(Partially revised since late Monday evening)
The headlines scream that a resolution of the fiscal cliff has been achieved.
If on the final days of 2012 and the hopeful start of a better new year doesn't piss you off, then please read no further.
Common sense dictates that we - regardless of our party affiliation - and who are actually VOTING citizens - need to understand that we were only a pawn in a political game waged by both political parties and by the media.
One tactic - and it was a good one that helps us to remember why and who won the last election - was to put the House Republicans in a indefensible chess position.
The media were quick to jump in. They would say or write anything to convince us that we were all going to go broke if the party of the opposition ( for me it was a case of "pick one") did not compromise on their beliefs.
We need to understand (Howard Kurtz aside) that the original goal of the Press - "to inform" has been replaced by one that seeks "to foment.".
Folks, once more, Washington has used and abused us - and the media folks only expedited their goal to do so. Unless you're really into human bondage (and I think I heard one reader shout out "Who's not?" you got to think about this for a few minutes.( not the bondage stuff - the media)
Once more, - strictly to sell papers, magazines and products - we were supposed to become convinced that, as an inevitable conclusion and - in true Henny Penny style - the sky was falling.
It was hard - but not impossible - to find a responsible news source that was willing to say, "Hey, let's think about this for a minute."
Hell, many people were still recovering from the so-called Mayan death scare - also repeated over and over again by the attention starved media. ( And, when we say "people" we're not just talking about the ones now busy recycling their tin foil hats).
Could have been a disaster? You betcha. Would have been a disaster? Depends on whom you choose to believe and just how long you've been following politics.
If we were scared - and which of us was not truly concerned - as to what might happen to us - our children - and those we love - let's not forget - we were also being manipulated. Everybody - Republican and Democrat - had a finger in our pie - and something to prove.
What is apparent to all is that the resolution of the fiscal cliff is something that could easily have been avoided a long time ago.
Until we take the opportunity to determine the identity of the "individual" roadblocks to bipartisan politics - and vote them out of office - will we understand the power we could have had.
Unfortunately, during the last two elections, we did just the opposite and in many cases - voted out the few established reasonable minds that were remaining - and replaced them in the ballot box with the recalcitrance of misinformed youth.
How long are we going to allow this to continue? Maybe a better question is "How can we identify the worse of the worse?"
Is their a cottage industry for informed people who would be willing to release easy to read and understand monthly reviews of the actions of our congressional members - on both sides of the aisle? And if so, would we take the time to read those assessments?
Can we find an organization that we can trust to report responsibly just exactly who is getting the most money from special interest groups and the consequences for you and me? They are out there. They just can't get our attention.
Or would we only read what they concluded if what they had to say agreed with our preconceived beliefs. When I was younger I was a huge James Baldwin fan - despite the fact I had no desire to be either gay or black.
When the morning paper arrives - which section do you go to first? Will "Time" magazine ever get the attention you give to "Sports Illustrated"?
Think about this. If you co-mingled funds as a banker, investment broker, or insurance agent - you have a good chance of going to jail with few opportunities for visiting rights for your kids . If, as a politician, you co-mingle with your so-called "re-election funds" - we are asked go look the other way.
But, if you want to find out who is a member of the last group you have to be willing to dig in and educate yourself . Warning # 2: - it's doubtful you're going to find any of them striking a Heisman pose - but with today's political egos - nothing is guaranteed...
We did have a fraud identification organization in Congress - that caught one or two - but our politicians refused to renew it. You have to ask yourself - "why?"
If you really do not care and are willing to accept short term political solutions (like the most recent ones) that are designed only to obfuscate - nothing in this blog applies to you.
So relax - go back to the office sports and holiday engagement pools and get down to truly analyzing your Fantasy league choices.
But, if you still have some cajones - and deeply resent how some very irresponsible rich people have played with your heads - and greatly increased your financial fears - there may be a way out of repeating what just took place.
You can start by rethinking the employment of our "Oh so American" coping process - (homeostasis) that enables us to forget tragedies like Newtown - and the "financial cliff" - simply because the memories are so disturbing and impede our unrealistic search for peace and tranquility - so the mind and body take over.
This healing tool - which is so needed in dealing with personal loss - is a great asset. Unfortunately, when dealing with big picture items - other than personal loss - it inhibits our ability and willingness to do the right thing in the long run.
There is an irony here. If we just spent 10% of our life becoming better informed and vastly improved the quality of our bullshit recognition meter - we just might start to reclaim our life.
Warning: this may interfere with that life long male purpose to memorize every inconsequential sport statistic to achieve a goal of winning an argument at work - in your carpool - or a local bar. You know. The really important stuff.
There are two significant elections coming up. One is in 2014 and the
other is in 2016.
Before you wake up and realize those dates have arrived you might ask yourself the truly important question:
Why do so many of us who - day by day - seek to make informed decisions that shape the destiny of our families, continously refuse to apply those same decision making skills when it comes time to making intelligent political decisions?
Snake oil salesmen are alive and well and, trust me, you're much too bright to allow this to continue - year after year.
One more time: We are all being used.
We are perceived as merely puppets by people who were - during the election cycle - and by dint of "Supreme Wisdom" in United - willing to invest a tremendous amount of money -( some of which was their own) - to pursue the ultimate "con game" - and in doing so, satisfy their poor scary misguided egos.
And we - due to some misplaced priorities - bought into it hook, line and sinker.
Now we're dealing with the consequences
Folks, "It's Howdy Doody Time." Regardless of your party affilition - please make an "informed" choice next time
And, we're not talking about the ridiculous political ads that did a better job than "Lamont Cranston" ever could have in developing the ability to "Cloud men's minds.".
That is, unless you enjoy having someone take a bite out of your rearend.
.
Monday, December 31, 2012
End Of a Era
There are a lot of really well done year-end commentary pieces - none of them done by Mayan scholars.
Each year when this happens I feel a tinge of regret. I find for the most part I really do not want to relive the current year. In a childlike way, I'm too anxious to see how the next one is going to play out.
I guess you could call it my "Satan, Get Behind Me" approach.
I've been like that since I was a kid, and didn't even enjoy the cartoons depicting Father Time and the New Year's baby. I wasn't even a fan of the superstitions that came with the dawning of a new year.
When I was a kid Mom had a superstition that the first person to enter the house on New Year's day had to be a tall male with dark hair in order to assure us of good luck in the New Year. I was usually the one chosen.
(Mom, if you're looking down here now you'll note I have to disqualify myself once again this year. My dark hair left me about the same time as my "Barry Good Boy" personality.).
I'm not much for personal New Years resolutions. I was better at giving up sweets for Lent. As I get older I seem to have substituted my own monthly resolutions such as to quit smoking (OK so far) or lose weight (10 pounds to date .
Most of those resolutions are duely noted on one of the many calendars I still seem to have around.
Today I attempted to get a dresser drawer dismantled in order to determine what was blocking the last 5 inches of closure space.
I was suprised as I did not know we had a cat.
No seriously - PETA people - no more e-mails please.
I did discover several items which had "gone over the top" so to speak and lodged themself back there. One was a 2009 calendar.
In that years resolution collections I Johnny Inkslinger'd the date(s) when I stopped smoking and/or started a new diet.
One surprise was that my beginning diet weight amount in 2009 was not that far from the one which caused me to start a new diet about 3 weeks ago which will be recorded in my 2013 office desk calendar.
As if to confirm the fact that I was also fat in 2009, beneath the calendar were hidden several pictures from a Florida golf outing with son Bruce that year.
I'm not sure what bothered me more; that I'm wearing a unflattering white golf shirt that looks like a sheet from a twin bed but still clearly shows off all the unpleasant nuances of my fat body - or that he so accurately captured me in the middle of some really horrible golf shots.
The irony to me is that I still have a copy of a family picture that was taken up at Edinboro Lake in Northwestern Pennsylvania where our family would vacation for a week or more when I was a kid. I look to be about 13 in the picture.
Mom & Dad and my younger brothers Jim & Tom look good. Neither one of my "bros" had acquired a full beard at the time - as they were probably 9 and 6 respectively.
My dad and brothers were shirtless in the photo as that's what most males do on a lake vacation in July or August.
I'm the one in the photo who was photographed wearing a sweatshirt with the sleeves half rolled up in an attempt to hide a body so skinny you could still count my ribs under a winter jacket.
Just goes to show the wisdom behind the popular saying, "Watch what you wish for". ( I sort of "filled out" when I retired).
Hopefully, I can find a happy medium this year.
I believe there is a palm reader somewhere up the road on 70.
Perhaps she can predict where 2013 is going to take me and my so-called "blogs".
I will probably still be rating and raving about injustices I either saw or imagined, and will continue to honor my "Grover Norquist" pledge to save the planet through my musings.
(I honestly believe, with a name like that, he must have at one time been a featured character in a Beatrix Potter book - perhaps as a friend of Mrs. Tiggly-Winkle or Pigling Bland.)
Hey, "Have a Great New Year".
Each year when this happens I feel a tinge of regret. I find for the most part I really do not want to relive the current year. In a childlike way, I'm too anxious to see how the next one is going to play out.
I guess you could call it my "Satan, Get Behind Me" approach.
I've been like that since I was a kid, and didn't even enjoy the cartoons depicting Father Time and the New Year's baby. I wasn't even a fan of the superstitions that came with the dawning of a new year.
When I was a kid Mom had a superstition that the first person to enter the house on New Year's day had to be a tall male with dark hair in order to assure us of good luck in the New Year. I was usually the one chosen.
(Mom, if you're looking down here now you'll note I have to disqualify myself once again this year. My dark hair left me about the same time as my "Barry Good Boy" personality.).
I'm not much for personal New Years resolutions. I was better at giving up sweets for Lent. As I get older I seem to have substituted my own monthly resolutions such as to quit smoking (OK so far) or lose weight (10 pounds to date .
Most of those resolutions are duely noted on one of the many calendars I still seem to have around.
Today I attempted to get a dresser drawer dismantled in order to determine what was blocking the last 5 inches of closure space.
I was suprised as I did not know we had a cat.
No seriously - PETA people - no more e-mails please.
I did discover several items which had "gone over the top" so to speak and lodged themself back there. One was a 2009 calendar.
In that years resolution collections I Johnny Inkslinger'd the date(s) when I stopped smoking and/or started a new diet.
One surprise was that my beginning diet weight amount in 2009 was not that far from the one which caused me to start a new diet about 3 weeks ago which will be recorded in my 2013 office desk calendar.
As if to confirm the fact that I was also fat in 2009, beneath the calendar were hidden several pictures from a Florida golf outing with son Bruce that year.
I'm not sure what bothered me more; that I'm wearing a unflattering white golf shirt that looks like a sheet from a twin bed but still clearly shows off all the unpleasant nuances of my fat body - or that he so accurately captured me in the middle of some really horrible golf shots.
The irony to me is that I still have a copy of a family picture that was taken up at Edinboro Lake in Northwestern Pennsylvania where our family would vacation for a week or more when I was a kid. I look to be about 13 in the picture.
Mom & Dad and my younger brothers Jim & Tom look good. Neither one of my "bros" had acquired a full beard at the time - as they were probably 9 and 6 respectively.
My dad and brothers were shirtless in the photo as that's what most males do on a lake vacation in July or August.
I'm the one in the photo who was photographed wearing a sweatshirt with the sleeves half rolled up in an attempt to hide a body so skinny you could still count my ribs under a winter jacket.
Just goes to show the wisdom behind the popular saying, "Watch what you wish for". ( I sort of "filled out" when I retired).
Hopefully, I can find a happy medium this year.
I believe there is a palm reader somewhere up the road on 70.
Perhaps she can predict where 2013 is going to take me and my so-called "blogs".
I will probably still be rating and raving about injustices I either saw or imagined, and will continue to honor my "Grover Norquist" pledge to save the planet through my musings.
(I honestly believe, with a name like that, he must have at one time been a featured character in a Beatrix Potter book - perhaps as a friend of Mrs. Tiggly-Winkle or Pigling Bland.)
Hey, "Have a Great New Year".
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
A FUNNY MESSAGE?
Most of us receive E-mails that include alleged quotes or essays by everyone from General George Patton to Clarabelle The Clown.
The most recent one was allegedly written and recited by Ben Stein on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary - one of my favorite programs to tape.
I don't recall hearing this commentary - cannot verify it was ever written or presented by Mr. Stein - but admittedly, I may still have a couple programs stored.
We have a tendency to repeat or make reference to folks who we either can't stand or despise or, on a more positive note, have a view on life that matches our own.
What I share below is an example of the latter.
Previous blogs have indicated that when younger I was a very active member in a few churches, holding various offices and titles.
For clarity sake, I want to state that's no longer the case. I seldom attend church with the exception of the occasional weddings or funeral and may change that in the coming year.
My reasons are personal. I still believe in God and the excerpts I repeat from Steins alleged commentary which I edited for brevity and impact - are feelings and beliefs that I share.
"I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.
In light of recent events . . . .terrorists attack, school shootings, etc .. I think it started when Madeliene Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found a few years ago) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools - and we said OK.
Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school . . . The Bible says thou shalt not kill; thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK.
Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem. (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide) We said an expert should know what he's talking about..And (again) we said OK.
Now, we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.
Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with 'WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.'
Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell.
Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says.
Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire, but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing.
Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school or workplace.
Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us.
Are you laughing yet?"
The most recent one was allegedly written and recited by Ben Stein on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary - one of my favorite programs to tape.
I don't recall hearing this commentary - cannot verify it was ever written or presented by Mr. Stein - but admittedly, I may still have a couple programs stored.
We have a tendency to repeat or make reference to folks who we either can't stand or despise or, on a more positive note, have a view on life that matches our own.
What I share below is an example of the latter.
Previous blogs have indicated that when younger I was a very active member in a few churches, holding various offices and titles.
For clarity sake, I want to state that's no longer the case. I seldom attend church with the exception of the occasional weddings or funeral and may change that in the coming year.
My reasons are personal. I still believe in God and the excerpts I repeat from Steins alleged commentary which I edited for brevity and impact - are feelings and beliefs that I share.
"I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.
In light of recent events . . . .terrorists attack, school shootings, etc .. I think it started when Madeliene Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found a few years ago) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools - and we said OK.
Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school . . . The Bible says thou shalt not kill; thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK.
Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem. (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide) We said an expert should know what he's talking about..And (again) we said OK.
Now, we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.
Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with 'WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.'
Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell.
Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says.
Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire, but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing.
Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school or workplace.
Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us.
Are you laughing yet?"
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
LaGuardia
During a seventeen day newspaper strike diminuitive New York Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia read the funnies to his constituents.
Undoubtably, many of us in the senior crowd might argue today that the funnies are neither "funny" - nor as important today.
If true, that's sad. They were a big part of my childhood and may have foretold the origin of my warped humor.
Comic relief was something we really appreciated back when LaGuardia was in office (1934 through 1945) - and perhaps even more so today.
While comics are still published - and some like Peanuts etc. remain funny - much of todays newpaper humor comes from some really clever political cartoons on the comment pages. Perhaps. this is because sometimes real life can still lend itself to some chuckles.
I can't draw worth a darn - thus, no cartoons. And some would suggest, I have a rather sick sense of humor. Nevertheless, here's my humble input as to what's happening in parts of our great country these days.
Denham Springs, Louisiana: "A US District judge issued an order temporarily barring city officials from interfering with a woman hanging Christmas lights in the shape of a finger on her roof. Sarah Childs was in a dispute with neighbors, so she decided to send a message. Neighbors complained and police threatened to arrest her, so she and the American Civil Liberties Union sued the city.
A hearing is scheduled for January 7 in Baton Rouge".
(Some would suggest that the judges decision to schedule the hearing for January 7 has a Solomon like resemblance. By then, most folks will already be busy shopping for that perfect Easter basket. Perhaps the matter might best be heard in a moot court.)
Auburn, Indiana: "A truck driver from Illinois has been sentenced to 180 days in jail for badly damaging a 140 year old wooden covered bridge in Northeastern Indiana by driving a too-tall semitrailer through it."
(One assumes that if the man had been from Indiana - instead of Illinois - he would have received a life sentence - as he really should have known better.)
Louisville, Kentucky: "The Kentucky Court of Appeals upheld a decision awarding a man no (-0-) damages from a doctor who cut off a cancer riddled section of his penis during what was scheduled to be a circumcision. The court rejected efforts by Phillip Seaton of Waddy to force physician John Patterson to compensate him for removing the organ without seeking his consent first during a 2007 operation. Patterson "maintains" he found cancer in the man's penis during the surgery and that it had to be removed. Seaton, now in his 60's claimed he wasn't given a chance to seek a second opinion."
(Caution: While any red blooded man can clearly sympathize with the plight of Mr. Seaton or the weight of the decision for his doctor, we feel a responsibility to advise all men that, if you're planning to have a late-in-life circumcision, perhaps Kentucky might not be your first choice.)
