Here we are, hanging at the precipice of the New Year, ready to jump. We will still have two of our daughters here, so we will celebrate out with the old and in with the new at home, joined only by my wife's sister and husband, both British but who own a condo here in Sanibel Island and stay until mid-January, and perhaps a few close friends. We stay at home on New Years and have for a long time. On this island, comprised of a majority of "grey beards", it is standard operating procedure. In fact, invariably when you entertain on Sanibel Island, you can be reasonably certain that, come the stroke of nine o'clock, your guests will rise as one and depart. Nine o'clock is referred to as "Sanibel Midnight"! Who knows, we may be daring on this special night and stay up until eleven!
The end of the year is tax time here. We don't have a state income tax, so the local county tax collectors sock it to you with high property taxes. You have from November until the end of March to pay them, with an obvious increase in taxes the longer you take. I always pay them by the end of December so that I can get the tax deduction for income tax purposes in the current year. It is a large and painful bite---but better, I guess, than a state income tax. It's like the old Tennessee Ernie Ford lyrics to "Sixteen Tons": "...another day older and deeper in debt."
It has been a wonderful holiday season with so much of our family here for a good part of it. The older you get, the more you appreciate family and the poignancy of realizing that the days are dwindling with increasing speed and should be treasured.
I make a resolution: May we live in better times and in greater contentment in 2011. I wish that sentiment for all of you. God bless you.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Thursday, December 23, 2010
END-OF-YEAR MUSINGS
It is that time of year when you begin to ruminate about the year ending and the impending one approaching fast. It has not been an easy year for most of us for many reasons. The economy and the state of affairs in Washington---and the world, for that matter---have not made for any sense of contentment. Some random thoughts:
At least Barack Obama ended his year on a relative high with major legislation on important matters passed; namely, the Nuclear Treaty with Russia, repeal of "Don't Ask. Don't Tell" allowing gays and lesbians to serve in the military and extending more medical benefits to 9/11 surviviors. Certainly his willingness to compromise on the extension of tax cuts, even for the rich, mollified enough Republicans so that enough defected from Minority Leader Mitch McConnell's intransigence regarding anything touched by Barack Obama to put the legislation through in decisive final numbers. I wish I could read into this recent success an easier path for future legislation from a bipartisan view, but I think such thoughts illusory and that the next round of legislative action will be rough sledding for the President as the Republicans flex their newfound political muscles. A lot of important work is ahead regarding the health care plan, social security, revising income taxes, not to mention the number one priority of reviving the economy.
From an international point of view, China is really throwing its weight around, as many emerging nations are wont to do. (It occurs to me that we have done so on numerous occasions!) We must keep pressing for international pressure on China to play ball fairly in international trade and in falsely supporting their currency. We must prevail upon them to exert pressure on that rogue state, North Korea, and to assist in keeping the pressure on that other rogue state, Iran.
The impasse in the Middle East continues to be discouraging. We must continue to support Israel as a sovereign state and yet encourage a reasonable compromise with the Palestininans, who also have rights. We must find a way to defuse Hamas which can only help the peace process, enabling the two sides to keep talking reasonably.
Afghanistan is another Vietnam, any way you look at it, and the best we can expect is to cut our losses and get out as soon and as gracefully as possible. I think we need to keep talking to the warlords and try to divide the Taliban, but any hope of a military victory is long gone. Our dear friends and allies, to whom we have given billions in aid, the Pakistanis, are not about to change their ways and will provide safe havens on their border for the Taliban. I simply hope we can enable the framework of a working democratic government, train enough soldiers and police to keep the country from descending into total chaos---and then get the hell out of there.
The hypocrisy of the football world continues to amaze me. The N.F.L. and their stand on injuries and violence amuse me. As I said in an earlier blog, on one hand they produced films glorifying the gladiatorial aspects of the game and then try to enforce rules to mollify the violence. Then they increase the schedule to 18 regular season games from 16, which wil surely result in more injuries because by the end of the season bodies are sore and vulnerable. College football isn't much better. why do we need this plethora of meaningless bowl games? Because they make money, stupid! What about a proper playoff system of 16 or even 32 teams and sharing the revenue with all the schools involved on a proportionate basis on how well the team does? And suspensions are a chuckle: Terrell Pryor, Dave Herron and a couple other Ohio State teammates break the rules and they are suspended for four or five games next year---but can play in this year's bowl game. This ensures that Pryor will probably turn pro and miss his senior year. And baseball isn't a lot better. Do you remember when you could afford to take a family to a baseball game? I know the players needed more money years ago, but how much is enough?
