No, no--the bear was in Brookline and the great white sharks were in the ocean off Chatham. Then the bear went to the berkshires via car and the sharks went onto--well, who knows where the sharks went. But maybe they are in the other animal story found in today's Globe--the one about stem cell use in animals. Barbara wanted to watch the news last night and the first 4 stories were about accidents involving death or injuries to adolescents. Now aren't you glad I'm back and glad that your anticipatory excitement was justified.
Had another terrific vist with the grandkids and took them along to Scranton for an overnight. They both can now play Sorry and Lilli and I have combative games of war. Took in a Bat Mitzvah during which I lifted the Torah to perfection--showing the entire congregation the 3 columns you are supposed to show. Then Tess, the future George Mason student, had a graduation party. Then home with the car spewing smoke on the Tappan Zee bridge--an adventure.
Moving on....I'm thinking that before the Supremes ruled, someone told Boehner (he who has a perpetual tan) and Cantor (he who is a member of my tribe) to zip it up. I thought they were in witness protection or something since we had not heard much from them. Maybe Romney kind of nicely suggested to shut up. But whereever they were, they are "out" now that the Supremes have ruled. Let's repeal the whole law, they shout. Here's what I say--fuck you. That conservative court made a decision and we live with it just like their decision in Bush/Gore. Live with it.
Speaking of the Supremes, their decision (even if I do not fully comprehend it) is monumental. First of all, some of the law's policies are already in place. If your kid just graduated from college and has no job, he/she can stay on your insusrance--think the Republicans want to mess with that. How about pre-existing conditions? How about the fact that annual physicals have no co-pay? This screwed them up though they are far from done. It further screwed them up since it was almost totally based on the Mass. law sheparded by none other than the Mitter. He cannot wiggle enough to get out from under this despite thundering about the first day in office (after he is elected) he will "cancel" it. I almost double dare them. This decision folowed the immigration decision which gutted about 90% of the Arizona law and the decision regarding juveniles who murder and requiring states to offer them parole. Almost an enlightened trio of major decisions.
By the way, Nate Silver on his blog has started projecting the November presidential race. Much to my surprise, he has Obama winning. Now this could fall in the category of no good deed goes unpunished or be careful what you wish for or some such aphorism; but this is much rosier than I would have thought. The states include all 3 of those in the upper mid west--Minn., Wisc., and Mich.
Speaking of rosy (not), someone needs to tell me why Menino has not endorsed Elizbeth Warren (on the other hand if I get one more email or phone call from her campaign I might scream). All I have come up with is that she is not part of the old boys network or she has never "done" anything for him (since she of course has never been in office) but keeping his big fat yap shut is just plain miserable. I mean Scottie is still against Obamacare. This depsite the fact that one of his college graduate daughters used the benefit I mentioned earlier.
I worry that the Syrian situation will force Obama's hand into doing "something". It is getting very ugly over there and Assad is showing no willingness to back off. It is getting harder for me to understand why Libya and not Syria. If that "something" happens, it better be as part of some UN or Arab League sponsored effort. I read that we already have CIA teams in the country assisting the insurgents.
It is entirely not good for the environment but I do love having central a/c. Oh my--in my prehistoric youth, I was packed off most summers with a bathing suit, glove, bat and lunch on my bike to Shenendoah Park. There to spend the whole day with Charles, Gary, and David. I cannot remember if we were bothered by the heat or not. I do know that after 40 years up North, I hate it. I did lose regularly to Charles on rainy days when we played ping pong indoors--he was convinced that the game itself was a political one being how the russians and the chinese dominated it. I was not that bright.
So in an effort to return some dollars to the Medicaid budget (dollars cut a few years ago when things were worse), our enlightened legislators will now allow recipients to have their front teeth fixed because it will be better for them when they interview. No back teeth work god forbid.
SPORTS TALK
So, in the very first round of the Euro Cup, I watched two games with teams whose names were viirtually unprounanceable because they had almost no vowels--Poland, Greece, Russia, and the Czech Republic. All also got elimnated quite early. Spain just won the thing--they are referred to as the "tika taka" team because---if 6 of them were in a phone booth, they could still pass the ball to each other like tic tac toe. I mean you have to see them do this even if some of the soccer is so boring and some of the players just dive all over the fucking place. They won it with out my favorite Spaniard David Villa. Furthermore, how can someone with the last name of Ibrahmovic be Swedish? On the other hand a lot of Europeans are fairly angry about the immigrants in their countries. Yet when you look at the diversity of some European teams, you know they have no problem with them on their national sooccer teams. Germany has players with Kurdish roots, Hispanic roots, and one with Turkish roots on its team. Anyone notice Mr. Baloltelli from Italy as an example? And why does America produce world class goalies but no one who can put the ball in the net?
I hate Lebron but he basically bullied his way and his teams to that win over the Celtics. But KG is coming back and that is both good and imortant. The loss of Tim Thomas and his Tea party politics is no loss--let him sit.
Youk Youk--my favorite Greek Jewish third basemen. Gone along with his crazy batting stance. I hate the red flops but this was a good move. Now it is almost 7/4 but not quite so I cannot get into a lengthy analysis of beisbol (as they say in Cuba)--but Cano is so far ahead of any second baseman in the game that it is scary.
Thats it.
Sayonara
Monday, July 2, 2012
Friday, June 1, 2012
"OFFICIALS THINK BEAR SWAM TO CAPE"
I have a plethora of journalistic thoughts but will start with what is really sticking in my craw. I am sick to shit of Brian McGrory trying to figure out what % of Elizabeth Warren's genetic make up is Native American. And how she got her academic appointments. Today, she finally sent out an email in which she at least starts kicking back. This is a non fucking issue unrelated to the votes Scottie has made or the politics of DC. It boggles the mind that there is so much stuff that is important and the media (especially this guy) are preoccupied with this. Perhaps this is the Globe's way of trying to be balanced. Let McGrory run amok to balance their editorials which generally support her. It sucks and Menino cannot yet endorse anyone. He is a joke who fixes potholes which I guess is what people care about.
Our week in Philadelphia was great though I swear my geography gets totally turned upside down when I am there. Fortunately, I did not have to drive too much because I thought east was west and west was east; but I also thought my grandchildren were terrific. I read to Lilli's class and picked up Oliver a few times and got to see them both at play and at home. The gender stuff is amazing. What Lilli is into as opposed to Oliver. I am not smart enough to figure that out. But it is testimony to Jess and Steffen that they have two great kids who actually like to spend time with me and Barbara. For me, it is an experience I never had.
Since coming back, I have been thinking a lot about the burdens we carry from childhood. Burdens I carry which in turn created some burdens that Anna and Jess carry and now presumably are being transmitted silently or otherwise to Oliver and Lilli. Barbara does not like it when I use history as an explanation for some ugliness of mine in the present. But there is something about what I do now that has a direct line to what I saw or learned or heard when I was 4 and 8 like my grandchildren.
I suppose there are some positives that get transmitted on down the line as well--at least i can see (or hope I see) some of them in the lives of both Anna and Jessica. But it is the negative ones that stick---as in, I am with my father for one of our weekly visitations driving down Biscayne Boulevard in Miami. He is both high and drunk and rear ends the guy in front of us. To top it off, he decides the guy is wrong and starts a big verbal spat. I have nowhere to hide and start slinking down in the front seat. What did that teach me or show me and did I then transmit something to my kids? UGH--best repressed I think.
