There must be too many engineers with time on their hands out there in Silicon Valley. At least once a month, they must have a meeting to decide how to change the pages that access either the Internet or my email. Or they restructure the email pages themselves. Oh what fun--I mean beside getting to play ping pong, dressing as shabbily as me, and eating peanut m and m's all day. The height of hilarity--kicking a few to the curb would not hurt.
Many many ends and odds. Here goes:
--From the Globe: "Man accused of driving drunk on mower". Well of course, we wouldn't want him driving his car while drunk. And besides, he was just going to the corner to buy more beer. Makes sense to me and obviously it was worthy of the Globe.
--From the Globe: "Quake devastates Filipino churches". Clearly pandering to the majority of its readers, this headline actually skips over the fact that lots of folks died in the earthquake which was not limited to houses of worships of any sort.
--On a sweatshirt: "JMU/LAX". Now I know what that stands for--do any of you? James Madison University Lacrosse. Rip it off, dude. No one knows about your school let alone the lacrosse team. If the "M" turned into an "H", we could then bow down to the gods of Johns Hopkins Lacrosse--usually the best college team. But this dumb bunny and his sweatshirt shold be in the gutter along with the Google engineers.
--Boehner (he who has a perpetual tan) and Cantor (he who is a member of my tribe) have both shut up for awhile ever since they could not corral their own wacky conservative House colleagues. But, trust me, they will rear their ugly heads again. Speaking of those wild and crazy Republicans, they are now blocking Obama nominees. They just hate him, don't they? And it is that barely intelligible Lindsey Graham with his wicked drawl leading this charge.
--Some terrific articles: A piece in the New Yorker by Jon Lee Anderson who is a favorite of mine. About a mystery writer from Havana but really about culture and the arts in Cuba and how the artists have to anticipate what the regime will tolerate. An article about the Grambling fiasco by George Dohrmann in Sports Illustrated about its football team but really about athletics at the Historically Black Universities and how they have been impacted both by budget cuts and the recruitment of the best African American athletes to the really big, formerly all white, southern universities. Last, a book by Jonathan Alter about how Obama won the election. Two points about this--first Alter argues the race was over by Labor Day and, second, Valerie Jeffries is the power behind the throne in that White house.
--Saw Warren Buffet on TV the other day. If he is not one of the finest men in America, then I am not sure who is unless it is me.
--I have no words to describe the computer glitches related to Obamacare. Just on the cusp of having the whole thing culturally accepted and then this. Yikes what a fuck up.
--The female sculptor for the Bill Russell statue is barely 5 feet tall and had to stand on chairs and ladders to get to the top of his head. Cannot imagine how strong she is.
--Can't wait for open tolling. It means I will never have to get an EZ pass because they will bill me. Oh those google guys. Came full circle, huh.
NEWSFLASH: There are now 90 of you and I am shvitzing to break 100. Whoever gets me over the top gets a special prize.
SPORTS TALK
--I have two good things to say about the red flops. Ortiz is some fucking hitter. Kudos to the fans for not copying those in other cities waving hankies like fools. Sorry but John Lackey is still an asshole.
--Michigan can only win if they score 60 points a game because for some reason their defense sucks.
--Brady is hurt and this Patriot subterfuge about injuries is both boring and pathetic. But having the Gronkster back surely helps.
--One of my favorite jockeys is Rosie (the queen of Corona) Napravnik. She has a few mounts this weekend in the Breeders Cup which is great horse racing but I refuse to be on it. Too difficult and too many horses.
Sayonara and dont forget the contest.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
WHO'S ON FIRST?
Yeah, yeah I stole the title from Abbott and Costello. But if you remember that sketch, then you know it perfectly fits the current muck up in our nation's capital. Or, if you follow Jon Stewart, you can call it the 2013 "Shutstorm"--as opposed to shit storm which it really is but which he cannot utter on TV--but I have the luxury of using here. Because it is a SHIT STORM. I will give credit where credit is due--those Tea partiers in the House are true to their roots (I happen to detest the ground those roots are in)--they will not bend and it is ok if Obamacare is over turned and it is ok if we default. Even more mainstream conservatives (like Jeff Jacoby in today's Globe) cannot see any damage done by the shutdown. He must not need any of those experimental cancer treatments which have been put on hold.
Speaking of health care (what a transition, huh?)--we might as well just divide up this state into two hospital systems--Care Group and Partners. Every hospital and every health center. Life will be much easier. These "non profit" behemoths are just taking over anyhow. St. E's is only around because of its Catholic affiliation and BU Medical is around because of its commitment to the urban core of the city. But it would not surprise me if Tufts bit the dust one of these days. After dividing us up, they can go after some other states. Let me tell you that bigger is not always better even if we are told it will reduce their costs. But guess what--the Insurance companies (the same men and women who fought the Affordable Care Act) have finally figured out they love it because they have more customers and some of them are young and healthy and will stay with the companies for a long time. They are quite pissed that their House Republican buds want to gut it when it is making them money.
Janet Yellen will be the first woman to head the Fed (a rhyme to spice your day). We can partly thank my own Senator--Warren, that is--for kicking Larry Summers to the curb and advocating for Yellen. Five minutes after the announcement of her appointment, that bright light Richard Shelby, (Alabama's Senator) decided she might not have the skills for the job. He cannot even play in her sandbox--thats how stupid he is. But then again, he is from Alabama and they all know more than the rest of us.
