continue to whirl about inside my head though I have yet to draw any IMPORTANT conclusions.  I will say this:  I love Europe, love to travel there, and love its history.  But it ends up being very close to us in term of culture and social issues.  Going somewhere else that is very different (think Vietnam or Cuba) is an entirely special sort of experience. My best example disgusting as it is:  try having a "toileting" problem in a bathroom with no flushing apparatus in the middle of nowhere and the toilet paper is handed out to you on your way in.  Not the Ritz.  Moving on.

--Do not try and tell me that this weekend's murders in Colorado are unrelated to the venom spewing out of the mouths of the Republican candidates.  Huckabee, he of no experience at all, had the cojones to suggest the murders were akin to abortions.  Cannot wait for the Donald to have his say and suggest that if Planned Parenthood were not open, this would not happen.
--Ezra Schwartz, a local kid, is dead and was murdered by a Palestinian probably no older than him in a conflict that shows no signs of waning.  And also no signs of real leadership on either side.  Spoke to someone who spends a lot of time there and has close Israeli friends there--it is the first time he has heard them say they are scared. I am scared too--scared that I have no clue how this will end up.
--Andrew Ferrence is an NHL player for the Calgary Flames.  When he played for the Boston Bruins, he lived in the city and used to bike to "work". He read about the arrival of Syrian refugees into Canada and promptly wrote a check for $10,000 to ensure they had adequate support.  Canada is committed to taking about 10 times the number of refugees than the United States.  But thanks to the gutless wonders here, we might not even attain that number.  And that includes this state's stupid Governor who has finally shown his Republican colors.
--The Mayor of Austin (where a close relative of mine lives) wrote an article for the Texas Tribune in which he wrote that he would welcome the Syrians into Austin.  That is called leadership especially in a state which has already said thanks but no.
--The terrorist murders in France have driven the right wing demagogues out of hiding and onto the front pages.  They believe the correct response are fences and boats to send them back.  On the other hand I am not sure at all that the bombing of ISIS will have a lasting impact.  These folks are not just terrorists but religious zealots who might prefer death and ascension into heaven.  You cannot fight their zealotry with guns--and I believe Netanyahu and Abbas better figure that out also.
--By the way, many of the terrorists involved in the French murders were born in France or Belgium so closing the borders may not be the answer.
--Not sure where but read a poignant letter from a father who is now a single parent after the murder of his wife.  Refusing to let the terrorists change his life or his lifestyle.
--The most dangerous Republican could be Rubio--primarily because he is actually smart.  He is also a far right crazy but the other guys are just stupid which is why in a very weird way I hope either Trump or Carson is the nominee.  Rubio (and Cruz for that matter) are self hating Latinos who now that they are citizens want to shut down any pathway for others coming from Central or South America.  It is truly pathetic.  But Rubio is brighter than the rest.
--Our Child Welfare agency just announced some major changes--one of which is requiring that their front line workers receive an hour of supervision a week.  Seriously?  This is the first time that supervision has been required?  They are really shit out of luck and the kids will be the ones that suffer.
--Saw Spotlight the other day and did not think I could again get pissed at the Catholic Church--but I did.  I am not sure it is a great movie but really Cardinal Law (who got a promotion for all his dirty work) should be kicked to the curb along with his henchmen.
Enough.

SPORTSTALK
--OMG, I saw the hit on Gronk last night and have convinced myself that they targeted his knee.  After that , the Pats had no chance but remain a game ahead in the AFC.  They are hurting literally and cannot be counted on unless they get home field in the playoffs.
--Michigan got its ass kicked by Ohio State but remember, this is Harbaugh's first year--they will get better.
--So, while I was away, Seguin scores a hat trick against the Bruins and is leading the league in scoring--but Claude did not like his defensive skills.

Adios

VIET NAM: SOME NOT SO RANDOM THOUGHTS

So, we just returned from 18 days in Vietnam.  Before I share some of my thoughts, let me mention two related items.  At any age, let alone mine, a 15 hour non stop flight is a numbing nightmare even if it all goes smoothly.  Second, this is not about the war with Vietnam though it did hang over us like a dark cloud--especially in light of the 50,000 Americans killed and untold millions of Vietnamese.  So if you want to debate the war, look elsewhere.

--We started in Hanoi--a city full of a bustling street scene and lots of street vendors most of whom seemed female while the men lolled around in the cafes.  As we were reminded by our terrific tour guide, the country is not just a socialist one but it is also a dictatorship.  This was most evident in Hanoi where every so often the speakers on the electric poles would chirp up some shit to inspire the workers.  Then there were the motor bikes (and I am not talking Harleys).  I am talking the equivalent of Vespas driven by a bazilliion maniacs--none of whom obey one fucking law.  They ignore street lights, ignore pedestrians, go down one way streets the wrong way, drive on the sidewalk if street traffic is too heavy, and carry all manner of cargo including children.  Oh, and did I mention, they rarely wear helmets. One look at the telephone poles and you wonder how they don't just explode with the profusion of wires all exposed and connecting who knows what to who knows what.
--The country uses no coins.  Going to an ATM allows you to come away with million dollar bills which feels very exciting until you are told you are holding $50 dollars American.  No newspapers but plenty of women selling chicken and fish--both unrefrigerated--sitting on cutting boards all day.
--I forget the numbers but this is a young country with tons of children and adults under 30.  An excellent state run airline and a 38 hour train ride between Hanoi and Saigon which we did not take.  BTW, the Vietnamese do not call it Ho Chi Minh city no matter what the government says--it is Saigon.
--They hate the Chinese even while being afraid of them--the ocean to the East which the rest of us call the South China sea is referred to as the East Sea by the Vietnamese.
--We visited 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites--Halong Bay which is just spectacular, Hoi Ann a tourist mecca but untouched by any war damage and full of pedestrian friendly streets, and the ruins (I forget the name) of an ancient civilization.
--Every time I saw a man with a missing limb, I wondered......
--If Hanoi is the political capital with a population of 8 million, then Saigon is the economic capital with a population of 10 million.  Together, they make up about 1/4 of the population.  There are a number of medium size cities--Hue, Nha Trang, and Danang to name 3.  But a lot of folks live in rural villages and lead very agricultural lives--still plowing many fields with water buffalo.  They are the second biggest coffee exporter in the world and that Starbucks coffee you sip might be from there even though Starbucks won't admit it.  They export tons (literally) of rice mainly coming from the South. We traveled on the Mekong River--a la John Kerry.
--Met with villagers making bamboo baskets and/chopsticks with old fashioned tools.  Drank shots of rum with the mayor of one village.  Met with two Viet Cong soldiers still heeding a rather rigid party line and getting me close to anger for the only time during the visit.
--Went to the War Remnants Museum (check out that language) which is their effort to show their citizens about that war.  While it is a major propaganda site, it is important to remember they have a perspective too-which is way different than ours.  People in the North generally believe they won the war.  People in the South generally believe we abandoned them.  These are generalities but they sound very familiar today, don't they?.
--Went to the site of Cu Chi which contained multiple tunnels used as both protection and subterranean housing during that war.
--Visited a Montagnard village--the ethnic "hill" tribe who were bought off by our CIA to fight the Viet Cong.  Still isolated and still remote though no longer in the jungle.
--Don't ever go in the rainy season.  We were there when it was supposed to be over and overall the weather was great--except for two days where it poured horizontally and flooded some streets.
--Nha Trang is on the way to becoming the BIG mid country version of Miami Beach.  High rises, discos, and a magical beach populated by Russians and, no offense, but you can tell those Russians in about two seconds what with the men in speedos and the women in bikinis and in both cases they belong on much thinner bodies.
--A vibrant, exciting country very much like Cuba though Cuba seems to be making peace with itself.  A socialist dictatorship where public education is not free and there is no national health insurance--go figure.
--Had a terrific time with very nice travel companions and ate wonderful pho and what seemed like 8 courses of food at every meal. There is more to say but like the meals, I have not fully digested it yet.
--The people were warm, generous, hospitable, and excited about meeting Americans.  Toured Dalat University with  two young women just dying to improve their English and then visiting America.  Got laughed at there and elsewhere because of my hirsute appearance.
--Much more to say and I kind of feel like I have not done the trip justice. We loved it.
--But oh that 15 hour flight.

I will stop here by wishing you all a Happy Turkey Day and saying that I have no words/insights into ISIS attacks except my thoughts are with the victims.

Adios.

