Sunday, October 28, 2012

Weather Terrorists


Nobody goes on high alert better than NYC.  They have been warning us for days about Hurricane Sandy.  Programs have been interrupted all Sunday to get us anxious and prepared.  Although, for the most part Manhattan has been spared of all major catastrophic weather damage, nearby boroughs and townships have had major flooding, lost electricity, trapped in cars, homes, etc.  Subways and busses are shutting down tonight.  NYC public schools are already closed Monday. Private schools?  We usually follow the public schools, but call it at the last minute. 

The grocery stores are packed with people flipped out they may starve.  The water and soda shelves are empty. Two must haves if you can't get out of your house or apartment.  Batteries and generators are sold out everywhere.   Snack food is flying off the shelves.  I have personally made a few trips to the market.  Keep thinking we may be stuck inside for weeks so what more do I need?  I clearly buy into it.  Brought in all the furniture from the terrace.  Threw away the old watering can so it can't fly off and kill someone below.  Threw out the old tomato and basil stakes that I haven't used in two seasons.  That really could have stabbed someone in the heart. Still don't feel 
prepared, but here we are.  The calm before the storm.  

When Mayor Bloomberg stands in front of reporters at a press conference and then translates it into his Spanish, it is truly one of the highlights of all serious announcements.  As a friend said to me, "it's sweet, clumsy, and political all at once." That's a perfect assessment.  Whatever station is on today, there are reporters outside up and down the northern east coast warning all to get out, be prepared, and stay in doors.  I am always torn by these events.  Truthfully, I don't want anything bad to happen.  I don't want the power to go out. I don't want people's homes flooded.  Don't want anyone injured by flying debris. But, we get so prepared and so terrorized it's hard to believe any of it ever.  

Ever since Hurricane Gloria....That was my first.  We were warned and threatened to take it seriously and in Manhattan, nothing.  We were in the eye of the storm so it was very "disappointing." So here we go again with another hurricane coming right at us.   To all the people that are in the path of Hurricane Sandy, I hope they are scaring us for nothing, but stay safe, be smart, and hope you have some good food and company to get through this.

Sidebars:  Only one today:  SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS IN FOUR!!!!!  COME ON GIANTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Thursday, October 25, 2012

He, Whose Name Shall Never be Uttered Again

I don't even want to say his name anymore.  I think it should be unspoken or not written in full anymore.  I think we shouldn't have to hear from him anymore after yesterday's predictable not game changing announcement.  I think that we, the people, have the right to free speech, but we, the people, have the right not to have to listen or support blowhards and narcissistic a**holes.  I am speaking of the not to be spelled out again in full Donald Trump.  

What has happened to him?  Does he have an undiagnosed medical condition?  He has often been irritating, rude, and hateful, but his recent behavior????  Remember his battle with Rosie O'Donnell when she was on The View?  He was incredibly offensive and lacked any sense of humor.  Nasty. Insulting.  He had more public fights with others over the past 15 years.  All were ugly and pathetic, but this go round reaches new lows.  I don't think he can recover.  When he suddenly became a birther, it was a complete disgrace.  There is no part of me that believes that he believes the absurd charges he has made against the President of the United States. I am not sure that it stems from racism or not.  Maybe it's just a way to get attention at any cost to anyone.  

How can his children look him in the eyes with pride anymore?  Have they all slipped into the man's twilight zone?  These people all went to the finest schools. They are note only scholastically educated but also have travelled extensively through out the world.  How are they standing by this?  They have children too.  Marla Maples might have had the right idea to move far away and keep Tiffany from the glare of him.  Malania's son is smack dab being  raised in the middle of all his madness.  How will that affect him?  

Again, the absurdity that he can sit in his office, promote a big bombshell to change the election, get the attention of all media outlets, and drop a ridiculous bounty for the President's college transcript, passport, and application, can we shout "uncle?"  Can we finally be done with listening to him, handing him a microphone?  Can we stop watching him and giving him a platform for anything?  Crawl back into real estate developing. Leave the rest of us alone. 