I could go on but I won't...
I better leave you on a more elevated note. In spite of tough times, international problems and hypocrisy, I'm awfully glad and grateful still to be around to comment. I thank the few readers I have for putting up with my musings, and I wish all of you the happiest of holidays and nothing but good times in the New Year.
P.S. Recommended reading: Ben Stein's "The 7 Big Lessons of 2010" on AOL News.
At least Barack Obama ended his year on a relative high with major legislation on important matters passed; namely, the Nuclear Treaty with Russia, repeal of "Don't Ask. Don't Tell" allowing gays and lesbians to serve in the military and extending more medical benefits to 9/11 surviviors. Certainly his willingness to compromise on the extension of tax cuts, even for the rich, mollified enough Republicans so that enough defected from Minority Leader Mitch McConnell's intransigence regarding anything touched by Barack Obama to put the legislation through in decisive final numbers. I wish I could read into this recent success an easier path for future legislation from a bipartisan view, but I think such thoughts illusory and that the next round of legislative action will be rough sledding for the President as the Republicans flex their newfound political muscles. A lot of important work is ahead regarding the health care plan, social security, revising income taxes, not to mention the number one priority of reviving the economy.
From an international point of view, China is really throwing its weight around, as many emerging nations are wont to do. (It occurs to me that we have done so on numerous occasions!) We must keep pressing for international pressure on China to play ball fairly in international trade and in falsely supporting their currency. We must prevail upon them to exert pressure on that rogue state, North Korea, and to assist in keeping the pressure on that other rogue state, Iran.
The impasse in the Middle East continues to be discouraging. We must continue to support Israel as a sovereign state and yet encourage a reasonable compromise with the Palestininans, who also have rights. We must find a way to defuse Hamas which can only help the peace process, enabling the two sides to keep talking reasonably.
Afghanistan is another Vietnam, any way you look at it, and the best we can expect is to cut our losses and get out as soon and as gracefully as possible. I think we need to keep talking to the warlords and try to divide the Taliban, but any hope of a military victory is long gone. Our dear friends and allies, to whom we have given billions in aid, the Pakistanis, are not about to change their ways and will provide safe havens on their border for the Taliban. I simply hope we can enable the framework of a working democratic government, train enough soldiers and police to keep the country from descending into total chaos---and then get the hell out of there.
The hypocrisy of the football world continues to amaze me. The N.F.L. and their stand on injuries and violence amuse me. As I said in an earlier blog, on one hand they produced films glorifying the gladiatorial aspects of the game and then try to enforce rules to mollify the violence. Then they increase the schedule to 18 regular season games from 16, which wil surely result in more injuries because by the end of the season bodies are sore and vulnerable. College football isn't much better. why do we need this plethora of meaningless bowl games? Because they make money, stupid! What about a proper playoff system of 16 or even 32 teams and sharing the revenue with all the schools involved on a proportionate basis on how well the team does? And suspensions are a chuckle: Terrell Pryor, Dave Herron and a couple other Ohio State teammates break the rules and they are suspended for four or five games next year---but can play in this year's bowl game. This ensures that Pryor will probably turn pro and miss his senior year. And baseball isn't a lot better. Do you remember when you could afford to take a family to a baseball game? I know the players needed more money years ago, but how much is enough?
I could go on but I won't...
I better leave you on a more elevated note. In spite of tough times, international problems and hypocrisy, I'm awfully glad and grateful still to be around to comment. I thank the few readers I have for putting up with my musings, and I wish all of you the happiest of holidays and nothing but good times in the New Year.
P.S. Recommended reading: Ben Stein's "The 7 Big Lessons of 2010" on AOL News.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
"GROW OLD, THE BEST IS YET TO BE"
Every day I get many reminders that my salad days are over: knee pains, sciatica shooting down my right leg and overall stiffness. But what really reminds me of this inevitable fact is when I see the young in operation.
Two of my granddaughters, 27 and 25, arrived Saturday from Myrtle Beach SC where they share a house. The elder one, an internet advertising executive, will be married next October 1 on the beach in Myrtle Beach, while the other is a natural-born superb teacher, who started teaching kindergarten and, by dint of being considered the best teacher in the school, was made Developmental Reading teacher. They both are great joys in my wife's and my life, as well as to their parents, my eldest daughter and husband.
Back to the subject of realizing my longevity, watching these two tackle the job of decorating the Christmas Tree, the house and the outside lights was miraculously quick. It probably would have taken me three days, with help, to achieve what they did in about two hours. Then, to top it off, they waltzed over to a beachfront condo we own and rent and, within a few minutes, had that condo decorated so that her sisters, spouses and children would arrive to a festive scene. (We don't rent the condo over the holidays but always keep if for the family.)
