Monday, June 22, 2015

SMH*

Friends and readers have asked why haven't I written about the tragedy in Charleston, South Carolina.  Well, what more can I say?  I've said that the NRA is distinctly and specifically silent or says clearly crazy things when gun tragedies occur.  They are this time, too.  The Republicans can't really say too much of value either.  They can't piss off the NRA or the people of the South.  They stand up and declare it was a crime against Christianity not racism.  Are you kidding me?  That supports their theory that there is a war on Christians.  Yeah, well, you ain't seen nothing yet if you think this is against Christians.  I've said that the covert racism around this country went apeshit crazy when Obama was elected President.  It's everywhere, it's constant, and getting worse.  Even after hearing or reading this racist's manifesto, they still can't change their tune. It blows my mind.  

Thousands of members of the NRA still silent and standing by their leaders, they are no better.  Don't tell me this was the fault of mental illness.  There are many people that have mental or emotional problems in this country, but they don't all have guns.  Those people shouldn't be allowed to own guns, borrow guns, get their hands on any weapon whatsoever.  The perverse twisting of the 2nd Amendment has been turned every which way to protect what has clearly been distorted by gun loving people.  They have the money to control many elections.  Where the hell are the Democrats?  They are spineless crickets that only are concerned about their re-elections.  It's unconscionable that we are having this discussion again.  Fourteen times since President Obama took office!! Fourteen!!!  He didn't even know what to say anymore.  He has said it all, and yet, nothing changes.  

People, again I will say, stand up.  If you are a law-abiding gun owner, why are you so fearful of being heard and being counted?  Your silence is deafening.  You allow the Ted Nugent's and the Wayne LaPierre's be your megaphones for crazy.  I have to believe that there are more "normal" members of the NRA than crazy, but you wouldn't know it.  

I'm tired of this same discussion over and over and over again.  We can't say we are the greatest country in the world anymore. We are supposed to be the leaders and models for democracy.  If the mouthpieces for the gun lobby and the Republican party's answer is more guns, we are going to destroy ourselves.  Churches, movie theatres, schools, parks, museums, army bases, and so forth should be safe and gun-free. The more guns, the more death.  Don't tell me "guns don't kill people, people kill people" anymore.  That tagline is over.  

Moving on...seriously?  Jack Lew decided on replacing Alexander Hamilton on the $10 bill?  One of our Forefathers, the man that helped create our entire currency system, the first Secretary of the Treasury?  Missed the basis of that decision.  Certainly, there is a ground swell and pushback on this decision.  Yes, it's time to honor a woman on our currency, but why replace Hamilton? Andrew Jackson, former President of the United States, has a very checkered history.  Not that he couldn't be honored too, but if making a choice, let the women have the $20 bill.  It is the one that's spewed out of ATM's all over.  Let's see if anyone's mind's can be changed.  It's not too late because no decision of whom will get the honor has been made and the new bills won't be in circulation until 2020. Keep Hamilton, dump Jackson!

Sidebars:  I truly admire Taylor Swift.  I have been a fan for a long time, but her recent stances have made me stand up and cheer.  She stands by women and girls and feminism publicly.  Her recent diss of Spotify was classic and most importantly, her public letter to Apple about their new Apple Music streaming app was stunning.  Taylor Swift stood up against the behemoth company in the most polite, strong, and clear open letter that Apple executives re-assessed saw the errors of their ways (in a weekend!). Heard no other artist back her up or stand on their own two feet.  Only she had the cajones to call them out.  I stand up and cheer for her!  Tonight, is The Bachelorette.  Hard to imagine that it can live up to its own hype and promos, but I can't wait.  American Ninja Warrior is a fantastic alternative for family viewing.  The athleticism and back stories are great.  Also, note that the women and men do the exact same course.  It's the only place I know that it is truly even in events.  Worth a look see.  It's a new week.  Hopefully, quiet and peaceful.  Enjoy everyone.  

*SMH=Shaking My Head

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@DianaPodolsky

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

POMP

I really want to write about this final week in high school, but I feel nothing.  It's odd.  I've been dreading this week of the "last" high school everything and, now, tomorrow is my kids graduation and I'm feeling a little numb, annoyed, hopeful.  I really have nothing. Now believe me, I shed tears yesterday when one of the Seniors sang Send in the Clowns.  Stunning song that sung well, evokes deep emotion.  It did.  I felt such pride for all the kids that presented their final projects. How far they've all come since we walked through the door in kindergarten.

Tonight is the Senior dinner where we all get together, immediate family only, mind you, and are feted by the eleventh graders and the administration.  Fun?  Well, I'm going with the que sera, sera attitude.  It could be a great evening or not.  No, seriously, it could go either way.  The "feters," this year, are not happy about the feting.  We feel it, but have every hope that they can put all that aside and throw a good event.  It is a lot of work, but who cares, it's your turn next year, rising Seniors....We all will be home before 10pm to dream about the final pomp and circumstance tomorrow.  

How will I feel seeing my babies in their caps and gowns?  I really can't imagine. It feels surreal. The changes and transitions in the very near future are coming.  They will mean different things to each of us.  I often feel like Fanny Brice, "nervous, happy, scared, excited."  It really does sum up the plethora of feelings that happen simultaneously. It changes from second to second.  I hear the A Cappella singers are singing "I'll Be Seeing You." Really?  They really want people to shed tears, don't they?  I hope that's an incorrect rumor.  That's another heart wrenching song that means different things decade to decade.  It began as a song during WWII, and now, it can mean anything you want it to mean.  At graduation time...oy vey.  Maybe the ceremony will be too long, sitting on uncomfortable pews and the temperature steamy that we will be so happy to be out of there, we will let the door hit us on the way out....Maybe the ceremony will hit the perfect note of what has been for these Seniors and what will be....Definitely, perspectives are different from the kids and the parents or from the parents who are "graduating" also from the school and the parents who have younger kids still there.  There are those dying to get out and move on and those that have mixed feelings.  

