In Latin, it means hail and farewell! (From Catullus' Funeral Oration). The Republican Convention has now ended after three days of proceedings. Speaking objectively, I can't fathom what would have been accomplished with the originally-scheduled fourth day of any value besides Donald Trump's cancelled speech. I don't mean to mock, it's just that, if you are interested and follow current events regularly, the entire Convention left a lot to be desired.
As a Democrat, this outcome is a good thing, as it increases the chances for an Obama victory in November. However, I really want to make a broader point here. It's true I'm a liberal Democrat, but my interests as an American transcend my loyalty to any political party. On this basis, the Republican Convention was a sad disappointment. I would much prefer two outstanding candidates, who have real plans and contrasting visions, so that a real choice is presented to the electorate. Under those circumstances, I might actually prefer a Republican candidate and vote accordingly. In this case, however, there is not only no viable alternative, but instead a feeling from the Republicans of hypocrisy, untruths, and phony solutions. I think they have been totally captured by big donors, big business, and special interests, and have ceased responding to the legitimate needs of the majority of our citizens.
The only thing you can count on from Republicans these days are programs that foster the needs and interests of big business and the religious right. Seen from that perspective, their programs are coherent and make perfect sense. My outrage stems from their phony assertions that they're doing it to benefit the majority of Americans and get the country moving again. More importantly, their non-sensical programs are a recipe for disaster; it is so obvious that I continue to be amazed that most people don't see it and that the polls to date predict a close election.
Democracy is based on the proposition that more than 50% of the people are right more than 50% of the time. I hope the upcoming Democratic Convention will demonstrate a sharp contrast to what we have just witnessed, and that a solid majority of the American people will come to their senses in time. I had the same feeling of "dishonesty" about the McCain-Palin ticket in the last election, and a gut feeling they would ultimately lose. For the sake of our great country, I can only hope that my instincts are right once again about Romney-Ryan.
Toucan
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Cat Mystery Solved
I am DELIGHTED to report that the cat mystery going on in our backyard has been solved! The small and lovable black cat with yellow eyes that has been living in our backyard actually belongs to our next door neighbor. She has been away visiting her son in Los Angeles, and hired someone to take care of her three dogs in her absence. The black cat preferred our company to the temporary live-in sitter, so moved over the tall wooden fence separating our properties to stay with us.
I finally got this story by calling my neighbor on the phone. After a few questions about her feline pets, it quickly became clear that Medea was staying nearly full time in our yard and returning for meals. I first considered this possibility when I overheard my neighbor addressing no one visible with great excitement in her backyard a couple of nights ago, about being so glad to see her again.
Medea's story is that she was a stray when my neighbor originally found her, and the cat retains her interest in roaming and staying outside as much as possible, except in winter. My neighbor provides food, medical care, and love. I assured her that Medea, as well as her big gray cat who also occasionally visits us, were welcome any time.
I was greatly relieved by this turn of events. I had been looking ahead to the cold weather coming up, and the prospect of adopting the cat against our will because we couldn't imagine letting the cat freeze to death outside. Instead, we can be close relatives without any responsibilities. If this is some version of what it's like to be a grandparent, I'll going to have a happy time someday.
I have been somewhat surprised by my positive reaction to having a cat as a potential pet. Heretofore, my wife and I were strictly dog people who would never consider a cat as a pet. But my experience with Medea has changed my attitude. I still prefer dogs, but I begin to see the appeal of cats as a runner-up. They are intelligent, quiet, very graceful, and affectionate.
I now keep our kitchen door open more often, looking in the backyard for Medea to return for a visit. I am relieved to know she has a very good home next door, and am careful not to feed her so her loyalties stay next door where they belong.
I finally got this story by calling my neighbor on the phone. After a few questions about her feline pets, it quickly became clear that Medea was staying nearly full time in our yard and returning for meals. I first considered this possibility when I overheard my neighbor addressing no one visible with great excitement in her backyard a couple of nights ago, about being so glad to see her again.
Medea's story is that she was a stray when my neighbor originally found her, and the cat retains her interest in roaming and staying outside as much as possible, except in winter. My neighbor provides food, medical care, and love. I assured her that Medea, as well as her big gray cat who also occasionally visits us, were welcome any time.
I was greatly relieved by this turn of events. I had been looking ahead to the cold weather coming up, and the prospect of adopting the cat against our will because we couldn't imagine letting the cat freeze to death outside. Instead, we can be close relatives without any responsibilities. If this is some version of what it's like to be a grandparent, I'll going to have a happy time someday.
I have been somewhat surprised by my positive reaction to having a cat as a potential pet. Heretofore, my wife and I were strictly dog people who would never consider a cat as a pet. But my experience with Medea has changed my attitude. I still prefer dogs, but I begin to see the appeal of cats as a runner-up. They are intelligent, quiet, very graceful, and affectionate.
I now keep our kitchen door open more often, looking in the backyard for Medea to return for a visit. I am relieved to know she has a very good home next door, and am careful not to feed her so her loyalties stay next door where they belong.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Ann, Chris, and The Donald
I watched the Republican Convention in Tampa last night for one key hour in prime time, starting at 10pm EST (7pm on the West Coast). Since the proceedings were cancelled on Monday due to Hurricane Isaac, it was do or die on Day 2. For that reason, the most interesting people were selected to speak: Ann Romney and Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey. The Donald (Donald Trump, in case you're one of the two people who don't know who I'm referring to) was dropped from Monday's roster and not rescheduled.)
There's been a sea change in American politics since the Baby Boomers were born. I can't conceive of Mamie Eisenhower or Pat Nixon leading off a Republican Convention in those days. They say Mrs. Romney was chosen specifically to humanize Mitt and to attract women voters. Up to a point, she succeeded. It was interesting to hear about their life together, but too sugar-coated to be truly revealing or memorable. Just an ordinary couple in love with five sons, working hard to succeed despite her serious illnesses. She spoke as a woman and mother, but failed to say a single word about the anti-abortion issue which has so many women upset. Likewise, she foresaw increased educational opportunities for kids, but failed to mention Republican plans to slash funding for education.
Next came Chris Christie, a bombastic and dramatic counterpoint to the prior speaker. If nothing else, the Governor of New Jersey is impassioned. He provides great theatre and is fun to listen to in a Rudy Giuliani kind of way. He steamrolls the audience with his brash assertions and New Jersey cockiness. I think this is the kind of performance that is appropriate for a keynote speaker, designed to fire up the Convention and inspire voters to the cause. His problem, however, was the absence of essential truths. He faulted the President for not instituting needed changes, but failed to acknowledge that Obama was stymied by Christie's Republican colleagues in Congress, who voted against every program the President proposed. It also sounded a lot like a rehearsal for his own envisioned acceptance speech for president in 2016. Hopefully, the obesity issue will be behind him by then; as you know, that look went out with President Taft.
Too bad the Donald was cancelled. He would have had a great one-liner: "Mr. President, you're fired!".
There's been a sea change in American politics since the Baby Boomers were born. I can't conceive of Mamie Eisenhower or Pat Nixon leading off a Republican Convention in those days. They say Mrs. Romney was chosen specifically to humanize Mitt and to attract women voters. Up to a point, she succeeded. It was interesting to hear about their life together, but too sugar-coated to be truly revealing or memorable. Just an ordinary couple in love with five sons, working hard to succeed despite her serious illnesses. She spoke as a woman and mother, but failed to say a single word about the anti-abortion issue which has so many women upset. Likewise, she foresaw increased educational opportunities for kids, but failed to mention Republican plans to slash funding for education.
Next came Chris Christie, a bombastic and dramatic counterpoint to the prior speaker. If nothing else, the Governor of New Jersey is impassioned. He provides great theatre and is fun to listen to in a Rudy Giuliani kind of way. He steamrolls the audience with his brash assertions and New Jersey cockiness. I think this is the kind of performance that is appropriate for a keynote speaker, designed to fire up the Convention and inspire voters to the cause. His problem, however, was the absence of essential truths. He faulted the President for not instituting needed changes, but failed to acknowledge that Obama was stymied by Christie's Republican colleagues in Congress, who voted against every program the President proposed. It also sounded a lot like a rehearsal for his own envisioned acceptance speech for president in 2016. Hopefully, the obesity issue will be behind him by then; as you know, that look went out with President Taft.
Too bad the Donald was cancelled. He would have had a great one-liner: "Mr. President, you're fired!".
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Homeless and Hopeless
Today in Manhattan, while waiting for an uptown Madison Avenue bus to arrive, I was approached by a man who started describing his problems to me. He never introduced himself, just started talking, so I never even got his name. The man was clearly not crazy, like some of the people who may suddenly start talking to you in New York. In fact, he was quite specific about his problems and the difficulties he was having in resolving them.
The crux of his problem was that he was homeless, living in shelters, and had no hope of finding employment to get himself out of the mess he had fallen into. What made his task especially impossible to overcome, he explained, was that he had recently been released from prison. He didn't say what his offense was, and I didn't ask. At this point, like any seasoned New Yorker, I was looking to make sure he wasn't carrying a knife or other weapon to potentially attack me. As a lifelong New Yorker, such wariness is inbred in our DNA.
