Let's Take Back Our Country

When I heard the Tea Partiers shout that over and over again since President Obama stepped into the Oval Office, it made me cringe.  It made me feel that the deep-rooted bigotry and racism was taking on a new form in this country.  Cloaked in rhetoric that was subversive but they got the point across.  The fear of a black man as President made many going insane.  They didn't know what to do with it.  It's as if all the dominoes in a row were kicked up in the air and no reasonableness could be found.  Fear is a huge motivator. Look what's happened with the NRA!  Look what's happened to the spineless Senators!!  Look what happened to the Boston Marathon!!!  Fear causes crazy.  So when the tea partiers started screaming, "let's take back the country," I was alarmed.  Seriously, alarmed.  

Now, though, I know how they feel.  I want us, the reasonable, compromising, American citizens, I want us to take back the country.  I want us to stand up and be heard, be counted.  It is time.  The NRA is loud, rich, and few in comparison to the entire number of citizens.  Even within the membership of the NRA, there are reasonable people.  So why do they have so much power that they control our legislative branches of government?  We need to level the playing field.  If we all stood together, we could raise the money that the NRA poisons our elected officials with and find others to stand up and be counted.  That in the same week that we suffered such a horrific tragedy in Boston, the Senate can not pass reasonable background checks, is insulting, absurd, and painful.  What are we doing?  Those Senators that didn't vote in favor of background checks should be both ashamed and replaced.  If they are that deep into the pocket of the NRA, or any other lobby for that matter, they shouldn't be allowed to be a representative. 

Our government system has become so corrupt that our representatives don't represent the people, but the big lobbying groups.  That is not how our country is supposed to work.  Our Senators and Congressmen are elected by the people but work for the lobbyists.  That is ass backwards and we are paying a deep price for it.  We need a Chinese Wall up around the reps.  Do you realize that many of our elected and appointed officials use their positions for stepping stones to riches? They take jobs in the private sector and make tons of money lobbying Senators and Congressmen.  This process is totally f**ked up.  The only chance we have is to take back our country.  Throw the bums out that are not taking care of the people's business and welfare.  There are far more of "us" than "them."  What do we have to do?  How do we do it?  Do you know?  Any ideas?  

This conversation will not end here. If you haven't read the outstanding editorial by Gabrielle Giffords in the New York Times, click the link:  http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/18/opinion/a-senate-in-the-gun-lobbys-grip.html?_r=2&

Sidebars:  Ready for Love sucked me back in the other night.  Terrible, terrible, terrible, but what's worse are the promos.  They are so misleading and manipulative.  That's true for most of the shows.  I also can't stand when you are watching a show in real time, you can't fast forward, and they tell you what you are going to see after the long commercial break.  Don't tell me, just let me see it.  I don't need to keep getting drawn in; I'm already there. The President's speech today at the Boston marathon memorial service was full of piss and vinegar.  He's mad as hell.  If I had one criticism, I was concerned that he said that they picked the wrong city to mess with.  I would have rather him have said that they chose the wrong country not the wrong city.  It may be nitpicking but I am a self professed scaredy cat.  

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Loss of Innocence, Again

So many thoughts whirling through my head and my heart about the tragedy in Boston yesterday.  Words are cheap but I do think that news reporters were fairly even-handed and tried to correct misinformation quickly as more information was learned.  I have no doubt that the investigators will find who did this murderous and maiming act.  What I want is not to allow the killer or killers be glorified.  Don't give them what they want.  Do not give their names and faces air time or magazine covers.  If we can take the wind out of their sails, maybe we can turn the tide on turning killers into "celebrities."  With all the profilers out there, they must be certain that notoriety is a big angle, though I know no one has taken credit.  I'm sure that whoever is responsible is getting off on all the coverage, indirect attention, and havoc created.  

