Sep 15, 2004
Sep 14, 2004
I just couldn’t let another day pass without mentioning Bienville Books:
Russ Adams opened Bienville Books about 14 months ago and made his first sale: a used Dictionary of Mathematical Terms.
A math professor had died and part of the estate acquired by Adams included the dictionary, other professional texts and a bunch of NASA manuals from the 1970s.
It’s the type of eclectic inventory that Adams hopes will keep the only bookshop downtown thriving in a struggling retail market. What he doesn’t sell over the counter is offered to buyers shopping on the Internet, he said.
“People don’t come here for best sellers,” Adams said of comparisons to the big-chain book dealers in the malls. “I get a lot of requests for cookbooks, out-of-print Mobile and Alabama books. It’s kind of fun.”
Russ is someone I’ve known now for over 20 years. He was my entry into a world of friends I would‘ve never made if not for him. He blazed a bunch of trails, being the first person I knew to support himself by freelancing with his Mac (a IIFx) and then trying his hand at writing out in Hollywood.
Some of my best times have been spent in his company and in our mutual inebriation. Recently, he popped up to NYC for a visit and it was good seeing him. He had returned to his roots and seemed in the best spirits I had seen him in in some time. I wish him and the bookstore much success.
A week from this coming Saturday is my birthday. It also happens to be Yom Kippur the Jewish Day of Atonement:
The name “Yom Kippur” means “Day of Atonement,” and that pretty much explains what the holiday is. It is a day set aside to “afflict the soul,” to atone for the sins of the past year. In Days of Awe, I mentioned the “books” in which G-d inscribes all of our names. On Yom Kippur, the judgment entered in these books is sealed. This day is, essentially, your last appeal, your last chance to change the judgment, to demonstrate your repentance and make amends.
The last few years, I have tried ignoring my birthday. I can’t explain why I feel the way I do but, I often find the occasion a bit of a disappointment.
I was thinking the other day how somewhere in my early 30’s birthdays became less about celebrating and more about looking at all the things in life I have unfinished or unfulfilled. The last few years haven’t been easy when it comes to b-days, I can’t think of one since we entered the new millennium which has come at a good time.
Four years ago (in 2000), my birthday fell at the end of one of the most arduous six months I have ever lived through - between getting hit by a bicyclist, watching one client fold and another move rapidly in the same direction, injuring my hand, being told I had cancer, watching my uncle pass and then having surgery myself to remove a “mass.”
Three years ago (2001), we had the whole September 11th thing and I can’t really say it was much the time for celebrating (although I do remember having a very nice dinner at Lupa - taking a cab down Houston Street and seeing all the heavy equipment lined up for the salvage of Ground Zero.
Two years ago (2002), there was another personal crisis that had ended before the b-day.
...and last year (2003), my partner of seven years decided it was time for us to split.
As I write it though, I have to admit, I find myself laughing. I’m still here so in the inimitable and indomitable spirit I find myself saying fuck it.
This year, regardless of the irony of the bday falling on the “Day of Atonement,” I think I’ll go back to my original plans of those bdays of my early 30’s and just try to ignore it and have a good day.
Besides, if I can do the things I want to with this year, maybe next year I’ll have a lot more worth celebrating..
The name “Yom Kippur” means “Day of Atonement,” and that pretty much explains what the holiday is. It is a day set aside to “afflict the soul,” to atone for the sins of the past year. In Days of Awe, I mentioned the “books” in which G-d inscribes all of our names. On Yom Kippur, the judgment entered in these books is sealed. This day is, essentially, your last appeal, your last chance to change the judgment, to demonstrate your repentance and make amends.
The last few years, I have tried ignoring my birthday. I can’t explain why I feel the way I do but, I often find the occasion a bit of a disappointment.
I was thinking the other day how somewhere in my early 30’s birthdays became less about celebrating and more about looking at all the things in life I have unfinished or unfulfilled. The last few years haven’t been easy when it comes to b-days, I can’t think of one since we entered the new millennium which has come at a good time.
Four years ago (in 2000), my birthday fell at the end of one of the most arduous six months I have ever lived through - between getting hit by a bicyclist, watching one client fold and another move rapidly in the same direction, injuring my hand, being told I had cancer, watching my uncle pass and then having surgery myself to remove a “mass.”
Three years ago (2001), we had the whole September 11th thing and I can’t really say it was much the time for celebrating (although I do remember having a very nice dinner at Lupa - taking a cab down Houston Street and seeing all the heavy equipment lined up for the salvage of Ground Zero.
Two years ago (2002), there was another personal crisis that had ended before the b-day.
...and last year (2003), my partner of seven years decided it was time for us to split.
As I write it though, I have to admit, I find myself laughing. I’m still here so in the inimitable and indomitable spirit I find myself saying fuck it.
This year, regardless of the irony of the bday falling on the “Day of Atonement,” I think I’ll go back to my original plans of those bdays of my early 30’s and just try to ignore it and have a good day.
Besides, if I can do the things I want to with this year, maybe next year I’ll have a lot more worth celebrating..
Sep 13, 2004
I heard this on the Howard Stern show the other day and it is funny!
“Too many good docs are getting out of the business. Too many OB-GYNs aren’t able to practice their love with women all across this country.”
Now hop up into the stirrups ladies and be afraid... be very afraid!
(you can see the video of it through the link as well)
“Too many good docs are getting out of the business. Too many OB-GYNs aren’t able to practice their love with women all across this country.”
Now hop up into the stirrups ladies and be afraid... be very afraid!
(you can see the video of it through the link as well)
And while we’re on the subject of dicks...
