I'm nothing if not up to the minute. I guess now people won't think of us as that liberal state. Tsarnaev got the death penalty though his actual death is likely years off. I admit to being a bit surprised and hope to avoid all the comments likely to be in the Globe tomorrow about WHAT THIS MEANS. Those who died are still not with us and the injured still have damaged bodies. Each of us will have our own take on it. Personally, I would have gone the super max route---but more personally, I am glad I was not on the jury.
I am also very glad I do not live in Nepal. They got hit again early this week with another massive earthquake isolating villages which already were isolated. Can only watch and donate money. Which makes it even stupider that some of the Pats fans are trying to raise money to help Kraft pay the NFL's fine he received. Perhaps they should consider what is or is not important--helping a gazillionaire pay a fine is not even on the radar of what is important.
I am also very lucky I don't have to take a unworthy boat across the Mediterranean or across whatever body of water is near Malaysia. Immigrants paying all sorts of money to escape their countries and then getting aboard boats which are either overcrowded or both--topped off by nearly criminal crews who are in it for the money. My mother got on one of those boats over 100 years ago and got off in NYC.
Kudos and congrats: to T and T up there in the great white north who have ushered Levi into the world; to P whose most recent book was reviewed in the NY Sunday Times; and to A for her recent promotion. That's a lot of good news, folks.
Ends and Odds:
--Netanyahu continues to call the deal with Iran a "grave danger". The reality is that the absence of a deal is a graver danger though Benny prefers trying to scare the bejezzus out of us all. He needs to zip it up.
--The Governor of Florida, Rick Scott, does not believe in climate change so he will not help the cities along the east coast of his state. Alas and alack, those cities now flood regularly due to rising ocean levels. This includes St. Augustine, a historically significant city. Let them get wet.
--The election is way too far away but Hilary came out with a really positive and strong statement on immigration which went even further than any of Obama's statements about the rights of folks who are getting on boats (so to speak) to get here.
--Anyone notice that the unemployment rate is better than it has been in over 8 years. Hmmmm--but it must have been a button Georgie pushed before he left office. Obama's handling of the economy cannot be the cause or can it?
--That Zimmerman character (another Floridian) got busted again. Really, he should have been in jail right after he shot and killed Trayvon.
--Call me a Luddite if you must but I have been listening to lots of Otis and Ray and Smokey and the 4 Tops and anyone from the Motown stable of the 60's and even the Beach Boys. Oh my, you can call me anything when I listen to that stuff.
--Another story from the great state of Florida. Two parents were arrested for giving cocaine and grass to their adolescent children if they would attend school and do household chores. Can someone kick those folks to the curb?
--An urban anecdote. got on the subway Saturday night at about 10. The car was full of youngish adolescents (looked to me to be about 14-16) having a good old time with music and plans and flirting and not bothering any of us civilians. Then bam--a real fistfight broke out between two of the guys. Broken up quickly by their friends. But later, we wondered, what if one had a weapon, what if........
--Finally no sports talk but here comes my bit on Mr. Brady. He knew something goofy was going on. How the Players union allowed the Commissioner to be judge, jury, and executioner in their last negotiations is beyond me. This league, like the NBA and MLB, regularly has players arrested on drug charges, domestic abuse, child abuse, weapons charges, and all sorts of very ugly behavior. They get two game suspensions. But woe is you if you besmirch the integrity of the game--4 games. He got, in the parlance of the game, a personal foul penalty and Goodell was the ref.
Sayonara
Friday, May 15, 2015
Thursday, April 30, 2015
WORDS DON'T FAIL ME NOW
How do I get the right words out of this computer when so many god awful things happened in the last two weeks. A close relative sent me two articles from the on line version of the Atlantic which helped me. Both reminded me that context is important. Mindful of context I will begin.
--Context in Baltimore is important. Before any of you jump up and down about the violence, let me be clear: it would have been "better" if the protests there were non violent. But who am I to stand in judgement of that African American community and their experiences? The context is that the Baltimore police force has a long history of documented abuse of the citizens of that city including having settled numerous civil suits which documented the abuse of prisoners. So, for me, it really proves that we have not moved into that post racial society despite having our first African American President.
--Context in Kansas is important. Sam Brownback, the Governor, has abolished the state income tax which has disproportionately hurt communities with significant numbers of low income people--many of them people of color. He is also pushing some of the most restrictive anti abortion legislation in the country. The context is that maybe those of us who believed the changes generated by the decade of the 60's would be permanent--maybe we were/are way off. He will not be kicked to the curb though he deserves to be.
