Roses are red,
violets are blue, sugar is sweet and so are you !
This place was created near the end of the twentieth century just for the heck of it..
Wednesday, February 28, 2001
I only looked at the speech last night for a few minutes. Mostly at random and during timeouts while I was watching the New York Knicks game against Patrick Ewing's new team, the Seattle somethings or others. The Knicks won, but Patrick got a nice treatment from the NY crowd which never treated him quite as nice when he was a Knick. I have to confess that I have been a fan of Patrick Ewing since he played at Georgetown a million years ago. And lately, I have watched the Knicks a lot because they have Marcus Camby, a Hartford kid who played at UMass during their short burst on the national basketball stage and who I hoped would someday become a Celtic.
Let's see, the speech. What can I say. The adoring press have already told you how the selected POTUS exceeded expectations and how sincere and nice he seems. What else do you want? You won't get it.
Since that is true, and since I am tired today, have a look at this column from a lady that I don't like much ususally. She has a couple of points that I do agree with here.
Some decent political news from yesterday. I know that this is not supposed to be a political issue, but it is and with this Supreme Court, everything is political. Regardless, it remains good news. Let's see how this next one turns out.
That's it. Going to get ready for a new month coming tomorrow. Tempus fugit.
Tuesday, February 27, 2001
I get another newspaper, a local paper, an afternoon paper, called The Journal-Inquirer. It's a pretty good little paper. A little more edgy than my morning paper and a little more blue collar. Yesterday it had a small piece about a guy who back in November killed his wife and dismembered her body. This was somewhere in Oregon. Turns out the guy had once received a pardon from Ronald Reagan. In 1981 Reagan pardoned him for bank robbery. Now hard as I could I tried to find a link to this story on the internet, but I can't. I did find this pardon story though. None of this is really important, and none of it relates to the latest Clinton pardon flap. It's just interesting. Well isn't it?
As is this, but where is the hue and cry from the denizens in the media. But this poll story gives me some hope that the guardians of our democracy will soon start to actually pay some attention to the wacko's team of bush/Cheney.
Does this remind you of the cops who killed the guy in New York when the "saw" a wallet and thought it was a gun. Now the cops "saw" a bible and claim they thought it was a gun. At least they didn't pump 40 bullets into the guy.
At least the Democrats seem to be willing to fight the idiot wackos on this scheme. Now why can't they simply do the same on other important issues.
Time for breakfast.
Monday, February 26, 2001
There isn't much going on. At least not much that I feel like talking about today.
I kind of liked this story about Putin being a vampire. I saw it the other day. And it prompted me to re-watch one of my favorite vampire movies again last night. And no, I don't confuse Catherine Deneuve with Vladmir. Then again, the lizard pin she wears on her coat....
Then there is the fact that the silly little guy half of bush/Cheney will be giving a speech tomorrow to a joint session of congress. Between his lack of understanding of basic arithmetic and his blind belief that somehow he is anointed, that ought to be a pip. And speaking of pip's, The Cato Institute is on the attack and starting to really push the privatization of Social Security. This is a very real threat. These guys are serious. Don't be fooled by this baloney.
This is too serious. Thursday, that's just a few days away now, the Red Sox play their first Spring Training game. That's some relief at least.
Friday, February 23, 2001
It snowed again last night and a little this morning. About three or so inches. We have had snow cover now for about ten weeks. A real winter for a change. And I am sick of it.
So yesterday, they trotted out little George W. and let him have his first big-boy press conference with the guardians of democracy, the white house press corps. The giant elephant in the room was the simple fact that the little guy is really stupid. But never fear, the only questioner who even came close to pressing the jerk for an actual answer to an actual question was old Helen Thomas. Go back and read it if you think I am kidding.
Speaking of the "press conference", aside from hearing Barbara's little cutey using a couple of stupid nicknames for reporters---are these guys really disarmed by that kind of sophmoric baloney--It was so un-newsey that I had to look on page 14 or so of my newspaper to even find it mentioned. But the story of these "buckyballs" was on the front page. Along with the sensationalist sounding headline.