But he didn't appear armed or dangerous or at all crazy; in fact, he sounded quite sane and articulate, telling me he was 60 years old and seemed hopelessly trapped by his circumstances. He was carrying a number of documents with him, which showed his status, his dealings with Legal Aid and, most striking to me, his prison release papers which warned potential employers in bold letters at the bottom to consider this man's record carefully before hiring him. We agreed that in today's economy, that comment was the kiss of death, even with someone who might have been willing to take a chance on him.
He looked thin but healthy. I wanted to ask about his eating habits, but obviously this was not an appropriate time. There was little I could do but listen and express my sympathy. When my bus arrived, I wished him good luck and left.
All day now, I have been thinking about him. Sooner or later, he will literally be "forced" to commit a crime to stay afloat. Already, he showed me his toothpaste and toothbrush, which he admitted to stealing. This is why the recidivism rate is so high.
It's not society's fault he committed a crime resulting in incarceration, but think of this. It costs New York about $50,000 per year to maintain each prisoner in jail. It would be a lot cheaper and productive to employ these people in some way instead of locking them up and throwing the key away, which accomplishes nothing of value to him or society.
The crux of his problem was that he was homeless, living in shelters, and had no hope of finding employment to get himself out of the mess he had fallen into. What made his task especially impossible to overcome, he explained, was that he had recently been released from prison. He didn't say what his offense was, and I didn't ask. At this point, like any seasoned New Yorker, I was looking to make sure he wasn't carrying a knife or other weapon to potentially attack me. As a lifelong New Yorker, such wariness is inbred in our DNA.
But he didn't appear armed or dangerous or at all crazy; in fact, he sounded quite sane and articulate, telling me he was 60 years old and seemed hopelessly trapped by his circumstances. He was carrying a number of documents with him, which showed his status, his dealings with Legal Aid and, most striking to me, his prison release papers which warned potential employers in bold letters at the bottom to consider this man's record carefully before hiring him. We agreed that in today's economy, that comment was the kiss of death, even with someone who might have been willing to take a chance on him.
He looked thin but healthy. I wanted to ask about his eating habits, but obviously this was not an appropriate time. There was little I could do but listen and express my sympathy. When my bus arrived, I wished him good luck and left.
All day now, I have been thinking about him. Sooner or later, he will literally be "forced" to commit a crime to stay afloat. Already, he showed me his toothpaste and toothbrush, which he admitted to stealing. This is why the recidivism rate is so high.
It's not society's fault he committed a crime resulting in incarceration, but think of this. It costs New York about $50,000 per year to maintain each prisoner in jail. It would be a lot cheaper and productive to employ these people in some way instead of locking them up and throwing the key away, which accomplishes nothing of value to him or society.
Monday, August 27, 2012
Gated Community
The metaphor is almost perfect. The Republicans are in the Tampa Convention Center, a kind of exclusive gated community accessible only to the wealthy, privileged, and powerful, while millions of ordinary people around the Gulf may soon be fighting to stay alive with Hurricane Isaac swirling around them. It's not a pretty picture, and Republican planners are well aware of how these scenes will look on a split-screen.
Republicans are only concerned about it now because the contrast in imagery will be so graphic. But in a very real sense, this is the picture of how a future America under right-wing Republicans will look all the time if they manage to take control of the Federal Government. The only thing that makes this worrisome to their leadership is that this picture will not require much imagination to envision, thanks to the weather.
The Republican Convention is truly like a heavily guarded, gated community, full of people not much involved with the problems of everyday folks. They will undoubtedly need to cut back on the lavish parties and festivities that would normally have taken place at the Convention. However, it's not much different, except more concentrated, compared to what goes on throughout the country all year.
I'm glad this dichotomy-- a 21st century tale of two cities-- will be on full view. If the message gets through, it may cement defeat for the Republicans in November. If disaster assistance is needed from Washington, as it likely will be, the competence of the Obama Administration could be showcased. Equally important, it would demonstrate that under the Democrats, ordinary people's needs are a top priority, and assistance is readily provided. Under Republican leadership, by comparison, this is the kind of problem that would be left to cash-strapped States and localities to handle by themselves--unless of course big business interests were involved.
Fend for yourselves, say these hard-hearted Republicans, professing over-riding concern about deficits. We've got ours and intend to keep it that way. In fact, we'll see if we can't increase our share of the pie even more if we succeed at the polls. Sorry about your problems; we'll have the clergymen doing the invocation and benediction at the Convention say a prayer for you. But don't try to get in here; it's invitation only. You won't see any of our delegates, privileged guests, or lobbyists struggling to stay alive in the face of a storm. That's the benefit of living in a gated community.
Republicans are only concerned about it now because the contrast in imagery will be so graphic. But in a very real sense, this is the picture of how a future America under right-wing Republicans will look all the time if they manage to take control of the Federal Government. The only thing that makes this worrisome to their leadership is that this picture will not require much imagination to envision, thanks to the weather.
The Republican Convention is truly like a heavily guarded, gated community, full of people not much involved with the problems of everyday folks. They will undoubtedly need to cut back on the lavish parties and festivities that would normally have taken place at the Convention. However, it's not much different, except more concentrated, compared to what goes on throughout the country all year.
I'm glad this dichotomy-- a 21st century tale of two cities-- will be on full view. If the message gets through, it may cement defeat for the Republicans in November. If disaster assistance is needed from Washington, as it likely will be, the competence of the Obama Administration could be showcased. Equally important, it would demonstrate that under the Democrats, ordinary people's needs are a top priority, and assistance is readily provided. Under Republican leadership, by comparison, this is the kind of problem that would be left to cash-strapped States and localities to handle by themselves--unless of course big business interests were involved.
Fend for yourselves, say these hard-hearted Republicans, professing over-riding concern about deficits. We've got ours and intend to keep it that way. In fact, we'll see if we can't increase our share of the pie even more if we succeed at the polls. Sorry about your problems; we'll have the clergymen doing the invocation and benediction at the Convention say a prayer for you. But don't try to get in here; it's invitation only. You won't see any of our delegates, privileged guests, or lobbyists struggling to stay alive in the face of a storm. That's the benefit of living in a gated community.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
NIMBY
There is a growing "humanitarian" problem developing right in my own backyard. I have recently concluded that the small black cat that has been staying in my backyard does not belong to any of my neighbors after all, but is a stray seeking refuge.
I like this young cat. It is small and attractive and brave, with big yellow eyes and shiny black fur. In the past few days, it has has made several attempts to come through the back door and slip quietly past when I wasn't looking and go on a self-directed tour of our home. Yesterday I spotted it slinking past me and finally found it stretched out on the middle of a comfy sofa like it belonged there. I immediately scooped it up and carried it, without resistance, back outside.
As previously observed, the cat has no collar or tag. I initially thought it belonged to a neighbor because it was so friendly and well groomed. Becoming curious, however, I watched and discovered the cat remains full-time in our backyard. I see it all the time under a particular bush early in the morning and late at night.
So, now what? We really don't want a cat or any other pet at this time. Our wonderful dog, Milo, died about a year ago at age 14 1/2, and we are not interested in a successor of any kind. Moreover, we are dog people, not cat people, and don't really understand a cat's appeal. The real problem, however, is the responsibility of taking care of a pet. With Milo, we were always conscious of the need to rush home and walk him before we were ready to return. The problem was compounded when it came time to go away on a trip.
I'm now thinking of which of my neighbors to approach about an adoption. Our friend John around the corner had a dog and two cats simultaneously. They have all now died, and he might consider this lovable and fearless little creature. One next door neighbor has three dogs and clearly likes animals; she might be interested. Our neighbor on the other side has gerbils; their two kids might be interested and the parents might agree.
I know I'm not obligated, but my bleeding heart Democratic instincts compel me to help. After rooting for illegal Mexicans entering across our southern border seeking a better life, it's the least I can do. I don't want to start providing real cat food, because then the cat might never want to leave. I'll just continue doing small snacks and milk in the interim. The weather is still sunny and mild and conducive to outdoor living.
I like this young cat. It is small and attractive and brave, with big yellow eyes and shiny black fur. In the past few days, it has has made several attempts to come through the back door and slip quietly past when I wasn't looking and go on a self-directed tour of our home. Yesterday I spotted it slinking past me and finally found it stretched out on the middle of a comfy sofa like it belonged there. I immediately scooped it up and carried it, without resistance, back outside.
As previously observed, the cat has no collar or tag. I initially thought it belonged to a neighbor because it was so friendly and well groomed. Becoming curious, however, I watched and discovered the cat remains full-time in our backyard. I see it all the time under a particular bush early in the morning and late at night.
So, now what? We really don't want a cat or any other pet at this time. Our wonderful dog, Milo, died about a year ago at age 14 1/2, and we are not interested in a successor of any kind. Moreover, we are dog people, not cat people, and don't really understand a cat's appeal. The real problem, however, is the responsibility of taking care of a pet. With Milo, we were always conscious of the need to rush home and walk him before we were ready to return. The problem was compounded when it came time to go away on a trip.
I'm now thinking of which of my neighbors to approach about an adoption. Our friend John around the corner had a dog and two cats simultaneously. They have all now died, and he might consider this lovable and fearless little creature. One next door neighbor has three dogs and clearly likes animals; she might be interested. Our neighbor on the other side has gerbils; their two kids might be interested and the parents might agree.