Speaking of UGH (and back to journalism 101), the Globe now runs stories under headlines like the title of this blog. Poof journalism I call it. There is so much going on in the world and we get to think about a bear swimming in salt water. They have cut so many staff and depend on stringers and wire services (cheaper because there are no hires and no salaries and no benefits) that they end up with these poof stories. Amazing that they have won two Pulitzers in the last two years. I think their sports pages are still strong because those are live and real events and you cannot have a wire service reporter from Omaha doing the writing from his den. Further UGH--the New Orleans Times Picayune and two other Newhouse newspapers (including the Ann Arbor News) have gone to 4 day a week printing. The other 3 days , they only offer on line editions. Cutting everywhere and I think it is a reflection of the younger generation being so tech savvy and the pressure to make money.
Speaking of money, the bright light running JP Morgan is everyone's friend and so no one wants to really go after him. Plus JP apparently has a bazillion dollars in the bank. But this Dimon guy (who I am betting is a member of my tribe) lost 2 billion in one of his divisions and is still seen as one of the best. Anyone else in any other field would have been kicked to the curb. This is just a small irritant and none of the talking heads even blinked.
The crazy lady sitting in front of the Bank of America on Centre Street is back. I wonder if the Prez of the bank knows she is there. She drives up in her car which has a phony Aruba license plate that they sell in tourista shops and sells yard sale crap at the bank front door. Like it was original art. Its crap and she chats up everyone and has a big flowing gown on and makes it look like she is an Arteest.
Not enough jobs were created in May and the unemployment went up a tick which is horrendous news for Obama. Plus the stupid stock market went into the tubes on that news. This after I was feeling a bit optimistic about his chances in November. The gay marriage thing plus some good economic news even had polls looking up--now this.
I will continue to watch it but I am finished "liking" Girls on HBO. It is such a show about privilege that I am not sure what to do with it. I watch it because it has given me some insight into the life of all these young folks living in Brookliyn and barely making ends meet. I am thinking I know a person who fits the target demographics of the show. But I did see a terrific on demand movie--"Polisse" about the Child Protection Unit of the Paris police. Very disturbing but also eye opening and based on factual cases of child abuse though it is a drama.
A line stolen from Andy Borowitz: "Trump could help Romney win the elusive billionaire asshole vote". Trump who still yaks about where Obama was born.
The nuns are coming, the nuns are coming (as opposed to the Russians with Ernie Kovacs). They are in open revolt against the Vatican. I figure they will get squashed perhaps led by Cardinal Law who is still lurking over there.
SPORTS
Bob Ryan, who gets my vote for the best basketball writer in America, is retiring. He reminded us last week that the Celtics are playing with house money. That most of us including me never thought they would get this far. And that Rondo's 53 minute effort two nights ago was unconscious. They lose tonight and it is over.
Tim Thomas may not play next year. good--let the Bruins use his salary (5 million) and sign a scorer or two. He can go the world tea party headquarters and lick envelopes.
I don't get women's softball. First of all I could not get close to hitting any of those pitches. But they have meetings after every out, they all look alike (and there are far too few kids of color probably because they are all on the bb court), and the umpires have this habit of waiting a beat or two before calling strikes. just don't get it.
Happy 43rd Babs.
Sayonara
Our week in Philadelphia was great though I swear my geography gets totally turned upside down when I am there. Fortunately, I did not have to drive too much because I thought east was west and west was east; but I also thought my grandchildren were terrific. I read to Lilli's class and picked up Oliver a few times and got to see them both at play and at home. The gender stuff is amazing. What Lilli is into as opposed to Oliver. I am not smart enough to figure that out. But it is testimony to Jess and Steffen that they have two great kids who actually like to spend time with me and Barbara. For me, it is an experience I never had.
Since coming back, I have been thinking a lot about the burdens we carry from childhood. Burdens I carry which in turn created some burdens that Anna and Jess carry and now presumably are being transmitted silently or otherwise to Oliver and Lilli. Barbara does not like it when I use history as an explanation for some ugliness of mine in the present. But there is something about what I do now that has a direct line to what I saw or learned or heard when I was 4 and 8 like my grandchildren.
I suppose there are some positives that get transmitted on down the line as well--at least i can see (or hope I see) some of them in the lives of both Anna and Jessica. But it is the negative ones that stick---as in, I am with my father for one of our weekly visitations driving down Biscayne Boulevard in Miami. He is both high and drunk and rear ends the guy in front of us. To top it off, he decides the guy is wrong and starts a big verbal spat. I have nowhere to hide and start slinking down in the front seat. What did that teach me or show me and did I then transmit something to my kids? UGH--best repressed I think.
Speaking of UGH (and back to journalism 101), the Globe now runs stories under headlines like the title of this blog. Poof journalism I call it. There is so much going on in the world and we get to think about a bear swimming in salt water. They have cut so many staff and depend on stringers and wire services (cheaper because there are no hires and no salaries and no benefits) that they end up with these poof stories. Amazing that they have won two Pulitzers in the last two years. I think their sports pages are still strong because those are live and real events and you cannot have a wire service reporter from Omaha doing the writing from his den. Further UGH--the New Orleans Times Picayune and two other Newhouse newspapers (including the Ann Arbor News) have gone to 4 day a week printing. The other 3 days , they only offer on line editions. Cutting everywhere and I think it is a reflection of the younger generation being so tech savvy and the pressure to make money.
Speaking of money, the bright light running JP Morgan is everyone's friend and so no one wants to really go after him. Plus JP apparently has a bazillion dollars in the bank. But this Dimon guy (who I am betting is a member of my tribe) lost 2 billion in one of his divisions and is still seen as one of the best. Anyone else in any other field would have been kicked to the curb. This is just a small irritant and none of the talking heads even blinked.
The crazy lady sitting in front of the Bank of America on Centre Street is back. I wonder if the Prez of the bank knows she is there. She drives up in her car which has a phony Aruba license plate that they sell in tourista shops and sells yard sale crap at the bank front door. Like it was original art. Its crap and she chats up everyone and has a big flowing gown on and makes it look like she is an Arteest.
Not enough jobs were created in May and the unemployment went up a tick which is horrendous news for Obama. Plus the stupid stock market went into the tubes on that news. This after I was feeling a bit optimistic about his chances in November. The gay marriage thing plus some good economic news even had polls looking up--now this.
I will continue to watch it but I am finished "liking" Girls on HBO. It is such a show about privilege that I am not sure what to do with it. I watch it because it has given me some insight into the life of all these young folks living in Brookliyn and barely making ends meet. I am thinking I know a person who fits the target demographics of the show. But I did see a terrific on demand movie--"Polisse" about the Child Protection Unit of the Paris police. Very disturbing but also eye opening and based on factual cases of child abuse though it is a drama.
A line stolen from Andy Borowitz: "Trump could help Romney win the elusive billionaire asshole vote". Trump who still yaks about where Obama was born.
The nuns are coming, the nuns are coming (as opposed to the Russians with Ernie Kovacs). They are in open revolt against the Vatican. I figure they will get squashed perhaps led by Cardinal Law who is still lurking over there.
