Not one fucking thing am I going to normalize. You don't get to say nasty, viperish, and mean spirited things one day and then ask me to treat you "normally" the next. Won't do it. And, oh by the way, more people voted for her than for him. Don't know what I expected from Barack after his meeting with the man whose name will not be mentioned; but him asking me to be fair and give the guy some space and time was not what I wanted to hear. OK, I get it--he has to be presidential but get this--I don't. I get to be really pissed and very worried. George Packer's article was predictive of what happened a week ago today. People hate where I live, what I read, what I think, and possibly what my religious beliefs are. Cannot go on. To quote John Oliver, then there is this:
--Be very focused on his Supreme Court nominees. Ruthie, Souter, and Kennedy (the even more important swing vote) are all over 80. Gotta assume his appointment to replace Scalise will be at least as bad if not terrible. That is why an EMT (some of you may have heard me on this before) needs to be stationed 24/7 with each of them so they do not die while he is in office. Like gay marriage? Like a woman's right to choose? Like voter rights protection? Like health care? All at risk.
--Visited two oases in the midst of two red states in the last month. Austin and Asheville. They share so much but one has the residence of a certain relative which made it just a smidgen better!! Austin is bigger but each has tons of youngish people, loads of tats, many dogs with kerchiefs, and bustling food/art scenes.
--But, of course, every bloody flight takes forever to board because of all that crap people insist on bringing on board. First of all, boarding should be from the rear and from the windows--and people who must cheat should be forced to the back of the line just like in elementary school. Second, airlines should charge people not for checking bags but for bringing them on board. God damn.
--To quote another famous person (that would be FV): "Happy wife, happy life".
--Read a monstrously hysterical book called "A Man Called Ove". Did not see the recently released movie of the same name but the book is darkly funny.
--Another election thought: A old CSNY song had a line something like this--almost cut my hair but would not give in an inch to fear. About the fabulous 60's. Feel just like that and wonder about all the positive gains which might now be lost.
--Louise Penny is an author we both love. She had a great piece in a recent issue of the AARP mag about her husband's dementia. Just powerful and then I learned he had passed away after she wrote the piece.
--Continuing to depress us all--Leonard Cohen and Leon Russell both died. Loved Leon.
--Give some money (especially now) to Combatants for Peace. This non profit was founded by former Israeli soldiers and former Palestinian "terrorists". They will soon open an office in the states and deserve our support as they demand both governments reconcile.
--Finally, a shout out to a resident of Kalamazoo (that would be you JF). He managed to turn the state of Michigan red and then, almost as bad, managed to allow his Hawkeyes to beat my Wolverines. Yuk.
SPORTS TALK
Kudos to Theo and a big ha ha to Red Flop owners who kicked him to the curb. And please do not ask athletes you love what their politics are--you might not like what you hear. Belichik deserves all sorts of criticism for his play calling when they had 4 downs from Seattle's 2 and could not get a TD.
Adios
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Wednesday, October 26, 2016
A QUICKIE
AWWW--get your filthy minds out of the gutter. I figured I could drop you this note while the big silver bird warms up outside. This is brief but it is filled with IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND SOME FACTS.
--First, thanks to Bob the Geek for getting my new printer up and running. I had no clue.
--Yup, this is a quote from Terry Francona, a baseball manager. His pitcher needed stitches on his pitching hand and was bleeding when he tried to pitch in the playoffs. It goes like this: "I think we've all, at some point or another, had a drone related problem". Hysterical even if you are not a sports fan.
--Riding on the famous #39 bus at rush hour. People with all sorts of equipment/paraphernalia. The woman in front of us has her violin in its case and an enormous bag which occupies a seat while a bunch of standing people stare at her and glare. The woman behind us is yakking on her phone REALLY LOUD and this is a paraphrase which we all get to hear: Yo, that's bullshit. I'm ready for the next step in my life. Never heard what it was but do not believe she should be trusted with top secret information.
--Three white guys got arrested in Kansas just before they tried to blow up an apartment complex occupied by Somali immigrants. The man whose name will not be mentioned and his fervent supporters have provided the context for this.
--Great article/interview with Leonard Cohen in a recent New Yorker.
--Sitting in one of our favorite local restaurant where the tables are quite close together. Twice the guy next to me joined the conversation to share his thoughts. what the fuck? And, no, I was not talking loud.
--I see where 15,000 lunatics went to see the man whose name will not be mentioned in Tampa. That and a new legit poll from that sunblind state has gotten me more worried. Yikes.