Odds and Ends: That PBS documentary on the NFL and how it has handled concussions was both disturbing and excellent. ESPN pulled out of its sponsorship under (what may have been) pressure from the NFL. This is very scary and if anyone has a child playing Pop Warner football, I would pull him or her out right now.
Under undue and enormous pressure from 4 of the women in my family (and you all can count so you know who the culprits are) I broke down and got an I phone which I hate but caved in and got. The only upside so far was that I was able to follow the Patriots game this past weekend while on the train. I do make a point of talking on it while I cross the street oblivious to all cars.
Mildred and Yvette continue to hang in there and Oliver had a birthday--hoorays all around.
SPORTS TALK
I hate college coaches. They are pro wannabes who get in the faces of 18 year olds and treat them like shit. Some of their behavior is nearly abusive--yet we all idolize them and the $$$ they bring into their schools. The suck up commentators who kiss to the game are equally offensive.
If I am the Yanks there is no way I give Cano $300 million--and I love the guy. Let him go at that price. I hate those red flops but do admit they are more fun than those beer swiggers from last year.
And somehow, I think ARod is going to get a lighter "sentence" which is too bad--he should really be kicked down the dugout steps.
How to figure the Pats? They were pathetic against the Bengals and superlative against the Saints. Without Welker, Hernandez, and Gronkowski, they are 5-1. More injuries on top of more injuries. If I were me, I would worry about the Jets.
But hockey is back and boy do I love it.
Great fans in Houston cheering when Matt Schaub, who they hate, lay in pain on the field. Oh Texas--like Alabama--one of those football first states with just wondeful politicians as well.
Sayonara
Speaking of health care (what a transition, huh?)--we might as well just divide up this state into two hospital systems--Care Group and Partners. Every hospital and every health center. Life will be much easier. These "non profit" behemoths are just taking over anyhow. St. E's is only around because of its Catholic affiliation and BU Medical is around because of its commitment to the urban core of the city. But it would not surprise me if Tufts bit the dust one of these days. After dividing us up, they can go after some other states. Let me tell you that bigger is not always better even if we are told it will reduce their costs. But guess what--the Insurance companies (the same men and women who fought the Affordable Care Act) have finally figured out they love it because they have more customers and some of them are young and healthy and will stay with the companies for a long time. They are quite pissed that their House Republican buds want to gut it when it is making them money.
Janet Yellen will be the first woman to head the Fed (a rhyme to spice your day). We can partly thank my own Senator--Warren, that is--for kicking Larry Summers to the curb and advocating for Yellen. Five minutes after the announcement of her appointment, that bright light Richard Shelby, (Alabama's Senator) decided she might not have the skills for the job. He cannot even play in her sandbox--thats how stupid he is. But then again, he is from Alabama and they all know more than the rest of us.
Odds and Ends: That PBS documentary on the NFL and how it has handled concussions was both disturbing and excellent. ESPN pulled out of its sponsorship under (what may have been) pressure from the NFL. This is very scary and if anyone has a child playing Pop Warner football, I would pull him or her out right now.
Under undue and enormous pressure from 4 of the women in my family (and you all can count so you know who the culprits are) I broke down and got an I phone which I hate but caved in and got. The only upside so far was that I was able to follow the Patriots game this past weekend while on the train. I do make a point of talking on it while I cross the street oblivious to all cars.
Mildred and Yvette continue to hang in there and Oliver had a birthday--hoorays all around.
SPORTS TALK
I hate college coaches. They are pro wannabes who get in the faces of 18 year olds and treat them like shit. Some of their behavior is nearly abusive--yet we all idolize them and the $$$ they bring into their schools. The suck up commentators who kiss to the game are equally offensive.
If I am the Yanks there is no way I give Cano $300 million--and I love the guy. Let him go at that price. I hate those red flops but do admit they are more fun than those beer swiggers from last year.
And somehow, I think ARod is going to get a lighter "sentence" which is too bad--he should really be kicked down the dugout steps.
How to figure the Pats? They were pathetic against the Bengals and superlative against the Saints. Without Welker, Hernandez, and Gronkowski, they are 5-1. More injuries on top of more injuries. If I were me, I would worry about the Jets.
But hockey is back and boy do I love it.
Great fans in Houston cheering when Matt Schaub, who they hate, lay in pain on the field. Oh Texas--like Alabama--one of those football first states with just wondeful politicians as well.
Sayonara
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
MY BOYFRIENDS ARE BACK AND THEY ARE GONNA CAUSE TROUBLE--HEY LA LI LA
Those two boys are Eric (he who is a member of my tribe) Cantor and John (he who has a perpetual tan) Boehner. Basically they hate poor people--how else to explain leading the charge to reduce dollars for food stamps and Head Start plus attempting to overturn Obamacare. They keep saying the Affordable Care Act is unconstitutional--but did I miss something? Didn't those ultra progressives on the Supreme Court declare it valid? Look, they also hate the President and there is not a shred of doubt in my simple mind that the dots can be connected and this whole mess has more than an undercurrent of racism. Now they get to shut down the government holding Obamacare hostage to their rigidity.
Meanwhile, up here in the most Liberal state, we had a primary mayoral election with a bunch of candidates--felt like millions given how often the phone rang. Guess who the top two vote getters were--two white Irish guys. All the candidates of color (and there were a bunch) split that vote. I read or heard somewhere that Boston and Indianapolis are the only two Northern cities who have never had a mayor of color. And yet every day we slap ourselves on the back to congratulate ourselves on being a majority minority city. Means nada.