WEAVER THE WEATHERMAN

If you grew up in Miami in the 50's (and I know 3 of us did), you probably watched WTVJ--the CBS affiliate .  Weaver the Weatherman joined Jack Cummins and Ralph Renick to form the evening news team. This is only relevant because I was reminded of Weaver the Weatherman last night and today.  Temps last night dropped into the 30's and temps today did not get out of the 40's.  So, I am about to give you a pass if you wore a wool cap, had gloves on, or put on a winter coat.  However, you get nothing but derisive snorts if you wore LL Bean rubber soled boots--there was no rain, no sleet, no snow, and no precipitation in general.  Those boots are not to be used as some sort of fashion statement.  Wear your fancy leather boots or some other contraption.  Keep the Bean boots in the closet until I give you permission to bring them out. I could wait for Weaver's report but I am guessing he is no longer with us.

ODD ENDS
--Two great articles about guns.  A piece in the on line version of Rolling Stone and another by Adam Gopnik in the New Yorker.  Both written after yet another shooting spree this one in Oregon.  The Donald opined that if the teachers had guns, it would not have happened.  My thoughtful fantasy:  separate the hunters from the NRA and try to convince them they have nothing in common with people who use Saturday night specials or automatic weapons.  Isolate the NRA and get them to defend these murderers.
--Obama in his comments on the Oregon murders was positively despondent--mentioned that he had done this 16 times in the almost 8 years of his presidency.
--The Blount County Tennessee Commissioners passed a resolution asking God's forgiveness for the decision on same sex marriage.  They probably believe they will get a quick response from him/her (was that politically correct or what?).
--A great video clip from Saturday Night Live with Hilary acting as a bartender and the woman who portrays her on the show acting as a customer in the bar.  Hilarious.
--An article in "All You"--a mag I bought with expiring miles--with the following headline:  "My pet is my hero"  Really how fucking pathetic can that be when so many living human beings deserve that label.
--Our abstemious (look it up!!) Mayor wants to ban alcohol related ads on all public buses.  Has also filed yet another suit against the casino.  This guy is dangerously pious about these things.  At virtually the same time, our state Treasurer proposed to use our lottery to compete with Draft Kings and Fan Duel.   Confirming what I believe--the lottery is not really gambling; it is something else.
The migrants continue to cross the Mediterranean, continue to drown, and continue to get stuck in ugly tent cities all over Eastern Europe.  The Germans continue to play a lead and act as role models for some the nastier governments like Hungary with its new razor wire fence.
--The mistakes built into the use of drones and/or long range missiles was in full display when we bombed the hospital in Kunduz.  With friends like us.....
--Too much "grinding" has forced some fucking school to cancel dances until the prom.  Adults are so two faced about this sex stuff. I read somewhere that the Europeans are much more concerned about violence in movies than sex--and we are much more concerned about sex.  This grinding business just confirms it.
--Spending time with good friends is to be appreciated and enjoyed.  We had a great time with our Toronto contingent and then went to NYC to visit other friends.  It is like comfort food for the soul.
--Listen up, spuds.  As Mary Travers sang:  "Our bags are packed and we're ready to go".  We are going to SE Asia this coming weekend.  I am totally freaked out and in high anxiety (Where is Mel Brooks when you need him?) about the 16 hour non stop flight we have to take.  Also very excited.  But, alas and alack, you will not here from me again until just before Thanks giving.  So try and manage your withdrawal slowly and safely.
--Continue to get healthy, C.

SPORTS TALK
The Pats beat the Colts but the crazed New England fans wanted a bigger beat down because of Deflategate.   The Pats are 5-0 so shut up.  That Michigan loss was horrific but the following was worse:  the young man who flubbed the punt has been getting death threats.  That really is sucky and low.  The Bruins lose 3 in a row and the bridges are lined with fans ready to jump.  It is an 82 game season assholes.  Rooting for the Cubs because of Theo and the Jays because of my friends in the Great White North.

Adios

"SAY NO TO RUGS"

Hah!!  I saw this phrase on a car sticker.  It was encircled in red with one of those red lines going through it diagonally.  I think it is terrific and only wish I had thought of it so I could be the next millionaire.  Legalize all rugs I say or do away with all rugs since I like the look of wooden floors especially those wide board types. Given what goes on in this country with respect to drugs, I might also say the same for them.  Legalize them all; get in business with the cartels;, farm those Afghan poppies; and stop sending so many people to jail.

Items:

--A giant shout out to the new Director of Development at the Blanton Museum.  You earned it and you got it and you will succeed.  You go girl.
--Hungary has its fence, used water cannons, tear gas, and generally tried to make life miserable for the refugees flowing from the South.   The Balkan countries and those in Eastern Europe are now squabbling about whose causing the most harm.  These people just want to get moving and go further north.  They get it--Hungary does not want them.  It is despicable--meanwhile we have politicians who would like a wall along our border with Mexico--as if they have not learned one thing.  And, oh yeah, the Israelis have built there own but it has not reduced the violence one bit.  Does anyone learn anything??
--If I see one more scantily clad female model with a cross hanging between her nearly exposed breasts, I might puke.  What would Pope Francis say about that, huh?
--Well there is this Arizona republican who boycotted the Pope's speech to Congress despite being Catholic.  Why, you might ask.  He does not think it is in the Pope's job description to discuss climate change or our relationship with Cuba or how we should welcome immigrants.  This is in a state which is likely to be the next New Mexico--a sate with a minority majority.
--Our child welfare agency continues to mishandle cases.  The parents of "Baby Bella" were nabbed and when I saw them, I was not really shocked.  Strung out junkies.  The mother already had two other children removed  and our child welfare workers had been in her home and did not notice anything amiss even after removing the other two.  At least our Governor did not create more commissions or investigations--he actually made some changes.  And the leader of the Social Workers union actually got up and supported the changes--but he did say something which largely went unnoticed--"children will continue to die" no matter what we do.  Until we, as a society, respect children and not treat them as objects, they will die.  Until we put more money into prevention, they will die.  We know that smoking causes lung cancer and know also that smoking prevention programs have reduced the number of people who smoke and thus have reduced the incidence of lung cancer.  We know, at time of birth, babies who are at risk for abuse--parents age at time of birth is a big variable.  Parents who abuse drugs or alcohol is another biggie.  Parents who have been victims themselves is another.  WE KNOW ALL THIS.  But continue to put flowers in front of houses where children have been murdered by adult caregivers. Enough.
--The Donald did a whole bunch of crazy stuff but none worse than suggesting vaccines cause autism.  Much  like climate change, the people who love the Donald do not believe in science and might actually withhold vaccines from their kids.
--Ben Carson, he an African American Republican candidate for President, told NASCAR fans it is ok to bring their Confederate flags to the races.  Quite the role model.
--John Boehner is down for the count which is fine except someone worse is just around the corner so I am not too excited--although he did cry during the Pope's speech which is just so human.
--UMass Memorial Hospitals which dominates the middle of the state (and includes a hospital connected to the state's only public medical school) is a non profit with a 54 million dollar surplus.  In smaller print you learn that one way they got there was by laying off over 400 staff.  How many were doctors would you guess?
--Get better, CP.

SPORTS TALK
--Brady likes the Donald which really forces me to step a bit further away from him. Then he backtracked. But I am telling you, the less we know about the personal lives of our athletic heroes, the better off we are. The Pats look terrific but need some tougher opponents.  And yikes, the Yanks are choking big time. Almost time for the puck to drop. So every time Russell Wilson does something like throw a touchdown pass, he points up to heaven and then at press conferences thanks God.  After beating the Seahawks a couple of weeks ago, Aaron Rodgers, who is a Cal Berkley grad and has a brain which he actually uses, said he thought it proved that God did not have a favorite NFL team.

Adios

IT'S BEEN A WHILE

But I am still angry--and hopefully have not lost my touch.  Let's just start with some odd ends.