Fairview, Pennsylvania: A black Ohio trucker has settled his federal civil rights lawsuit against a Burger King franchise in northwestern Pennsylvania. Glenn Gordwin contends a white female employee working at the restaurant along interstate 90 spit on his "Whopper Jr". in 2008. Terms of the settlement were not disclosed.
(Dear Mr. Goodwin, if true that someone spit on your Whopper Jr, you have our complete empathy, but you should hear what they're doing in Kentucky - and you don't get a settlement.)
Undoubtably, many of us in the senior crowd might argue today that the funnies are neither "funny" - nor as important today.
If true, that's sad. They were a big part of my childhood and may have foretold the origin of my warped humor.
Comic relief was something we really appreciated back when LaGuardia was in office (1934 through 1945) - and perhaps even more so today.
While comics are still published - and some like Peanuts etc. remain funny - much of todays newpaper humor comes from some really clever political cartoons on the comment pages. Perhaps. this is because sometimes real life can still lend itself to some chuckles.
I can't draw worth a darn - thus, no cartoons. And some would suggest, I have a rather sick sense of humor. Nevertheless, here's my humble input as to what's happening in parts of our great country these days.
Denham Springs, Louisiana: "A US District judge issued an order temporarily barring city officials from interfering with a woman hanging Christmas lights in the shape of a finger on her roof. Sarah Childs was in a dispute with neighbors, so she decided to send a message. Neighbors complained and police threatened to arrest her, so she and the American Civil Liberties Union sued the city.
A hearing is scheduled for January 7 in Baton Rouge".
(Some would suggest that the judges decision to schedule the hearing for January 7 has a Solomon like resemblance. By then, most folks will already be busy shopping for that perfect Easter basket. Perhaps the matter might best be heard in a moot court.)
Auburn, Indiana: "A truck driver from Illinois has been sentenced to 180 days in jail for badly damaging a 140 year old wooden covered bridge in Northeastern Indiana by driving a too-tall semitrailer through it."
(One assumes that if the man had been from Indiana - instead of Illinois - he would have received a life sentence - as he really should have known better.)
Louisville, Kentucky: "The Kentucky Court of Appeals upheld a decision awarding a man no (-0-) damages from a doctor who cut off a cancer riddled section of his penis during what was scheduled to be a circumcision. The court rejected efforts by Phillip Seaton of Waddy to force physician John Patterson to compensate him for removing the organ without seeking his consent first during a 2007 operation. Patterson "maintains" he found cancer in the man's penis during the surgery and that it had to be removed. Seaton, now in his 60's claimed he wasn't given a chance to seek a second opinion."
(Caution: While any red blooded man can clearly sympathize with the plight of Mr. Seaton or the weight of the decision for his doctor, we feel a responsibility to advise all men that, if you're planning to have a late-in-life circumcision, perhaps Kentucky might not be your first choice.)
Fairview, Pennsylvania: A black Ohio trucker has settled his federal civil rights lawsuit against a Burger King franchise in northwestern Pennsylvania. Glenn Gordwin contends a white female employee working at the restaurant along interstate 90 spit on his "Whopper Jr". in 2008. Terms of the settlement were not disclosed.
(Dear Mr. Goodwin, if true that someone spit on your Whopper Jr, you have our complete empathy, but you should hear what they're doing in Kentucky - and you don't get a settlement.)
Saturday, December 22, 2012
WHAT'S NOT TO UNDERSTAND?
Do you remember the many times that your kids came in the door crying and complaining because: "Bobby hit me - and I'm not going to play with him anymore"?
Then you'll probably also recall that when you looked out the kitchen window -not more than 15 minutes later - both Bobby and your son were now playing together and having one heckuva good time.
I miss those days.
A comparison that comes to mind is when we watch two football teams beat the bejeebers out of each for 60 minutes. Then, when the battle ends, players from both teams are seen praying together. Others are observed shaking hands or laughing and hugging each other whether they be past college or professional teammates, members of the opposite team who won or lost the game.
Could this "vicious' sport actually be seen as a positive role model for society?
You got to admit it would do much for today's society and our security if we somehow could find that common denominator in politics - as well as in life.
Here's a different example - not so positive. On the afternoon of this past Election Day - after voting - my wife and I came in to a somewhat empty Applebys for some lunch and a glass of wine.
As we sat down we commented to the two female bartenders how quiet it was. They just looked at each other, shaking their heads, before explaining their reaction.
It seems they had just managed to survive an hour or so long battle between Democrat and Republican voters - sitting on either side of the bar and screaming at each other.
"I actually thought they were going to kill each other", commented the smaller of the two women. Now it was our turn to shake our heads.
We've noted that some positive sign of potential unity is desperately lacking in any conversation we may have foolishly attempted or overheard recently with either a "Devoted Democrat" or a "Rabid Republican".
People seem to have adopted a new philosophy :"There are two sides to any argument - theirs - and the right way - ours."
Apply this same philosophy in a marriage & you're going to accumulate a lot of couch time. You could possibly turn out like the guy who stated, "My sex life is like a Ferrari . . . I don't have a Ferrari."
Think about it. When, if ever, was the last time you heard either a Democrat or Republican find one kind positive thing to say about a member of the other political party?
If you disagree then you're not the one getting all the political hate mail.
Did I miss something? Do we no longer leave the the placenta in the hospital after we take the baby home with us?
Don't you want to scream: "HEY, THE ELECTION IS OVER AND WHETHER YOUR SIDE WON OR LOST - GET OVER IT!"
I have no problem here with empathizing with someone who has experienced the occasional disagreement with a few people and/or various business entities, (such as the management brass of my Pirates). Anybody who reads this blog will be quick to confirm that.
It's just, what ever happened to the spirit of compromise? We now seem to view it as a sign of weakness. How in the world did we get to this point? And, why if you truly believe the other guy has to compromise first do you NOT understand what the problem is?
Some would suggest it's also our growing reluctance to explore a positive aspect of our personality - called kindness - which, sadly, is seldom seen unless there is a tragedy such as the one in Newtown - or reports of a guy dropping $100 bills in a Salvation Army kettle?
Mark Twain once said, "Kindness is something the blind can see and the deaf can hear." Sorry Markie, not any more.
"Kindness" is a personality trait needed to be on display in every home - and not just by Mom.
An act of kindness to one's spouse may also greatly help to structure our kids in a positive way, thus fulfilling our desire to see them grow into mature adults.
Our kids definitely won't get there by repeating our Archie Bunker inspired ramblings when we forgot that "little pitchers have big ears"
Respected behavioral psychologists have concluded that, too often, the impact on our kids due to our misplaced word choices and spoken or implied prejudices has resulted in the drastic increase in bullying on our streets, playgrounds, and the internet.
My concern is that this absence of kindness in the home has now carried over into our so-called "adult life" - and how we often perceive people who hold different beliefs than our own. We clearly weren't always that way.
It is a constant prayer of my wife and myself that some day people will get their collective heads out of that dark cavern in the body that involuntarily shudders at the sound of snapping rubber gloves.
Perhaps then we'll finally begin to make progress on the resolution of some very difficult subjects: immigration, entitlements, taxes, the degree to which we all need to make sacrifices, and what really makes sense about the divergent reality of gun control and mental health.
I am definitely not the paragon of virtue and admit my opinions here are as much addressed to myself, as to anyone bothering to read this far.
It saddens me to think that so many of us seem either unable or unwilling to recognize that the other side may have some good points - or at least something deserving of our willingness to listen - with an overall goal that, by doing so, we can hopefully find some common ground.
Listening is clearly the key to any successful negotiation whether it be the NHL debacle, the fiscal cliff, or any of the above.
Maybe what we really need is just more people like your son and Bobby at the beginning of this blog - who hopefully are too young to be carrying around our baggage.
"What's not to understand?"
Then you'll probably also recall that when you looked out the kitchen window -not more than 15 minutes later - both Bobby and your son were now playing together and having one heckuva good time.
I miss those days.
A comparison that comes to mind is when we watch two football teams beat the bejeebers out of each for 60 minutes. Then, when the battle ends, players from both teams are seen praying together. Others are observed shaking hands or laughing and hugging each other whether they be past college or professional teammates, members of the opposite team who won or lost the game.
Could this "vicious' sport actually be seen as a positive role model for society?
You got to admit it would do much for today's society and our security if we somehow could find that common denominator in politics - as well as in life.
Here's a different example - not so positive. On the afternoon of this past Election Day - after voting - my wife and I came in to a somewhat empty Applebys for some lunch and a glass of wine.
As we sat down we commented to the two female bartenders how quiet it was. They just looked at each other, shaking their heads, before explaining their reaction.
It seems they had just managed to survive an hour or so long battle between Democrat and Republican voters - sitting on either side of the bar and screaming at each other.
"I actually thought they were going to kill each other", commented the smaller of the two women. Now it was our turn to shake our heads.
We've noted that some positive sign of potential unity is desperately lacking in any conversation we may have foolishly attempted or overheard recently with either a "Devoted Democrat" or a "Rabid Republican".
People seem to have adopted a new philosophy :"There are two sides to any argument - theirs - and the right way - ours."
Apply this same philosophy in a marriage & you're going to accumulate a lot of couch time. You could possibly turn out like the guy who stated, "My sex life is like a Ferrari . . . I don't have a Ferrari."
Think about it. When, if ever, was the last time you heard either a Democrat or Republican find one kind positive thing to say about a member of the other political party?
If you disagree then you're not the one getting all the political hate mail.
Did I miss something? Do we no longer leave the the placenta in the hospital after we take the baby home with us?
Don't you want to scream: "HEY, THE ELECTION IS OVER AND WHETHER YOUR SIDE WON OR LOST - GET OVER IT!"
I have no problem here with empathizing with someone who has experienced the occasional disagreement with a few people and/or various business entities, (such as the management brass of my Pirates). Anybody who reads this blog will be quick to confirm that.
It's just, what ever happened to the spirit of compromise? We now seem to view it as a sign of weakness. How in the world did we get to this point? And, why if you truly believe the other guy has to compromise first do you NOT understand what the problem is?
Some would suggest it's also our growing reluctance to explore a positive aspect of our personality - called kindness - which, sadly, is seldom seen unless there is a tragedy such as the one in Newtown - or reports of a guy dropping $100 bills in a Salvation Army kettle?
Mark Twain once said, "Kindness is something the blind can see and the deaf can hear." Sorry Markie, not any more.
"Kindness" is a personality trait needed to be on display in every home - and not just by Mom.
An act of kindness to one's spouse may also greatly help to structure our kids in a positive way, thus fulfilling our desire to see them grow into mature adults.
Our kids definitely won't get there by repeating our Archie Bunker inspired ramblings when we forgot that "little pitchers have big ears"
Respected behavioral psychologists have concluded that, too often, the impact on our kids due to our misplaced word choices and spoken or implied prejudices has resulted in the drastic increase in bullying on our streets, playgrounds, and the internet.
My concern is that this absence of kindness in the home has now carried over into our so-called "adult life" - and how we often perceive people who hold different beliefs than our own. We clearly weren't always that way.
It is a constant prayer of my wife and myself that some day people will get their collective heads out of that dark cavern in the body that involuntarily shudders at the sound of snapping rubber gloves.
Perhaps then we'll finally begin to make progress on the resolution of some very difficult subjects: immigration, entitlements, taxes, the degree to which we all need to make sacrifices, and what really makes sense about the divergent reality of gun control and mental health.
I am definitely not the paragon of virtue and admit my opinions here are as much addressed to myself, as to anyone bothering to read this far.
It saddens me to think that so many of us seem either unable or unwilling to recognize that the other side may have some good points - or at least something deserving of our willingness to listen - with an overall goal that, by doing so, we can hopefully find some common ground.
Listening is clearly the key to any successful negotiation whether it be the NHL debacle, the fiscal cliff, or any of the above.
Maybe what we really need is just more people like your son and Bobby at the beginning of this blog - who hopefully are too young to be carrying around our baggage.
"What's not to understand?"
Thursday, December 20, 2012
MAYBE I AM A REDNECK
One of the many, many, E-mails received here this week actually had nothing to do with either the fiscal cliff or an unsupported contention that most female gun owners have penis envy.
I wouldn't touch that last one with a twenty foot pole.
Friend Harry, http://harry2335.blogspot.com/ recently wrote two excellent blogs on the much discussed issues of gun control, violence and children that pretty much reflected my thinking; so I'm going to switch gears here.
Let's talk instead about whether or not you might be a redneck, the subject of the e-mail I referenced. Some interesting points were made about this segment of our population.
One tangentially made reference to the alleged affinity Rednecks have for guns while not actually channeling the gun control subject. Here's the gist of the e-mail:
"Take a good look at the core beliefs of a culture that values home, family, country and God.
If I had to stand before a dozen terrorists who threaten my life, I'd choose a half dozen or so rednecks to back me up.
Tire irons, squirrel guns and grit - - that's what Rednecks are made of."
So, let's try to determine if you might be a Redneck:
"You might be a Redneck: If it never occurred to You to be offended by the phrase, 'one nation under God.'
You might be a Redneck if : You still say 'Christmas' instead of 'Winter Festival.'
You might be a Redneck if: You bow your head when someone prays.
You might be a Redneck if: You stand and place your hand over your heart
when they play the National Anthem.
You might be a Redneck if: You treat our armed forces Veterans with great respect, and always have.
You might be a Redneck if: You never burned an American flag, nor intend to.
You might be a Redneck if: You know what you believe and You aren't afraid to say so. And, you aren't afraid to say so, no matter who is listening.
You might be a Redneck if: You respect your elders and raised your kids to do the same. Some of You are so old You don't have elders to respect.
You might be a Redneck if: You'd give your last dollar to a friend."
So, what do you think?
Is it possible you're a Redneck?
I think smaybe I am. Maybe just a transplanted Redneck
I wouldn't touch that last one with a twenty foot pole.
Friend Harry, http://harry2335.blogspot.com/ recently wrote two excellent blogs on the much discussed issues of gun control, violence and children that pretty much reflected my thinking; so I'm going to switch gears here.
Let's talk instead about whether or not you might be a redneck, the subject of the e-mail I referenced. Some interesting points were made about this segment of our population.
One tangentially made reference to the alleged affinity Rednecks have for guns while not actually channeling the gun control subject. Here's the gist of the e-mail:
"Take a good look at the core beliefs of a culture that values home, family, country and God.
If I had to stand before a dozen terrorists who threaten my life, I'd choose a half dozen or so rednecks to back me up.
Tire irons, squirrel guns and grit - - that's what Rednecks are made of."
So, let's try to determine if you might be a Redneck:
"You might be a Redneck: If it never occurred to You to be offended by the phrase, 'one nation under God.'
You might be a Redneck if : You still say 'Christmas' instead of 'Winter Festival.'
You might be a Redneck if: You bow your head when someone prays.
You might be a Redneck if: You stand and place your hand over your heart
when they play the National Anthem.
You might be a Redneck if: You treat our armed forces Veterans with great respect, and always have.
You might be a Redneck if: You never burned an American flag, nor intend to.
You might be a Redneck if: You know what you believe and You aren't afraid to say so. And, you aren't afraid to say so, no matter who is listening.
You might be a Redneck if: You respect your elders and raised your kids to do the same. Some of You are so old You don't have elders to respect.
You might be a Redneck if: You'd give your last dollar to a friend."
So, what do you think?
Is it possible you're a Redneck?
I think smaybe I am. Maybe just a transplanted Redneck
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
CRISIS MANAGEMENT
Recently, I wrote a couple of blogs which I assumed would be perceived as humorous. I guess I was wrong.
The first blog entitled "Liar-Liar" (LL) was about parochial schools and their carefully considered approach as to how to avoid telling a lie.
Unfortunately, I apparently made a mistake by closing it with a throwaway line suggesting that Democratic Senator Dick Durbin was being less than honest when he stated that Social Security was 'not' in crisis.
As a result, my pal and fellow blogger Harry - God bless him - was kind enough to clarify for me via his blog as to why Durbin's position was correct.
As always, Harry's research was solid and on point.
However, for whatever reason, I felt compelled to send off a second blog entitled "The Money Man" (TMM). This may have been my second mistake.
The "TMM." blog was another of my feeble attempts to write good satire - a difficult task at best.
My satirical target was the Social Security "trust" fund. It included an old and tired joke plus a fictional character by the name of Trey Surrey which I used in order to make a cautionary point on the subject of Social Security and it's alleged solvency.
As I so often do in my writings, I erroneously tend to give the first and last points of my views, the so-called bread of my sandwich, but get so caught up in my rhetoric that I fail to adequately clarify the "meat" part.
I repeated this error in both of the subject blogs. So, I'll try to clarify my thoughts here:
Going back to the first blog (LL) in which I addressed the subject of lying, I suggested there were two types of lies. Now, the old joke says the two types are simply "Lies" and "Damn Lies"; but, that's not where I was going.
What I WAS trying to say, however, was that the types I referenced were called lies of "commission." and "lies of omission.". A person in the first example usually lies because it becomes of second nature to do so.