A word about Ted Cruz--I blame a close relative for his election but, being a great humanitarian, I let let bygones be bygones. He is a first generation American--the son of immigrants. But he is quick to point out his parents are from Cuba who we are supposed to despise. His parents are not people who crossed the Rio Grande. How can Wendy Davis win an election in that sorry mind numbing state. Maybe if she ran for Mayor(ess) of Austin.
Elizabeth Warren is turning out to be a terrific Senator so good that Scottie is leaving us for that Live Free or Die state just up the road--running scared because he knows he can never ever beat her. She stomped all over Larry Summers and his possible appointment to be Chief of the Fed. He continues to need reminders that he is a weasel and not a friend of women. She gave him another boot to the ass.
Nate Silver has moved to ESPN and is likely now a bazillionaire. He started as a sports statistician and is returning to his roots. Turns out he gets to keep his political survey blog which is great news though I am not sure I want to look at it just yet--maybe by next June and only if the boys continue to self destruct.
While not a Catholic, I have been struck by the words of this Pope guy. The Jesuits are a bit different--that was obvious to me ever since Father Drinan was in Congress. This Poppe seems to be trying at least to mend some fences--let's all hope he has a long papacy.
A terrific New Yorker cover--Assad and Bryan Cranston (from Breaking Bad) both mixing chemicals. Words do not do it justice. But the finale of Breaking Bad was perfect and not one of those neat, clear, typical tv finales. I did think, however, that the new season of Homeland began with somewhat of a dopey episode. By the way, Gatekeepers is a great documentary about the intelligence service of Israel and its leaders. Scary too.
After all the violence in Kenya, I get very worried about another close relative who will be travelling to Africa in a month or so--not Kenya but still.
Having Jess, Steffen, and the kids one town over is really special and I know how lucky Barbara and I are.
SPORTS TALK
Ok, Robinson Cano will not be the MVP. But the year he had on a team with a bunch of nobodies was spectacular. I cannot stand the humongous salaries these players get but how the Yankees cannot sign him is beyond me.
I am shocked that the Pats are 4-0 but am not one of those worried about the loss of Wilfork. They just need to find another fatty to put in there. That offense is only going to get better. I am thinking the Gronkster comes back against the Saints not the Bengals.
Sayonara and a shout out to Yvette who is fighting the good fight.
Meanwhile, up here in the most Liberal state, we had a primary mayoral election with a bunch of candidates--felt like millions given how often the phone rang. Guess who the top two vote getters were--two white Irish guys. All the candidates of color (and there were a bunch) split that vote. I read or heard somewhere that Boston and Indianapolis are the only two Northern cities who have never had a mayor of color. And yet every day we slap ourselves on the back to congratulate ourselves on being a majority minority city. Means nada.
A word about Ted Cruz--I blame a close relative for his election but, being a great humanitarian, I let let bygones be bygones. He is a first generation American--the son of immigrants. But he is quick to point out his parents are from Cuba who we are supposed to despise. His parents are not people who crossed the Rio Grande. How can Wendy Davis win an election in that sorry mind numbing state. Maybe if she ran for Mayor(ess) of Austin.
Elizabeth Warren is turning out to be a terrific Senator so good that Scottie is leaving us for that Live Free or Die state just up the road--running scared because he knows he can never ever beat her. She stomped all over Larry Summers and his possible appointment to be Chief of the Fed. He continues to need reminders that he is a weasel and not a friend of women. She gave him another boot to the ass.
Nate Silver has moved to ESPN and is likely now a bazillionaire. He started as a sports statistician and is returning to his roots. Turns out he gets to keep his political survey blog which is great news though I am not sure I want to look at it just yet--maybe by next June and only if the boys continue to self destruct.
While not a Catholic, I have been struck by the words of this Pope guy. The Jesuits are a bit different--that was obvious to me ever since Father Drinan was in Congress. This Poppe seems to be trying at least to mend some fences--let's all hope he has a long papacy.
A terrific New Yorker cover--Assad and Bryan Cranston (from Breaking Bad) both mixing chemicals. Words do not do it justice. But the finale of Breaking Bad was perfect and not one of those neat, clear, typical tv finales. I did think, however, that the new season of Homeland began with somewhat of a dopey episode. By the way, Gatekeepers is a great documentary about the intelligence service of Israel and its leaders. Scary too.
After all the violence in Kenya, I get very worried about another close relative who will be travelling to Africa in a month or so--not Kenya but still.
Having Jess, Steffen, and the kids one town over is really special and I know how lucky Barbara and I are.
SPORTS TALK
Ok, Robinson Cano will not be the MVP. But the year he had on a team with a bunch of nobodies was spectacular. I cannot stand the humongous salaries these players get but how the Yankees cannot sign him is beyond me.
I am shocked that the Pats are 4-0 but am not one of those worried about the loss of Wilfork. They just need to find another fatty to put in there. That offense is only going to get better. I am thinking the Gronkster comes back against the Saints not the Bengals.
Sayonara and a shout out to Yvette who is fighting the good fight.
Sunday, September 15, 2013
I'M BAAACK!!
And not a moment too soon I might add. My mumblings and rumblings are desperately needed for a chaotic world. But first a word from my sponsors.