SPORTS
Bob Ryan, who gets my vote for the best basketball writer in America, is retiring. He reminded us last week that the Celtics are playing with house money. That most of us including me never thought they would get this far. And that Rondo's 53 minute effort two nights ago was unconscious. They lose tonight and it is over.
Tim Thomas may not play next year. good--let the Bruins use his salary (5 million) and sign a scorer or two. He can go the world tea party headquarters and lick envelopes.
I don't get women's softball. First of all I could not get close to hitting any of those pitches. But they have meetings after every out, they all look alike (and there are far too few kids of color probably because they are all on the bb court), and the umpires have this habit of waiting a beat or two before calling strikes. just don't get it.
Happy 43rd Babs.
Sayonara
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
ASSORTED ODDS AND ENDS
Where to start? Mayor Menino cannot decide who to endorse--Scottie or Liz. C'mon, this cannot be a tough decision even for Tommy. This is more of the same--the old boy network at work. And Liz for her part continues to raise all sorts of money but is stumped by this issue related to her ancestry. Not even raising her voice in anger at the total fucking distraction of the whole thing. The total misdirection away from how Scottie votes and what the Republican party stands for. And Tommy cannot decide.
I don't care if Obama was being expedient politically or if Biden's comments forced his hand or if (as some have said) Michelle made him do it. But he came out of whatever closet his brain was in and said it. He supports same sex marriage. Now, as I may have mentioned before, he can forget about every state in the South and concentrate on the coasts and the upper mid west except for New Mexico and Colorado. We had guests over this week and one of them was especially pessimistic feeling he just lost the whole thing. My take (perhaps naively) is that Barack and his crew are smarter than me in terms of counting the votes and they gotta have figured this out before he said a word. You think he was ever going to win Georgia or Mississippi--not in a bazillion years. Good for him.
Polls out now suggest Romney and Obama are dead even--with Barack slightly ahead in Ohio and Pennsylvania which he desperately needs. Maybe people will think Romney is weirder than a gay marriage supporter. After all he is a Mormon and they do believe in polygamy, right? Hope re-runs of Big Love start running in the fall. But at least Michelle Bachman gave the Mitter her endorsement--trying to remain relevant I suppose. Then there is this from Anna's Governor (a direct quote cuz I wrote it down!!): ""God help us if Mitt doesn't win". What the fuck--write off Texas too.
Wall Street people contribute nothing of social value--they are just guessers who are usually well paid and well educated. The market went down because these bright lights thought unemployment should have dropped by a higher percentage. So .1% is not much but it did drop. The boys and some girls created a sell off and the market went down the tubes. They also managed to feel disrespected by Zuckerberg because he came to tout his IPO in a hoodie--no tie, no jacket. They felt dissed. Well I have no love for the Z boychik but good if they got dissed. Like who cares.
John McCain would like us to invade Syria on our own. Does he not see what I see in Iraq and Afghanistan? Is he getting senile? In the other countries there are more or less coalitions/we are not on our own and yet both are failing countries. What--he wants to add Syria to the list. Let the Arab League or Turkey take the lead.
Considering I recommended a book about a journalist in Juarez in my last blog, it is distressing to see the daily deaths of so many Mexican journalists. The demand for drugs up here combined with the crap economy down there has all these hoods with guns running amok. Another country on my list of places never to visit.
Went out of our hood to Allston for din din the other night. Felt like we were in the midst of the "sutdent spring". It being a warm day and all, the streets were alive with all the studentes. Could not find a praking space and ended up back in JP. I will be glad when the academic year is fully over.
So I am driving on Centre St. stuck in traffic as is the woman going in the opposite direction yakking on her cell (even though she has a passenger) saying among other things: "he is so calm and honest and open". So fucking loud we could hear the entire new agey conversation. And of course I could continue to bore you with crazed bike rider tales but wont.
Ehud Olmert, former Israeli Prime Minister, pretty much said that right wing Jews in the old U.S. of A. pretty much undermined any peace initiatives when he was running the country. Good for Sumner Redstone, Sheldon Adelson, and the boys. Way to go perpetuating continued isolation of Israle from the world community.
Saw a terrific artist at a street fair in the South End. Has a motif called "Zombies hate...". Among other things, they hate technology and hippies and hundreds of others. He could be in this blog forever. Then he draws the pictures. Just Wonderful and as usual I could not pull the trigger. Ugh.
SPORTS TALK
Rivera goes down and Robertson fills in and then he goes down. Lucky the bullpen is one of the strengths of the Yankees. Lucky is not the right word for Josh Beckett who is hated by the media and the media have whipped up the fans. He happens to be a bliterhing idiot himself but some of the attacks are downright ugly.
What to say about Junior Seau. Too young/left children behind/played to long with too many undiagnosed head injuries. Not sure but I loved his hats and his smile.
Off to the City of Brotherly Love next week for some baby sitting.
Sayonara
I don't care if Obama was being expedient politically or if Biden's comments forced his hand or if (as some have said) Michelle made him do it. But he came out of whatever closet his brain was in and said it. He supports same sex marriage. Now, as I may have mentioned before, he can forget about every state in the South and concentrate on the coasts and the upper mid west except for New Mexico and Colorado. We had guests over this week and one of them was especially pessimistic feeling he just lost the whole thing. My take (perhaps naively) is that Barack and his crew are smarter than me in terms of counting the votes and they gotta have figured this out before he said a word. You think he was ever going to win Georgia or Mississippi--not in a bazillion years. Good for him.
Polls out now suggest Romney and Obama are dead even--with Barack slightly ahead in Ohio and Pennsylvania which he desperately needs. Maybe people will think Romney is weirder than a gay marriage supporter. After all he is a Mormon and they do believe in polygamy, right? Hope re-runs of Big Love start running in the fall. But at least Michelle Bachman gave the Mitter her endorsement--trying to remain relevant I suppose. Then there is this from Anna's Governor (a direct quote cuz I wrote it down!!): ""God help us if Mitt doesn't win". What the fuck--write off Texas too.
Wall Street people contribute nothing of social value--they are just guessers who are usually well paid and well educated. The market went down because these bright lights thought unemployment should have dropped by a higher percentage. So .1% is not much but it did drop. The boys and some girls created a sell off and the market went down the tubes. They also managed to feel disrespected by Zuckerberg because he came to tout his IPO in a hoodie--no tie, no jacket. They felt dissed. Well I have no love for the Z boychik but good if they got dissed. Like who cares.
John McCain would like us to invade Syria on our own. Does he not see what I see in Iraq and Afghanistan? Is he getting senile? In the other countries there are more or less coalitions/we are not on our own and yet both are failing countries. What--he wants to add Syria to the list. Let the Arab League or Turkey take the lead.
Considering I recommended a book about a journalist in Juarez in my last blog, it is distressing to see the daily deaths of so many Mexican journalists. The demand for drugs up here combined with the crap economy down there has all these hoods with guns running amok. Another country on my list of places never to visit.
Went out of our hood to Allston for din din the other night. Felt like we were in the midst of the "sutdent spring". It being a warm day and all, the streets were alive with all the studentes. Could not find a praking space and ended up back in JP. I will be glad when the academic year is fully over.
So I am driving on Centre St. stuck in traffic as is the woman going in the opposite direction yakking on her cell (even though she has a passenger) saying among other things: "he is so calm and honest and open". So fucking loud we could hear the entire new agey conversation. And of course I could continue to bore you with crazed bike rider tales but wont.
