I am sooo confused about world events--I don't even know where to begin. But here, in the lower level, are some of my random thoughts in no particular order.
--According to my computer, at exactly 8:02 on the night Obama spoke to the nation about Libya, Boehner (he who has a perpetual tan)and Cantor (he who is a member of my tribe)issued a statement calling the speech inadequate. Now maybe since the White House seems full of all these good government/lets be nice people,they gave the guys a copy of the speech so they could prepare a response. But if not, they simply, pulled it out of thin air in anticipation of what he would say. Before the U.S. intervention, these guys were yakking about going in and saving the Libyans. After the speech, they were yakking about how there was no exit strategy.
My problem is I don't get how we can help the Libyans but not the Bahrainians (did I spell that right?). But even so, at least we are not in Libya on our own and are operating under a UN resolution with some other countries. And, as I write, NATO is in charge. But I still don't get it about Libya except for oil and Khadafy. Which might just say it all.
--The senate continues to hold up two key Obama appointments. One, a guy named Daimond, won a Nobel in economics but the right wing Senators think he is a commie or something. The other, Berwick, is supposed to be in charge of Medicare and Medicaid . But since those some folks want to repeal Obamacare, they don't want anyone in there who actually might do something to move it along. At a minimum, in 2012, these guys better not get control of the Senate--otherwise we should all go into our bunkers.
--Anna sent me a great article from the NY Times about the difference between the disaster in Haiti and the one in Japan. Without diminishing either, the article did point out how different the two countries were before the earthquakes and how that might mean they required different kids of assistance from abroad after the earthquakes. I am always very cautious about giving to the Red Cross or the United Way for anything since they skim money off the top for their administrative costs. Usually you can give directly to a group and not go through the big boys. There are still administrative costs but you are only paying once for them and it increases the amount that reaches the ground.
--So the Governors of 3 states (Wisconsin, NJ, and Ohio) hate teachers and anyone with a public sector job--must really feel good to be working in the public sector these days. Have to give my governor credit for not taking the easy way out by scapegoating any group. The guy in NJ gave back money for a new tunnel (the guy in Florida gave back money for commuter rail) and he is a big bully--literally and figuratively. Kick em while they are down and if in doubt, blame the victim.
I am not a dupe for the unions but give me a break--if it were as simple as eliminating collective bargaining, all state budgets would be in balance--duh, its all about health care at the state level.
--Speaking of which, my insurer Blue Cross/Blue Shield just gave a departing CEO an $11 million dollar severance package for doing nothing except raising the rates charged to consumers. Plus they pay board members even though they are a non profit.
Our AG is after them but there are more of them where they came from. It is pathetic.
--I continue to be distressed about Israel. The situation with the Palestinians and them continues to deteriorate. Hamas does not help with its new found rockets but neither do the ultra orthodox Jews who lay claim to all sorts of land because it is a biblical "right". But don't have to serve in the IDF because they are ultra Orthodox--go figure. Read a brief article about Netanyahu and his father which only reminded me that the only way out for him is to pull a "Nixon"--go to Abbas secretly and cut some sort of deal. But do it. Im betting he will not.
--I really hope the Republicans nominate Michelle Bachman. Huckabee, Palin, and the others are a bit crazy. But Michelle is truly a candidate for the butterfly net. She cannot help herself. I still am embarrassed to admit I thought both Minnesota and Wisconsin were bastions of Mid West liberalism; but nooooo, they are tuning into bastions of right wing tea party crazies.
--Got my senior Charlie card for the "T". Much like applying for Social Security, except for a wheelchair bound woman, I was the lone white person amongst a veritable tribe of people from around the Globe. I do get quite a discount and it was surprisingly efficient.
--We take that big silver bird next week to Key West--where it has been sunny and in the low 80's all week while our weather map looks like slop with low temps. In between, to Scranton for Yvette's 90th!
SPORTS TALK
I admit to the following--I could not care less if both the NBA and the NFL have lock outs which end their seasons. I am so sick of these stories--the only worse thing is who cares about Bonds and Clemens and their trials. Puke.
No conversations about baseball until 7/4--however I will say that the Red Flops are way overrated and I just saw the new Yankee set up man (Soriano) who looks immense--then Mo got his first save.
The Celtics have looked god awful and I worry their age is catching up. They miss a big post presence but I continue to believe the Perkins trade was a good one. I love Jeff Green and this Krstic fellow ain't bad either.
If Tim Thomas stays hot, the Bruins could go far especially since no other team looks so spectacular--except perhaps for the Canucks with those twins.
Happy 65th up there in Toronto.
Sayonara.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Saturday, February 26, 2011
EL JEFE
So I am one day post this very important birthday. As days passed leading up to it and even now, I have had the following recurrent fantasy. I have never been to China and therefore have never seen the Terra Cotta soldiers. But here is the fantasy: I am the Commandante and all my little pill boxes are the Terra Cotta soldiers. They line up each morning, salute me, and prepare themselves for the battle they are about to wage in my body. They fight on my behalf and hold the lines against the enemies within. If I include the support regiment (those would be my vitamins), I go into battle each day with 8 fighters side by side following the instructions written on their backs. I continue to win those daily battles and hope, as i have celebrated this birthday, that I win the war. Enough.