SPORTSTALK
Francona and Theo sitting in a tree k-i-s-s-i-n-g. John, and Larry can go suck eggs about letting those two go. The Pats are 6-1 and Mr. Brady is back but the talking heads continue to scream about one thing or another.
Adios
--First, thanks to Bob the Geek for getting my new printer up and running. I had no clue.
--Yup, this is a quote from Terry Francona, a baseball manager. His pitcher needed stitches on his pitching hand and was bleeding when he tried to pitch in the playoffs. It goes like this: "I think we've all, at some point or another, had a drone related problem". Hysterical even if you are not a sports fan.
--Riding on the famous #39 bus at rush hour. People with all sorts of equipment/paraphernalia. The woman in front of us has her violin in its case and an enormous bag which occupies a seat while a bunch of standing people stare at her and glare. The woman behind us is yakking on her phone REALLY LOUD and this is a paraphrase which we all get to hear: Yo, that's bullshit. I'm ready for the next step in my life. Never heard what it was but do not believe she should be trusted with top secret information.
--Three white guys got arrested in Kansas just before they tried to blow up an apartment complex occupied by Somali immigrants. The man whose name will not be mentioned and his fervent supporters have provided the context for this.
--Great article/interview with Leonard Cohen in a recent New Yorker.
--Sitting in one of our favorite local restaurant where the tables are quite close together. Twice the guy next to me joined the conversation to share his thoughts. what the fuck? And, no, I was not talking loud.
--I see where 15,000 lunatics went to see the man whose name will not be mentioned in Tampa. That and a new legit poll from that sunblind state has gotten me more worried. Yikes.
SPORTSTALK
Francona and Theo sitting in a tree k-i-s-s-i-n-g. John, and Larry can go suck eggs about letting those two go. The Pats are 6-1 and Mr. Brady is back but the talking heads continue to scream about one thing or another.
Adios
Saturday, October 15, 2016
A CORNUCOPIA OF ASSORTED ALMOST ALWAYS FACTS AND OTHER DETRITUS
--I wonder what Mary Pat thinks of her hubby Chris Christie now. She might want to flee to get away but not try to go over the GW Bridge since they might close some lanes to keep her in the Garden State.
--And Rudy, the angriest apologist in America. He of the 3 wives. He who announced his separation from one of them in a public news conference. Kind of like Gingrich informing his wife of their divorce as she lay dying. Seriously--who listens to him anyhow?
--A new rule. I will avoid all restaurants that advertise themselves as "farm to table". Too special for words and frequently overrated.
--New rule number two. I want to require that any person who can afford a car costing more than $50,000 must take a driving test. Plus, as an amendment, they have to see over the steering wheel. I am tired of driving behind people I cannot see, driving big fat Mercedes', and going too fucking slow.
--Our public transit system, the MBTA, has a back log of repairs to the subways. Get this: If it spends $765 million a year for the next 25 years, it can catch up. Which does not account for future repairs and, of course, there is not enough buckaroos to even do this. Our "I do not believe in public transit" governor cares more about the money than the passengers.
--I have a new role model. A colleague's father is 92 1/2 years old. He recently moved out of his daughter's house to an apartment. OK, so it is in a complex which offers a bunch of services and he has an aide but HE IS ON HIS OWN. I want to be like him.
--Kelly Ayotte might still win but letting us all know she thinks the man who will not be named is a good role model for children was crazed. And of course she walked it back five minutes later telling us what she really meant. I hate those pseudo apologies.
--Speaking of which, the man who will not be named apologized for his "locker room talk". And now more women are speaking up. He is a liar and it is scary to know that he still has a consistent 40% of the vote in all polls. And that apology was a crock. But still scary.
--Scarier still is that fool of a Governor in my favorite state of Maine. Said he liked Trump because he might be an authoritarian. Whoops, he too apologized. Really meant authoritative. Kick him down to the curb along with Kelly.
--Does Haiti and its citizens catch any break? I mean come on. And the country is so poor, it took weeks for some of the devastated areas to be reached.
--My man, Bobby Zimmerman, won the Nobel. I love it and I hope it makes a lot of people mad. Screw 'em.
--And on a more religious note. To attract worshipers my synagogue offers apps and dessert to congregants on the night before Rosh Hashanah. And the sanctuaries are still not full. Maybe financial inducements would help. But we are moving along with the plan to support two Syrian refugee families.
--Going into the heart of the beast (I'm talking Texas) in a week or so. See ya in a month.