I know I'm not obligated, but my bleeding heart Democratic instincts compel me to help. After rooting for illegal Mexicans entering across our southern border seeking a better life, it's the least I can do. I don't want to start providing real cat food, because then the cat might never want to leave. I'll just continue doing small snacks and milk in the interim. The weather is still sunny and mild and conducive to outdoor living.
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Churchill, Indian Food, and The Black Cat.
You can have interesting experiences living in New York, even on a prosaic summer evening. Take last night, for instance, when my wife and I decided to visit the Churchill exhibit (through September 23) at the Morgan Library and Museum, located on Madison Avenue at 36th St.
The Churchill exhibit is essentially a reading show, in which original documents and papers relevant to the great statesman's life were exhibited under glass cases. With patience and a lot of close reading, this documentation was a revelation of materials written by Churchill or actual documents that he reviewed, primarily concerning WWII and his critical relationship with President Franklin Roosevelt.
The greatest discovery for me was visiting a small theatre area inside the exhibition, in which recordings of his famous speeches were played together with accompanying photos. His words were simultaneously displayed onscreen in "verses", as if they were free-verse poetry. Everyone knows of Churchill's eloquence, but I thought this manner of presentation was rather affected and uncalled for. Imagine my surprise when I saw the original drafts in the glass cases and discovered that this was actually the way he wrote his addresses!
That was not the only revelation in the show. Did you know that Churchill's mother, Jennie Jerome, was an American born and raised in Brooklyn? Or that Churchill was not the author of the phrase, the "Iron Curtain", although he appropriated and made it memorable? Many of his broadcast words-- "Give us the tools, and we will finish the job"-- are always inspiring and worth hearing.
After the show, we went to dinner. One of the many benefits of the City are the vast array of available cuisines. We chose Indian food, one of our favorites, and in a few minutes of walking came to dozens of Indian restaurants clustered along Lexington Avenue in the 20's, where we enjoyed authentic dishes inexpensively alongside many locals of Indian descent. Following a walk down to Greenwich Village, we went home.
The excitement unexpectedly continued. The neighborhood black cat I blogged about recently managed to get inside our house through an open window. In the pre-dawn hours, I encountered something black and alive next to me on the bed. My heart stopped momentarily until I realized what had happened and carried the silent intruder back outside.
Never a dull moment in New York.
The Churchill exhibit is essentially a reading show, in which original documents and papers relevant to the great statesman's life were exhibited under glass cases. With patience and a lot of close reading, this documentation was a revelation of materials written by Churchill or actual documents that he reviewed, primarily concerning WWII and his critical relationship with President Franklin Roosevelt.
The greatest discovery for me was visiting a small theatre area inside the exhibition, in which recordings of his famous speeches were played together with accompanying photos. His words were simultaneously displayed onscreen in "verses", as if they were free-verse poetry. Everyone knows of Churchill's eloquence, but I thought this manner of presentation was rather affected and uncalled for. Imagine my surprise when I saw the original drafts in the glass cases and discovered that this was actually the way he wrote his addresses!
That was not the only revelation in the show. Did you know that Churchill's mother, Jennie Jerome, was an American born and raised in Brooklyn? Or that Churchill was not the author of the phrase, the "Iron Curtain", although he appropriated and made it memorable? Many of his broadcast words-- "Give us the tools, and we will finish the job"-- are always inspiring and worth hearing.
After the show, we went to dinner. One of the many benefits of the City are the vast array of available cuisines. We chose Indian food, one of our favorites, and in a few minutes of walking came to dozens of Indian restaurants clustered along Lexington Avenue in the 20's, where we enjoyed authentic dishes inexpensively alongside many locals of Indian descent. Following a walk down to Greenwich Village, we went home.
The excitement unexpectedly continued. The neighborhood black cat I blogged about recently managed to get inside our house through an open window. In the pre-dawn hours, I encountered something black and alive next to me on the bed. My heart stopped momentarily until I realized what had happened and carried the silent intruder back outside.
Never a dull moment in New York.
Friday, August 24, 2012
Hurricane Isaac
I'm rooting for Hurricane Isaac. I hope it builds up as the meteorologists and their tracking computers project and hits the 2012 Republican National Convention in Tampa, FL starting on Monday. In my humble opinion, the Republicans deserve it.
Normally, I would not wish a hurricane or even a tropical depression on anyone. Even in this case, I hope it doesn't cause physical injury or result in serious property damage. I do, however, hope it causes massive disruption of the Convention. I feel this way not because I am a life-long Democrat, but because the Republicans have become so sanctimonious and convinced that God is behind their movement that it is a pleasure to contemplate what God may really think about them.
I wonder whether any of the evangelicals or other factions of the Republican Party who regularly assert that they are carrying out God's will are pondering the implications of this impending storm. Do they consider, even fleetingly, that it may mean that God disapproves of them? In olden days, such a celestial demonstration would surely have been interpreted to mean divine disapproval. Consider the fate of Pharoah's chariots at the Red Sea or humanity's fate after Noah completed his Ark as indications of what God can readily accomplish with wind and water when He is displeased.
Besides their policies, which favor the rich over the poor and middle class, I am appalled by the Republican ticket's outright lying and twisting of the truth. Presenting themselves as the defenders of Medicare and claiming the President cut over $700 billion from the program are just the latest in a long series of deceptions to win votes. I have lost all respect for Messrs. Romney and Ryan, not only because people in their positions should not lie to the voters, but because in a democracy with only two parties their lack of credibility deprives the electorate of a meaningful debate of the issues.
Despite all their hundreds of millions in funding, Isaac threatens to lay them low in short order. I look at Isaac's projected course on my TV screen, which reminds me of the arc which a bowling ball traces to its target, and think this event might make these privileged Republicans recognize what it's like to be doing well one minute and to lose it all the next due to unexpected illness or economic downturn. Maybe God does follow our elections after all and has simply decided to shut that whole thing down.
Normally, I would not wish a hurricane or even a tropical depression on anyone. Even in this case, I hope it doesn't cause physical injury or result in serious property damage. I do, however, hope it causes massive disruption of the Convention. I feel this way not because I am a life-long Democrat, but because the Republicans have become so sanctimonious and convinced that God is behind their movement that it is a pleasure to contemplate what God may really think about them.
I wonder whether any of the evangelicals or other factions of the Republican Party who regularly assert that they are carrying out God's will are pondering the implications of this impending storm. Do they consider, even fleetingly, that it may mean that God disapproves of them? In olden days, such a celestial demonstration would surely have been interpreted to mean divine disapproval. Consider the fate of Pharoah's chariots at the Red Sea or humanity's fate after Noah completed his Ark as indications of what God can readily accomplish with wind and water when He is displeased.
Besides their policies, which favor the rich over the poor and middle class, I am appalled by the Republican ticket's outright lying and twisting of the truth. Presenting themselves as the defenders of Medicare and claiming the President cut over $700 billion from the program are just the latest in a long series of deceptions to win votes. I have lost all respect for Messrs. Romney and Ryan, not only because people in their positions should not lie to the voters, but because in a democracy with only two parties their lack of credibility deprives the electorate of a meaningful debate of the issues.
Despite all their hundreds of millions in funding, Isaac threatens to lay them low in short order. I look at Isaac's projected course on my TV screen, which reminds me of the arc which a bowling ball traces to its target, and think this event might make these privileged Republicans recognize what it's like to be doing well one minute and to lose it all the next due to unexpected illness or economic downturn. Maybe God does follow our elections after all and has simply decided to shut that whole thing down.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
GROUPONS
GROUPON and its cousins are the deal-of-the-day websites that offer a variety of goods and services at discounted prices, typically at half price. I subscribe to several, or at least I did, because I just unsubscribed from most. The sites said they were sorry to see me go and would welcome me back any time. I've kept GROUPON for now, but my enthusiasm has waned. I am clearly not alone; I noticed that GROUPON's stock price has steadily declined over the last year from around $20 a share to $4.50. Some would not be surprised if it declined further.
I see many reasons from my personal experience to account for the steady decline. Mostly I have used the site to get restaurant and food bargains. The goods and trips never really appealed to me, although my wife and I had a fine time at a discounted Hilton hotel in Princeton, NJ as part of a weekend bike trip. With food, I successfully avoided all of the fattening choices that regularly appear. However, I was introduced to an excellent take-out pasta store in Greenwich Village that now has a regular customer in me. Attracting new repeat customers is obviously a business' objective in using GROUPON.
As I said, my main reason for participating was to get bargain deals on restaurants. For several months, we did manage to get some good deals. Some of these places were new; others were places we would have gone to anyway. In general, there were only a few restaurants that we would consider good enough to revisit at full price. YELP reviewers often echoed the same sentiment: it was OK, but not something we'd be willing to pay full price for.
The economics simply don't work for many restaurants. GROUPON retains half of the discounted payment, so the restaurant owner is effectively serving meals at 75% off. Many dine at bargain prices, never intending to return. The result over time is that a greater number of unattractive places seem to be appearing, judging from YELP reviews. In one case, a Peruvian restaurant in Manhattan was so egregious-- giving GROUPON customers smaller plates and limiting choices-- that GROUPON gave me a full refund when I complained.