--Context in the Mediterranean is important. Refugees from all over Africa especially the Northern parts are fleeing and trying to get into Europe. They are literally dying and, much like Hispanic people coming across our own southern borders, they pay outrageous "fees" and put themselves in the hands of nasty folks just to cross over. Then the boat sinks. The Euros had cut budgets focusing on these border crossings and had, prior to the cuts, been successful in reducing the number of deaths. Then, boom, less money and fewer Euro ships monitoring the waters. These refugees in Europe like those in our Southwest are no different than the refugees escaping Europe and the Nazis.
--Then there is Nepal and really I have no clue what the context is there. Except it sucks and we need to help.
--In a more semi hilarious context, we have that fine Senator Cruz saying the country is run by "liberal fascists". And Bobby Jindal, that fine Governor of Louisiana, making budget cuts so deep that LSU (the flagship state university) has filed papers warning it may go bankrupt. Yes there is context: it is that these are two stupid fellows who really should just shut up since it is quite difficult to speak with your foot in your mouth and someone else's foot up your ass.
--Those fine legislators in Tennessee have decided that the state book is the bible--and they don't mean the Old Testament version and they certainly don't mean the Koran. There are just some places I don't want to go to.
--I do believe Hilary is in for a big fight both in primaries and, if she wins, in the general election. Like Barack, people don't like her.
Now some cultural tidbits:
--I love Helen Mirren. Just saw her in Woman of Gold and want to run away with her. A movie about art stolen by the Nazis and she made a very thin movie very good.
--Read anything you can find by Mark Leibovich--he mainly writes in the NY Times Magazine. But he has written a couple of books about Washington and the "insider culture".
--Warren Buffet has no clue why folks oppose same sex marriage. In light of that we all better hope that Justice Kennedy comes through because he is likely going to be the swing vote.
--I had mixed feelings about this Bruce Jenner business but was convinced by a friend that his coming out was important to the trans gendered community. Then I read that he signed a contract for a series on "E!" which will document his further transition. Now I am feeling a bit like him and the Kardashians are total publicity freaks--even if his freak might be beneficial to some people.
SPORTS TALK
--Lebron is beyond any other player partly because he is such a physical specimen and then because he has those incredible skills. Rondo was and is an asshole and that trade, which got the Celtics Crowder, looks better and better. Though Chiarelli deserved the boot if only for trading Sequin.
Sayonara
--Context in Baltimore is important. Before any of you jump up and down about the violence, let me be clear: it would have been "better" if the protests there were non violent. But who am I to stand in judgement of that African American community and their experiences? The context is that the Baltimore police force has a long history of documented abuse of the citizens of that city including having settled numerous civil suits which documented the abuse of prisoners. So, for me, it really proves that we have not moved into that post racial society despite having our first African American President.
--Context in Kansas is important. Sam Brownback, the Governor, has abolished the state income tax which has disproportionately hurt communities with significant numbers of low income people--many of them people of color. He is also pushing some of the most restrictive anti abortion legislation in the country. The context is that maybe those of us who believed the changes generated by the decade of the 60's would be permanent--maybe we were/are way off. He will not be kicked to the curb though he deserves to be.
--Context in the Mediterranean is important. Refugees from all over Africa especially the Northern parts are fleeing and trying to get into Europe. They are literally dying and, much like Hispanic people coming across our own southern borders, they pay outrageous "fees" and put themselves in the hands of nasty folks just to cross over. Then the boat sinks. The Euros had cut budgets focusing on these border crossings and had, prior to the cuts, been successful in reducing the number of deaths. Then, boom, less money and fewer Euro ships monitoring the waters. These refugees in Europe like those in our Southwest are no different than the refugees escaping Europe and the Nazis.
--Then there is Nepal and really I have no clue what the context is there. Except it sucks and we need to help.
--In a more semi hilarious context, we have that fine Senator Cruz saying the country is run by "liberal fascists". And Bobby Jindal, that fine Governor of Louisiana, making budget cuts so deep that LSU (the flagship state university) has filed papers warning it may go bankrupt. Yes there is context: it is that these are two stupid fellows who really should just shut up since it is quite difficult to speak with your foot in your mouth and someone else's foot up your ass.
--Those fine legislators in Tennessee have decided that the state book is the bible--and they don't mean the Old Testament version and they certainly don't mean the Koran. There are just some places I don't want to go to.
--I do believe Hilary is in for a big fight both in primaries and, if she wins, in the general election. Like Barack, people don't like her.
Now some cultural tidbits:
--I love Helen Mirren. Just saw her in Woman of Gold and want to run away with her. A movie about art stolen by the Nazis and she made a very thin movie very good.
--Read anything you can find by Mark Leibovich--he mainly writes in the NY Times Magazine. But he has written a couple of books about Washington and the "insider culture".
--Warren Buffet has no clue why folks oppose same sex marriage. In light of that we all better hope that Justice Kennedy comes through because he is likely going to be the swing vote.