Context is important as you shall see: Grew in Miami. Mother's relatives were all in Maine. Father's relatives were (and continue to be) in Brazil having escaped the horrors of Hitler. No relatives around Miami to celebrate holidays with, to go on vacations with, or to experience life in an extended family with. That is what I carry with me sometimes as a burden but mostly just as reality (a bit too profound, no?). Anyhow, we spent the month of August in the Berkshires and, truth be told, it was wonderful. How can it not be when we are all (as a family) so lucky, so healthy, and mostly so comfortable with each other. Joining us were assorted children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, brothers in law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. As a member of this smallish tribe, I continue to marvel at how families work and sometimes don't work. I am amazed to be sitting with 3 generations of what is now my family. I am astounded at actually having grandchildren. I feel feministic (Please no comments on my word creation skills.) about the strong women who are my children and my partner. How can this be and how do I fit in? It is something I continue to learn about and attempt to feel settled with. The chaos at times makes me crazy; but then upon our return here, I am ready to sign up again for next summer. It hits me deeply that I am so attached to this group of people and reminds me of all I missed down there in Miami as I grew up.
Moving on to the odds and ends section. I am sitting in my dermatologist's office watching a guy talking in Hebrew on his cell phone--VERY LOUDLY. Almost directly under the sign which says please don't use your cell phone. Then, proceeds to pick his nose. Really? This is topped by the guy on the bike on Centre Street that I saw before our trip. Gotta weigh a smidgen over 300 pounds and is riding one of those old Schwinn bikes with no gears and with those funky streamers coming out of the handle bars. He is wearing those Daisy May tight shorts and as he rides away the crack in his ass is visible from at least a mile away. Really? Who wins this battle of the "oh my, who are these creeps" contest?
So, Egypt continues to be in turmoil. Jordan has refugee cities which have become 3 of the 5 largest cities in the country and, in those cities, stores have sprung up and cafes have sprung up and hospitals have sprung up. And people are being born and people are dying. The world is propping Jordan up because right next door is the mess they call Syria. Maybe we have escaped a military intervention but maybe not and, if not Syria, there will be other chances down the road in other Middle East countries. I really have no answers just know Obama put himself in a real box with some of his rhetoric. On the other hand, for Donald Rumsfeld to offer advice after his mishandling of Iraq is a big fat joke. And, as I have previously said (and self congratulated myself about), Lebanon is a tinder box because of Hezbollah's support of Assad. The only miracle so far is that the Israelis have kept their mouths shut. By the way, if you don't believe the CIA and, perhaps U.S. Special Forces, are inside of Syria, you are most certainly wrong.
Bumped into Post Mistress Thalia in July. She retired because she could not stand the crazy people in the JP branch (her words not mine). I really miss her but have, to my delight, learned how to operate the computerized set up in the lobby--so I avoid all the unpleasantness of the real people who work there.
Truer odds and ends: Go immediately and see the movie Fruitvale Station and then get really depressed. Go and read "As Texas Goes..." by Gail Collins and also get really depressed. Go out on the highway and count how many different license plates the state of Florida has and then get really depressed because the Floridians believe that makes things all better. But it doesn't. It is still the ugly South and George Zimmerman was a free man until he beat his wife.
The cuts to Head start are unconscionable but then most members of the House of Representatives
still do not believe Obama was born here--so what can you expect.
Fight on, Yvette.
SPORTS TALK
The Yankees will not make it and really do not deserve to. But the trade for Soriano coupled with the out of this world performance of Cano has kept them in there. Cano easily is one of the top 5 players in all of baseball. And, oh by the way, he makes Pedey look oh so ordinary. ARod is a lying fool.
Mr. Brady and the boys have now struggled twice and have another semi easy game coming up. But after that the real world intrudes and those kiddy receivers better learn to catch the ball and we all should hope the Gronkster gets back.
Sayonara.
Context is important as you shall see: Grew in Miami. Mother's relatives were all in Maine. Father's relatives were (and continue to be) in Brazil having escaped the horrors of Hitler. No relatives around Miami to celebrate holidays with, to go on vacations with, or to experience life in an extended family with. That is what I carry with me sometimes as a burden but mostly just as reality (a bit too profound, no?). Anyhow, we spent the month of August in the Berkshires and, truth be told, it was wonderful. How can it not be when we are all (as a family) so lucky, so healthy, and mostly so comfortable with each other. Joining us were assorted children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, brothers in law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. As a member of this smallish tribe, I continue to marvel at how families work and sometimes don't work. I am amazed to be sitting with 3 generations of what is now my family. I am astounded at actually having grandchildren. I feel feministic (Please no comments on my word creation skills.) about the strong women who are my children and my partner. How can this be and how do I fit in? It is something I continue to learn about and attempt to feel settled with. The chaos at times makes me crazy; but then upon our return here, I am ready to sign up again for next summer. It hits me deeply that I am so attached to this group of people and reminds me of all I missed down there in Miami as I grew up.
Moving on to the odds and ends section. I am sitting in my dermatologist's office watching a guy talking in Hebrew on his cell phone--VERY LOUDLY. Almost directly under the sign which says please don't use your cell phone. Then, proceeds to pick his nose. Really? This is topped by the guy on the bike on Centre Street that I saw before our trip. Gotta weigh a smidgen over 300 pounds and is riding one of those old Schwinn bikes with no gears and with those funky streamers coming out of the handle bars. He is wearing those Daisy May tight shorts and as he rides away the crack in his ass is visible from at least a mile away. Really? Who wins this battle of the "oh my, who are these creeps" contest?