Don’t let the door hit you on the way out, Art Howe is rumored to be fired after the last day of the season. Howe is rumored to be a nice man (and I have no reason to think otherwise) but, after suffering fthrough the last two seasons of watching him manage the Mets it can’t happen soon enough. Admittedly, the team he was handed was hampered by injuries throughout the course of this season but, it’s been painful to watch the Mets and some of his moves have left quite a number of Mets fans scratching their heads trying to figure out what he was hoping to accomplish (winning games certainly wasn’t the goal).
Now, if the Wilpons could just swallow their pride and get Bobby V back, he never should have been fired in the first place!
I post this for my cousin Jill and her cousin Tina who traumatized me when I was at the tender age of 11 by seizing my Big Jim action figure and trying to find out if it was anatomically correct (it wasn’t). I’m sure since that time she’s satisfied her curiousity but nonetheless if she hasn’t this should do the trick.
Courtesy of Warren Ellis’ Die Puny Humans blog.
Sep 11, 2004
Three years since that fateful day, that beautiful morning when the sky was crystal clear, the temperature just so, a total contrast to what would later unfold.
As it recedes, it has less impact which is a sign of healing - which is good. Something that should never be forgotten but, simultaneously something which shouldn't prevent us from moving forward.
While much of the focus is on Ground Zero and the Pentagon and the destruction in both places, the one thing that stands out in my mind is the sacrifice made by a group of ordinary Americans.
(9:47 a.m.): On Flight 93, Jeremy Glick is still on the phone with his wife Lyz. He tells her that the passengers are taking a vote if they should try to take over the plane or not. [About the same time as a different phone call, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 10/28/01 , Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 10/28/01 (B) ] He later says that all the men on the plane have voted to attack the hijackers. [No time marker, Toronto Sun, 9/16/01 ] When asked about weapons, he says they don't have guns, just knives. His wife Lyz got the impression from him that the hijacker standing nearby claiming to hold the bomb would be easy to overwhelm. [Among the Heroes,
by Jere Longman, 8/02, p. 153-154]
When faced with the realization that they were confronting a situation which would cost them their lives, this disparate group found the one thing which united them. Different creeds, faiths, ethnicity but bound together by the fact that they were Americans, they voted about what course of action they would take and they chose to sacrifice themselves so their fellow citizens would be spared. Ordinary men and women who made a choice to stand and fight.
9:54 a.m.: Tom Burnett calls his wife Deena for the fourth and last time. In early reports of this call, he says, “I know we're all going to die. There's three of us who are going to do something about it.” [No time marker, Toronto Sun, 9/16/01 , no time marker, Boston Globe, 11/23/01 ] However, in a later and much more complete account, he sounds much more upbeat. “It's up to us. I think we can do it.” “Don't worry, we're going to do something.” He specifically mentions they plan to regain control of the airplane over a rural area. [9:54, “again Deena noted the time,” Among the Heroes, by Jere Longman, 8/02, p. 118]
Maybe I’m a cornball but, I’d like to think that this is what it means for us to be Americans. When faced with plane crashes, blackouts or horrible catastrophes we rise to the occasion and help the people around us putting aside whatever divides us and treating each other the way we should treat each other every day.
If there is one lesson we can take with us from that horrible day three years ago let it be that.
Sep 7, 2004
Sep 6, 2004
I haven't written much about baseball lately. It's just been a lost season as I've been watching the Mets put the uck in suck this year.
It's a hollow victory having the vindication that Bobby Valentine should have never been fired and Art Howe wasn't the right choice for this team.
Art will be gone before next year, as the end of the season winds down and the losses mount up it just brings the inevitable firing closer and closer.
On the bright side, David Wright looks really good and Jose Reyes will be back at short so the left side of the infield is young and possibly could be great for the next five or six years. John Franco and Al Leiter should be gone by next season and that will help too. I imagine Mike Stanton will be gone as well and honestly, since I never really liked him I couldn't be happier.
Yet, under the radar, the Mets signed a Cuban pitcher this week and have an inside track on a 21 year old Cuban first baseman so it looks like the infield will be set for years to come.
So, it's the old Dodgers lament again this season, wait until next year. I'll just have to be content in watching the Yankees set new records for the worst loss in baseball history in the last century (almost), or watch as the store bought team of all-stars that the Georgie-boy assembled turns out to be a wash.
You know, for all their vaunted success the Yankees haven't won a world series since they faced the Mets in 2000. They've been twice and lost (Diamondbacks and Marlins) and got knocked out in playoffs in-between (Angels).
As that 2000 subway series gets further back in the rear view mirror of Yankee history, I have a greater appreciation of that team of the late 90's. They weren't an assemblage of stars as much as a unique combination of personalities and abilities that complemented each other.
The Yankees of 2004 don't come close to the late 90's teams even on their best day..
It's a hollow victory having the vindication that Bobby Valentine should have never been fired and Art Howe wasn't the right choice for this team.
Art will be gone before next year, as the end of the season winds down and the losses mount up it just brings the inevitable firing closer and closer.
On the bright side, David Wright looks really good and Jose Reyes will be back at short so the left side of the infield is young and possibly could be great for the next five or six years. John Franco and Al Leiter should be gone by next season and that will help too. I imagine Mike Stanton will be gone as well and honestly, since I never really liked him I couldn't be happier.
Yet, under the radar, the Mets signed a Cuban pitcher this week and have an inside track on a 21 year old Cuban first baseman so it looks like the infield will be set for years to come.
So, it's the old Dodgers lament again this season, wait until next year. I'll just have to be content in watching the Yankees set new records for the worst loss in baseball history in the last century (almost), or watch as the store bought team of all-stars that the Georgie-boy assembled turns out to be a wash.