Another trend is GROUPON's steady migration to offerings exclusively for women. I don't mind, but as a male I'm not going to want many pedicures. I intend to use up my remaining backlog of GROUPON coupons soon.
I see many reasons from my personal experience to account for the steady decline. Mostly I have used the site to get restaurant and food bargains. The goods and trips never really appealed to me, although my wife and I had a fine time at a discounted Hilton hotel in Princeton, NJ as part of a weekend bike trip. With food, I successfully avoided all of the fattening choices that regularly appear. However, I was introduced to an excellent take-out pasta store in Greenwich Village that now has a regular customer in me. Attracting new repeat customers is obviously a business' objective in using GROUPON.
As I said, my main reason for participating was to get bargain deals on restaurants. For several months, we did manage to get some good deals. Some of these places were new; others were places we would have gone to anyway. In general, there were only a few restaurants that we would consider good enough to revisit at full price. YELP reviewers often echoed the same sentiment: it was OK, but not something we'd be willing to pay full price for.
The economics simply don't work for many restaurants. GROUPON retains half of the discounted payment, so the restaurant owner is effectively serving meals at 75% off. Many dine at bargain prices, never intending to return. The result over time is that a greater number of unattractive places seem to be appearing, judging from YELP reviews. In one case, a Peruvian restaurant in Manhattan was so egregious-- giving GROUPON customers smaller plates and limiting choices-- that GROUPON gave me a full refund when I complained.
Another trend is GROUPON's steady migration to offerings exclusively for women. I don't mind, but as a male I'm not going to want many pedicures. I intend to use up my remaining backlog of GROUPON coupons soon.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Cost of Batman
I just read the detailed story of a young woman, age 24, who suddenly and unexpectedly contracted severe leukemia. Needless to say, her life is now in a shambles. With intensive medical care, including treatments like chemo and radiation, she may survive. What caught my attention was the cost of her treatment. The cost will exceed $1 million, and even with her father's insurance plan covering her (thank God), the co-pays, deductibles, and lifetime limit already requires payment of tens of thousands of dollars. What she will do in two years when she turns 26 and is no longer eligible under her Dad's policy is too scary to contemplate.
What particularly caught my attention was her comment about lack of coverage for costly services provided by doctors not participating in her plan. As she noted, she is often groggy or in pain, lying in her hospital bed, when doctor(s) enter her room and provide some service. Bills constantly arrive from them for payment, and only then do she and her parents learn that these particular caregivers are "out-of-network" and thus must be paid in full. What a horrible and outrageous system ! The typical American is doomed to bankruptcy, death, or both with this system in operation until they reach 65. Paul Ryan is trying to close off that escape route for younger people like her as I write.
My "favorite" horror story is the poor man who went to see the opening of the new Batman flick at his mall theatre in Colorado. He had no idea what that movie would cost him. First, he was gunned down by the crazy shooter who had no trouble obtaining weapons under lenient state gun laws. Once transported to the hospital, his troubles multiplied. Not only could he no longer earn a living, due to his wounds, but impossible to pay medical bills started rolling in. From being a self-supporting independent Westerner with a job, a house, and a family, he was now permanently transformed into a bankrupt invalid owing over $1 million and counting in medical bills.
These are the results of just two programs strongly supported by your right-wing Republican candidates-- no gun control and reduced medical coverage for Americans. There are already 50 million Americans living without any health insurance. In Europe, everyone has coverage, the cost is half what we spend per capita, and their medical results are as good or better than ours. If just 2% of our 50 million uninsured get seriously ill like the two above, that's 1 million doomed people. Wake up America ! The life you save may be your own.
What particularly caught my attention was her comment about lack of coverage for costly services provided by doctors not participating in her plan. As she noted, she is often groggy or in pain, lying in her hospital bed, when doctor(s) enter her room and provide some service. Bills constantly arrive from them for payment, and only then do she and her parents learn that these particular caregivers are "out-of-network" and thus must be paid in full. What a horrible and outrageous system ! The typical American is doomed to bankruptcy, death, or both with this system in operation until they reach 65. Paul Ryan is trying to close off that escape route for younger people like her as I write.
My "favorite" horror story is the poor man who went to see the opening of the new Batman flick at his mall theatre in Colorado. He had no idea what that movie would cost him. First, he was gunned down by the crazy shooter who had no trouble obtaining weapons under lenient state gun laws. Once transported to the hospital, his troubles multiplied. Not only could he no longer earn a living, due to his wounds, but impossible to pay medical bills started rolling in. From being a self-supporting independent Westerner with a job, a house, and a family, he was now permanently transformed into a bankrupt invalid owing over $1 million and counting in medical bills.
These are the results of just two programs strongly supported by your right-wing Republican candidates-- no gun control and reduced medical coverage for Americans. There are already 50 million Americans living without any health insurance. In Europe, everyone has coverage, the cost is half what we spend per capita, and their medical results are as good or better than ours. If just 2% of our 50 million uninsured get seriously ill like the two above, that's 1 million doomed people. Wake up America ! The life you save may be your own.
Monday, August 20, 2012
St. Stephen of Hungary School
I sat across from a very fine man named Tom Downing at work a few years ago. He was very pleasant, straightforward and competent; everyone liked him. Unfortunately, he developed cancer and died within a year. I attended the funeral at his church, St. Stephen of Hungary R.C. Church on the Upper East Side, and was very impressed with everything I saw. It was a beautiful group of buildings, immaculately maintained.
Today I read in the newspaper about a 33 year old woman who is credited with saving the church's long-established school from closing. Like many Catholic schools today, budget shortfalls are forcing a steady number of Catholic schools to shut their doors. What this teacher did to salvage the situation was to make the school attractive to a wealthier demographic in the neighborhood. Catholic schools have historically provided a fine education and instilled good character traits in their students. I have worked with a number of their graduates, besides Tom Downing, throughout my life and seen first-hand the excellent results from these schools. One small tell-tale sign of many Catholic school grads, for example, is that their handwriting remains legible. According to my friend Joe Gallagher, in the old days you either wrote legibly or got severely punished by the nuns.
It's nice to see a good school survive, especially when so much is going wrong in many parts of our educational system. The wealthier parents could afford paying a higher tuition ($8000 per year), a bargain compared to elite private school tuitions in the City, and thereby make the school solvent again. Annual fund raising has also soared. Needless to say, St. Stephen is thrilled with their young educator.
Like many things, however, this story is not all good news. Catholic schools have historically been a haven and godsend for poor but very motivated students. It was a path for black, Hispanic, and other minorities out of poverty and onto good colleges. It was one of the great achievements of Catholic schools to educate disadvantaged youth at a bargain price; this was a task which the Church welcomed as part of its sacred mission. Now, through no fault of St. Stephen or others, that undertaking is endangered. Already, the percentage of its poor students has declined substantially. Similarly, modest tuition increases will probably be insufficient to provide the substantial pay and benefits which their fine teachers deserve.
Once again, money has reared its ugly head to undercut something truly great and inspiring.
Today I read in the newspaper about a 33 year old woman who is credited with saving the church's long-established school from closing. Like many Catholic schools today, budget shortfalls are forcing a steady number of Catholic schools to shut their doors. What this teacher did to salvage the situation was to make the school attractive to a wealthier demographic in the neighborhood. Catholic schools have historically provided a fine education and instilled good character traits in their students. I have worked with a number of their graduates, besides Tom Downing, throughout my life and seen first-hand the excellent results from these schools. One small tell-tale sign of many Catholic school grads, for example, is that their handwriting remains legible. According to my friend Joe Gallagher, in the old days you either wrote legibly or got severely punished by the nuns.
It's nice to see a good school survive, especially when so much is going wrong in many parts of our educational system. The wealthier parents could afford paying a higher tuition ($8000 per year), a bargain compared to elite private school tuitions in the City, and thereby make the school solvent again. Annual fund raising has also soared. Needless to say, St. Stephen is thrilled with their young educator.
Like many things, however, this story is not all good news. Catholic schools have historically been a haven and godsend for poor but very motivated students. It was a path for black, Hispanic, and other minorities out of poverty and onto good colleges. It was one of the great achievements of Catholic schools to educate disadvantaged youth at a bargain price; this was a task which the Church welcomed as part of its sacred mission. Now, through no fault of St. Stephen or others, that undertaking is endangered. Already, the percentage of its poor students has declined substantially. Similarly, modest tuition increases will probably be insufficient to provide the substantial pay and benefits which their fine teachers deserve.
Once again, money has reared its ugly head to undercut something truly great and inspiring.
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Black Cat
During the last few weeks I've been developing a relationship with a small black cat. There are 2 or 3 neighborhood cats that hang out in our backyard during the day. Our block has a series of brownstones with backyards facing similar-sized backyards and brownstones across high stockade wooden fences for privacy. We know some of our neighbors, but to the cats and squirrels it's entirely a free trade zone without borders or boundaries.
The black cat that has been hanging out in our yard can't weigh more than a couple of pounds. It has shiny black hair and large yellow eyes; it's small and cuddly but has a dramatic look due to those eyes. I doubt it's a stray, even though it has no collar or tag, because it is well groomed and very comfortable around people. I suspect I will never know which of several dozen neighbors it belongs to, or even its name.