So, Egypt continues to be in turmoil. Jordan has refugee cities which have become 3 of the 5 largest cities in the country and, in those cities, stores have sprung up and cafes have sprung up and hospitals have sprung up. And people are being born and people are dying. The world is propping Jordan up because right next door is the mess they call Syria. Maybe we have escaped a military intervention but maybe not and, if not Syria, there will be other chances down the road in other Middle East countries. I really have no answers just know Obama put himself in a real box with some of his rhetoric. On the other hand, for Donald Rumsfeld to offer advice after his mishandling of Iraq is a big fat joke. And, as I have previously said (and self congratulated myself about), Lebanon is a tinder box because of Hezbollah's support of Assad. The only miracle so far is that the Israelis have kept their mouths shut. By the way, if you don't believe the CIA and, perhaps U.S. Special Forces, are inside of Syria, you are most certainly wrong.
Bumped into Post Mistress Thalia in July. She retired because she could not stand the crazy people in the JP branch (her words not mine). I really miss her but have, to my delight, learned how to operate the computerized set up in the lobby--so I avoid all the unpleasantness of the real people who work there.
Truer odds and ends: Go immediately and see the movie Fruitvale Station and then get really depressed. Go and read "As Texas Goes..." by Gail Collins and also get really depressed. Go out on the highway and count how many different license plates the state of Florida has and then get really depressed because the Floridians believe that makes things all better. But it doesn't. It is still the ugly South and George Zimmerman was a free man until he beat his wife.
The cuts to Head start are unconscionable but then most members of the House of Representatives
still do not believe Obama was born here--so what can you expect.
Fight on, Yvette.
SPORTS TALK
The Yankees will not make it and really do not deserve to. But the trade for Soriano coupled with the out of this world performance of Cano has kept them in there. Cano easily is one of the top 5 players in all of baseball. And, oh by the way, he makes Pedey look oh so ordinary. ARod is a lying fool.
Mr. Brady and the boys have now struggled twice and have another semi easy game coming up. But after that the real world intrudes and those kiddy receivers better learn to catch the ball and we all should hope the Gronkster gets back.
Sayonara.
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
SEE YOU IN SEPTEMBER
I know how you feel. I have that same baited breath (and what the fuck is baited breath anyway?) feeling as I wait each month for my Social Security check to be deposited. I say to myself will it be there, will it be accurate, what do I do if it is not deposited? That is exactly how you must feel twice a month (oh gosh, twice the anxiety) as you await my amazing words. Well tough luck, campers. We are off for a month and you won't be hearing from me until mid September. But I will be keeping a list and checking it twice to be sure I keep track of all the high and low lights in the world. And lest I forget--Happy Labor day to all and, to those of the Jewish persuasion, Happy New Year--it comes very early, so get ready.
Where to start? How about this direct quote from the Globe. On an episode of "Face The Nation, John Boehner (he who has a perpetual tan) said: "Congress ought to be judged on how many laws we repeal" not by how many laws we pass. This is one of our leaders, third in line for the Presidency. And they get all the help they need from the Supremes. Beside everything else, he simply has no clue what leadership is and/or how to be a LEADER--and of course there is no outrage from any of his colleagues over this bit of nastiness.
Anthoney Weiner won't drop out? What's wrong with that picture? And his wife still is supportive. People really are out of touch and so full of themselves that it boggles the mind. Then we have the sad and pathetic tale of the city of Detroit. Though it takes an average 60 minutes for police to respond to 911 calls, they are going ahead with a $400 million dollar arena plan for downtown. And the conservative put in charge of the city by the Gov thinks it is a brilliant idea. This in a city with 40,000 abandoned but standing houses. Pathetic.
Elizabeth Warren is turning into one helluva Senator--plus she is actually doing what she promised which is going after Wall Street and protecting middle Americans. Even going against her party at certain times. And little Eddie Markey is following in her footsteps--what a turnaround. But those wonderful House Republicans have not reversed their decision about eliminating food stamps even as they continued farm subsidies. Next on their agenda--another vote to overturn Obamacare.
Nothing better to do especially with Boehner (he who has a perpetual tan--oh, I did say that once already, huh?) wanting more not fewer repeals.
A few words (a day late and way more than a dollar short) about George Zimmerman. Jurors now saying he really was guilty but the law prevented them from finding him guilty. I cannot bear it or hear it and want them to just shut up and go away. The best piece I saw or read on this travesty was on the Jon Stewart show which is being hosted over the summer by John Oliver. I saw it on You Tube and he was both funny and enraged--just terrific. And oh, by the way, he is British where even the police do not carry guns.
Watch out: The Popester had some semi normal things to say about gay folks.
A confession, I am starting to have sympathy for the devil. The devil being Whitey Bulger. Not exactly sympathy but they guy is 83 and is going to prison for the rest of his life no matter what. I think the judge should just call it quits, let the victim's families give impact statements, and get it over with. Send him off. And if you don't think Whitey will be running a few little things from prison, you are nuts--he still has plenty of influence in that new yuppie world of Southie. Plus the much more important trial of the Marathon bomber is going on in the same building and is deserving of much more of our attention.
Getting all sorts of communiques about my 50th HS reunion--one of which opened with "I am a widow"--what do you say in response to someone you have not seen in 30 years--seems a bit too intimate for our first conversation, no?
"The Bridge" on FX is excellent.
SPORTS TALK
Not getting too carried away with the US men's soccer team. Though I did read someplace that part of their improvement is the greater involvement of Hispanic players especially those raised in Southern California. Check out some of the names the next time they are on TV and then maybe someone should discuss immigration reform since most of them were not born here.