You know, for all their vaunted success the Yankees haven't won a world series since they faced the Mets in 2000. They've been twice and lost (Diamondbacks and Marlins) and got knocked out in playoffs in-between (Angels).
As that 2000 subway series gets further back in the rear view mirror of Yankee history, I have a greater appreciation of that team of the late 90's. They weren't an assemblage of stars as much as a unique combination of personalities and abilities that complemented each other.
The Yankees of 2004 don't come close to the late 90's teams even on their best day..
The battle of the Bees - part two
So, for the last six weeks or so, there's been an internecine war going on.
A few years back it was the battle of me against the ants. We had ants somehow (which I'm sure we still do) but, after much work and a herculean effort I managed to turn the tide of the battle in my favor.
Seems the ants had taken up residence in the hollow recesses of an Ikea veneer table (a word to the wise for all of you Ikea owners out there). The dark cavernous space in the center of the table was determined to be the prime real estate by the ants.
Leaving the table top out by the curb removed the problem and allowed me to be the ultimate victor - someone made off with the table before the garbagemen but, you take your chances when you go furniture shopping among the refuse.
Back to the bees...
So, in relatively the same place the ant battle began, another species found the ants handiwork and tried claiming it for their own (whether this meant there was a huge but unseen battle between the two colonies of insects or not, I have no clue).
Several weeks ago, while sitting up in what I would refer to as "the dining area," I became aware of a squadron of bees having invaded. Needless to say I was both surprised and alarmed - thinking at first they had somehow found their way into the attic, I made my way up there to see if I could find their base of operations but was unsuccessful.
Short work was made of the squadron with weapons of mass destruction in the form of insect spray but, ever since that day a scout or two would appear several times each day.
A survey of the outside of the building disclosed an egress point from which numerous little critters could be seen making their way out into the world doing the business of the hive.
This resulted in more weapons of mass destruction being used on the exterior of the house. Unfortunately, it was to no avail.
Fearing the intervention of the insect world's equivalent of a major super power invading my home and deposing me, I had to find a stopgap measure until the winter effectively stymied my foes.
The answer came in the form of something I saw on "This Old House." Insulation in a can - an expanding foam which is injected from a can much the way the compressed air is delivered to clear office equipment. The foam is injected into the crevice, expands, cures and hardens. Future generations will be able to find the handiwork of my bee genocide as my victims will be frozen in the foam. A grisly fate to be sure but, decisions had to be made, steps had to be taken.
Personally, there's a lot to do around here to fix things up but my hands are tied by the EYOC who is terrified of relinquishing any kind of control so, the house crumbles around us in the meantime..
So, for the last six weeks or so, there's been an internecine war going on.
A few years back it was the battle of me against the ants. We had ants somehow (which I'm sure we still do) but, after much work and a herculean effort I managed to turn the tide of the battle in my favor.
Seems the ants had taken up residence in the hollow recesses of an Ikea veneer table (a word to the wise for all of you Ikea owners out there). The dark cavernous space in the center of the table was determined to be the prime real estate by the ants.
Leaving the table top out by the curb removed the problem and allowed me to be the ultimate victor - someone made off with the table before the garbagemen but, you take your chances when you go furniture shopping among the refuse.
Back to the bees...
So, in relatively the same place the ant battle began, another species found the ants handiwork and tried claiming it for their own (whether this meant there was a huge but unseen battle between the two colonies of insects or not, I have no clue).
Several weeks ago, while sitting up in what I would refer to as "the dining area," I became aware of a squadron of bees having invaded. Needless to say I was both surprised and alarmed - thinking at first they had somehow found their way into the attic, I made my way up there to see if I could find their base of operations but was unsuccessful.
Short work was made of the squadron with weapons of mass destruction in the form of insect spray but, ever since that day a scout or two would appear several times each day.
A survey of the outside of the building disclosed an egress point from which numerous little critters could be seen making their way out into the world doing the business of the hive.
This resulted in more weapons of mass destruction being used on the exterior of the house. Unfortunately, it was to no avail.
Fearing the intervention of the insect world's equivalent of a major super power invading my home and deposing me, I had to find a stopgap measure until the winter effectively stymied my foes.
The answer came in the form of something I saw on "This Old House." Insulation in a can - an expanding foam which is injected from a can much the way the compressed air is delivered to clear office equipment. The foam is injected into the crevice, expands, cures and hardens. Future generations will be able to find the handiwork of my bee genocide as my victims will be frozen in the foam. A grisly fate to be sure but, decisions had to be made, steps had to be taken.
Personally, there's a lot to do around here to fix things up but my hands are tied by the EYOC who is terrified of relinquishing any kind of control so, the house crumbles around us in the meantime..
Sep 3, 2004
I watched a few of the speeches over the last few days. Guliani, Schwarzenegger, McCain - caught bits of Senator Miller, Junior and his wife.
The pundits observed that the first three speakers noted were from the more moderate wing of the party, the one which is more liberal on social issues (which is probably where I would place myself).
I also caught Kerry's speeches at the American Legion convention and also the one after the RNC wrapped up.
Kerry gave a good speech at the convention but the one after the RNC just had my eyes glazing over after a few minutes.
I was speaking to someone the other day, an ardent Democratic supporter and was doing my best just to get him agitated. Our roles have been reversed in the past and I'm petty, what can I say.
There's this whole "chicken little" quality to the argument of who gets to be the next chief executive. No matter who it is, there still will be a country four years from now (contrary to what people would have you believe). That's one of our great strengths, every four years we get a chance to "throw the bums out" as it were - seems people have a tendency to forget that.