Oh, and this may be a little personal, this story was in my morning paper too. Is she right?
Thursday, February 22, 2001
The actual George Washington Birthday day. And the once upon a time holiday.
No connection, but if you think that this is something to get all worried and paranoid about, you haven't seen this. The spy case is after it all settles out is just another story about a guy who was proving how smart he was and took some money for it. I am sure that it means nothing to anyones everday life. Now the supermarket site is something to worry about. If you have a Stop and Shop card check it out. They know what you bought and they are keeping track.For now all they are analyzing is how nutritious the food you buy is. Later, they will be checking on how clean you and your house are when thay analyze soap. Soon they will be checking beer and coffee. then...well you get the drift. Where does it all end. Meantime I got a big kick out of reviewing all the food that Mrs and I bought over the past weeks.
This recent Supreme Court Ruling by the same five that appointed bush/Cheney as POTUS should be seriously chilling. This is the same gang of five bunch who have been collabarating with the extremists on the right to chip away at our civil rights by giving them to the states except when they usurped the Florida State Supreme Courts Rights to decide Florida election law. Beware so called states rights. Remember just 36 years ago when men like Congressman John Lewis of Georgia and others were nearly beaten to death in the name of states rights.
I am becoming worried that the zealots and true believers are emerging and while we are all paying attention to other things, they will begin to have their way.
Monday, February 19, 2001
Of course, since it is Presidents Day there are the inevitable and predictable polls. And this morning I found a newsletter with this poll waiting for me. Do I have to comment? Reagan, Kennedy, Lincoln then Clinton---all before Franklin Delano Roosevelt. My list of the top four or five wouldn't have Reagan or Kennedy even if it were restricted to just those in my lifetime. In fact.......oh, nevermind.
Then this morning, I read a story in my paper about some rich fool buying a bathing suit that some has been actress wore in a James Bond movie and the jerk paid $80,000 for it!!!!!
And the other day, a has been baseball player----oh I know he was very good once upon a time---talked about his personal "courage" to accept a lousy $160,000 to go to spring training and then, if he makes the team roster on opening day a measly $2,000,000 one year contract. Courage????
Then, hapless Roger Clinton goes and gets busted for drunk driving. But wait, isn't that now and officially an honorable bust? The official arrest of the bush/Cheney administration.
Anyway, Happy Presidents Day. Go buy a car or some furniture or something!
Friday, February 16, 2001
I guess it's kind of like an early Spring Break for the frat-boy. They are letting little George W. go South of the Border, Down Mexico Way all by himself. He's practised his key phrases, like dos cervezas por favor, and I suppose a few others. I know it's a lame comment, but I'm really getting sick of my pointless and stupid daily baloney-fat . And I am not trying to belittle Mexico. Just the opposite.
I guess one of the reasons I am in favor of a more open border, is because the wackos are so fearful and savage in their opposition to it.
Anyway, I guess I'd rather be going to Mexico today than sitting here writing this baloney. This February better hurry up and end. Wait, I know what I will do. I will find a February antidote on the internet. I particularly liked making greeting cards out of carrots. What's your favorite?
Thursday, February 15, 2001
Well, so much for my lapse into attempted silliness and fun. I guess I never did understand that stuff. ( but I did amuse myself).
This story the other day was interesting. Way back while Clinton was still around to wield his veto pen, and the last time they tried to repeal the inheritance tax, I called it the Create an Aristocracy Act--yes I did, go back and check if you doubt me. So now, some of the guys whose progeny would be the new aristocrats are speaking out against it too. Will the bush/Cheney crowd listen?
Speaking of Clinton, I have been wondering how he could have screwed up so bad on the pardon stuff. This explanation in Slate may be the best answer I have found so far. He is simply a pushover for a con, especially from a friend.
Maybe I am a cynic and using the incident, as the Navy calls it, as cheap politics, but can you imagine what the wackos would have done with this story if it had occurred, say January 12th, instead of February 9th.