You heard it here first--two Buckeyes under Urban Meyer's blind oversight have already been arrested. More surely will follow. He is a thug coach with a proven track record of being just that at Florida. On the other hand, when our prisons are disproportionately filled with men of color, should we expect anything different in the "real world"? It is a very fine line and I have no answers; just questions.
See you soon Lilli and Oliver.
Sayonara
Where to start? How about this direct quote from the Globe. On an episode of "Face The Nation, John Boehner (he who has a perpetual tan) said: "Congress ought to be judged on how many laws we repeal" not by how many laws we pass. This is one of our leaders, third in line for the Presidency. And they get all the help they need from the Supremes. Beside everything else, he simply has no clue what leadership is and/or how to be a LEADER--and of course there is no outrage from any of his colleagues over this bit of nastiness.
Anthoney Weiner won't drop out? What's wrong with that picture? And his wife still is supportive. People really are out of touch and so full of themselves that it boggles the mind. Then we have the sad and pathetic tale of the city of Detroit. Though it takes an average 60 minutes for police to respond to 911 calls, they are going ahead with a $400 million dollar arena plan for downtown. And the conservative put in charge of the city by the Gov thinks it is a brilliant idea. This in a city with 40,000 abandoned but standing houses. Pathetic.
Elizabeth Warren is turning into one helluva Senator--plus she is actually doing what she promised which is going after Wall Street and protecting middle Americans. Even going against her party at certain times. And little Eddie Markey is following in her footsteps--what a turnaround. But those wonderful House Republicans have not reversed their decision about eliminating food stamps even as they continued farm subsidies. Next on their agenda--another vote to overturn Obamacare.
Nothing better to do especially with Boehner (he who has a perpetual tan--oh, I did say that once already, huh?) wanting more not fewer repeals.
A few words (a day late and way more than a dollar short) about George Zimmerman. Jurors now saying he really was guilty but the law prevented them from finding him guilty. I cannot bear it or hear it and want them to just shut up and go away. The best piece I saw or read on this travesty was on the Jon Stewart show which is being hosted over the summer by John Oliver. I saw it on You Tube and he was both funny and enraged--just terrific. And oh, by the way, he is British where even the police do not carry guns.
Watch out: The Popester had some semi normal things to say about gay folks.
A confession, I am starting to have sympathy for the devil. The devil being Whitey Bulger. Not exactly sympathy but they guy is 83 and is going to prison for the rest of his life no matter what. I think the judge should just call it quits, let the victim's families give impact statements, and get it over with. Send him off. And if you don't think Whitey will be running a few little things from prison, you are nuts--he still has plenty of influence in that new yuppie world of Southie. Plus the much more important trial of the Marathon bomber is going on in the same building and is deserving of much more of our attention.
Getting all sorts of communiques about my 50th HS reunion--one of which opened with "I am a widow"--what do you say in response to someone you have not seen in 30 years--seems a bit too intimate for our first conversation, no?
"The Bridge" on FX is excellent.
SPORTS TALK
Not getting too carried away with the US men's soccer team. Though I did read someplace that part of their improvement is the greater involvement of Hispanic players especially those raised in Southern California. Check out some of the names the next time they are on TV and then maybe someone should discuss immigration reform since most of them were not born here.
You heard it here first--two Buckeyes under Urban Meyer's blind oversight have already been arrested. More surely will follow. He is a thug coach with a proven track record of being just that at Florida. On the other hand, when our prisons are disproportionately filled with men of color, should we expect anything different in the "real world"? It is a very fine line and I have no answers; just questions.
See you soon Lilli and Oliver.
Sayonara
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
I WISH I WAS IN THE LAND OF COTTON, OLD TIMES THERE ARE NOT FORGOTTEN
That's from the song Dixie which I am sure someone famous wrote (?Stephen Foster?). Anyhow, I was reminded of it when Barbara asked if I was surprised at the result of the Zimmerman trial and I said no. Florida is the South--though if you start in Key West, you may not think so. But as you move North, and eventually end up in Pensacola near the "Redneck Riviera", you know you are in the heart of the good ole boy South. Six white women felt the killing of Trayvon was acceptable for someone "feeling fear". The breakthrough here is that the verdict was delivered by the good ole girls--a victory for feminism? So I don't care about the Justice Department inquiry and I don't care about civil suits. Parents lost a son who was wearing a hoodie and scared poor little Georgie. I am not beyond any guilt. On July 4th, we stopped on a bridge in South Boston to observe the fireworks--a bridge teeming with Hispanic teenagers. I was quite tense and unsure of my own safety though I hope it could have been any group of adolescents raising hell and running around yelling. The Florida self defense law which allows you to shoot if you "feel" threatened (not necessarily physically threatened) is beyond any words available to me. The trial was the same week that Doonesbury resurrected "Jimmy Crow"--the character representing voter suppression in the South. Clerks and registrars all over the South (and redistricting committees in legislatures) must of all had some good chuckles about how they could could further screw black voters. All this thanks to the destruction of the enforcement provision of the Voting Rights Act. Sleep soundly Clarence Thomas. Cannot say enough but will move on.