I hear the news people saying we are in a new era and this is how it will be.  I don't accept that.  Even if it is true, I don't accept it.  When I was a child, we had the assassination of a President, a Reverend/civil rights leader, and a Senator running for President.  Our innocence was ripped away but somehow we healed and the further away from the tragedies, childhood was restored.  Then we had the Vietnam War and the senseless loss of so many young men.  This was far more difficult to recover from because too many people we knew by then had a draft number, fought, were injured, or lost their lives.  It affected all of us up close and personal.  We had the disgraceful resignation by a crooked President.  Even then, years went by and there was distance, perspective. We enjoyed a peaceful existence after awhile.  I thought we would get through the rest of my lifetime without major incidence. 9/11.  Need I say more?  Forever changed.  

With this new devastation, our whole world has been re-rocked.  There are so many large events that are very difficult to keep everyone safe and sound.  Easy if there is one entrance, but with a marathon??? There is no way to keep a 26.2 mile stretch of a city completely protected.  More changes will happen. I can't imagine how right now.  But today, I want to say thank you to all the brave volunteers, medical staff, policemen, firemen, and armed forces that once again went towards the explosion not away from it. 

When we find out who did this, and we will, please let's not give too much attention to the name and face of the person.  It would be the first step to break the infamy chain that the country has so willingly supported.  

Sidebars:  My mind is just swirling with questions and my heart is heavy with the loss of innocence.  I was very happy that The Voice was not pre-empted.  It was definitely needed after 4 hours or more of breaking news. I appreciated that the networks gave us a break.  It's a beautiful Spring day in NYC.  Not a "care" in the world.  There is a lot of mindless programming on tonight.  Check it out.  I am done for now.  Sending healing thoughts.  

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Entertainment Round-up

My week began with fabulous tickets for Kinky Boots.  It had just opened on Broadway and we were so excited to see it.  They were discount tickets, too, that we bought weeks ago.  You know, when things seem too goo to be true....We didn't have great seats.  We had nosebleed seats that were so far away from the stage, that I could've been watching from a blimp.  The seats were so tight that my long-legged husband had to sit sideways.  Not happy, but thought we can always leave.  The play began and it was very entertaining.  Enjoyable. Not revelatory.  At intermission, I had to basically do a 400 yard dash to get to the restroom which was three flights down.  When we re-connected, my very long-legged husband was done.  Sitting sideways made his back was hurt.  I could've stayed, but I didn't feel very compelled and would rather have a leisurely walk home with my man. 

My big complaint is that whether we were sitting in "premium" seats or discount seats, we are all spending hard earned money for entertainment. If the theatre owners are going to continue to pack people in, then maybe they should be compelled to note the legroom.  Airlines do it.  It makes a big difference for some people.  In the "new and improved" Madison Square Garden, one can't cross his/her legs.  Anyway, that was my first theatrical experience this season.  

Tuesday night, I watched Eva Longoria's much promo-ed, Ready For Love.  I really, really wanted to like it, because I'd like Eva Longoria to have a hit, but not so much.  Again, it's two hours when it should be one hour.  It's The Bachelor with some changes, but too dull.  I fear its demise, but hope for Eva's sake that it is successful. I won't be watching, that's for sure. The Voice still is fantastic. 

Wednesday, we went to see Pippin. Now, if you were ever a musical theatre fanatic, Stephen Schwartz' Pippin is one of those scores that singers love.  Never got to see a production. Always heard that the book was very problematic.  We didn't sit together but near each other. The audience went crazy from the first note the orchestra played. I guess there were a lot of musical theatre queens in the audience.  I have no idea what it once was, but this production was stunning.  It took place under a circus tent with fantastic circus performers in the ensemble.  I started with tears streaming down my face with Magic To Do into Corner of the Sky. Andrea Martin was fantastic and stopped the show.  Fantastic.  This was well worth the time, money, and effort.  I would go again, as the four older women sitting behind me said.  They were going to buy more tickets. 

Went to the first screening of 42 today. I love baseball movies.  I basically love all sports movies, but this is a very important story to be told. I think everyone under 30 should see this. There is a generation or two that have no idea what black people went through in this country and with baseball as the backdrop...it's very moving. It is based on the true story of Jackie Robinson's journey breaking the color barrier with the Brooklyn Dodgers.  Well worth your money and time. 