I don't know how Kerry's war record become such an issue. I don't know if he brought it on himself by playing it up or not. If that's the case, it was a big mistake. I had caught Kerry's appearance on an old Dick Cavett show on C-Span a few weeks back and afterward I was very dismayed by his performance. Clinton didn't serve and Junior and the Dick both were from rich families and were able to get deferments (no big surprise there) so, that's a non starter.
It was more the things Kerry spoke about after returning that bothered me. There probably was a bit of exaggeration but, when he spoke of witnessing atrocities and war crimes the thing that came to my mind was of him bearing silent witness to these things and allowing them to go on, not speaking out about them while there. It made me think of him as a "go-along" guy. He played the game and when it was to his advantage he changed his tune.
Now, there are people who will read that and get very upset I'm sure but, that's how it appeared to me, if you're upset try to remember you're entitled to your view as much as I am entitled to mine.
So, playing up the war record was a no-no.
Kerry also has been a Senator in abstentia as he has run for the presidency. One has to wonder how many important votes he has missed over the last few months as he's been on the stump. I was reminded that Bob Dole resigned his position as Majority leader when he decided to run back in '96. I think Kerry would have been making a very positive statement by following that example.
Anyhow, I liked those early speeches but admittedly as the convention went on and the speeches became more braying and conservative I wasn't pleased.
Fortunately, I still have time to make up my mind (which I probably won't do until I close the curtain behind me on election day).
I think there are a few things the Democrats would be wise to concede - they probably won't but, it might help them garner more support.
First off - the 2000 election is over, get past it.
Second - stop trying to put the blame for the events of 9-11 at the feet of our government (or the current administration).
Third - we're in Iraq, arguing about whether or not it was the right thing to do is a moot point. We're there and it's up to us to do the best we can by the people in that country. Just leaving isn't necessarily the best (or smartest) thing to do.
Fourth - there are some of us (yes, myself included) that don't think going into Iraq was a bad thing in the overall scheme of things. Arguing it is or was a mistake isn't helping your argument.
Fifth - don't talk about lowering the price of gasoline, it's the last thing this country needs. Talk about finding or developing ways to wean this country off of its fossil fuel jones (while you're at it, do me a favor and put a tax on everyone owning a passenger vehicle over a certain weight - sic, SUVs).
Sixth - talking about allies and them determining foreign policy is a gigantic mistake. It ties in to free trade and the out-sourcing of jobs in a sense. Allies determining foreign policy has much the same impact as membership in the WTO. Ultimately, these things may not be what's best for our nation (got to remember Pierot's comment about the gigantic sucking sound if the US signed NAFTA).
Seventh - it's the deficit, stupid. Talk about the current administration's tendency to spend, spend, spend. Creating a larger deficit isn't a good thing.
Eighth - dovetailing into that, adding federal programs at this point doesn't sound like the greatest idea. Seems like the federal government needs to tighten the belt.
Ninth - '92 was your shot at fixing health care, every time it comes up as an issue, it reminds people of the abysmal failure there was - doesn't necessarily engender confidence.
Tenth - take the frigging high-road. Stop whining about being attacked - there has been nothing but attacks on this guy since day one and he's withstood it. Suck it up and tough it out.
At the very least we all know the next few months will prove interesting..
The pundits observed that the first three speakers noted were from the more moderate wing of the party, the one which is more liberal on social issues (which is probably where I would place myself).
I also caught Kerry's speeches at the American Legion convention and also the one after the RNC wrapped up.
Kerry gave a good speech at the convention but the one after the RNC just had my eyes glazing over after a few minutes.
I was speaking to someone the other day, an ardent Democratic supporter and was doing my best just to get him agitated. Our roles have been reversed in the past and I'm petty, what can I say.
There's this whole "chicken little" quality to the argument of who gets to be the next chief executive. No matter who it is, there still will be a country four years from now (contrary to what people would have you believe). That's one of our great strengths, every four years we get a chance to "throw the bums out" as it were - seems people have a tendency to forget that.
I don't know how Kerry's war record become such an issue. I don't know if he brought it on himself by playing it up or not. If that's the case, it was a big mistake. I had caught Kerry's appearance on an old Dick Cavett show on C-Span a few weeks back and afterward I was very dismayed by his performance. Clinton didn't serve and Junior and the Dick both were from rich families and were able to get deferments (no big surprise there) so, that's a non starter.
It was more the things Kerry spoke about after returning that bothered me. There probably was a bit of exaggeration but, when he spoke of witnessing atrocities and war crimes the thing that came to my mind was of him bearing silent witness to these things and allowing them to go on, not speaking out about them while there. It made me think of him as a "go-along" guy. He played the game and when it was to his advantage he changed his tune.
Now, there are people who will read that and get very upset I'm sure but, that's how it appeared to me, if you're upset try to remember you're entitled to your view as much as I am entitled to mine.
So, playing up the war record was a no-no.
Kerry also has been a Senator in abstentia as he has run for the presidency. One has to wonder how many important votes he has missed over the last few months as he's been on the stump. I was reminded that Bob Dole resigned his position as Majority leader when he decided to run back in '96. I think Kerry would have been making a very positive statement by following that example.
Anyhow, I liked those early speeches but admittedly as the convention went on and the speeches became more braying and conservative I wasn't pleased.
Fortunately, I still have time to make up my mind (which I probably won't do until I close the curtain behind me on election day).
I think there are a few things the Democrats would be wise to concede - they probably won't but, it might help them garner more support.
First off - the 2000 election is over, get past it.
Second - stop trying to put the blame for the events of 9-11 at the feet of our government (or the current administration).
Third - we're in Iraq, arguing about whether or not it was the right thing to do is a moot point. We're there and it's up to us to do the best we can by the people in that country. Just leaving isn't necessarily the best (or smartest) thing to do.