Now those U.S.Congress House Republicans are really special. They passed a farm bill but totally eliminated food stamps. Did not see Boehner (he of the perpetual tan) or Cantor (he who is a member of my tribe) do any sound bites about that. And they are on the verge of scuttling the immigration bill because it rewards people who got here illegally--all of whom may vote them out of office. One can only hope. These same refugees are of course in schools and in the Armed Forces and literally dying so that the Republicans can fuck them over. They and their Senate colleagues also managed to squash any bill to freeze interest rates on student loans. You gotta love their cojones and can only hope that we all remember them in 2014.
Then the animal stories featured in the Globe. Great white sharks continue to swim off the shores of Cape Cod--as opposed to appearing in downtown Hyannis. There are bears on the roads of Vermont as opposed to the main streets of Vermont. And in upstate New York, deer will be shot with contraceptives as a way to manage their proliferation. Really, do we need this news? Aren't we better off with accident articles or crime stories or Whitey Bulger stories?
Quick notes: Egypt is on the verge of civil war and is a totally out of control country. The civil war in Syria is turning in favor of the government which is really bad news for the countries supporting the rebels. And ditto for the citizens of the country.
Two culture items. The most recent cover of the New Yorker showed Bert and Ernie with their arms around each other as DOMA was declared null and void on their TV. "20 Feet from Stardom" is a terrific movie about the importance of back up singers in the lives of the best bands in the world.
SPORTS TALK
Will be brief because it feels a bit trivial. Hate the Seguin trade even if he is an asshole. Urban Meyer should be kicked to the curb and the real question is how many Buckeyes will be in jail (a la his time at Florida) before he is through there. Hard to imagine what goes through the minds of the Haitian national soccer team as they play here in that CONCACAF tourney. With what their country has gone through? And a final stolen idea: Hernandez should have his trial moved to Sanford, Florida.
So very proud of my children and grandchildren. Love you all.
Sayonara
Now those U.S.Congress House Republicans are really special. They passed a farm bill but totally eliminated food stamps. Did not see Boehner (he of the perpetual tan) or Cantor (he who is a member of my tribe) do any sound bites about that. And they are on the verge of scuttling the immigration bill because it rewards people who got here illegally--all of whom may vote them out of office. One can only hope. These same refugees are of course in schools and in the Armed Forces and literally dying so that the Republicans can fuck them over. They and their Senate colleagues also managed to squash any bill to freeze interest rates on student loans. You gotta love their cojones and can only hope that we all remember them in 2014.
Then the animal stories featured in the Globe. Great white sharks continue to swim off the shores of Cape Cod--as opposed to appearing in downtown Hyannis. There are bears on the roads of Vermont as opposed to the main streets of Vermont. And in upstate New York, deer will be shot with contraceptives as a way to manage their proliferation. Really, do we need this news? Aren't we better off with accident articles or crime stories or Whitey Bulger stories?
Quick notes: Egypt is on the verge of civil war and is a totally out of control country. The civil war in Syria is turning in favor of the government which is really bad news for the countries supporting the rebels. And ditto for the citizens of the country.
Two culture items. The most recent cover of the New Yorker showed Bert and Ernie with their arms around each other as DOMA was declared null and void on their TV. "20 Feet from Stardom" is a terrific movie about the importance of back up singers in the lives of the best bands in the world.
SPORTS TALK
Will be brief because it feels a bit trivial. Hate the Seguin trade even if he is an asshole. Urban Meyer should be kicked to the curb and the real question is how many Buckeyes will be in jail (a la his time at Florida) before he is through there. Hard to imagine what goes through the minds of the Haitian national soccer team as they play here in that CONCACAF tourney. With what their country has gone through? And a final stolen idea: Hernandez should have his trial moved to Sanford, Florida.
So very proud of my children and grandchildren. Love you all.
Sayonara
Monday, July 1, 2013
TWO RULES TO LIVE BY AND OTHER ASSORTED ITEMS IN MY WORLD
1. Never, ever, converse with someone in the supermarket who is talking to either canned goods or fresh vegetables. Talking to the meat is ok.
2. Never, ever, smile at a person who is entering the library--it is a super secret code for "I will see you in the rest room".
Been getting a lot of not so pleasant comments about a loss of "edginess" in this screed. Will hope I have regained some of mojo in this post.
Moving on, we met with our financial planners recently and one of them plotted out how much money we would need given my life expectancy--which by the way is 81. I was floored and at least once a day since then, the number has popped into my head. I should have throttled him. Then today an article appeared in the Globe about an upcoming arts festival funded by this 83 year old philanthropist who was told not to have it occur so soon. His response: "I don't even buy green bananas". Love it. The Globe also did manage on the same day to have 3 brief pieces about bears.
A close relative who knows much more about immigration especially how it plays out in Congress is not optimistic about this Senate bill passing the fucking crazy Republicans in the House. The Republicans simply don't want "those people" to become citizens. However, those folks do vote and one can only hope that this will backfire and changes will occur in 2014. It is ok if they are in the military and die for the country but not ok if they also are citizens. And a wall along the border will not solve the problem--just ask the Israelis. After reading a recent article in the New Yorker, I will admit John McCain had a lot to do with the Senate passing the bill. Ditto for that yokel Lindsey Graham.
Hate to depend on Anthony Kennedy for every 5-4 Supreme Court decision. They gutted the enforcement section of the the Voting rights Act (check out today's Doonesbury to see what he had to say about the return of Jim Crow). Yet they virtually did away with DOMA. Go figure.
