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
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
Sunday, February 1, 2015
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.
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.
Friday, January 16, 2015
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.
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.
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
"HAIL TO THE CONQUERING HEROES, HAIL, HAIL TO MICHIGAN"
That's a piece of the Michigan fight song. And you are mistaken if you believe this first paragraph is about sports. It is about priorities. Jim Harbaugh was a quarterback at Michigan in the mid 80's. Ultimately, he became both a college coach (Stanford) and a pro coach (San Francisco). Today, he is the new Michigan football coach at, get this, a salary of $5 million per year. That's likely more than the President of the University. Now you know Michigan is a public university which means that their budget reflects your tax dollars at work. Michigan is just one of a multitude of public universities which pay their football coaches ugly amounts of money. Michigan, it turns out, has the biggest on campus football stadium in America. It seats 110,000 and is nicknamed the "Big House". It has either 6 or 7 home games a year and tickets are in the $40-$50 range. Every game is a sell out so you do the math. The football program, to be fair, is the fuel (along to a lesser extent with the men's basketball program) which allows the lesser sports (including those Title IX programs which have so helped women's athletics) survive and thrive. Without that football revenue, no women's basketball--as an example. In the scope of human endeavors, Michigan football is a pimple on the affairs of the world. So what are the priorities and what should they be and what if they changed and in the end should I care? I will close by saying I know folks who teach in higher ed and I am guessing they do not make 5$ million a year. Point made.
Items:
--As I dropped Anna off at the airport this morning, I thought of the most recent airplane disappearance and cannot imagine what the families of those lost must be experiencing. Glad Jess and her family have returned safely.
--Please explain how the North Face company got the rights to "This Land is Your Land" and are now using it in TV ads? Is Arlo hard up for money?
--There will be a country called Kurdistan in the future--as predicted here first. The combination of their fighting skills on the ground and the coalition bombing is forcing those ISIS lunatics into a retreat. The Turks might not like it but it will happen.
--But we still have the Taliban attempting to take people back into medieval times. I suppose killing over 100 school age children is seen by them as a positive step in their progress towards this goal. I am getting very feisty about this.
--A great Hanukkah for Alan Gross and, truthfully, for a lot of us hoping for normalization with Cuba. In a recent post I wished for this after the Republicans won the mid terms. Obama might as well go for it--he is even reducing the population at Guantanamo. The third generation of Cubans in South Florida support this--the Cuban folks my age are the ones opposing it and, truth be told, they are on the decline due to, ahem, age. Ted Cruz and Lindsay Graham may make life difficult for the Prez as he moves ahead with this effort--but after their initial outrageous outrage, they seem to have faded away to their little hidey holes. Please note that Cruz's family came here before Castro took over so he escaped nothing.
--Loved it that Obama slammed Sony for backing off of the release of Seth Rogen's movie. A stupid movie to be sure but really, the North Koreans have that much influence? Give me a break.
--Great yet distressing article in a recent NY Times magazine about the political situation in Israel. Fingers and other digits crossed that in the upcoming election, Netanyahu is kicked to the curb but I am not optimistic.
--I am a reader of obituaries. I admit it. I also admit being alarmed at the number of folks who pass away and are my age or younger--kind of freaky.
--If you read no further, last year was a sad and painful one for many of us who lost loved ones. Plus, much of the world continues to be out of control. I hope the coming year is a happy, healthy, and peaceful one for you and your families.
SPORTS TALK
--I never liked Rondo--too much of a drama king. Brilliant at times; but I am wondering if Danny told Brad before he was hired that Rondo would be gone. Now, we can argue about whether the Celtics got enough but good riddance.
--No surprises given all the Pats who were inactive last week--they lost. But I admit I am a bit uneasy.
--Rask is not playing out of this world--which given how few goals his teammates put in the net is a big problem. BTW, I continue to believe Lucic is on drugs.
Sayonara.
Items:
--As I dropped Anna off at the airport this morning, I thought of the most recent airplane disappearance and cannot imagine what the families of those lost must be experiencing. Glad Jess and her family have returned safely.