--The not so good news is much like last summer, I lost another cousin.  Marilyn's death was unexpected and pretty much left her family in tatters.  She was a wonderful niece to my mother and a great friend to Barbara and me.
--The good news is that, while in the Berkshires, I re-united with a long lost cousin and his wife who I had not seen in nearly 30 years.  A very warm and intimate reunion.  He took me on my only visit to Ebbets Field when we were kids and he lived in Brooklyn.
--The Berkshires were terrific though trying to get into the kitchen with 5 assertive female cooks was not always easy.  The weather was just wonderful while the visit of the black bear to our deck was kind of interesting.  I was never sure how these big family get togethers over a month long time span would work. And, yup, there are tensions and difficulties.  But seeing my grandchildren and my young adult niece/nephew and my adult children all in the same room is very special.  I cannot quite quote the date but Frank Bruni wrote a super column in the NY Times about these vacations.
--So, I go to the Post Office on Saturday morning.  Two clerks working while a third counter space lies unstaffed.  Meanwhile the line is so long--you get it?  You can see other staff in the back room just walking and yakking.  One of the clerks makes the following announcement:  "If you don't like the lines, come earlier."  Some wise guy in the line (?moi?) says "if you staffed better, the line would be shorter".  I vote immediately to privatize it despite my support of unions.  The service in these places is a joke.
--I so miss Jon Stewart.  I can only imagine what he would be saying about the Donald and the rest of the Republican crew--or Bernie for that matter.  A recent article in the New Yorker about the Donald is enough to scare the pants off of you.  I admit there is still a part of me that hopes he wins the nomination since I do believe someone will then kick the shit out of him.  But then again....
--Cruz and Huckabee decided they needed to visit the Kentucky court clerk who refused to marry gay and/or lesbian couples.  Despite what the Supremes decided.  Yet their total disregard for the law and their selfish political ploy raised no hackles anywhere--just what you would expect from those good old boys.
--Turkey has entered the coalition fighting ISIS and, oh by the way, their planes managed to bomb the Kurds on their way to bombing ISIS.  It is really ugly over there and while I still believe we will have a country called Kurdistan, Turkey will likely make it a bloody process.
--Now raise your hands if any of your ancestors came over on the Mayflower or you are related to Native Americans.  MMM--I see less than five of you.  Therefore, you likely are the children or grandchildren or perhaps even great grandchildren of immigrants.  Most of us came from some place else and usually to escape oppression or to look for a better economic situation.  For those fucking Republicans to play on the ugly nature of certain segments of the population is worse than pathetic--it is racist and frequently anti-Semitic.
--Many Hungarians welcomed Hitler so it is not surprising that they are having a fence built to keep out the influx of immigrants.  The really welcome surprise is the spontaneous positive welcome of the German people.  Plus they are taking over 400,000 refugees.  I know this is primarily a problem in Europe.  But for the U.S. to feel comfy with taking 10,000 of them is downright insulting.  Oh, by the way, Netanyahu has refused any of these folks--it figures.
--Calling all Social Workers.  You may not follow sports but the judge who handed down the decision on Tom Brady has an MSW.  Hah.

SPORTS TALK
So some of the paparazzi mags had Giselle divorcing Tommy over Deflate gate--now what?  And does anyone care?  Ben Rosen is a true freshmen starting  QB at UCLA--and a member of the tribe.  My Yanks are having a hard time holding onto that wild card spot.  But, as predicted here, those Jays are just winning and winning.  Rex is up there in Buffalo already running off at the mouth.  I do believe it will be a tough game

A shout out to Charles during his recuperation--be strong.

Adios

I CAN BARELY SUMMON THE WORDS

I feel lucky that I am a sane and flexible humanitarian--otherwise my head might have exploded at some point in the last two weeks.  Where to start?  How about in one of my favorite places--the South:

--Let's start with Mr. Huckabee who, as a born again, has the "right" to tell us members of the tribe what the impact of the Iran deal means for Israel.  He believes it brings Israelis to the door of the ovens.  A not so subtle message regarding the Holocaust.  Why isn't he back in bum fuck Arkansas chewing tobacco and drinking moonshine?  Let's be clear that when the Huckabees of the world join up with the Sheldon Adelson's of the world, they are dangerous.
--Then we have the fine folks of Pensacola and their NASCAR relatives who refuse to put away their confederate flags because it is part of their heritage.  Yup, that racist heritage symbolized by the flag.  That's why given them great praise for removing the flag from state buildings is misguided.  It did not change attitudes.  And with leaders like Cruz, Perry, Huckabee, Graham, and all the rest, we can expect nothing in the way of enlightened leadership.
--Rick Perry would like laws allowing guns to be taken into movie theatres--this in response to the recent murders in Lafayette, Louisiana.  That is a leader telling us his solution.  Even Jindal did not go there.
--Florida, wouldn't you know, leads the country in the incidence of leprosy.  Maybe if the migrant camps in Belle Glade were sanitary and folks there (mainly immigrants, Donald) made a living wage, this could have been avoided.
--Cincinnati being on the border qualifies in my geography as a Southern border town.  No surprise then that the latest in a too long list of white police men killing African American citizens occurred there.  And he lied but ooops he was wearing a video cam which captured the truth.
--One of former Governor Perry's finest (yes a white policeman) arrested an African American who protested a tad too much for him and he sent her off to jail where she committed suicide.  He lied but he also had a video of the incident proving the truth.
--And the Donald may be from New York but he might as well be from the south what with his racist and downright nasty views on immigration.
--Enough--one can only hope that these Republicans will destroy each other.  I secretly hope one of the crazies gets nominated and then we shall see what we are made of.

A right to the belly and a left to the nose--the Hub of the Universe (that would be Boston) got hit twice this week.  First our Olympic bid blew up and fell apart (and this is not about sports).  It is about the vision of what a city can be.  I honestly did not care but I heard one too many whines about "ooh the traffic will be so bad" or "ooh, it will be so disruptive".  I will let Shirley Leung from the Globe summarize this:  "If New York City is the city that never sleeps, Boston has become the city that never lets anything happen".  Right along with that we have our Mayor suing to stop the one casino approved for Eastern Massachusetts.  My take on him is this:  Be careful of anyone who has "reformed" and wants the rest of us to jump on his or her
bandwagon. Mr Brady got the second punch--and again I honestly do not care.  However, I am berserk that some of his fellow NFLers who possess/use drugs, abuse women/children, and drive while impaired get smaller suspensions than he gets for playing with a football (maybe).  Greg Hardy got convicted in a court for god's sake of domestic assault and had his suspension reduced from 10 games to 4.  and don't tell me they are different.  It is the optics, baby--the optics and the values.  And finally this about our fine city.  Saw Trainwreck with Amy Shumer which I loved.  Filmed mainly in NYC which apparently has no problem with offering tax breaks to the film industry.  We have a BIG problem with it and may not continue it.  My response is to refer you to Shirley.

Ends and Odds:
--A kid in a stroller wheeled by the other day (and not an infant--a kid who could clearly walk) with two parents.  Had a helmet on.  Can you please give me a break?
--Braintree, a suburb south of here, had a celebration to say hip hip hooray about the arrival of new wheels for a cannon displayed on its common.  Seriously?
--Globe Metro section this week.  Three articles in order of size.  Smallest about a murder in the city.  Mid size about a cop verbally abusing a driver.  Largest about a "crisis" in the honey bee industry.  Care to discuss priorities?

And finally:  Jon Stewart has only 4 shows left and, if you have seen him this week, you know how much he will be missed.  No sports section since I have said too much and what I did say kicks sports to the curb. I am off to the great towns of Western Massachusetts so you won't hear from me again until school is back in session.  Enjoy your summers. Thanks to A, a reader from the Rockies, I will close with this quote from Fidel in 1973: "The world will talk to us when America has a black president and there is a pope from Latin America".  Nuff said?

Sayonara.

THERE IS A REASON THEY CALL IT DIPLOMACY, YOU FOOLS

Yup, the deal with Iran is neither ideal nor perfect--but it is a deal and it is better than no deal.  And who cares if the heads of every Republican candidate explode anyhow--there is nothing inside their heads except air.  They have no new ideas and increasingly are marginalizing themselves and I don't care about polls in NH showing how well the Donald is doing--him with the hair and his despicable comments about Mexican immigrants.  Jon Stewart tore him a new one right after that and it was terrific. A great satirical piece by Andy Borowitz (not sure where it got posted) about how Obama is eliminating our enemies (Iran, Cuba) with this diplomacy thing and how awful it will be if we have no one to fight with.  Benny Netanyahu is messing with our politics again and hates this deal but does love all the financial and military support we provide.  He should just shut the fuck up and make some sort of deal himself--with the Palestinians.  He is like the Republicans--a head empty of ideas and a mouth full of negative comments about Obama.

ITEMS:

--No one should applaud or praise the Governor or be thankful for the removal of the Confederate flag from the South Carolina statehouse.  Nine Black people died and that fucking flag should have been removed by enlightened politicians a long time ago.  Nine people died and they had to have a debate over the flag's removal.  Nine people died.
--Speaking of that medieval area, the Governor of Alabama is a M.D.--a dermatologist.  But he refuses to allow any expansion of medicaid because he does not like the Affordable Care Act even though the feds pick up the lion's share of any expansion.  Just cannot stand those poor folks who do not know how to live healthy lives.
--On to North Carolina.  Three Muslim students were murdered seemingly over a parking space dispute but really about a crazed neighbor deciding they were Muslims and deserved to die.  Great article about these bright young people in a recent New Yorker.
--Unemployment is down to the lowest it has been in 7 years--not a peep from the Republicans about this success since clearly Obama had something to do with it..
--We all KNEW the Cos did something and that he was lying through his teeth.  He needs a good kick to the curb and maybe a bit of prison time.
--If it were not so pathetic, it would be funny.  Those bright lights senators Cruz and Rubio do not like the deal with Cuba (and now we are up to 5 Southern states) and will block any attempts to establish an embassy in Havana.  Saw an article some place that basically says demographics are not on the side of these weird Republicans.  People of color are slowly but surely becoming the majority in some of these southern states.
--Greece is so screwed up, I can barely understand the situation there.  I do understand they hate Merkel who is one tough customer.
--Chris Christie for President!!  If you have a bridge in your state, you may want to think twice about electing him.
--As a transition, two semi-sports items.  First, did everyone see Abby Wambach plant a big fat kiss on the lips of her wife after the U.S. victory.  It was amazing that Fox let it be shown and further amazing that it was no big deal.  Would not have happened in 1999.  Then there is the NFL which daily has players arrested for DUI, weapons charges, domestic abuse, child abuse and, in our state, murder.  Greg Hardy, convicted in a court of domestic violence, got his suspension reduced to 4 games.  That is the same suspension Brady got for squeezing footballs.  It really is beyond words.


