I have been retired for a bit more than 9 years. During the first 7 of those years, I did some consulting--not a lot but enough to bring in some extra money and to keep at least some of my toes in the waters of Human Services. Nicely enough, at tax time, I was also able to declare certain things as expenses--like a home office. But the fat lady has sung and those days are officially over. At a recent meeting with our accountant, it was clear that my consulting "business" (which had already been on life support) was no longer. I actually am ok about that though on some level it does seem I have to now tell folks over cocktails that I am retired--and not that I do "consulting". That feels very weird.
I love my bank. It had been a branch of a small banking company called Wainwright which we loved. When they got bought out by Eastern bank, we were very worried about these big guys and how they would invariably muck up our personalized banking experience. Lo and behold, all the personnel stayed the same. They are as diverse as the neighborhood and greet me by name the minute that door opens. Yesterday, I was waiting in line when one of them said: "Mr. Berns, I am going to open up this window for you; come on over". Are you kidding? I'm there, bro.
Ends and odds:
--The basketball coach at the University of Florida (a state school) has a contract with $187 thousand dollars just in incentives. Priorities, right?
--Romney, McCain, and Graham (a la Mo, Larry, and Curly) would have had us in WW III if they had been President and responded to the Russians taking over Crimea. The Europeans have first call on this and working through them is the only alternative. Those three stooges have no clue. The alternatives all suck though sanctions against the oligarchs seems like a great option--like the guy who owns the NBA's Brooklyn Nets.
--Nate Silver (he of the 538 blog) is back with his new group--now a division of ESPN. In his first post, he is predicting that the Dems will lose the Senate. Two big problems are the Democratic women Senators from North Carolina and Louisiana. He thinks they are both going to get stomped. Big problem, folks. Though having Nate back is great--get it all you parents? Nate the Great.
--For some reason, the latest news of former Mayor Menino's recurrence of cancer has really bothered me.
--A terrific HBO documentary about the photojournalist Tim Hetherington. He frequently wanted to be ahead of the soldiers as they moved into certain areas so he could take video of the civilians as the soldiers approached. He died in combat in Libya. Go see "Restrepo". Nominated for an Oscar, it is about an Army unit in Afghanistan. He did the video.
--This is not s sports item despite its beginning. We have up here an announcer for the Red Sox whose name is Jerry Remy. His son, Jared, is in jail for murdering (allegedly) the mother of his child. For more than 10 years, judges basically gave him a pass when it came to all his brushes with the law--the majority of which involved domestic violence. I do not have enough words in my vocabulary to tell you what I think of the judiciary by their inaction. It is pathetic that the focus in the media has been on whether the father should stay on the job. My thoughts are that these judges should be kicked to the curb. The son is a steroid freak who hopefully will not get away with murder.
--Could not pay me enough to be a fireman, cop, or soldier. Too scary. Two firefighters died here this week and both ironically worked in a firehouse about 200 yards from where the marathon bombings occurred.
--The big silver bird is getting ready to take us to a very warm place tomorrow. Miss y'all.
--Be strong, Norma.
SPORTS TALK
--Critics be damned: Kessel has 36 goals; Seguin has 32 goals; and Thornton has 60 assists. No Bruin has more than 60 points total. And yes, I know how good the Bruins are but nobody has yet to tell me why highly skilled offensive players never fit in.
--Are you all proud that the Pats proposal to lengthen the height of the goal posts has passed. Whew--and I was so worried. Are our teams good or what.
--Don't expect me to say anything about baseball until July 4th. I bet you are already poised for that
conversation, huh?
--Miami is a pretend city kind of like Dallas or Houston. So now they are getting an MLS franchise so they can pretend a bit more that they really matter. They actually don't. Matter that is.
Sayonara.
Friday, March 28, 2014
Saturday, March 15, 2014
I-KRAINE, YOU-KRAINE, WE-KRAINE, LET'S ALL KRAINE FOR THE UKRAINE
Ugh--had just read an article in the New Yorker (Maybe I mentioned this in my last blog???) about how Putin detests Gorbachev for allowing the dismantling of the "old" USSR. Putin is a regular tyrant and, with his Olympic showcase over, his truer colors are emerging. He is revving up the Russians who live in the Crimea and assuredly they will approve seceding from the Ukraine tomorrow. And now a report that Russian troops have moved into a portion of the Ukraine itself. The Euros have to lead on this along with NATO. I had a very ugly day dream of a localized war breaking out over this incursion--yuk. There are all sorts of implications for them none the least of which are both security and energy. Plus those nice little trio of Baltic countries (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania) must be shivering in their boots. Here in the old US of A we have that foolish loser John McCain calling for military intervention and/or aid--within five minutes of Obama charting a course of diplomacy. He was joined by his evil twin from South Carolina, Lindsey Graham who speaks with a nearly unintelligible southern accent. Jon Stewart has started mimicking him perfectly.
Then of course there was the convention of Conservatives led by all the usual suspects including the NRA who deem no place safe unless you have weapons and lots of them and damn that government anyhow. Plus none of them like the Affordable Care Act despite its growing numbers. And, oh my, there are actually gay people in the South. What to do? It has gotten so bad, Rand Paul has begun to sound semi rational. Obama did a terrific piece on Between the Ferns". It is an online show hosted by Zach Galifinakis who more or less was interviewing the Prez who was really just pushing Affordable Care and enticing especially young folks. It was hilarious.