Ehud Olmert, former Israeli Prime Minister, pretty much said that right wing Jews in the old U.S. of A. pretty much undermined any peace initiatives when he was running the country. Good for Sumner Redstone, Sheldon Adelson, and the boys. Way to go perpetuating continued isolation of Israle from the world community.
Saw a terrific artist at a street fair in the South End. Has a motif called "Zombies hate...". Among other things, they hate technology and hippies and hundreds of others. He could be in this blog forever. Then he draws the pictures. Just Wonderful and as usual I could not pull the trigger. Ugh.
SPORTS TALK
Rivera goes down and Robertson fills in and then he goes down. Lucky the bullpen is one of the strengths of the Yankees. Lucky is not the right word for Josh Beckett who is hated by the media and the media have whipped up the fans. He happens to be a bliterhing idiot himself but some of the attacks are downright ugly.
What to say about Junior Seau. Too young/left children behind/played to long with too many undiagnosed head injuries. Not sure but I loved his hats and his smile.
Off to the City of Brotherly Love next week for some baby sitting.
Sayonara
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
LOOK, UP IN THE SKY--IT'S A BIRD, IT'S A PLANE--NO IT'S....
Actually, it's a group of Howler monkeys who actually do howl. Two adults--presumably mom and dad; and two babies. All howling, all flying from branch to branch, and all being watched ever so diligently by two of the ugliest vultures I have ever seen in my whole life. Not just ugly but humongous. Perhaps hoping for a meal or three. All of this poolside in Nosara, Costa Rica. A small village on the Pacific coast where we went for 6 days to celebrate the wedding of Stef and Graham. Had a wonderful time with wonderful weather, wonderful people, and a wonderful ceremony. selfishly, it was especially nice because Anna, Jess, and Lilli joined us and we had some good family time with them. No beach for me,however. You get sand between your toes when you go to the beach and you are wiping the sand out seemingly forever. And I grew up in Florida.
Before I go any further--congrats to Tess who will be a member of the cheerleading squad at George Mason University in the fall. Good for her. Not that she told me but I learned that old George is considered one of the founders of our country. Had no clue--if only Mrs. Reynolds had taught me History as well as Latin.
So Scottie wants Warren Buffet to shut up and just pay the taxes for his secretary which of course (given Scottie's brain capacity) misses the whole point. Then today he twisted himself into knots explaining why his daughter is covered by the state's mandated insurance benefit but he voted against obamacare. Seems like he loves it for him and his family but would not recommend it if it is mandated for someone elsewhere. By the way try as I might, I just don't get this whole thing about Elizabeth Warren and whether Harvard identified her as a member of a minority group. What am I missing? I will tell you I hope she gets the wheels back on her bike because there has been a noticeable drop in her zeal recently.
Also seen way too many comments by and pictures of Bob Kraft with the Mitter. It all goes back to Israel and the perception that the Mitter is a stronger supporter. Those alta kakers (Yiddish for old shits) in AIPAC are giving the Mitter big bucks.
Congressman Allan West is an African American/Republican from my old state--yup that would be Florida. And guess what this bright light thinks--at least 81 of his House colleagues are Communists. Perfect--a fucking lunatic which if I am Barack, I just skip Florida in terms of November.
Cartagena is another story. Apparently everyone except me knew that it is the place to go in South America for prostitutes--kind of like Amsterdam in Europe. I guess some of our soldiers and secret service men knew about it. Maybe it was a good think Cuba was not invited--god only knows what that old Raul Castro might have done. Then the Supremes are asking questions which leads folks to believe they might like the nasty immigration law in Arizona. I'm telling you, whoever wins in November will get two or three nominees on that court--if for no other reason, that is why Barack has to be a winner.
A new rule if you see me driving down the street--if you are on your cell phone and want me to stop while you cross the street yakking on it, watch out. I don't stop for multi taskers. Second new rule--motorized scooters (like Vespas) are not bikes. They should not be using the bike lane. Not sure how to interfere with them without injuring someone but I am a bit tired of having them lap me at long lines. UGH.
SPORTS TALK
So I did glow about Rondo two weeks ago and yeah he continues to play out of his mind. Equally out of his mind is his infantile outburst on national tv Sunday. Those are the times he s nothing but a nuisance and a baby and if he wears one more band aid or pad, I think we need to call the EMT's--enough. The Bruins went peacefully into the night and for once I am in agreement with some of the talking heads. Lucic needs to figure out his game. He was a non factor and not just because he did not score. He hit nothing but air and he is physically imposing. Without Seguin, there was nothing. And Sid the Kid might be the best player in the league but after his putrid performance against the Flyers, the Penguins can have him. Also another baby. Like the frist two picks of the Pats--but if they are not starters, then they are busts period. Sayonara.
Before I go any further--congrats to Tess who will be a member of the cheerleading squad at George Mason University in the fall. Good for her. Not that she told me but I learned that old George is considered one of the founders of our country. Had no clue--if only Mrs. Reynolds had taught me History as well as Latin.
So Scottie wants Warren Buffet to shut up and just pay the taxes for his secretary which of course (given Scottie's brain capacity) misses the whole point. Then today he twisted himself into knots explaining why his daughter is covered by the state's mandated insurance benefit but he voted against obamacare. Seems like he loves it for him and his family but would not recommend it if it is mandated for someone elsewhere. By the way try as I might, I just don't get this whole thing about Elizabeth Warren and whether Harvard identified her as a member of a minority group. What am I missing? I will tell you I hope she gets the wheels back on her bike because there has been a noticeable drop in her zeal recently.
Also seen way too many comments by and pictures of Bob Kraft with the Mitter. It all goes back to Israel and the perception that the Mitter is a stronger supporter. Those alta kakers (Yiddish for old shits) in AIPAC are giving the Mitter big bucks.
Congressman Allan West is an African American/Republican from my old state--yup that would be Florida. And guess what this bright light thinks--at least 81 of his House colleagues are Communists. Perfect--a fucking lunatic which if I am Barack, I just skip Florida in terms of November.
Cartagena is another story. Apparently everyone except me knew that it is the place to go in South America for prostitutes--kind of like Amsterdam in Europe. I guess some of our soldiers and secret service men knew about it. Maybe it was a good think Cuba was not invited--god only knows what that old Raul Castro might have done. Then the Supremes are asking questions which leads folks to believe they might like the nasty immigration law in Arizona. I'm telling you, whoever wins in November will get two or three nominees on that court--if for no other reason, that is why Barack has to be a winner.
A new rule if you see me driving down the street--if you are on your cell phone and want me to stop while you cross the street yakking on it, watch out. I don't stop for multi taskers. Second new rule--motorized scooters (like Vespas) are not bikes. They should not be using the bike lane. Not sure how to interfere with them without injuring someone but I am a bit tired of having them lap me at long lines. UGH.