--Please explain how the North Face company got the rights to "This Land is Your Land" and are now using it in TV ads? Is Arlo hard up for money?
--There will be a country called Kurdistan in the future--as predicted here first. The combination of their fighting skills on the ground and the coalition bombing is forcing those ISIS lunatics into a retreat. The Turks might not like it but it will happen.
--But we still have the Taliban attempting to take people back into medieval times. I suppose killing over 100 school age children is seen by them as a positive step in their progress towards this goal. I am getting very feisty about this.
--A great Hanukkah for Alan Gross and, truthfully, for a lot of us hoping for normalization with Cuba. In a recent post I wished for this after the Republicans won the mid terms. Obama might as well go for it--he is even reducing the population at Guantanamo. The third generation of Cubans in South Florida support this--the Cuban folks my age are the ones opposing it and, truth be told, they are on the decline due to, ahem, age. Ted Cruz and Lindsay Graham may make life difficult for the Prez as he moves ahead with this effort--but after their initial outrageous outrage, they seem to have faded away to their little hidey holes. Please note that Cruz's family came here before Castro took over so he escaped nothing.
--Loved it that Obama slammed Sony for backing off of the release of Seth Rogen's movie. A stupid movie to be sure but really, the North Koreans have that much influence? Give me a break.
--Great yet distressing article in a recent NY Times magazine about the political situation in Israel. Fingers and other digits crossed that in the upcoming election, Netanyahu is kicked to the curb but I am not optimistic.
--I am a reader of obituaries. I admit it. I also admit being alarmed at the number of folks who pass away and are my age or younger--kind of freaky.
--If you read no further, last year was a sad and painful one for many of us who lost loved ones. Plus, much of the world continues to be out of control. I hope the coming year is a happy, healthy, and peaceful one for you and your families.
SPORTS TALK
--I never liked Rondo--too much of a drama king. Brilliant at times; but I am wondering if Danny told Brad before he was hired that Rondo would be gone. Now, we can argue about whether the Celtics got enough but good riddance.
--No surprises given all the Pats who were inactive last week--they lost. But I admit I am a bit uneasy.
--Rask is not playing out of this world--which given how few goals his teammates put in the net is a big problem. BTW, I continue to believe Lucic is on drugs.
Sayonara.
Monday, December 15, 2014
"OH RICHARD, IT'S TIME TO COME IN AND RIP THE WHISKERS OFF THE CATS"
That's more or less a direct quote from Dick Cheney's mom. He had been playing out in the yard during a hot summer day in Wyoming. It was now time for him to come in and torture his cats. He practiced a lot so that when he got to the White House, he would know what torture was. I was reminded of this activity when I saw a quote from Dickie regarding the recent report on the CIA: "I would do it again in a minute". He continues to believe water boarding was effective even though the report refutes that in every instance--even going so far as saying it was unrelated to the capture of Osama Bin Laden. I am convinced he is so delusional he does not even know the difference between truth and lies. I am usually not a friend of Senator McCain but since he is the only senator who has been a prisoner of war, he has been worth listening to on this issue. He continues to be very clear--water boarding is torture and it was ineffective. Cheney cannot even hear that. He is a Dick for sure.
Moving on to other important events:
--A terrific picture recently on the CNN website. Big American flag filling up the whole screen in the background. In the foreground, a female solider just returned from Afghanistan. She is in a full open mouth kiss with her partner who, as it happens, is another woman. Wowza--it's the future. Get ready for it or get lost.
--Sitting in a sub shop in the neighborhood. Two women come in with ID tags around their necks. Then I see the cuffs and the handguns. They are plainclothes Boston detectives. It's the future. Get ready for it or get lost.
--And from the Lone Star state we have these items. Teachers are now allowed to carry concealed weapons because it makes the classrooms safer. Not sure what it does for educating the kids. Next, a headline in the Globe: "Brains missing from Texas university". Really? I believe my daughter still has hers so I am not sure what this is about.
--I wouldn't give Mark Wahlberg a pardon if my life depended on it. There are many more deserving folks than him. Having a big name and loads of money should not mean he gets to be first in the pardon line.