After sizing me up for a week or so, and permitting me to pet it in the garden, I was sitting inside recently at the kitchen table with our back door open and looked up by chance to confront the cat silently staring at me wide-eyed across the table, with its tail in the air like one of those old-time trolley poles that carries electricity down from an overhead cable. This unexpected "apparition" totally startled me; at the same time, I had to admire its gumption and silent arrival worthy of a Navy SEAL hunting Al Qaeda.
The cat had evidently sized me up, concluded I was friendly and therefore worthy to give it some attention and love. If I were a cat, I would never have the nerve to enter the house of a total stranger, considering how unpredictable things are these days. Anyway, we had a pleasant visit, with lots of purring, rubbing against my arms and legs, and even accepting a small snack with some milk before departing.
Since that first encounter, I have been treated to a steadily increasing number of visits. Sometimes I see the cat hanging out in the patio area, waiting patiently for me to notice and open the door so the cat can make a rushed entrance into what has now become familiar territory.
I enjoy these unscheduled drop-in visits, where we exchange meow sounds and some relaxing petting. Unlike a pet dog, however, this relationship seems more about what I can do for the cat rather than what the cat can do for me.
The black cat that has been hanging out in our yard can't weigh more than a couple of pounds. It has shiny black hair and large yellow eyes; it's small and cuddly but has a dramatic look due to those eyes. I doubt it's a stray, even though it has no collar or tag, because it is well groomed and very comfortable around people. I suspect I will never know which of several dozen neighbors it belongs to, or even its name.
After sizing me up for a week or so, and permitting me to pet it in the garden, I was sitting inside recently at the kitchen table with our back door open and looked up by chance to confront the cat silently staring at me wide-eyed across the table, with its tail in the air like one of those old-time trolley poles that carries electricity down from an overhead cable. This unexpected "apparition" totally startled me; at the same time, I had to admire its gumption and silent arrival worthy of a Navy SEAL hunting Al Qaeda.
The cat had evidently sized me up, concluded I was friendly and therefore worthy to give it some attention and love. If I were a cat, I would never have the nerve to enter the house of a total stranger, considering how unpredictable things are these days. Anyway, we had a pleasant visit, with lots of purring, rubbing against my arms and legs, and even accepting a small snack with some milk before departing.
Since that first encounter, I have been treated to a steadily increasing number of visits. Sometimes I see the cat hanging out in the patio area, waiting patiently for me to notice and open the door so the cat can make a rushed entrance into what has now become familiar territory.
I enjoy these unscheduled drop-in visits, where we exchange meow sounds and some relaxing petting. Unlike a pet dog, however, this relationship seems more about what I can do for the cat rather than what the cat can do for me.
Friday, August 17, 2012
Three Well-Behaved Ladies
Yesterday, after more than 25 years of marriage, my wife left me. That was not the first time that this occurred. The same thing happened last year. Each time, I accompanied her to the airport to say goodbye.
Actually, this is not as bad as it sounds; we have absolutely no plans to divorce, and we'll be apart for only one week while she enjoys what is becoming a regular event in our lives: her annual reunion and get-together with two of her best friends from high school. One lives in San Francisco, the other comes from outside Philadelphia. This year they are spending a week together in an apartment they rented in Vancouver, British Columbia. Last year it was a 19th century house in New Orleans, Louisiana. In both cases, although all three women are married, husbands were not invited.
Although they look innocuous, this is a very intelligent and high-powered group. You wouldn't necessarily know it if you met them, because they are all very unassuming and down-to-earth. The threesome includes two medical doctors (a psychiatrist and a drug researcher) and an attorney, with degrees from Yale, Columbia, and Washington University of St. Louis. On the lighter side, one of the three has a particular talent in addition to her profession. She has the abilities of the former Capt. James Kirk of the Starship Enterprise-- now familiar to everyone as the Negotiator in the Priceline ads. Not only does she plan and book the entire trip for the trio, including destination and restaurant reservations, but she also gets a bargain price on lodgings. She accomplishes the latter by calling luxury rental offerings listed online and convincing the owner to reduce his usual price because the premises will be occupied by "three very well-behaved middle-aged ladies".
So for a week, the other husbands and I will be on our own while the ladies dine out, relax and take in the sights of Vancouver. I can't help thinking how different this picture might be if these three well-behaved ladies were not Americans who grew up together in Brooklyn, New York in the latter half of the 20th century, but rather in some places overseas. In certain countries even today, they could never expect to become professionals or, if they tried to travel abroad without their husbands, they might soon be arrested and imprisoned. What a waste of talent and energy for these other societies. It is hard to imagine that even in America not so long ago, these women weren't considered qualified to vote.
Actually, this is not as bad as it sounds; we have absolutely no plans to divorce, and we'll be apart for only one week while she enjoys what is becoming a regular event in our lives: her annual reunion and get-together with two of her best friends from high school. One lives in San Francisco, the other comes from outside Philadelphia. This year they are spending a week together in an apartment they rented in Vancouver, British Columbia. Last year it was a 19th century house in New Orleans, Louisiana. In both cases, although all three women are married, husbands were not invited.
Although they look innocuous, this is a very intelligent and high-powered group. You wouldn't necessarily know it if you met them, because they are all very unassuming and down-to-earth. The threesome includes two medical doctors (a psychiatrist and a drug researcher) and an attorney, with degrees from Yale, Columbia, and Washington University of St. Louis. On the lighter side, one of the three has a particular talent in addition to her profession. She has the abilities of the former Capt. James Kirk of the Starship Enterprise-- now familiar to everyone as the Negotiator in the Priceline ads. Not only does she plan and book the entire trip for the trio, including destination and restaurant reservations, but she also gets a bargain price on lodgings. She accomplishes the latter by calling luxury rental offerings listed online and convincing the owner to reduce his usual price because the premises will be occupied by "three very well-behaved middle-aged ladies".
So for a week, the other husbands and I will be on our own while the ladies dine out, relax and take in the sights of Vancouver. I can't help thinking how different this picture might be if these three well-behaved ladies were not Americans who grew up together in Brooklyn, New York in the latter half of the 20th century, but rather in some places overseas. In certain countries even today, they could never expect to become professionals or, if they tried to travel abroad without their husbands, they might soon be arrested and imprisoned. What a waste of talent and energy for these other societies. It is hard to imagine that even in America not so long ago, these women weren't considered qualified to vote.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Trillions of Worlds
I just watched a TV interview on CNN with a well-known scientist discussing the recent discovery of a super-galaxy that makes our own Milky Way look tinier than ever. He concluded by estimating that the entire universe consisted of at least 100 billion galaxies each containing 100 billion stars. This calculation means there are literally trillions of planets out there. Think of a pizza, he said, with a pinprick somewhere on it; the pinprick represents all of the stars we can see or detect. Now imagine 100 similar pizzas scattered over an area the size of a football field; he said that is just the beginning in comprehending the true size of our cosmos.
This discussion made me think once again about how narrow-minded religions on Earth can be, and the probability of intelligent life existing elsewhere. This scientist felt the sheer number of heavenly bodies suggested earthlings would be arrogant to think we were the only game in town, as he said with a smile. In light of these discoveries, I find the dictates of leading religious groups astounding. Consider, for instance, the following examples from two representative Western religions:
Catholicism-- Galileo was imprisoned and forced to recant his finding that the earth travels around the sun, because it violated Church doctrine; priests must be celibate; birth control, contraception, and stem-cell research offend God; the Pope is infallible when speaking ex cathedra about God.
Judaism-- God cares what we eat, so non-kosher food like shrimp and pork must be avoided like the plague; God created the world in six days exactly 5,772 years ago; a snake talked intelligently in the Garden of Eden, Noah's Ark carried two of every living creature for forty days and nights, Jonah lived inside a whale for three days, and Moses held up his arms and delayed the sun from setting.
Both religions, like many others, claim they are the only path to God. In neither religion, however, has God ever spoken directly to mankind as a whole; there is always some intermediary. I have always believed that God is too busy to concern himself with the minutiae of our everyday lives. This is different from saying there is no God. This recent discovery about the overwhelming vastness and diversity of the universe makes me more convinced than ever that we're just inventing rules and dictates from God that simply don't exist.
This discussion made me think once again about how narrow-minded religions on Earth can be, and the probability of intelligent life existing elsewhere. This scientist felt the sheer number of heavenly bodies suggested earthlings would be arrogant to think we were the only game in town, as he said with a smile. In light of these discoveries, I find the dictates of leading religious groups astounding. Consider, for instance, the following examples from two representative Western religions:
Catholicism-- Galileo was imprisoned and forced to recant his finding that the earth travels around the sun, because it violated Church doctrine; priests must be celibate; birth control, contraception, and stem-cell research offend God; the Pope is infallible when speaking ex cathedra about God.
Judaism-- God cares what we eat, so non-kosher food like shrimp and pork must be avoided like the plague; God created the world in six days exactly 5,772 years ago; a snake talked intelligently in the Garden of Eden, Noah's Ark carried two of every living creature for forty days and nights, Jonah lived inside a whale for three days, and Moses held up his arms and delayed the sun from setting.