--I had mixed feelings about this Bruce Jenner business but was convinced by a friend that his coming out was important to the trans gendered community. Then I read that he signed a contract for a series on "E!" which will document his further transition. Now I am feeling a bit like him and the Kardashians are total publicity freaks--even if his freak might be beneficial to some people.
SPORTS TALK
--Lebron is beyond any other player partly because he is such a physical specimen and then because he has those incredible skills. Rondo was and is an asshole and that trade, which got the Celtics Crowder, looks better and better. Though Chiarelli deserved the boot if only for trading Sequin.
Sayonara
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
TWO FOR TWO
We have had two very notable trials going on here over the last few months. The federal trial of Tsarnaev was almost a non trial--his lawyers admitted he was one of the Marathon bombers. The only issue was whether or not he could avoid the death penalty which the feds still use. Hernandez was tried in state court and, as those jury deliberations progressed, I got more and more nervous they would acquit. Because we all KNOW he did it and we KNOW he committed the other two murders whose trial will be coming up. But he too was convicted and faces life without parole. So, we the citizens of Massachusetts, went two for two. It remains "easier" for me even now to wrap my head around what Hernandez did and almost get it--the actions of a gangster and his crew. I will never be able to "get it" with respect to 3 innocent people who died and over 250 who were injured by the bombs. It won't compute.
Benny and Johnny (he who has a perpetual tan) sitting in a tree, k-i-s-s-i-n-g. Remember that foolish little jingle from childhood? Well Boehner and some of his crew went over and made aliyah in Israel welcomed with open arms by Netanyahu. This after Netanyahu's speech to Congress which, along with his racist campaign, helped him get re-elected. I bet they are buds now. Then Benny decided that any deal with the Iranians would open the door to another Holocaust. He plays that card as often as he can to scare the bejeezus out of us. All of Europe (as well as the USA) is not only in support of a nuclear deal with Iran, the Euros are even likely to recognize the Palestinian statehood. Yet Benny goes on and on and on--just like the energizer rabbit. Kerry has done a masterful job and it is a deal worth making especially if it can forestall Israel bombing the shit out of Iran. Which Benny is quite capable of approving.
Ends and Odds:
--The shooting in North Charleston was dealt with quickly which means someone learned something from Ferguson. But, in the end, they are still killing African American men.
--Danny Shecter, the news dissector, passed away. In the good old 60's , he was on WBCN in Boston along with a bunch of truly great and very progressive DJ's led by Charles Laquidara. WBCN is gone and now their cultural critic is also. RIP.
--The Governors of Arkansas and Indiana got scared shit less by major corporations threatening to pull businesses and conferences out of their state over legislation allowing businesses to refuse to serve certain customers if those customers----who the fuck knows. I only know these Governors are both idiots. and deserve to be kicked to the curb.
--Obama is opening up about all these Republican candidates who are taking shots at him. I hope he spends the next 18 months being totally unshy about these personal vendettas which have lasted now nearly 7 years.
--The Supremes will soon be hearing cases involving gay marriage and the Affordable Care Act. I read a great piece in the Times pointing out the the biggest, most conservative, law firms in America are staying way away from the gay marriage case. Not because they support gay marriage but, yikes, some of their best lawyers and/or clients might be gay and they think it is a loser of a case.
--Terrific interview of Edward Snowden by John Oliver. And his former boss, Jon Stewart, did an incredible wild piece on the battle between religious holidays--as in Christmas versus Hanukkah.
--Hilary is running and this will get ugly believe me.
--Obama is lifting sanctions against Cuba. Cannot wait for Cruz and Rubio to deal with that.
SPORTS TALK
As I watched part of the Master's , I thought: Where do all these white people with baseball hats come from? Is it a convention? I thought they would be singing "way down South in the land of cotton" any second. Another great day in America was the day Kentucky and Calipari lost. Seven members of that team immediately declared for the NBA draft. Bet that they took some tough courses down there in Blue Grass country. Chiarelli is gone--deservedly so. He butchered the salary cap and allowed oldsters to block the advance of youngsters. As opposed to Danny Ainge whose oldest player and the only one on the team with a family is 29. They are about to exit on stage left when they face the Cavs.
Sayonara
Benny and Johnny (he who has a perpetual tan) sitting in a tree, k-i-s-s-i-n-g. Remember that foolish little jingle from childhood? Well Boehner and some of his crew went over and made aliyah in Israel welcomed with open arms by Netanyahu. This after Netanyahu's speech to Congress which, along with his racist campaign, helped him get re-elected. I bet they are buds now. Then Benny decided that any deal with the Iranians would open the door to another Holocaust. He plays that card as often as he can to scare the bejeezus out of us. All of Europe (as well as the USA) is not only in support of a nuclear deal with Iran, the Euros are even likely to recognize the Palestinian statehood. Yet Benny goes on and on and on--just like the energizer rabbit. Kerry has done a masterful job and it is a deal worth making especially if it can forestall Israel bombing the shit out of Iran. Which Benny is quite capable of approving.