Another incredibly hateful person that is only called out by the left or the sane people...Ann Coulter.  If you haven't read this letter by a young man, please do and pass it on to others.  It is far too beautifully written and more than she deserves:

http://specialolympicsblog.wordpress.com/2012/10/23/an-open-letter-to-ann-coulter/

Sidebars:  The San Francisco Giants took the first game, 8-3.  Great pitching. Incredible hitting.  Come on, Giants, let's take it.  The Metropolitan Museum of Art currently has two very good special exhibits. One is Andy Warhol and friends.  Well put together and very fun.  The other is a photo exhibit showing what photographers did before photoshop.  Really creative and fascinating.  If you are in New York, don't miss them. Law and Order:SVU aired their 300th episode last night. Hard to believe.  Can't remember a time without all the L&O's. Thursday's have a lot of shows that aren't drawing me in at all.  Thankfully, it's Game 2 of the World Series.  Enjoy your day.

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Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Oh, What a Night!


Many of you already know that I was pulled by my devotion and love of the San Francisco Giants, Game 7, and my political interest in the third and final debate between Obama and Romney.  In a wonderful technological evening, I was able to have my cake and eat it too.  Watching the debate on television and game 7 on my computer, while receiving tweets from CNN, Bill Maher, Kathy Griffin, and Andy Borowitz.  It was perfect.  Well, maybe not perfect because the irritation that I received from parts of the debate made it nauseating, but the tweets broke up the nausea.  

So, who won the debate?  Well, I would say Bob Schieffer.  He was the best moderator of all.  Firm and polite.  He is one of the last true journalists of the old guard.  As far as the candidates, I would have to give it to President Obama.  He has been consistent on every issue.  Romney can't be trusted because he has sat on all sides of every issue.  Not because he has evolved. He sways whichever way he has needed to to appease supporters.  Romney wants to be President more than anything.  I just am not sure he wants to be President for altruistic reasons, maybe it's just to have another significant win under his belt.  The President has been easy to trust in his vision of a better America because he has shifted as the wind blows.  His background has been all civil servant all the time. Romney whether you are for him or against him, can't be trusted.  I have no idea what he would really, truly do if he were President of the United States, which is more than enough reason not to give him a chance.  

Barack Obama got in some very pointed zingers last night.  Mitt Romney seemed like he was faking his knowledge of foreign affairs.  He has mastered the art of not answering the question asked.  During this debate, Romney seemed as if he really wanted to get in certain talking points.  I am not saying that Obama didn't want to get his points in too, but it was more seamlessly done. Romney clearly moved to the center during the debate.  Trying desperately to get the "undecided" voters to vote for him.  There was so much agreement of the President's policies, that there was very little difference between them last night.  So, who is the real Mitt Romney?  I have no earthly idea.  He's just not Barack Obama and for many people, that's enough.  

The most important event of the night...the San Francisco Giants won game 7 at AT&T Park and going to the World Series.  They came from a 3-1 deficit and clobbered the Cardinals.  Anyone who thinks that the Detroit Tigers have the upper hand in the World Series beginning tomorrow night, doesn't believe in the massive heart and soul of the Giants. They host the Tigers for the first two games.  So, come on, root them on.  I love this team.  

Sidebars:  Homeland is still thriving and fascinating.  If you aren't on board, jump on. It's worth the ride. The Good Wife was a great episode and no storyline with Kalinda's ex-husband helped that. The Voice still the best singing competition show and doesn't disappoint. What was Brad Pitt thinking doing those Channel no. 5 commercials?  Is 7 million dollars still enough?  He has been mocked over and over again, first on SNL, and then all over the internet. Everyone wants to know what George Clooney is saying to his BFF. Lindsey Lohan is still a disaster.  She wants a restraining order against her father, Michael, who tried to hold an intervention, until the police came and tossed him out.  That family is a mess.  Makes Honey Boo Boo's family look more healthy and normal.  Don**d Tr**p has his game changing announcement tomorrow about Obama.  Freud would've had a field day with his narcissism. Wonder if I'll be able to sleep tonight. Tonight, going to see Frankie Valli and the 4 Seasons.  Can't wait. He got great reviews. Enjoy Tuesday.