Both religions, like many others, claim they are the only path to God. In neither religion, however, has God ever spoken directly to mankind as a whole; there is always some intermediary. I have always believed that God is too busy to concern himself with the minutiae of our everyday lives. This is different from saying there is no God. This recent discovery about the overwhelming vastness and diversity of the universe makes me more convinced than ever that we're just inventing rules and dictates from God that simply don't exist.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
The Emperor's New Clothes
I wonder whether this generation is familiar with the story that is the title of this blog. As you probably know, the Emperor walks down the road in a parade completely naked, having been duped by two highly-paid rogues into believing he was wearing fine robes. The claim was that only stupid people couldn't see the clothes. Everyone ignores what their eyes clearly see except a young boy, who declares in a loud voice: "The Emperor is naked!" The fraud is then immediately acknowledged by everyone.
Who will it take to expose the Republican "recovery plan" for the fraud it is, so a majority of American voters will be sure to guarantee defeat of the Romney-Ryan ticket in November? Already, I have read critical analyses by Nobel Economist Paul Krugman; Times columnists such as Joe Nocera and Andrew Ross Sorkin; and even David Stockman, OMB director under Reagan. Their arguments confirmed what I already thought about Republican economic plans being just a lot of useless gibberish.
I think it would take someone special, who is recognized as an unquestioned authority in economic matters, above partisanship, and very patriotic. My nomination for this role would be Warren Buffett. If he denounced the Republican plan in the clearly understandable, folksy way that only he can do, I believe most people would see the light. I hope he does it, because there is a lot at stake here.
I am not writing now as a political partisan. If the Republican candidate had the answers, I'd vote for him irrespective of party affiliation. Obviously, this country is in trouble and millions of Americans are desperate for help. This is not the time to push policies that will accomplish nothing beyond blind ambition to win the presidency and serve the interests of the wealthy.
I am not going to rehash the arguments here; others have already done so in great detail. Suffice it to say that shredding the social safety net and giving more tax breaks to the wealthy are not going to produce economic prosperity. It's common sense and historical fact that this combo won't do it, yet that is the heart of the Republican program.
What disturbs me and what I want to convey here are the following thoughts: why aren't patriotic leaders like Warren Buffett speaking out? How can a great democracy like ours function when so many are so gullible? How short-sighted, greedy, and unconcerned about our fellow Americans can the rich be?
Who will it take to expose the Republican "recovery plan" for the fraud it is, so a majority of American voters will be sure to guarantee defeat of the Romney-Ryan ticket in November? Already, I have read critical analyses by Nobel Economist Paul Krugman; Times columnists such as Joe Nocera and Andrew Ross Sorkin; and even David Stockman, OMB director under Reagan. Their arguments confirmed what I already thought about Republican economic plans being just a lot of useless gibberish.
I think it would take someone special, who is recognized as an unquestioned authority in economic matters, above partisanship, and very patriotic. My nomination for this role would be Warren Buffett. If he denounced the Republican plan in the clearly understandable, folksy way that only he can do, I believe most people would see the light. I hope he does it, because there is a lot at stake here.
I am not writing now as a political partisan. If the Republican candidate had the answers, I'd vote for him irrespective of party affiliation. Obviously, this country is in trouble and millions of Americans are desperate for help. This is not the time to push policies that will accomplish nothing beyond blind ambition to win the presidency and serve the interests of the wealthy.
I am not going to rehash the arguments here; others have already done so in great detail. Suffice it to say that shredding the social safety net and giving more tax breaks to the wealthy are not going to produce economic prosperity. It's common sense and historical fact that this combo won't do it, yet that is the heart of the Republican program.
What disturbs me and what I want to convey here are the following thoughts: why aren't patriotic leaders like Warren Buffett speaking out? How can a great democracy like ours function when so many are so gullible? How short-sighted, greedy, and unconcerned about our fellow Americans can the rich be?
Monday, August 13, 2012
Baggage
At the end of a recent weekend trip to Boston, my wife and I packed our belongings and checked out of our hotel, which was outside downtown Boston. Our plan was to spend the day sightseeing and then pick up our luggage at the end of the day before beginning our trip home to New York. The problem was the luggage. The hotel was happy to store it for us all day if we wished, but then we'd have to double-back to pick it up. We finally took it with us; this was a real nuisance, since we came to Boston by public transit. Eventually, our problem resolved itself when we lugged it downtown and checked it with the bellhop at the downtown branch of the hotel.
Over this past weekend, as I watched Mitt Romney make appearances with his newly-chosen VP running mate, Rep. Paul Ryan, I found myself thinking about our luggage. The more I observed Romney and Ryan, the more I saw a similarity between them and our luggage. In a very real sense, Ryan was now Romney's luggage that Mitt will be forced to drag along wherever he goes until Election Day. I could easily be wrong-- maybe it's because I'm a liberal Democrat-- but to me it seemed that Romney's smile sometimes looked slightly like a rueful grin. I could swear I saw the same look on John McCain's face after he picked Sarah Palin for his ticket.
Make no mistake: this is baggage, not luggage! Already, Mitt is going to Florida, but Ryan has been detoured to the Midwest lest he offend the millions of Medicare retirees in South Florida. Mitt can go wherever he wants but, like us at the end of the day, he's got to reclaim his baggage.
Until now, Romney could bob and weave when it came to policy pronouncements and positions. I think he rather enjoyed being nimble and changing positions as circumstances dictated. It won't be so easy going forward from this point and, unlike my wife and me, he isn't going to find a friendly drop-off spot for the duration.
The rich elite, right-wing conservatives, and the Tea Partyers may be thrilled, but there are clearly more Obama supporters out there than loyal Republicans. Choosing Ryan won't overcome the gap, which Romney recognized and attempted to close with his VP pick. BTW, I've noticed that Romney's campaign photos in the papers and on TV always seem to be taken at an angle which mask the relatively small size of his crowds at campaign stops. I noticed the same treatment with the McCain campaign.
Over this past weekend, as I watched Mitt Romney make appearances with his newly-chosen VP running mate, Rep. Paul Ryan, I found myself thinking about our luggage. The more I observed Romney and Ryan, the more I saw a similarity between them and our luggage. In a very real sense, Ryan was now Romney's luggage that Mitt will be forced to drag along wherever he goes until Election Day. I could easily be wrong-- maybe it's because I'm a liberal Democrat-- but to me it seemed that Romney's smile sometimes looked slightly like a rueful grin. I could swear I saw the same look on John McCain's face after he picked Sarah Palin for his ticket.
Make no mistake: this is baggage, not luggage! Already, Mitt is going to Florida, but Ryan has been detoured to the Midwest lest he offend the millions of Medicare retirees in South Florida. Mitt can go wherever he wants but, like us at the end of the day, he's got to reclaim his baggage.
Until now, Romney could bob and weave when it came to policy pronouncements and positions. I think he rather enjoyed being nimble and changing positions as circumstances dictated. It won't be so easy going forward from this point and, unlike my wife and me, he isn't going to find a friendly drop-off spot for the duration.
The rich elite, right-wing conservatives, and the Tea Partyers may be thrilled, but there are clearly more Obama supporters out there than loyal Republicans. Choosing Ryan won't overcome the gap, which Romney recognized and attempted to close with his VP pick. BTW, I've noticed that Romney's campaign photos in the papers and on TV always seem to be taken at an angle which mask the relatively small size of his crowds at campaign stops. I noticed the same treatment with the McCain campaign.
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Brooklyn ArtIsts
In 1997, when Arnold Lehman returned to Brooklyn to become Director of the Brooklyn Museum of Art, I suggested at a get-acquainted bagel breakfast that he consider showing and possibly making available for sale artwork by contemporary Brooklyn artists. I had seen this done successfully at other museums in and outside New York. I was disappointed that Dr. Lehman rejected my suggestion, saying it was the wrong business for the museum.
Today, only 15 years later, I received an email from the museum sponsoring a showing of artwork by Brooklyn artists in their studios next month! I am writing this blog to urge everyone who can to attend. With the prestige of the Brooklyn Museum behind this undertaking, over 1800 Brooklyn artists have signed up to participate. I know a number of these artists personally, and have seen work by many more at various venues over the years. I am delighted that Dr. Lehman and the museum have undertaken this project, and I anticipate that everyone involved will be happy with the results.
Google "Gobrooklynart" and you can get all the details. The Open Studio showings will take place on September 8 and 9, 2012, at locations throughout the borough. The website contains information about each artist and provides examples of their work. Given the large number of participants, I intend to spend some time before the opening reviewing their listings so I can try to determine the best artists to visit. It does not appear that the work will officially be available for sale. Tickets are not needed and the showings are free.
I intend to provide a list of artists whose work appeals to me from their online portfolios. For anyone who has similar art taste as me, my choices may be a useful supplement to your own selections.
I'm really excited about this exhibition. As you know, there are thousands of artists working in Brooklyn these days. Many of them have gallery and sometimes museum shows, but many more are talented without the opportunity to show their work. The chance to discover beautiful artwork has always been a thrill for me. This show will afford everyone who participates the same experience.
Today, only 15 years later, I received an email from the museum sponsoring a showing of artwork by Brooklyn artists in their studios next month! I am writing this blog to urge everyone who can to attend. With the prestige of the Brooklyn Museum behind this undertaking, over 1800 Brooklyn artists have signed up to participate. I know a number of these artists personally, and have seen work by many more at various venues over the years. I am delighted that Dr. Lehman and the museum have undertaken this project, and I anticipate that everyone involved will be happy with the results.