Ends and Odds:
--The shooting in North Charleston was dealt with quickly which means someone learned something from Ferguson. But, in the end, they are still killing African American men.
--Danny Shecter, the news dissector, passed away. In the good old 60's , he was on WBCN in Boston along with a bunch of truly great and very progressive DJ's led by Charles Laquidara. WBCN is gone and now their cultural critic is also. RIP.
--The Governors of Arkansas and Indiana got scared shit less by major corporations threatening to pull businesses and conferences out of their state over legislation allowing businesses to refuse to serve certain customers if those customers----who the fuck knows. I only know these Governors are both idiots. and deserve to be kicked to the curb.
--Obama is opening up about all these Republican candidates who are taking shots at him. I hope he spends the next 18 months being totally unshy about these personal vendettas which have lasted now nearly 7 years.
--The Supremes will soon be hearing cases involving gay marriage and the Affordable Care Act. I read a great piece in the Times pointing out the the biggest, most conservative, law firms in America are staying way away from the gay marriage case. Not because they support gay marriage but, yikes, some of their best lawyers and/or clients might be gay and they think it is a loser of a case.
--Terrific interview of Edward Snowden by John Oliver. And his former boss, Jon Stewart, did an incredible wild piece on the battle between religious holidays--as in Christmas versus Hanukkah.
--Hilary is running and this will get ugly believe me.
--Obama is lifting sanctions against Cuba. Cannot wait for Cruz and Rubio to deal with that.
SPORTS TALK
As I watched part of the Master's , I thought: Where do all these white people with baseball hats come from? Is it a convention? I thought they would be singing "way down South in the land of cotton" any second. Another great day in America was the day Kentucky and Calipari lost. Seven members of that team immediately declared for the NBA draft. Bet that they took some tough courses down there in Blue Grass country. Chiarelli is gone--deservedly so. He butchered the salary cap and allowed oldsters to block the advance of youngsters. As opposed to Danny Ainge whose oldest player and the only one on the team with a family is 29. They are about to exit on stage left when they face the Cavs.
Sayonara
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
AND THE WINNER IS...........
A person who is not a member of my family (!) but is a friend came up with 14 additional people who are justifiably excited to be receiving this screed for the first time. He will get a meal on me. As for the rest of you slackers, what's up with your disinterest in such an important contest--better odds than the college basketball pool. Who knows when you might get the chance to compete again. Moving on.
Notes of Interest:
--Netanyahu won but only after attracting all the right wing voters with his racist belligerence which demeaned and defamed the Palestinians. Then he said he did not really mean it. At least Obama had the cojones to say that he did mean it and it was more than unfortunate. Boehner should go hide somewhere since he gave the guy a platform. Kudos to anyone in the House who stayed home.
--Speaking of Israel, my soccer fan relative and I watched the Israelis play Belgium in a Euro qualifying game. This is important for two reasons: The Israelis get placed in the Euro group despite their Mid East locale (perhaps to keep them away from all the Muslim countries?) and members of the Israeli team were clearly Arabs who are citizens of Israel. The team happens to be lousy but it is "integrated".
--More on Israel. J Street's statement after the election (Dated 3/18) was terrific as was David Remnick's brief piece in the New Yorker. Really Bibi needs to be kicked to the curb.
--Ben Carson calls the President a psychopath. And people say the animus towards the Prez is not personal. Give me a break. They hate him and not just his policies.
--If you have not noticed Eric Holder is still AG because Mitch and the boys will not even allow a vote on his successor. They have tied her approval to language further restricting abortion. They really are pathetic.
--I might vote in the Republican primaries just to be sure they nominate one of the crazies. Right now I would vote for Teddy-boy Cruz. He had the nerve to oppose the Affordable Care Act and is now using it for his family. Seriously. And with no apologies to the 16 million Americans who actually benefit from the Act. The Supremes better not fuck with this.
--I honestly do not completely understand the religious freedom law recently enacted in Indiana (and perhaps in Arkansas today). But considering who opposes it and who has canelled conventions, it must really be an ugly thing. This guy Pence is just a polished version of Cruz.
--What to say about the German plane crash? Just scares the hell out of me. Periodically either suicidal or depressed or both? And somehow escaped any administrative action? Oh my. He will be on my mind the next time I fly and I don't want to hear it couldn't happen here.