SPORTS TALK
So I did glow about Rondo two weeks ago and yeah he continues to play out of his mind. Equally out of his mind is his infantile outburst on national tv Sunday. Those are the times he s nothing but a nuisance and a baby and if he wears one more band aid or pad, I think we need to call the EMT's--enough. The Bruins went peacefully into the night and for once I am in agreement with some of the talking heads. Lucic needs to figure out his game. He was a non factor and not just because he did not score. He hit nothing but air and he is physically imposing. Without Seguin, there was nothing. And Sid the Kid might be the best player in the league but after his putrid performance against the Flyers, the Penguins can have him. Also another baby. Like the frist two picks of the Pats--but if they are not starters, then they are busts period. Sayonara.
Monday, April 16, 2012
I'M KVELLIN'
No not jellin' with Dr. Scholl. And no not another word I learned from Mrs. Reynolds as she wrapped me with her ruler. Kvell(ing) without the "ing" is a Yiddish word I learned from my mother--it more or less means to take pride in but in a BIG BIG way. And I'm kvellin" because Barbara and I spent a week with Oliver and Lilli--those would be our grandchildren. Their school vacation week was a couple of weeks ago and we met them and their parental drivers at the famous Ruby Road exit off I-84 in Northern Connecticut--home of that scrumptious all you can eat buffet which all of us passed on. Though we did manage to have lunch and exchange precious cargo--made it back home to Beantown in time for dinner and a week with the kids. They were wonderful and we did a lot of stuff with them including the Big Apple circus, the zoo, the MFA, assorted meals out, and some parks. They also had some play dates with old friends which they really enjoyed. I have been reminded by their mother that I don't know what its like to raise two kids so close in age. She is oh so right. My eyes were poked literally/regularly somewhere around 7 every morning and while someone else (Babs) was able to get a few more zzz's, the kids and I stumbled downstairs to begin our morning routines--which more or less meant unlimited tv until I could really wake up. The week ended with their parents arriving and joining the kids and assorted relatives for the first Seder. A really nice evening which both kids participated in. Lilli read the 4 questions in
English. Just a terrific time--Jess and Steffen have done a great job. We shall repeat our stellar performance in May this time in the City of Brotherly Love.
Moving on--Want to welcome the 4 Fleishers to this space. I am pushing closer to 50 though I am missing some key states--like Mississippi which as I have often said ranks 50th in terms of medical care in the country but has the world's best sex addiction facility--just ask Tiger. Know someone from the heart of the Confederacy?
Speaking of the confederacy, I think the best decision I ever made was to leave Florida. That state has turned into an armed camp so it should be no surprise that this child Trayvon was killed since guns are so prevalent and there is a law allowing you to "defend" yourself and your property. Furthermore, the new Hispanic manager of the now Miami (not Florida) Marlins is Ozzie Guillen. The man has always spoken his mind so anyone hiring him should have expected something to erupt sooner or later--in this case sooner. He decided he had an opinion about Fidel and the opinion was that maybe he was not so bad. Well, those octogenarian Cuban refugees might and did disagree. Caused a big hullabaloo down there and he got himself suspended not by Major League Baseball but by the team which is very mindful of the need for the support of the Hispanic community. Miami is simply run by these folks as if the revolution were a week ago. BTW, I was going to put this in the SPORTS section but a close friend insisted that I put it above the fold as they say in my business. Finally, we have Obama in Venezuela refusing to agree to allow Cuba to participate in whatever kind of Inter-American confab he was attending. Just fucking great kissing up to those Octo's like he is ever going to win Florida to begin with.
So Romney will be Barack's opponent and so far every poll shows Barack winning. My two polls consist of talking to one person from Ohio and one from NH--both of whom say nope he wont win their state. So I would be worried. Hope that unemployment rate is 7% by November and that every woman, person of color, and gay person in American votes. Otherwise the Supreme Court will end up worse than it is now.
I saw some list of the country's best hospitals and just don't get the following. Both MGH and Brigham and Women's made it but not Deaconess which just happens to be where all my docs are. All 3 are Hahvahd hospitals. What I don't get is why 2 make it and the third does not--do the boys/girls at Hahvahd shell out resources differently? And what about Mt. Auburn also a Hahvahd teaching hospital. There is something screwed up about all this.
The Bib C is back with Laura Linney--I love it and the best thing is that in the new season her hubby (Oliver Platt who I love) has started his own blog and immediately outed Laura for having had an affair. The least I can say is that I know my boundaries. A terrific show.
And a terrific book about Juarez Mexico whose name I forget but the author is Robert Andrew Powell. He went there to live and wanted to write about the god awful murder rate--about 5 on an average day. But he ends up using the local soccer team as the vehicle to enter the community and integrates its season with all the killing. He is on the same bench as Jon Krakauer and Sebastian Junger.
Speaking of Passover (and I was way back there) the vegetarian chopped liver from Whole Foods is simply to die for.
SPORTS TALK
The great white hype (that would be Phil) and Tiger both failed at Augusta. I cannot stand to watch Phil and his all white rooting section. On the other hand Tiger continues to have major psychological problems and I guess he may need to head back into Mississippi for a tune up.
I actually picked Kentucky in the NCAA pool but lost so many other games, I finished way down. The minute there are upsets especially by a smaller school (like Murray State this year) over a big conference school, I am totally screwed since I pretty much believe the stronger conference should prevail. Wrong.
The Celtics are playing better and as the boys on PTI would say--"they were going to trade Rondo? Are they crazy". He is playing out of his mind though every so often he makes a first grade dopey play. And speaking of out of his mind, Tim Thomas is there again despite his despicable politics. Now if only someone could put the puck in the net. At least those dastardly Canucks are in worse shape.
Off for Stef and Grahams big wedding event in Costa Rica. Hoping to see the monkeys up in the trees but no zip lines for me.
I do love Bruce's new album. Been wearing it out in the car.
sayonara
English. Just a terrific time--Jess and Steffen have done a great job. We shall repeat our stellar performance in May this time in the City of Brotherly Love.
Moving on--Want to welcome the 4 Fleishers to this space. I am pushing closer to 50 though I am missing some key states--like Mississippi which as I have often said ranks 50th in terms of medical care in the country but has the world's best sex addiction facility--just ask Tiger. Know someone from the heart of the Confederacy?
Speaking of the confederacy, I think the best decision I ever made was to leave Florida. That state has turned into an armed camp so it should be no surprise that this child Trayvon was killed since guns are so prevalent and there is a law allowing you to "defend" yourself and your property. Furthermore, the new Hispanic manager of the now Miami (not Florida) Marlins is Ozzie Guillen. The man has always spoken his mind so anyone hiring him should have expected something to erupt sooner or later--in this case sooner. He decided he had an opinion about Fidel and the opinion was that maybe he was not so bad. Well, those octogenarian Cuban refugees might and did disagree. Caused a big hullabaloo down there and he got himself suspended not by Major League Baseball but by the team which is very mindful of the need for the support of the Hispanic community. Miami is simply run by these folks as if the revolution were a week ago. BTW, I was going to put this in the SPORTS section but a close friend insisted that I put it above the fold as they say in my business. Finally, we have Obama in Venezuela refusing to agree to allow Cuba to participate in whatever kind of Inter-American confab he was attending. Just fucking great kissing up to those Octo's like he is ever going to win Florida to begin with.
So Romney will be Barack's opponent and so far every poll shows Barack winning. My two polls consist of talking to one person from Ohio and one from NH--both of whom say nope he wont win their state. So I would be worried. Hope that unemployment rate is 7% by November and that every woman, person of color, and gay person in American votes. Otherwise the Supreme Court will end up worse than it is now.