Google "Gobrooklynart" and you can get all the details. The Open Studio showings will take place on September 8 and 9, 2012, at locations throughout the borough. The website contains information about each artist and provides examples of their work. Given the large number of participants, I intend to spend some time before the opening reviewing their listings so I can try to determine the best artists to visit. It does not appear that the work will officially be available for sale. Tickets are not needed and the showings are free.
I intend to provide a list of artists whose work appeals to me from their online portfolios. For anyone who has similar art taste as me, my choices may be a useful supplement to your own selections.
I'm really excited about this exhibition. As you know, there are thousands of artists working in Brooklyn these days. Many of them have gallery and sometimes museum shows, but many more are talented without the opportunity to show their work. The chance to discover beautiful artwork has always been a thrill for me. This show will afford everyone who participates the same experience.
Paul Ryan
Paul Ryan!
The 42 year old Republican Congressman, Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, who currently serves as Chairman of the House Budget Committee, is Mitt Romney's choice for Vice President on the Repulican ticket. This is wonderful! This is the best thing that has happened to the Republicans since John McCain's selection of Sarah Palin as his running mate and, before that, Newt Gingrich and his Contract With America.
As a Democrat and Obama supporter, I couldn't be happier. I already thought Mitt Romney was going to lose the election, but now I'm sure of it. As an American first, I'm even happier, because Mitt's endorsement of Ryan will demonstrate the stupidity and potential destructiveness of their policies for the country. Mitt has irrevocably opened a huge sinkhole, as McCain did, and irrevocably fallen into it. Hallelujah!
Specifically, the reason I am so thrilled is that Paul Ryan's theories are an impossible combination of unappealing and unworkable-- except to the rich and the ignorant. His basic program is to stop federal borrowing and reduce the federal deficit by a dramatic reduction in federal spending. To accomplish this goal, a drastic reduction in social programs would be enacted. In some form or other, programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, would be drastically changed and/or cut back. The next idea would be to privatize many government programs. The key concept will be to make individual Americans take greater responsibility for their own welfare and fate. Think Ayn Rand (who Ryan greatly admires) and the Western frontier spirit.
Along the way, Ryan's policies would result, unbelievably and incredibly, in further tax reductions for the wealthy. His selection heralds victory for the rich, the Tea Party, and the right wing of the Republican Party. For the majority of Americans, it's not so good. Hopefully, the Republicans will not be able to hide the popular deductions his plan would need to eliminate, such as the mortgage interest deduction, in order to balance a Ryan budget, or the lasting damage it would do to most Americans and the nation itself.
Now Americans have a clear and stark choice. In the end, I believe the 99% will see the light and reject this ticket and its program, despite massive Republican advertising. As the fat cats say on Wall Street, you can dress up a pig with lipstick, but it's still a pig. Let the games begin!
The 42 year old Republican Congressman, Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, who currently serves as Chairman of the House Budget Committee, is Mitt Romney's choice for Vice President on the Repulican ticket. This is wonderful! This is the best thing that has happened to the Republicans since John McCain's selection of Sarah Palin as his running mate and, before that, Newt Gingrich and his Contract With America.
As a Democrat and Obama supporter, I couldn't be happier. I already thought Mitt Romney was going to lose the election, but now I'm sure of it. As an American first, I'm even happier, because Mitt's endorsement of Ryan will demonstrate the stupidity and potential destructiveness of their policies for the country. Mitt has irrevocably opened a huge sinkhole, as McCain did, and irrevocably fallen into it. Hallelujah!
Specifically, the reason I am so thrilled is that Paul Ryan's theories are an impossible combination of unappealing and unworkable-- except to the rich and the ignorant. His basic program is to stop federal borrowing and reduce the federal deficit by a dramatic reduction in federal spending. To accomplish this goal, a drastic reduction in social programs would be enacted. In some form or other, programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, would be drastically changed and/or cut back. The next idea would be to privatize many government programs. The key concept will be to make individual Americans take greater responsibility for their own welfare and fate. Think Ayn Rand (who Ryan greatly admires) and the Western frontier spirit.
Along the way, Ryan's policies would result, unbelievably and incredibly, in further tax reductions for the wealthy. His selection heralds victory for the rich, the Tea Party, and the right wing of the Republican Party. For the majority of Americans, it's not so good. Hopefully, the Republicans will not be able to hide the popular deductions his plan would need to eliminate, such as the mortgage interest deduction, in order to balance a Ryan budget, or the lasting damage it would do to most Americans and the nation itself.
Now Americans have a clear and stark choice. In the end, I believe the 99% will see the light and reject this ticket and its program, despite massive Republican advertising. As the fat cats say on Wall Street, you can dress up a pig with lipstick, but it's still a pig. Let the games begin!
Friday, August 10, 2012
Orthodox Judaism
The most important thing to say is that if it were not for the Orthodox, Judaism in America might by now be approaching life support. I am referring here to Jews who may be proud of their heritage, contribute to Israel through UJA, and attend synogogue on High Holy Days, but are not strictly observant. There is about a 50% rate of intermarriage among the offspring of "secular" Jews; this typically results in assimilation into the American mainstream and the disappearance of passionate religious belief and practice.
Having given due respect and credit to Orthodox Judaism, I have never been able to understand some of their practices and beliefs. For example, do religious Jews really believe that the Earth is only 5,772 years old? Similarly, do they really believe that God would be offended if women served as rabbis, were called to the Torah, or sat next to their husbands in synagogue? The irrationality of some of these practices was brought home to me last weekend while I waited in a subway station for the train to arrive. Everyone was appropriately dressed for a summer heat wave in shorts and short sleeve shirts except an Orthodox Jewish man and his young son. Despite heat approaching 100 degrees, this gentleman was dressed in a long black suit and signature black hat. It gets more serious when one remembers that Orthodox Jews in Israel have physically harassed female children for wearing what they considered "immodest" clothing.
Some of the practices seem outright looney to me. My favorite was the time Orthodox Jews in New York City ran out to buy expensive water filters when microscopic organisms, invisible to the naked eye, were reported to exist in the City's drinking water. These creatures were not considered a health hazard but simply non-kosher. It is more serious when Orthodox Jews in Israel believe they should be exempt from military service so they can study Torah full time. It is also totally unfair to say that an Orthodox Jewish woman cannot get divorced these days without obtaining a "get" from her husband, which he may arbitrarily refuse to give. My understanding is also that the Orthodox rabbis in Israel assert the right to decide who is a Jew, and that anyone who is not Orthodox does not qualify.
It is time to modernize and liberalize some customs of this ancient and beautiful religion. Tikkun olam-- repairing the world-- can usefully start at home. Fortunately, most of their practices are peaceful and harm no one, but change is sometimes good.
Having given due respect and credit to Orthodox Judaism, I have never been able to understand some of their practices and beliefs. For example, do religious Jews really believe that the Earth is only 5,772 years old? Similarly, do they really believe that God would be offended if women served as rabbis, were called to the Torah, or sat next to their husbands in synagogue? The irrationality of some of these practices was brought home to me last weekend while I waited in a subway station for the train to arrive. Everyone was appropriately dressed for a summer heat wave in shorts and short sleeve shirts except an Orthodox Jewish man and his young son. Despite heat approaching 100 degrees, this gentleman was dressed in a long black suit and signature black hat. It gets more serious when one remembers that Orthodox Jews in Israel have physically harassed female children for wearing what they considered "immodest" clothing.
Some of the practices seem outright looney to me. My favorite was the time Orthodox Jews in New York City ran out to buy expensive water filters when microscopic organisms, invisible to the naked eye, were reported to exist in the City's drinking water. These creatures were not considered a health hazard but simply non-kosher. It is more serious when Orthodox Jews in Israel believe they should be exempt from military service so they can study Torah full time. It is also totally unfair to say that an Orthodox Jewish woman cannot get divorced these days without obtaining a "get" from her husband, which he may arbitrarily refuse to give. My understanding is also that the Orthodox rabbis in Israel assert the right to decide who is a Jew, and that anyone who is not Orthodox does not qualify.
It is time to modernize and liberalize some customs of this ancient and beautiful religion. Tikkun olam-- repairing the world-- can usefully start at home. Fortunately, most of their practices are peaceful and harm no one, but change is sometimes good.
Monday, August 6, 2012
Change
They say the one constant you can always rely on is change. Things were not always this way. I recently saw an exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum entitled "The Dawn of Egyptian Art". The show displayed the art produced by Egyptians for a couple of thousand years before the pharaohs. Very little changed for centuries, although even there a gradual evolution took place. It's fortunate that some things change over time. For instance, in those days the local rulers wore a bull's tail from their behinds to represent their power and position of leadership. Can you imagine Barack Obama or Mitt Romney going around like that today?
I was thinking about dramatic changes in my everyday life. On top of my list would be cellphones, a dramatic change from stationary phones. The ability to keep in touch after you've left home is a godsend. I remember trips abroad or just meeting up in a huge crowd. Now it's a no-brainer; formerly it was nearly impossible.