--I never thought too much of Lebron James except I knew he was a very good basketball player. But he knows he is a leader not just on the court but off it--so I admire his willingness to wear the "I can't breathe" T-shirt when warming up in Brooklyn last week. A borough away from Staten Island. Btw, another African American young adult killed by another white policeman and another jury unwilling to indict despite the video.
--We all know Cosby did something and deserves to be kicked around. We also know Aaron Hernandez is guilty no matter how many legal technicalities his defense team wins. I wanted to kick his teeth in when I saw a picture of him smiling as the judge threw out a bunch of prosecutable evidence.
--Saw Obama on Colbert last week--very funny and this Thursday is Colbert's last Comedy Central show. Very hard to imagine him on "regular" TV.
--I'm paying under $2.50 for gas and unemployment is better than ever. No matter, it will get ugly when the Republicans take over. Give Ruth Bader Ginsburg strength, my friends.
--Happy Hanukkah, Merry Xmas, and an Enjoyable Kwanzaa. Hope all you atheists have some sort of good holiday as well. Safe trips to all including my darling children one of whom arrives and the other departs this week.
SPORTS TALK
--The Bruins truly suck. I was able to watch nearly a full game over the weekend. I believe Lucic is on drugs and the rest of them just cannot score. BTW, Seguin is leading the league in goals. And they refuse to allow Pastrnak to stay up--not tough enough yet. Yikes.
--The Pats have been terrific and I would give Revis anything he wants to stay with them. He makes the defensive backfield work. Browner has not hurt them yet with all those penalties though I worry he will commit a big one at a bad time.
Sayonara
Moving on to other important events:
--A terrific picture recently on the CNN website. Big American flag filling up the whole screen in the background. In the foreground, a female solider just returned from Afghanistan. She is in a full open mouth kiss with her partner who, as it happens, is another woman. Wowza--it's the future. Get ready for it or get lost.
--Sitting in a sub shop in the neighborhood. Two women come in with ID tags around their necks. Then I see the cuffs and the handguns. They are plainclothes Boston detectives. It's the future. Get ready for it or get lost.
--And from the Lone Star state we have these items. Teachers are now allowed to carry concealed weapons because it makes the classrooms safer. Not sure what it does for educating the kids. Next, a headline in the Globe: "Brains missing from Texas university". Really? I believe my daughter still has hers so I am not sure what this is about.
--I wouldn't give Mark Wahlberg a pardon if my life depended on it. There are many more deserving folks than him. Having a big name and loads of money should not mean he gets to be first in the pardon line.
--I never thought too much of Lebron James except I knew he was a very good basketball player. But he knows he is a leader not just on the court but off it--so I admire his willingness to wear the "I can't breathe" T-shirt when warming up in Brooklyn last week. A borough away from Staten Island. Btw, another African American young adult killed by another white policeman and another jury unwilling to indict despite the video.
--We all know Cosby did something and deserves to be kicked around. We also know Aaron Hernandez is guilty no matter how many legal technicalities his defense team wins. I wanted to kick his teeth in when I saw a picture of him smiling as the judge threw out a bunch of prosecutable evidence.
--Saw Obama on Colbert last week--very funny and this Thursday is Colbert's last Comedy Central show. Very hard to imagine him on "regular" TV.
--I'm paying under $2.50 for gas and unemployment is better than ever. No matter, it will get ugly when the Republicans take over. Give Ruth Bader Ginsburg strength, my friends.
--Happy Hanukkah, Merry Xmas, and an Enjoyable Kwanzaa. Hope all you atheists have some sort of good holiday as well. Safe trips to all including my darling children one of whom arrives and the other departs this week.
SPORTS TALK
--The Bruins truly suck. I was able to watch nearly a full game over the weekend. I believe Lucic is on drugs and the rest of them just cannot score. BTW, Seguin is leading the league in goals. And they refuse to allow Pastrnak to stay up--not tough enough yet. Yikes.
--The Pats have been terrific and I would give Revis anything he wants to stay with them. He makes the defensive backfield work. Browner has not hurt them yet with all those penalties though I worry he will commit a big one at a bad time.