Fourth - there are some of us (yes, myself included) that don't think going into Iraq was a bad thing in the overall scheme of things. Arguing it is or was a mistake isn't helping your argument.
Fifth - don't talk about lowering the price of gasoline, it's the last thing this country needs. Talk about finding or developing ways to wean this country off of its fossil fuel jones (while you're at it, do me a favor and put a tax on everyone owning a passenger vehicle over a certain weight - sic, SUVs).
Sixth - talking about allies and them determining foreign policy is a gigantic mistake. It ties in to free trade and the out-sourcing of jobs in a sense. Allies determining foreign policy has much the same impact as membership in the WTO. Ultimately, these things may not be what's best for our nation (got to remember Pierot's comment about the gigantic sucking sound if the US signed NAFTA).
Seventh - it's the deficit, stupid. Talk about the current administration's tendency to spend, spend, spend. Creating a larger deficit isn't a good thing.
Eighth - dovetailing into that, adding federal programs at this point doesn't sound like the greatest idea. Seems like the federal government needs to tighten the belt.
Ninth - '92 was your shot at fixing health care, every time it comes up as an issue, it reminds people of the abysmal failure there was - doesn't necessarily engender confidence.
Tenth - take the frigging high-road. Stop whining about being attacked - there has been nothing but attacks on this guy since day one and he's withstood it. Suck it up and tough it out.
At the very least we all know the next few months will prove interesting..
Sep 2, 2004
Today, I was awoken by the sound of Jackhammers digging up the street in front of our house.It started around 8am and went on for about fifteen minutes.
So, I threw on pants and went outside to get the paper just as one of the village workers was making like Picasso on the street in front of the house.
I asked him what was happening and if they would be digging up the street in front of our driveway. Apparently they would. So, I wondered aloud if the village had anticipated digging up the street, why they didn't take the time to let the people living on the street have a bit of advance warning.
It's one of those situations where you wind up being sorry you asked.
So, after getting the short shrift and being told to complain to the village, I went inside to do dishes as the guys basically sat around for the next hour plus (which I could see from the kitchen window). This made me come to the conclusion I'm in the wrong business.
So, I threw on pants and went outside to get the paper just as one of the village workers was making like Picasso on the street in front of the house.
I asked him what was happening and if they would be digging up the street in front of our driveway. Apparently they would. So, I wondered aloud if the village had anticipated digging up the street, why they didn't take the time to let the people living on the street have a bit of advance warning.
It's one of those situations where you wind up being sorry you asked.
So, after getting the short shrift and being told to complain to the village, I went inside to do dishes as the guys basically sat around for the next hour plus (which I could see from the kitchen window). This made me come to the conclusion I'm in the wrong business.
Sep 1, 2004
I've been watching the convention in New York this week. A couple of comments I've heard have stuck with me and made a lot of sense.
One person, on commenting about the appearance and speech by the First Lady and her daughters, observed it was out of place at the convention.
I heartily agreed.
As the commentator noted, we (the U.S.) are not a monarchy. The people in the White House aren't royalty. When we as a nation elect a chief executive, we are not electing a first family, it's just not an issue and somehow over the last decade or so, candidates families have been trotted out in front of the media.
I don't know anyone who brings their wife or kids on a job interview and running this country is indeed a job, the campaign is just our citizenry's interview process.
The other comment was by John McCain. He observed sitting with either Tim Russert, Sean Hannity or Larry King there will be a time after the election when members of both parties will have to work together to conduct the business of government. It will be all the harder to do that when rhetoric descends and becomes downright insulting. This is something both parties have been guilty of this year and I for one wish it would stop.
Then thinking about it, I imagine it just shows how the whole election process in this country has been transformed over the last three decades.
One person, on commenting about the appearance and speech by the First Lady and her daughters, observed it was out of place at the convention.
I heartily agreed.
As the commentator noted, we (the U.S.) are not a monarchy. The people in the White House aren't royalty. When we as a nation elect a chief executive, we are not electing a first family, it's just not an issue and somehow over the last decade or so, candidates families have been trotted out in front of the media.
I don't know anyone who brings their wife or kids on a job interview and running this country is indeed a job, the campaign is just our citizenry's interview process.
The other comment was by John McCain. He observed sitting with either Tim Russert, Sean Hannity or Larry King there will be a time after the election when members of both parties will have to work together to conduct the business of government. It will be all the harder to do that when rhetoric descends and becomes downright insulting. This is something both parties have been guilty of this year and I for one wish it would stop.
Then thinking about it, I imagine it just shows how the whole election process in this country has been transformed over the last three decades.
Aug 30, 2004
Twice in the last week, during the course of a conversation, the person I was speaking with turned to me and said, “You’re not really a Republican.”
I think part of the reason it was said in each instance was because I don’t fall lockstep into position with some of the planks with the party’s platform. Surprisingly enough, I’ve run across a fair number of people who consider themselves Republicans but, also have views on certain issues which differ from the strict party line. In my peer group and among the people I’m usually around in my profession, it’s just not fashionable to be a Republican.
Republicans are bad!
They’re just the most evil people on the face of the Earth. As a matter of fact, if you could believe much of the commentary by people who run with the pack of the donkey (I was going to use another phrase but figured it wouldn’t be right to sink to the same level), the Republicans are responsible for all of societies ills.
So today, thousands descended onto the streets of Manhattan to display they’re righteous rage.
But hey, it is after a free country (last time I checked) and even though I’m usually dismissed for my views, everyone has a right to their opinion.