SPORTS TALK
Want to know about the South and football? Both UNC and NC State played games last Saturday in monsoons created by hurricane Matthew. Can't let an itty bitty storm stop us. Oh my, it was only the Browns but Mr. Brady (and the boys) looked excellent. Tomorrow will be a bit tougher. I love Michigan football but that game against Rutgers was too ugly to watch. But money talks. Both Rutgers and Maryland joined the Big 10 for the moolah. Yup, those red flops lost but Ortiz is very special. I'm rooting for Francona and Theo in the world series to send a message to John Henry and his acolytes that they are fools.
Adios
--And Rudy, the angriest apologist in America. He of the 3 wives. He who announced his separation from one of them in a public news conference. Kind of like Gingrich informing his wife of their divorce as she lay dying. Seriously--who listens to him anyhow?
--A new rule. I will avoid all restaurants that advertise themselves as "farm to table". Too special for words and frequently overrated.
--New rule number two. I want to require that any person who can afford a car costing more than $50,000 must take a driving test. Plus, as an amendment, they have to see over the steering wheel. I am tired of driving behind people I cannot see, driving big fat Mercedes', and going too fucking slow.
--Our public transit system, the MBTA, has a back log of repairs to the subways. Get this: If it spends $765 million a year for the next 25 years, it can catch up. Which does not account for future repairs and, of course, there is not enough buckaroos to even do this. Our "I do not believe in public transit" governor cares more about the money than the passengers.
--I have a new role model. A colleague's father is 92 1/2 years old. He recently moved out of his daughter's house to an apartment. OK, so it is in a complex which offers a bunch of services and he has an aide but HE IS ON HIS OWN. I want to be like him.
--Kelly Ayotte might still win but letting us all know she thinks the man who will not be named is a good role model for children was crazed. And of course she walked it back five minutes later telling us what she really meant. I hate those pseudo apologies.
--Speaking of which, the man who will not be named apologized for his "locker room talk". And now more women are speaking up. He is a liar and it is scary to know that he still has a consistent 40% of the vote in all polls. And that apology was a crock. But still scary.
--Scarier still is that fool of a Governor in my favorite state of Maine. Said he liked Trump because he might be an authoritarian. Whoops, he too apologized. Really meant authoritative. Kick him down to the curb along with Kelly.
--Does Haiti and its citizens catch any break? I mean come on. And the country is so poor, it took weeks for some of the devastated areas to be reached.
--My man, Bobby Zimmerman, won the Nobel. I love it and I hope it makes a lot of people mad. Screw 'em.
--And on a more religious note. To attract worshipers my synagogue offers apps and dessert to congregants on the night before Rosh Hashanah. And the sanctuaries are still not full. Maybe financial inducements would help. But we are moving along with the plan to support two Syrian refugee families.
--Going into the heart of the beast (I'm talking Texas) in a week or so. See ya in a month.
SPORTS TALK
Want to know about the South and football? Both UNC and NC State played games last Saturday in monsoons created by hurricane Matthew. Can't let an itty bitty storm stop us. Oh my, it was only the Browns but Mr. Brady (and the boys) looked excellent. Tomorrow will be a bit tougher. I love Michigan football but that game against Rutgers was too ugly to watch. But money talks. Both Rutgers and Maryland joined the Big 10 for the moolah. Yup, those red flops lost but Ortiz is very special. I'm rooting for Francona and Theo in the world series to send a message to John Henry and his acolytes that they are fools.
Adios
Saturday, October 1, 2016
"DR. BERNS' 101 SECRETS TO MENTAL HEALTH"
These secrets are so secret they have been kept secret even from me. Yet, the title comes from an ad in the Berkshire Eagle--the newspaper of record in Western Mass. But, alas, I am not a doctor nor am I the idiot who headlined his ad with the phrase. Moving on.
The man whose name will not be mentioned was demolished this past week. He sniffled, made faces, interrupted, and generally made a nuisance of himself. All of you undecideds, or third partiers, need to seriously consider what this person might do if elected. Then, he went on a middle of the night tweeter escapade in which he continued his verbal assault on women in general and Hilary in particular. Nate's maps in the aftermath of that performance started going blue again. Don't get me wrong. I do not believe this is over but we did get an insight about his response to pressure and what he might do if Angela suggest that maybe we should take in more refugees.