North Africa and the Middle East is blowing up. Dictators and crazy men (that would be Khadafy--and if you have not read his words, find them so you can confirm my diagnosis). Obama of course is getting his ass kicked by Republicans who have no ideas of their own but are sure he is doing everything wrong and are talking about it QUITE LOUDLY. I may sound like a broken record but first of all I am not sure what he is supposed to be doing--invading all those countries? Second, I think he is doing stuff and it is called quiet diplomacy. Let the thing play out and keep the Israelis and Saudis (who are as worried as the Israelis) cooled down. I mean Sara and Michelle (Bachman) have no clue and yet swipe out at him a minute after he does or says something. What I don't get is why he (or some attack dog on his staff) don't go after them. You can be too passive also. The "coolest" thing for me so far was to see these women in Bahrain with their black burkhas covered head to toe but with designer sunglasses, make up on, and cell phones--all protesting in the streets.
What to say about the once great state of Wisconsin. Russell Feingold gets kicked out, the Governor is a Tea Party person, and the legislature is now Republican. If I were the Democrats I would go further than Chicago. I am not a total union guy--but the Wisconsin public unions have agreed to very important financial give backs. Walker is out to bust them and wants more.
The good news for Obama (and I suppose the rest of us) is that the economy is coming back and if it comes back consistently, he may have a shot in 2012 especially if the Republicans bring on someone resembling this guy Walker.
On the other hand a fine example of the Health Care mess. When you receive Medicare, in most cases you need also to purchase a supplement to cover the gaps in Medicare coverage. I got one through Blue Cross. Then just before my birthday, I get a nice letter from them wishing me a happy birthday and asking me to see my doctor and have a bunch of tests. The same tests I had in November when I saw the doctor. So I call Blue Cross and tell them this story. Their response: "you are new to us and we treat you like a brand new recipient". I tell them they have my permission to get the records from my doctor. Nope they want the tests done again unless I decide not to follow up--which as my little protest, I have decided not to have them done. But this kind of crazy duplication without regard to cost is killing the states and the feds.
Bob Kraft (owner of my beloved Patriots) and his wife put their money and their public face where their pocketbook is. Two examples. They gave a bunch of money to MGH not for a building but for Community Health Center fellowships--to encourage and pay physicians to practice in them. Then they got a big award from the state wide LGBT advocacy group for their contributions and their support. Gotta love them
SPORTS TALK
Proud to say I did not watch the Super Bowl. So disappointed at the Pats loss especially to the fat guy from the Meadowlands. The worse game I have seen Brady play and it had nothing to do with a stress fracture.
I have often said that once athletes reach a certain level of skill, 90% of their performance is related to the area from their neck up. Watching Tiger Woods almost cements this theory. The guy is a soft boiled egg and could fall apart any minute. He is unhardened jello. It is almost sad. And what about those prissy guys at the PGA--on top of everything else fining him for spitting on the golf green. Come on is it a sport or some sort of white glove evening dance. Give me a break.
I never did like Perkins but for the life of me I cannot figure out who will get a rebound or push Dwight Howard away from the basket. Jeff Green may help Paul Pierce but I am not sure how they get rebounds when that was already a major weakness. I think the Bulls are now even a tougher series given their height. And then I end up saying they still have roster spots and perhaps Ainge knows something I don't know. My fingers are crossed.
Was with Jess, her family, Anna, and Babs in NYC this past weekend. I miss not having Anna and Jess et al closer. What to do?
Sayonara.
North Africa and the Middle East is blowing up. Dictators and crazy men (that would be Khadafy--and if you have not read his words, find them so you can confirm my diagnosis). Obama of course is getting his ass kicked by Republicans who have no ideas of their own but are sure he is doing everything wrong and are talking about it QUITE LOUDLY. I may sound like a broken record but first of all I am not sure what he is supposed to be doing--invading all those countries? Second, I think he is doing stuff and it is called quiet diplomacy. Let the thing play out and keep the Israelis and Saudis (who are as worried as the Israelis) cooled down. I mean Sara and Michelle (Bachman) have no clue and yet swipe out at him a minute after he does or says something. What I don't get is why he (or some attack dog on his staff) don't go after them. You can be too passive also. The "coolest" thing for me so far was to see these women in Bahrain with their black burkhas covered head to toe but with designer sunglasses, make up on, and cell phones--all protesting in the streets.
What to say about the once great state of Wisconsin. Russell Feingold gets kicked out, the Governor is a Tea Party person, and the legislature is now Republican. If I were the Democrats I would go further than Chicago. I am not a total union guy--but the Wisconsin public unions have agreed to very important financial give backs. Walker is out to bust them and wants more.
The good news for Obama (and I suppose the rest of us) is that the economy is coming back and if it comes back consistently, he may have a shot in 2012 especially if the Republicans bring on someone resembling this guy Walker.
On the other hand a fine example of the Health Care mess. When you receive Medicare, in most cases you need also to purchase a supplement to cover the gaps in Medicare coverage. I got one through Blue Cross. Then just before my birthday, I get a nice letter from them wishing me a happy birthday and asking me to see my doctor and have a bunch of tests. The same tests I had in November when I saw the doctor. So I call Blue Cross and tell them this story. Their response: "you are new to us and we treat you like a brand new recipient". I tell them they have my permission to get the records from my doctor. Nope they want the tests done again unless I decide not to follow up--which as my little protest, I have decided not to have them done. But this kind of crazy duplication without regard to cost is killing the states and the feds.