SPORTS TALK
--The U.S. women were wonderful.  Plus that whole tournament and the play of the athletes makes me like women's soccer better than men's.  Much fewer phony falls and players writhing on the grass only to be up and going after 2 minutes.  I feel the same way about women's ice hockey.
--Anyone go to Vegas last January and put money down on the Yanks being in first place on July 4th?  If you did, you are far brighter than me.  Now I am not sure they can take it all the way (I kind of like Toronto and Baltimore) but they sure do have the best bullpen in the AL.

Sayonara

HATERS HATE

(A cautionary note:  This might be especially long since I am just overflowing with important ideas/thoughts.)

I have few words in my vocabulary to describe the horror of the murders in Charleston.  I refer you to Jon Stewart who devoted his monologue that evening to the murders and to Charles Pierce in an Esquire online column. Their words are better than mine.  I will,however, say this.  I shall not ascribe this to some berserk individual with mental health problems.  I will not suggest that with better gun laws, this could have been avoided.  I will say that this is rooted the culture of the South and that, yup, that fucking confederate flag is a powerful message.

Speaking of which, I take no solace in the actions of politicians who want the flag taken down in tribute to the 9 parishioners.  Where have they been in, oh say, the last 150 years?  They are not leaders--they are sheep. Even now, some of them just do not get it and see no problem with the flag display.  Damn, even those NASCAR red necks are getting rid of it. So Lindsey Graham and Governor Haley are not to be admired. They are to be despised for failing to address the cultural issues only after 9 people lay dead.  They play to the worse instincts in their community and then are surprised that members of that community react with such venom.

An anecdote from reader DK:  The gun club in Powder Springs, Georgia was just granted a license to serve alcohol.  Really, they can now not just carry weapons but carry them while inebriated.  A terrific message to members of that place.  If I lived there, I would be locking my doors right now.

Then we have the recent decisions of the Supreme Court.  Jeffrey Toobin has said that it is a mistake to call this the Roberts court.  It is in fact Kennedy's court.  On almost every 5-4 decision, it is Kennedy who is the key fifth vote and joins the 4 Liberals. He was the fifth vote in the decision regarding gay marriage.  And he was one of 6 (joined by Roberts) in the decision regarding the Affordable Care Act.  Anybody still wondering why it is important to vote in Presidential elections should remember who gets to appoint judges--for life.  I was especially happy for Mary Bonauto, the lawyer who got to argue the case before the Supremes.  She is the woman who litigated the initial case here in Massachusetts and she has now seen it to the finish.  But, oh my and guess what?

Some of our nations finest politicians (most of whom are, yup, from the south and most of whom are running for the Republican presidential nomination) do not like either decision and are twisting themselves into pretzels to let us know how they believe in the law of the land but this might be going too far.  All of us need to respect the decision about PAC money having no limit and all of us need to respect other court decisions but we do not have to let the court interfere in our state in this case.  Just read what Jindal, Huckabee, Trump, and those other losers have to say about these decisions.  They really do hate poor people and that's why poor people do not deserve insurance.  And they hate gay people and that's why they should not have the right to marry.  Kick all of those yokels to the curb.  And they are the leaders of their party and get away with this shit.  More sheep.

Items:
--Neil Young told the Donald that he could not use Neil's song "Rocking in the Free World" in his campaign because Neil is supporting Bernie Sanders.  Neil is Canadian and does not vote here anyhow.  Trump is so angry about immigration from the south, he probably forgot Canada is a separate country. His language about Mexican immigrants is more hatred.
--I am worried about all these training bases we are setting up in Iraq.  If any of us think our soldiers will not suffer injuries or even die, we are mistaken.  Being there is a big time risk and I am very nervous.
--Hungary, one of Hitler's best friends, wants to put up a fence to keep immigrants out--I wonder who will pick their fruit.  If Hungary bordered the Mediterranean, they might want to put fences on the beaches of Southern Europe.
--Do all of you know there is such a thing as Pilates Gyrotonic.  What is that and why?
--There is also a national association of herbalists who do not believe in mainstream medicine.  What is that about and why?
--There is an association for the owners of school buses.  Guess what?  Their main objective is to avoid having to put seat belts in their buses.  You have any kids or grand kids who ride those big yellow buses?
--A great but deeply disturbing book by Jon Krakauer.  He "embedded" himself in Missoula, Montana to write about sexual assaults perpetrated by members of the University of Montana's football team.  This is an ugly disquieting story but perhaps is not surprising given the increase in sexual assaults on campuses.  Just check out the Vanderbilt situation and their football team.
--The FDA is banning trans fat--good for them.
--When this week and last week are taken together, the Prez has had a pretty good time.
--Shout out to H.  who followed advice and loved Key West.  I cannot wait to return.

SPORTS TALK
--One item. Grant Wahl writes for SI and is a soccer specialist.  He is just excellent.  But right after the Supremes issued their gay marriage decision, he did something very special.  He talked about the decision in light of the "out" gay women on the U.S. Women's National team.  And the coach of that team who is married to a woman and has a 12 year old daughter.  Just excellent journalism.

Sayonara

"YOU MUST BE A GRANDPARENT"

Fuck yes, I am a grandparent.  SHE:  full of venom screaming at me; clutching her cell phone; and driving not a crossover SUV but a big mother expedition or escalade.  ME:  a great humanitarian and a fantastic grand father picking up his grand son at school.  There is apparently a protocol to these pick ups which I was not worthy of knowing.  I wanted the last space so I could get out quickly without being blocked in.  Nicely enough, I left her space for her and the yacht to parallel park right in front of me.  Then she went berserk, powered down her window as did I, and ended up by kind of name calling me a grandparent.  My only comment (being a great humanitarian) was to advise her not to go there.  The glow of her lipstick and nail polish was blinding.  Give me a fucking break with this protocol bullshit.

Shout outs:  to H who found me in a Manhattan restaurant after sleuthing worthy of Sherlock Holmes because he wanted to meet the writer of this excellent screed; to J and S on their anniversary; to J for surviving and having a great conversation with me; to A and L for being great hosts.

Ends and Odds:
--I think Vince Vaughn is very funny.  I also think he is a lunatic and now I have to decide if I boycott his work.  Seems he thinks school personnel should be required to carry guns.  Say what?
--Kerry had his leg repaired while awake, was up on his feet the next day, and is home less than a week later.  He is 70.  I would remain in bed for the duration and drive everyone crazy.
--Florida, that no regulation state, apparently lets any old hospital do any old surgery if they just "want" to.  So an alarming incidence of death from pediatric cardiac surgeries at one of their fine hospitals generated this comment beginning (more or less):  "Florida does not regulate".  Seriously?
--Both Qatar and Russia ended up as World Cup sites via bribery.  But I doubt those yokels at FIFA will do anything to change locations.
--Two notes for all of you keeping track of Catholic issues:  The Pope is about to issue an encyclical on climate change and some of the Republican boys running for Prez are already disputing his role in that debate.  Plus, the Archbishop of Minneapolis and his top aide resigned after yet another sexual abuse scandal.  Too bad this Pope cannot be everywhere.
--And to balance the ledger:  an eminent rabbi up here is involved in a sex scandal of his own which also involved money he embezzled from his synagogue.  Fair is fair.
--That fine school called FSU has offered a football scholarship to a 14 year old who already wears size 18 shoes and weighs 300 pounds.  Nothing in the story about health implications.  It is a sports story.
--Ted Cruz insulted all of us but especially Joe Biden by making a hideous joke after the death of Biden's son.  And he wants to be President.
--We in the Commonwealth have totally screwed up this casino business but the slots parlor will open in two weeks for all the losers who think they will win big on those machines.  I am not smart enough to operate the new fangled version of one armed bandits since you mostly push buttons.