Meanwhile, our Governor has already got one foot out the door and his administration seems like it is totally in chaos. The awarding of medical marijuana clinic licenses was botched when a former Congressman surprisingly (?) ended up with multiple contracts. The casino implementation is taking next to forever and then there will be court action slowing it even further. The state child welfare agency continues to "lose" kids but it is not a management issue and "I fully support the Commissioner" says the Gov. He cannot get out fast enough.
The St. Patty's day parade tomorrow in South Boston (led by, get this, someone whose nickname is Wacko--I kid you not) will not allow any gay groups to march. So not sane politician will be in the parade and both Sam Adams and Heineken are pulling out of sponsorship. South Boston by the way is chock full of gen xers many of whom, yup, are gay. Wacko indeed.
Finally:
--Orthodox Jews in both Jerusalem and Brooklyn (the black Hats!!) continue to fight against serving in the Army. After all they have to pray especially for more settlements which they apparently have no problem fighting for. And they have to study all day every day. Busy men.
--Obama's budget has about as much chance of being approved as I would have fitting into a speedo (close your eyes and imagine that!!)
I have taken the plunge and will attend my 50th High School reunion. I have at most 3 people to talk with but one is my close friend from Canada--really from kindergarten just about 62 years ago. Very nervous about keeping my mouth shut and not engaging in too many socio-political conversations. Lots of folks from below the Mason Dixon line in attendance. And they will be different and that's a fact, Jack.
Thankfully, Anna was no where near that drunk driver in Austin and is fine.
SPORTS TALK
Too many talking heads talking too much shit about what the Pats should or should not do well in advance of any news--and now they have had 3 major signings in the last 48 hours and those folks still won,t shut up--just moving onto the next problem to be addressed. The Bruins are very hot and at a very good time. Have a shot at finishing first in the conference and perhaps in the league. No one wants more info on Seguin, Kessel, and Thornton, I guess--but trust me, we got nobody with their offensive skills.
Sayonara.
Then of course there was the convention of Conservatives led by all the usual suspects including the NRA who deem no place safe unless you have weapons and lots of them and damn that government anyhow. Plus none of them like the Affordable Care Act despite its growing numbers. And, oh my, there are actually gay people in the South. What to do? It has gotten so bad, Rand Paul has begun to sound semi rational. Obama did a terrific piece on Between the Ferns". It is an online show hosted by Zach Galifinakis who more or less was interviewing the Prez who was really just pushing Affordable Care and enticing especially young folks. It was hilarious.
Meanwhile, our Governor has already got one foot out the door and his administration seems like it is totally in chaos. The awarding of medical marijuana clinic licenses was botched when a former Congressman surprisingly (?) ended up with multiple contracts. The casino implementation is taking next to forever and then there will be court action slowing it even further. The state child welfare agency continues to "lose" kids but it is not a management issue and "I fully support the Commissioner" says the Gov. He cannot get out fast enough.
The St. Patty's day parade tomorrow in South Boston (led by, get this, someone whose nickname is Wacko--I kid you not) will not allow any gay groups to march. So not sane politician will be in the parade and both Sam Adams and Heineken are pulling out of sponsorship. South Boston by the way is chock full of gen xers many of whom, yup, are gay. Wacko indeed.
Finally:
--Orthodox Jews in both Jerusalem and Brooklyn (the black Hats!!) continue to fight against serving in the Army. After all they have to pray especially for more settlements which they apparently have no problem fighting for. And they have to study all day every day. Busy men.
--Obama's budget has about as much chance of being approved as I would have fitting into a speedo (close your eyes and imagine that!!)
I have taken the plunge and will attend my 50th High School reunion. I have at most 3 people to talk with but one is my close friend from Canada--really from kindergarten just about 62 years ago. Very nervous about keeping my mouth shut and not engaging in too many socio-political conversations. Lots of folks from below the Mason Dixon line in attendance. And they will be different and that's a fact, Jack.
Thankfully, Anna was no where near that drunk driver in Austin and is fine.
SPORTS TALK
Too many talking heads talking too much shit about what the Pats should or should not do well in advance of any news--and now they have had 3 major signings in the last 48 hours and those folks still won,t shut up--just moving onto the next problem to be addressed. The Bruins are very hot and at a very good time. Have a shot at finishing first in the conference and perhaps in the league. No one wants more info on Seguin, Kessel, and Thornton, I guess--but trust me, we got nobody with their offensive skills.
Sayonara.
Friday, February 28, 2014
"O CANADA, TERRE DE NOS AIEUZ; TON FRONT EST CEINT DE FLEURONS GLORIEUX"
For those mono-linguists among you (as opposed to moi) those are the first two lines of the French version of the Canadian national anthem. The English translation is: "O Canada, our home and native land; true patriot love in all thy sons command". Which is my way of saying that all I cared about in terms of the Olympics (and this is not about sports!!!) was ice hockey--both men and women. And of course our brethren from north of the border took gold in both. I happen to believe the men were lucky (just squeaking by Latvia) but those women were very very good. Moving south of the border.....
Maybe Georgia should secede once they formally approve their new license plates which display the confederate flag. Ditto for Mississippi where students at Ole Miss hung a noose on the neck of the campus statue of James Meredith. Both those states just seem to yearn for the good old days. And Arizona whose Governor vetoed that horrific law which would have allowed businesses to refuse to serve gay and/or lesbian customers. Not that she did it because it was morally right to do it--no, she did it because it was bad for business. They would have lost the upcoming Super Bowl for one thing. My favorite talking sports head happens to be Jewish and he said something along the following lines--"how will those stores know who is gay or lesbian? My people have been through something like that when we had to wear yellow stars". Really it all makes you wonder what century we live in.
Odds and ends:
-Bruce is playing at Mohegan Sun Casino. Such a disappointment for me. Seems like the wrong place for The Boss.