The Internet would likewise be at the top of anyone's list. This development has literally changed the world. The idea that entire revolutions could be organized and carried out on laptops or mobile devices would have been inconceivable a few years ago. I would like to mention Yelp here, which has made printed restaurant guides obsolete. I've never had better meals out since following their online reviews. I've even become a reviewer myself.
Some changes are going to be a mixed bag for me. For example, I love that you can get books and tapes online. On the other hand, I can envision a day when having a home library may appear hopelessly old-fashioned and a stupid waste of space. The trend has already adversely affected newspapers, book publishers, and bookstores.
I close by relating a small exchange I overheard this past weekend between a mother and her young son at a local flea market. "What's this?", the boy wanted to know, pointing to a black piece of machinery on the antique dealer's table. "That's a typewriter", the mother replied, as the boy continued to stare at this archaic object from the distant 20th century.
I believe the saying I selected as the motto appearing at the top of my Yelp reviews says it all. It reads: "Change is inevitable, except from vending machines."
I was thinking about dramatic changes in my everyday life. On top of my list would be cellphones, a dramatic change from stationary phones. The ability to keep in touch after you've left home is a godsend. I remember trips abroad or just meeting up in a huge crowd. Now it's a no-brainer; formerly it was nearly impossible.
The Internet would likewise be at the top of anyone's list. This development has literally changed the world. The idea that entire revolutions could be organized and carried out on laptops or mobile devices would have been inconceivable a few years ago. I would like to mention Yelp here, which has made printed restaurant guides obsolete. I've never had better meals out since following their online reviews. I've even become a reviewer myself.
Some changes are going to be a mixed bag for me. For example, I love that you can get books and tapes online. On the other hand, I can envision a day when having a home library may appear hopelessly old-fashioned and a stupid waste of space. The trend has already adversely affected newspapers, book publishers, and bookstores.
I close by relating a small exchange I overheard this past weekend between a mother and her young son at a local flea market. "What's this?", the boy wanted to know, pointing to a black piece of machinery on the antique dealer's table. "That's a typewriter", the mother replied, as the boy continued to stare at this archaic object from the distant 20th century.
I believe the saying I selected as the motto appearing at the top of my Yelp reviews says it all. It reads: "Change is inevitable, except from vending machines."
Cybersecurity
In the Godfather saga, one of the recurring concerns was security. They were endlessly arranging meetings, and the issue of who was providing security was a vital question. In fact, interfamily mob warfare first broke out after a careless comment made by Sonny Corleone about who was guaranteeing security for a proposed meeting.
Sad to say, this country has apparently still not learned its lesson, despite Pearl Harbor and more recently the World Trade Center. The latest news is that a bill in the US Senate to increase funding for cybersecurity was defeated this week. As a result, our nation will remain open and vulnerable to computer attacks by our enemies, whether it be state-sponsored or by terrorists. To make matters worse, everyone is in complete agreement concerning our vulnerability and the possibility of a crippling attack at any time. Despite agreement by all parties, we are going to leave ourselves open to attack for the foreseeable future. When asked about this state of affairs, the Administration official in charge of cyberwarfare stated bluntly that he was surprised a crippling attack had not yet occurred.
Apparently, a cyberattack could take the form of a computer attack against our electrical grid, which could have the effect of creating a blackout that would affect anything dependent upon electricity to function. I am no expert, but this would seem to cover almost everything imaginable in a modern society. From what I read, such a crippling blow could not easily or quickly be rectified.
We spend over a half trillion dollars every year on our military for security, an amount equal to the next 10 nations combined, yet we leave ourselves open to cyberattack because of political differences! Typically, it seems another disaster will be required before we can get moving on this problem. In the meantime, we will remain painfully vulnerable to disaster.
Something like this-- which apparently no one disputes as a clear and present danger--makes me feel very angry and insecure. It demonstrates the depths to which our feckless politicians are willing to go for short-term partisan advantage, and to please business interests opposed to necessary defensive measures.
The Senate vote didn't even make front page news.
Sad to say, this country has apparently still not learned its lesson, despite Pearl Harbor and more recently the World Trade Center. The latest news is that a bill in the US Senate to increase funding for cybersecurity was defeated this week. As a result, our nation will remain open and vulnerable to computer attacks by our enemies, whether it be state-sponsored or by terrorists. To make matters worse, everyone is in complete agreement concerning our vulnerability and the possibility of a crippling attack at any time. Despite agreement by all parties, we are going to leave ourselves open to attack for the foreseeable future. When asked about this state of affairs, the Administration official in charge of cyberwarfare stated bluntly that he was surprised a crippling attack had not yet occurred.
Apparently, a cyberattack could take the form of a computer attack against our electrical grid, which could have the effect of creating a blackout that would affect anything dependent upon electricity to function. I am no expert, but this would seem to cover almost everything imaginable in a modern society. From what I read, such a crippling blow could not easily or quickly be rectified.
We spend over a half trillion dollars every year on our military for security, an amount equal to the next 10 nations combined, yet we leave ourselves open to cyberattack because of political differences! Typically, it seems another disaster will be required before we can get moving on this problem. In the meantime, we will remain painfully vulnerable to disaster.
Something like this-- which apparently no one disputes as a clear and present danger--makes me feel very angry and insecure. It demonstrates the depths to which our feckless politicians are willing to go for short-term partisan advantage, and to please business interests opposed to necessary defensive measures.
The Senate vote didn't even make front page news.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
NYC Foods
I read with great interest a full page article with photos written by Mimi Sheraton, a former food critic at The New York Times, in the Food Section of yesterday's Times. Not only did she discuss in detail the "true New York classics", as she called them, but she analyzed the factors which made them great and listed the best places to find them.
Her article covered the following categories: hot dogs, cheesecake, bagels, Jewish rye bread, pastrami, pizza, Manhattan clam chowder, and bialys. The first six of these categories are my favorites. In fact, readers of this blog may recall a recent entry in which I say that my last meal would be a pastrami sandwich on Jewish rye at Katz's, one of the selections in the article. The only thoughts I would add to her excellent discussion involve ambience and accompaniments. By that I mean that it adds to the experience to eat your deli at a place like Katz's on Manhattan's Lower East Side or your chowder at a seaside restaurant in Brooklyn's Sheepshead Bay, rather than having takeout or delivery. Also, when I have a pastrami sandwich on rye, I want Dijon mustard, a side of French fries, and an ice cold bottle of Dr. Brown's cream soda with it. Some may disagree, but I also think mustard and sauerkraut on a lightly toasted bun are essential for a Nathan's or Hebrew National hotdog.
I have eaten at almost every place she cites in her article as the best places for these foods, and can attest to the excellence of her choices. Those I have missed can expect to see me in the future. Some of these places evoke fond memories for me. For example, Nathan's was always the final destination for my bike rides down Ocean Parkway or visits to Brighton Beach while growing up in Brooklyn. The Bagel Hole in Park Slope is a few blocks from our present home, and we sometimes enjoy their regular egg or pumpernickel bagels on weekends. One of the Orwasher Bakery sons is a close friend, and we have enjoyed their products for years. Similarly, years ago I used to go to the Original Ray's Pizza in Greenwich Village and wait in a line stretching around the block for a slice. I'm glad to learn from the article that Ray is back at the same location with a new name.
For reasons I have never understood, it is difficult to find many places outside New York City able to produce these products with the same high quality. Personally, I wish I could eat these foods all the time but, except for the bagels and bread, I guess I won't get to see my sons grow up if I did so.
Her article covered the following categories: hot dogs, cheesecake, bagels, Jewish rye bread, pastrami, pizza, Manhattan clam chowder, and bialys. The first six of these categories are my favorites. In fact, readers of this blog may recall a recent entry in which I say that my last meal would be a pastrami sandwich on Jewish rye at Katz's, one of the selections in the article. The only thoughts I would add to her excellent discussion involve ambience and accompaniments. By that I mean that it adds to the experience to eat your deli at a place like Katz's on Manhattan's Lower East Side or your chowder at a seaside restaurant in Brooklyn's Sheepshead Bay, rather than having takeout or delivery. Also, when I have a pastrami sandwich on rye, I want Dijon mustard, a side of French fries, and an ice cold bottle of Dr. Brown's cream soda with it. Some may disagree, but I also think mustard and sauerkraut on a lightly toasted bun are essential for a Nathan's or Hebrew National hotdog.
I have eaten at almost every place she cites in her article as the best places for these foods, and can attest to the excellence of her choices. Those I have missed can expect to see me in the future. Some of these places evoke fond memories for me. For example, Nathan's was always the final destination for my bike rides down Ocean Parkway or visits to Brighton Beach while growing up in Brooklyn. The Bagel Hole in Park Slope is a few blocks from our present home, and we sometimes enjoy their regular egg or pumpernickel bagels on weekends. One of the Orwasher Bakery sons is a close friend, and we have enjoyed their products for years. Similarly, years ago I used to go to the Original Ray's Pizza in Greenwich Village and wait in a line stretching around the block for a slice. I'm glad to learn from the article that Ray is back at the same location with a new name.
For reasons I have never understood, it is difficult to find many places outside New York City able to produce these products with the same high quality. Personally, I wish I could eat these foods all the time but, except for the bagels and bread, I guess I won't get to see my sons grow up if I did so.
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