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Friday, October 19, 2012

A-Rude


I love the New York Yankees, but the last few weeks during the post season, it has been both hard to root and hard to listen to all the criticism.  New York fans, sportswriters, talking heads are absolutely unforgiving.  No empathy. No understanding whatsoever.  

This New York Yankees season has been peppered with injuries that would have taken a lesser team out early in the regular season.  When Mariano Rivera, the greatest closer in MLB,  had a season ending injury, many of us thought that was it right then.  But the Yankees fought back, scratched and clawed to stay in it.  A great man told me once that it's all about pitching, well, the Yankees struggle with their bullpen.  Never thought they'd stay in the mix, much less make it to the post-season, but they did.  When the heart and soul of the team, Derek Jeter broke his ankle last weekend, that was it.  How much more could a team take?  Do I feel sorry for the Yankees, no, but they are so often abused by the media.  

Today's "New York Post" front page says: Dear Yankees, We don't date losers, signed New Yorkers.  Really?  Isn't that incredibly harsh? I know, I know, with the extraordinary payroll the Yankee organization forks over, fans expect a championship every year.  Not possible and unrealistic. This year seemed particularly brutal.  Alex Rodriguez has been the whipping boy of this season, far more than any other Yankee.  Is it deserved? Well, I don't think so.  He is a controversial player and may ask for some of it, but he wasn't the only disappointing "bat" this season.  He couldn't hit all year.  Once a power hitter, now nothing.  He stood and took the heat from all sides. He was benched in the post-season by manager, Joe Girardi.  Embarrassing? Humiliating? Yes, but understandable.  If you can't do the job, get out of the way and let someone else do it.  The problem?  No one did.  Raul Ibanez got the Yankees to the American League Championship series with Detroit and then everyone laid down.  

Is A-Rod to blame?  No, but he is the easiest target.  He is paid a ridiculously overpriced salary for far too many years.  Is that his fault?  Why aren't the papers jumping all over Brian Cashman, the G.M., and the Steinbrenner brothers?  They didn't have to offer to such a ludicrous contract? Should Alex Rodriguez have turned down the offer?  No way.  The people willing to pay the over the top contracts are the ones that should be hung out to dry and beaten up. That's not how it works. Somehow, it's always on the person that signs on the dotted line.  It's that way in movies, theatre, television, business, etc.  You get an incredible offer for a job.  Are you supposed to say no and turn it down?  Hell no.  Take the money and run.  If the employer is dumb enough to throw money at you, yes is the only answer.  

So, people when you spew all your frustration and venom at A-Rod, remember he didn't make the deal.  He took the deal.

Sidebars:  The Al Smith dinner last night at the Waldorf Astoria brought Mitt Romney and President Obama.  It caused severe gridlock in midtown Manhattan.  It also proved that some people can tell a joke and others can't.  Hands down President Obama won the joke telling.  Mitt Romney is just so stiff and lacks delivery. He's no George W. The San Francisco Giants are down 3-1.  Come on Giants!!!!! The thought of a Detroit-Cardinals World Series puts me to sleep, even though they are two of the oldest franchises in MLB.  It's Friday. That means it's Shark Tank tonight, 8pm on ABC.  Bill Maher has Matt Taibbi on tonight at 10pm EDT on HBO. Enjoy your weekends, everyone, everywhere!

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Thursday, October 18, 2012

Straggling Thoughts!


There are so many things happening outside of politics, that it's hard to ruminate on all items, but here are a few gems that caught my eye.  First of all, big kudos to the FBI and CIA for foiling another terror attack in New York City.  I really admire that we didn't have to worry about it before hand and thoroughly applaud the outcome or the un-outcome.  Thank you to all the men and women who helped bring down another terrorist.  

Donald Trump is so unbelievable.  I even hate writing about him at all, because though my readership may be small, I abhor giving him any space at all. His most recent affront on humanity is against Derek Jeter the much beloved Captain of the New York Yankees.  Derek Jeter has been a model and stellar player.  He has represented both the Yankees and baseball very well.  Derek Jeter tragically broke his ankle in a game over the weekend in the 12th inning.  His season is over and without him, probably so too will be the Yankees.  What does this have to do with Trump?  Well, for the past five years or so, Jeter has lived in a penthouse apartment in a Trump building on the east side.  He chose to sell recently.  After Derek's injury, Donald Trump had the bad taste to tweet the following:
 “Derek Jeter had a great career until 3 days ago when he sold his apartment at Trump World Tower – I told him not to sell – karma?
Seriously?  You are becoming such an incredibly hateful ass. The once love/hate relationship I have had with you is now one of complete disdain and disgust.  You are now a pompous ass and doing more harm than good.  I wish all the media would stop giving him credence and airtime.  He is a disgrace to not only New Yorkers but to Americans.