I saw some list of the country's best hospitals and just don't get the following. Both MGH and Brigham and Women's made it but not Deaconess which just happens to be where all my docs are. All 3 are Hahvahd hospitals. What I don't get is why 2 make it and the third does not--do the boys/girls at Hahvahd shell out resources differently? And what about Mt. Auburn also a Hahvahd teaching hospital. There is something screwed up about all this.
The Bib C is back with Laura Linney--I love it and the best thing is that in the new season her hubby (Oliver Platt who I love) has started his own blog and immediately outed Laura for having had an affair. The least I can say is that I know my boundaries. A terrific show.
And a terrific book about Juarez Mexico whose name I forget but the author is Robert Andrew Powell. He went there to live and wanted to write about the god awful murder rate--about 5 on an average day. But he ends up using the local soccer team as the vehicle to enter the community and integrates its season with all the killing. He is on the same bench as Jon Krakauer and Sebastian Junger.
Speaking of Passover (and I was way back there) the vegetarian chopped liver from Whole Foods is simply to die for.
SPORTS TALK
The great white hype (that would be Phil) and Tiger both failed at Augusta. I cannot stand to watch Phil and his all white rooting section. On the other hand Tiger continues to have major psychological problems and I guess he may need to head back into Mississippi for a tune up.
I actually picked Kentucky in the NCAA pool but lost so many other games, I finished way down. The minute there are upsets especially by a smaller school (like Murray State this year) over a big conference school, I am totally screwed since I pretty much believe the stronger conference should prevail. Wrong.
The Celtics are playing better and as the boys on PTI would say--"they were going to trade Rondo? Are they crazy". He is playing out of his mind though every so often he makes a first grade dopey play. And speaking of out of his mind, Tim Thomas is there again despite his despicable politics. Now if only someone could put the puck in the net. At least those dastardly Canucks are in worse shape.
Off for Stef and Grahams big wedding event in Costa Rica. Hoping to see the monkeys up in the trees but no zip lines for me.
I do love Bruce's new album. Been wearing it out in the car.
sayonara
Sunday, April 1, 2012
LIKE BATS OUT OF HELL
No, not the Meatloaf album which I have never heard. The Colorado River flows through downtown Austin--the natives who tend to view themselves as "twisted" and "weird" (in fact most bumper stickers say "keep Austin weird") refer to the river as a lake. Which of course makes no sense but is precisely the point. Nonetheless (as I pick up my thread), much like the throngs who watch sunset in Key West's Mallory Square, throngs line up on and around the main bridge over the Colorado. What for, one might ask (or not)? Well, it seems a bazilllion bats live under the bridge and at sunset come out to feed--and amuse all of us as they blast out. There are tours and tour boats, kayaks, canoes, and other amphibious vehicles. There are also those trying to take pictures but those suckers are flying so fast the photos must all be blurred.
The point is we visited Anna a week or so ago in her new digs. A great and healthy place to live. Only problem is that Austin is like an oasis in a desert called Texas with you know who as governor. All sorts of miserable things happen in other parts of the state but Austin, with UT right there, is a runner/bicyclist/foodie heaven. They have more food trucks serving more kinds of food in more vacant lots than any place I have ever seen. And it is good food. On the other hand,(and perhaps I am prone to hyperbole) but in 5 of the 6 restaurants we were in I was the oldest by at least 20 years--and Barbara and I might have been the onliest people with no tats. I will end this section with the important point. Anna is great and quite settled in what with her new car and great apartment. Austin also has a cool movie theatre which serves food at your seat and has the best previews and other preshow shorts that I have ever seen.
ONWARD BUT NOT NECESSARILY UPWARD:
Just finished my first novel about Finland--specifically happening in the cities of Helsinki and Turku. Author's last name is Wagner. Not great but it was good and it does allow me to receive the gold medal for completing the Scandinavian cycle. I am now onto a competitor of Stieg Larsson (thanks to Joan Y.)--a couple who refer to themselves as Lars Kepler and write mysteries about Sweden. The first one I read was terrific.
An ugly week for Obamacare. I have been warned not to take the questions by the justices too seriously but Jeffrey Toobin(who I really like)--Jeffrey apparently does take them seriously and he is seriously worried that the whole thing will be tossed. Not sure what this means politically. But I am sure of the following--at least two pieces of that bill are in place. One allows young adults up to the age of 26 to stay on their parents insurance and the other protects people who have pre- existing conditions. If either of those get tossed, there will be a lot of so called "main street" people who may finally understand what the fuss is all about. And no, Obama is not responsible for the price of gas and those sucky Republicans better watch out because that shit won't stick.
Speaking of Republicans. Santorum can continue to kick and scream but the numbers don't seem to work for him. I think Romney is a tough opponent for Obama but I think he is almost tougher for some of the Conservatives to accept. Will be interesting as we get closer to November.
The death of that young person (Trayvon) in Florida is horrid but what can one expect from that state which more and more is a creation of very conservative forces. I find it subtly ironic that someone named Zimmerman (sounds like a member of my tribe but I'm not sure)is Hispanic. In the mid 60's when I left Miami, tensions were already surfacing between the Hispanic (mainly Cuban at that point) and African American communities. Now 50 years later we have this.
I almost feel like telling Karzai ok we are leaving. Since all he does is steal money we give his country and complain about our troops--maybe we should just say: "you know, you are right, we are leaving". Too many deaths on behalf of a totally inept and corrupt government.
That Rutgers kid who used spyware to look in in on his gay roommate--that kid should get locked up for a while. Yet another child of immigrants who is totally intolerant of the people who are different even though HE IS DIFFERENT. Get it, sucker?
So, more questions about those pesky bicyclists. What is the point of having a bike lane if motorized scooters use it to bypass all of us. I almost clobbered one which
was in that bike lane--are they allowed? And what is your position about the following--young folks on bikes with baskets in the front and those old fashioned horns that you squeeze? Kind of too foo foo for me--kind of like that bike in ET--they are for 10 year olds; not adults with beards.
SPORTS TALK
So, since I declared both the Bruins and the Celtics to be on life support, they of course have both come back and both are playing very well. Still think neither wins it all but am starting to think the Bruins will get further than then Celts. Celtics play the Heat today in Boston--should be interesting.
Too bad for the Saints. I already thought some of the NFL players were thuggish (ever listen to James Harrison of the Steelers?)--and this just institutionalizes it. Payton actually should be in jail with his team and if he were the CEO of a corporation, he would be.
Then we have this: A church in Denver announced they were "mourning" the trade of Tim Tebow to the Jets. How fucked up is that. And how do you think his religiosity will play in the land of Sodom and Gomorrah?
Totally screwed up my NCAA brackets though I do have Kentucky which was a no brainer. I will say Michigan specifically and the Big 10 generally should be embarrassed at their failures.
That's about it.
Sayonara
The point is we visited Anna a week or so ago in her new digs. A great and healthy place to live. Only problem is that Austin is like an oasis in a desert called Texas with you know who as governor. All sorts of miserable things happen in other parts of the state but Austin, with UT right there, is a runner/bicyclist/foodie heaven. They have more food trucks serving more kinds of food in more vacant lots than any place I have ever seen. And it is good food. On the other hand,(and perhaps I am prone to hyperbole) but in 5 of the 6 restaurants we were in I was the oldest by at least 20 years--and Barbara and I might have been the onliest people with no tats. I will end this section with the important point. Anna is great and quite settled in what with her new car and great apartment. Austin also has a cool movie theatre which serves food at your seat and has the best previews and other preshow shorts that I have ever seen.