Sayonara
Monday, December 1, 2014
ROPE-A-DOPE
In Muhammad Ali's heyday, he used to lean against the ropes and let the other fighter pound away at him. He covered up and usually never even came away with a bruise. But it did tire the other fighter out enough so Ali could then go on the attack. He utilized this strategy frequently and it usually worked. I believe President Obama needs to do something similar. He needs to do everything that is likely to freak out the Republicans--close Guantanamo, formalize relations with Cuba, make executive appointments and decisions, advocate for climate change--he needs to come off the ropes and attack. Maybe they will get tired; maybe not. But he has no chance of reaching a compromise in these next two years. He should let them shut down the government, sue him for making executive decisions, veto any effort to dismantle the Affordable Care Act. Let the people of color in America know what the Republicans stand for. Let those who now have insurance know the Republicans want to take it away. He has nothing to lose so fuck 'em.
On the other hand all of us should hope that nothing happens to Ruth Ginsburg--the tiny but strong Justice who just had a stent put in. she already has had both pancreatic cancer and colo-rectal cancer. If any of us think the Republicans have blocked everything, watch what happens if there is a vacancy on the Supreme Court.
I am sick and tired of Palestinian terrorism and Netanyahu recalcitrance. The attack in a synagogue killing 4 Rabbis was despicable but the ugly political culture in Israel is alarming as well. Yet another terrific article in the New Yorker by David Remnick about that culture leaves me feeling awfully pessimistic about any kind of stability let alone peace. And Hamas leaders applauded the murders in the synagogue--even after Abbas condemned them which means he cannot even control his own citizens. I'm pretty much out of words on this one.
I am also out of words regarding Ferguson, Missouri. It felt as if we were back in the 60's but without any leaders on the ground. First of all, how can there be a police force in a predominantly black community that has no black police officers. Did they miss the class on diversity? Second, to paraphrase Jeffrey Toobin, what fool decided to announce the decision at night when (hello) it is dark and much more difficult to manage rioters than during daytime. Third, the politicians who brought in the National Guard BEFORE the decision almost guaranteed that something would happen. Finally, to be fair, it is very nearly impossible to get a jury to convict or indict a police officer when they have testified it was a life or death situation. Just a recipe for combustion and that's what we got.
[Just saw a tape of an NFL game played yesterday in St. Louis. Five of the St. Louis Ram black players came out of the dressing room and onto the field with arms raised as if they were being arrested. A terrific piece of public theater especially when it turns out these 5 and other teammates have been in Ferguson all month working with kids. But of course, the police have been offended and want punishment. Hasn't there been enough of that?]
The casino bill was not overturned so I was wrong on that one. But the one in nearby Everett is 5 years away from opening. I actually don't care a bit about it nor do I care about the Olympics though if somehow Boston gets them, I'm outta here for a prolonged vacation.
Two other excellent articles: One in the Globe about a hockey coach who decided not to get a colonoscopy and now has end of life cancer (by Kevin Dupont). Only big time fools decide against them. Second article in last week's New Yorker about Angela Merkel basically arguing that she is the most powerful woman in the world.
SPORTSTALK
The son of "He of the Ancient Friendship" is coordinating the Pan Am games for the city of Toronto. A monumental task and one which will allow all venues to be re-used. The Pats loss yesterday was tough especially the first half. Gronk has to make that catch in the end zone in the second half and the defense forced 4 field goals which should have been enough. I worry about San Diego and a let down. They did have a great run.
When will the Yanks sign Robertson? Yikes.
Sayonara
On the other hand all of us should hope that nothing happens to Ruth Ginsburg--the tiny but strong Justice who just had a stent put in. she already has had both pancreatic cancer and colo-rectal cancer. If any of us think the Republicans have blocked everything, watch what happens if there is a vacancy on the Supreme Court.
I am sick and tired of Palestinian terrorism and Netanyahu recalcitrance. The attack in a synagogue killing 4 Rabbis was despicable but the ugly political culture in Israel is alarming as well. Yet another terrific article in the New Yorker by David Remnick about that culture leaves me feeling awfully pessimistic about any kind of stability let alone peace. And Hamas leaders applauded the murders in the synagogue--even after Abbas condemned them which means he cannot even control his own citizens. I'm pretty much out of words on this one.