No matter where we all stand on the spectrum, I wish from the bottom of my heart that all these children take what they've learned thus far and keep pushing the boundaries in life. Always question.  Open new doors. Shatter the ceiling.  You can be the person you want to be.  Trust that always. Surround yourself with people that have your back and tell you the truth.  Your cocoon is opening and you are all ready to fly.  Fly and be safe.  

Sidebars:  I didn't do my usual critique of the Tonys Monday.  Why?  They kind of bored me and depressed me. Kristin Chenoweth and Alan Cumming did what was asked of them.  What was asked of them sometimes was nauseating.  When they kowtowed and brown nosed Harvey Weinstein it was so obvious and unseemly.  I thought that Alan Cumming and Kristin Chenoweth might as well have been on their knees.  Not sure who is trying to get future business with Harvey, but that was so gross.  Not their fault. They are talent and do what they are directed to do.  Is it CBS?  Rick Kirshner?  They destroyed In Memoriam once again.  You do not have to re-invent the wheel.  Post photos, names, and occupation of the people being honored for their lives in the theatre. You don't need to use Josh Groban and feature him more prominently than the deceased loved ones.  You have to get this right next year.  This is your second year in a row getting it disgracefully wrong. Keep it simple and respectful. Okay, NBA finals are a killer.  Really hard to watch from beginning to end when the last 5 minutes is all you need.  That's heart stopping enough. Cavs lead Golden State 2 games to 1.  Huge kudos to rookie pitcher Chris Heston of the San Francisco Giants pitching a no-hitter!!!  The roller coaster begins and I will be in touch on the other side.  Congratulations to all the 2015 graduates.

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@DianaPodolsky

Monday, June 1, 2015

Repo Men

Does anyone remember a few years back, Manhattan, Queens, Long Island and its environs were slammed by devastating flood waters from Hurricane Sandy? The worst natural disaster in decades here in New York.  Breezy Point, Queens was destroyed by water and fire.  Seems impossible, but it happened.  Many neighborhoods are still trying to recover.  We have friends whose Manhattan apartment took at least 18 months to return to its previous luster.  So, we, the people, needed Federal dollars to help those that were wiped out by the Storm of the Century. Remember, Governor Chris Christie getting too "huggy" with President Obama trying to show him around his State's devastation?  Many Republicans vomited a bit over that.  Can't do that and be a Republican.  Bad Chris Christie, bad. When Congress was voting for emergency funding for our "northern elitist democratic" part of the country, many Republicans wouldn't vote for the package.  Can you believe that?  The Federal government that is supposed to help those in dire need being nickel and dimed by many Republicans in Congress.  

So, here we are. One of the loudest opposers to send money to our vicinity to help re-build...Senator Ted Cruz.  Do you know what State he represents?  Yes, you are right.  The "great" State of Texas.  Did you hear that they have had calamitous flooding with multiple deaths?  It has been horrifyingly scary to view on the news.  Now, Senator Cruz has his hand out.  He needs to procure funds to help his State through this terrible natural disaster.  Again,  Ted Cruz.  He, who is a climate change denier and a "no" vote for victims of Hurricane Sandy, has his hand out!  Is that right?  Is that fair?  So, you only vote for things that help a few and not many?  That's the game in Congress?  Maybe we should keep tallies of Senate and Congressional votes for and against the needs of the people.  If you voted against one segment of the population, you can't come crawling back for your constituents.  

This "me" perspective in our government is disgraceful.  It's why nothing is getting done.  No one is actually "true" to himself.  Just whichever way the money flows to your campaign, is the way you vote.  What happened to "for the people, by the people."  Anyway, I would be far more tit for tat with these politicians.  That is definitely my initial thought.  Particularly, Texas, whose leaders often bring up seceding from the USA or bashing President Obama with ridiculous charges.  Two can play that game, but that wouldn't help the people that need help to rebuild their homes and their lives.  So, I sit conflicted, but know that I am often more a christian than the Christians mouthing off and spouting hate.  

Historically, we, Americans, have always stepped up and helped our neighbors.  Only in recent years have we pitted so many against others.  It's time to find the true American in our politicians.  They've lost it.  It all goes back to the money.  I will keep saying it...get the money out.  We can't get a "Mr. Smith" with the money poisoning the crops.  So, Senator Cruz, next time a State other than yours needs help, just say yes or we will just take back all the money we gave to Texas.  

Sidebars:  Thrilled to see the cover of the June issue of Vanity Fair.  Caitlyn Jenner is finally revealed in all her glory.  Takes the sting out of the paparazzi so leave her alone.  Will they?  They don't have to follow her relentlessly anymore.  NBA finals begin on Thursday, June 4th between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers.  Rooting hard and loud for GS, but will be happy for Cleveland if it goes that way.  Just hoping for a very strong series.  No flagrant fouls!  American Ninja Warriors is back for summer.  It's great fun family fare.  America's Got Talent is also back, another great family show.  The Bachelorette is back and not family fare, definitely.  The Tony Awards are Sunday, June 7th.  There's been a petition going around to get The Tony producers to give Tommy Tune his rightful presentation for receiving his lifetime achievement award.  Doubt it will happen, but they really should or what's the point of giving that award?  There are now 9 Republican candidates running for President, more to come, and that D****d T***p is rumored to be throwing his hat into the ring.  UGH!  Barf!  It's June 1st, rainy and cold here. June isn't busting out all over, yet.

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@dianapodolsky