Tagg Romney has now shown his true colors.  Asked in a radio interview how he felt about his Dad being called a liar by the President.  Tagg said, he wanted to take a swing at Obama, but secret service would have stopped him.  Really?  That's what stopped you?  Not the respect for the office of the President of the United States?  It's ridiculous that he said something so outrageous.  If he doesn't know how to answer questions by the media, then don't get on the air.  It's that simple.  I actually wouldn't mind banning all children of candidates, always.  

Tonight in New York is the Al Smith dinner.  It is something singularly unique to New York because it is a fundraiser for the Catholic Diocese. Never saw anything like it when I was growing up in California.  A roomful of mostly men on the dais, putting their "politics" aside, paying homage to the first Catholic Presidential candidate who died over 60 years ago and Cardinal Timothy Dolan.  I don't like it.  I don't think politicians should be there at all, but every Al Smith dinner they are there and they have to go.  Cardinal Dolan has gotten tons of emails to disinvite the President because of his pro-choice stand.  So, is this dinner apolitical?  Not at all.  The reason high profile candidates feel the need to show in 2012, I don't know.  I think its importance has passed.  Ugh!

Arnold Schwarzenegger.  What can I say?  He went on every single talk show pushing his autobiography, Total Recall and has only sold 21,000 copies.  Huge bomb for Simon and Schuster. I am sure it seemed like a good idea at the time, but did anyone read it before they went to press?  Nobody cares anymore about him.  He was a huge star. Now he's just another fallen star.  

The Yankees-Tigers game was postponed last night due to the threat of rain.  So the Yankees demise has been put off.  They are down 3-0.  Before I get flak that I am giving up too soon, it would take a miracle for the Yankees to come back four straight.  The Giants-Cardinals game had a long rain delay, finished the game, and the Cardinals won.  Cardinals lead the series 2-1.  Come on Giants!!!!!!!!!!! Yankees today at 4pm.  Giants at 8pm. Enjoy!

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Oh, Candy Can Can


People, the debate last night was somewhat unbearable for me.  I do think that President Obama rose to the occasion this time.  Maybe the format was better for him, but I found it so uncomfortable.  Obama and Romney circling each other.  Bobbing and weaving.  I think it feels aggressive just in terms of physicality. I was waiting for one of them to throw a punch, even though I knew it wouldn't happen The tension was there.  Romney was very aggressive verbally, interrupting, cutting the President and the moderator off.  If you are rating on that, Romney won.  He was more rude than Obama, by far.  Candy Crowley was commanding and on as the moderator.  I give it to her over the other moderators.

The questions that were asked, for the most part, were quality questions and pertinent to people's lives: immigration, energy costs, student loans, jobs, healthcare, etc.  The one question that stood out to me like a sore thumb was the gentleman who asked about the murders in Benghazi.  It seemed so planted.  He said the think tank at his office, which sounded like a hedge fund of some sort, wanted to know who was responsible for the lack of security in Libya?  I don't know why it seemed so stilted, but didn't feel like a natural question that he'd want to know the answer to.  It seemed like a question derived from listening to all the pundits. They all said someone would definitely bring up Benghazi.  Actually, I don't think most Americans are thinking about what happened.  It is a tragedy and the investigation is underway so as to never let it happen again, but I think Americans care about their own lives.  Romney was caught in a fib in his answer on Ben Ghazi. He tried to attack the President on not calling it a terror attack.  The highpoint to me was that Candy Crowley fact checked in real time and the President sat back and let Romney hang himself.  Seriously, Obama sat back and let the noose tighten.  