There have been a bunch of acts of civil disobedience over the last several days. I had heard Friday night one demonstration culminated in the people demonstrating throwing garbage onto the police from rooftops. Got to love it, from heroes to zeros in three short years. People held firefighters and police in high esteem for their actions on September 11th and now it’s okay to throw garbage on them.
Way to make a point, folks.
Anyway, the news this evening gave a lot of coverage to both the build up to the convention and the demonstration which was held today. I loved some of the signs, one commented on the wrongheadedness of a “war for oil.” Probably drove down from Massachusetts in their SUV.
Want to change things in this country?
Hey, approximately 120,000 people managed to get it together today to demonstrate about their unhappiness - think you’d be able to round up that many to do something like feed the homeless or volunteer in a local school?
Just curious.
I watched this demonstration and the one prior to the war in Iraq and thought I saw a bunch of people who were disappointed they had missed out on the sixties.
Most of the anger and rage I’ve been seeing while I’m sure it’s genuine felt comes across as ‘posing.’ Oh are you going to the demonstration on Sunday? What are you going to wear?
It’s as if all the anger and frustration people feel can be directed at a single person.
It just doesn’t wash.
People speak about the economy but economies run in cycles and the previous administration was fortunate enough to experience the fallout of a new technology boom the likes of which hadn’t been seen in this country since the 50’s. Take away the internet boom and how good do you think the American economy was during the 90's? Also, prior to the 2000 election, the bubble had burst. The writing was on the wall and I don’t think it’s fair to lay the blame for the downturn on the administration in office now.
Terrorism? Junior took office on or about 1/16/01 and in just under nine months we had the worst attack on American soil since Pearl Harbor, you really mean to tell me this all came about in those nine months and the people in office did everything in their power to ignore it at the peril of the American people? Do you really mean that?
Did anyone think something so horrific as flying planes into the sides of buildings as a terrorist act could’ve happened before that day? (by the way, if you go back and watch the John Carpenter movie Escape from New York, you’ll see a plane crashing into a skyscraper and a glider landing on top of the World Trade Center).
Here’s another one for you (which I had also heard in recent weeks), if the guy had gotten up from reading to a class of children he could’ve somehow changed the course of history.
Look, let’s get real.
Today, I saw the junior Senator from my state on TV doing her level best to pour rain on the parade. Funny thing was I remember the biggest accomplishment she was supposed to achieve at one time was the reform of the health care system. People seem to forget what a failure that was.
The other senator from our state doesn’t appear to like taking a back seat to his colleague but it seems as if he’s given little choice. And of course, when it’s coyly suggested during the rounds this morning if the donkey’s favorite son can’t get it done this year, well, then maybe she could be the candidate designate next time around. Oh, pshaw! Let’s just talk about this election - wouldn’t it just be so horrible should Kerry lose this time round.
It makes me sick.
(more on this when I have the energy)
I think part of the reason it was said in each instance was because I don’t fall lockstep into position with some of the planks with the party’s platform. Surprisingly enough, I’ve run across a fair number of people who consider themselves Republicans but, also have views on certain issues which differ from the strict party line. In my peer group and among the people I’m usually around in my profession, it’s just not fashionable to be a Republican.
Republicans are bad!
They’re just the most evil people on the face of the Earth. As a matter of fact, if you could believe much of the commentary by people who run with the pack of the donkey (I was going to use another phrase but figured it wouldn’t be right to sink to the same level), the Republicans are responsible for all of societies ills.
So today, thousands descended onto the streets of Manhattan to display they’re righteous rage.
But hey, it is after a free country (last time I checked) and even though I’m usually dismissed for my views, everyone has a right to their opinion.
There have been a bunch of acts of civil disobedience over the last several days. I had heard Friday night one demonstration culminated in the people demonstrating throwing garbage onto the police from rooftops. Got to love it, from heroes to zeros in three short years. People held firefighters and police in high esteem for their actions on September 11th and now it’s okay to throw garbage on them.
Way to make a point, folks.
Anyway, the news this evening gave a lot of coverage to both the build up to the convention and the demonstration which was held today. I loved some of the signs, one commented on the wrongheadedness of a “war for oil.” Probably drove down from Massachusetts in their SUV.
Want to change things in this country?
Hey, approximately 120,000 people managed to get it together today to demonstrate about their unhappiness - think you’d be able to round up that many to do something like feed the homeless or volunteer in a local school?
Just curious.
I watched this demonstration and the one prior to the war in Iraq and thought I saw a bunch of people who were disappointed they had missed out on the sixties.
Most of the anger and rage I’ve been seeing while I’m sure it’s genuine felt comes across as ‘posing.’ Oh are you going to the demonstration on Sunday? What are you going to wear?
It’s as if all the anger and frustration people feel can be directed at a single person.
It just doesn’t wash.
People speak about the economy but economies run in cycles and the previous administration was fortunate enough to experience the fallout of a new technology boom the likes of which hadn’t been seen in this country since the 50’s. Take away the internet boom and how good do you think the American economy was during the 90's? Also, prior to the 2000 election, the bubble had burst. The writing was on the wall and I don’t think it’s fair to lay the blame for the downturn on the administration in office now.
Terrorism? Junior took office on or about 1/16/01 and in just under nine months we had the worst attack on American soil since Pearl Harbor, you really mean to tell me this all came about in those nine months and the people in office did everything in their power to ignore it at the peril of the American people? Do you really mean that?
Did anyone think something so horrific as flying planes into the sides of buildings as a terrorist act could’ve happened before that day? (by the way, if you go back and watch the John Carpenter movie Escape from New York, you’ll see a plane crashing into a skyscraper and a glider landing on top of the World Trade Center).
Here’s another one for you (which I had also heard in recent weeks), if the guy had gotten up from reading to a class of children he could’ve somehow changed the course of history.