That Texas State Senator who spoke for 11 hours straight was terrific; but Perry will have his way and Texas will end up severely limiting access to abortions. She is a single parent who ended up at Harvard Law. Perry suggested she should know better since she chose not to have an abortion. CHOSE being my operative word. Meanwhile the Gov did permit Texas to execute another person making it an even 500. Oh, Anna, do something down there, please. I am not sure where this guy Snowden will end up (what is a transit area anyway?) but I am damn sure the more we learn the better even if it takes leaks like this.
And now we are providing arms to the Syrian rebels. I am not sure what the best choice was given Assad's murderous tendencies and his Hezbollah pals. But I would be worried especially with Egypt starting to blow up and Turkey still simmering.
Paula Deen deserves every bit of negativity we can summon. Usage of the "N" word is bad enough--but she serves up the unhealthiest fattifying food on her show and chats us up with that "Y all" crap--makes me puke. A la Lindsey Graham.
Semi sports: Trust me when I say it is not a good idea to wish you knew about the personal lives of athletes. And I am not just talking about Aaron Hernandez and his plight. Serena Williams had a few ugly words about the victim of that rape in Steubenville. We know too much about Tiger Woods also. Just focus on what happens between the lines. Screw the rest . I am as guilty as the next person on this one.
Welcome to Jake, Tess, and Fay Still trying to reach 100. Got any newbies?
SPORTS TALK
Very tough loss for the Bruins but I did love what they did to Sid the kid. Their loss was in part due to the better team winning and Rask cooling off a bit. Plus they gave up too many leads late in games. Now the talking heads are going after Sequin who is all of 21.
I think the moves Ainge is making will in the long run be better for the team. But if you have Celtic season tickets, you have a tough 2 or 3 years ahead. And I would dump rondo as well. Just saying.
The Yankees, like water, are seeking their own level which is about .500 baseball. Injuries for sure but also age. I wish Brian Cashman all the luck getting rid of ARod but it won't happen unless he gets busted for that steroid business. Beware, you red flop fans, of the Blue Jays and the Orioles.
Sayonara and Happy 4th.
2. Never, ever, smile at a person who is entering the library--it is a super secret code for "I will see you in the rest room".
Been getting a lot of not so pleasant comments about a loss of "edginess" in this screed. Will hope I have regained some of mojo in this post.
Moving on, we met with our financial planners recently and one of them plotted out how much money we would need given my life expectancy--which by the way is 81. I was floored and at least once a day since then, the number has popped into my head. I should have throttled him. Then today an article appeared in the Globe about an upcoming arts festival funded by this 83 year old philanthropist who was told not to have it occur so soon. His response: "I don't even buy green bananas". Love it. The Globe also did manage on the same day to have 3 brief pieces about bears.
A close relative who knows much more about immigration especially how it plays out in Congress is not optimistic about this Senate bill passing the fucking crazy Republicans in the House. The Republicans simply don't want "those people" to become citizens. However, those folks do vote and one can only hope that this will backfire and changes will occur in 2014. It is ok if they are in the military and die for the country but not ok if they also are citizens. And a wall along the border will not solve the problem--just ask the Israelis. After reading a recent article in the New Yorker, I will admit John McCain had a lot to do with the Senate passing the bill. Ditto for that yokel Lindsey Graham.
Hate to depend on Anthony Kennedy for every 5-4 Supreme Court decision. They gutted the enforcement section of the the Voting rights Act (check out today's Doonesbury to see what he had to say about the return of Jim Crow). Yet they virtually did away with DOMA. Go figure.
That Texas State Senator who spoke for 11 hours straight was terrific; but Perry will have his way and Texas will end up severely limiting access to abortions. She is a single parent who ended up at Harvard Law. Perry suggested she should know better since she chose not to have an abortion. CHOSE being my operative word. Meanwhile the Gov did permit Texas to execute another person making it an even 500. Oh, Anna, do something down there, please. I am not sure where this guy Snowden will end up (what is a transit area anyway?) but I am damn sure the more we learn the better even if it takes leaks like this.
And now we are providing arms to the Syrian rebels. I am not sure what the best choice was given Assad's murderous tendencies and his Hezbollah pals. But I would be worried especially with Egypt starting to blow up and Turkey still simmering.
Paula Deen deserves every bit of negativity we can summon. Usage of the "N" word is bad enough--but she serves up the unhealthiest fattifying food on her show and chats us up with that "Y all" crap--makes me puke. A la Lindsey Graham.
Semi sports: Trust me when I say it is not a good idea to wish you knew about the personal lives of athletes. And I am not just talking about Aaron Hernandez and his plight. Serena Williams had a few ugly words about the victim of that rape in Steubenville. We know too much about Tiger Woods also. Just focus on what happens between the lines. Screw the rest . I am as guilty as the next person on this one.
Welcome to Jake, Tess, and Fay Still trying to reach 100. Got any newbies?
SPORTS TALK
Very tough loss for the Bruins but I did love what they did to Sid the kid. Their loss was in part due to the better team winning and Rask cooling off a bit. Plus they gave up too many leads late in games. Now the talking heads are going after Sequin who is all of 21.
I think the moves Ainge is making will in the long run be better for the team. But if you have Celtic season tickets, you have a tough 2 or 3 years ahead. And I would dump rondo as well. Just saying.
The Yankees, like water, are seeking their own level which is about .500 baseball. Injuries for sure but also age. I wish Brian Cashman all the luck getting rid of ARod but it won't happen unless he gets busted for that steroid business. Beware, you red flop fans, of the Blue Jays and the Orioles.
Sayonara and Happy 4th.
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