Speaking of which....I have very many mixed feelings about my synagogue. Too much back slapping about how great we are and how unique we are and how special we are. But every so often we are that and more. Once you kind of accept the minimal numbers of Syrian refugees this country will be taking (especially in light of our neighbors to the North), it was kind of neat to attend a meeting at my synagogue to discuss our sponsorship of two Syrian families, with children, who will be arriving here in the next few months. We, meaning my synagogue, do a great job making our tent very big and inclusive. Was listening to a cd by the Byrds--must be 30 years old--and they are singing even then of the plight of refugees. This is not new, folks. This country did not want too many Jews to enter during WWII even as they were being annihilated in Europe.
Other Items of Varying Import:
--Send money to democratic senatorial candidates and don't stop just in case you know who wins. A great article in the recent New Yorker by Jeffrey Toobin (who is just excellent) about how the election of Hilary and a Democratic Senate might actually lead to the first liberal majority on the SCOTUS in a very long time. We will not have to squirm and wait while Justice Kennedy decides which side of the bed to get up on in the morning.
--My local rag of a newspaper does not have one article which does not trash any effort at change--this neighbor is fighting that; this community group does not want that; this issue must be fought. I believe the horse and carriage will return soon--but then we will at least have horse shit for our organic gardens.
--I get it that utility and other workers who toil on our streets need protection and that is why we have police details. I may not be sure if that needs to be provided by actual police but I am such a humanitarian, I will go with it (as if). But please tell me why, when they are on details, they are on their cells, they are talking to the workers, and they doing everything but providing safety.
--That gutsy great Senator from Texas, Ted Cruz, has endorsed the man whose name will not be mentioned. He is such an ass kisser. Probably wants a job in the administration. And Marco makes two--had no employment future and so decided to run again after saying he wouldn't. And those fools from my former home state will likely elect him.\
--I know not how to react any more to the shootings of African Americans by the police. I do know this: No matter what else, I will never know what it is like to stand in their shoes--either the police or the men who have been shot. I am too scared to be a cop and I am not a person of color. It is just different.
--One definition of retirement is that money does not come in; it only goes out.
SPORTS TALK
So, Phil Mickelson is another idiot and he is way past his prime. But since he is the great white hype, we all MUST love him. Me, not so much. Steve Goodman (he wrote "City of New Orleans"), like a lot of folks, died way too early. But he was a fanatic Cubs fan and a fanatic baseball fan. After playing a set at Passim's on a Saturday night way back in the dark ages, he used to invite his audience to meet him on the Cambridge Common for softball on Sunday morning. Oh, how he would be loving what his Cubs are doing. Can we get real about BC football? Wagner last week and Buffalo this week? Real tough. No one up here gets it about the South and football--BC should have joined some other conference for football--perhaps the conference of the Great White North. Watch the tv documentary "Last Chance U" to get a sense of what football means down yonder.
Happy New Year to those of you who share my religious persuasion.
Adios
The man whose name will not be mentioned was demolished this past week. He sniffled, made faces, interrupted, and generally made a nuisance of himself. All of you undecideds, or third partiers, need to seriously consider what this person might do if elected. Then, he went on a middle of the night tweeter escapade in which he continued his verbal assault on women in general and Hilary in particular. Nate's maps in the aftermath of that performance started going blue again. Don't get me wrong. I do not believe this is over but we did get an insight about his response to pressure and what he might do if Angela suggest that maybe we should take in more refugees.
Speaking of which....I have very many mixed feelings about my synagogue. Too much back slapping about how great we are and how unique we are and how special we are. But every so often we are that and more. Once you kind of accept the minimal numbers of Syrian refugees this country will be taking (especially in light of our neighbors to the North), it was kind of neat to attend a meeting at my synagogue to discuss our sponsorship of two Syrian families, with children, who will be arriving here in the next few months. We, meaning my synagogue, do a great job making our tent very big and inclusive. Was listening to a cd by the Byrds--must be 30 years old--and they are singing even then of the plight of refugees. This is not new, folks. This country did not want too many Jews to enter during WWII even as they were being annihilated in Europe.
Other Items of Varying Import:
--Send money to democratic senatorial candidates and don't stop just in case you know who wins. A great article in the recent New Yorker by Jeffrey Toobin (who is just excellent) about how the election of Hilary and a Democratic Senate might actually lead to the first liberal majority on the SCOTUS in a very long time. We will not have to squirm and wait while Justice Kennedy decides which side of the bed to get up on in the morning.
--My local rag of a newspaper does not have one article which does not trash any effort at change--this neighbor is fighting that; this community group does not want that; this issue must be fought. I believe the horse and carriage will return soon--but then we will at least have horse shit for our organic gardens.