After that, I watched the much talked about episode of Glee from this week.  I hated it.  They tried to do a school shooting episode, but it is both too soon and too complex to do in 42 minutes.  I didn't like the conclusion and can that really be it?  That show, like American Idol, has definitely jumped the shark.

So, that's my weeks entertainment round-up.  Enjoy your weekend. Don't take anything for granted.

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No, No Annette

There were so many thoughts about what to write, but with the passing of Annette Funicello, a little piece of me died.  Don't laugh.  I'm serious.  Annette Funicello was a huge part of my childhood.  I loved running home for the 3:30 movie after school for Beach Blanket week.  Can you imagine how heavenly?  A whole week of Annette Funicello and Frankie Avalon movies.  Absolutely divine.  Really! Life seemed so simple then with the antics and romance of all the Beach movies.  

When Annette Funicello announced that she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1992*, I was stunned.  I had already been diagnosed five years earlier, but her MS was far more debilitating from the outset.  She was brave, noble, and determined to keep going no matter what.  When the Annette Funicello movie was made, I sobbed like a baby to see her playing herself at the end of the movie "walking" her daughter down the aisle. She was clearly so compromised by her illness and yet was determined to follow through on finishing the movie of her life.  

I was at the hospital just this past Friday for an infusion and was talking about Annette.   Mentioning that I hadn't heard anything about her for so long or seen any photos. I knew that she must be suffering so or we would've seen her.  Never imagining that I'd be sitting at lunch today and get a CNN alert that she had died at the young age of 70.  I almost burst into tears, but it also fueled my passion for finding a cure.  I am certain that Annette's body couldn't take it anymore and I don't want her death to be in vain.  This is the month of the MS Walk all over the country.  If you know someone walking, please support them.  I am walking with my family and friends.  It is a fantastic way to raise funds and build a community.  I am sorry that it has to be around MS, but whatever it takes to bring people together for a common cause.  

I know that many people under the age of 40 probably have no idea who Annette Funicello is.  The movies that brought so much joy and fun to so many would be seen as so cheesy and silly now, but what the kids would be surprised to hear...they were cheesy and silly then.  The actors were getting the last laugh.  They were made just for the fun of it.  Starring vehicles for Annette Funicello and Frankie Avalon.  If you get the chance to see one, take the time.  It captures a simpler time. 

Sidebars:  Country Music Awards wiped all the other stations into reruns last night. I must say that the CMA's put on a very good show and end on time.  Lots of performances and a few awards.  Country music is huge and watching an event like the CMA's really points it out. The Final Four culminates with the last game between Louisville and Michigan. May it be a great game.  On NBC The Voice is on, too.  What to do, what to do? I'm down for The Voice.  Only the last five minutes of the game matters anyway. It's also Yom HaShoah, which is Holocaust Remembrance day.  There is a critically acclaimed hour documentary called 50 Children.  Worth DVRing.  Only one hour.  May cause a tear or two, but well worth it. 

If you want to donate to Team Podolsky for the MS Walk, click on the following link:

http://walknyn.nationalmssociety.org/site/PageServer?pagename=WLK_NYN_epledge

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* Read in the paper today that she was actually diagnosed in 1987, just like I was, but didn't go public for 5 years. 

Can't Give An Inch

The recent rash of gun violence still doesn't get the NRA to say anything that could be considered reasonable and thoughtful.  The NRA's stance shouted loud and clear since the New Town tragedy is that everyone should be armed and gun control isn't needed at all. They want armed guards at all of our schools to protect the students and teachers.  Can we mull this over a bit?  In recent weeks there have been terrible murders, the D.A. and his wife in Texas (he was allegedly armed), the civilian at Fort Knox (lots of people with guns there), and the Sheriff gunned down in Virginia in front of the courthouse  (armed).  So how is the NRA's fully armed stance doing now?  Not a peep, not a word, nothing.  Wouldn't the NRA have more credibility if they would stand up and re-adjust their unyielding stance? Their argument is empty and they still can't step forward with any shift in position.  