Look, let’s get real.
Today, I saw the junior Senator from my state on TV doing her level best to pour rain on the parade. Funny thing was I remember the biggest accomplishment she was supposed to achieve at one time was the reform of the health care system. People seem to forget what a failure that was.
The other senator from our state doesn’t appear to like taking a back seat to his colleague but it seems as if he’s given little choice. And of course, when it’s coyly suggested during the rounds this morning if the donkey’s favorite son can’t get it done this year, well, then maybe she could be the candidate designate next time around. Oh, pshaw! Let’s just talk about this election - wouldn’t it just be so horrible should Kerry lose this time round.
It makes me sick.
(more on this when I have the energy)
Aug 26, 2004
Speaking as one of those swing voters, I'll be watching the behavior of the protesters this week.
At this point the rhetoric has actually done more to make me think about voting for Bush - out of spite if nothing else (and I'm proud I didn't vote for him in 2000).
I can't say I appreciate being told if I don't vote the way someone wants me to, I'm wasting my vote. It strikes me as extremely condescending - nevermind downright wrong.
I don't like hearing my registered party painted as villains - if you want to paint people with a broad brush, don't be upset by the results.
I've been hearing all kinds of ridiculous things over the last few months. Even though I don't like the guy, the arguments are so patently ridiculous it's insulting.
Mmmmmm, let's see - if he had gotten up immediately from the classroom on 9/11 it would've changed something?
The guy is rich and got a pass by serving in the National Guard (hey, the guy before him didn't even serve - all of a sudden a person's military service matters)?
Oh those nasty ads that are running by that 527 group - seems to me all sorts of 527 groups have been pumping money into nasty ads against the current administration for quite a bit of time now (let's not even go into the movie which though purported to be factual had an extreme editorial slant).
Well, yell, scream, get apoplectic if need be. Act brutish and boorish and be sure to pepper your argument with insults and double standards - I have to say the only thing it will succeed in doing is making me consider the other side. If you want four more years of the idiot be sure to scream a little louder and behave more badly.
Today, I sat and listened as people discussed with glee and villified anyone who didn't share their views - it's not about having a different opinion in this country anymore, is it?
At this point the rhetoric has actually done more to make me think about voting for Bush - out of spite if nothing else (and I'm proud I didn't vote for him in 2000).
I can't say I appreciate being told if I don't vote the way someone wants me to, I'm wasting my vote. It strikes me as extremely condescending - nevermind downright wrong.
I don't like hearing my registered party painted as villains - if you want to paint people with a broad brush, don't be upset by the results.
I've been hearing all kinds of ridiculous things over the last few months. Even though I don't like the guy, the arguments are so patently ridiculous it's insulting.
Mmmmmm, let's see - if he had gotten up immediately from the classroom on 9/11 it would've changed something?
The guy is rich and got a pass by serving in the National Guard (hey, the guy before him didn't even serve - all of a sudden a person's military service matters)?
Oh those nasty ads that are running by that 527 group - seems to me all sorts of 527 groups have been pumping money into nasty ads against the current administration for quite a bit of time now (let's not even go into the movie which though purported to be factual had an extreme editorial slant).
Well, yell, scream, get apoplectic if need be. Act brutish and boorish and be sure to pepper your argument with insults and double standards - I have to say the only thing it will succeed in doing is making me consider the other side. If you want four more years of the idiot be sure to scream a little louder and behave more badly.
Today, I sat and listened as people discussed with glee and villified anyone who didn't share their views - it's not about having a different opinion in this country anymore, is it?
Aug 20, 2004
So, I’ve been on something of a little vacation.
In spirit that is...
I had taken the last few weeks off from writing and just focused on trying to be productive. Throw in a smattering of work and the days were full enough. There have been a couple of things I wanted to write about but, I haven’t had the opportunity so maybe everything will come out in one big spurt.
First up:
Why isn’t there some kind of Olympic Ass Picking event?
I think I’ve just gotten over the Olympics at this point. They’ve been running various events on NBC, MSNBC, USA and Bravo. I’m never that sure when something is going to be on so channel surfing can be interesting at times.
The sexist pig in me was spending a few minutes watching the women’s volleyball event. Really fit, tan women jumping around in sand in bottoms that do a bad job covering their asses.
I can watch this.
Is it a big time sporting event for me?
Not really - isn’t this the stuff beer maker promotional tours are made of?
Then I saw there was some Olympic Badminton event on - I even caught some kind of special short focusing on the American Team. I thought they were nice people (both immigrants) but up until that point I had never thought of Badminton as an Olympic sport.
What’s next? Olympic Lawn Darts? Bowling? Horseshoes? Paper football?
I always remember the drama of the opening sequence of Wide World of Sports with the “Agony of Defeat” skier spiraling off into a world of pain. I just don’t see Olympic Badminton or Olympic Beach Volleyball as having this big “Agony of Defeat” thing going on.
Nevermind the fact that at a lot of these events, you see many, many empty seats in the stands. I guess people in Greece don’t find themselves compelled to blow their week’s salary on watching the obscure Olympic event in person.
The other thing that strikes me as well is the “medal count” in the paper. It’s like we’re supposed to be gassed or something if the U.S. wins the most medals or the most gold medals like it will matter somehow - “we’ve won the Olympics!”
The whole thing just seems a bit stupid.
In spirit that is...
I had taken the last few weeks off from writing and just focused on trying to be productive. Throw in a smattering of work and the days were full enough. There have been a couple of things I wanted to write about but, I haven’t had the opportunity so maybe everything will come out in one big spurt.
First up:
Why isn’t there some kind of Olympic Ass Picking event?