--I get it that utility and other workers who toil on our streets need protection and that is why we have police details. I may not be sure if that needs to be provided by actual police but I am such a humanitarian, I will go with it (as if). But please tell me why, when they are on details, they are on their cells, they are talking to the workers, and they doing everything but providing safety.
--That gutsy great Senator from Texas, Ted Cruz, has endorsed the man whose name will not be mentioned. He is such an ass kisser. Probably wants a job in the administration. And Marco makes two--had no employment future and so decided to run again after saying he wouldn't. And those fools from my former home state will likely elect him.\
--I know not how to react any more to the shootings of African Americans by the police. I do know this: No matter what else, I will never know what it is like to stand in their shoes--either the police or the men who have been shot. I am too scared to be a cop and I am not a person of color. It is just different.
--One definition of retirement is that money does not come in; it only goes out.
SPORTS TALK
So, Phil Mickelson is another idiot and he is way past his prime. But since he is the great white hype, we all MUST love him. Me, not so much. Steve Goodman (he wrote "City of New Orleans"), like a lot of folks, died way too early. But he was a fanatic Cubs fan and a fanatic baseball fan. After playing a set at Passim's on a Saturday night way back in the dark ages, he used to invite his audience to meet him on the Cambridge Common for softball on Sunday morning. Oh, how he would be loving what his Cubs are doing. Can we get real about BC football? Wagner last week and Buffalo this week? Real tough. No one up here gets it about the South and football--BC should have joined some other conference for football--perhaps the conference of the Great White North. Watch the tv documentary "Last Chance U" to get a sense of what football means down yonder.
Happy New Year to those of you who share my religious persuasion.
Adios
Thursday, September 15, 2016
HENNY, PENNY, THE SKY IS FALLING
I may not be chicken little but I am now officially a full time resident of the INSTITUTE FOR THE VERY, VERY, VERY NERVOUS (I stole that from Mel Brooks). The man whose name will not be mentioned, the man who admires the popularity of Vladimir Putin, the man who seemingly is the fave of every young white man in America--that man is catching Hilary. He is going to build a wall; he is going to "evict" immigrants and potentially split up families who have children born here; he has a list of 11 white men to nominate to the Supreme Court--that man might win. What parallel universe am I in? I am totally going to blame her and then I am going to blame Bernie and then I am going to blame anyone who votes for a third party candidate because they don't like either of the "big" candidates. The folks who do that will deserve what we all get. There are big fucking differences and it might not matter here in this state; but if you are in NH, Ohio, or my former home of Florida, voting for a third party candidate could get you (and me and my grandchildren god damn it) this misogynistic insensitive man as the next leader of the free world. I will move on but I am far from finished.
Ends and Odder things:
--My synagogue continues to slap itself on its back for selecting a woman as its Senior Rabbi. I guess it is kind of neat; but it seems to me we ought to quit this self congratulatory crap and get on with the business of being a spiritual home. She might be fine but we are not better people just because we selected her.
--Let me be clear that I have minimal interest and even more minimal skill when it comes to computers/technology. So I was pleased as punch when I could extend the return date of my library book online.
--I follow 538 and Real Clear Politics websites. Both confirm everything about the gap closing. My man Nates's electoral map is going from deep blues to pinks. It is ominous though he insists it ain't over til it is over. Worse yet, senatorial races that were close and had Dems ahead are also getting closer. Just have to look north to NH to confirm that.
--I am on the verge of needing a hearing aid but will first try to salvage my pride with one of those hearing amplifiers. Medicare does not cover hearing aids despite being set up for moi and the rest of the elderly.
--So, I get up at the crack of dawn to meet my civic responsibility and serve on a jury. I get my closest relative/best friend to get me to the subway also too fucking early. I actually (no lie) was shocked to see that people actually go to work at that hour and could not even get a seat. BTW, I am now offered seats just like I used to do for OLDER PEOPLE. Anyhow, I get to the courthouse and find out I did not read the fine print and, given my age, I can choose not to serve. I thanked the woman and took off and of course, in hindsight, wonder if I should have stayed.
--Why do some bus stops have shelters and some don't. I now try to wait for buses where they exist but I don't get it.