Bob Kraft (owner of my beloved Patriots) and his wife put their money and their public face where their pocketbook is. Two examples. They gave a bunch of money to MGH not for a building but for Community Health Center fellowships--to encourage and pay physicians to practice in them. Then they got a big award from the state wide LGBT advocacy group for their contributions and their support. Gotta love them
SPORTS TALK
Proud to say I did not watch the Super Bowl. So disappointed at the Pats loss especially to the fat guy from the Meadowlands. The worse game I have seen Brady play and it had nothing to do with a stress fracture.
I have often said that once athletes reach a certain level of skill, 90% of their performance is related to the area from their neck up. Watching Tiger Woods almost cements this theory. The guy is a soft boiled egg and could fall apart any minute. He is unhardened jello. It is almost sad. And what about those prissy guys at the PGA--on top of everything else fining him for spitting on the golf green. Come on is it a sport or some sort of white glove evening dance. Give me a break.
I never did like Perkins but for the life of me I cannot figure out who will get a rebound or push Dwight Howard away from the basket. Jeff Green may help Paul Pierce but I am not sure how they get rebounds when that was already a major weakness. I think the Bulls are now even a tougher series given their height. And then I end up saying they still have roster spots and perhaps Ainge knows something I don't know. My fingers are crossed.
Was with Jess, her family, Anna, and Babs in NYC this past weekend. I miss not having Anna and Jess et al closer. What to do?
Sayonara.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
THE FIRST DAY OF THE REST OF MY LIFE
I positively/absolutely hate that phrase. And yet, as of this particular moment, I am the recipient of not one but two federal programs. They shall remain nameless but obvious. I wish to add that one of them is related specifically to a certain age--but I will not reach that momentous age until the end of the month. One other thing--I continue to be impressed that so far both of these programs seem very consumer friendly.
So we have been to Philadelphia--delayed going by one of these monster snow storms. Be aware that once the airline declares a weather advisory, you can change your tickets for free (most of you probably knew that but I did not). We had to do that and otherwise the change would have cost $150 each for a round trip. It's all about the money, honey. But the point is that all is well in the city of brotherly love. The weird thing is that Jess and her family will have to move again in the late spring so while they are settled in, they are settled only for a respite and still have a basement full of boxes. I had been to Philadelphia about 45 years ago so I felt like a newbie. First of all, it is way bigger than Boston in terms of both area and population. Second, there are way more African Americans than in Boston. Lastly, all 4 pro teams play adjacent to each other in 3 virtually brand new stadia (ah, good old Mrs. Reynolds teaching us that the plural of words ending in "um" is an "a")sharing a mammoth parking area. I still wonder what was there before. We had a great time and the flying time is only 45 minutes which makes it feel very close.
Meanwhile, Keith Olberman got his ass fired--no matter what nice words were put to his departure. Not surprising and yet Rachel is still on in spite of being nearly twice as progressive as he was. She does have softer edges and somehow a more intellectual take on the issues. Keith was both visceral and vitriolic--don't you just love alliterations.
Speaking of harder edges, I get a bazillion comments from readers of this blog--not really but I do get a few. One of you took me to task about the horrific shootings in Arizona. My problem (according to this reader) was not attacking the gun lobby and the availability of guns for causing that disaster. Point taken but not so fast. I still believe leaders shape these events both before and after they occur and bear a special responsibility to actually lead. But keep those cards and letters coming.
I was already feeling helpless about the situation in the Middle East and now we have Egypt erupting. Cairo is a city of 20 million--can anyone imagine that if you have not been there? I have not been there and I can't. Egypt is one of our "allies" over there. But most importantly, it actually is an "ally" of Israel. If I am Netanyahu, I have got all my soldiers on very high alert and I am a very worried President. Especially since I just read that the King of Jordan just appointed a brand new cabinet. Egypt also has tons of our military equipment and utilizes our military as advisers. It would not surprise me if some of our boys are over there right now trying to facilitate some sort of smooth transition. Very very ugly/scary.
I was disappointed by Obama's State of the Union speech. Tossed too many bones to the Republicans and to the right wing of his party. Plus, it seemed as if he was speaking in platitudes. Too pie in he sky for me. Now he has to deal with the Egypt mess. I almost feel bad for him. But then the economy seems to be creeping back up and I believe that is all that will matter come 2012--or at least I hope so. My other hope is that Eric Cantor and John Boehner actually hate each other as much as some articles have said. Maybe they will divide and fail to conquer.
Anna is heading to Iceland for a 5 day adventure. Plans to eat whale while there. Good luck to her--I don't even want to know about it.
SPORTS TALK
Ok, so Brady had a stress fracture in his foot. Let me say this right now (boy am I bold or what?)--they lost because he had a terrible day fracture or not. And because Belichik got out coached by the big mouth in NY. I have the full support of two readers on this one. Sounds like the majority I need.