-Partners Health Care got its ass justifiably handed to it as it tried to buy yet another hospital. Their argument, more or less, is that bigger is better--better for service and more financially efficient. Which ain't necessarily so. But some sort of health review panel said nope--go back to first year calculus and show us the money.
-I do not believe for a second that the mess of bullying in the Dolphin locker room is isolated. It happens in other places where macho men do their work.
-Children are dying all over the world and I am just not sure how to wrap my mind around it let alone what to do.
--Ukraine, Syria, Iraq,Thailand--all in some sort of major upheavals with all sorts of people dying. At least Obama is sticking to his guns (so far) and getting us out of Afghanistan. Now if he could just reach across those 90 miles to Havana.
-Ted Nugent is a big fat asshole who no longer is even a good musician.
-Are there any tailors left in the former Eastern bloc countries? I mean those suits worn by the male coaches were so nasty, I could do better with a needle and thread.
-Roger Angell, age 93, has written for the New Yorker for nearly 70 years. He had a very small piece last week about aging and how it feels--other than requiring him to have a daily evening scotch!!
-Go visit Austin but skip the Ric Perry part of the tour. Go to the great restaurants, the food trucks, the natural sites and tell Anna we sent you. Hah.
SPORTS TALK
-Can anyone really tell the difference between ice dancing and pairs skating. The women in all the ice skating events looked like they had on breakable masks and plastered on smiles. Yuk.
-Bode Miller, Shani Davis, Shaun White--all over rated and way too hyped by the media in America.
--The $60 million dollar stadium for the Allen High School team is closed indefinitely due to structural cracks--they probably will play in the Cowboys stadium now. Hope it falls apart with no one inside.
Be strong Norma.
Sayonara
Maybe Georgia should secede once they formally approve their new license plates which display the confederate flag. Ditto for Mississippi where students at Ole Miss hung a noose on the neck of the campus statue of James Meredith. Both those states just seem to yearn for the good old days. And Arizona whose Governor vetoed that horrific law which would have allowed businesses to refuse to serve gay and/or lesbian customers. Not that she did it because it was morally right to do it--no, she did it because it was bad for business. They would have lost the upcoming Super Bowl for one thing. My favorite talking sports head happens to be Jewish and he said something along the following lines--"how will those stores know who is gay or lesbian? My people have been through something like that when we had to wear yellow stars". Really it all makes you wonder what century we live in.
Odds and ends:
-Bruce is playing at Mohegan Sun Casino. Such a disappointment for me. Seems like the wrong place for The Boss.
-Partners Health Care got its ass justifiably handed to it as it tried to buy yet another hospital. Their argument, more or less, is that bigger is better--better for service and more financially efficient. Which ain't necessarily so. But some sort of health review panel said nope--go back to first year calculus and show us the money.
-I do not believe for a second that the mess of bullying in the Dolphin locker room is isolated. It happens in other places where macho men do their work.
-Children are dying all over the world and I am just not sure how to wrap my mind around it let alone what to do.
--Ukraine, Syria, Iraq,Thailand--all in some sort of major upheavals with all sorts of people dying. At least Obama is sticking to his guns (so far) and getting us out of Afghanistan. Now if he could just reach across those 90 miles to Havana.
-Ted Nugent is a big fat asshole who no longer is even a good musician.
-Are there any tailors left in the former Eastern bloc countries? I mean those suits worn by the male coaches were so nasty, I could do better with a needle and thread.
-Roger Angell, age 93, has written for the New Yorker for nearly 70 years. He had a very small piece last week about aging and how it feels--other than requiring him to have a daily evening scotch!!
-Go visit Austin but skip the Ric Perry part of the tour. Go to the great restaurants, the food trucks, the natural sites and tell Anna we sent you. Hah.
SPORTS TALK
-Can anyone really tell the difference between ice dancing and pairs skating. The women in all the ice skating events looked like they had on breakable masks and plastered on smiles. Yuk.
-Bode Miller, Shani Davis, Shaun White--all over rated and way too hyped by the media in America.
--The $60 million dollar stadium for the Allen High School team is closed indefinitely due to structural cracks--they probably will play in the Cowboys stadium now. Hope it falls apart with no one inside.
Be strong Norma.
Sayonara
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
I KNOW, I KNOW, IT'S NOT THE 15TH
You probably had 2/15 circled in your calendar in anticipation of receiving these words. But, alas and alack, here I am in all my written glory and 3 days early. Seems I am going to be in Rick Perry's neck of the woods for a few days making sure all is well in the South.
Now, one of my favorite whiniest/complainingest readers has insisted I lead with the following. A Rod is an asshole and that is not a sports story. He deserves the suspension and I deserve (as do most of you) not to hear his name for another year. So the squeakiest wheel did get the grease.
Another item which seems like sports but which is really a spectacle is Sochi. Can we stop raggin on the Russians and how they did or did not prepare for this? While, meanwhile, down there in Brazil, entire favelas are being plowed under as they prepare for the World Cup. So Sochi has palm trees and is a winter venue on the shores of a gigantic salt water sea. And the water is orange and cannot be drunk nor can you use it on your face. And the locks do not work. But, as far as I know, unlike Salt Lake City, there are no Mormons--pick your poison, I say.
And yet a third sports item but not really. Michael Sam has come out of the closet though in fact he outed himself to his Missouri coaches and teammates last summer. He wanted to "own" his own narrative. Good for him. Now enter the clowns especially the anonymous ones. Attributable quotes have all been positive except for one (more on that later). Anonymous ones all involve men showering--hello I thought it was about football. These are the same guys who drive drunk, use guns, and sometimes are charged with murder. The one attributable quote (unfortunately) belongs to the kid's father who decided he would not want to play football with his son. Terrific support there, pop.