ONWARD BUT NOT NECESSARILY UPWARD:
Just finished my first novel about Finland--specifically happening in the cities of Helsinki and Turku. Author's last name is Wagner. Not great but it was good and it does allow me to receive the gold medal for completing the Scandinavian cycle. I am now onto a competitor of Stieg Larsson (thanks to Joan Y.)--a couple who refer to themselves as Lars Kepler and write mysteries about Sweden. The first one I read was terrific.
An ugly week for Obamacare. I have been warned not to take the questions by the justices too seriously but Jeffrey Toobin(who I really like)--Jeffrey apparently does take them seriously and he is seriously worried that the whole thing will be tossed. Not sure what this means politically. But I am sure of the following--at least two pieces of that bill are in place. One allows young adults up to the age of 26 to stay on their parents insurance and the other protects people who have pre- existing conditions. If either of those get tossed, there will be a lot of so called "main street" people who may finally understand what the fuss is all about. And no, Obama is not responsible for the price of gas and those sucky Republicans better watch out because that shit won't stick.
Speaking of Republicans. Santorum can continue to kick and scream but the numbers don't seem to work for him. I think Romney is a tough opponent for Obama but I think he is almost tougher for some of the Conservatives to accept. Will be interesting as we get closer to November.
The death of that young person (Trayvon) in Florida is horrid but what can one expect from that state which more and more is a creation of very conservative forces. I find it subtly ironic that someone named Zimmerman (sounds like a member of my tribe but I'm not sure)is Hispanic. In the mid 60's when I left Miami, tensions were already surfacing between the Hispanic (mainly Cuban at that point) and African American communities. Now 50 years later we have this.
I almost feel like telling Karzai ok we are leaving. Since all he does is steal money we give his country and complain about our troops--maybe we should just say: "you know, you are right, we are leaving". Too many deaths on behalf of a totally inept and corrupt government.
That Rutgers kid who used spyware to look in in on his gay roommate--that kid should get locked up for a while. Yet another child of immigrants who is totally intolerant of the people who are different even though HE IS DIFFERENT. Get it, sucker?
So, more questions about those pesky bicyclists. What is the point of having a bike lane if motorized scooters use it to bypass all of us. I almost clobbered one which
was in that bike lane--are they allowed? And what is your position about the following--young folks on bikes with baskets in the front and those old fashioned horns that you squeeze? Kind of too foo foo for me--kind of like that bike in ET--they are for 10 year olds; not adults with beards.
SPORTS TALK
So, since I declared both the Bruins and the Celtics to be on life support, they of course have both come back and both are playing very well. Still think neither wins it all but am starting to think the Bruins will get further than then Celts. Celtics play the Heat today in Boston--should be interesting.
Too bad for the Saints. I already thought some of the NFL players were thuggish (ever listen to James Harrison of the Steelers?)--and this just institutionalizes it. Payton actually should be in jail with his team and if he were the CEO of a corporation, he would be.
Then we have this: A church in Denver announced they were "mourning" the trade of Tim Tebow to the Jets. How fucked up is that. And how do you think his religiosity will play in the land of Sodom and Gomorrah?
Totally screwed up my NCAA brackets though I do have Kentucky which was a no brainer. I will say Michigan specifically and the Big 10 generally should be embarrassed at their failures.
That's about it.
Sayonara
Friday, March 16, 2012
SO MUCH TO SAY/WHERE TO START?
I have frequently mentioned my High School Latin teacher, Mrs. Reynolds. I learned the word "errata" from her--it more or less means mistakes as in oops I made one in my last post. Seems the conference held at Harvard only focused on the Palestinian state and not on a two state solution. An astute and erudite reader called me on that. But now I at least know he reads this shit.
Welcome to Wolf and not Blitzer who is one of the worst blatherers in the world. Wolf is a Rabbi who was on the trip to Cuba and has "blessed" me (get it?) with his readership. We need more readers on the "right" coast to counter what has become an increasing tilt to the left. Also want to thank John and Phyllis for getting me lists of Finnish mystery writers. Just need to select one now. Meanwhile, I have a new Swedish mystery by a person described as being as good as Stieg Larson.
Spent time in Philadelphia at the end of February with the Helmlings and their construction crew. Doing a bit of wall demolition they are amidst an already hectic life. The kids are great but truly I slept for 3 hours or so on the train ride home. To quote Babs--"There is a reason young people have kids". Then next week, we are off for our first visit to the Longhorn state to visit Anna. Right now she is in the middle of their South by Southwest festival but she missed seeing BRUCE who gave the keynote address. Anna has promised that I will get an audience with Rick Perry--I look forward to it.
Speaking of BRUCE, I love his new CD which is more than partially dedicated to Clarence Clemons. It was done without the E Street Band and is a lot like the Seeger sessions plus full of very sharp social/political criticisms. Also, saw a group called the Carolina Chocolate Drops and guess what--chocolate refers to their skin color--who knew. All acoustic with a heavy emphasis on the revival of old time banjo songs sung by slaves and others from the mid 1800's to the early 1900's. They were terrific. Bought one of their CD's already.
"Game Change" was just on HBO and is a behind the scenes look at the McCain/Palin campaign. Now of course there is a big debate about its accuracy (much of it coming from Sarah and I don't blame her considering how she comes off). But if only 50% is true, then she is dumber than we thought and it is soooo scary to think she could have been Veep for a guy older than me.
Continuing with this culture stuff--Jon Stewart continues to do two things. The first is that he is artful at his critiques. Not just of people like Rush (who he really blew out of the water over that student's contraception testimony)--but over failings of Obama. But he saves his best for Fox News and the talking heads over there. Second, he also must mention at least once a show his religion--he is a member of my tribe and I have never seen this kind of humor before. He had an interchange with Rachael Weisz (an actress I am not sure I know) about hamentashen that was hysterical. Do they represent Hamen's ear or his nose and if his nose, what does that mean about the stereotype about Jewish noses. I was on the floor and, as a friend used to say, I practically peed in my pants.
Then there is Doonesbury starting on 3/12 and continuing today. He is all over Rick Perry and the restrictive laws regarding abortions in Texas. So sharp and so on target. Remember he has been doing this for over 40 years and it continues to be timely, funny, and awfully pessimistic/sad at the same time.
Now that a Rabbi is on board, we are going to discuss my synagogue. I am 95% retired and a lot of people (not my readers of course) think that means I sit around in a blissed out state totally relaxed and in my own stress free world. NOT. Any- how, I enjoy going to Temple about 2 or 3 times a month and kind of just commune with whoever is up there in the sky listening or perhaps not listening. Temple Israel to be fair tries to be as inclusive as possible and tries also to be as flexible as possible with their liturgy in order (among other things) to entice new members--the kind who might object rather strongly to some of the more orthodox values. But last Friday I just about exploded (not a big surprise). People bring coffee in with snacks as if it were the neighborhood Starbucks. People clap and need to be told when not to. People walk out in the midst of prayers (how many times have I said midst so far?) and/or when the ark is open. Then a group of women (sorry but there were no men) did a dance performance as a prelude to the mourner's prayer. And they stunk and they danced in the aisles during he service and they sat in their Buddha poses during the service and they wore long red thingys with black scarves draped on their heads--so I was reminded more of Afghan women than Jews. I wanted to run out but I knew one of the people and being a great humanitarian, I stayed and am now trying to cancel my membership. I just want to "do my hour" in peace with some songs I know from childhood which carry the same tune and even hear a few rabbinic words. If I want dance I go to Jacob's Pillow or the ICA. Enough.