SPORTS TALK
Any day Rick Pitino loses is a good day for America. Ditto for Calipari though I admit I have Kentucky winning it all in my pool. Watched Wisconsin last week when they played I don't know who--5 white guys on that Badger team playing against 5 African Americans. Do they just collect big tall white guys up there in the Great White North? As much as I think watching the Celtics this season has been fun, watching the Bruins has been painful. And now that luddite Julien might break up the Spooner line because Krejci and Connolly are almost 100% cleared medically. That Spooner line carried them in March while the Campbell line went 0 for March--not even an assist. This winter has taken me way out on a limb supporting the Pats. I have no clue what Mr. Bill is doing.
Sayonara
Notes of Interest:
--Netanyahu won but only after attracting all the right wing voters with his racist belligerence which demeaned and defamed the Palestinians. Then he said he did not really mean it. At least Obama had the cojones to say that he did mean it and it was more than unfortunate. Boehner should go hide somewhere since he gave the guy a platform. Kudos to anyone in the House who stayed home.
--Speaking of Israel, my soccer fan relative and I watched the Israelis play Belgium in a Euro qualifying game. This is important for two reasons: The Israelis get placed in the Euro group despite their Mid East locale (perhaps to keep them away from all the Muslim countries?) and members of the Israeli team were clearly Arabs who are citizens of Israel. The team happens to be lousy but it is "integrated".
--More on Israel. J Street's statement after the election (Dated 3/18) was terrific as was David Remnick's brief piece in the New Yorker. Really Bibi needs to be kicked to the curb.
--Ben Carson calls the President a psychopath. And people say the animus towards the Prez is not personal. Give me a break. They hate him and not just his policies.
--If you have not noticed Eric Holder is still AG because Mitch and the boys will not even allow a vote on his successor. They have tied her approval to language further restricting abortion. They really are pathetic.
--I might vote in the Republican primaries just to be sure they nominate one of the crazies. Right now I would vote for Teddy-boy Cruz. He had the nerve to oppose the Affordable Care Act and is now using it for his family. Seriously. And with no apologies to the 16 million Americans who actually benefit from the Act. The Supremes better not fuck with this.
--I honestly do not completely understand the religious freedom law recently enacted in Indiana (and perhaps in Arkansas today). But considering who opposes it and who has canelled conventions, it must really be an ugly thing. This guy Pence is just a polished version of Cruz.
--What to say about the German plane crash? Just scares the hell out of me. Periodically either suicidal or depressed or both? And somehow escaped any administrative action? Oh my. He will be on my mind the next time I fly and I don't want to hear it couldn't happen here.
SPORTS TALK
Any day Rick Pitino loses is a good day for America. Ditto for Calipari though I admit I have Kentucky winning it all in my pool. Watched Wisconsin last week when they played I don't know who--5 white guys on that Badger team playing against 5 African Americans. Do they just collect big tall white guys up there in the Great White North? As much as I think watching the Celtics this season has been fun, watching the Bruins has been painful. And now that luddite Julien might break up the Spooner line because Krejci and Connolly are almost 100% cleared medically. That Spooner line carried them in March while the Campbell line went 0 for March--not even an assist. This winter has taken me way out on a limb supporting the Pats. I have no clue what Mr. Bill is doing.
Sayonara
Sunday, March 15, 2015
SOME OF MY BEST FRIENDS ARE EVANGELICAL CHRISTIANS
Well, not actually my friends but good friends of Israel--supposedly. In the context of Benny's speech to Congress, I read somewhere that Pat Boone (who knew he was still alive?) was one of the prime movers behind the push for the speech and is one of the prime leaders of the evangelical folks who are fanatic Israel supporters. You know what they say: with friends like them, who needs enemies.
And then there was the speech itself followed closely by the letter sent to the Iranians by 47 Republican Senators. The speech was more of the same. "I am the only one who really understands the threat from Iran, your President is naive, and there is no reason to continue to negotiate". Then the letter supposedly "teaching" the Iranians about how our government works. Turns out (surprise) they know and they rightfully called the letter a political stunt. They will continue to negotiate. Seriously, even when Henry and the Vietnamese were negotiating in Paris, Senators did not write letters to Ho Chi Minh. But the vitriol is worse now and more personal about this President. That good ole boy Mitch is now holding up the nomination of the new AG because of some disagreement with Obama. Finally, the Supremes better come through on same sex marriage and the Affordable Care Act. Otherwise it will get uglier.
Moving on to tidbits from the cultural world:
--The Globe this past week had a terrific long article about the surgeon who was murdered and the man who murdered him. It could be my imagination but since the new owner took over, longer in depth articles are appearing.
--A great HBO documentary on Edward Snowden and the journalists who broke his story--called "Citizen 4".
--Saw "She is Beautiful when She is Angry" today. Another documentary this one about the women's movement in the late 60's and early 70's. Almost felt like we were there. And maybe at times we were.