I was sorely disappointed that neither of them brought up abortion rights or were pushed to answer about their opinions on Roe v. Wade.  I wish that Obama had pushed this and made them state clearly their stance on abortion like Biden and Ryan. As far as women's equality in the workplace, Obama won that hands down.  Romney's rambling answer about when he was Governor and the binder of women was bizarre.  It made it sound like a sperm bank or a dating site.  He went through the binder of women to assist in hiring women in his office.  Odd way to phrase it, at best.  I also find it thoroughly annoying that he keeps touting his years as Governor.  He isn't the same man he was then, times have changed, and it's now years ago since he held office.  

There are so many topics, but in the end, the President showed up, took charge, and hit a lot of very important points. Mitt Romney is still short on details and I loved when Obama said Romney's plan is a bit sketchy.  That's a great word.  The American people are just supposed to go on trust.  Did you hear all the promises Romney made for his first day as President?  They never learn do they?  Don't make promises.  As I said the other day, if all things are equal (and they aren't), I could never vote for someone who wants to take away a woman's right to choose.  Never.  I also can't vote for someone who keeps cutting me out by his God talk.  I respect anyone's right to their beliefs, but do not bring it to government.  Do NOT.  At both debates Romney said, " And I believe we're all children of the same God. "  No Mr. Romney, we aren't.  Just 74% of this country. Now you are leaving out 26%.

Sidebars:  How much farther can Lance Armstrong fall?  Wonder if he was doing steroids before he was diagnosed with testicular cancer.  Pedals of clay, clearly. The Bachelor franchise announced two break ups this week and it's only Wednesday.  First Ben and Courtney are over and now, Emily and Jef are done. No big surprise there.  On the other side, Ashley and J.P. will be marrying in December.  The Voice still soars.  Bristol Palin finally was kicked off Dancing With the Stars, after better people were kicked off before her. Homeland was stunning this week.  The Good Wife is still off track.  The Yankees are down 3-0 with the Tigers.  Crushing that Jeter broke his ankle during this series so he's out.   Come on San Francisco Giants!!!!!!!  Yankees are fading to black, not out but fuzzy.

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Friday, October 12, 2012

The Great Debaters


I have been ruminating for days about so many subjects, but I have to begin with the Vice Presidential debate between VP Joe Biden and Representative Paul Ryan.  I knew it would be a great debate. What I did not know is how smart and on top of it the moderator, Martha Raddatz would be.  I don't really know her because ABC is not my choice for news, but I did find her most impressive, mostly.  I could've done without the last two personal questions: one about their Catholicism (which I think was a way of getting them to speak about abortion) and two about what kind of men they are.  


In terms of which candidate won, I think there is a very good case for both sides.  I am partial because as previously stated, I love Joe Biden.  I have loved him from afar almost as long as Jill Biden has loved him.  I love him.  I find him charming, smart, accessible, and very appealing.  So there is my bias from the outset.  Paul Ryan, not so much.  I find him a tad creepy and it has to be restated that his both attractive looks and strong resemblance of a grown up Eddie Munster contributes to that.  He can't pull off smirking well.  The split screen is also very disturbing.  The whole time?  It's unnatural and I wish the debate producers would use the split screen more judiciously.  As far as the content of the debate, well I thought that Joe Biden really held his own.  He had more specifics and facts on his side.  Paul Ryan made some good points but can't back anything up with specifics.  I did think one of the stand out moments was talking about social security and the fight for privatizing from the Right.  Joe Biden said if social security had been privatized what would have happened when the market crashed to the ground.  That would have been disastrous and Biden brought clarity to that.  I wouldn't call it a zinger more a direct hit.  Biden did great on foreign affairs.  Better than Ryan, but he should.  Joe Biden has been involved in foreign policy for years, probably before Ryan was born.  Domestic issues was a draw.  NOT from my point of view, but there can be an argument either way.  Look, honestly, if all things were equal and I liked the Romney/Ryan ticket as much as I like the Obama/Biden ticket, I could never ever vote for Romney/Ryan because of their stance on abortion.  