The second type of lie, involving 'omission', seems to be more acceptable to most of us, particularly those of us who are asked the question, "Do you think this dress makes my rearend look big?"
I felt the answer the Priest gave to the customs agent in "Liar - Liar" was both funny and precious. I also thought it was an excellent example of what some might be tempted to categorize as "a lie by omission" - a craft practiced by most evasive politicans, whether on a Sunday news interview show - or while defending their party's position statement in the newspaper.
I won't go any further with the significance of what Father did, and why it was funny -as I have a simple rule on humor, "If you feel you have to explain the joke, don't bother, it probably wasn't funny.".
Let's quickly close this out with some thoughts on what constitutes "crisis", a term that was bandied about in the respective blogs of friend Harry and myself.
Recently, in my copy of the tenth edition of Merrian Webster's Collegiate Dictionary I read some interesting definitions of what a crisis is. Here are three:
1. "An emotional significant event or radical change of status in a persons life."
2. "The decisive moment (as in a literary plot.)
3. "An unstable or crucial time or state of affairs in which a decisive change is impending .(esp:) one with the distinct possibility of a highly undesirable outcome ( financial)."
In my estimation, any and all of the three definitions would seem to dispel the accepted usage of "crisis" as something that has to be immediate.
So, if one can agree the status of the SS trust fund is not really a "crisis", should we then put the issue on a shelf until the year 2036/2037, the projected time when Social Security is expected to run out of money?
I don't seriously believe any of us thinks that's the right strategy, nor has anybody including my buddy, suggested that's what we should do.
President Obama's budget (P 465) - entitled "Analytical Perspectives" includes a chart showing that Social Security ran a deficit of $48 billion last year.
The prediction is for a shortage of $50.7 billion this year, and in 2015 the difference between "cash in - cash out' is estimated to reach $86.6 billion.
It is my humble opinion that "a billion here - a billion there - pretty soon it starts to add up!"
I'm particularly encouraged to share this conclusion at a time when the Congressional Budget Office said Social Security benefits began exceeding payroll tax revenues in 2010, and without changes, "the program will never get back into balance."
I'm particularly concerned about this conclusion when I'm hearing estimates that, as Harry reported in his blog, the SS trust fund contains (or contained) an estimated $5 trillion (that's with a "T") of Treasury IOU's.
S.S. represents more than one-fifth of federal spending at a time when Senator Durbin, among others, insists that Social Security does not add a penny to our deficit. I guess that conclusion depends upon which accounting approach or research you believe will best support this position.
Simply put, at a time when the National Debt. the Debt Ceiling, and the Fiscal Cliff seem to be taking up so much newspaper space and discussion, I believe we need to accept one simple economic fact as laid out by the editorial staff of USA Today:
"Financing the difference between benefits paid and and taxes collected requires borrowing money, which increases annual deficits and adds to the cumulative national debt."
Now, as a result of my 'research', including what my buddies over at Merrian Webster tell me - I still see Social Security falling into at least one of the above definitions of "crisis".
One caveat, however.
Per my recent copy of "The Coffee News": "Researchers have reportedly discovered that people will believe anything that you tell them researchers have discovered."
The first blog entitled "Liar-Liar" (LL) was about parochial schools and their carefully considered approach as to how to avoid telling a lie.
Unfortunately, I apparently made a mistake by closing it with a throwaway line suggesting that Democratic Senator Dick Durbin was being less than honest when he stated that Social Security was 'not' in crisis.
As a result, my pal and fellow blogger Harry - God bless him - was kind enough to clarify for me via his blog as to why Durbin's position was correct.
As always, Harry's research was solid and on point.
However, for whatever reason, I felt compelled to send off a second blog entitled "The Money Man" (TMM). This may have been my second mistake.
The "TMM." blog was another of my feeble attempts to write good satire - a difficult task at best.
My satirical target was the Social Security "trust" fund. It included an old and tired joke plus a fictional character by the name of Trey Surrey which I used in order to make a cautionary point on the subject of Social Security and it's alleged solvency.
As I so often do in my writings, I erroneously tend to give the first and last points of my views, the so-called bread of my sandwich, but get so caught up in my rhetoric that I fail to adequately clarify the "meat" part.
I repeated this error in both of the subject blogs. So, I'll try to clarify my thoughts here:
Going back to the first blog (LL) in which I addressed the subject of lying, I suggested there were two types of lies. Now, the old joke says the two types are simply "Lies" and "Damn Lies"; but, that's not where I was going.
What I WAS trying to say, however, was that the types I referenced were called lies of "commission." and "lies of omission.". A person in the first example usually lies because it becomes of second nature to do so.
The second type of lie, involving 'omission', seems to be more acceptable to most of us, particularly those of us who are asked the question, "Do you think this dress makes my rearend look big?"
I felt the answer the Priest gave to the customs agent in "Liar - Liar" was both funny and precious. I also thought it was an excellent example of what some might be tempted to categorize as "a lie by omission" - a craft practiced by most evasive politicans, whether on a Sunday news interview show - or while defending their party's position statement in the newspaper.
I won't go any further with the significance of what Father did, and why it was funny -as I have a simple rule on humor, "If you feel you have to explain the joke, don't bother, it probably wasn't funny.".
Let's quickly close this out with some thoughts on what constitutes "crisis", a term that was bandied about in the respective blogs of friend Harry and myself.
Recently, in my copy of the tenth edition of Merrian Webster's Collegiate Dictionary I read some interesting definitions of what a crisis is. Here are three:
1. "An emotional significant event or radical change of status in a persons life."
2. "The decisive moment (as in a literary plot.)
3. "An unstable or crucial time or state of affairs in which a decisive change is impending .(esp:) one with the distinct possibility of a highly undesirable outcome ( financial)."
In my estimation, any and all of the three definitions would seem to dispel the accepted usage of "crisis" as something that has to be immediate.
So, if one can agree the status of the SS trust fund is not really a "crisis", should we then put the issue on a shelf until the year 2036/2037, the projected time when Social Security is expected to run out of money?
I don't seriously believe any of us thinks that's the right strategy, nor has anybody including my buddy, suggested that's what we should do.
President Obama's budget (P 465) - entitled "Analytical Perspectives" includes a chart showing that Social Security ran a deficit of $48 billion last year.
The prediction is for a shortage of $50.7 billion this year, and in 2015 the difference between "cash in - cash out' is estimated to reach $86.6 billion.
It is my humble opinion that "a billion here - a billion there - pretty soon it starts to add up!"
I'm particularly encouraged to share this conclusion at a time when the Congressional Budget Office said Social Security benefits began exceeding payroll tax revenues in 2010, and without changes, "the program will never get back into balance."
I'm particularly concerned about this conclusion when I'm hearing estimates that, as Harry reported in his blog, the SS trust fund contains (or contained) an estimated $5 trillion (that's with a "T") of Treasury IOU's.
S.S. represents more than one-fifth of federal spending at a time when Senator Durbin, among others, insists that Social Security does not add a penny to our deficit. I guess that conclusion depends upon which accounting approach or research you believe will best support this position.
Simply put, at a time when the National Debt. the Debt Ceiling, and the Fiscal Cliff seem to be taking up so much newspaper space and discussion, I believe we need to accept one simple economic fact as laid out by the editorial staff of USA Today:
"Financing the difference between benefits paid and and taxes collected requires borrowing money, which increases annual deficits and adds to the cumulative national debt."
Now, as a result of my 'research', including what my buddies over at Merrian Webster tell me - I still see Social Security falling into at least one of the above definitions of "crisis".
One caveat, however.
Per my recent copy of "The Coffee News": "Researchers have reportedly discovered that people will believe anything that you tell them researchers have discovered."
Thursday, December 6, 2012
THE MONEY MAN
Back in my hometown of Forest Hills, Pennsylvania there were four Irish buddies who also were neighbors.
They were life long friends as well as drinking buddies and spent a lot of time over at Delaney's Morning Star Inn on the Greensburg Pike - within crawling distance from their respective homes on Avenue "F".
To personalize the story I'm about to tell, their names were Timothy "Timmy" Carr, Martin " "Marty" O'Toole, Treymont "Trey" Surrey, and my Dad, John "Sully" Sullivan.
As you might guess from his given name, Trey was the one who came from money and was by far the wealthiest drunk in the bunch.
His Uncle, Samuel Surrey, had died and left Trey, Sam's only heir, a considerable amount of money. Trey only spoke of the generosity of his Uncle Sam whenever he had a "wee too many" shots of Ireland's finest whiskey.
Trey had added to Sam's fortune over the years in ways that were kept secret even to his close buddies - Timmy, Marty & Sully.
Sully dies. They lay him out in Wilmderding, Pa - his home town - at Bill Scott's funeral home.
"Scotty" was another of their buddies. It was a tradition with the guys that whenever a friend died and was layed out at Scotty's, the Irish cronies would get together back in Scotty's private quarters and have their own proper celebration of the deceased's life.
Knowing they were coming, and also that they were always referring the families of several other of their recently departed Irish buddies to his establishment, Scotty would thoughtfully order in a case of Jamisons Irish whiskey in advance of their arrival.
Well, on the day of Sully's funeral the guys were going at it pretty good back in the kitchen - their black mourning suit coats thrown on the nearest chair or the linoleum floor -and were enjoying their usual private wake - when Scotty came back and announced that the pastor and the mourners had left and everybody was now headed for the cemetery.
Scotty said, with more than a little impatience, "So if you want to say your last goodbye's to Sully you better do it now as I'm closing up and locking the casket."
The guys stumbled out to the parlor, slightly disheveled, but now properly attired. They were all in a row, looking like three tipsy penguins, and there before them was Sully in his finest suit - the only one that didn't have holes in it resulting from the ashes of his ever present pipe.
They stared in silence until Timmy finally spoke up. "You know, Sully's going off without a dollar to his name, so I'm putting 100 bucks in his casket. That way he will have a little financial security up there in Heaven."
He promptly reached into the hidden drinking money pocket of his wallet and took out a wrinkled "Franklin", which he placed in the casket under my dad's right hand.
Marty looked at him and, slightly slurring his words, said, "OK, big spender, I'll raise you another hundred". Reaching into his own hidden stash he proudly retrieved two crisp $100 bills which he also put under Dad's cold clenched over- sized paw.
Trey watched his two buddies and said, "I'll be damned. Here you guys are saying goodbye to Sully, one of your dearest friends, and all the money you can raise for him is $300? I'll take care of that right now!"
With that, Trey quickly wrote out a check for $1,300 and said, "Sully's worth at least a grand". He also placed the check under Dad's hand and retrieved the three hundred dollar bills from the other two mourners.
Marty was outraged and snorted, "Trey, what the hell are you doing? We gave him cash and - you're giving him a check - an IOU? What could you possibly be thinking?"
Trey looked at them with a twinkle in his eye and replied, "I like to think of it as making a contribution to Sully's 'trust fund' in Heaven."
You see, that's how "Trey Surrey" became "the money man" and Sully's "security" quietly went down the tubes.
(Can't wait to see what happens with the (not in crisis) Social Security "trust" fund.)
They were life long friends as well as drinking buddies and spent a lot of time over at Delaney's Morning Star Inn on the Greensburg Pike - within crawling distance from their respective homes on Avenue "F".
To personalize the story I'm about to tell, their names were Timothy "Timmy" Carr, Martin " "Marty" O'Toole, Treymont "Trey" Surrey, and my Dad, John "Sully" Sullivan.
As you might guess from his given name, Trey was the one who came from money and was by far the wealthiest drunk in the bunch.
His Uncle, Samuel Surrey, had died and left Trey, Sam's only heir, a considerable amount of money. Trey only spoke of the generosity of his Uncle Sam whenever he had a "wee too many" shots of Ireland's finest whiskey.
Trey had added to Sam's fortune over the years in ways that were kept secret even to his close buddies - Timmy, Marty & Sully.
Sully dies. They lay him out in Wilmderding, Pa - his home town - at Bill Scott's funeral home.
"Scotty" was another of their buddies. It was a tradition with the guys that whenever a friend died and was layed out at Scotty's, the Irish cronies would get together back in Scotty's private quarters and have their own proper celebration of the deceased's life.
Knowing they were coming, and also that they were always referring the families of several other of their recently departed Irish buddies to his establishment, Scotty would thoughtfully order in a case of Jamisons Irish whiskey in advance of their arrival.
Well, on the day of Sully's funeral the guys were going at it pretty good back in the kitchen - their black mourning suit coats thrown on the nearest chair or the linoleum floor -and were enjoying their usual private wake - when Scotty came back and announced that the pastor and the mourners had left and everybody was now headed for the cemetery.
Scotty said, with more than a little impatience, "So if you want to say your last goodbye's to Sully you better do it now as I'm closing up and locking the casket."
The guys stumbled out to the parlor, slightly disheveled, but now properly attired. They were all in a row, looking like three tipsy penguins, and there before them was Sully in his finest suit - the only one that didn't have holes in it resulting from the ashes of his ever present pipe.
They stared in silence until Timmy finally spoke up. "You know, Sully's going off without a dollar to his name, so I'm putting 100 bucks in his casket. That way he will have a little financial security up there in Heaven."
He promptly reached into the hidden drinking money pocket of his wallet and took out a wrinkled "Franklin", which he placed in the casket under my dad's right hand.
Marty looked at him and, slightly slurring his words, said, "OK, big spender, I'll raise you another hundred". Reaching into his own hidden stash he proudly retrieved two crisp $100 bills which he also put under Dad's cold clenched over- sized paw.
Trey watched his two buddies and said, "I'll be damned. Here you guys are saying goodbye to Sully, one of your dearest friends, and all the money you can raise for him is $300? I'll take care of that right now!"
With that, Trey quickly wrote out a check for $1,300 and said, "Sully's worth at least a grand". He also placed the check under Dad's hand and retrieved the three hundred dollar bills from the other two mourners.
Marty was outraged and snorted, "Trey, what the hell are you doing? We gave him cash and - you're giving him a check - an IOU? What could you possibly be thinking?"
Trey looked at them with a twinkle in his eye and replied, "I like to think of it as making a contribution to Sully's 'trust fund' in Heaven."
You see, that's how "Trey Surrey" became "the money man" and Sully's "security" quietly went down the tubes.
(Can't wait to see what happens with the (not in crisis) Social Security "trust" fund.)
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
LIAR - LIAR!
Just finished enjoying the last couple blogs from friend Harry and was encouraged to mess around with one of my own.
Hey now, don't blame Harry! His blogs are short and really good. http://harry2335.blogspot.com/ .
Let's start with a story:
In parochial school students are taught that lying is a sin. However, Instructions also advised that using a bit of imagination was OK to express the Truth differently without lying.
I have a very good friend who had been a faithful parochial school attendee.
About 50+ years ago I challenged her about a response to a question I had asked by suggesting that it seemed to be untruthful. Her reply was that she didn't lie. She just chose to use "mental reservation."
I laughed so hard and long that I got over my being upset.
Below is a perfect example of those teachings - courtesy of Doris Issacson - my Arizona sister-in-law.
"Getting a Hairdryer Through Customs"
An attractive young woman on a flight from Ireland asked the Priest beside her, "Father, may I ask a favor?"
'Of course child. What may I do for you?
"Well, I bought my mother an expensive hair dryer for her birthday. It is unopened but well over the Customs limits and I'm afraid they'll confiscate it.
Is there any way you could carry it through customs for me? Hide it under your Robes perhaps?'
' I would love to help you, dear, but I must warn you, I will not lie.'
"With your honest face, Father, no one will question you.'
When they got to Customs, she let the Priest go first. The official asked, 'Father, do you have anything to declare?'
"From the top of my head down to my waist I have nothing to declare.'
The official thought this answer strange, so asked, 'And what do you have to declare from your waist to the floor?'
'I have a marvellous instrument designed to be used on a woman, but which is, to date, unused.'
Roaring with laughter, the official said, 'Go ahead, Father. Next please!"
A funny story, to be sure.
Now, I also have a 11/28 column from the USA Today written by Dick Durbin, Democrat Senator from Illinois, that is captioned "Social Security is not in crisis"
Would somebody please be so kind as to forward a copy of this blog along to "Dangerous Dick"and, if you choose, inquire what his religious affiliation might be?
Thank You.
Hey now, don't blame Harry! His blogs are short and really good. http://harry2335.blogspot.com/ .
Let's start with a story:
In parochial school students are taught that lying is a sin. However, Instructions also advised that using a bit of imagination was OK to express the Truth differently without lying.
I have a very good friend who had been a faithful parochial school attendee.
About 50+ years ago I challenged her about a response to a question I had asked by suggesting that it seemed to be untruthful. Her reply was that she didn't lie. She just chose to use "mental reservation."
I laughed so hard and long that I got over my being upset.
Below is a perfect example of those teachings - courtesy of Doris Issacson - my Arizona sister-in-law.
"Getting a Hairdryer Through Customs"
An attractive young woman on a flight from Ireland asked the Priest beside her, "Father, may I ask a favor?"
'Of course child. What may I do for you?