SPORTS TALK
--I was shocked, shocked I tell you, at the recent win by the Pats. I figured this was going to be a loss and maybe they would go 2-2 with Brady out. Now, after what I saw and the next 3 teams they play, they should go 4-0 unless they start choking up. We can wait on elevating Garrapolo as the world's best. I may have given up on my Yanks too soon but I still don't think they will make it. The next four games with the red flops will are key. One of my birthday gifts last winter will allow me to see the Saturday game with that same relative/best friend. And the football team in Ann Arbor is looking good.
Adios
Ends and Odder things:
--My synagogue continues to slap itself on its back for selecting a woman as its Senior Rabbi. I guess it is kind of neat; but it seems to me we ought to quit this self congratulatory crap and get on with the business of being a spiritual home. She might be fine but we are not better people just because we selected her.
--Let me be clear that I have minimal interest and even more minimal skill when it comes to computers/technology. So I was pleased as punch when I could extend the return date of my library book online.
--I follow 538 and Real Clear Politics websites. Both confirm everything about the gap closing. My man Nates's electoral map is going from deep blues to pinks. It is ominous though he insists it ain't over til it is over. Worse yet, senatorial races that were close and had Dems ahead are also getting closer. Just have to look north to NH to confirm that.
--I am on the verge of needing a hearing aid but will first try to salvage my pride with one of those hearing amplifiers. Medicare does not cover hearing aids despite being set up for moi and the rest of the elderly.
--So, I get up at the crack of dawn to meet my civic responsibility and serve on a jury. I get my closest relative/best friend to get me to the subway also too fucking early. I actually (no lie) was shocked to see that people actually go to work at that hour and could not even get a seat. BTW, I am now offered seats just like I used to do for OLDER PEOPLE. Anyhow, I get to the courthouse and find out I did not read the fine print and, given my age, I can choose not to serve. I thanked the woman and took off and of course, in hindsight, wonder if I should have stayed.
--Why do some bus stops have shelters and some don't. I now try to wait for buses where they exist but I don't get it.
SPORTS TALK
--I was shocked, shocked I tell you, at the recent win by the Pats. I figured this was going to be a loss and maybe they would go 2-2 with Brady out. Now, after what I saw and the next 3 teams they play, they should go 4-0 unless they start choking up. We can wait on elevating Garrapolo as the world's best. I may have given up on my Yanks too soon but I still don't think they will make it. The next four games with the red flops will are key. One of my birthday gifts last winter will allow me to see the Saturday game with that same relative/best friend. And the football team in Ann Arbor is looking good.
Adios
Sunday, September 4, 2016
READY FOR SCHOOL?
It's almost labor Day and I cannot shake the feeling that I gotta get ready for class. But, alas and alack, that ain't happening. But it is kind of weirdly funny that my mind continues to work that way. As a close relative of mine would say, in the olden days, a group of us would rent motel rooms for Labor Day weekend up there in Sunny Isles, spend a lot of time drinking, spend a lot of times chasing parties if not other adolescents of the female persuasion, and pranking all sorts of people. Then back to school. Those memories, unlike the memory of what I ate yesterday, do not fade.
Been out of touch for more than a month and can only say: USA, USA, USA. Oops, I forgot about Usain Bolt. Moving on to even stranger items of interest:
--The man whose name will not be mentioned has tightened the race for the Presidency. Even my boy Nate has acknowledged this though his odds still give the edge to Hilary by about 3-1. All digits remain crossed and cause daily discomfort both physically and psychologically. I wonder: are there more of us or more of them? OMG, how can that man represent us with other world leaders (except of course Putin).
--The little money we contribute is going to women running for the Senate against Republicans as a hedge against that man winning. So, get your checkbooks out because these states have women running who have a good shot at unseating the Republican candidates and putting the senate in the Democrats hands. They are: NH, NC, Ill., Pa., and Nev. Those five plus Feingold in Wisconsin and Bayh in Indiana will do it. As in who gets nominated for the Supreme Court.
--So, the U.S. has taken in 10,000 Syrian refugees and we are supposed to clap bout it. Of course, compared to our neighbors to the North, that is pathetic. And compared to the need, it is almost outrageous. The NY Times devoted an entire issue of its Sunday magazine to the refugee crisis and the chaos in the Middle East. It was stupendous but so depressing. So, in a country of 300 million, we take in 10,000 and feel smug. Yikes.
--The Democrats have better speakers than the Republicans. And they are more diverse. That's what I learned from those stupid conventions. That and Bernie finally came around--now he has gotta get out there and get some votes for Hilary. I also hope you saw Sarah Silverman tell off the Bernie supporters--"don't be ridiculous".