Three experiences/observations from the hood (that would be Centre Street): In a second hand store waiting patiently. A guy rushes up to the corner holding a book with stains on it he calls blood. He wants verification because he does not want to catch hepatitis. The book has probably been there for 50 years and the clerk does not look to me like an epidemiologist--and for sure she has no microscope or white coat; she does have a mess of piercings and tattoos. Second, again very patiently, I wait in line at a bakery while the guy in front of me and the clerk discuss flushing out your colon which this guy has just done and together they are deciding which bread would be best now that he is "cleansed". And, finally, never get behind a person sending some nasty looking vial to some nasty third world country who is trying (again patiently) to explain its properties to clerks who actually look like they would like to run and hide. All true, I swear.
Our great Congress people cannot pass an immigration but did pass a farm bill which cuts food stamps and it gets signed. Eric Cantor (he who is a member of my tribe) broke his silence with an attack on Obamacare which he claims will cost us 2 million jobs. He apparently skimmed a gigantic analysis from the Congressional Budget Office. Obviously he skipped the good parts because Paul Krugman in the Times did not skim and promptly ran over Eric. The good news is that Doonesbury has one of his characters working for Elizabeth Warren.
Saw a picture of some Ultra Orthodox black hatted men (of course, not a woman among them) fighting with Israeli soldiers (who do include women). Not over some more settlements they would like to build in some Palestinian's back yard but because they do not want to serve in the Army and Israel is going to make them do just that. Love to see them in helmets and flak jackets.
Spectacular Chevy ads during what little I have seen of the Olympics. Referring to their cars as "family" cars, they proceed to show us families. Guess what--some are White, some Hispanic, some African American, some with a single parent and (TA Da) some with two male parents and some with two female parents. My mouth fell open.
Dogs with sweaters and feet pads have to go. Maybe they could be sent to Miami Beach.
SPORTS TALK
Seguin has 24 goals, Kessel has 31 goals, and Thornton has 48 assists. Balanced scoring is wonderful unless you need a really big goal and Chris Kelly is out there patrolling the wing.
Very powerful message for the Bruins allowing Chara to miss two games so he could carry his country's flag in Sochi. Bruins said he has done a lot for the team and this was important. Whoa. Sends a great message to free agents and those now on the team.
Did not watch one play of the super bowl. I hear smilin Pete and his boys won. Too bad Wes
Sayonara
Now, one of my favorite whiniest/complainingest readers has insisted I lead with the following. A Rod is an asshole and that is not a sports story. He deserves the suspension and I deserve (as do most of you) not to hear his name for another year. So the squeakiest wheel did get the grease.
Another item which seems like sports but which is really a spectacle is Sochi. Can we stop raggin on the Russians and how they did or did not prepare for this? While, meanwhile, down there in Brazil, entire favelas are being plowed under as they prepare for the World Cup. So Sochi has palm trees and is a winter venue on the shores of a gigantic salt water sea. And the water is orange and cannot be drunk nor can you use it on your face. And the locks do not work. But, as far as I know, unlike Salt Lake City, there are no Mormons--pick your poison, I say.
And yet a third sports item but not really. Michael Sam has come out of the closet though in fact he outed himself to his Missouri coaches and teammates last summer. He wanted to "own" his own narrative. Good for him. Now enter the clowns especially the anonymous ones. Attributable quotes have all been positive except for one (more on that later). Anonymous ones all involve men showering--hello I thought it was about football. These are the same guys who drive drunk, use guns, and sometimes are charged with murder. The one attributable quote (unfortunately) belongs to the kid's father who decided he would not want to play football with his son. Terrific support there, pop.
Three experiences/observations from the hood (that would be Centre Street): In a second hand store waiting patiently. A guy rushes up to the corner holding a book with stains on it he calls blood. He wants verification because he does not want to catch hepatitis. The book has probably been there for 50 years and the clerk does not look to me like an epidemiologist--and for sure she has no microscope or white coat; she does have a mess of piercings and tattoos. Second, again very patiently, I wait in line at a bakery while the guy in front of me and the clerk discuss flushing out your colon which this guy has just done and together they are deciding which bread would be best now that he is "cleansed". And, finally, never get behind a person sending some nasty looking vial to some nasty third world country who is trying (again patiently) to explain its properties to clerks who actually look like they would like to run and hide. All true, I swear.
Our great Congress people cannot pass an immigration but did pass a farm bill which cuts food stamps and it gets signed. Eric Cantor (he who is a member of my tribe) broke his silence with an attack on Obamacare which he claims will cost us 2 million jobs. He apparently skimmed a gigantic analysis from the Congressional Budget Office. Obviously he skipped the good parts because Paul Krugman in the Times did not skim and promptly ran over Eric. The good news is that Doonesbury has one of his characters working for Elizabeth Warren.
Saw a picture of some Ultra Orthodox black hatted men (of course, not a woman among them) fighting with Israeli soldiers (who do include women). Not over some more settlements they would like to build in some Palestinian's back yard but because they do not want to serve in the Army and Israel is going to make them do just that. Love to see them in helmets and flak jackets.
Spectacular Chevy ads during what little I have seen of the Olympics. Referring to their cars as "family" cars, they proceed to show us families. Guess what--some are White, some Hispanic, some African American, some with a single parent and (TA Da) some with two male parents and some with two female parents. My mouth fell open.
Dogs with sweaters and feet pads have to go. Maybe they could be sent to Miami Beach.