Slowly but surely, the Celtics are pulling things together. Garnett and Rondo remain for me the keys. It will help when West returns in the sense that the rotation will be clearer. But they do not miss Jermaine O'Neal. It is also worth noting that their first draft choice (Bradley) is virtually absent while this Wafer kid is getting more minutes. My big worry in the East is actually Chicago--not Miami or Orlando. Rondo has big time trouble with Derrick Rose and Noah is just the kid of active player that causes them fits. We shall see.
Just finished that 700 page book by Bill Simmons--aka "The Sports Guy". Terrific and so funny. Laughed out loud regularly. Discovered his web site and it is equally funny.
That is it for now.
Sayonara.
So we have been to Philadelphia--delayed going by one of these monster snow storms. Be aware that once the airline declares a weather advisory, you can change your tickets for free (most of you probably knew that but I did not). We had to do that and otherwise the change would have cost $150 each for a round trip. It's all about the money, honey. But the point is that all is well in the city of brotherly love. The weird thing is that Jess and her family will have to move again in the late spring so while they are settled in, they are settled only for a respite and still have a basement full of boxes. I had been to Philadelphia about 45 years ago so I felt like a newbie. First of all, it is way bigger than Boston in terms of both area and population. Second, there are way more African Americans than in Boston. Lastly, all 4 pro teams play adjacent to each other in 3 virtually brand new stadia (ah, good old Mrs. Reynolds teaching us that the plural of words ending in "um" is an "a")sharing a mammoth parking area. I still wonder what was there before. We had a great time and the flying time is only 45 minutes which makes it feel very close.
Meanwhile, Keith Olberman got his ass fired--no matter what nice words were put to his departure. Not surprising and yet Rachel is still on in spite of being nearly twice as progressive as he was. She does have softer edges and somehow a more intellectual take on the issues. Keith was both visceral and vitriolic--don't you just love alliterations.
Speaking of harder edges, I get a bazillion comments from readers of this blog--not really but I do get a few. One of you took me to task about the horrific shootings in Arizona. My problem (according to this reader) was not attacking the gun lobby and the availability of guns for causing that disaster. Point taken but not so fast. I still believe leaders shape these events both before and after they occur and bear a special responsibility to actually lead. But keep those cards and letters coming.
I was already feeling helpless about the situation in the Middle East and now we have Egypt erupting. Cairo is a city of 20 million--can anyone imagine that if you have not been there? I have not been there and I can't. Egypt is one of our "allies" over there. But most importantly, it actually is an "ally" of Israel. If I am Netanyahu, I have got all my soldiers on very high alert and I am a very worried President. Especially since I just read that the King of Jordan just appointed a brand new cabinet. Egypt also has tons of our military equipment and utilizes our military as advisers. It would not surprise me if some of our boys are over there right now trying to facilitate some sort of smooth transition. Very very ugly/scary.
I was disappointed by Obama's State of the Union speech. Tossed too many bones to the Republicans and to the right wing of his party. Plus, it seemed as if he was speaking in platitudes. Too pie in he sky for me. Now he has to deal with the Egypt mess. I almost feel bad for him. But then the economy seems to be creeping back up and I believe that is all that will matter come 2012--or at least I hope so. My other hope is that Eric Cantor and John Boehner actually hate each other as much as some articles have said. Maybe they will divide and fail to conquer.
Anna is heading to Iceland for a 5 day adventure. Plans to eat whale while there. Good luck to her--I don't even want to know about it.
SPORTS TALK
Ok, so Brady had a stress fracture in his foot. Let me say this right now (boy am I bold or what?)--they lost because he had a terrible day fracture or not. And because Belichik got out coached by the big mouth in NY. I have the full support of two readers on this one. Sounds like the majority I need.
Slowly but surely, the Celtics are pulling things together. Garnett and Rondo remain for me the keys. It will help when West returns in the sense that the rotation will be clearer. But they do not miss Jermaine O'Neal. It is also worth noting that their first draft choice (Bradley) is virtually absent while this Wafer kid is getting more minutes. My big worry in the East is actually Chicago--not Miami or Orlando. Rondo has big time trouble with Derrick Rose and Noah is just the kid of active player that causes them fits. We shall see.
Just finished that 700 page book by Bill Simmons--aka "The Sports Guy". Terrific and so funny. Laughed out loud regularly. Discovered his web site and it is equally funny.
That is it for now.
Sayonara.
Monday, January 17, 2011
DING DON, RICH IS GONE, WICKED OLD RICH WICKED RICH; DING DONG RICH IS GONE FOR GOOD
The above title must be sung by every reader to the tune of the wicked old witch in the Wizard of Oz. Even those of you non-sports fans MUST sing this to read any further--I demand it. On the other hand, only those interested in the sports section down below need to have more information.
Moving on. As regular readers(are there any?)know, I have sworn off TV yakkers. But on the day after the killings in Arizona, Barbara was watching Rachael Maddow and I dropped by. The main point that I got and that I believe is important is that words do matter. That cross hairs(as in aim your gun here)shown on a map matter. That talk, language, words matter and they especially matter to people who are susceptible to external direction fueled by vitriol. Then you have facts like Arizona was the last state to designate MLK Day as a holiday; that Arizona is the center of all things anti-immigration; and that their murder rate per capita is almost 10 times higher than here (even though ours is high enough)partly due to the ease of purchasing guns. All of that matters and sets a tone.