--Floods and hurricanes in the South. But I gotta say they can do their road construction year round. Unlike you know, those of us up here. Travelled a lot this summer and rather consistently, on highways and back roads, was held up by road projects.
--Then there is this. Comcast will switch out my old cable box for a new fangled one--for free. Ah, but I get charged for the service call. Ok, so being retired and all, I can schedule it at my convenience since everyone including Comcast assumes I don't have anything else to do. So, it will be this four hour block (!) or that 4 hour block. 6.5 hours later I get told that the Tech missed our appointment. Can you (a big communication company) get in touch with the Tech? Nope. They really are out of touch and I can only hope FIOS is better because I am there when they arrive.
SPORTS TALK
I have to admit those Red Flops do have a terrifying offense and Ortiz is just plain out of his mind. Now about that bullpen. My boys got younger and will be fine next year but will not do much this year. Big question of the day: Will Tommy make nice with Jimmy? Better question: Who the fuck gives a shit if they still win 12 games?
Adios
Been out of touch for more than a month and can only say: USA, USA, USA. Oops, I forgot about Usain Bolt. Moving on to even stranger items of interest:
--The man whose name will not be mentioned has tightened the race for the Presidency. Even my boy Nate has acknowledged this though his odds still give the edge to Hilary by about 3-1. All digits remain crossed and cause daily discomfort both physically and psychologically. I wonder: are there more of us or more of them? OMG, how can that man represent us with other world leaders (except of course Putin).
--The little money we contribute is going to women running for the Senate against Republicans as a hedge against that man winning. So, get your checkbooks out because these states have women running who have a good shot at unseating the Republican candidates and putting the senate in the Democrats hands. They are: NH, NC, Ill., Pa., and Nev. Those five plus Feingold in Wisconsin and Bayh in Indiana will do it. As in who gets nominated for the Supreme Court.
--So, the U.S. has taken in 10,000 Syrian refugees and we are supposed to clap bout it. Of course, compared to our neighbors to the North, that is pathetic. And compared to the need, it is almost outrageous. The NY Times devoted an entire issue of its Sunday magazine to the refugee crisis and the chaos in the Middle East. It was stupendous but so depressing. So, in a country of 300 million, we take in 10,000 and feel smug. Yikes.
--The Democrats have better speakers than the Republicans. And they are more diverse. That's what I learned from those stupid conventions. That and Bernie finally came around--now he has gotta get out there and get some votes for Hilary. I also hope you saw Sarah Silverman tell off the Bernie supporters--"don't be ridiculous".
--Floods and hurricanes in the South. But I gotta say they can do their road construction year round. Unlike you know, those of us up here. Travelled a lot this summer and rather consistently, on highways and back roads, was held up by road projects.
--Then there is this. Comcast will switch out my old cable box for a new fangled one--for free. Ah, but I get charged for the service call. Ok, so being retired and all, I can schedule it at my convenience since everyone including Comcast assumes I don't have anything else to do. So, it will be this four hour block (!) or that 4 hour block. 6.5 hours later I get told that the Tech missed our appointment. Can you (a big communication company) get in touch with the Tech? Nope. They really are out of touch and I can only hope FIOS is better because I am there when they arrive.
SPORTS TALK
I have to admit those Red Flops do have a terrifying offense and Ortiz is just plain out of his mind. Now about that bullpen. My boys got younger and will be fine next year but will not do much this year. Big question of the day: Will Tommy make nice with Jimmy? Better question: Who the fuck gives a shit if they still win 12 games?
Adios
Saturday, July 16, 2016
I FEEL LIKE CHICKEN LITTLE
I think Chicken Little was the character from my childhood who always thought the sky was falling. And even if it was not Chicken Little, it was some dumb character that I feel like right this very minute. As if Nice was not enough, we now have the attempted coup in Turkey. Now a wise person once told me that the Turkish military was one of the most democratic sectors of that government. The generals were all apparently trained here and believe, more than the politicians, in a democratic state. Meanwhile, over the last year, the politicians leading the country (especially Erdogan) have taken a turn into the land of right wing repression. And this from a country which is part of NATO, which wants to be part of the EU, and which is our strongest ally in the area. Internationally, all of this came on the heels of terror attacks in Bangladesh and Iraq. I worry.
Domestically, we have witnessed the killings by police of African American men in Louisiana and Minnesota and the murder of Dallas policemen. It frequently feels as if things are out of control both here and abroad.