SPORTS TALK
Seguin has 24 goals, Kessel has 31 goals, and Thornton has 48 assists. Balanced scoring is wonderful unless you need a really big goal and Chris Kelly is out there patrolling the wing.
Very powerful message for the Bruins allowing Chara to miss two games so he could carry his country's flag in Sochi. Bruins said he has done a lot for the team and this was important. Whoa. Sends a great message to free agents and those now on the team.
Did not watch one play of the super bowl. I hear smilin Pete and his boys won. Too bad Wes
Sayonara
Saturday, February 1, 2014
GOING TO FRIDAY NIGHT SERVICES IN MY PJ'S
Not exactly which is like so much else in this screed. Turns out the synagogue I belong to streams its Friday night religious services. Which, for me, raises the questions of what it means to "go to services". I suppose (as someone near and dear to me suggests) it is another effort to reach out to folks who either don't, can't, or won't actually go to the services in person. But what if one night (kind of like one of those pop up thingys) we all decided not to show--would there be a service? It is all kind of too convenient. Enough.
Let's move onto other items of note:
--Henry and Samantha have Scott back which is terrific. Fortunately for me, I have not know any men or women who were in the military and served in Iraq or Afghanistan. Then Scott got called up right after Henry's birth. What a relief to know that they have been reunited.
--OK, no cruises for me. I already was soured on them because of having to eat at the Captain's table and wear a jacket and tie. But now you take your bowels in your hand if you hit the high seas with one of those ships. Nope.
--Cardinal O'Malley has been castigated by his right wing brethren for receiving some sort of blessing from an Episcopal minister who lo and behold was a woman. Can you imagine? They probably think he has to go to the mikvah to cleanse himself.
--I would like to add the Wahlbergs and their foolish but large family to the list of things I no longer give a fuck about and don't want to hear about. They join those folks on the Scituate waterfront who have continued to whine about winter storms--I may have to go down there in the summer to be sure none of them are bathing 2 feet from their front door since they seem so upset at the water coming over the wall.
I will check up on them for your reflection and thoughts.
--If Whitey Bulger did not exist, Keven Cullen of the Globe would have to either invent him or find a real job. Really, 3/4 of his columns are about Whitey or his girlfriend or the victims or on something related. Who cares anymore except for old farts in Southie?
--Speaking of which, the saga continues in terms of who can march in that drunken mess called the St. Patrick's day parade. Too much diversity is not a good thing and we still hate busing over there in Andrews Square.
--The Globe did have a terrific article about Southie and the recent election and the role of the new arrivals--and by that I mean the "yuppies" who have started to gentrify the neighborhood. Some folks are mighty upset at their presence. And still hate busing.
--When Obama delivered the State of the Union speech, each head-on shot of him showed both Biden and Boehner (he who has a perpetual tan). Biden looked like a man in need of some serious tranquilizers while Boehner looked ready to puke at any minute. Had a hard time figuring out how to put his hands together in order to clap.
--David Remnick had a terrific but long article about Obama in the recent New Yorker. Despite all the crap thrown at Obama, there are some major accomplishments that are forgotten. However, I do wish he closed gitmo and reopened a relationship with Cuba.
--It is time folks to get rid of those wreaths on your doors. 6 weeks since the holiday and it is time. We know who you are and I am pretty sure you are not watching the live streaming of Friday night services just for the hell of it.
--Why do we all of a sudden name winter storms. It is so stupid and meaningless. Must be those boys and girls at the Weather Channel have to figure out things to do at every staff meeting to enhance our experience.
--Stumbled upon a great Springsteen documentary on Showtime. Called "Springsteen and I", it used footage from fans who had unique experiences at concerts--like the woman who got pulled up to dance with him and the guy who got pulled up to play guitar. Used their words, their video--and of course his great music. Though I am not sold on the new album.
--And finally there is this--I knew no one growing up who had cancer or who had a family member with cancer. Heart attacks for sure. Yet now, it seems as if every other person has cancer or has someone in their family who has it. What's up with that?
--DCF has to be blown up and we have to start over. All these committees and outside evaluations and investigations will leave us in the same position. Without serious prevention efforts, piss poor parenting will continue to lead to children dying.
--Where indeed have all the flowers gone. Pete Seeger is no longer with us. Just a major loss and a link to some very ugly political times which should not be forgotten.
SPORTS TALK
--Did I tell you the Pats could not afford to fall behind? I did but even so, if Brady hits Edelman and if Talib does not get injured--well "ifs" are worthless. I do have one further thought. Both Welker and the guy who took out Gronkowski could have delivered their hits (which were legal I should add) anywhere but both purposely went for knees. Not to maim perhaps but let's not be naive. Knees are risky business.
--I am beginning to hate Rondo. Another article today about he might test free agency. I never thought I would say this but now I am thinking he should be traded--he is a big baby. And so is Big Papi except bigger and I would not add one dime or one year to his contract--live with it, big guy.
Sayonara
Let's move onto other items of note:
--Henry and Samantha have Scott back which is terrific. Fortunately for me, I have not know any men or women who were in the military and served in Iraq or Afghanistan. Then Scott got called up right after Henry's birth. What a relief to know that they have been reunited.
--OK, no cruises for me. I already was soured on them because of having to eat at the Captain's table and wear a jacket and tie. But now you take your bowels in your hand if you hit the high seas with one of those ships. Nope.
--Cardinal O'Malley has been castigated by his right wing brethren for receiving some sort of blessing from an Episcopal minister who lo and behold was a woman. Can you imagine? They probably think he has to go to the mikvah to cleanse himself.