I am also out of words regarding Ferguson, Missouri. It felt as if we were back in the 60's but without any leaders on the ground. First of all, how can there be a police force in a predominantly black community that has no black police officers. Did they miss the class on diversity? Second, to paraphrase Jeffrey Toobin, what fool decided to announce the decision at night when (hello) it is dark and much more difficult to manage rioters than during daytime. Third, the politicians who brought in the National Guard BEFORE the decision almost guaranteed that something would happen. Finally, to be fair, it is very nearly impossible to get a jury to convict or indict a police officer when they have testified it was a life or death situation. Just a recipe for combustion and that's what we got.
[Just saw a tape of an NFL game played yesterday in St. Louis. Five of the St. Louis Ram black players came out of the dressing room and onto the field with arms raised as if they were being arrested. A terrific piece of public theater especially when it turns out these 5 and other teammates have been in Ferguson all month working with kids. But of course, the police have been offended and want punishment. Hasn't there been enough of that?]
The casino bill was not overturned so I was wrong on that one. But the one in nearby Everett is 5 years away from opening. I actually don't care a bit about it nor do I care about the Olympics though if somehow Boston gets them, I'm outta here for a prolonged vacation.
Two other excellent articles: One in the Globe about a hockey coach who decided not to get a colonoscopy and now has end of life cancer (by Kevin Dupont). Only big time fools decide against them. Second article in last week's New Yorker about Angela Merkel basically arguing that she is the most powerful woman in the world.
SPORTSTALK
The son of "He of the Ancient Friendship" is coordinating the Pan Am games for the city of Toronto. A monumental task and one which will allow all venues to be re-used. The Pats loss yesterday was tough especially the first half. Gronk has to make that catch in the end zone in the second half and the defense forced 4 field goals which should have been enough. I worry about San Diego and a let down. They did have a great run.
When will the Yanks sign Robertson? Yikes.
Sayonara
Saturday, November 15, 2014
EVEN NATE SILVER BLEW IT
I was following my man Nate on his website ("538") and he even underestimated the Republican tidal wave. I have more anger than I know what to do with and don't exactly know who to focus on or where to start. I will say that watching Jon Stewart has helped. His mind is nearly as twisted as mine and he is brighter. It continues to occur to me that there are more of them than there are of me--and that is very scary. So here goes:
--Every Democrat ran away from Obama and made sure he did not appear in their state. They ran away from the Affordable Care Act, immigration, the economy, and anything remotely progressive. I am not, however, blind to Obama's passivity. He needed a good PR person or a big kick in the ass. There were loads of things he could point to (troop reductions, the Affordable Care Act, the economy considering what he got handed to him 6 years ago). But no, he was quiet and decided to go and hide and he did get the ass kicking just not the one he expected.
--Now he has two months before the senate turns dangerously rightward. I am hoping he picks fights every day with Boehner (he who has a perpetual tan) and that good ole boy Mitch. Make executive decisions and judicial appointments. Because once those Republicans take over the Senate there will be nothing he will get for two years. I want the Republicans to fight him on immigration and see if that helps them in 2016.
--The economy did not matter--hatred mattered and most of it was abut Obama. And in my paranoid though process, no one can convince me that there is not still an issue of where he was born and the color of his skin.
--Good news though--Scottie got kicked way down into the gutter up there in NH. Jeanne Shaheen took care of him and now he actually has to look for work. Screw him--maybe move to Vermont and take on Bernie??
--I do love Elizabeth Warren--she is just terrific and I hope to hell she does not run for President--she will lose badly and is much more fun in the Senate.
--Two articles: One sent to me and appearing in Salon recommending that the President welcome efforts to impeach him. Seems like they might try anyhow so he should just open up his arms and let them come after him. The second article was in the New Yorker and was about Hilary and her possible run in 2016. She will have competition which is ok but no one should think it will be an easy ride for her.