Representative Carolyn Maloney from NYC is trying desperately to keep the fight for Federal gun controls alive.  She's put together a bill and you know what she's gotten for her commitment?  Death threats!!!  How can Wayne LaPierre not step forward from the shadows and denounce such actions???  It's unconscionable.  Can you believe that we may not get any gun legislation to the floor of the Senate or Congress because they are all too chicken and worried about their jobs.  

I don't think that our representatives in D.C. are much better than the NRA.  They are out for themselves and not protecting the people of the USA.  There is an overwhelming majority in this country that approves of new gun legislation.  Our Senators and Congresspeople are too scared to piss off the NRA. They are stripping every bill down to nothing meaningful and now we may not even get a vote on the floor.  It's a disgrace.  These elected officials should all be tossed out and get people that have a spine. It's feeling so bleak.  

I bow down to Governor Molloy of Connecticut for signing into law some of the strictest gun laws that were reached by both Democrats and Republicans. See it can happen, but maybe not on a Federal level.  

The NRA thinks the more guns the safer the country.  We have more guns and more gun violence than any other country in the world.  So how is that BS working? The NRA makes me sick.  They are a bunch of rich bullies  all in the pockets of the gun manufacturers, and, in turn, a large number of our representatives live in fear of losing their own jobs.  

Sidebars:  Honestly, I have so much more to say on this topic because my disappointment in humanity in America  is great.  Self over all.  How christian! I will put it to bed for now, but will address it again. Kudos to Magic and Cookie Johnson for being the parents that Earvin III deserves.  Hope many can take a page out of their playbook.  Shark Tank is on tonight. I am telling you that anyone interested in business or entrepreneurial ship, should be watching.  Heads still rolling at Rutgers. Happy weekend!  Happy Final Four weekend!!!!!!

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Ruminating Leaning In

I have been thinking about Sheryl Sandberg's book Lean In since all the television pundits started mentioning it a few weeks ago.  I read in the newspapers and on the internet quotes from the book.  There was so much advance criticism by men and women alike of her perspective of women in the work force.  I found enough dissension that I chose to read the book in its entirety on Spring Break.

I think Sheryl Sandberg is incredibly courageous to get the conversation re-started.  Her book is thought-provoking. I hate to give snippets of the book because it's my interpretation of her perspective and I don't want to turn anyone off. My intention is to turn  

on your curiosity, like mine was, to read her book.  She writes about when she was first offered the job at Facebook. She wanted the job so much and the offer was very good.  She admits she would have taken the job, right then and there.  Her husband told her that she couldn't take the offer. She had to negotiate.  No man would ever just say yes to an offer.  She was afraid of blowing the deal.  Her husband and brother pushed her to do what was best for her.  Negotiating with Mark Zuckerberg proved successful and the rest is history. 

Many of her critics said, what does she know as a super successful, financially sound, Harvard graduate.  Ms. Sandberg speaks of all women, not for all women. She acknowledges her fortune in business, but also talks much about women being their own worst enemies.  Second guessing, worrying about one's entire life when opportunities arise, lack of confidence, marriage, motherhood. She touches on many issues.  I was thrilled she wrote about her generation who were given many opportunities because of all the ground breaking and ceiling pushing of Gloria Steinem, Bella Abzug, and the other fabulous women on the forefront of the women's movement and then...didn't continue pushing forward.  Stagnate. Backsliding. 

I am not doing justice to this book.  If I had my way, every high school and college female would read it before going into the workforce.  Males could get something out of it, too.  I am not being sexist, but women need to make far more progress in the work force.  Men already own it. Do I think everything she writes is absolute or true for all? No.  What I do think is that it made me think of my career and life choices.  What I might have done differently if I had the support and awareness after having read this book.  Lean In may become a movement.  I'd be all for that.  Women need to support women.  This is another first step.  I hope that we can complete the journey this time around.

