Katrina Revisited
Years ago engineers determined that the levees in La. would not/could not withstand the effects of the hurricanes that [due to “global warming”?… Why, yes.] were a certainty to arrive. Money was allocated to repair said levees. ‘W’ [pronounced doobiot] than diverted these funds to fight terrorism in Iraq [I equate that with fighting mosquitoes in Alaska]. When the levees broke and predictions of death and destruction came true, guess who received the Navy contract to re-build these levees? Don’t have to guess, I’ll tell you. It was Hali-freaken-boiton. If you can read these words and hold down your breakfast, more power to ya. As I told my niece when she didn’t like my writings about her grandparents [see last week’s blog], that Garcia said it best. “Don’t shoot the messenger”.
Nancy Pelosi…
…the next Speaker of the House, has been spouting rhetoric about “getting along with our President Bush”, bringing our country together, etc… Not to worry, fellow Democrats. Truth of the matter is, once we regain Congress, papers will be filed to impeach said fascist pig W, as soon as possible. This is an illegal war waged to enrich the “Haliburton Crowd” [the oily oil people] appease the right winged religious fanatics that financed his “elections” [in direct violation of the Constitution – obliterating the line between Church and State] by “Christianizing” the Muslims. The price we’ve paid has been the killing and/or maiming of thousands of duped G.I.s, tens of thousands of innocent civilians and the death of the spirit of this country. Get out the shackles and take this evil man away in chains… Strong message to follow.
Kudos to the Cardinals
Congratulations to the players, management and fans of this fine organization. As a National League fan, I’m thrilled. It’s fitting that the M.V.P. of the Series is the smallest, most over-achieving player in the game. Hat’s off to you, Mr. Eckstein… As the season ends, so starts my “Winter League”. I’ve a Tony La Russa Computer Game that allows me to manage players and teams from the past. The graphics are amazing. The games are played in the old ballparks. I get to revisit the Polo Grounds, Ebbetts Field, Old Yankee Stadium and many others… Those were the days, my friends…and they never end.
Lastly, now that Mr. La Russa has led teams in both Leagues [the 1989 A’s] to World Series championships, and a serious case can be made for his eventual inclusion in the Hall of Fame, it would be nice if he would come clean about what went down with Mark McGuire’s use of “performance enhancing” drugs. He owes it to us the fans, without whom there is no game.
Amerika… Love It Or Change It
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Help put the ‘c’ back in Amerika
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The Woild Serious
I grew up in New York City in the 1950s. Back then, it seemed, the team you rooted for [I was a Giants fan] was more important than for whom you voted. If Sweet Jesus would have returned during the Fall Classic [and on we wait], he’d have been replaced in the headlines of the local tabloids by such equally well known luminaries as Whitey Ford and Sandy Amoros. Kids would bring their transistor radios to school and the teachers would ask the score. We’d watch, listen, read about and rehash every inning. Everybody cared.
Years have passed and I long ago joined the carpetbagging bastards [Giants and Bums] and migrated to California, where no one cares. Not like we cared back then.The games are on… Anybody catch a score?
Smoking Cigarettes
It’s been years since I’ve puffed- it never really was my “thang”, but lately, for some reason, I’ve been trying to start. The reasons may not make sense to you, but they’re valid. As some of you know, I struggle finding things to talk about with people. If only I smoked, I’d have a natural entree, “… hey, what’s your favorite brand?”, I could ask strangers. “Is that a Menthol?…” A shy guy like me could chat. Aside, I’ve always wanted a hat like the Marlboro Man wears. A real 10, maybe 12, gallon “topper.” Sure I could buy one, but, at this point in my life, I’m undeserving. A real Marlboro Man smokes at least a pack a day. Maybe two. Me, I hate the taste and one puff makes me dizzy. But I continue to aspire to become a “nicotine fiend.” Rational thoughts aside, it does look cool. I’d own a Zippo and I’d learn to open and light it with one slick motion. I’d light up, flicking that first ash in a manner that would impress my fellow smokers on break. I just can’t seem to become addicted. I’ve set goals. If I can get it up to a pack a day, I’ll order that Stetson. I leave myself reminders on Posty Notes. On the fridge, “Wouldn’t a cig taste good?” On the bathroom mirror. “You’d look cool with a butt”. Still I struggle. Nothing helps [gornisht helfin] The taste is disgusting. Maybe there’s a support group? It must be so easy to quit, because it’s so hard to start.
If only I could accept a “Higher Power”, things would be a breeze. Alas.
I’m not thrilled
Yes, I’ll get over it. Yes, it will go down as one of the greatest games in playoff history. Yes, Oliver Perez, an unknown journeyman pitcher, came up big. Yes, Eddie Chavez made the most spectacular post-season catch since Sandy Amoros robbed Yogi in 1955. Yes, only one team can win. And yes Phillip, I remember your words o’ wisdom. “It’s only a game, dad”. [By the way, I disagreed then and now is no different]. Yes, life is so very good right now for me and it should be easy to say, “So what, wait ’till next year”. Should be easy, but it just isn’t. When is it that losing becomes “easy”? Never, I hope, because if losing matters not then winning matters not.
Proud to be a Mets fan…
…am I. This has been the best season in years and last nights game was terrific. Yes, Wagner was shaky but bottom line – we’re alive… 171 games played and it comes down to tonight… A friend asked, “Will you be crushed if they lose tonight?” My response, “It won’t be an issue”… Keeping up a “good front”, the Amerikan way… Aside, I’ll drop the K and restore the C in “Amerika” when we take back our country in next month’s election. Now loosing that would tahka be CRUSHING. Go Mets, Go Ameri-a.
“Dad, It’s Only A Game”…
…said a then four year old “wise man” to his ranting pop when some rally fell short or a fly ball was dropped in extra innings. “No, Phillip, this is a Mets game.” He shook his head and gave me a look I’ll never forget… Last night when the “beloveds” failed to come through as I hoped they would, the memory of his expression helped put things in perspective. Sure it would be nice if they rebound today and then clinch the pennant tomorrow and then win the World Serious [sic], and repeat next year and the next year after that. But if not, thanks to Phillip, I’ll get over it. After all, it’s only a game… That having been said, LET’S GO METS!
Jerry Belson, RIP
I note with sadness the passing of Jerry Belson. This talented, funny man teamed with Gary Marshall to write and create a myriad of sitcoms, including “Dick Van Dyke” and “The Odd Couple”. 12 Emmy awards to his credit. Marshall described him as the funniest man he ever met. Marshall said, “I remember he’d write some far-out stuff, and I’d say, ‘Jerry, four people are going to get this joke.’ He’d always say, ‘More than enough.’ And that was my mantra; he taught me how to do that.”… What a valuable lesson that is. Rest In Peace, funny man.
Comfortably Zoned with Ralph Zig Tyko 