SPORTSTALK
--One item:  Serena is really good.  But I have to say I am really tired of her moaning and groaning and the worst cold she had to overcome.  Play tennis damn it.

Sayonara

DON'T CALL ME BRUCE

I'm Caitlyn.  The picture of Caitlyn on the cover of Vanity Fair is just stupendous--both in terms of the photography by Annie Leibovitz and the amazing changes to the person who previously was know as Bruce Jenner.  I do hope this furthers the issues, concerns, and causes of and for transgendered folks.  And yet....this is a person who was part of that whole Kardashian publicity hound crew.  He is already signed to do a reality show based on the changes and he will be getting an award at the ESPYs.  Maybe this will all be good; but maybe there are many other trans people out there who will not be bringing in the big bucks and who may not even be able to avoid the surgeries.  It makes me a bit nudgy.

Kudos:  to  CP for making that lizard look like he is climbing up a wall; to  R and M on the arrival of their first grand child whose parents are those yummy M and M's; to the nation of Ireland for okaying gay marriage in the face of fierce Catholic church opposition.  It did not help the church that many of its priest and nuns engaged in abusive behavior to those most vulnerable members of its flock.

Fucking Texas.  How about inviting three different biker gangs to a mall in Waco to lick ice cream cones and just hang out for the afternoon.  Maybe they will make peace with each other.  OOPs--nope they just have a shootout and 9 of them die while innocents and the police manage to escape.  What city in its right mind would even allow this--Waco and its elected officials knew about the meeting and then express shock at the result.  Then a terrific article in the Boston Globe about the belief of a bunch of Texans that they are about to be invaded--and not by Mexico but by the good old U.S. Army.  At a meeting, 30 miles east of Austin (ahem), they even shouted down a high ranking Army officer who was trying to defuse the whole thing.  They hate the government (though they love their Social Security benefits) and they specifically hate Obama. Their fine Senator, Ted Cruz, gave a little impetus to the crazies by saying he would look into it.  As if.  (By the way, almost 20 million of us are now covered by Obamacare.  I almost hope the Republicans try to repeal it.)

How can the city of Boston approve a car race along city streets without a public hearing but continue to struggle with any approval for the Olympics.  Good luck if you are here in September of 2016--wear earplugs.  Speaking of the Olympics, I happen not to give a shit but this city has such a sucky attitude we are about to kill the possibility of having it here.  And the Mayor continues to fight the casino location in a nearby suburb.  Fucking up everything seems to be the theme of the moment.

Ends and Odds:
--There were "spectators" hanging outside the federal court awaiting the Tsarnaev verdict.  Ghouls every one of them.  Not relatives of the injured or dead; not connected in anyway; just get me some tv time and I am there.
--CNN posted 171 mugshots of the bikers involved in the Waco fiasco.  Why?  I am surprised Wolf Blitzer did not fly down to interview some of them.
--More domestic assaults, sexual assaults, and animal cruelty incidents amongst the fine group of NFL players.  But Brady gets 4 games for supposedly screwing around with a football.  Priorities.
--Good news: Russ Feingold is running for the Senate.  We need to give him money especially if that screwball governor Walker runs against him--need to give him money no matter who runs against him.
--Bad news:  Don't expect the Iraqi Army to defend you if you are in danger.
--More bad news:  Netanyahu shoots his mouth off again about the world being anti Semitic when it supports the rights of Palestinians.  He needs to shut up.
--Letterman is gone and I have to say I don't miss him.  I just wonder how "tame" Colbert will have to be to
 survive.
--Cuba is no longer a terrorist state.  When I read that ferry service was about to start, I was quite happy that we went when we did.  Its about to get a bit touristy.  But you know what, they need the dinero.

No sports talk except to smile at the anguish of Red Sox fans.  Tough luck.

Sayonara

THIS JUST IN

I'm nothing if not up to the minute.  I guess now people won't think of us as that liberal state.  Tsarnaev got the death penalty though his actual death is likely years off.  I admit to being a bit surprised and hope to avoid all the comments likely to be in the Globe tomorrow about WHAT THIS MEANS.  Those who died are still not with us and the injured still have damaged bodies. Each of us will have our own take on it. Personally, I would have gone the super max route---but more personally, I am glad I was not on the jury.

I am also very glad I do not live in Nepal.  They got hit again early this week with another massive earthquake isolating villages which already were isolated.  Can only watch and donate money.  Which makes it even stupider that some of the Pats fans are trying to raise money to help Kraft pay the NFL's fine he received.  Perhaps they should consider what is or is not important--helping a gazillionaire pay a fine is not even on the radar of what is important.

I am also very lucky I don't have to take a unworthy boat across the Mediterranean or across whatever body of water is near Malaysia.  Immigrants paying all sorts of money to escape their countries and then getting aboard boats which are either overcrowded or both--topped off by nearly criminal crews who are in it for the money.  My mother got on one of those boats over 100 years ago and got off in NYC.

Kudos and congrats:  to T and T up there in the great white north who have ushered Levi into the world; to P whose most recent book was reviewed in the NY Sunday Times; and to A for her recent promotion. That's a lot of good news, folks.

Ends and Odds:

--Netanyahu continues to call the deal with Iran a "grave danger".  The reality is that the absence of a deal is a graver danger though Benny prefers trying to scare the bejezzus out of us all.  He needs to zip it up.
--The Governor of Florida, Rick Scott, does not believe in climate change so he will not help the cities along the east coast of his state.  Alas and alack, those cities now flood regularly due to rising ocean levels.  This includes St. Augustine, a historically significant city.  Let them get wet.
--The election is way too far away but Hilary came out with a really positive and strong statement on immigration which went even further than any of Obama's statements about the rights of folks who are getting on boats (so to speak) to get here.
--Anyone notice that the unemployment rate is better than it has been in over 8 years.  Hmmmm--but it must have been a button Georgie pushed before he left office.  Obama's handling of the economy cannot be the cause or can it?
--That Zimmerman character (another Floridian) got busted again.  Really, he should have been in jail right after he shot and killed Trayvon.
--Call me a Luddite if you must but I have been listening to lots of Otis and Ray and Smokey and the 4 Tops and anyone from the Motown stable of the 60's and even the Beach Boys.  Oh my, you can call me anything when I listen to that stuff.
--Another story from the great state of Florida.  Two parents were arrested for giving cocaine and grass to their adolescent children if they would attend school and do household chores.  Can someone kick those folks to the curb?
--An urban anecdote.  got on the subway Saturday night at about 10.  The car was full of youngish adolescents (looked to me to be about 14-16) having a good old time with music and plans and flirting and not bothering any of us civilians.  Then bam--a real fistfight broke out between two of the guys.  Broken up quickly by their friends.  But later, we wondered, what if one had a weapon, what if........
--Finally no sports talk but here comes my bit on Mr. Brady.  He knew something goofy was going on. How the Players union allowed the Commissioner to be judge, jury, and executioner in their last negotiations is beyond me. This league, like the NBA and MLB, regularly has players arrested on drug charges, domestic abuse, child abuse, weapons charges, and all sorts of very ugly behavior.  They get two game suspensions.  But woe is you if you besmirch the integrity of the game--4 games.  He got, in the parlance of the game, a personal foul penalty and Goodell was the ref.

Sayonara

WORDS DON'T FAIL ME NOW

How do I get the right words out of this computer when so many god awful things happened in the last two weeks.  A close relative sent me two articles from the on line version of the Atlantic which helped me.  Both reminded me that context is important.  Mindful of context I will begin.

--Context in Baltimore is important.  Before any of you jump up and down about the violence, let me be clear:  it would have been "better" if the protests there were non violent.  But who am I to stand in judgement of that African American community and their experiences?  The context is that the Baltimore police force has a long history of documented abuse of the citizens of that city including having settled numerous civil suits which documented the abuse of prisoners.  So, for me, it really proves that we have not moved into that post racial society despite having our first African American President.
--Context in Kansas is important.  Sam Brownback, the Governor, has abolished the state income tax which has disproportionately hurt communities with significant numbers of low income people--many of them people of color.  He is also pushing some of the most restrictive anti abortion legislation in the country.  The context is that maybe those of us who believed the changes generated by the decade of the 60's would be permanent--maybe we were/are way off.  He will not be kicked to the curb though he deserves to be.
--Context in the Mediterranean is important.  Refugees from all over Africa especially the Northern parts are fleeing and trying to get into Europe.  They are literally dying and, much like Hispanic people coming across our own southern borders, they pay outrageous "fees" and put themselves in the hands of nasty folks just to cross over.  Then the boat sinks.  The Euros had cut budgets focusing on these border crossings and had, prior to the cuts, been successful in reducing the number of deaths.  Then, boom, less money and fewer Euro ships monitoring the waters. These refugees in Europe like those in our Southwest are no different than the refugees escaping Europe and the Nazis.
--Then there is Nepal and really I have no clue what the context is there.  Except it sucks and we need to help.
--In a more semi hilarious context, we have that fine Senator Cruz saying the country is run by "liberal fascists".  And Bobby Jindal, that fine Governor of Louisiana, making budget cuts so deep that LSU (the flagship state university) has filed papers warning it may go bankrupt.  Yes there is context:  it is that these are two stupid fellows who really should just shut up since it is quite difficult to speak with your foot in your mouth and someone else's foot up your ass.
--Those fine legislators in Tennessee have decided that the state book is the bible--and they don't mean the Old Testament version and they certainly don't mean the Koran.  There are just some places I don't want to go to.
--I do believe Hilary is in for a big fight both in primaries and, if she wins, in the general election.  Like Barack, people don't like her.