It supposedly should give us all pride and pleasure that we in Mass.virtually have universal health coverage and that the President has acknowledged us for that. I want to take pride in that and other laws which make this state different. But unlike the same sex marriage law(which I am proud of),this coverage primarily via Medicaid actually costs tons of money. There will be more budget cuts coming up this July. There are very few places to cut and those of you in the non profit and/or public sector know that. Yet all the insurers and the big hospital groups continue to be cash cows. It is wonderful to have world class hospitals but if you have had the unhappy experience of being in one, you know that you are paying for medical students, interns, residents, fellows, and the actual "real" doctor. That costs money. I am not sure what the answer is but part of it lies in managing the care better and forcing more people to go through primary care physicians or health centers before they even approach those big ER's. This is one area where I am glad I am not King of the Universe in spite of wishing for that role in most other instances.
I am glad Vicki Kennedy is not going to run against Scott Brown. I think it has to be someone who is willing to get ugly and dirty and mean and go after that sucker. She seems too nice and almost too proper for that kind of fight. I blew it the last time with Coakley and I am determined not to do that again. It is un-fucking believable to me that Alan Khazei is considering another run. It is a loser's bet and he should just stay on the sidelines and maybe hope for an appointment as something or other. Big Poobah with LARGE ideas maybe.
The intractability of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict continues to depress me. Have no other words or insight. And it seems to worsen regularly.
Obama is making a nice comeback and all of us need to hope the economy continues its slow improvement. As someone said(perhaps James Carville),it is the economy stupid. If it is better by November 2012, he may actually prevail.
SPORTS TALK
First a book recommendation. I don't read much non-fiction but I have two sports books to suggest. George Dohrman, an SI writer, spent about 8 years following a young African American basketball player starting when he was an 10 year old phenom. He got complete access from his AAU coach if he did not write anything until the kid went to college/left high school. It is called "They Played Their Hearts Out". It is about the ugly relationships between coaches, sneaker companies, the AAU and pushy parents. Most of the kids are African American and most of everyone else is white. It is very unpleasant but just excellent journalism. Second, I had heard about the "Sports Guy" but never read anything by him. I have begun his 700 page book on the NBA (I forget the title) and it is both insightful and hilarious--but it is 700 pages.
So RichRod has been kicked to the curb. I was wrong--Michigan paid West Virginia 2.5million(not 1 million)when they bought out his contract. Those would be two public universities. I wonder how the CPA's booked those dollars. He left the program in tatters and it will take a while to rebuild. He deserves no sympathy because by breaking his contract, Michigan had to pay him another buyout. Just disgusting.
If I had written this 24 hours ago, I would have been full of optimism and braggadocio. Now, not only have I sworn off socio-political talk shows, I am swearing off sports talk shows. The Pats simply sucked. I had not seen Brady look so befuddled all year. Since I believe at this level 90% of the game is played from the neck up, the Pats were ill prepared in terms of intensity/concentration/other intangibles. No mas.
With Garnett back, tonight could be both a good and an important game for the Celts against the Magic. They got beat down there in the South on Xmas and owe them one.
To Philly on Friday. Skype seems like science fiction but actually works/helps. Think you can get a Philly cheese steak hold the cheese?
That's it.
Sayonara
Moving on. As regular readers(are there any?)know, I have sworn off TV yakkers. But on the day after the killings in Arizona, Barbara was watching Rachael Maddow and I dropped by. The main point that I got and that I believe is important is that words do matter. That cross hairs(as in aim your gun here)shown on a map matter. That talk, language, words matter and they especially matter to people who are susceptible to external direction fueled by vitriol. Then you have facts like Arizona was the last state to designate MLK Day as a holiday; that Arizona is the center of all things anti-immigration; and that their murder rate per capita is almost 10 times higher than here (even though ours is high enough)partly due to the ease of purchasing guns. All of that matters and sets a tone.
It supposedly should give us all pride and pleasure that we in Mass.virtually have universal health coverage and that the President has acknowledged us for that. I want to take pride in that and other laws which make this state different. But unlike the same sex marriage law(which I am proud of),this coverage primarily via Medicaid actually costs tons of money. There will be more budget cuts coming up this July. There are very few places to cut and those of you in the non profit and/or public sector know that. Yet all the insurers and the big hospital groups continue to be cash cows. It is wonderful to have world class hospitals but if you have had the unhappy experience of being in one, you know that you are paying for medical students, interns, residents, fellows, and the actual "real" doctor. That costs money. I am not sure what the answer is but part of it lies in managing the care better and forcing more people to go through primary care physicians or health centers before they even approach those big ER's. This is one area where I am glad I am not King of the Universe in spite of wishing for that role in most other instances.
I am glad Vicki Kennedy is not going to run against Scott Brown. I think it has to be someone who is willing to get ugly and dirty and mean and go after that sucker. She seems too nice and almost too proper for that kind of fight. I blew it the last time with Coakley and I am determined not to do that again. It is un-fucking believable to me that Alan Khazei is considering another run. It is a loser's bet and he should just stay on the sidelines and maybe hope for an appointment as something or other. Big Poobah with LARGE ideas maybe.
The intractability of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict continues to depress me. Have no other words or insight. And it seems to worsen regularly.