--I would like to add the Wahlbergs and their foolish but large family to the list of things I no longer give a fuck about and don't want to hear about. They join those folks on the Scituate waterfront who have continued to whine about winter storms--I may have to go down there in the summer to be sure none of them are bathing 2 feet from their front door since they seem so upset at the water coming over the wall.
I will check up on them for your reflection and thoughts.
--If Whitey Bulger did not exist, Keven Cullen of the Globe would have to either invent him or find a real job. Really, 3/4 of his columns are about Whitey or his girlfriend or the victims or on something related. Who cares anymore except for old farts in Southie?
--Speaking of which, the saga continues in terms of who can march in that drunken mess called the St. Patrick's day parade. Too much diversity is not a good thing and we still hate busing over there in Andrews Square.
--The Globe did have a terrific article about Southie and the recent election and the role of the new arrivals--and by that I mean the "yuppies" who have started to gentrify the neighborhood. Some folks are mighty upset at their presence. And still hate busing.
--When Obama delivered the State of the Union speech, each head-on shot of him showed both Biden and Boehner (he who has a perpetual tan). Biden looked like a man in need of some serious tranquilizers while Boehner looked ready to puke at any minute. Had a hard time figuring out how to put his hands together in order to clap.
--David Remnick had a terrific but long article about Obama in the recent New Yorker. Despite all the crap thrown at Obama, there are some major accomplishments that are forgotten. However, I do wish he closed gitmo and reopened a relationship with Cuba.
--It is time folks to get rid of those wreaths on your doors. 6 weeks since the holiday and it is time. We know who you are and I am pretty sure you are not watching the live streaming of Friday night services just for the hell of it.
--Why do we all of a sudden name winter storms. It is so stupid and meaningless. Must be those boys and girls at the Weather Channel have to figure out things to do at every staff meeting to enhance our experience.
--Stumbled upon a great Springsteen documentary on Showtime. Called "Springsteen and I", it used footage from fans who had unique experiences at concerts--like the woman who got pulled up to dance with him and the guy who got pulled up to play guitar. Used their words, their video--and of course his great music. Though I am not sold on the new album.
--And finally there is this--I knew no one growing up who had cancer or who had a family member with cancer. Heart attacks for sure. Yet now, it seems as if every other person has cancer or has someone in their family who has it. What's up with that?
--DCF has to be blown up and we have to start over. All these committees and outside evaluations and investigations will leave us in the same position. Without serious prevention efforts, piss poor parenting will continue to lead to children dying.
--Where indeed have all the flowers gone. Pete Seeger is no longer with us. Just a major loss and a link to some very ugly political times which should not be forgotten.
SPORTS TALK
--Did I tell you the Pats could not afford to fall behind? I did but even so, if Brady hits Edelman and if Talib does not get injured--well "ifs" are worthless. I do have one further thought. Both Welker and the guy who took out Gronkowski could have delivered their hits (which were legal I should add) anywhere but both purposely went for knees. Not to maim perhaps but let's not be naive. Knees are risky business.
--I am beginning to hate Rondo. Another article today about he might test free agency. I never thought I would say this but now I am thinking he should be traded--he is a big baby. And so is Big Papi except bigger and I would not add one dime or one year to his contract--live with it, big guy.
Sayonara
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
TILAPIA AND REFLEXOLOGY
Oh yeah, they are related in my twisted mind. As I approach my 50th High School reunion (and nope I have not fully committed to going), I have been thinking a lot about what has changed in these 50 years. A bunch of shit for sure--but, coincidentally, today the above two words hit me in the course of my daily life. You all know that back then, neither existed. First of all, tilapia exists now only if farm raised. You cannot go fishing and catch one--they are cheapish for fish but are not wild. Someone "made" them. And reflexology? Did not exist either--I suppose some bright therapeutic star (no doubt on some serious illegal drugs) just stumbled upon it while delirious--almost sounds like something out of a Hunter Thompson novel.
Before moving on to other edible and non edible items, I would like to share with you a list of things which I offer as a balance to any of you with resolutions for the New Year. I call them my "Sick-of-Lutions". I no longer want to hear about the seawall in Scituate while we are in the midst of a snowstorm. Nor the woes of the folks owning houses 10 feet from that sea wall. Why don't we hear from them in the summer when they are out in the water or tanning themselves on the beach. Who asked them to move there anyhow? I no longer want to hear the Jamaicaway referred to as the "JWay". You are an out of towner if you use that phrase and need to be kicked to the curb. You especially need to be kicked if you use the phrase while wearing Birkenstocks with wool socks while it is snowing. Proving what exactly? And I especially would appreciate not seeing any more pictures of Bob Kraft and his almost underage girlfriend frolicking with identical sunglasses--Myra is rolling over in her grave over that.
Now other assorted items:
--Africa and the Middle East are exploding. It is sad--two of the poorest areas of the world and they cannot stop killing each other. I am really out of any insight except religion is part of the whole deal.
--My jam making monks out there in Spencer, Ma. are branching out--they will now make beer. Their jam is terrific and I wish I could still drink beer because I bet that will be good also.
--An article sent to me by a close relative called "Don't ask/Please Don't Tell" by Joyce Waddler. About what us boomers are now talking about and it is usually some ugly medical chat. The Times apparently has a regular column for Boomers.
--Speaking of newspapers. The Globe announced it had hired a new reporter to focus on "Catholics"--their word choice not mine. Slamming home the point that they know who their audience is and it surely is not members of certain other religious groups.
--The Not a Big Surprise Department: Governor Christie got caught. The guy is a fucking bully and we should not be surprised he also retaliates. I just saw a clip from last night's Jimmy Fallon show--Fallon and Springsteen satirizing Christie with the "Born to Run"tune but different lyrics. Hilarious.