Now some cultural tidbits:
--I love Helen Mirren.  Just saw her in Woman of Gold and want to run away with her.  A movie about art stolen by the Nazis and she made a very thin movie very good.
--Read anything you can find by Mark Leibovich--he mainly writes in the NY Times Magazine.  But he has written a couple of books about Washington and the "insider culture".
--Warren Buffet has no clue why folks oppose same sex marriage.  In light of that we all better hope that Justice Kennedy comes through because he is likely going to be the swing vote.
--I had mixed feelings about this Bruce Jenner business but was convinced by a friend that his coming out was important to the trans gendered community.  Then I read that he signed a contract for a series on "E!" which will document his further transition.  Now I am feeling a bit like him and the Kardashians are total publicity freaks--even if his freak might be beneficial to some people.

SPORTS TALK
--Lebron is beyond any other player partly because he is such a physical specimen and then because he has those incredible skills.  Rondo was and is an asshole and that trade, which got the Celtics Crowder, looks better and better.  Though Chiarelli deserved the boot if only for trading Sequin.

Sayonara

TWO FOR TWO

We have had two very notable trials going on here over the last few months.  The federal trial of Tsarnaev was almost a non trial--his lawyers admitted he was one of the Marathon bombers.  The only issue was whether or not he could avoid the death penalty which the feds still use.  Hernandez was tried in state court and, as those jury deliberations progressed, I got more and more nervous they would acquit.  Because we all KNOW he did it and we KNOW he committed the other two murders whose trial will be coming up.  But he too was convicted and faces life without parole.  So, we the citizens of Massachusetts, went two for two. It remains "easier" for me even now to wrap my head around what Hernandez did and almost get it--the actions of a gangster and his crew.  I will never be able to "get it" with respect to 3 innocent people who died and over 250 who were injured by the bombs.  It won't compute.

Benny and Johnny (he who has a perpetual tan) sitting in a tree, k-i-s-s-i-n-g.  Remember that foolish little jingle from childhood?  Well Boehner and some of his crew went over and made aliyah in Israel welcomed with open arms by Netanyahu.  This after Netanyahu's speech to Congress which, along with his racist campaign, helped him get re-elected.  I bet they are buds now.  Then Benny decided that any deal with the Iranians would open the door to another Holocaust.  He plays that card as often as he can to scare the bejeezus out of us.  All of Europe (as well as the USA) is not only in support of a nuclear deal with Iran, the Euros are even likely to recognize the Palestinian statehood.  Yet Benny goes on and on and on--just like the energizer rabbit.  Kerry has done a masterful job and it is a deal worth making especially if it can forestall Israel bombing the shit out of Iran.  Which Benny is quite capable of approving.

Ends and Odds:
--The shooting in North Charleston was dealt with quickly which means someone learned something from Ferguson.  But, in the end, they are still killing African American men.
--Danny Shecter, the news dissector, passed away.  In the good old 60's , he was on WBCN in Boston along with a bunch of truly great and very progressive DJ's led by Charles Laquidara.  WBCN is gone and now their cultural critic is also.  RIP.
--The Governors of Arkansas and Indiana got scared shit less by major corporations threatening to pull businesses and conferences out of their state over legislation allowing businesses to refuse to serve certain customers if those customers----who the fuck knows.  I only know these Governors are both idiots. and deserve to be kicked to the curb.
--Obama is opening up about all these Republican candidates who are taking shots at him.  I hope he spends the next 18 months being totally unshy about these personal vendettas which have lasted now nearly 7 years.
--The Supremes will soon be hearing cases involving gay marriage and the Affordable Care Act.  I read a great piece in the Times pointing out the the biggest, most conservative, law firms in America are staying way away from the gay marriage case.  Not because they support gay marriage but, yikes, some of their best lawyers and/or clients might be gay and they think it is a loser of a case.
--Terrific interview of Edward Snowden by John Oliver.  And his former boss, Jon Stewart, did an incredible wild piece on the battle between religious holidays--as in Christmas versus Hanukkah.
--Hilary is running and this will get ugly believe me.
--Obama is lifting sanctions against Cuba.  Cannot wait for Cruz and Rubio to deal with that.


SPORTS TALK
As I watched part of the Master's , I thought:  Where do all these white people with baseball hats come from?  Is it a convention?  I thought they would be singing "way down South in the land of cotton" any second.  Another great day in America was the day Kentucky and Calipari lost.  Seven members of that team immediately declared for the NBA draft.  Bet that they took some tough courses down there in Blue Grass country.  Chiarelli is gone--deservedly so.  He butchered the salary cap and allowed oldsters to block the advance of youngsters.  As opposed to Danny Ainge whose oldest player and the only one on the team with a family is 29.  They are about to exit on stage left when they face the Cavs.

Sayonara

AND THE WINNER IS...........

A person who is not a member of my family (!) but is a friend came up with 14 additional people who are justifiably excited to be receiving this screed for the first time.  He will get a meal on me.  As for the rest of you slackers, what's up with your disinterest in such an important contest--better odds than the college basketball pool.  Who knows when you might get the chance to compete again.  Moving on.

Notes of Interest:
--Netanyahu won but only after attracting all the right wing voters with his racist belligerence which demeaned and defamed the Palestinians.  Then he said he did not really mean it.  At least Obama had the cojones to say that he did mean it and it was more than unfortunate.  Boehner should go hide somewhere since he gave the guy a platform.  Kudos to anyone in the House who stayed home.
--Speaking of Israel, my soccer fan relative and I watched the Israelis play Belgium in a Euro qualifying game.  This is important for two reasons:  The Israelis get placed in the Euro group despite their Mid East locale (perhaps to keep them away from all the Muslim countries?) and members of the Israeli team were clearly Arabs who are citizens of Israel.  The team happens to be lousy but it is "integrated".
--More on Israel.  J Street's statement after the election (Dated 3/18) was terrific as was David Remnick's brief piece in the New Yorker.  Really Bibi needs to be kicked to the curb.
--Ben Carson calls the President a psychopath.  And people say the animus towards the Prez is not personal.  Give me a break.  They hate him and not just his policies.
--If you have not noticed Eric Holder is still AG because Mitch and the boys will not even allow a vote on his successor.  They have tied her approval to language further restricting abortion.  They really are pathetic.
--I might vote in the Republican primaries just to be sure they nominate one of the crazies.  Right now I would vote for Teddy-boy Cruz.  He had the nerve to oppose the Affordable Care Act and is now using it for his family.  Seriously.  And with no apologies to the 16 million Americans who actually benefit from the Act. The Supremes better not fuck with this.
--I honestly do not completely understand the religious freedom law recently enacted in Indiana (and perhaps in Arkansas today).  But considering who opposes it and who has canelled conventions, it must really be an ugly thing.  This guy Pence is just a polished version of Cruz.
--What to say about the German plane crash?  Just scares the hell out of me.  Periodically either suicidal or depressed or both?  And somehow escaped any administrative action?  Oh my. He will be on my mind the next time I fly and I don't want to hear it couldn't happen here.

SPORTS TALK
Any day Rick Pitino loses is a good day for America.  Ditto for Calipari though I admit I have Kentucky winning it all in my pool. Watched Wisconsin last week when they played I don't know who--5 white guys on that Badger team playing against 5 African Americans.  Do they just collect big tall white guys up there in the Great White North?  As much as I think watching the Celtics this season has been fun, watching the Bruins has been painful.  And now that luddite Julien might break up the Spooner line because Krejci and Connolly are almost 100% cleared medically.  That Spooner line carried them in March while the Campbell line went 0 for March--not even an assist. This winter has taken me way out on a limb supporting the Pats.  I have no clue what Mr. Bill is doing.

Sayonara

SOME OF MY BEST FRIENDS ARE EVANGELICAL CHRISTIANS

Well, not actually my friends but good friends of Israel--supposedly.  In the context of Benny's speech to Congress, I read somewhere that Pat Boone (who knew he was still alive?) was one of the prime movers behind the push for the speech and is one of the prime leaders of the evangelical folks who are fanatic Israel supporters.  You know what they say:  with friends like them, who needs enemies.