It seems as if both institutionally (i.e. the military/police) and intra-personally (i.e. we the people), there is a belief that the only recourse is violence. That violence gets fueled by easy access to weapons and mixes with fear of "the other" to deliver a volatile brew. This is not a safe country if you are a young person of color or if you are a cop. I worry.
Items of Note:
--All of the above plays right into the messages of the candidate whose name will not be mentioned. People want simple answers and he is giving it to them like a good demagogue. Hilary is way too nuanced and way too complicated for these folks.
--Yet, Nate the Great still believes she wins even though she has slipped after the DOJ investigation and in advance of the Republican convention.
--It took Bernie long enough before he got off his fat ass and endorsed Hilary. As if he had some other better choice. Now he just better get moving and motivate all his followers to get off their asses and vote for her.
--Ruthie, my most beloved Supreme, really needs to shut up and be a Justice. And Mr. Bill needs to stop meeting people on airport tarmacs. Both of these stupid "foot in the mouth" events play right into that guy whose name won't be mentioned and his already paranoid supporters.
--Saw the Yo Yo Ma documentary about his work as a member of the Silk Road Ensemble. In the context of all this violence, it was especially reassuring to see these eclectic musicians (who first of all are superb at their craft) playing together in so many different locales--including refugee camps. And who knew that Yo Yo is virtually a stand up comedian.
--Another great BBC detective show with a leading woman. "Marcella" is more tense than the "Americans" and the lead (Anna Friel) is just terrific.
--Spent a wonderful day in Newport with friends one of whom is a friend from kindergarten. Very, very comforting.
--You wont have me to kick around until the fall. Have a great summer.
SPORTS TALK
Brady's case is done and who knows what it means for the Pats. This is what it means for other fans--Confirmation that the Pats cheat and an opportunity to hate the Pats and Brady some more. Claude Julien is still the Bruins coach and they seem to be bringing in some younger more skilled and less defensive minded players. Let's see how Claude ruins their careers. Serena Williams, a la Lebron, is so dominant when she is on that it is almost unfair. Finally, my suggestion to Brian Cashman: time to deal and get younger. Eat some contracts if anyone will take Texeira or even ARod because the Yanks are going nowhere.
Adios
Domestically, we have witnessed the killings by police of African American men in Louisiana and Minnesota and the murder of Dallas policemen. It frequently feels as if things are out of control both here and abroad.
It seems as if both institutionally (i.e. the military/police) and intra-personally (i.e. we the people), there is a belief that the only recourse is violence. That violence gets fueled by easy access to weapons and mixes with fear of "the other" to deliver a volatile brew. This is not a safe country if you are a young person of color or if you are a cop. I worry.
Items of Note:
--All of the above plays right into the messages of the candidate whose name will not be mentioned. People want simple answers and he is giving it to them like a good demagogue. Hilary is way too nuanced and way too complicated for these folks.
--Yet, Nate the Great still believes she wins even though she has slipped after the DOJ investigation and in advance of the Republican convention.
--It took Bernie long enough before he got off his fat ass and endorsed Hilary. As if he had some other better choice. Now he just better get moving and motivate all his followers to get off their asses and vote for her.
--Ruthie, my most beloved Supreme, really needs to shut up and be a Justice. And Mr. Bill needs to stop meeting people on airport tarmacs. Both of these stupid "foot in the mouth" events play right into that guy whose name won't be mentioned and his already paranoid supporters.
--Saw the Yo Yo Ma documentary about his work as a member of the Silk Road Ensemble. In the context of all this violence, it was especially reassuring to see these eclectic musicians (who first of all are superb at their craft) playing together in so many different locales--including refugee camps. And who knew that Yo Yo is virtually a stand up comedian.
--Another great BBC detective show with a leading woman. "Marcella" is more tense than the "Americans" and the lead (Anna Friel) is just terrific.
--Spent a wonderful day in Newport with friends one of whom is a friend from kindergarten. Very, very comforting.
--You wont have me to kick around until the fall. Have a great summer.
SPORTS TALK
Brady's case is done and who knows what it means for the Pats. This is what it means for other fans--Confirmation that the Pats cheat and an opportunity to hate the Pats and Brady some more. Claude Julien is still the Bruins coach and they seem to be bringing in some younger more skilled and less defensive minded players. Let's see how Claude ruins their careers. Serena Williams, a la Lebron, is so dominant when she is on that it is almost unfair. Finally, my suggestion to Brian Cashman: time to deal and get younger. Eat some contracts if anyone will take Texeira or even ARod because the Yanks are going nowhere.
Adios
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