Sidebars:  Lean In made me think about all the criticism, including mine, of Marissa Meyer and her choices at Yahoo. Wouldn't happen to a man.  I am going to try to be more conscious of my contribution to the negative chatter. Rutgers coach, Mike Rice, fired. Not far enough. The Trustees should consider consequences to the Athletic Director, the University President and anyone else who was aware.  Saw a piece today on the Today Show about an art exhibit in Berlin about Jews.  One of the exhibit pieces is a Jewish man sitting in a 3-sided Plexiglas box.  Museum-goers can speak to him, ask about Judaism, meet a Jew for the first time, etc. It is interactive.  In some ways, it is interesting. Shocking to me that 60 plus years after the Holocaust that there is still such a mystery about Jews, but I guess if you annihilate most of your Jewish population....On the other hand, what if it was a black man and not a Jewish man.  Would there be more of an uproar?  Which takes me back to Mike Rice.  If he had been screaming racial slurs, he would have been gone so fast.  Homophobic slurs takes a public outcry before you lose your job.

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Vacation Reflections

I am ruminating a lot these past few days about travel and its effect on me physically and mentally.  Having spent almost two weeks abroad in Madrid and Paris with my husband and children, I have been struggling if my travel days are ending soon or do I have to modify the plan.  We did a lot on vacation but it wasn't effortless.  Eating and sleeping were challenging.  We, as a unit, didn't get on the same schedule at the same time. We did plow through when necessary. We went to the Prado, the Thyssen-Bornemisza, and the Sofia Reina Museums.  We hit the highlights so we didn't overwhelm the brains and the bodies.  I feel very good about seeing these three museums.  We went to see a Flamenco dinner show, which was so hilarious and sad at the same time.  It's the "second" best show supposedly and we didn't plan in advance so the best show was sold out.  When we got there, there were maybe 8 people, all Asian sitting around the room. The dancing was enjoyable, but went on far too long and I felt so bad for the performers playing to such a small crowd. I was certain that the star dancer was mocking the audience members in Spanish, but we didn't know what she was saying.  If I had been them, I would have performed one hour and ended.  They certainly gave their all and they had another show to do in an hour. Ugh!  What a life, even in Madrid. No smoking in the restaurants! I feel very good about seeing Madrid for the first time.  It's a beautiful city and we only scratched the surface.  

We then journeyed to our favorite city: Paris.  I think I have been there nine times in my life.  Twice as a child and seven times as an adult.  It's a fantastic city; there's no doubt about that.  We have stayed in different arrondissements or sections, but definitely like the Left bank better than the Right bank and love the Marais, above all else.  This time we rented a two bedroom apartment in the 5th arrondissement on the Left bank. Near and around where we've stayed before, yet different. We were a block from the Luxembourg Gardens and the Musee de Luxembourg. The weather was still quite chilly and none of the gardens had bloomed.  There was a Chagall exhibit at the Musee de Luxembourg and we got tickets for that.  We arrived on time and waltzed right in. The only problem...too many people. A beautiful exhibit that couldn't be fully appreciated because there were too many people.  We were in and out in under 30 minutes.  Glad that we got a glance, but disappointed that we couldn't get any perspective. 

Other days we walked and walked.  I didn't plan the outings well, so by the time we got to the destination, I was spent. I felt unbelievably challenged, disabled, and tired.  My MS really seemed to get the best of me at times, which, in turn, brought on so much guilt.  But, you know what?  I don't think anyone cared as much as I.  It really bothered me.  It really did a number on my psyche and felt that this may be my last big trip. I am not going to  make any sweeping decisions. One day at a time, I say.  I do know that as many times as I've been fortunate enough to visit Paris, there are still things I haven't done or seen. So, it may beckon me again. 

Sidebars:  So much more to our travels than that. Both Google and Facebook are changing their looks.  Not liking either. Amazing Race in Africa was both intriguing and curious. How did the players run through and drive through the bush without fear of animals? Were there hunters with tranquilizer guns out of camera view? The Good Wife has been much better the past couple of weeks.  This weeks episode featured the actress who starred as Brody's wife in Homeland.  I think she messed with her face.  She looked odd to me.  Tonight The Voice is back for week two.  It is still the best singing competition of all of them.  Shakira is too adorable and will definitely broaden her fan base.  Usher has always been mysterious to me so it will be interesting to "get to know" him. The Final Four is complete: Wichita State, Louisville, Michigan, and Syracuse. Should be fantastic basketball! Be wary today; it's April Fool's Day!  

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