--Finally, a great tap dance performance by a group called the Dorrance troupe. Very special.
Other Ends and Odds:
--I have nearly conquered my road rage but have moved onto crosswalk rage. One of these days one of two things will happen. As I am crossing in a crosswalk a cyclist will fail to stop or a car will fail to stop. My foot will magically kick forward and I will nail one of those suckers.
--Don't care about Hilary's emails. Just more misdirection about her and her upcoming candidacy. But believe me, it will also be very ugly when it is formalized.
--You can actually walk on the sidewalks today and actually see that there are bushes under the snow.
--Unemployment is lower than it has been since the Clinton years and it makes me again wonder why the fuck those Democrats were so afraid of running with Obama instead of almost running against him.
--I distrust all those local Ministers (and clergy in general) who want to help fight crime. Just arrested one who in fact was a member of a gang if not the leader.
--Ferguson is not over nor will it be soon.
--All you folks with no friends--find some. Your anemic responses to my second contest makes me wonder if you talk to anybody. Get busy.
--The big silver bird awaits us for a visit to the land of fun and sun.
Lastly, RIP Mildred. She was 97 and passed away this morning. A bright, thoughtful woman whose good humor and intelligence will be missed.
SPORTS TALK
Revis is gone and we have to move on. I both know his value and do not blame the Patriots for having limits. Too much hand wringing especially among the talking heads on sports shows. Rask is finally playing like the Vezina trophy winner he was. My big worry is that upon Krejci's return, they will muck around with the two kids playing with Lucic. They have been terrific and he is playing better with them. But Julien is not a big fan of their defensive skills which he values highly. A big error if he mucks around. And the Celtics are really fun to watch.
Sayonara
And then there was the speech itself followed closely by the letter sent to the Iranians by 47 Republican Senators. The speech was more of the same. "I am the only one who really understands the threat from Iran, your President is naive, and there is no reason to continue to negotiate". Then the letter supposedly "teaching" the Iranians about how our government works. Turns out (surprise) they know and they rightfully called the letter a political stunt. They will continue to negotiate. Seriously, even when Henry and the Vietnamese were negotiating in Paris, Senators did not write letters to Ho Chi Minh. But the vitriol is worse now and more personal about this President. That good ole boy Mitch is now holding up the nomination of the new AG because of some disagreement with Obama. Finally, the Supremes better come through on same sex marriage and the Affordable Care Act. Otherwise it will get uglier.
Moving on to tidbits from the cultural world:
--The Globe this past week had a terrific long article about the surgeon who was murdered and the man who murdered him. It could be my imagination but since the new owner took over, longer in depth articles are appearing.
--A great HBO documentary on Edward Snowden and the journalists who broke his story--called "Citizen 4".
--Saw "She is Beautiful when She is Angry" today. Another documentary this one about the women's movement in the late 60's and early 70's. Almost felt like we were there. And maybe at times we were.
--Finally, a great tap dance performance by a group called the Dorrance troupe. Very special.
Other Ends and Odds:
--I have nearly conquered my road rage but have moved onto crosswalk rage. One of these days one of two things will happen. As I am crossing in a crosswalk a cyclist will fail to stop or a car will fail to stop. My foot will magically kick forward and I will nail one of those suckers.
--Don't care about Hilary's emails. Just more misdirection about her and her upcoming candidacy. But believe me, it will also be very ugly when it is formalized.
--You can actually walk on the sidewalks today and actually see that there are bushes under the snow.
--Unemployment is lower than it has been since the Clinton years and it makes me again wonder why the fuck those Democrats were so afraid of running with Obama instead of almost running against him.
--I distrust all those local Ministers (and clergy in general) who want to help fight crime. Just arrested one who in fact was a member of a gang if not the leader.
--Ferguson is not over nor will it be soon.
--All you folks with no friends--find some. Your anemic responses to my second contest makes me wonder if you talk to anybody. Get busy.
--The big silver bird awaits us for a visit to the land of fun and sun.
Lastly, RIP Mildred. She was 97 and passed away this morning. A bright, thoughtful woman whose good humor and intelligence will be missed.
SPORTS TALK
Revis is gone and we have to move on. I both know his value and do not blame the Patriots for having limits. Too much hand wringing especially among the talking heads on sports shows. Rask is finally playing like the Vezina trophy winner he was. My big worry is that upon Krejci's return, they will muck around with the two kids playing with Lucic. They have been terrific and he is playing better with them. But Julien is not a big fan of their defensive skills which he values highly. A big error if he mucks around. And the Celtics are really fun to watch.