Avoid the recent Hadassah magazine unless you want to hear a bunch of crap about how Sheldon Adelson's wife is a wonderful person or you wish to get blinded by the size of the diamond she manages to stick out in front of her. Don't ask me about why I read that crappy mag.
Then we have the two guys on the plane back to Boston from Toronto. Strangers in the night who talked for the full 90 minutes and would not shut up. By the way Toronto has an in city airport closer to downtown than Logan is to downtown Boston. And you get free snacks and beverages in the waiting lounge. Awful good spending time with someone you have known for 60 odd years.
The Supremes continue to let lower court rulings stand on abortion and same sex marriage. And the crazy fucking righties keep pushing them to make a hard and fast decision. I am not sure what I prefer.
Should I care that the comet lander bounced 3 times. This from an article in the Globe. I think I couldn't care less.
SPORTS TALK
--Remember these names: Sequin, Kessel, Thornton. Yeah they got Hamilton but nothing much else after getting rid of those 3. Two of them are leading the league in goals. The Bruins on the other hand have to hope Rask stands on his head and holds teams to one or two goals because THEY CANNOT PUT THE PUCK IN THE NET.
--Mr. Brady and the boys really smoked Denver. Methinks the Colts will be tougher
Sayonara
--Every Democrat ran away from Obama and made sure he did not appear in their state. They ran away from the Affordable Care Act, immigration, the economy, and anything remotely progressive. I am not, however, blind to Obama's passivity. He needed a good PR person or a big kick in the ass. There were loads of things he could point to (troop reductions, the Affordable Care Act, the economy considering what he got handed to him 6 years ago). But no, he was quiet and decided to go and hide and he did get the ass kicking just not the one he expected.
--Now he has two months before the senate turns dangerously rightward. I am hoping he picks fights every day with Boehner (he who has a perpetual tan) and that good ole boy Mitch. Make executive decisions and judicial appointments. Because once those Republicans take over the Senate there will be nothing he will get for two years. I want the Republicans to fight him on immigration and see if that helps them in 2016.
--The economy did not matter--hatred mattered and most of it was abut Obama. And in my paranoid though process, no one can convince me that there is not still an issue of where he was born and the color of his skin.
--Good news though--Scottie got kicked way down into the gutter up there in NH. Jeanne Shaheen took care of him and now he actually has to look for work. Screw him--maybe move to Vermont and take on Bernie??
--I do love Elizabeth Warren--she is just terrific and I hope to hell she does not run for President--she will lose badly and is much more fun in the Senate.
--Two articles: One sent to me and appearing in Salon recommending that the President welcome efforts to impeach him. Seems like they might try anyhow so he should just open up his arms and let them come after him. The second article was in the New Yorker and was about Hilary and her possible run in 2016. She will have competition which is ok but no one should think it will be an easy ride for her.
Avoid the recent Hadassah magazine unless you want to hear a bunch of crap about how Sheldon Adelson's wife is a wonderful person or you wish to get blinded by the size of the diamond she manages to stick out in front of her. Don't ask me about why I read that crappy mag.
Then we have the two guys on the plane back to Boston from Toronto. Strangers in the night who talked for the full 90 minutes and would not shut up. By the way Toronto has an in city airport closer to downtown than Logan is to downtown Boston. And you get free snacks and beverages in the waiting lounge. Awful good spending time with someone you have known for 60 odd years.
The Supremes continue to let lower court rulings stand on abortion and same sex marriage. And the crazy fucking righties keep pushing them to make a hard and fast decision. I am not sure what I prefer.
Should I care that the comet lander bounced 3 times. This from an article in the Globe. I think I couldn't care less.
SPORTS TALK
--Remember these names: Sequin, Kessel, Thornton. Yeah they got Hamilton but nothing much else after getting rid of those 3. Two of them are leading the league in goals. The Bruins on the other hand have to hope Rask stands on his head and holds teams to one or two goals because THEY CANNOT PUT THE PUCK IN THE NET.
--Mr. Brady and the boys really smoked Denver. Methinks the Colts will be tougher
Sayonara
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