--The Who Cares Department: Liz Cheney dropped out of the Wyoming senate race after first trashing her gay sister when she began running.
--Until our Child Welfare agency (DCF) starts funneling money into prevention, there will be story after story like last week''s about the kid who just "disappeared" and no adult did anything except lie and cover up. There are clear indices which put kids at risk that everyone knows (e.g history of parent's alcohol or drug abuse)--and yet so little money is put into prevention programs it is pathetic.
--Three of my close relatives have serious illnesses and a friend lost her father. The new year has not brought much good news but I hope these folks gather strength from friends and family
SPORTS TALK
--A great quote from Leigh Montiville in the Globe: "if you can't figure out your wife after 25 years of marriage, how can you be certain what Brady is like". This in repsonse to all those folks who think they KNOW.
--Any day that Nick Saban and Urban Meyer lose a football game is a good day for America. They are both assholes who are really half as smart as they think they are.
--Seguin and Kessel each have 21 goals and Thornton leads the league with 45 assists. No Bruin has more than 15 goals. But these three were not good enough for the Bruins who cannot score at all.
--Julian Edelman has Hebrew letters tattooed on the inside of his upper left arm--but is not Jewish. Whats that about?
--The Pats were wonderful this last week against the Colts. Life gets tough this weekend. I will be pacing and hoping they do not fall behind.
--Texas just hired its first African American coach in any sport and it was in football which prompted one of their bright light benefactors to wonder about his abilities. Ah, the South.
Sayonara
Before moving on to other edible and non edible items, I would like to share with you a list of things which I offer as a balance to any of you with resolutions for the New Year. I call them my "Sick-of-Lutions". I no longer want to hear about the seawall in Scituate while we are in the midst of a snowstorm. Nor the woes of the folks owning houses 10 feet from that sea wall. Why don't we hear from them in the summer when they are out in the water or tanning themselves on the beach. Who asked them to move there anyhow? I no longer want to hear the Jamaicaway referred to as the "JWay". You are an out of towner if you use that phrase and need to be kicked to the curb. You especially need to be kicked if you use the phrase while wearing Birkenstocks with wool socks while it is snowing. Proving what exactly? And I especially would appreciate not seeing any more pictures of Bob Kraft and his almost underage girlfriend frolicking with identical sunglasses--Myra is rolling over in her grave over that.
Now other assorted items:
--Africa and the Middle East are exploding. It is sad--two of the poorest areas of the world and they cannot stop killing each other. I am really out of any insight except religion is part of the whole deal.
--My jam making monks out there in Spencer, Ma. are branching out--they will now make beer. Their jam is terrific and I wish I could still drink beer because I bet that will be good also.
--An article sent to me by a close relative called "Don't ask/Please Don't Tell" by Joyce Waddler. About what us boomers are now talking about and it is usually some ugly medical chat. The Times apparently has a regular column for Boomers.
--Speaking of newspapers. The Globe announced it had hired a new reporter to focus on "Catholics"--their word choice not mine. Slamming home the point that they know who their audience is and it surely is not members of certain other religious groups.
--The Not a Big Surprise Department: Governor Christie got caught. The guy is a fucking bully and we should not be surprised he also retaliates. I just saw a clip from last night's Jimmy Fallon show--Fallon and Springsteen satirizing Christie with the "Born to Run"tune but different lyrics. Hilarious.
--The Who Cares Department: Liz Cheney dropped out of the Wyoming senate race after first trashing her gay sister when she began running.
--Until our Child Welfare agency (DCF) starts funneling money into prevention, there will be story after story like last week''s about the kid who just "disappeared" and no adult did anything except lie and cover up. There are clear indices which put kids at risk that everyone knows (e.g history of parent's alcohol or drug abuse)--and yet so little money is put into prevention programs it is pathetic.
--Three of my close relatives have serious illnesses and a friend lost her father. The new year has not brought much good news but I hope these folks gather strength from friends and family
SPORTS TALK
--A great quote from Leigh Montiville in the Globe: "if you can't figure out your wife after 25 years of marriage, how can you be certain what Brady is like". This in repsonse to all those folks who think they KNOW.
--Any day that Nick Saban and Urban Meyer lose a football game is a good day for America. They are both assholes who are really half as smart as they think they are.
--Seguin and Kessel each have 21 goals and Thornton leads the league with 45 assists. No Bruin has more than 15 goals. But these three were not good enough for the Bruins who cannot score at all.
--Julian Edelman has Hebrew letters tattooed on the inside of his upper left arm--but is not Jewish. Whats that about?
--The Pats were wonderful this last week against the Colts. Life gets tough this weekend. I will be pacing and hoping they do not fall behind.
--Texas just hired its first African American coach in any sport and it was in football which prompted one of their bright light benefactors to wonder about his abilities. Ah, the South.
Sayonara
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
I FIRED MY EDITOR
Since that would be me, I am mortified that my editorial side neglected to acknowledge the death of Nelson Mandela. I really have no words which adequately capture the grace of the man--though it is enough to be clear that apartheid is no longer in place in South Africa. There are tons of other issues but that is gone in large measure due to him and in some measure (a small measure) due to deKlerk.
Condolences to Steve's family and John's family. I hope the memories of these two men and the strength of your families will give you the support you need in the coming weeks and months. Over and above the death of those close to us, this forces us to confront our own mortality. Since Yvette's passing, I have been preoccupied by just that--death and dying and wondering how to maximize whatever time I have. It is not an easy feeling to struggle with. I do believe that no matter what religion we are part of, the structure of our funerals and their aftermath makes it "easier" for us to grieve.