Sayonara
Sunday, March 1, 2015
POTS AND PANS IN PLACE
Ahem--it's about this snow. The walkways in the complex have piles higher than my shoulders. Got leaks coming in windows and through light fixtures. But, let's be real. It is a major inconvenience but not a life threatening situation or ailment. Plus, I really think us Eastern Mass residents are a bunch of wusses. When all that snow hit the suburbs of Buffalo early in the winter, they did not call out the national guard. They went about their business and probably did not even cancel school. They knew and know how to deal. This city, especially our public transportation system, absolutely collapsed. Even now, weeks later, some two way streets are wide enough for only one car. A fucking mess. Our new Governor made a very important (NOT) decision in response. He created a committee to study the issue. The issue is that the system needs more money and he is an anti tax fanatic. The commission is just bureaucracy at work in the most mindless way possible--let's not decide; lets deliberate. Plus, unlike NYC, our system is at least 50% above ground which means it is open to those elements.
Moving on, I have an IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT. Notice the caps symbolically acknowledging the following. My readership has been hovering in the low 100's for awhile and I believe it is now time to kick it up a notch or 50. So, I am setting the goal of adding 50 new readers and will reward whomsoever comes up with the most additional names with a special, yet unnamed, prize. Just ask the winner of the first contest. You have a month so get moving.
Ends and Odds
--Benny is coming to town and he ain't happy. He and Johnny (he who has a perpetual tan) are kicking Barack out of the sandbox and have decided to play together. He should lose his country's election if only for doing this despicable one upmanship. He may speak for AIPAC but not for all of us Jewish Americans and may not even speak for a majority of his people. It does not warm my heart to know some of my religions best friends are right wing ideologues.
--Rudy Giuliani is likely to be there in the audience. Rudy knows The Prez does not love America like Rudy does and he is quite sure about this. Rudy needs to be kicked to the curb.
--Ted Cruz says his first act when elected President will be to abolish the IRS. I hate taxes too but when all those Interstate highway bridges in Texas collapse without our tax dollars supporting them, be sure, and call Ted.
--And yup, the Brits have at least one case of the measles. Idiots all over the world.
--The South is in the throes of self torture as states try to avoid the "plague" of same sex marriage. Court clerks in all the bum fuck towns just flat out refuse to follow any decisions made by Federal judges. Really.
--Finally the Turks woke up and realized Syria was an important issue and executed a mini invasion claiming it was to protect religiously important sights--nothing more. Right and it had nothing to do with the millions of Syrian refugees now living in Turkey.
--Egypt has blown the hell out of some Libyan targets. But to really understand how crazed Libya is, read the New Yorker piece by Jon Lee Anderson. I mean it is chaos personified. He is just a terrific writer but I am not sure how he manages to stay alive.
--Don't we always seem to have a drug epidemic of some sort? It was Oxycontin and before that it was very powerful heroin and now it is an opioid epidemic. Budget cuts here protected drug treatment which is fine though I wonder about these moving epidemic targets. By protecting these services, the cuts directly affected Head Start by cutting slots. No discussion about priorities that I saw.
--And Putin is literally killing off anything on the way to recreating the Cold War.
--At least, the Greeks negotiated their way out of bankruptcy.
SPORTS TALK
--Not surprised Rondo had a run in with his coach. He is both a prima donna and a head case. Ainge made a smart move getting rid of him and compared to his Bruin counterpart, his trade with a Dallas team was way better.
--At least the Bruins have allowed two very fast skaters who may not be the best on defense play regularly. Spooner and Pastrnak are the future.
--I sign Revis for whatever he wants.
Sayonara
Moving on, I have an IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT. Notice the caps symbolically acknowledging the following. My readership has been hovering in the low 100's for awhile and I believe it is now time to kick it up a notch or 50. So, I am setting the goal of adding 50 new readers and will reward whomsoever comes up with the most additional names with a special, yet unnamed, prize. Just ask the winner of the first contest. You have a month so get moving.
Ends and Odds
--Benny is coming to town and he ain't happy. He and Johnny (he who has a perpetual tan) are kicking Barack out of the sandbox and have decided to play together. He should lose his country's election if only for doing this despicable one upmanship. He may speak for AIPAC but not for all of us Jewish Americans and may not even speak for a majority of his people. It does not warm my heart to know some of my religions best friends are right wing ideologues.
--Rudy Giuliani is likely to be there in the audience. Rudy knows The Prez does not love America like Rudy does and he is quite sure about this. Rudy needs to be kicked to the curb.
--Ted Cruz says his first act when elected President will be to abolish the IRS. I hate taxes too but when all those Interstate highway bridges in Texas collapse without our tax dollars supporting them, be sure, and call Ted.
--And yup, the Brits have at least one case of the measles. Idiots all over the world.
--The South is in the throes of self torture as states try to avoid the "plague" of same sex marriage. Court clerks in all the bum fuck towns just flat out refuse to follow any decisions made by Federal judges. Really.