"Well, I bought my mother an expensive hair dryer for her birthday. It is unopened but well over the Customs limits and I'm afraid they'll confiscate it.
Is there any way you could carry it through customs for me? Hide it under your Robes perhaps?'
' I would love to help you, dear, but I must warn you, I will not lie.'
"With your honest face, Father, no one will question you.'
When they got to Customs, she let the Priest go first. The official asked, 'Father, do you have anything to declare?'
"From the top of my head down to my waist I have nothing to declare.'
The official thought this answer strange, so asked, 'And what do you have to declare from your waist to the floor?'
'I have a marvellous instrument designed to be used on a woman, but which is, to date, unused.'
Roaring with laughter, the official said, 'Go ahead, Father. Next please!"
A funny story, to be sure.
Now, I also have a 11/28 column from the USA Today written by Dick Durbin, Democrat Senator from Illinois, that is captioned "Social Security is not in crisis"
Would somebody please be so kind as to forward a copy of this blog along to "Dangerous Dick"and, if you choose, inquire what his religious affiliation might be?
Thank You.
Saturday, December 1, 2012
SPORTS EXPERT
("These days about half the stuff in my shopping cart says, 'For fast relief'.)
Recently, while still a huge Steelers football fan,I couldn't resist temporarily suspending my fandom so I might steal a peek at what the Pittsburgh Pirates "brain trust" were up to. I still like my Buccos - particularly if I'm over-medicated.
I played a little baseball as a kid- at least enough to understand the rules. I also listened carefully for years to the intricate explanations of the rules and strategy of ghe game from Pirate announcers Bob Prince and Rosy Roswell. In addition, I went to a lot of Pirate games at Forbes Field and Three Rivers both as a youth and an adult.
If truth be known, my wife Phyl was a better athlete than me at the high school level. My compensation as an septugenarian egotistical Irishman is that she is quite sports savvy and a delight to be with as we watch and discuss my two favorite Pittsburgh teams on TV.
My football participation was mostly limited to the sandlot variety - often played on the lawn of the Presbyterian Church in Forest Hills. The "field" was not level - probably closer to 45 degrees - but it was all we had.
I recall that once I tried to tackle neighbor Mike Colbus from behind as he was running uphill. I ended up getting kicked in the eye and acquired a beautiful multi-hued shiner.
I proudly bragged to my schoolmates - particularly the girls - that this was "my football injury". And it actually was, much in the same way as a guy will talk up his "football injury" and accompanying limp - which actually occurred when he hit the flask once too often and fell out of the stands at a high school game.
At Duquesne University, I played one game of intramural football on an asphalt surface somewhere around Canevin Hall. This was before Duquesne resumed college football competetion.
I was a beanpole and really not equipped to play for either a varsity or intramural team. Yet, someone talked me into it.
My intramural coach, in his infinite wisdom, decided that this skinny reincarnation of "Reddy Killowat" - the Duquesne Light Company's mascot - should be the starting center for his team.
I was not in agreement with this coaching decision but no college student wants to be accused of "being chicken." - instead, as in this case, we often end up being "hammered veal."
My fears proved valid when, on the third play, immediately after I centered the ball, the Goliath lineman on the opposite side of the ball literally picked me up - turned me upside down - and dropped me on my unprotected head.
My college football career was over - along with any previous knowledge I might have had of the game prior to my head trauma. I do occasionally recognize a screen pass and the actions of a "pulling guard" - but, that's about it.
Despite this, my cheering and criticism during a game is designed to suggest more than a passing knowledge of the sport. Tain't so. I choose to admit this failing only to a special few like yourself.
By that I'm saying I most likely do not understand all of the intricacies of plays called or some of the wisdom of the coaching moves made by the Steelers. This includes their drafting decisions - as well as who Tomlin, Haley, & LeBeau choose to put on the field at any given time. Thus, my football criticism in this blog is rather sparse.
Contrary to this confession about football, I feel no hesitation to criticize the decisions of Neal Huntington, the GM of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The reasons may be simple. The Steelers win - The Pirates do not.
So, when I see that the Pirates decided to sign a guy who hit .221 last year for 17 million over two years - (with a 2 million dollar signing bonus) - before he puts on any of the tools of ignorance for us atop his Pirate uniform I hope and pray a lot.
When I note they also opted to non-tender a pitcher who had a ER in the 3 plus range - I ask myself: "Self, what's going on?
Was it a case of let's make the big announcement first and make up for the outlay by non-tendering others? Who know what the Pirates brass - (and what a fitting description) - have in mind?
You see, I can offer these incisive baseball observations because of my baseball expertise.Let me revel you via my exciting tales of yesteryear.
While my football days at Duquesne were less than sensational, I did play pony league baseball in Edgewood for a guy whose name was Ned Mellon.
I know this to be true because I still have a picture of me in myMellon's uniform, head hung low to confirm my shyness, and my glove dangling at my side. The uniform was about two sizes too big on a physique that suggested a vague history of bulimia.
Despite this slightly damaged image, I excelled as an outfielder on Ned's team.
Unfortunately, we had no such league position as a "designated outfielder. I was required to bat. This was only mildly successful until the pitchers on the other teams learned how to throw a curveball.
Later as my body filled out, I retained some speed, and acquired some desperately needed self-confidence, I enjoyed several years of slow pitch and semi-fast softball participation - sometimes playing for two or more teams in the same season.
Therefore, I am proud to announce, should the Pirates decide to regroup as a slo-pitch softball organization, a concept that has been promoted quite often by their "fans" - I shall be only too happy to share my knowledge and observations in these blogs as a bonafide "sports expert".
Recently, while still a huge Steelers football fan,I couldn't resist temporarily suspending my fandom so I might steal a peek at what the Pittsburgh Pirates "brain trust" were up to. I still like my Buccos - particularly if I'm over-medicated.
I played a little baseball as a kid- at least enough to understand the rules. I also listened carefully for years to the intricate explanations of the rules and strategy of ghe game from Pirate announcers Bob Prince and Rosy Roswell. In addition, I went to a lot of Pirate games at Forbes Field and Three Rivers both as a youth and an adult.
If truth be known, my wife Phyl was a better athlete than me at the high school level. My compensation as an septugenarian egotistical Irishman is that she is quite sports savvy and a delight to be with as we watch and discuss my two favorite Pittsburgh teams on TV.
My football participation was mostly limited to the sandlot variety - often played on the lawn of the Presbyterian Church in Forest Hills. The "field" was not level - probably closer to 45 degrees - but it was all we had.
I recall that once I tried to tackle neighbor Mike Colbus from behind as he was running uphill. I ended up getting kicked in the eye and acquired a beautiful multi-hued shiner.
I proudly bragged to my schoolmates - particularly the girls - that this was "my football injury". And it actually was, much in the same way as a guy will talk up his "football injury" and accompanying limp - which actually occurred when he hit the flask once too often and fell out of the stands at a high school game.
At Duquesne University, I played one game of intramural football on an asphalt surface somewhere around Canevin Hall. This was before Duquesne resumed college football competetion.
I was a beanpole and really not equipped to play for either a varsity or intramural team. Yet, someone talked me into it.
My intramural coach, in his infinite wisdom, decided that this skinny reincarnation of "Reddy Killowat" - the Duquesne Light Company's mascot - should be the starting center for his team.
I was not in agreement with this coaching decision but no college student wants to be accused of "being chicken." - instead, as in this case, we often end up being "hammered veal."
My fears proved valid when, on the third play, immediately after I centered the ball, the Goliath lineman on the opposite side of the ball literally picked me up - turned me upside down - and dropped me on my unprotected head.
My college football career was over - along with any previous knowledge I might have had of the game prior to my head trauma. I do occasionally recognize a screen pass and the actions of a "pulling guard" - but, that's about it.
Despite this, my cheering and criticism during a game is designed to suggest more than a passing knowledge of the sport. Tain't so. I choose to admit this failing only to a special few like yourself.
By that I'm saying I most likely do not understand all of the intricacies of plays called or some of the wisdom of the coaching moves made by the Steelers. This includes their drafting decisions - as well as who Tomlin, Haley, & LeBeau choose to put on the field at any given time. Thus, my football criticism in this blog is rather sparse.
Contrary to this confession about football, I feel no hesitation to criticize the decisions of Neal Huntington, the GM of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The reasons may be simple. The Steelers win - The Pirates do not.
So, when I see that the Pirates decided to sign a guy who hit .221 last year for 17 million over two years - (with a 2 million dollar signing bonus) - before he puts on any of the tools of ignorance for us atop his Pirate uniform I hope and pray a lot.
When I note they also opted to non-tender a pitcher who had a ER in the 3 plus range - I ask myself: "Self, what's going on?
Was it a case of let's make the big announcement first and make up for the outlay by non-tendering others? Who know what the Pirates brass - (and what a fitting description) - have in mind?
You see, I can offer these incisive baseball observations because of my baseball expertise.Let me revel you via my exciting tales of yesteryear.
While my football days at Duquesne were less than sensational, I did play pony league baseball in Edgewood for a guy whose name was Ned Mellon.
I know this to be true because I still have a picture of me in myMellon's uniform, head hung low to confirm my shyness, and my glove dangling at my side. The uniform was about two sizes too big on a physique that suggested a vague history of bulimia.
Despite this slightly damaged image, I excelled as an outfielder on Ned's team.
Unfortunately, we had no such league position as a "designated outfielder. I was required to bat. This was only mildly successful until the pitchers on the other teams learned how to throw a curveball.
Later as my body filled out, I retained some speed, and acquired some desperately needed self-confidence, I enjoyed several years of slow pitch and semi-fast softball participation - sometimes playing for two or more teams in the same season.
Therefore, I am proud to announce, should the Pirates decide to regroup as a slo-pitch softball organization, a concept that has been promoted quite often by their "fans" - I shall be only too happy to share my knowledge and observations in these blogs as a bonafide "sports expert".
Monday, November 26, 2012
THE BURGH
Pittsburgh people are fantastic and those who religiously follow their three major sports teams, especially the Steelers, definitely deserve the term "Fanatics" when describing them.
Yeah, yesterday, like most who are confined to watching them on TV, I threw up a couple of real invectives myself. Then I went to the mens room and was tempted to throw up again.
But, I got over it. Some fans apparently did not.
When the game was on though it was an entirely different "poor barry" who was quite vocal as we sat across from our own personal screen down at Geckos.
One critique that slipped out was of a religious nature - when used appropriately- and I'm not real proud of my lack of restraint. Needless-to-say, it was not "Hail Mary."
I was as shocked as most Steeler fans yesterday and also could hardly believe my eyes at the ineptitude of our (note the possessive) running backs. I also was disappointed with the the backup quarterback, Charlie Batch - a good man - a solid teacher - and a valued community leader in Pittsburgh.
Yesterday was definitely a better day for Charlie to be off conducting positive community service in Homestead.
But, I got to be honest. I'm also the same guy who in pre-season was concerned they might let him go and retain as their backup that other guy who has the same fragility as Grandma's china - which is conspicuously absent from the kids table at Thanksgiving.
Yeah, I agree with those fans who suggest Tomlin shares some of the blame. But, as one pundit commented recently: "If Pgh decided to make him their scapegoat, and fire him, the sidewalk to his home would have more suitors than there were paparazzi outside the Tampa residence of Jill Kelley this past month."
You see, we love our Steelers when they are winning and because of this, the Steelers seem to sell out Heinz Field year after year. In addition, Pittsburgh fans regularly help the economy of our oppositions home towns by dint of the efforts of our "Steeler nation" who definitely travel well.
Unlike our expectations for the Pirates, (particularly in the second half of the season) many Steeler fans are baffled when our "immortals" lose.
Simply put, because of their winning records in the recent past; some of us have become spoiled fanatics.
The best example I can give is the current criticism aimed at 75 year old Defensive Coordinator Dick LeBeau. This is a guy who is considered to be one of the best Defensive Coordinators of all times and who usually keeps the Steelers defense huddling around the best five teams each year.
While playing cornerback for the Detroit Lions, after being cut by the Browns -LeBeau went on to Hall Of Fame recognition in 2010 partially based on his 62 interceptions, which I believe was or is 7th all time in the NFL.
Unfortunately, Ike Taylor, our current cornerback, is not a blood relative. Thus, Ike did not inherit the interception gene. However, he is charged with the assignment of taking on the best receiver for the opposition every week. You might say in baseball parlance he's a " good hit - bad field" kind of guy.
The 'Stiller' defense and LeBeau are the same guys who kept the 57 and 49 point scoring Ravens from scoring a touchdown in our most recent loss against them.
Unfortunately, all that is forgotten when you blindly strike out at anyone and everyone when you're disappointed that you didn't get your way.
I get the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on-line and like a moth to the flame read the comments filed by the many would be sports writer/coach fans after a loss or two by the Steelers.
It's hard to tell age by the pictures published in the paper - as some of those photos may be 15 years old or more - like that of yours truly. But it is clear, perhaps by the immaturity displayed in their thought process, that many are young and are having difficulty in dealing with any disappointment - sports or otherwise .
Just a supposition, but it could simply be based on their parents need to still protect them from any trauma of any nature. ("Why, of course you can come back home to live with us Kevin, and don't forget your playbox or whatever you call it and don't you worry one second about not being able to help out with any of the bills, honey."
Maybe, it's just because LeBeau and I are the same age that I worry more about how Kevin is going to turn out than I do about this years version of the Steelers.
But, I still miss "The Burgh."
Yeah, yesterday, like most who are confined to watching them on TV, I threw up a couple of real invectives myself. Then I went to the mens room and was tempted to throw up again.
But, I got over it. Some fans apparently did not.
When the game was on though it was an entirely different "poor barry" who was quite vocal as we sat across from our own personal screen down at Geckos.
One critique that slipped out was of a religious nature - when used appropriately- and I'm not real proud of my lack of restraint. Needless-to-say, it was not "Hail Mary."
I was as shocked as most Steeler fans yesterday and also could hardly believe my eyes at the ineptitude of our (note the possessive) running backs. I also was disappointed with the the backup quarterback, Charlie Batch - a good man - a solid teacher - and a valued community leader in Pittsburgh.
Yesterday was definitely a better day for Charlie to be off conducting positive community service in Homestead.
But, I got to be honest. I'm also the same guy who in pre-season was concerned they might let him go and retain as their backup that other guy who has the same fragility as Grandma's china - which is conspicuously absent from the kids table at Thanksgiving.
Yeah, I agree with those fans who suggest Tomlin shares some of the blame. But, as one pundit commented recently: "If Pgh decided to make him their scapegoat, and fire him, the sidewalk to his home would have more suitors than there were paparazzi outside the Tampa residence of Jill Kelley this past month."
You see, we love our Steelers when they are winning and because of this, the Steelers seem to sell out Heinz Field year after year. In addition, Pittsburgh fans regularly help the economy of our oppositions home towns by dint of the efforts of our "Steeler nation" who definitely travel well.
Unlike our expectations for the Pirates, (particularly in the second half of the season) many Steeler fans are baffled when our "immortals" lose.
Simply put, because of their winning records in the recent past; some of us have become spoiled fanatics.
The best example I can give is the current criticism aimed at 75 year old Defensive Coordinator Dick LeBeau. This is a guy who is considered to be one of the best Defensive Coordinators of all times and who usually keeps the Steelers defense huddling around the best five teams each year.
While playing cornerback for the Detroit Lions, after being cut by the Browns -LeBeau went on to Hall Of Fame recognition in 2010 partially based on his 62 interceptions, which I believe was or is 7th all time in the NFL.
Unfortunately, Ike Taylor, our current cornerback, is not a blood relative. Thus, Ike did not inherit the interception gene. However, he is charged with the assignment of taking on the best receiver for the opposition every week. You might say in baseball parlance he's a " good hit - bad field" kind of guy.
The 'Stiller' defense and LeBeau are the same guys who kept the 57 and 49 point scoring Ravens from scoring a touchdown in our most recent loss against them.
Unfortunately, all that is forgotten when you blindly strike out at anyone and everyone when you're disappointed that you didn't get your way.
I get the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on-line and like a moth to the flame read the comments filed by the many would be sports writer/coach fans after a loss or two by the Steelers.
It's hard to tell age by the pictures published in the paper - as some of those photos may be 15 years old or more - like that of yours truly. But it is clear, perhaps by the immaturity displayed in their thought process, that many are young and are having difficulty in dealing with any disappointment - sports or otherwise .
Just a supposition, but it could simply be based on their parents need to still protect them from any trauma of any nature. ("Why, of course you can come back home to live with us Kevin, and don't forget your playbox or whatever you call it and don't you worry one second about not being able to help out with any of the bills, honey."
Maybe, it's just because LeBeau and I are the same age that I worry more about how Kevin is going to turn out than I do about this years version of the Steelers.
But, I still miss "The Burgh."
Saturday, November 24, 2012
A "WYOMING" SMORGASBOARD
When you lack the skills displayed by the many more sophisticated and erudite nationally published political bloggers, it's important to find your topics where you may.