Here is a website inspired by a quote from the George W. that was particularly obnoxious...the quote, not the site. I just found it and I am pleased to declare myself to be a fringefolk. Here is the quote that inspired this site:
"Well, my picks obviously activated the voices of a few, the fringe people, the special interest groups-whose job it is to make a lotta noise in Washington, D.C." - George W. Bush
Wednesday, February 14, 2001
Roses are red,
violets are blue, sugar is sweet and so are you !Tuesday, February 13, 2001
Neat trick!
Too bad!
Looney tunes!
Big lie!
Good move!
Right on!
Are we nuts?
Monday, February 12, 2001
If there is more than one person in a thousand who really can understand this stuff I would be amazed. But, while no one ( especially me) understands, the scary sounding Human Genome Project is a headline story everywhere.
This simple and easy to understand medical story is more important to our daily lives but it's a back pager and no one seems to care. The wackos in the bush/Cheney bunch are likely to cave to the drug and other medical provider mafia on this one. Ah and well... it's what will be for a while.
Now, here is a medical story that I can understand, and besides it's kind of a fun story too. Way back, there was a pretty good public TV series called I Claudius and I don't remember if this was mentioned . Would have been a good final episode I think.
Here, from The Village Voice, is a summary of the bush/Cheney honeymoon. I will shamelessly ( and probably illegally) link it here from time to time.
My own personal worry about the crazies that are pushing and pulling the bush buttons is their overt courtship of the military establishment and especially the officer corps. Doesn't anyone else see this happening? And why are'nt the watchdogs of democracy screaming? They all seem to be busy cheerleading instead.
Finally,as you know, this is the week when pitchers and catchers begin to report. Meaning tbaseball is around the corner. And here is another example of a guy who is playing for the pure love of the game, and the joy of just being a Yankee. Nevertheless, baseball is about to start and that always is just fine with me.
Friday, February 9, 2001
I am not sure why, but the days are flying by. This milestone numbered year is already over ten percent gone. Anyway, while the year is whizzing along, this tax cut business seems to be getting to be a reality despite these paragraphs lifted from the NY Times article.
"Democrats called the savings for the poorest households illusory: While Mr. Bush boasts that his plan would drop the taxes of a poor family of four to zero, families of four making up to roughly $25,000 now pay little or no income tax. And the plan does nothing to cut the $3,800 such a family would pay annually in Social Security and Medicare payroll taxes.
Isaac Shapiro, a senior fellow at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a liberal-leaning group, estimates that "12 million families, both the poor and those just above the poverty line, are left out entirely" of the Bush plan."
And there are more even stronger arguments that could be made against it. But the Democrats, so far, are still rolling over for these GOP reactionary string pullers. When will they actually start to fight? When will they stop letting the bushies get away with stuff like this. But then there may be some hope from some actual Republicans to at least moderate the rate at which the rich get richer.
Right now, with all the huge projected surpluses, the liberals, the progressives, the rational, even the old fashioned Republicans in the mold of Chaffe should be screaming that what better time will there ever be than now to create and implement a Universal Health Care Plan. So where does one of the few articles about this appear? In one of the wacko sites, WorldNetDaily. Well, regardless of that, it is a reasonable look at at least one plan being talked about to provide universal health care. For others look here. And here.
That's enough...... No, wait. This is only sort of funny, but more important it is to the point. Whose faith? Isn't that the real question?
Thursday, February 8, 2001
The other day, while fixing up the little room where I have my computer and other stuff, I re-installed my turntable and mini- receiver and some small Radio Shack shelf speakers so that I could listen to some old records from time to time. Among them is an old Sons of the Pioneers album. And then Dale Evans bites the dust. Hmmm.
Not that all my old records are cowboy or country. In fact, only one or two are. I got tired of searching on Napster ---just a reminder, get it and use it while it's still free---for digitized versions of many of my old favorites so I hooked up the old hi-fi stereo system and can listen to the originals. It's working out fine.