I think I’ve just gotten over the Olympics at this point. They’ve been running various events on NBC, MSNBC, USA and Bravo. I’m never that sure when something is going to be on so channel surfing can be interesting at times.
The sexist pig in me was spending a few minutes watching the women’s volleyball event. Really fit, tan women jumping around in sand in bottoms that do a bad job covering their asses.
I can watch this.
Is it a big time sporting event for me?
Not really - isn’t this the stuff beer maker promotional tours are made of?
Then I saw there was some Olympic Badminton event on - I even caught some kind of special short focusing on the American Team. I thought they were nice people (both immigrants) but up until that point I had never thought of Badminton as an Olympic sport.
What’s next? Olympic Lawn Darts? Bowling? Horseshoes? Paper football?
I always remember the drama of the opening sequence of Wide World of Sports with the “Agony of Defeat” skier spiraling off into a world of pain. I just don’t see Olympic Badminton or Olympic Beach Volleyball as having this big “Agony of Defeat” thing going on.
Nevermind the fact that at a lot of these events, you see many, many empty seats in the stands. I guess people in Greece don’t find themselves compelled to blow their week’s salary on watching the obscure Olympic event in person.
The other thing that strikes me as well is the “medal count” in the paper. It’s like we’re supposed to be gassed or something if the U.S. wins the most medals or the most gold medals like it will matter somehow - “we’ve won the Olympics!”
The whole thing just seems a bit stupid.
Aug 6, 2004
Normally I don’t take much interest in what happens in the Yankee universe being a reformed Yankee fan but, this year has been the exception. First, one of my all time favorite ballplayers returned to the fold and became hitting coach. While I don’t pay more attention to the Yankees than I did before, I can quietly root for the success of Donnie Baseball (could he be Joe Torre’s heir apparent?).
Now, Johnny Baseball has returned to New York. One of Steve Phillips biggest mistakes was letting John Olerud come up for free agency and return to his hometown environs of Seattle. As a Mets fan, the only thing sadder than the day Olerud left was the day the Mets let Edgardo Alfonzo walk out the door.
Basically, it comes down to a situation where the Yankees have scored big in getting Olerud. After watching Jason Giambi butcher the position with his hands of stone over the last several years, Yankee fans will be pleased with the soft target Olerud will provide at first. Not only that, I can’t help but think Olerud will rediscover his hot bat after working with another former Yankee first baseman. And to top it off, the Yankees only pay Olerud the minimum! If the Yankees are smart, they’ll look to trade Giambi (a failed experiment) and keep Olerud around until they can groom themselves a new first baseman.
In the meantime, baseball fans of both teams should enjoy watching Olerud play in this town once again.
Jul 28, 2004
Some random thoughts about rhetoric (during the Democratic National Convention):
There are some of us in this country who don’t think putting troops on the ground in Iraq was such a mistake. Hard as it may be to believe. We never left Iraq after the Gulf War and were flying sorties over the country on an almost daily basis. Throughout 8 years of a Democratic administration, we lobbed missle after missile into the country and did little to achieve our foreign policy goals.
While I am perfectly willing to acknowledge intelligence on the existence of WMD was overstated, up to that point nobody could contradict it since UN weapons inspectors hadn't been in the country in over two years.
I’m not going to put myself in the position of being a GWB apologist but, if we’re going to make an issue about his military service, what about the military record of that media darling BC our last prez? What’s with the double standard?
Also, it’s a rather disingenuous argument to have about the safety of the American people. I don’t think we were particularly unsafe before September 11th, although it is obvious there was a failure in the common sense quotient of the people responsible for our safety (I still can’t believe a bunch of middle eastern men buy one way tickets with cash in a small Maine airport doesn’t arouse any kind of suspicions). I don’t want to live in a police state and if being safe means I have to forego my civil liberties, I’ll take my chances. It’s a lot harder to get those civil liberties back once you’ve given them up.
If you think I’m overreacting, try this little exercise: next time you‘re out and about, make a note of how many security/surveillance cameras you come across in your daily travels. Include all those innocuous lobby cameras, elevator cameras, highway cameras, atm cameras - once you start looking it becomes alarming to see just how often one is “on-camera” nowadays in our so-called unsafe, free society.
There are some of us in this country who don’t think putting troops on the ground in Iraq was such a mistake. Hard as it may be to believe. We never left Iraq after the Gulf War and were flying sorties over the country on an almost daily basis. Throughout 8 years of a Democratic administration, we lobbed missle after missile into the country and did little to achieve our foreign policy goals.
While I am perfectly willing to acknowledge intelligence on the existence of WMD was overstated, up to that point nobody could contradict it since UN weapons inspectors hadn't been in the country in over two years.
I’m not going to put myself in the position of being a GWB apologist but, if we’re going to make an issue about his military service, what about the military record of that media darling BC our last prez? What’s with the double standard?
Also, it’s a rather disingenuous argument to have about the safety of the American people. I don’t think we were particularly unsafe before September 11th, although it is obvious there was a failure in the common sense quotient of the people responsible for our safety (I still can’t believe a bunch of middle eastern men buy one way tickets with cash in a small Maine airport doesn’t arouse any kind of suspicions). I don’t want to live in a police state and if being safe means I have to forego my civil liberties, I’ll take my chances. It’s a lot harder to get those civil liberties back once you’ve given them up.
If you think I’m overreacting, try this little exercise: next time you‘re out and about, make a note of how many security/surveillance cameras you come across in your daily travels. Include all those innocuous lobby cameras, elevator cameras, highway cameras, atm cameras - once you start looking it becomes alarming to see just how often one is “on-camera” nowadays in our so-called unsafe, free society.
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