I admit that my political expertise is a little shaky and I'm glad the elections are over.
Sometimes - you just try to make lemonade (or my wife's delicious lemon squares) out of lemons. I enjoy the opportunity to just be silly and laugh at some of the non-election related stories that have occupied my time lately.
Let's take on some developments from around the country and start with that which happened recently in the alleged "State" of Wyoming.
It is my belief that years ago the surrounding States - Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Idaho, Colorado, could not reach agreement on the ownership of the unnamed land mass that kept them apart.
In desperation, they decided to give the territory a name just so it didn't look stupid sitting out there all by itself. The one they chose was "Wyoming" - which I learned in the Comanche language means "irrelevant."
I continue to contend that if you are hoping to spot "The State of Wyoming" when travelling cross-country - your odds of being successful are about as good as an Astronaut locating Heaven during one of their missions.
When was the last time you heard somebody talking about "The Great State Of Wyoming"?
Anyway, the newspapers decided to go along with this farce. Apparently it's become a great source of wildlife stories. Take the recent authentic press releases about "Wyoming" which I saw recently in the USA Today.
Here's the first one:
Jackson:."Six grizzly bear deaths are being investigated as human-caused."
That would be, of course, as opposed to those deaths resulting from "troubled and misunderstood bears" who resorted to hemlock in order to reach their happy hunting ground.
Another "Wyoming" story:
"A fisherman from Douglas broke the state record for biggest gizzard shad. Jeff **** caught the fish while jigging with an artificial lure."
That's impressive. One would suspect with all that jumping around in the boat you were bound to scare off the gizzards.
Not being a fisherman I assume an "artifical lure" is something like a blown up doll?
"Hey - - you go Jeff!"
Finally,
"The Bureau of land Management is rounding up hundreds of wild horses in Fremont County to inject the mares with birth control shots."
Don't know about you but I'm guessing the previous birth control strategy failed after the IUD's kept falling out when the mares attempted to evade those uncouth horny stallions.
Hey, we all have our troubles. One of mine is dealing with an aging body.
It's scary when you start making the same noises as your coffee maker.
P.S.: to Tom & Carol: I'll bet it cost you a fortune to have that phony "Wyoming" postcard printed up.)
I admit that my political expertise is a little shaky and I'm glad the elections are over.
Sometimes - you just try to make lemonade (or my wife's delicious lemon squares) out of lemons. I enjoy the opportunity to just be silly and laugh at some of the non-election related stories that have occupied my time lately.
Let's take on some developments from around the country and start with that which happened recently in the alleged "State" of Wyoming.
It is my belief that years ago the surrounding States - Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Idaho, Colorado, could not reach agreement on the ownership of the unnamed land mass that kept them apart.
In desperation, they decided to give the territory a name just so it didn't look stupid sitting out there all by itself. The one they chose was "Wyoming" - which I learned in the Comanche language means "irrelevant."
I continue to contend that if you are hoping to spot "The State of Wyoming" when travelling cross-country - your odds of being successful are about as good as an Astronaut locating Heaven during one of their missions.
When was the last time you heard somebody talking about "The Great State Of Wyoming"?
Anyway, the newspapers decided to go along with this farce. Apparently it's become a great source of wildlife stories. Take the recent authentic press releases about "Wyoming" which I saw recently in the USA Today.
Here's the first one:
Jackson:."Six grizzly bear deaths are being investigated as human-caused."
That would be, of course, as opposed to those deaths resulting from "troubled and misunderstood bears" who resorted to hemlock in order to reach their happy hunting ground.
Another "Wyoming" story:
"A fisherman from Douglas broke the state record for biggest gizzard shad. Jeff **** caught the fish while jigging with an artificial lure."
That's impressive. One would suspect with all that jumping around in the boat you were bound to scare off the gizzards.
Not being a fisherman I assume an "artifical lure" is something like a blown up doll?
"Hey - - you go Jeff!"
Finally,
"The Bureau of land Management is rounding up hundreds of wild horses in Fremont County to inject the mares with birth control shots."
Don't know about you but I'm guessing the previous birth control strategy failed after the IUD's kept falling out when the mares attempted to evade those uncouth horny stallions.
Hey, we all have our troubles. One of mine is dealing with an aging body.
It's scary when you start making the same noises as your coffee maker.
P.S.: to Tom & Carol: I'll bet it cost you a fortune to have that phony "Wyoming" postcard printed up.)
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
LOGIC 101
THE SENILITY PRAYER
Grant me the senility to forget the people -
I never liked anyway,
The good fortune to run into the ones I do,
And the eyesight to tell the difference.
Human behavior never ceases to amaze and/or amuse me.
While reading the alleged logic of Hamas, as quoted in the media, I am becoming acquainted with the depth of our cultural differences.
Here is an example:
Richard Falk is with the United Nations as a special rapporteur on human rights in the Palestinian territories. Recently he wrote a column in defense of Hamas's position on the current debacle - for which I understand a cease fire agreement -or some semblance of same - was recently reached by the two warring parties.
Per Falk:
"President Obama tells the world that any country has the right to defend itself -. AND Israel can do what it wants heedless of law and morality."
(Apparently I missed that last part of the press release on Obama's position starting with the word AND)
Falk goes on to say, "If the context is taken into account (and it clearly was NOT - at least - based on his interpretation) the Israeli approach does not appear defensive or justified."
Falk then defends his argument by making three points:
"First, a truce that Hamas had signed onto had just been initiated, with indications of it's willingness to end cross-border violence altogether."
(Aha! So the morter shelling was meant only to bring attention to their compassionate amelioratory position.)
"Secondly, as this fragile truce was going into effect, Israel assassinated a high-level Hamas leader, which predictably lead to retaliation."
(ed.) A little help for the readers here.
We all know that there are some written languages that must be read right to left in order for us to understand the true meaning of what was written.
That knowledge hopefully will clarify what Falk is writing. Clearly, the ability to read backward is a required reading tool as we assess his faulty syllogisms - and lack of compliance with the basic rules of Logic 101.
Without this knowledge we would have to assume that Falk is claiming the "assassination" of the high level Hamas leader preceded the mortar attacks.
For any old-timers out there this may remind you of the classic Bob Newhart comedy routine where he poses as the PR campaign man for Abe Lincoln, and apparently felt it necessary to remind the prospective President that he needed to reorganize his biographical references. Bob's advice was something like this:
"You see Abe , when talking to the people you need to explain that 'first" you were a log splitter and 'then' you became an attorney - because the way you've been telling it doesn't really make any sense and we're getting a lot of bad press.
Back to Mr. Falk and his third point:
"Thirdly, he says, even defensive force must be proportionate, related to specific battlefield goals, and not imposing terror on the 1.7 million essentially locked within the confines of Gaza, lacking even a refugee option."
(Apparently, there is still one more treaty coming out of the Geneva Conventions with which we have no familiarity).
But, then again, my memory's not as sharp as it used to be. Also, my memory's
not as sharp as it used to be.
Have a Great Thanksgiving.
Grant me the senility to forget the people -
I never liked anyway,
The good fortune to run into the ones I do,
And the eyesight to tell the difference.
Human behavior never ceases to amaze and/or amuse me.
While reading the alleged logic of Hamas, as quoted in the media, I am becoming acquainted with the depth of our cultural differences.
Here is an example:
Richard Falk is with the United Nations as a special rapporteur on human rights in the Palestinian territories. Recently he wrote a column in defense of Hamas's position on the current debacle - for which I understand a cease fire agreement -or some semblance of same - was recently reached by the two warring parties.
Per Falk:
"President Obama tells the world that any country has the right to defend itself -. AND Israel can do what it wants heedless of law and morality."
(Apparently I missed that last part of the press release on Obama's position starting with the word AND)
Falk goes on to say, "If the context is taken into account (and it clearly was NOT - at least - based on his interpretation) the Israeli approach does not appear defensive or justified."
Falk then defends his argument by making three points:
"First, a truce that Hamas had signed onto had just been initiated, with indications of it's willingness to end cross-border violence altogether."
(Aha! So the morter shelling was meant only to bring attention to their compassionate amelioratory position.)
"Secondly, as this fragile truce was going into effect, Israel assassinated a high-level Hamas leader, which predictably lead to retaliation."
(ed.) A little help for the readers here.
We all know that there are some written languages that must be read right to left in order for us to understand the true meaning of what was written.
That knowledge hopefully will clarify what Falk is writing. Clearly, the ability to read backward is a required reading tool as we assess his faulty syllogisms - and lack of compliance with the basic rules of Logic 101.
Without this knowledge we would have to assume that Falk is claiming the "assassination" of the high level Hamas leader preceded the mortar attacks.
For any old-timers out there this may remind you of the classic Bob Newhart comedy routine where he poses as the PR campaign man for Abe Lincoln, and apparently felt it necessary to remind the prospective President that he needed to reorganize his biographical references. Bob's advice was something like this:
"You see Abe , when talking to the people you need to explain that 'first" you were a log splitter and 'then' you became an attorney - because the way you've been telling it doesn't really make any sense and we're getting a lot of bad press.
Back to Mr. Falk and his third point:
"Thirdly, he says, even defensive force must be proportionate, related to specific battlefield goals, and not imposing terror on the 1.7 million essentially locked within the confines of Gaza, lacking even a refugee option."
(Apparently, there is still one more treaty coming out of the Geneva Conventions with which we have no familiarity).
But, then again, my memory's not as sharp as it used to be. Also, my memory's
not as sharp as it used to be.
Have a Great Thanksgiving.
Friday, November 9, 2012
ANALYSIS BY PARALYSIS
The past couple days are what I like to refer to as "Analysis by Paralysis.".
You know. Everybody kind of adjusting their briefs or bra straps to explain what happened in our most recent election.
It's political spin days for a large group of people who - without hesitation - incorrectly predicted which party was going to win the election and who, now are flabbergasted since they are not used to hearing they were wrong.
But, not to fear:
These are the people who, in a "now you see it - now you don't" response maneuver may even opt via bold faced lies - seek to explain to everyone they really knew what "the real scoop" was on the election but, just didn't want to dampen the spirit of their pre-election Republican counterparts.
It's a regrouping period that I liken to Black Friday after Thanksgiving. This always seemed to me to be a time when you're better off just staying home - keeping your mouth closed - while still trying to digest that sumptuous dinner you gorged on the previous day.
Unfortunately, there are lot of folks who couldn't keep their mouth shut even if attempting to play dead for a guy standing over them with a 12 guage shotgun.
Yep, today some of these folks are not only still attempting to explain what happened by "putting it in it's best light" - but, are employing what appears to be a great rendition of "the green apple quickstep" just before they back out the door.
To me it's like a drunk who just walked out of their own private confessional booth - having performed zero penance - and is now headed straight to a bar.
They may be your friends - associates - perhaps, other members of your losing political party - but also, - in my case - some "extremist Republican relatives."
Since Tuesday night I have received their e-mails declaring:
- It's the fault of the Press.
- It's a sure sign that "we as a country are unwilling to help ourselves."
- That, we are no longer "Americans"- we are Blacks, Hispanics, Asians, welfare and entitlement recipients, Unions, and an unlimited number of other special interest groups intent on protecting their own interests at the expense
of the common good and the best interests of the country in the long term.
The e-mail also speaks of Obama promoting class warfare - - - - blaming others for his failures - - - - and that any rational person would have to concede Obama is clearly not qualified to lead and manage our nation of over 300 million people, let alone be hired as a McDonalds manager, based on his limited experience and qualifications.
In other words, it's one of the first responses one experiences following a perceived crisis - Denial.
These people have obviously never participated in my life experience of being on the losing side way more times than I care to reveal until I can find some unsuspecting soul to publish my book.
As I've aged, I've developed a simple philosophy, whether it be sports or life: "shut up and take your medicine." - (unless it really wasn't anything important and you just want to bitch a little, of course.)
Obama is our President for four more years. My opinion is - even if you're a diehard Republican - accept it and move on down the road.
There's always a possibility that after 4 years of having dealt with some of the biggest challenges a newly elected President could encounter, he may have improved in the areas of "limited experience and qualifications."
But, not all registered Republicans seem to feel the same way.
Some time ago I recall reading or hearing a press release suggesting Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell played basketball at the University of Kentucky.
Some might suspect that might have been difficult - since his undergraduate school was Louisville - and it was not until later he obtained his law degree at Kentucky.
However, if true, it may explain how being hit too frequently in the head by the elbows that are attached to your opponents body can effect what ultimately comes out of your mouth as you age.
In Mitch's case his previously announced unfettered goal of "keeping Obama from a second term" may have been outdone by his response the other day to the election results:
"The voters have not endorsed the failures or excesses of the president's first term. They have simply given him more time to finish the job."
You got to feel sorry for this poor lad.
If he had just been born in a different century he'd have been a helluva guy to have around just to explain why Custer's loss at Little Big Horn was merely a bump in the road for the General.
More in a future blog on the election hangover for the GOP, including the truly hilarious response from the spokesman for Republican super Pac - American Crossroads.
Analysis by paralysis? It's contagious.
Heck, now I'm even doing it.
You know. Everybody kind of adjusting their briefs or bra straps to explain what happened in our most recent election.
It's political spin days for a large group of people who - without hesitation - incorrectly predicted which party was going to win the election and who, now are flabbergasted since they are not used to hearing they were wrong.
But, not to fear:
These are the people who, in a "now you see it - now you don't" response maneuver may even opt via bold faced lies - seek to explain to everyone they really knew what "the real scoop" was on the election but, just didn't want to dampen the spirit of their pre-election Republican counterparts.
It's a regrouping period that I liken to Black Friday after Thanksgiving. This always seemed to me to be a time when you're better off just staying home - keeping your mouth closed - while still trying to digest that sumptuous dinner you gorged on the previous day.
Unfortunately, there are lot of folks who couldn't keep their mouth shut even if attempting to play dead for a guy standing over them with a 12 guage shotgun.
Yep, today some of these folks are not only still attempting to explain what happened by "putting it in it's best light" - but, are employing what appears to be a great rendition of "the green apple quickstep" just before they back out the door.
To me it's like a drunk who just walked out of their own private confessional booth - having performed zero penance - and is now headed straight to a bar.
They may be your friends - associates - perhaps, other members of your losing political party - but also, - in my case - some "extremist Republican relatives."
Since Tuesday night I have received their e-mails declaring:
- It's the fault of the Press.
- It's a sure sign that "we as a country are unwilling to help ourselves."
- That, we are no longer "Americans"- we are Blacks, Hispanics, Asians, welfare and entitlement recipients, Unions, and an unlimited number of other special interest groups intent on protecting their own interests at the expense
of the common good and the best interests of the country in the long term.
The e-mail also speaks of Obama promoting class warfare - - - - blaming others for his failures - - - - and that any rational person would have to concede Obama is clearly not qualified to lead and manage our nation of over 300 million people, let alone be hired as a McDonalds manager, based on his limited experience and qualifications.
In other words, it's one of the first responses one experiences following a perceived crisis - Denial.
These people have obviously never participated in my life experience of being on the losing side way more times than I care to reveal until I can find some unsuspecting soul to publish my book.
As I've aged, I've developed a simple philosophy, whether it be sports or life: "shut up and take your medicine." - (unless it really wasn't anything important and you just want to bitch a little, of course.)
Obama is our President for four more years. My opinion is - even if you're a diehard Republican - accept it and move on down the road.
There's always a possibility that after 4 years of having dealt with some of the biggest challenges a newly elected President could encounter, he may have improved in the areas of "limited experience and qualifications."
But, not all registered Republicans seem to feel the same way.
Some time ago I recall reading or hearing a press release suggesting Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell played basketball at the University of Kentucky.
Some might suspect that might have been difficult - since his undergraduate school was Louisville - and it was not until later he obtained his law degree at Kentucky.
However, if true, it may explain how being hit too frequently in the head by the elbows that are attached to your opponents body can effect what ultimately comes out of your mouth as you age.
In Mitch's case his previously announced unfettered goal of "keeping Obama from a second term" may have been outdone by his response the other day to the election results:
"The voters have not endorsed the failures or excesses of the president's first term. They have simply given him more time to finish the job."
You got to feel sorry for this poor lad.
If he had just been born in a different century he'd have been a helluva guy to have around just to explain why Custer's loss at Little Big Horn was merely a bump in the road for the General.
More in a future blog on the election hangover for the GOP, including the truly hilarious response from the spokesman for Republican super Pac - American Crossroads.
Analysis by paralysis? It's contagious.
Heck, now I'm even doing it.
Monday, November 5, 2012
DA STEELERS & KEEPING THE FAITH
Just a few thoughts after reviving some invectives my wife claims she had never heard me utter during a Steeleers game.
I also dare to cover one topic here - poor officiating - only because I do not believe even the long arm of Commissioner Goodell can reach me in Florida resulting in a subsequent a $50,000 fine - his usual rebuttal to criticism.
Not only was it a great game, but we were able to watch it in the comfort of our home, in front of our big screen TV. No squinting at the small screens in a Dish connected restaurant/bar with people constantly bumping into you and the volume turned up over your head for some other teams game.