That is a deal breaker for me. I hope all the women in America heard Ryan's clear stance on abortion and revoking Roe v. Wade.  If you didn't, hear it now.  Ryan will do everything in his power to turn Roe v. Wade over and make abortions illegal.  This is incredibly important.  He also has strong feelings against contraception covered by insurance.  There is an attack.  If it isn't "against" women, it is against choices.  It is pushing his religious beliefs on us all.  That isn't right.  He made it clear during the debate.  Biden said he believes in his Catholic doctrine, but wouldn't presume that others believe the same. He clearly believes in choice.  And by the way, if Ryan is able to get insurance companies not to cover contraception, can that be said for all the E.D. drugs i.e. Viagra, Cialis???  That's never mentioned. 

So, again, WOMEN and MEN, listen up, our rights are being threatened.  It's as clear as the nose on your face.  

Sidebars:   Baseball playoffs are aging me.  The SF Giants won in a long, finger biting game yesterday.  The A's lost to the Detroit Tigers and the sterling pitching of Justin Verlander.  The Yankees are playing their fifth game today against the Baltimore Orioles.  The Washington Nationals also playing their fifth game against St. Louis Cardinals. Winner of that game will play the Giants next.  I do love this time of year, but oy vey!  My husband's dear friend, colleague and apartment mate, Beano Cook passed away the other day at the age of 81.  He was a one of a kind.  There will never be another Beano Cook.  Characters like that don't seem to come along anymore.  The mold was broken.  After the Iran hostages were released in 1981 and Major League Baseball offered them tickets for life, he said, "haven't they suffered enough?" Classic Beano.  R.I.P. Have a great weekend, everyone!

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Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Another Mash Up


Television, for better or for worse, can have teachable moments and examples.  Last night on The Voice, one of the contestants, De'Borah, performed for the second time.  She is a young woman that dresses masculine, very unique, has a great voice, could be gay, maybe not, androgynous.  Growing up not fitting in must have been very painful.  Hard enough to get through adolescence, regardless.  She grew up the child of a minister and very involved in the church and gospel music.  Music was her safe and happy place, clearly.  Last night, after she sang and won the singing battle, Adam Levine went off how he admires her and is glad she's on the show, finding herself and her comfort zone, how much we have to learn from her, too.  Her parents were cheering Adam's words on vocally.  De'Borah's Dad and Mom were so proud.  Beaming.  It was incredibly moving and the true expression of christianity.  Complete acceptance and support from her parents.  The intolerant people in this country could learn volumes by their example.  I hope she goes far into this competition so we have not only the pleasure of her voice but also how she blossoms and grows.  It's a beautiful thing.

Not so beautiful is the new season of Homeland.  This latest episode is making me annoyed and pissy.  The first season of Homeland brought great twists and turns and plausible plot lines.  This week's episode was so annoying and I don't want the show to run out of steam.  Please, please creators, focus again and don't take the easy way out.  Grey's Anatomy is definitely on life support.  I want to love Scandal, but there are so many ridiculous scenes that it's hard to stick with it.  If you missed Real Time with Bill Maher on HBO this week, it's well worth trying to find a repeat.  The star of Scandal, Kerry Washington, was on the panel.  For those of you that think it's just a liberal free for all, this week there were three Republican's on and all had something to offer.  Check it out.  It's a good dose of conversation and political diversity. 

Sidebars:  Cold and rainy here in NYC.  How is it where you live?  Biden and Ryan debate Thursday night.  I am looking forward to that. As previously stated, I love Joe Biden.  Fashion victim alert:  long pointy nails are back in style.  Another test for women victimizing themselves. Sad about Rhea Perlman and Danny DiVito.  It's always good to have a few Hollywood marriages stand the test of time, and I would call their marriage a success. I just wish it would have made it "until death do us part." Still one of the only successful marriages in Hollywood was Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward.  That's how far back I have to go. The Voice is on again tonight, it's not too late to jump in.  MLB playoffs have started.  It's already difficult.  A's are down two, Giants are down two, Yankees are 1 and 1, now they all come to their own fields. There are more teams, but that's all I can do now.  There are too many, so no slight intended.  If you know any young people over 18 years of age, tell them to get active in this election.  Encourage their friends all over to register and vote.  Do not sit back and be apathetic. This is too important.  