And then there was the speech itself followed closely by the letter sent to the Iranians by 47 Republican Senators.  The speech was more of the same.  "I am the only one who really understands the threat from Iran, your President is naive, and there is no reason to continue to negotiate".  Then the letter supposedly "teaching" the Iranians about how our government works.  Turns out (surprise) they know and they rightfully called the letter a political stunt.  They will continue to negotiate.  Seriously, even when Henry and the Vietnamese were negotiating in Paris, Senators did not write letters to Ho Chi Minh.  But the vitriol is worse now and more personal about this President.  That good ole boy Mitch is now holding up the nomination of the new AG because of some disagreement with Obama.  Finally, the Supremes better come through on same sex marriage and the Affordable Care Act.  Otherwise it will get uglier.

Moving on to tidbits from the cultural world:
--The Globe this past week had a terrific long article about the surgeon who was murdered and the man who murdered him.  It could be my imagination but since the new owner took over, longer in depth articles are appearing.
--A great HBO documentary on Edward Snowden and the journalists who broke his story--called "Citizen 4".
--Saw "She is Beautiful when She is Angry" today.  Another documentary this one about the women's movement in the late 60's and early 70's.  Almost felt like we were there.  And maybe at times we were.
--Finally, a great tap dance performance by a group called the Dorrance troupe.  Very special.

Other Ends and Odds:
--I have nearly conquered my road rage but have moved onto crosswalk rage.  One of these days one of two things will happen.  As I am crossing in a crosswalk a cyclist will fail to stop or a car will fail to stop.  My foot will magically kick forward and I will nail one of those suckers.
--Don't care about Hilary's emails.  Just more misdirection about her and her upcoming candidacy.  But believe me, it will also be very ugly when it is formalized.
--You can actually walk on the sidewalks today and actually see that there are bushes under the snow.
--Unemployment is lower than it has been since the Clinton years and it makes me again wonder why the fuck those Democrats were so afraid of running with Obama instead of almost running against him.
--I distrust all those local Ministers (and clergy in general) who want to help fight crime.  Just arrested one who in fact was a member of a gang if not the leader.
--Ferguson is not over nor will it be soon.
--All you folks with no friends--find some.  Your anemic responses to my second contest makes me wonder if you talk to anybody. Get busy.
--The big silver bird awaits us for a visit to the land of fun and sun.

Lastly, RIP Mildred.  She was 97 and passed away this morning.  A bright, thoughtful woman whose good humor and intelligence will be missed.

SPORTS TALK
Revis is gone and we have to move on.  I both know his value and do not blame the Patriots for having limits.  Too much hand wringing especially among the talking heads on sports shows.  Rask is finally playing like the Vezina trophy winner he was.  My big worry is that upon Krejci's return, they will muck around with the two kids playing with Lucic.  They have been terrific and he is playing better with them.  But Julien is not a big fan of their defensive skills which he values highly.  A big error if he mucks around.  And the Celtics are really fun to watch.

Sayonara

POTS AND PANS IN PLACE

Ahem--it's about this snow.  The walkways in the complex have piles higher than my shoulders.  Got leaks coming in windows and through light fixtures.  But, let's be real.  It is a major inconvenience but not a life threatening situation or ailment.  Plus, I really think us Eastern Mass residents are a bunch of wusses.  When all that snow hit the suburbs of Buffalo early in the winter, they did not call out the national guard.  They went about their business and probably did not even cancel school.  They knew and know how to deal.  This city, especially our public transportation system, absolutely collapsed.  Even now, weeks later, some two way streets are wide enough for only one car.  A fucking mess.  Our new Governor made a very important (NOT) decision in response.  He created a committee to study the issue.  The issue is that the system needs more money and he is an anti tax fanatic. The commission is just bureaucracy at work in the most mindless way possible--let's not decide; lets deliberate. Plus, unlike NYC, our system is at least 50% above ground which means it is open to those elements.

Moving on, I have an IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT.  Notice the caps symbolically acknowledging the following.  My readership has been hovering in the low 100's for awhile and I believe it is now time to kick it up a notch or 50.  So, I am setting the goal of adding 50 new readers and will reward whomsoever comes up with the most additional names with a special, yet unnamed, prize.  Just ask the winner of the first contest.  You have a month so get moving.

Ends and Odds

--Benny is coming to town and he ain't happy.  He and Johnny (he who has a perpetual tan) are kicking Barack out of the sandbox and have decided to play together.  He should lose his country's election if only for doing this despicable one upmanship. He may speak for AIPAC but not for all of us Jewish Americans and may not even speak for a majority of his people.  It does not warm my heart to know some of my religions best friends are right wing ideologues.
--Rudy Giuliani is likely to be there in the audience.  Rudy knows The Prez does not love America like Rudy does and he is quite sure about this.  Rudy needs to be kicked to the curb.
--Ted Cruz says his first act when elected President will be to abolish the IRS.  I hate taxes too but when all those Interstate highway bridges in Texas collapse without our tax dollars supporting them, be sure, and call Ted.
--And yup, the Brits have at least one case of the measles.  Idiots all over the world.
--The South is in the throes of self torture as states try to avoid the "plague" of same sex marriage.  Court clerks in all the bum fuck towns just flat out refuse to follow any decisions made by Federal judges.  Really.
--Finally the Turks woke up and realized Syria was an important issue and executed a mini invasion claiming it was to protect religiously important sights--nothing more.  Right and it had nothing to do with the millions of Syrian refugees now living in Turkey.
--Egypt has blown the hell out of some Libyan targets.  But to really understand how crazed Libya is, read the New Yorker piece by Jon Lee Anderson.  I mean it is chaos personified. He is just a terrific writer but I am not sure how he manages to stay alive.
--Don't we always seem to have a drug epidemic of some sort?  It was Oxycontin and before that it was very powerful heroin and now it is an opioid epidemic.  Budget cuts here protected drug treatment which is fine though I wonder about these moving epidemic targets.  By protecting these services, the cuts directly affected Head Start by cutting slots.  No discussion about priorities that I saw.
--And Putin is literally killing off anything on the way to recreating the Cold War.
--At least, the Greeks negotiated their way out of bankruptcy.

SPORTS TALK
--Not surprised Rondo had a run in with his coach.  He is both a prima donna and a head case.  Ainge made a smart move getting rid of him and compared to his Bruin counterpart, his trade with a Dallas team was way better.
--At least the Bruins have allowed two very fast skaters who may not be the best on defense play regularly.  Spooner and Pastrnak are the future.
--I sign Revis for whatever he wants.

Sayonara

WE WON!!!! WE WON!!!

Yup--4 Super bowl victories for Mr. Brady and the boys.  But since many of you don't give a shit, more about that later in the special sports section.  Now, for some very odd ends.

--Satchel, the dog, requested this bold faced apology.  Seems the salt which melts snow is bad for the paws of dogs--and I made fun of that in my last blog.  So, Satchel, my apologies.  Let me add here that I saw the real  Satchel Paige pitch in Miami while growing up.  He had to be in his forties--I still feel honored to have seen him.
--More dog info which you do not need to know.  Lap dogs accompanied us on each leg of our recent flight to Texas.  It is absolute lunacy to take your dog on a plane; but I grudgingly admit neither of them barked once.  Must have been on serious drugs.
--Speaking of Texas, why do we continue to make a big deal about Miami being a bilingual city when San Antonio has been one longer and is seemingly much more diverse.  Though it does have the following university:  "University of the Word Incarnate".  Yikes, I cannot even begin to know what that means but their official nickname is the Cardinals--get it?
--Let's play our little pretend game--you have played along before so you know the rules. Come on.  Let's pretend you are a cancer patient and in active chemo but at home and more or less doing well.  But you have to steer clear of folks who might have something contagious. Let's also pretend you have a first grader who you pick up every day.  Let's continue and pretend that 5 kids in your child's class belong to that brilliant group who do not believe in vaccines.  No longer pretending--YOU ARE AT RISK AND DON'T EVEN KNOW IT.  Used to be you could blame this kind of idiocy on the poor who either could not afford the vaccine or did not know about it.  But by tracking zip codes, it has become clear that those vaccine disbelievers are in the middle and upper income groups.  This is madness politicized by mad politicians who seem to believe it is a multiple choice test and about government control.  It is called science for fuck's sake.
--Good for Jordan, bomb the hell out of ISIS for killing your pilot.  They are your neighbors and it is important you help fight them.
--Germany manged to create a Committee to review anti semitism (yeah) but neglected to put one Jew on the committee (Uh, hello)
--Our rather boring mayor blew it by approving the Patriots Super Bowl parade--some streets in this city are still not passable.  Yet that made sense?
--I would have bet my millions that our MBTA Director would have been fired.  But she surprised us all by resigning.  Don't blame her.  West of Worcester, no one wants to spend a dime on what is perceived to be Boston's problem.  Plus--what could a Southern African Amercan woman (with purple nail polish) accomplish with all those white Irish pols?
--That Luddite Kansas governor, Sam Brownback, took away all anti discrimination protection from LGBT employees.  It takes a weak man to do that.
--Do you know Jon Stewart has an Alabama jar?  He does. And he puts a quarter in it every time Alabama does something enlightening.  So last week, he put it on the desk and dropped his first quarter in it--ever. Seems they complied with judicial rulings on same sex marriages.