Phyl & I are getting older (not old) and enjoy our creature comforts.We concluded we enjoyed the game mostly for the teamwork displayed by the Steelers not just the privacy.
Now, before someone pops up and says, "Hello! Aren't all football games based on teamwork?" let me try to clarify.
The offensive front line is finally starting to jell. Taking nothing away from both Dwyer and Redman - the runners are getting the holes that were so desperately missing in the first few games. But, of course, it wouldn't make any difference if there were no running backs playing their hearts out to make the extra effort and go above and beyond.
For us, it was the best Steeler game we've watched this year.
Here they are in the recently devastated city of New York - playing a very good team - and again they managed to take with them about 1/4th of the fans in attendance - The Steeler Nation. That can't hurt your team's performance.
Sports is no longer just two teams playing their heart out. The media and the officiating crew do much to control how we see the game play out. That's true whether they seemingly favor their team or yours.
Tha conclusion was abundantly clear to me in the choice of replays CBS made in the directors booth yesterday.
You've got a little runner guy lying on the field unable to get up - and no call made - and you choose not to show the play - over and over - as you do so many others - thus denying the nation of an opportunity to ask, "Why when those two big guys seemed to make helmet to helmet hits on the little guy lying on the ground - did they choose not to call it - or run it on replay?"
Refusing to repeat any showing of that brutal hit - particulary when the NFL Commissioner or one of his sycophants may arguably still have been in attendance - demonstrates TV's desperate influence on the games we watch as
they attempt to influence viewer opinion via sublimation.
In this case, that would be particularly obvious because the network is usually desperately trying to fill time as the severity of the injury is being asessed, an action which takes up several moments of airtime.
However, CBS decided to give us a replacement bon mot - scenes of players for both teams praying about the CBS forgotten injury.
The Rothlisberger fumble call - which the CBS announcer first strongly disagreed with - was later retracted by him after several replays as he apologized on the air to the official on the field (who couldn't hear him) for his previous trangressions in the booth.
For added emphasis - his great reverse move was the first audible to be heard when CBS came back on the air - as he again cleared the officials of any wrong doing.
This conflicted greatly with the conclusion of former head of officials Mike Pererra that it truly was a "bad call". Of course, as I recall, Mike does his "recalls" for FOX - a competing NFL nework source.
CBS may be #1 - but, not yesterday.
The clip on Heath Miller during the "fumble" runback?
Hey, just another oversight by the officials - not a big deal - sort of a "might as well be caught for stealing a sheep instead of a lamb" moment.
This "oversight" only exacerbated the Steeler fans accurate perception that yesterday, "The Force was definitly not with them".
One final note. If the overly compassionate calls by the Refs acknowledging New Yorkers pain had occurred in a Steelers home game after a similar disaster there - how many of us would have spoken up in criticism?
I hope and pray we never find out.
Don't know how much more professional sports disappointment my friend Harry can handle, but I totally agree with his undying support of his home teams. They've given him a lot of pleasure through the years.
NYC is a great town. Their players after-game disappointment that they couldn't complete their appointed mission to lift the spirit of all New York sports fans via a victory, clearly confirms this.
Hey guys, there's always the Super Bowl.
You go Giants. You go Steelers. But, could we get different officials?
I also dare to cover one topic here - poor officiating - only because I do not believe even the long arm of Commissioner Goodell can reach me in Florida resulting in a subsequent a $50,000 fine - his usual rebuttal to criticism.
Not only was it a great game, but we were able to watch it in the comfort of our home, in front of our big screen TV. No squinting at the small screens in a Dish connected restaurant/bar with people constantly bumping into you and the volume turned up over your head for some other teams game.
Phyl & I are getting older (not old) and enjoy our creature comforts.We concluded we enjoyed the game mostly for the teamwork displayed by the Steelers not just the privacy.
Now, before someone pops up and says, "Hello! Aren't all football games based on teamwork?" let me try to clarify.
The offensive front line is finally starting to jell. Taking nothing away from both Dwyer and Redman - the runners are getting the holes that were so desperately missing in the first few games. But, of course, it wouldn't make any difference if there were no running backs playing their hearts out to make the extra effort and go above and beyond.
For us, it was the best Steeler game we've watched this year.
Here they are in the recently devastated city of New York - playing a very good team - and again they managed to take with them about 1/4th of the fans in attendance - The Steeler Nation. That can't hurt your team's performance.
Sports is no longer just two teams playing their heart out. The media and the officiating crew do much to control how we see the game play out. That's true whether they seemingly favor their team or yours.
Tha conclusion was abundantly clear to me in the choice of replays CBS made in the directors booth yesterday.
You've got a little runner guy lying on the field unable to get up - and no call made - and you choose not to show the play - over and over - as you do so many others - thus denying the nation of an opportunity to ask, "Why when those two big guys seemed to make helmet to helmet hits on the little guy lying on the ground - did they choose not to call it - or run it on replay?"
Refusing to repeat any showing of that brutal hit - particulary when the NFL Commissioner or one of his sycophants may arguably still have been in attendance - demonstrates TV's desperate influence on the games we watch as
they attempt to influence viewer opinion via sublimation.
In this case, that would be particularly obvious because the network is usually desperately trying to fill time as the severity of the injury is being asessed, an action which takes up several moments of airtime.
However, CBS decided to give us a replacement bon mot - scenes of players for both teams praying about the CBS forgotten injury.
The Rothlisberger fumble call - which the CBS announcer first strongly disagreed with - was later retracted by him after several replays as he apologized on the air to the official on the field (who couldn't hear him) for his previous trangressions in the booth.
For added emphasis - his great reverse move was the first audible to be heard when CBS came back on the air - as he again cleared the officials of any wrong doing.
This conflicted greatly with the conclusion of former head of officials Mike Pererra that it truly was a "bad call". Of course, as I recall, Mike does his "recalls" for FOX - a competing NFL nework source.
CBS may be #1 - but, not yesterday.
The clip on Heath Miller during the "fumble" runback?
Hey, just another oversight by the officials - not a big deal - sort of a "might as well be caught for stealing a sheep instead of a lamb" moment.
This "oversight" only exacerbated the Steeler fans accurate perception that yesterday, "The Force was definitly not with them".
One final note. If the overly compassionate calls by the Refs acknowledging New Yorkers pain had occurred in a Steelers home game after a similar disaster there - how many of us would have spoken up in criticism?
I hope and pray we never find out.
Don't know how much more professional sports disappointment my friend Harry can handle, but I totally agree with his undying support of his home teams. They've given him a lot of pleasure through the years.
NYC is a great town. Their players after-game disappointment that they couldn't complete their appointed mission to lift the spirit of all New York sports fans via a victory, clearly confirms this.
Hey guys, there's always the Super Bowl.
You go Giants. You go Steelers. But, could we get different officials?
Sunday, November 4, 2012
THE MOUTH THAT ROARED!
There I was sitting - silently -while patiently trying to find something in the paper that was non-political. I decided to switch to the Astrology page - something you knew you could depend on in his crazy world of ours.
That's when I heard her voice - like fingernails on a blackboard:
"All politicians are crooked - but mostly those who are in Congress. You can't even believe what you read in the papers nowadays cause they're biased too. I've had it. I'm anti-everything . I've decided to become an archivist!"
"That should please the folks over at the library, "I replied
"You're making fun of me again with that all- too- dumb alleged Irish wit of yours. I'm sure it has something to do with what I just said."
"Not important, but I am curious. What is it you're going to do to improve things - I mean from that new position at the library. I'm assuming that would be only after revising the Dewey Decimal system, of course."
She looked at me with the disdain that only a 2.7.pound Chihuahua can muster.
Then "'her haughtiness" spoke:
"You know, I'm only 5 1/2 years old, whereas you've been hanging around for three-quarters of a century and you profess that during 55 of those years you've been a card carrying member of the Republican party. And now, you want to know what I'M going to do about the mess we're in?"
"Well actually you brought it up, and I'm still proud of my Republican heritage from my Dad."
"See, that's the problem - you claim to be a registered Republican - and your shape is definitely starting to resemble that of an elephant - but you seem to be leaning toward the Democrats, as I see it.
Quite frankly, methinks you appear to have adopted your Mom's strategy on life."
Quickly looking up from the daily horoscope column, I replied: "I'm sorry. I wasn't really paying attention. Which of my Mom's many strategies were you referring to?"
"Man, you ARE getting old! You know the one where you told me that when you were a kid, no matter what you complained about to your Mom, her response was always, 'Well, tomorrow is another day!' . You said she chose not to worry about today's problems or even those that might be coming down the road."
"Yeah, that does sound familiar. So you're saying that Mom was really a non-committed Democrat in your view?"
"See, that's the very problem. You remain clueless and want to rely on other people to tell you what's going to happen to you. Are you sure you're not a closet Democrat, as well?"
""I'm positive", I replied emphatically!
"That's funny", she countered.
"And why would that be?", I replied once more, demonstrating that sharp rapier like repartee I've developed through the years.
"Well!", she said - while closing the distance beween us to enter my personal space - "You claim to be a Republican but I've yet to see you back your Irish arse away from the table when they're handing out Social Security and Medicare benefits .
You do recall, don't you, that those are the very things - along with your health care - that "Da Mittster" claims he's going to reduce drastically when he assumes office."
"C'mon dog, you mean you really don't know that's just campaign strategy to appease everybody in his party?"
"Listen chum, I apologize for this odious analogy, but isn't that the same thing they said about Hitler when he was just getting started in Europe?"
"Whoa, now you really are getting out of hand. So tell me punkster, what's your pseudo-intelligent dog sense reading on the upcoming election? I can't believe you've decided to become a Democrat."
"Not really," she replied, "But, I must admit I was sorry Mitt didn't choose Rubio as his running mate instead of putting one more Irish guy into that whole succession chain thing."
"You're stalling. So, which is it? You seem to be changing positions more than both candidates."
"Actually", she said after a long pause: "I'm not that crazy over either guy, but I am confused by Obama's position that we must defend and provide for the weak and the poor above and beyond what else the Government does."
"Geeze, what's this about now? You've been reaping the benefits of that strategy for over 5 years now. You've got a lot of nerve talking about my Mom's philosophy."
"Well, I'm only a dumb animal - who IS probably leaning toward the GOP - if we could just get them Tea Party "yo-yo's" to resign, that is. Here's why:
The food stamp program, part of the Department of Agriculture, is pleased to be distributing the greatest amount of food stamps ever.
Meanwhile, the Park Service, also part of the Department of Agriculture, tells us ' Please do not feed the animals because the animals may grow dependent and not learn to take care of themselves.' I can't believe you missed this."
Not to be outdone in matching wits, I replied: "Good point. I think we're cutting you back from two meals a day to just one - and no more treats -because, Lordy, Lordy - we sure don't want you becoming dependent on us."
She shook her head defiantly before sauntering away and mumbling something that sounded like "Obtene una trabajo, Tonto."
I was about to request a clarification but just then happened to glance down at the paper and before I could come up with a response I involuntarily said aloud:
"Wow! Look at this. It says here, The LIBRA'S are going to have a really great day today'! Maybe that means the Government has decided to raise Social Security benefits next year."
(Which they have - of course. They just didn't happen to announce it on either the Astrology page or the Sports Section.)
(Finally, my many thanks to author Tom Wolf for those punctuation suggestions.)
That's when I heard her voice - like fingernails on a blackboard:
"All politicians are crooked - but mostly those who are in Congress. You can't even believe what you read in the papers nowadays cause they're biased too. I've had it. I'm anti-everything . I've decided to become an archivist!"
"That should please the folks over at the library, "I replied
"You're making fun of me again with that all- too- dumb alleged Irish wit of yours. I'm sure it has something to do with what I just said."
"Not important, but I am curious. What is it you're going to do to improve things - I mean from that new position at the library. I'm assuming that would be only after revising the Dewey Decimal system, of course."
She looked at me with the disdain that only a 2.7.pound Chihuahua can muster.
Then "'her haughtiness" spoke:
"You know, I'm only 5 1/2 years old, whereas you've been hanging around for three-quarters of a century and you profess that during 55 of those years you've been a card carrying member of the Republican party. And now, you want to know what I'M going to do about the mess we're in?"
"Well actually you brought it up, and I'm still proud of my Republican heritage from my Dad."
"See, that's the problem - you claim to be a registered Republican - and your shape is definitely starting to resemble that of an elephant - but you seem to be leaning toward the Democrats, as I see it.
Quite frankly, methinks you appear to have adopted your Mom's strategy on life."
Quickly looking up from the daily horoscope column, I replied: "I'm sorry. I wasn't really paying attention. Which of my Mom's many strategies were you referring to?"
"Man, you ARE getting old! You know the one where you told me that when you were a kid, no matter what you complained about to your Mom, her response was always, 'Well, tomorrow is another day!' . You said she chose not to worry about today's problems or even those that might be coming down the road."
"Yeah, that does sound familiar. So you're saying that Mom was really a non-committed Democrat in your view?"
"See, that's the very problem. You remain clueless and want to rely on other people to tell you what's going to happen to you. Are you sure you're not a closet Democrat, as well?"
""I'm positive", I replied emphatically!
"That's funny", she countered.
"And why would that be?", I replied once more, demonstrating that sharp rapier like repartee I've developed through the years.
"Well!", she said - while closing the distance beween us to enter my personal space - "You claim to be a Republican but I've yet to see you back your Irish arse away from the table when they're handing out Social Security and Medicare benefits .
You do recall, don't you, that those are the very things - along with your health care - that "Da Mittster" claims he's going to reduce drastically when he assumes office."
"C'mon dog, you mean you really don't know that's just campaign strategy to appease everybody in his party?"
"Listen chum, I apologize for this odious analogy, but isn't that the same thing they said about Hitler when he was just getting started in Europe?"
"Whoa, now you really are getting out of hand. So tell me punkster, what's your pseudo-intelligent dog sense reading on the upcoming election? I can't believe you've decided to become a Democrat."
"Not really," she replied, "But, I must admit I was sorry Mitt didn't choose Rubio as his running mate instead of putting one more Irish guy into that whole succession chain thing."
"You're stalling. So, which is it? You seem to be changing positions more than both candidates."
"Actually", she said after a long pause: "I'm not that crazy over either guy, but I am confused by Obama's position that we must defend and provide for the weak and the poor above and beyond what else the Government does."
"Geeze, what's this about now? You've been reaping the benefits of that strategy for over 5 years now. You've got a lot of nerve talking about my Mom's philosophy."
"Well, I'm only a dumb animal - who IS probably leaning toward the GOP - if we could just get them Tea Party "yo-yo's" to resign, that is. Here's why:
The food stamp program, part of the Department of Agriculture, is pleased to be distributing the greatest amount of food stamps ever.
Meanwhile, the Park Service, also part of the Department of Agriculture, tells us ' Please do not feed the animals because the animals may grow dependent and not learn to take care of themselves.' I can't believe you missed this."
Not to be outdone in matching wits, I replied: "Good point. I think we're cutting you back from two meals a day to just one - and no more treats -because, Lordy, Lordy - we sure don't want you becoming dependent on us."
She shook her head defiantly before sauntering away and mumbling something that sounded like "Obtene una trabajo, Tonto."
I was about to request a clarification but just then happened to glance down at the paper and before I could come up with a response I involuntarily said aloud:
"Wow! Look at this. It says here, The LIBRA'S are going to have a really great day today'! Maybe that means the Government has decided to raise Social Security benefits next year."
(Which they have - of course. They just didn't happen to announce it on either the Astrology page or the Sports Section.)
(Finally, my many thanks to author Tom Wolf for those punctuation suggestions.)
A PITTSBURGH SPORT FAN AT RISK
I'm living in Florida - a State with more than it's share of good college football teams.
Despite that, I find myself still rooting for Pitt & Penn State, as I did yesterday.
Penn State was a no-brainer and I take my hat off to both the coaches and the players for what they have accomplished both on and off the field this season.
Pitt is still 'another matter." Rooting for Pitt is a lot like rooting for the Pirates.
For this guy, who continues to support both teams, you gotta figure my rooting has to be mostly based on a misplaced wave of nostalgia.
I was fortunate to watch one of the 1979 World Series games and will never forget the exprience.
I also sat at Pitt Stadium - after recovering from the walk up Heart Attack Hill - and rooted for Cavanaugh and Dorsett during the City of Champions era.
I was a Pitt football fan as was my Dad and his best friend Lew Beadling. Dad often told the story of the two of them watching a Pitt game, back in the day.
Their agreement was that they would each take a drink from their flasks every time Pitt scored.
I don't know who Pitt was playing - but it may well have been Notre Dame.
The outcome of their drinking agreement was that they had to revise their strategy and settle for taking a hit from their flasks whenever Pitt managed to get a first down . Per Dad, both men left the game sober as a judge.
Yesterday, my wife and I were enjoying the Pitt/Notre Dame game at a local restaurant while enjoying the company of a bartender who shared both a place of residence and my given name with me. Nice guy.