--Finally the Turks woke up and realized Syria was an important issue and executed a mini invasion claiming it was to protect religiously important sights--nothing more. Right and it had nothing to do with the millions of Syrian refugees now living in Turkey.
--Egypt has blown the hell out of some Libyan targets. But to really understand how crazed Libya is, read the New Yorker piece by Jon Lee Anderson. I mean it is chaos personified. He is just a terrific writer but I am not sure how he manages to stay alive.
--Don't we always seem to have a drug epidemic of some sort? It was Oxycontin and before that it was very powerful heroin and now it is an opioid epidemic. Budget cuts here protected drug treatment which is fine though I wonder about these moving epidemic targets. By protecting these services, the cuts directly affected Head Start by cutting slots. No discussion about priorities that I saw.
--And Putin is literally killing off anything on the way to recreating the Cold War.
--At least, the Greeks negotiated their way out of bankruptcy.
SPORTS TALK
--Not surprised Rondo had a run in with his coach. He is both a prima donna and a head case. Ainge made a smart move getting rid of him and compared to his Bruin counterpart, his trade with a Dallas team was way better.
--At least the Bruins have allowed two very fast skaters who may not be the best on defense play regularly. Spooner and Pastrnak are the future.
--I sign Revis for whatever he wants.
Sayonara
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
WE WON!!!! WE WON!!!
Yup--4 Super bowl victories for Mr. Brady and the boys. But since many of you don't give a shit, more about that later in the special sports section. Now, for some very odd ends.
--Satchel, the dog, requested this bold faced apology. Seems the salt which melts snow is bad for the paws of dogs--and I made fun of that in my last blog. So, Satchel, my apologies. Let me add here that I saw the real Satchel Paige pitch in Miami while growing up. He had to be in his forties--I still feel honored to have seen him.
--More dog info which you do not need to know. Lap dogs accompanied us on each leg of our recent flight to Texas. It is absolute lunacy to take your dog on a plane; but I grudgingly admit neither of them barked once. Must have been on serious drugs.
--Speaking of Texas, why do we continue to make a big deal about Miami being a bilingual city when San Antonio has been one longer and is seemingly much more diverse. Though it does have the following university: "University of the Word Incarnate". Yikes, I cannot even begin to know what that means but their official nickname is the Cardinals--get it?
--Let's play our little pretend game--you have played along before so you know the rules. Come on. Let's pretend you are a cancer patient and in active chemo but at home and more or less doing well. But you have to steer clear of folks who might have something contagious. Let's also pretend you have a first grader who you pick up every day. Let's continue and pretend that 5 kids in your child's class belong to that brilliant group who do not believe in vaccines. No longer pretending--YOU ARE AT RISK AND DON'T EVEN KNOW IT. Used to be you could blame this kind of idiocy on the poor who either could not afford the vaccine or did not know about it. But by tracking zip codes, it has become clear that those vaccine disbelievers are in the middle and upper income groups. This is madness politicized by mad politicians who seem to believe it is a multiple choice test and about government control. It is called science for fuck's sake.
--Good for Jordan, bomb the hell out of ISIS for killing your pilot. They are your neighbors and it is important you help fight them.
--Germany manged to create a Committee to review anti semitism (yeah) but neglected to put one Jew on the committee (Uh, hello)
--Our rather boring mayor blew it by approving the Patriots Super Bowl parade--some streets in this city are still not passable. Yet that made sense?
--I would have bet my millions that our MBTA Director would have been fired. But she surprised us all by resigning. Don't blame her. West of Worcester, no one wants to spend a dime on what is perceived to be Boston's problem. Plus--what could a Southern African Amercan woman (with purple nail polish) accomplish with all those white Irish pols?
--That Luddite Kansas governor, Sam Brownback, took away all anti discrimination protection from LGBT employees. It takes a weak man to do that.
--Do you know Jon Stewart has an Alabama jar? He does. And he puts a quarter in it every time Alabama does something enlightening. So last week, he put it on the desk and dropped his first quarter in it--ever. Seems they complied with judicial rulings on same sex marriages.
SPORTS TALK
Brady had two interceptions the first one of which might have fallen a normal QB. But that 4th quarter was a masterpiece. I don't know if he is the best ever; I don't care about the football inflation issues; and I especially don't care that Pete Carroll is as stupid as a log. I care about what Brady did in that quarter and what his offensive line did--the same line that everyone hated on all season. Plus, please tell me what other coach would have an undrafted free agent from a Division Two school (I'm talking Malcolm here) playing a key role in those final seconds. I hate his arrogance and his I'm smarter than you attitude but Belichik is a fucking great coach and Butler made one hell of a play.
--And the Bruins are in a death spiral.
Sayonara
--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
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