There was an ad on TV this week that more or less said something like: "the gang went out for pizza and beer". They were not talking about the Crips or the Bloods. They were talking about the 1950's when presumably you went out with friends who were your gang. This craze for "everything was better back then" is now seeping into everyday life and not just coming out of Ric Santorum's medieval head and mouth.
Then there is Scott Brown speaking of medieval. He is running ads which tout his interest in and knowledge of sports--skipping over all the people (mostly of the female variety) who are not interested and focusing instead on us guys and mainly us guys who are younger. The ads want you to vote for him not on any issues but because it is kind of a guy thing.
SPORTS TALK
So the Bruins are dying and it is clear that Chara and Thomas (as I said before) are not having the massive seasons they had last year. And injuries don't help. The Celtics will likely make the playoffs but having two guys out with heart problems probably dooms them (along with age) to an early exit. Not the guys; the team.
But we do have women's hockey. I saw the BU women play a game the other night on tv. They have already been eliminated from post season play. But since there is no checking, it is all about skating, passing, and shooting. It was wonderful and I am sure it is not just the BU women. This is a direct result of Title IX.
An incredible rumor. Asked someone who knows about golf if Tiger was back. He said yes but the other guys have caught him. Then he added this gem--Tiger is HIV positive and that is the real reason he is playing lousy. Oh my--my mouth fell open. What if it is true? It boggles the mind.
Sorry for the length.
Sayonara.
Welcome to Wolf and not Blitzer who is one of the worst blatherers in the world. Wolf is a Rabbi who was on the trip to Cuba and has "blessed" me (get it?) with his readership. We need more readers on the "right" coast to counter what has become an increasing tilt to the left. Also want to thank John and Phyllis for getting me lists of Finnish mystery writers. Just need to select one now. Meanwhile, I have a new Swedish mystery by a person described as being as good as Stieg Larson.
Spent time in Philadelphia at the end of February with the Helmlings and their construction crew. Doing a bit of wall demolition they are amidst an already hectic life. The kids are great but truly I slept for 3 hours or so on the train ride home. To quote Babs--"There is a reason young people have kids". Then next week, we are off for our first visit to the Longhorn state to visit Anna. Right now she is in the middle of their South by Southwest festival but she missed seeing BRUCE who gave the keynote address. Anna has promised that I will get an audience with Rick Perry--I look forward to it.
Speaking of BRUCE, I love his new CD which is more than partially dedicated to Clarence Clemons. It was done without the E Street Band and is a lot like the Seeger sessions plus full of very sharp social/political criticisms. Also, saw a group called the Carolina Chocolate Drops and guess what--chocolate refers to their skin color--who knew. All acoustic with a heavy emphasis on the revival of old time banjo songs sung by slaves and others from the mid 1800's to the early 1900's. They were terrific. Bought one of their CD's already.
"Game Change" was just on HBO and is a behind the scenes look at the McCain/Palin campaign. Now of course there is a big debate about its accuracy (much of it coming from Sarah and I don't blame her considering how she comes off). But if only 50% is true, then she is dumber than we thought and it is soooo scary to think she could have been Veep for a guy older than me.
Continuing with this culture stuff--Jon Stewart continues to do two things. The first is that he is artful at his critiques. Not just of people like Rush (who he really blew out of the water over that student's contraception testimony)--but over failings of Obama. But he saves his best for Fox News and the talking heads over there. Second, he also must mention at least once a show his religion--he is a member of my tribe and I have never seen this kind of humor before. He had an interchange with Rachael Weisz (an actress I am not sure I know) about hamentashen that was hysterical. Do they represent Hamen's ear or his nose and if his nose, what does that mean about the stereotype about Jewish noses. I was on the floor and, as a friend used to say, I practically peed in my pants.
Then there is Doonesbury starting on 3/12 and continuing today. He is all over Rick Perry and the restrictive laws regarding abortions in Texas. So sharp and so on target. Remember he has been doing this for over 40 years and it continues to be timely, funny, and awfully pessimistic/sad at the same time.
Now that a Rabbi is on board, we are going to discuss my synagogue. I am 95% retired and a lot of people (not my readers of course) think that means I sit around in a blissed out state totally relaxed and in my own stress free world. NOT. Any- how, I enjoy going to Temple about 2 or 3 times a month and kind of just commune with whoever is up there in the sky listening or perhaps not listening. Temple Israel to be fair tries to be as inclusive as possible and tries also to be as flexible as possible with their liturgy in order (among other things) to entice new members--the kind who might object rather strongly to some of the more orthodox values. But last Friday I just about exploded (not a big surprise). People bring coffee in with snacks as if it were the neighborhood Starbucks. People clap and need to be told when not to. People walk out in the midst of prayers (how many times have I said midst so far?) and/or when the ark is open. Then a group of women (sorry but there were no men) did a dance performance as a prelude to the mourner's prayer. And they stunk and they danced in the aisles during he service and they sat in their Buddha poses during the service and they wore long red thingys with black scarves draped on their heads--so I was reminded more of Afghan women than Jews. I wanted to run out but I knew one of the people and being a great humanitarian, I stayed and am now trying to cancel my membership. I just want to "do my hour" in peace with some songs I know from childhood which carry the same tune and even hear a few rabbinic words. If I want dance I go to Jacob's Pillow or the ICA. Enough.
There was an ad on TV this week that more or less said something like: "the gang went out for pizza and beer". They were not talking about the Crips or the Bloods. They were talking about the 1950's when presumably you went out with friends who were your gang. This craze for "everything was better back then" is now seeping into everyday life and not just coming out of Ric Santorum's medieval head and mouth.
Then there is Scott Brown speaking of medieval. He is running ads which tout his interest in and knowledge of sports--skipping over all the people (mostly of the female variety) who are not interested and focusing instead on us guys and mainly us guys who are younger. The ads want you to vote for him not on any issues but because it is kind of a guy thing.
SPORTS TALK
So the Bruins are dying and it is clear that Chara and Thomas (as I said before) are not having the massive seasons they had last year. And injuries don't help. The Celtics will likely make the playoffs but having two guys out with heart problems probably dooms them (along with age) to an early exit. Not the guys; the team.
But we do have women's hockey. I saw the BU women play a game the other night on tv. They have already been eliminated from post season play. But since there is no checking, it is all about skating, passing, and shooting. It was wonderful and I am sure it is not just the BU women. This is a direct result of Title IX.
An incredible rumor. Asked someone who knows about golf if Tiger was back. He said yes but the other guys have caught him. Then he added this gem--Tiger is HIV positive and that is the real reason he is playing lousy. Oh my--my mouth fell open. What if it is true? It boggles the mind.
Sorry for the length.
Sayonara.
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