It was one of those games where, for a while in the 4th quarter, I looked at the screen only after promising my wife, "I'm going to risk one eye."
Such is the precautionary measures a Pitt fan must consider if he chooses to witness a University of Pittsburgh football game. This one , in particular, reminded me of watching a favorite young golfer - playing in a Major - who is up five strokes with four holes to play.
I think it's refered euphemistically as "crash & burn." - which is what Pitt did yesterday in the 4th quarter.
According to my friend - "Bartender Barry", the only time they were able to resurrect their previous game performance in the second half was when I went to the men's room and they intercepted Nore Dame twice.
Each time Pitt made an interception I was in the can.
Despite Barry's encouragement for me to remain there for the rest of the game I decided to risk the other eye and watch the end of regulation with the few Pitt fans still present in the restaurant.
It went about as bad as I expected.
I would not tell this to his Aunt Christine, who we sat beside while watching and rooting for the Steeler's last week, but I am not a fan of her nephew - and Pitt's quarterback - Tito Sunseri.
In the 4th quarter, after, playing a great game, Tito once again became my young golf pro.
When he tried to run the ball despite having several defenders in front of him - and a guy open on a curl route - I questioned my one-eye risking strategy.
When he next dropped a direct snap - I paid the bill - although the game was still up for grabs. I also did not watch any of the triple overtime loss at home.
I've been a Pitt fan for way too long and still can't handle the many sad and disappointing losses I've witnessed in recent years.
My compliments to all involved - including Sunseri & Ray Graham - for providing us football fans with a whole bunch of satisfying and exciting moments yesterday.
Unfortunately, long ago, someone decided that a football game should consist of 4 quarters and not 3.
Now, if I can just get my optometrist to fit me in on Monday - I'll be a happy camper.
Despite that, I find myself still rooting for Pitt & Penn State, as I did yesterday.
Penn State was a no-brainer and I take my hat off to both the coaches and the players for what they have accomplished both on and off the field this season.
Pitt is still 'another matter." Rooting for Pitt is a lot like rooting for the Pirates.
For this guy, who continues to support both teams, you gotta figure my rooting has to be mostly based on a misplaced wave of nostalgia.
I was fortunate to watch one of the 1979 World Series games and will never forget the exprience.
I also sat at Pitt Stadium - after recovering from the walk up Heart Attack Hill - and rooted for Cavanaugh and Dorsett during the City of Champions era.
I was a Pitt football fan as was my Dad and his best friend Lew Beadling. Dad often told the story of the two of them watching a Pitt game, back in the day.
Their agreement was that they would each take a drink from their flasks every time Pitt scored.
I don't know who Pitt was playing - but it may well have been Notre Dame.
The outcome of their drinking agreement was that they had to revise their strategy and settle for taking a hit from their flasks whenever Pitt managed to get a first down . Per Dad, both men left the game sober as a judge.
Yesterday, my wife and I were enjoying the Pitt/Notre Dame game at a local restaurant while enjoying the company of a bartender who shared both a place of residence and my given name with me. Nice guy.
It was one of those games where, for a while in the 4th quarter, I looked at the screen only after promising my wife, "I'm going to risk one eye."
Such is the precautionary measures a Pitt fan must consider if he chooses to witness a University of Pittsburgh football game. This one , in particular, reminded me of watching a favorite young golfer - playing in a Major - who is up five strokes with four holes to play.
I think it's refered euphemistically as "crash & burn." - which is what Pitt did yesterday in the 4th quarter.
According to my friend - "Bartender Barry", the only time they were able to resurrect their previous game performance in the second half was when I went to the men's room and they intercepted Nore Dame twice.
Each time Pitt made an interception I was in the can.
Despite Barry's encouragement for me to remain there for the rest of the game I decided to risk the other eye and watch the end of regulation with the few Pitt fans still present in the restaurant.
It went about as bad as I expected.
I would not tell this to his Aunt Christine, who we sat beside while watching and rooting for the Steeler's last week, but I am not a fan of her nephew - and Pitt's quarterback - Tito Sunseri.
In the 4th quarter, after, playing a great game, Tito once again became my young golf pro.
When he tried to run the ball despite having several defenders in front of him - and a guy open on a curl route - I questioned my one-eye risking strategy.
When he next dropped a direct snap - I paid the bill - although the game was still up for grabs. I also did not watch any of the triple overtime loss at home.
I've been a Pitt fan for way too long and still can't handle the many sad and disappointing losses I've witnessed in recent years.
My compliments to all involved - including Sunseri & Ray Graham - for providing us football fans with a whole bunch of satisfying and exciting moments yesterday.
Unfortunately, long ago, someone decided that a football game should consist of 4 quarters and not 3.
Now, if I can just get my optometrist to fit me in on Monday - I'll be a happy camper.
Friday, November 2, 2012
THE WORLD JUST KEEPS A-CHANGIN
I know there are a couple of people who occasionally peek in at this blog who will be able to relate to the following.
I've often promised my wife Phyl that I would not concentrate on the past in both my conversations and blog writing.
I agree. There are too many good things available to us now that were absent - or not yet invented - back in the so-called "Good Old Days."
Besides, I enjoy all those great home cooked meals and the many benefits that come with them.
However, I will speak of a change in customer service now and then - as I am about to do now.
I remember the days when you pulled into the local gas/filling station for the purpose of "filling up".
All of a sudden It was like the guys from Texaco sponsored "Milton Berle Show" were making road appearances at our local gas station.
While becoming concerned that gas was up to the ridiculous price of 23 cents a gallon - I was distracted by the good service I was about to receive.
The first guy was out washing my windshield and headlights. Another had the hood open so he could check both oil and water levels. A third was still waiting in the wings.
His job was to bring out the glasses - some with the insignia of a local sports team- or maybe some dishes - or perhaps, the green S&H stamps - in an amount value commensurate with the total of my bill.
Nowadays, it's difficult to stop and even get directions at a gas station because the owner and the employees don't live within 25 miles of the place - and apparently don't have a clue how they got to work that morning.
This is the negative side of service - as to opposed to that which was glady proffered.
Companies back then saw serice as a way to keep you as a customer and were also desirous of seeing cars lined up at their place - even before Jimmy Carter became President.
Today, it's different. But, you all know that, so why go into the contrast of "then and now" at gas stations - or that banks replaced your widowed neighbor, Mrs. Snyder as a bank teller with an ATM machine - which they then charged you to use in a variety of circumstances?
No, my illustration here is not related to any of the above. It's worse.
A few weeks ago my new Sears card appeared in the mail. I didn't request it - the sonofagun just appeared in my community mailbox unanounced.
I glanced at the accompanying literature and then did all the good things like calling an 800 number to validate it.
I then refused the operator's encouragement to enroll in a protection program that, as I recall, would provide me with 24 hour home security service by two guys named Lamont Cranston and Duncan Rinaldo who would guard my house and prevent anybody from breaking in and stealing my new credit card.
Anyway, it was something like that. After a while you just tune out all the marketing BS. I suspect the next time I run into a Bible salesman, he'll try to get me to upgrade to Kindle.
Anyway, two weeks after I validated the card, I received another unsolicited correspondence from my pals over at Sears.
It was a bill for a $25 Rewards Fee that also contained a late payment warning.
The Account Statement announced: "If we do not receive your minimum payment by the date listed above (two weeks away), you may have to pay a late fee up to $35."
Guess who's going to call Sears today and cancel the account?
I won't even ask if they were going to send me a Steelers glass if I had made a prompt bill payment.
It's a changing world and Old Man Roebuck has to be spinning in his grave.
I've often promised my wife Phyl that I would not concentrate on the past in both my conversations and blog writing.
I agree. There are too many good things available to us now that were absent - or not yet invented - back in the so-called "Good Old Days."
Besides, I enjoy all those great home cooked meals and the many benefits that come with them.
However, I will speak of a change in customer service now and then - as I am about to do now.
I remember the days when you pulled into the local gas/filling station for the purpose of "filling up".
All of a sudden It was like the guys from Texaco sponsored "Milton Berle Show" were making road appearances at our local gas station.
While becoming concerned that gas was up to the ridiculous price of 23 cents a gallon - I was distracted by the good service I was about to receive.
The first guy was out washing my windshield and headlights. Another had the hood open so he could check both oil and water levels. A third was still waiting in the wings.
His job was to bring out the glasses - some with the insignia of a local sports team- or maybe some dishes - or perhaps, the green S&H stamps - in an amount value commensurate with the total of my bill.
Nowadays, it's difficult to stop and even get directions at a gas station because the owner and the employees don't live within 25 miles of the place - and apparently don't have a clue how they got to work that morning.
This is the negative side of service - as to opposed to that which was glady proffered.
Companies back then saw serice as a way to keep you as a customer and were also desirous of seeing cars lined up at their place - even before Jimmy Carter became President.
Today, it's different. But, you all know that, so why go into the contrast of "then and now" at gas stations - or that banks replaced your widowed neighbor, Mrs. Snyder as a bank teller with an ATM machine - which they then charged you to use in a variety of circumstances?
No, my illustration here is not related to any of the above. It's worse.
A few weeks ago my new Sears card appeared in the mail. I didn't request it - the sonofagun just appeared in my community mailbox unanounced.
I glanced at the accompanying literature and then did all the good things like calling an 800 number to validate it.
I then refused the operator's encouragement to enroll in a protection program that, as I recall, would provide me with 24 hour home security service by two guys named Lamont Cranston and Duncan Rinaldo who would guard my house and prevent anybody from breaking in and stealing my new credit card.
Anyway, it was something like that. After a while you just tune out all the marketing BS. I suspect the next time I run into a Bible salesman, he'll try to get me to upgrade to Kindle.
Anyway, two weeks after I validated the card, I received another unsolicited correspondence from my pals over at Sears.
It was a bill for a $25 Rewards Fee that also contained a late payment warning.
The Account Statement announced: "If we do not receive your minimum payment by the date listed above (two weeks away), you may have to pay a late fee up to $35."
Guess who's going to call Sears today and cancel the account?
I won't even ask if they were going to send me a Steelers glass if I had made a prompt bill payment.
It's a changing world and Old Man Roebuck has to be spinning in his grave.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
THE PROFESSIONAL
When I was a kid, the Pittsburgh Press ran a comic strip called "Mickey Finn"
The strip was started in 1936 - grew to being published in 300 newspapers - and featured Mickey Finn - a good natured cop in Port Chester, New York.
It was introduced during the time of Dick Tracy etc, but this strip didn't really involve solving crimes. It was more folksy and featured Mickey's Uncle Phil Finn - a true Irish character - who lived with Mick and his Mom.
As the comic strip story progresses, Mick goes through WWII and then becomes a detective while his Uncle Phil becomes an alderman and sheriff.
While it was one of many comic strips and comic books devoured by me as a kid, I was fascinated by the character of Phil Finn, who hung out at Clancy's bar and for some totally illogical reason became a golf pro.
I say "illogical" because Phil was a lousy golfer as was illustrated quite often in the comic strip that started to featured Phil more than Mickey.
The logic behind cartoonist Lank Leonard's decision to make Phil a very successful golf pro was funny to a young guy like me. The theory was that although Phil could not star as a golfer - he really understood the game - and could inspire others to master the frustrating challenges of the sport.
My memory of the comic strip - followed by a little research to make sure my mind had not failed me once more - was prompted by the latest hiring news from the brilliant GM of The Pittsburgh Pirates - Neal Huntington.
Huntington had the unfortunate experience - in this most recent year as GM of a team completing 20 consecutive losing seasons - to have a team that ranked 14th among 16 national League teams in both batting average and on base percentage.
His 2012 hitting coach was Gregg Ritchie who knew when to get out of town and
assumed the position of George Washington University's head baseball coach.
So, the GM - after searching far and wide - decided to hire former Pirate shortstop Jay Bell - one of my favorites players in the late 80's for about 7 more years in the 90's.
You never quite knew which Bell was going to show up - but he played hard - hit .269 and had 78 home runs during his 8 year stay with our team.
Lord knows we could use a few more current Pirates who had that kind of batting average since so many of our hitters are closer to the Mendoza line.
Huntington's logic in selecting Bell as his new hitting coach was as follows:
- Bell previously served as a hitting coach in the Diamondbacks organization for two years - as the hitting coach of Class AA Mobile.
- " He brings energy and enthusiasm."
- "He's a great person."
- "He's got experience on the major league bench."
The last comment grabbed my attention as that is the exact location where most of his prospective students should have been sitting this past season instead of out on the playing field.
Bell has the Pirates record for successful sacrifice bunts. This should be a big plus when the Pirates starting pitchers attempt to acquire this basic training tool during Spring training down here in Bradenton - hopefully, without almost losing an eye.
One reason for hiring Bell - not enumerated by Huntington was: "Besides, he came cheap." But, then again, that's just an assumption on my part.
Can Bell become a successful hitting coach for the Pirates? You bet your bippy! It is not unheard of.
Look what happened to Phil Finn. Of course, that was in a comic strip.
But in some sadly ironic fashion isn't that what we Pirate fans have been watching for the past 20 years - or three years after Cleveland traded Bell to the Pirates?
Hey, who knows? You gotta have faith. Brooklyn finally got a major sports franchise - 55 years after they lost their beloved Dodgers.
As improbable as it may appear to Pirate fans everywhere - maybe even Neal Huntington could become a successful GM some day.
The strip was started in 1936 - grew to being published in 300 newspapers - and featured Mickey Finn - a good natured cop in Port Chester, New York.
It was introduced during the time of Dick Tracy etc, but this strip didn't really involve solving crimes. It was more folksy and featured Mickey's Uncle Phil Finn - a true Irish character - who lived with Mick and his Mom.
As the comic strip story progresses, Mick goes through WWII and then becomes a detective while his Uncle Phil becomes an alderman and sheriff.
While it was one of many comic strips and comic books devoured by me as a kid, I was fascinated by the character of Phil Finn, who hung out at Clancy's bar and for some totally illogical reason became a golf pro.
I say "illogical" because Phil was a lousy golfer as was illustrated quite often in the comic strip that started to featured Phil more than Mickey.
The logic behind cartoonist Lank Leonard's decision to make Phil a very successful golf pro was funny to a young guy like me. The theory was that although Phil could not star as a golfer - he really understood the game - and could inspire others to master the frustrating challenges of the sport.
My memory of the comic strip - followed by a little research to make sure my mind had not failed me once more - was prompted by the latest hiring news from the brilliant GM of The Pittsburgh Pirates - Neal Huntington.
Huntington had the unfortunate experience - in this most recent year as GM of a team completing 20 consecutive losing seasons - to have a team that ranked 14th among 16 national League teams in both batting average and on base percentage.
His 2012 hitting coach was Gregg Ritchie who knew when to get out of town and
assumed the position of George Washington University's head baseball coach.
So, the GM - after searching far and wide - decided to hire former Pirate shortstop Jay Bell - one of my favorites players in the late 80's for about 7 more years in the 90's.
You never quite knew which Bell was going to show up - but he played hard - hit .269 and had 78 home runs during his 8 year stay with our team.
Lord knows we could use a few more current Pirates who had that kind of batting average since so many of our hitters are closer to the Mendoza line.
Huntington's logic in selecting Bell as his new hitting coach was as follows:
- Bell previously served as a hitting coach in the Diamondbacks organization for two years - as the hitting coach of Class AA Mobile.
- " He brings energy and enthusiasm."
- "He's a great person."
- "He's got experience on the major league bench."
The last comment grabbed my attention as that is the exact location where most of his prospective students should have been sitting this past season instead of out on the playing field.
Bell has the Pirates record for successful sacrifice bunts. This should be a big plus when the Pirates starting pitchers attempt to acquire this basic training tool during Spring training down here in Bradenton - hopefully, without almost losing an eye.
One reason for hiring Bell - not enumerated by Huntington was: "Besides, he came cheap." But, then again, that's just an assumption on my part.
Can Bell become a successful hitting coach for the Pirates? You bet your bippy! It is not unheard of.
Look what happened to Phil Finn. Of course, that was in a comic strip.
But in some sadly ironic fashion isn't that what we Pirate fans have been watching for the past 20 years - or three years after Cleveland traded Bell to the Pirates?
Hey, who knows? You gotta have faith. Brooklyn finally got a major sports franchise - 55 years after they lost their beloved Dodgers.
As improbable as it may appear to Pirate fans everywhere - maybe even Neal Huntington could become a successful GM some day.
Monday, October 29, 2012
JUST SOME THOUGHTS
There is a sad irony that it is us calling and e-mailing the north as this weather monster approaches. Usually the concerned calls are coming from up there for us.
We're definitely not enured to weather down here despite the close calls and yet, Hurricanes - whether direct hits or not - are always a concern in Florida.
We have done a good job of rationalizing those and our tremendously hot summers by saying , "Yeah, but we don't have to shovel it."
The next two days up north have us on the edge of our seats and we pray for family and friends.
And, that is no laughing matter.