Obama is making a nice comeback and all of us need to hope the economy continues its slow improvement. As someone said(perhaps James Carville),it is the economy stupid. If it is better by November 2012, he may actually prevail.
SPORTS TALK
First a book recommendation. I don't read much non-fiction but I have two sports books to suggest. George Dohrman, an SI writer, spent about 8 years following a young African American basketball player starting when he was an 10 year old phenom. He got complete access from his AAU coach if he did not write anything until the kid went to college/left high school. It is called "They Played Their Hearts Out". It is about the ugly relationships between coaches, sneaker companies, the AAU and pushy parents. Most of the kids are African American and most of everyone else is white. It is very unpleasant but just excellent journalism. Second, I had heard about the "Sports Guy" but never read anything by him. I have begun his 700 page book on the NBA (I forget the title) and it is both insightful and hilarious--but it is 700 pages.
So RichRod has been kicked to the curb. I was wrong--Michigan paid West Virginia 2.5million(not 1 million)when they bought out his contract. Those would be two public universities. I wonder how the CPA's booked those dollars. He left the program in tatters and it will take a while to rebuild. He deserves no sympathy because by breaking his contract, Michigan had to pay him another buyout. Just disgusting.
If I had written this 24 hours ago, I would have been full of optimism and braggadocio. Now, not only have I sworn off socio-political talk shows, I am swearing off sports talk shows. The Pats simply sucked. I had not seen Brady look so befuddled all year. Since I believe at this level 90% of the game is played from the neck up, the Pats were ill prepared in terms of intensity/concentration/other intangibles. No mas.
With Garnett back, tonight could be both a good and an important game for the Celts against the Magic. They got beat down there in the South on Xmas and owe them one.
To Philly on Friday. Skype seems like science fiction but actually works/helps. Think you can get a Philly cheese steak hold the cheese?
That's it.
Sayonara
Friday, December 31, 2010
BEREFT
I think in high school we learned about words like bereft. Words that sound like what they mean--onomatopoetic or something like that. I obviously got the concept but not the spelling. In any event,I have been bereft since Tuesday when Jess and her family moved to Philadelphia. I dare say Barbara shares those feelings but this blog is about ME. I know many of you have had kids go to college (our own dear Anna is in NYC via Ohio), deaths of loved ones, job changes, and other difficult transitions. I am not implying this one is worse than those but it is happening now and it is happening to me (and Barbara and the Helmling family). I know I can drive there, fly there, or train there. But it is not Hyde Square and it is not 5 minutes away. I know that even if I complained about some of those early morning calls requiring an extra pair of hands,I am going to miss the school pickups or the daycare deliveries or simply the spontaneous lets have dinner together offers. I am also aware this is not permanent. But I have had the following AHA moment--it is a transition not just for them but for me. We have to adjust and have already begun doing that--our living room has a vacant hole in the middle because we gave them a bunch of furniture so re-decorating is on the agenda. Kind of a symbolic hole, no? And we have decided to try and bring them, Anna, and others up to the Berkshires next summer so we can spend time with them. We already have tickets to fly down in mid-January. Bereft. Enough.
FACTS ACCORDING TO ME
How can it be that the Republicans were so oppositional and recalcitrant for two years and then the week before Christmas, all this important legislation gets passed with their assistance. Did Obama do something different? Did the election force some things to get done? I did not ask and I am not smart enough to tell. All I know is that the treaty passed, don't ask was repealed, and that tax bill which I still don't get but the guy from the Atlantic has assured us is good--that passed.
I also know that I have enough paranoia to believe the Republicans are teasing me personally. That their intention is to block anything decent for the next two years and run on that. I have already seen enough and heard enough from He Who Has a Perpetual Tan and He Who is a Member of My Tribe--neither are bright lights and both are in charge.
My brethren in Israel continue to make life miserable for the Palestinians and continue to allow the building of settlements. I know not what to do except whine and complain about them and Netanyahu in particular. I despair.
The little men with little machines and shovels were out in force during the recent snow storm even shoveling a path from our front gate to our front door. Oh the joy and oh how my monthly condo fee is worth every penny even if no more snow arrives.
SPORTS
I think Brady has played at a level that very few players ever get to--it is just unworldly and even if they don't get to the Super Bowl, we have seen (especially the last 7 games) a very special performance. On the whole, I am a worrier and worry that this will come to a crashing end.
Speaking of which, the Celtics dodged a crashing end when it turned out Garnet's injury was not season ending and I am now thinking it is not so bad having him take two weeks off. Much like the Pats--it will heal his bones.
The Bruins never see an open net that they can hit. It is so pathetic watching them on offense. No one can score.
That's about it. Hope all of you have a happy, healthy, and peaceful 2011. Be well.
Sayonara.
FACTS ACCORDING TO ME
How can it be that the Republicans were so oppositional and recalcitrant for two years and then the week before Christmas, all this important legislation gets passed with their assistance. Did Obama do something different? Did the election force some things to get done? I did not ask and I am not smart enough to tell. All I know is that the treaty passed, don't ask was repealed, and that tax bill which I still don't get but the guy from the Atlantic has assured us is good--that passed.
I also know that I have enough paranoia to believe the Republicans are teasing me personally. That their intention is to block anything decent for the next two years and run on that. I have already seen enough and heard enough from He Who Has a Perpetual Tan and He Who is a Member of My Tribe--neither are bright lights and both are in charge.