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Friday, October 5, 2012

Can't Move On



I can't move on from the debate on Wednesday night.  I watched many pundits Wednesday night and Thursday.  I read blogs and newspapers.  Not one of them highlighted the one statement that disturbed me the very most.  Mitt Romney said nearing the end of the debate, "We're  a nation that believes that we're all children of the same god...." I find that to be upsetting and disconcerting.  Why did he have to bring God into it at all?  We do not all believe in the same God.  Many don't even believe in any God.  I felt, yet again, out of it, not a part of, less than.  In the United States of America, 74% of the population is Christian.  Isn't that enough?  Can't we keep religion and God out of government?  I feel that the separation of Church and State is more imperative than ever.  More incredible to me is that I didn't hear one talking head glom onto this throw away statement from Romney.  Not one.  Maybe you don't hear it if you are one of the 74%, but I am truly surprised.  I didn't even see that Bill Maher, self-proclaimed atheist, tweet about it.  Maybe he will bring it up on his show tonight, but I am feeling alone in this discomfort. I can't shake it.  
Let's discuss one of the fallacies that Romney spewed about his insurance plan.  Pre-existing conditions will not be covered by Romney's supposed plan unless you are already covered by an insurance plan and are switching.  Do you hear that?  As a person plagued with pre-existing conditions, this concerns me for all of us.  If you are uninsured, get diagnosed with something, anything, get a job, try to sign onto the companies insurance plan, you will not be covered!!!  Hear that?  This whole healthcare situation is impossible.  Obamacare or not.  As long as we have a for-profit system, we can never have universal healthcare.  And really, folks, what's more important than insurance companies making billions of dollars?  
Sidebars:  I am already disgusted with American Idol and the so-called in fighting between Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey.  It's a disgrace.  This is supposed to be a family show, not wrestling. If it is true that Nicki Minaj really threatened Mariah Carey, she should be fired.  It shouldn't be tolerated in any workplace.  If they are doing it for ratings, shame on them. Shame on all of them.  It smells like a sinking ship. The new television season is underway and I am not on board with any new shows.  If you think anything is really good, let me know and I will try to play catch up.  Really excited for baseball playoffs!!  Go Yankees, Giants, and A's!!!!  In New York, we have a three day weekend to celebrate Columbus Day!  Always makes me laugh.  When I first came to New York, I couldn't believe what a big deal is made over Columbus Day.  In California, nothing.  Like Flag Day.  So enjoy your weekend, wherever you are. Have some pasta in honor of Christopher.

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Thursday, October 4, 2012

Not in the Bag


The much anticipated debate ended up being one of the most depressing and disappointing debates in recent history.  Jim Lehrer as moderator had no control whatsoever.  The so-called two minute answers became as long as they wanted. Many of us thought Jim Lehrer would keep the debate both on track and call out any unanswered or dishonest statements.  That didn't happen at all.  Mitt Romney was on fire.  He made a very good showing and, again, if you just dropped into Earth he had complete control over President Obama.  President Obama was so laid back and seemingly disinterested.  He didn't call out Romney on many things that many thought he would.  Never talked about the 47%, abortion, women's rights, gay rights, an obstructionist Congress, etc. Did the President not want to come off as the angry black man?  Too bad, Barack.  It's time.  Be angry.  Pretend you are angry.  We need to see the fire in your belly.  Make Romney go on the defensive.   You allowed Romney complete freedom to say whatever he wanted, true or not.  You let Romney portray his time as Governor as both recent and hugely successful.  Just ask those that are taxpayers and residents of Massachusetts. They know the facts; education wasn't as rosy as Romney painted it to be.  He wasn't responsible with much of the great gains that Massachusetts has achieved.  That was other Governors and legislative groups.  

This debate was big.  It was supposed to show what a flip-flopping liar Romney is.  Instead,  it became Obama supporters huge disappointment.  All over Twitter and Facebook the immediate reaction was Romney controlled the entire debate.  Everyone didn't think Jim Lehrer did his job.  It was the President's 20th wedding anniversary.  Did he have too much afternoon delight or was he thinking about the after party.  His head wasn't in the game at all.  After all the ground the Democrats have fought for, given, and received, Obama sunk them, momentarily.  Do I think that the President won't be re-elected?  No, but it shouldn't be this hard.  It shouldn't come down to the wire.  We shouldn't be sweating it out.  