SPORTS TALK
Brady had two interceptions the first one of which might have fallen a normal QB.  But that 4th quarter was a masterpiece.  I don't know if he is the best ever; I don't care about the football inflation issues; and I especially don't care that Pete Carroll is as stupid as a log.  I care about what Brady did in that quarter and what his offensive line did--the same line that everyone hated on all season.  Plus, please tell me what other coach would have an undrafted free agent from a Division Two school (I'm talking Malcolm here) playing a key role in those final seconds.  I hate his arrogance and his I'm smarter than you attitude but Belichik is a fucking great coach and Butler made one hell of a play.
--And the Bruins are in a death spiral.

Sayonara

AND THE WINNER IS....................

Nah, I don't know since I am purposefully writing this way early in the day because I have to prepare myself both physically and psychologically for tonight's game.  If you care about "deflategate", check out my Sports Talk section (don't you just hate all these made up "gate" words?)  I happen not to give a shit about the psi of the footballs but since I do have an opinion on everything, you will find it there.  Now moving on to the realer world.

The murderer of the Brigham and Women's surgeon also had 4 kids--which means 8 children will wind up traumatized by this brutal attack.  And the attack is already off the front page because we have so many other things to talk about.

Like John Boehner (he who has a perpetual tan).  Did you see him during Obama's State of the Union speech?  Let's assume he just ate a lemon so his sourpuss is understandable.  Let's also assume he did not agree with one word of the speech.  Let's finally agree he has no respect for either the man or the office.  We are talking about the Speaker of the House.  A fine role model for politicians. Boehner also decided to invite Netanyahu to speak to a joint session of Congress.  Did not clear it with the Prez but did it to kick sand in Obama's face.  And worse, Netanyahu accepted since he is another SOB who disrespects the man and the office.  And he is not even the stupidest.

We now give you Bobby Jindal (Governor of Louisiana) who somehow decided to burnish his presidential ambitions by going on a tour of Europe.  He then decided to tell some reporter that in many European cities, the police have "no go" zones--areas they will not go into because they are populated with Muslims and the police are scared.  Maybe he needs to go home to New Orleans and check out that police force before he gives advice to folks across the pond.  He is an idiot but with a big ego.  I actually hope he becomes the nominee of the GOP.

Ends and Odds:
--The Globe sent its religion reporter (really its Catholic religion reporter) to Manila to cover the Pope's visit.  But have no money for any bureaus anywhere.  Go figure.
--Another tirade from Sara Palin (and I thought we already kicked her to the curb) because Obama wants to preserve more Alaska wilderness.  Here's the problem:  every single Alaskan gets an annual check based on the oil pumped out of the wells in Alaska.  Now that the price of oil is really way down, so are the royalties and some folks up there are pissed.  So when the Prez wants to preserve more land and not allow more exploration, Sara and her allies see lost revenue.  Blame those pesky Washington outsiders.
--Partners, the parent company of MGH among other large hospitals, just got its merger teeth kicked in by a judge.  She is disallowing a merger with yet one more hospital.  Partners claims bigger hospital systems mean lower costs which has yet to be the case.  About time they got smacked down a bit.
--I have seen with my own blood shot eyes a dog wearing slippers because of the cold.  Seriously?
--Jon Stewart had some video of Huckabee in Iowa talking about pigs which was just hilarious.  Another Republican I would love to see nominated.
--Terrific piece in the NY Times (sent by a friend) called "Fire on the 57 bus in Oakland".  I am pretty sure no other paper would have devoted so much space to this story.  Won't divulge the contents here--suffice it to say it is both excellent and sad.
--Slight delay in the next entry since the big silver bird will be taking us to the Lone Star state.  Hope to see a special person and avoid Governor Rick.

SPORTS TALK
--So 15 years ago,when Mr. Brady became a Patriot, he was give 15 footballs.  He then told the person who gave them to him which one he preferred.  Likely under inflated. That person is no longer there but the message has been communicated like folklore down through the various people who are in charge of the footballs.  "This is what Tom prefers" was the message.  And you know what, the Colts suck and would have lost anyway--so there.  But, trust me, every NFL fan in the world hates us. And someone is going to get slammed for the whole deal by the NFL.
--And then there is this.  Despite all the sexual abuse at Penn State and Jo Pa's complicity in covering it up, the wise men at the NCAA have restored all his victories so it looks as if there is no blemish on his record. That truly is fucked.

Sayonara.

I AM A JEW; BUT AM I CHARLIE?

First, three not so random reference points.  On the night of the murders, Jon Stewart opened his show with his head in his hands in seeming distress.  He then went on a rant about free speech and satire and tried not so successfully to explain what had happened in Paris.  Second, a close relative sent me a terrific article on a web site called "Common Dreams" by a guy named Jack Healey.  Oh so thoughtful and anguished.  Finally, the recent cover of the New Yorker with a drawing of the Eiffel Tower.  The tower is covered in blood at its base and instead of its famous spire, it has a sharpened pencil with blood on it as the top of the tower.  You have to see it.

Having said all that, I really struggled with what my words could add and ended up here.  The satire magazine Charlie satirized all religions equally--Catholics, Jews, and Muslims.  They had anti semitic cartoons/articles; they had anti gay cartoons/ articles; they had anti feminist cartoons/articles.  Nothing was sacred but nothing surely should have led to the deaths of the staff members.  And yet, after this event and especially after reading the Common Dreams article, I found myself wondering if there is a line that was crossed.  The line between pure hatred and satire. I cannot quite define it but I know it when I see it (I stole that from the Supreme Court when they were trying to define pornography).  I do not want anyone to make fun of the holocaust; but am I supposed tolerate the same people making fun of Mohamed?  How can I be consistent and, quite sadly, can I still be a black and white believer in free speech.  Is it ok for the Klan to use the "N" word and call it free speech?

And then there is this--it is intolerable that shoppers in a kosher market were murdered because they were Jewish.  I am sick of that shit and even though I do not wish to diminish the murders of the journalists, I feel personally assaulted by the murders of folks who share my religion. I am not sure where to go with this, how to transition to another topic--but for better or worse I am stuck with a heavy heart and some serious soul searching.

Onward:
--Stewart also blasted Obama for not going to Paris and really hated on Eric Holder who was in Paris for god's sake and chose not to attend the memorial.
--Speaking of free speech, we have another one of those bright Texas Congressmen (and there does seem to be an endless supply of them) calling Obama Hitler.  Really.
--Obama meanwhile made it clear he will veto the pipeline and today implemented major changes in our travel policies regarding Cuba. (Which of course set off Marc Rubio--the best thing that could happen to him is that even if he wins re-election, he loses Dade County and the votes of the young Cuban Americans who live there) I am ready to return to Cuba and bring back some of that fine aged rum.
--Our fine mayor is now suing the state over the siting of the casino.  This will likely push that project way beyond my expiration date.
--Kevin Cullen (a Globe columnist) who was obsessed with Whitey Bulger now has a new boy toy to play
with--the Marathon bomber.  And since this trial is likely to last 6 months or so, Cullen can kind of lay back and write 3 columns a week on that.
Go figure cause I cannot--the market goes down even as gas continues to plunge.  I am told its about anxiety.  Things cannot be this good so lets worry and sell.
--Love this Patty Griffin song title:  "Don't Let me Die in Florida".  I double down on that.
--Cannot believe my beloved granddaughter is 11--happy birthday belatedly to you.


SPORTS TALK
--Chad Finn, who I have referenced before, kicked Felger and Mazz to the curb in a column last week.  A good day for America--kind of like Nick Saban losing.
--The bruins are getting hot and Pastrnak is staying with the big club.  There might have been a revolt if he had been sent down.
--The Pats escaped with 14 yards in rushing.  Brady was epic but Vollmer and Solder (criticized for much of the year) were terrific in the second half.
--Then there is this:  Curt Schilling thinks he did not get into the Hall of Fame because he is a Republican.  I almost wish that were true.  Go away.

Sayonara.