My brethren in Israel continue to make life miserable for the Palestinians and continue to allow the building of settlements. I know not what to do except whine and complain about them and Netanyahu in particular. I despair.
The little men with little machines and shovels were out in force during the recent snow storm even shoveling a path from our front gate to our front door. Oh the joy and oh how my monthly condo fee is worth every penny even if no more snow arrives.
SPORTS
I think Brady has played at a level that very few players ever get to--it is just unworldly and even if they don't get to the Super Bowl, we have seen (especially the last 7 games) a very special performance. On the whole, I am a worrier and worry that this will come to a crashing end.
Speaking of which, the Celtics dodged a crashing end when it turned out Garnet's injury was not season ending and I am now thinking it is not so bad having him take two weeks off. Much like the Pats--it will heal his bones.
The Bruins never see an open net that they can hit. It is so pathetic watching them on offense. No one can score.
That's about it. Hope all of you have a happy, healthy, and peaceful 2011. Be well.
Sayonara.
Monday, December 13, 2010
IT'S BACK--A SPECIAL EDITION
For awhile there, I thought my unending supply of rage had ended. Either do to maturity or the great quantities of drugs I took to get rid of a cold, I could not find it. But, lo and behold, I have come out of my fog and am back in touch with my dark side. You, dear readers, are the very fortunate recipients of my re-connection with this quick special.
1. Don't Ask Don't Tell--So the Republicans have appointed a tea bagger to chair the House Military Affairs committee. He has promised to kill any effort to repeal DADT. Other similar House chairs are going after Obamacare (helped to be sure by today's federal court decision) and abortion rights. We do get what we deserve.
2. I thought I understood the Obama deal on taxes until I read this article by a guy from the Atlantic--Joshua Green. I like him a lot and he said, in fact, that this is a good compromise getting lots of money into the economy and helping the unemployed. He accused some of us (one of whom would be me) of over reacting. If so, I take it all back. However, I still believe the Prez has been way too kind and I would be happy to share some of my rage now that I have re-located it.
3.Temple Avodah in Newton caved in on the question of letting the folks from J Street speak. The big machers (that would be donors for those of you not fluent in Yiddish) probably threatened to pull their money out. Really a bad sign when dissent cannot even be tolerated in the House of God.
SPORTS
OK, both the Jets and the Bears were probably over rated. But Mr. Brady and the boys were stupendous especially in that winter mess yesterday. Brady is simply playing at a level beyond excellent; playing where few people dare to tread. We are lucky to be watching all this.
Sayonara.
1. Don't Ask Don't Tell--So the Republicans have appointed a tea bagger to chair the House Military Affairs committee. He has promised to kill any effort to repeal DADT. Other similar House chairs are going after Obamacare (helped to be sure by today's federal court decision) and abortion rights. We do get what we deserve.
2. I thought I understood the Obama deal on taxes until I read this article by a guy from the Atlantic--Joshua Green. I like him a lot and he said, in fact, that this is a good compromise getting lots of money into the economy and helping the unemployed. He accused some of us (one of whom would be me) of over reacting. If so, I take it all back. However, I still believe the Prez has been way too kind and I would be happy to share some of my rage now that I have re-located it.
3.Temple Avodah in Newton caved in on the question of letting the folks from J Street speak. The big machers (that would be donors for those of you not fluent in Yiddish) probably threatened to pull their money out. Really a bad sign when dissent cannot even be tolerated in the House of God.
SPORTS
OK, both the Jets and the Bears were probably over rated. But Mr. Brady and the boys were stupendous especially in that winter mess yesterday. Brady is simply playing at a level beyond excellent; playing where few people dare to tread. We are lucky to be watching all this.
Sayonara.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
IF THE ELECTION WERE TODAY.....
If it were, we would be in a re-run of back to the future starring George McGovern and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Maybe not as bad as in 1972 since most of the left coast and some of the Northeast would be with us--but otherwise a total shambles. Obama would be a one termer. And we would have a Luddite (to use one of Barbara's favorite words) as our next President. Mitt Romney would look palatable.
This tax cut business just totally confuses me--he backs way down as a way to get unemployment benefits extended and to insure middle class folks get the benefits but allows those earning more than $250,000 to keep the cuts also. Gives business all sorts of breaks. Maybe it is a "good" expedient decision but it is so counter to what we thought when he was elected that it is appalling. But, as I have said before, there are more of them than there are of me.
Plus he is just not angry enough. His speeches are out of sync from his actions. Don't ask don't tell is supported by the Pentagon report, the Republicans continue to attack it, and he has not said one word. Whats up with that? I have always had the fantasy (even before he was elected) that his staff was smart and knew what they were doing--now I am not sure and I think minimally they are still recovering from the mid terms. Well, they better get over it soon because 2012 will be here quicker than we think.
There are over 5,000 vacant seats in the Boston Public Schools but every time the Superintendent tries to close some, the union freaks out. Then she starts to waffle and then the whole plan collapses. Closing schools means losing jobs--I get that. But empty seats without staff reductions makes no sense either. She is dithering too much.