---------------------------------------------------
To see one team blow out another in baseball like the Tigers did to the Yankees and then the Giants did to the Tigers, is truly amazing. Once again we will remind all those sports fans of the vagaries of sports.
We feel sorry for those poor souls who cling to the predictions of their favorite newspaper sports writers, their constantly watched sports network sport analyists, and sports magazine columists - that nobody (that's NOBODY!) really truly knows a damn thing about predicting sports outcomes - in the long run.
Our suggestion, "If you insist on betting - "go with your guts" - instead of the gutless - who will seldom admit in print or on the air that they didn't really have a clue about what they had fearlessly predicted so confidently."
The old standard in the upper left hand corner of the newspaper front page said it all. It showed a picture of Shakespeare's character Puck looking down at us readers and proclaiming: "What fools we mortals be."
--------------------------------------------
If you don't believe that statement then you are surely one of the clueless who are predicting the demise of this great country solely based on who it is we elect in this 2012 Presidential election.
Why? Because you read it or heard it on TV?
Or are you truly one of the few, like friend Harry, who really took the time to analyze both the candidates and their professed beliefs?
http://harry2335.blogspot.com/
We're definitely not enured to weather down here despite the close calls and yet, Hurricanes - whether direct hits or not - are always a concern in Florida.
We have done a good job of rationalizing those and our tremendously hot summers by saying , "Yeah, but we don't have to shovel it."
The next two days up north have us on the edge of our seats and we pray for family and friends.
And, that is no laughing matter.
---------------------------------------------------
To see one team blow out another in baseball like the Tigers did to the Yankees and then the Giants did to the Tigers, is truly amazing. Once again we will remind all those sports fans of the vagaries of sports.
We feel sorry for those poor souls who cling to the predictions of their favorite newspaper sports writers, their constantly watched sports network sport analyists, and sports magazine columists - that nobody (that's NOBODY!) really truly knows a damn thing about predicting sports outcomes - in the long run.
Our suggestion, "If you insist on betting - "go with your guts" - instead of the gutless - who will seldom admit in print or on the air that they didn't really have a clue about what they had fearlessly predicted so confidently."
The old standard in the upper left hand corner of the newspaper front page said it all. It showed a picture of Shakespeare's character Puck looking down at us readers and proclaiming: "What fools we mortals be."
--------------------------------------------
If you don't believe that statement then you are surely one of the clueless who are predicting the demise of this great country solely based on who it is we elect in this 2012 Presidential election.
Why? Because you read it or heard it on TV?
Or are you truly one of the few, like friend Harry, who really took the time to analyze both the candidates and their professed beliefs?
http://harry2335.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
NOT THAT I'VE REALLY BEEN PAYING ATTENTION
Perhaps it's just an oversight on my part.
But, when do you think we'll see the following in the media?:
Strong criticism of the ACLU - sports "experts" standing up to admit they never expected Detroit and San Francisco to end up in the World Series - any article which first lists the amount received by someone in an injury court settlement - followed by the dollar portion they had to pay to their attorney from that settlement -, what the sports media analysis is of what JOPA would have done if it was his grandchild in the shower with Sandusky, etc, etc, etc?
These are basically "off limit" topics - seemingly a sort of an official-unofficial decision as what to publish - or admit to - by many of our news sources.
Not all the failure-to- report subjects are earth shattering or even reliably predictive of where our society appears to be heading.
Sometimes, the omission is as insignificant as to whether or not to report "definitely, there is an official rule in baseball you must attempt to hit the opposing pitcher after he has done the same to one of yours!"
How about maybe even including an analogy of what would happen to you if you took responsive physical umbrage on your neighbor for what you perceived to be a intentional actby him - or maybe just clobbering a neighborhood kid who you think was responsible for what happened to your own kid.
Unfair analogy? You try standing at the plate while attempting to avoid a 95 MPH fastball aimed at your head - if you want to declare a lack of fairness.
Apprently, there are just things you don't write about or report - particularly if the intended target is large enough or powerful enough to ruin your career for life.
Think Senator Joe McCarthy.
No attempt is made here to suggest one more previously undiscovered conspiracy - nor any grassy knoll intended. Just trying to point out certain topics that appear to be sacrosanct or low priority in the hands of the media.
Perhaps someday we will even see a intellectual debate in the media - with no fear of recriminations - where one side makes an intelligent - well supported argument- that this country should revoke any financial support or defense for Israel if they should choose unilaterally to involve the entire world in nuclear war.
Yeah, there are sacred cows. Always were - always will be. Writing about the amount of financial support the Mafia gave to the Catholic Church was pretty much of a no-no when I was a kid.
I also saw nothing in the media recently to suggest, now that the extreme amount of child molestation in the Boy Scouts has miraculously come to light, an appropriate penalty would be for all Eagle Scouts to turn in their medals, and all sites of prior Boy Scout Jamborees be bulldozed over. (Oops, got the ruling body for the BSA confused with the NCAA. Sorry!)
But, lo and behold - I recently saw a glimmer of hope.
Phil Taylor, he who appears to have assumed the duties of Rick Reilly in the "Point After" - the last printed opinion page of Sports Illustrated - has emerged as my hero.
Cantankerous ole Phil had the audacity to write: "NFL You Have A Problem" - before itemizing the stupid and bully like decisions made by the NFL in recent years.
If you haven't yet come across it, I encourage you to read the entire article in SI's 10/08/12 issue - the one with Referee Ed Hochuli's picture on the cover.
Taylor did an excellent job in his itemization of all the ridiculous decisions and practices of the NFLleague in recent years that the media, for the large part, has chosen to overlook or, at the very least, under-report.
As expected, his enumeration of inconsistencies, the dual odors of greed, and duplicity, was done much better than any of those I've attempted to outline in my meager journalistic attempts via previous blogs critical of the practices of the NFL.
Even after the cogent reporting by Taylor with meof what will probably be seen by the league as "an unprofessional whack job", one of his conclusions especially hit home with me:
"It's partly our fault" - he writes and then goes on to support that argument clearly pointing out how WE" allowed this behemoth to come to be.
I prefer not to repeat his comments word for word for two simple reasons:
First, I really have no desire to be sued by one of the many hungry attorneys out there for having repeated - word for word - what he said without gaining permission to do so.
My second reason is that I, again, really encourage you to access this excellent piece of journalism on your own.
Taylor's column serves as an excellent teaching tool on life for your kids or grandkids - whether they're sports nuts like you - or not - and by doing so you would honor a reporter and publication for having the guts to "tell the Emperor that he forgot to put his clothes back on."
So now, Barry's a "Happy Camper" - as my wife would say?
No, not really.
I'd have been even more impressed if the article had, just once, mentioned NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell by name.
Not that I was really paying attention, of course.
But, when do you think we'll see the following in the media?:
Strong criticism of the ACLU - sports "experts" standing up to admit they never expected Detroit and San Francisco to end up in the World Series - any article which first lists the amount received by someone in an injury court settlement - followed by the dollar portion they had to pay to their attorney from that settlement -, what the sports media analysis is of what JOPA would have done if it was his grandchild in the shower with Sandusky, etc, etc, etc?
These are basically "off limit" topics - seemingly a sort of an official-unofficial decision as what to publish - or admit to - by many of our news sources.
Not all the failure-to- report subjects are earth shattering or even reliably predictive of where our society appears to be heading.
Sometimes, the omission is as insignificant as to whether or not to report "definitely, there is an official rule in baseball you must attempt to hit the opposing pitcher after he has done the same to one of yours!"
How about maybe even including an analogy of what would happen to you if you took responsive physical umbrage on your neighbor for what you perceived to be a intentional actby him - or maybe just clobbering a neighborhood kid who you think was responsible for what happened to your own kid.
Unfair analogy? You try standing at the plate while attempting to avoid a 95 MPH fastball aimed at your head - if you want to declare a lack of fairness.
Apprently, there are just things you don't write about or report - particularly if the intended target is large enough or powerful enough to ruin your career for life.
Think Senator Joe McCarthy.
No attempt is made here to suggest one more previously undiscovered conspiracy - nor any grassy knoll intended. Just trying to point out certain topics that appear to be sacrosanct or low priority in the hands of the media.
Perhaps someday we will even see a intellectual debate in the media - with no fear of recriminations - where one side makes an intelligent - well supported argument- that this country should revoke any financial support or defense for Israel if they should choose unilaterally to involve the entire world in nuclear war.
Yeah, there are sacred cows. Always were - always will be. Writing about the amount of financial support the Mafia gave to the Catholic Church was pretty much of a no-no when I was a kid.
I also saw nothing in the media recently to suggest, now that the extreme amount of child molestation in the Boy Scouts has miraculously come to light, an appropriate penalty would be for all Eagle Scouts to turn in their medals, and all sites of prior Boy Scout Jamborees be bulldozed over. (Oops, got the ruling body for the BSA confused with the NCAA. Sorry!)
But, lo and behold - I recently saw a glimmer of hope.
Phil Taylor, he who appears to have assumed the duties of Rick Reilly in the "Point After" - the last printed opinion page of Sports Illustrated - has emerged as my hero.
Cantankerous ole Phil had the audacity to write: "NFL You Have A Problem" - before itemizing the stupid and bully like decisions made by the NFL in recent years.
If you haven't yet come across it, I encourage you to read the entire article in SI's 10/08/12 issue - the one with Referee Ed Hochuli's picture on the cover.
Taylor did an excellent job in his itemization of all the ridiculous decisions and practices of the NFLleague in recent years that the media, for the large part, has chosen to overlook or, at the very least, under-report.
As expected, his enumeration of inconsistencies, the dual odors of greed, and duplicity, was done much better than any of those I've attempted to outline in my meager journalistic attempts via previous blogs critical of the practices of the NFL.
Even after the cogent reporting by Taylor with meof what will probably be seen by the league as "an unprofessional whack job", one of his conclusions especially hit home with me:
"It's partly our fault" - he writes and then goes on to support that argument clearly pointing out how WE" allowed this behemoth to come to be.
I prefer not to repeat his comments word for word for two simple reasons:
First, I really have no desire to be sued by one of the many hungry attorneys out there for having repeated - word for word - what he said without gaining permission to do so.
My second reason is that I, again, really encourage you to access this excellent piece of journalism on your own.
Taylor's column serves as an excellent teaching tool on life for your kids or grandkids - whether they're sports nuts like you - or not - and by doing so you would honor a reporter and publication for having the guts to "tell the Emperor that he forgot to put his clothes back on."
So now, Barry's a "Happy Camper" - as my wife would say?
No, not really.
I'd have been even more impressed if the article had, just once, mentioned NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell by name.
Not that I was really paying attention, of course.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
THINKING ABOUT LIFE & NUMBERS
(edit of previously published blog on another blog site - 10/13/12)
Rumor has it that on Sunday I'll be 75 years old. Of course, we all know the reputation that "rumor" has.
Yet, the number has a significance to me as it was at this age our Dad "Sully" passed away and I'm the first of his male siblings to get there.
It's funny how often we choose the term "passed away" - "gone now" "lost" and
"with God", as opposed to "died", when describing the death of someone we cared for.
Perhaps it's the permanence of the latter reference and the wishfulness of the former that encourages us to do so - as if we were hoping for a Lazarus moment.
In the eyes of many, Dad passed away too soon.In the eyes of a few it may be "up for grabs." This is not unlike the feelings that most of us will engender from some simply by us "Going on to that Great reward". (How on earth did I miss that one?).
We are a culture of numbers. We longed to be a "teenager" at 13 to distinguish us from being a child. We lusted for becoming 16, the age in Pennsylvania where you could legally drive.
We couldn't wait till we reached the age of 21 and could drink legally - or at the very least be carded and finally smile back in confidence when asked to produce proof of our age.
As a member of a significant gaggle of teenage males in my day, I recall there was a quest for another number - as in "#1". that number represented the first time we had successfully deflowered a member of the opposite sex - and now no longer had to lie about the possibility.
Oddly enough, that was not a priority for me. At least, not nearly as important to me as my making the team in one sport or another. Perhaps I was a member of the remedial class.
Some of us are enamoured - or perhaps fascinated is the correct word- with the age at which our parents - particularly our Dad - if we are male - suffered various physical ailments including death.
It was our Mom - who upon hearing from the nurse of my dad's official demise following the removal of all life saving devices - confirmed that death was.
not only "final" but, in the case of Dad, "Poor Dad - he never had vey good luck - and this is the worse. " We refer to it as "Dad's most unlucky experience."
Probably his most fatal flaw - as well.
One of my siblings and I shared our mutual fears not too long ago. As we did so, we admitting sharing a apprehension as we approached the age when Dad had, in order, suffered: a nervous breakdown, his first heart attack, and the loss of his leg.
We were still relatively young when these events occurred - and were searching to see if ther might be a pattern.
All were biggies and deeply etched in our memory as if to say, "Well, by gosh, he sired us - so we're bound to follow in his path."
The logic was flawed. Genes are unlike a Chinese menu where you can choose or refuse items from each column at will.
Let's just use another example to prove that we were not exactly male replicas. We both were quite certain that neither of us could have consumed as much Vodka in one sitting as Dad - and still remained standing and attempting to dominate the conversation.
Another clue was that this was not a search for an eligible liver transplant donor. We were different from Dad who in turn had a life path was unlike that of either his Mom or Dad.
Yet, I recall hearing one day from one of my own kids: "So, when did your back first go out?", as if that would be a reliable predictor as to when they should start stocking up on Aleve.
To the best of my limited biological knowledge Dad's are "perhaps" one-half of the gene pool - and it's a pool that comes from a stream that probably has been running down hill for a heckuva lot of years - with tributaries going off in many different directions.
However, it is not foolish for all of us to become knowledgable about our gene pool and be tested regularly for a negative repetetive gene.
As for me at the age of 75?
I just prefer to look skyward and say, "Thanks!" - and take a wait and see attitude.
Rumor has it that on Sunday I'll be 75 years old. Of course, we all know the reputation that "rumor" has.
Yet, the number has a significance to me as it was at this age our Dad "Sully" passed away and I'm the first of his male siblings to get there.
It's funny how often we choose the term "passed away" - "gone now" "lost" and
"with God", as opposed to "died", when describing the death of someone we cared for.
Perhaps it's the permanence of the latter reference and the wishfulness of the former that encourages us to do so - as if we were hoping for a Lazarus moment.
In the eyes of many, Dad passed away too soon.In the eyes of a few it may be "up for grabs." This is not unlike the feelings that most of us will engender from some simply by us "Going on to that Great reward". (How on earth did I miss that one?).
We are a culture of numbers. We longed to be a "teenager" at 13 to distinguish us from being a child. We lusted for becoming 16, the age in Pennsylvania where you could legally drive.
We couldn't wait till we reached the age of 21 and could drink legally - or at the very least be carded and finally smile back in confidence when asked to produce proof of our age.
As a member of a significant gaggle of teenage males in my day, I recall there was a quest for another number - as in "#1". that number represented the first time we had successfully deflowered a member of the opposite sex - and now no longer had to lie about the possibility.
Oddly enough, that was not a priority for me. At least, not nearly as important to me as my making the team in one sport or another. Perhaps I was a member of the remedial class.
Some of us are enamoured - or perhaps fascinated is the correct word- with the age at which our parents - particularly our Dad - if we are male - suffered various physical ailments including death.
It was our Mom - who upon hearing from the nurse of my dad's official demise following the removal of all life saving devices - confirmed that death was.
not only "final" but, in the case of Dad, "Poor Dad - he never had vey good luck - and this is the worse. " We refer to it as "Dad's most unlucky experience."
Probably his most fatal flaw - as well.
One of my siblings and I shared our mutual fears not too long ago. As we did so, we admitting sharing a apprehension as we approached the age when Dad had, in order, suffered: a nervous breakdown, his first heart attack, and the loss of his leg.
We were still relatively young when these events occurred - and were searching to see if ther might be a pattern.
All were biggies and deeply etched in our memory as if to say, "Well, by gosh, he sired us - so we're bound to follow in his path."
The logic was flawed. Genes are unlike a Chinese menu where you can choose or refuse items from each column at will.
Let's just use another example to prove that we were not exactly male replicas. We both were quite certain that neither of us could have consumed as much Vodka in one sitting as Dad - and still remained standing and attempting to dominate the conversation.
Another clue was that this was not a search for an eligible liver transplant donor. We were different from Dad who in turn had a life path was unlike that of either his Mom or Dad.
Yet, I recall hearing one day from one of my own kids: "So, when did your back first go out?", as if that would be a reliable predictor as to when they should start stocking up on Aleve.
To the best of my limited biological knowledge Dad's are "perhaps" one-half of the gene pool - and it's a pool that comes from a stream that probably has been running down hill for a heckuva lot of years - with tributaries going off in many different directions.
However, it is not foolish for all of us to become knowledgable about our gene pool and be tested regularly for a negative repetetive gene.
As for me at the age of 75?
I just prefer to look skyward and say, "Thanks!" - and take a wait and see attitude.
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