Oh, since I am in a mood to give unsolicited advice today, have a look at this. Then over the next few days, try to have a look. Last night at a few minutes after 6 PM, we ( yes, Mrs TYHI and I--in fact it was her idea) think we actually saw the Space Station moving along . I say think, because the view was obscured a little by trees, and also because the area of the sky where it was visible is also used a lot by commercial air traffic. A long while back, I can't actually remember when, we saw one of the early flights of the space shuttle in the same general area. Less obstruction by the trees back then.
And just in case you think that I have abandoned the fight for truth in politics, look at this story. A Clinton scandal to top all Clinton scandals. Just imagine if the enemy finds out that we don't have enough 9mm bullets.
Isn't this the stupidest stuff. Maybe we can scrap one nuke and gain enough money to buy a lifetime supply of 9mm bullets. What do you think?
Wednesday, February 7, 2001
Got up this morning as usual, tried to skip C-SPAN and listened to a stupid local radio morning show instead( for all of five minutes) read the paper had coffee, then after other fairly conventional and normal morning routines came up to read some e-mail. I learned a lot about Christ Church and not much else. Most of the mail was newsletters and not even much so-called spam. Alas,only the one real letter.
I am having a hard time weaning from C-SPAN . It's still early so I will have a look while I make and eat breakfast in a few minutes.
One of the very small stories in my newspaper this morning said that over 250 people had applied to watch them off Timothy McVeigh. Weird people.
My politics for the morning is just this Molly Ivins column, and this USA Today report. The "I am a uniter, not a divider" strikes again.
But I have to add this a few hours later---2/7/01 11:35AM---they have "changed their minds"---to see how compassionate we are. Jerks!!!
Tuesday, February 6, 2001
That snowstorm I was waiting for yesterday did hit and it was a good one. We got a little over a foot and nearby places got up close to two feet. Pretty neat.
Today, Sharon--who is as unlikely a president of Israel as anyone could have been---seems to be winning in a landslide. So much for the process that just a few months ago was on the verge of working. Who knows what will come of this. Predicting anything seems futile.
I will try once again to read "Dutch--A memoir of Ronald Reagan" I have made a mental note to read more these days and I might get beyond page 53 which is where the bookmark is right now and has been for well over a year. I can't say anything nice about Reagan and since it's his birthday I won't say anything. Except that under his watch, the country turned the progressive clock to running backwards. We haven't recovered yet.
Oh, and in keeping with the Zippy advice from yestarday, here is Slate's latest compilations of the accidental "wit" of the silly little guy who would try to keep the clock running backwards.
Monday, February 5, 2001
Just the other day I was , well, ahem----"discussing" discipline in school with Mrs. ThereYouHaveIt. She, of course, telling me that I had gone off the deep end when I suggested that certain things were OK in terms of students refusing to do what teachers and administrators said. She especially bristled when I used refusing to recite the "pledge" as an example. In fact I said, any such requirement would probably be a violation of the Constitution as well as an insult to free expression. I guess that these crackers down in Virginia want to test that perception. What's next, forcing them to say "amen".
And while I have been away a second outrage has happened in the case of the cops killing Amadou Diallo. I still maintain that 40 something bullets fired at one unarmed guy is a crime in of itself.
And speaking of crimes, what's this "shot across the bow" baloney-fat. They should have sent a real message and "put one down the main stack" What's to be gained by giving in to the fool? Where has our fight gone?
And in case there remains any doubt about the selected POTUS bush/Cheney, read between these lines. However, I suppose they will continue to let the little guy invent cute nicknames and other stuff.
I like this family values story. You will too. Don't forget to look here while your at it and ...do play the song.
Now a personal thng. All of my musings and hiatusing was doing me no good, I mean really no good. Then this morning, early since I got up early to anticipate the giant snow storm( which may develop later they are now saying) that was being predicted, there was my true muse. Zippy has done it for me again!!!