Chuck Turner, now an ex- City Councilor, managed to turn his bribery conviction into a race issue. I don't care how much he took--but assuming he did it, he should be on the street like any other government official or elected official. Like Charlie Rangel--both of them good progressive people who abused our collective trust. And Maxine Waters is next.
In my new neighborhood, 3 men murdered in a local pizza joint. Apparently, it was gang related and furthermore has ties to conflicts in the Dominican Republic where the 3 of them were from. Even if all the guns in the city were suddenly to disappear, we are apparently not going to resolve these village-like conflicts. I have no clue what that means (or how to solve the dilemma) but I have a feeling, better schools, better police, more police--I have a feeling none of those will help. Its kind of like the tribal wars which frequently erupt in Africa. They go back years.
Beware: Those of you approaching 65. Medicare knows you are out there (much like AARP knew when you turned 50) and 3 months before that magical date, you will get your medicare card. I will say that I have had very few interactions with MY federal government. The ones with Social Security and Medicare have been very positive. I still believe the Health care bill should have just expanded Medicare and Medicaid and everyone would have understood it. Anyhow, they got me and I can hardly wait to reach that famous donut hole.
SPORTS
We all know Jeter was going to be a Yankee and all the yakking about it was just a bunch of shit from the talking heads who have nothing else to do--another example would be Albert Haynesworth's suspension. a lot of yakking about that too as if...
Mr. Brady and the boys really stomped on Rex and his big mouth. Not sure they will win the last 4 (especially Green Bay though they are lucky it is at home). But Brady is very very hot and they are getting just enough running to keep defenses honest. They have beaten the Ravens, the Colts, the Chargers, the Steelers, and now the Jets--two of those wins on the road.
BTW--don't care who else the Yanks sign now that Jeter and Rivera are in the fold. And, no offense, but Adrian Gonzalez is good but does not put the Red Flops in the World Series even if Kevin Millar (now a sportscaster???) says so.
A FINAL THOUGHT
By the next posting, Jess, Steffen, and the kids will be in Philadelphia. I have instructed them that they cannot under any circumstance become fans of any Philly team. Obviously, nothing else matters. We already have reservations for our first visit.
Adios.
This tax cut business just totally confuses me--he backs way down as a way to get unemployment benefits extended and to insure middle class folks get the benefits but allows those earning more than $250,000 to keep the cuts also. Gives business all sorts of breaks. Maybe it is a "good" expedient decision but it is so counter to what we thought when he was elected that it is appalling. But, as I have said before, there are more of them than there are of me.
Plus he is just not angry enough. His speeches are out of sync from his actions. Don't ask don't tell is supported by the Pentagon report, the Republicans continue to attack it, and he has not said one word. Whats up with that? I have always had the fantasy (even before he was elected) that his staff was smart and knew what they were doing--now I am not sure and I think minimally they are still recovering from the mid terms. Well, they better get over it soon because 2012 will be here quicker than we think.
There are over 5,000 vacant seats in the Boston Public Schools but every time the Superintendent tries to close some, the union freaks out. Then she starts to waffle and then the whole plan collapses. Closing schools means losing jobs--I get that. But empty seats without staff reductions makes no sense either. She is dithering too much.
Chuck Turner, now an ex- City Councilor, managed to turn his bribery conviction into a race issue. I don't care how much he took--but assuming he did it, he should be on the street like any other government official or elected official. Like Charlie Rangel--both of them good progressive people who abused our collective trust. And Maxine Waters is next.
In my new neighborhood, 3 men murdered in a local pizza joint. Apparently, it was gang related and furthermore has ties to conflicts in the Dominican Republic where the 3 of them were from. Even if all the guns in the city were suddenly to disappear, we are apparently not going to resolve these village-like conflicts. I have no clue what that means (or how to solve the dilemma) but I have a feeling, better schools, better police, more police--I have a feeling none of those will help. Its kind of like the tribal wars which frequently erupt in Africa. They go back years.
Beware: Those of you approaching 65. Medicare knows you are out there (much like AARP knew when you turned 50) and 3 months before that magical date, you will get your medicare card. I will say that I have had very few interactions with MY federal government. The ones with Social Security and Medicare have been very positive. I still believe the Health care bill should have just expanded Medicare and Medicaid and everyone would have understood it. Anyhow, they got me and I can hardly wait to reach that famous donut hole.
SPORTS
We all know Jeter was going to be a Yankee and all the yakking about it was just a bunch of shit from the talking heads who have nothing else to do--another example would be Albert Haynesworth's suspension. a lot of yakking about that too as if...
Mr. Brady and the boys really stomped on Rex and his big mouth. Not sure they will win the last 4 (especially Green Bay though they are lucky it is at home). But Brady is very very hot and they are getting just enough running to keep defenses honest. They have beaten the Ravens, the Colts, the Chargers, the Steelers, and now the Jets--two of those wins on the road.
BTW--don't care who else the Yanks sign now that Jeter and Rivera are in the fold. And, no offense, but Adrian Gonzalez is good but does not put the Red Flops in the World Series even if Kevin Millar (now a sportscaster???) says so.
A FINAL THOUGHT
By the next posting, Jess, Steffen, and the kids will be in Philadelphia. I have instructed them that they cannot under any circumstance become fans of any Philly team. Obviously, nothing else matters. We already have reservations for our first visit.
Adios.
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