Moving on to better and brighter (hopefully).
--Partners got told no--it could not acquire South Shore Hospital. Good--and then they decided to move some jobs to Somerville. Good for Somerville but what message does it send when the alternative the City of Boston offered was in Roxbury and Partners passed so they could locate in a mall. They deserve to be kicked to the curb.
--Aleppo is being flattened and this time I am on the side of getting more involved--at least with more weapons and more advisers. In a month, I am not sure what I will think. What Assad is doing to his own people (well he probably does not consider you a person if you are not an Alawite) is nothing short of murder. And the refugees--come on.
--Two terrific New Yorker articles. One about the whole issue of the NSA spying on Americans. Ron Wyden, an Oregon Senator, really has a lot to say (most of very unpleasant) about what we don't know. The second article is about Pope Frankie written by James Carrol--himself a former priest and now an editorial writer in the Globe. This guy should scare the bejeezus (!) out of Conservative Catholics. I only hope he is around for a while considering he is in his mid 70's.
--In the space of a week, we learned: that a child in Central Mass. had been missing since the fall and no one did anything; that a teacher at the prestigious and private Park School may have been molesting students; and that an aide in the Brookline schools may have also been molesting students. There is no end to the lack of respect we as a society have for our children. It never ends and it makes me want to puke., In the first situation, DCF was involved but their Social Worker apparently lied about making home visits and her lies were covered up by superiors. That job is a thankless one made all the worse by the union jumping up and blaming caseloads. Lies are different that caseloads. It was said the kid was in Florida--at the racetrack?
--Richard Deitsch of SI gave out some journalism awards. I did not read them all but some were terrific articles.
--Suffolk Downs and the plans for a casino there are on life support. The one in Springfield might actually happen and force some of us to go visit the Pioneer Valley.
--Good luck Thursday, Norma.
--A happy and healthy New Year to all of you.
SPORTS TALK
--As I write this, Kessel has 17 goals, Seguin has 19 goals, and Thornton has 35 assists (first in the league). None of them "fit" the Bruins philosophy. Yeah I know we got some bodies in exchange and we won a Cup but don't you think we need a scorer?
--Michigan should not be allowed to play in a bowl game ever again. They simply sucked this year and in general screw up in the bowl games. In spite of his spaceman sunglasses, I am not sure about Hoke.
--The Pats, bless their souls, get a bye by playing the most rookies in the league and discovering a running game. McCourty has to come back and it would be terrific if whoever plays Denver put a sock in Peytons mouth.
Sayonara--loved seeing you, Anna
Condolences to Steve's family and John's family. I hope the memories of these two men and the strength of your families will give you the support you need in the coming weeks and months. Over and above the death of those close to us, this forces us to confront our own mortality. Since Yvette's passing, I have been preoccupied by just that--death and dying and wondering how to maximize whatever time I have. It is not an easy feeling to struggle with. I do believe that no matter what religion we are part of, the structure of our funerals and their aftermath makes it "easier" for us to grieve.
Moving on to better and brighter (hopefully).
--Partners got told no--it could not acquire South Shore Hospital. Good--and then they decided to move some jobs to Somerville. Good for Somerville but what message does it send when the alternative the City of Boston offered was in Roxbury and Partners passed so they could locate in a mall. They deserve to be kicked to the curb.
--Aleppo is being flattened and this time I am on the side of getting more involved--at least with more weapons and more advisers. In a month, I am not sure what I will think. What Assad is doing to his own people (well he probably does not consider you a person if you are not an Alawite) is nothing short of murder. And the refugees--come on.
--Two terrific New Yorker articles. One about the whole issue of the NSA spying on Americans. Ron Wyden, an Oregon Senator, really has a lot to say (most of very unpleasant) about what we don't know. The second article is about Pope Frankie written by James Carrol--himself a former priest and now an editorial writer in the Globe. This guy should scare the bejeezus (!) out of Conservative Catholics. I only hope he is around for a while considering he is in his mid 70's.
--In the space of a week, we learned: that a child in Central Mass. had been missing since the fall and no one did anything; that a teacher at the prestigious and private Park School may have been molesting students; and that an aide in the Brookline schools may have also been molesting students. There is no end to the lack of respect we as a society have for our children. It never ends and it makes me want to puke., In the first situation, DCF was involved but their Social Worker apparently lied about making home visits and her lies were covered up by superiors. That job is a thankless one made all the worse by the union jumping up and blaming caseloads. Lies are different that caseloads. It was said the kid was in Florida--at the racetrack?
--Richard Deitsch of SI gave out some journalism awards. I did not read them all but some were terrific articles.
--Suffolk Downs and the plans for a casino there are on life support. The one in Springfield might actually happen and force some of us to go visit the Pioneer Valley.
--Good luck Thursday, Norma.
--A happy and healthy New Year to all of you.
SPORTS TALK
--As I write this, Kessel has 17 goals, Seguin has 19 goals, and Thornton has 35 assists (first in the league). None of them "fit" the Bruins philosophy. Yeah I know we got some bodies in exchange and we won a Cup but don't you think we need a scorer?
--Michigan should not be allowed to play in a bowl game ever again. They simply sucked this year and in general screw up in the bowl games. In spite of his spaceman sunglasses, I am not sure about Hoke.
--The Pats, bless their souls, get a bye by playing the most rookies in the league and discovering a running game. McCourty has to come back and it would be terrific if whoever plays Denver put a sock in Peytons mouth.
Sayonara--loved seeing you, Anna
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