Do not take for granted any part of this election.  The disappointment is huge.  Mitt Romney shouldn't be feeling cocky today.  I am sure he does.  An opportunity missed.  Truth didn't win last night.  Preparation did.  I will be shaking my head for days on this one.

Sidebars:  Thankfully, a Pennsylvania judge shot down the voter ID law. The Yankees swept the lowly Red Sox and are the American League East winners!!!  The A's won the American League West! Could it be Moneyball 2?????  The wildcard game up first and then the World Series playoff games begin over the weekend.  Lindsey Lohan needs to go away for a long time.  She needs to be locked up and throw away the key for at least a year.  She is not a recovered alcoholic.  She is a walking disaster.  If she wants to see 30, she needs to get away from all the "yes" people in her life.  Probably first and foremost, her parents.  It's disturbing to watch a person sink lower and lower. 

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Tuesday, October 2, 2012

September Round Up


Since I can't believe that it is already October and I see all the Halloween pop-up stores all over NYC, I started to think about where the hell did September go?!  September often flies by between the new school year, my birthday, the Jewish High Holidays, the new television season, the final weeks of the regular baseball season, and football begins.  It can give you whiplash. 

I am going to begin with September 30th.  The television season began with a bang and made viewers run from DVR machine to DVR machine.  Empire Boardwalk, Dexter, The Good Wife, Homeland, Call the Midwife, Amazing Race, Revenge, The New Jersey Housewives Reunion Show Part 1, and The Mentalist. I am sure that there are other shows that many other people watch, but this is just a sampling of what viewers had to go through.  Besides setting DVR's, the NFL and CBS intentionally ruin the scheduled tapings on Sunday nights so you have to adjust all the recordings accordingly.  Yes, there are worse things to be troubled by, but after waiting months for the new shows....The Good Wife disappointed and my fear is that it will continue on an annoying path.  I hope not because it has been a well-written series for the most part from the outset. Amazing Race never disappoints.  Best reality series and that's why it always wins the Emmy.  As long as it is in the running, it can't be beat. I have always had a push-me/pull-me relationship with Revenge.  If it weren't for its series star, Emily VanCamp, I probably would have bailed a long time ago, but I am always intrigued by her.  Loved her on Everwood. Homeland began airing its 2nd season after sweeping the Emmys and is not restful television.  It's great television but quite intense, between the acting and the plot lines....The Mentalist was moved to Sunday nights, which in my world is a bummer for the already stated reasons; too much on the same night.  The Real Housewives of New Jersey reunion show part one is shocking, torturous, and over the top.  I wish that they'd have Dr. Phil standing by to do a psychological profile.  It's astonishing that all these people choose television.  

Law and Order: SVU began with a two hour premiere.  It was one hour too long. I am going to keep touting Shark Tank and The Voice.  The Voice I find so interesting because four huge stars, Cee Lo Green, Adam Levine, Blake Shelton, and Christina Aguilera,  sit in front of the contestants and have to sell themselves as the best coach. They subject themselves to rejection which is fascinating and very unusual.  It's great to see how they handle it and their repartee is fantastic.  It is a little bit the same on Shark Tank, though the experts are selling the best financial deal and their expertise to the entrepreneurs.  It feels more financially motivated than personal.

Sidebars:  I hope everyone watches the Presidential debate Wednesday night.  It may not be a game changer, but it might have some great moments.  Maybe the two people that are undecided will find clarity.  If you watch and have any thoughts, I'd love to hear no matter which side you are on.  It's a grey day here which is making me have narcolepsy.  Two more games in the regular season of MLB before the playoffs begin, and so far the National League will find the SF Giants, Cincinnati Reds, Atlanta Braves, and for the first time in a zillion years the Washington Nationals.  One team still waiting. The American League has The NY Yankees, Baltimore Orioles, Detroit Tigers, Texas Rangers, and Oakland A's.  My three teams made it.  Stunning for me and will make this playoff season more fun than usual!  And finally, a great wise judge ruled against the voter ID law in the State of Pennsylvania!  Hooray to him and the people of Pennsylvania.

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