Hey, I may have aches and pains ---but I'm grateful for all the help I can get, and this dynamic duo take the pain and pressure out of the holidays.
Who says growing old is all bad? Robert Browning got it right: the best is yet to be, especially when you have the right kind of help!
Two of my granddaughters, 27 and 25, arrived Saturday from Myrtle Beach SC where they share a house. The elder one, an internet advertising executive, will be married next October 1 on the beach in Myrtle Beach, while the other is a natural-born superb teacher, who started teaching kindergarten and, by dint of being considered the best teacher in the school, was made Developmental Reading teacher. They both are great joys in my wife's and my life, as well as to their parents, my eldest daughter and husband.
Back to the subject of realizing my longevity, watching these two tackle the job of decorating the Christmas Tree, the house and the outside lights was miraculously quick. It probably would have taken me three days, with help, to achieve what they did in about two hours. Then, to top it off, they waltzed over to a beachfront condo we own and rent and, within a few minutes, had that condo decorated so that her sisters, spouses and children would arrive to a festive scene. (We don't rent the condo over the holidays but always keep if for the family.)
Hey, I may have aches and pains ---but I'm grateful for all the help I can get, and this dynamic duo take the pain and pressure out of the holidays.
Who says growing old is all bad? Robert Browning got it right: the best is yet to be, especially when you have the right kind of help!
Friday, December 17, 2010
WHERE HAVE ALL THE HEROES GONE?
And another one bites the dust! My childhood idol, the VanMeter Heater, Blazing Bob, Rapid Robert: Bob Feller, age 92, has just died. I worshipped him, had his picture on my wall and followed his every move religiously.
The obituaries have been wonderful: everything from a piece by Ray Suarez on PBS Evening News to a full half page in the NY Times. He was the first major leaguer to enlist after Pearl Harbor and had four years of service with hairy naval combat as a Gunnery battery head on the USN battleship Alabama in both the Atlantic and Pacific. He lost four years out of his prime---and wouldn't have changed a thing. He said the real heroes are the guys who dodn't come back.
In 1940 my dad took me to Yankee Stadium to see my two heroes, Bob Feller and Joe DiMaggio. We sat behind the catcher's net, and we all oohed and aahed at the speed of his fast ball. It couldn't have turned out better: Feller won 2-1, pitched a one-hitter---a home run to Joltin' Joe!
"Where have you gone, Joe DiMaggio, a hungry nation yearns for you..." And, as far as I'm concerned, you could add to Simon and Garfunkel's lyrics, "A hungry nation mourns for Feller, too."
The heroes of that era are scant today, and we just lost one of the best. I'm sure God will start him on his All-Star Team.
The obituaries have been wonderful: everything from a piece by Ray Suarez on PBS Evening News to a full half page in the NY Times. He was the first major leaguer to enlist after Pearl Harbor and had four years of service with hairy naval combat as a Gunnery battery head on the USN battleship Alabama in both the Atlantic and Pacific. He lost four years out of his prime---and wouldn't have changed a thing. He said the real heroes are the guys who dodn't come back.
In 1940 my dad took me to Yankee Stadium to see my two heroes, Bob Feller and Joe DiMaggio. We sat behind the catcher's net, and we all oohed and aahed at the speed of his fast ball. It couldn't have turned out better: Feller won 2-1, pitched a one-hitter---a home run to Joltin' Joe!
"Where have you gone, Joe DiMaggio, a hungry nation yearns for you..." And, as far as I'm concerned, you could add to Simon and Garfunkel's lyrics, "A hungry nation mourns for Feller, too."
The heroes of that era are scant today, and we just lost one of the best. I'm sure God will start him on his All-Star Team.
Monday, December 13, 2010
JUST DON'T DO IT
For some time, as many of you must also be doing, I have watched the debate regarding the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and the idea of acceptance of gays and lesbians in the military. I simply do not understand why this subject is so controversial.
Are opponents afraid that some gay or lesbian is going to pop out of the shadows in a military barracks and force his or her sexual attentions on some poor straight? If a heterosexual attempted rape or molestation on some victim, he would be quickly brought up for court martial and either imprisoned or dishonorably discharged. The same should happen if a gay or lesbian were stupid enough to pull such a stunt.
As a heterosexual, I do not want to know what happens in your bedroom or for you to know what goes on in mine. It is a totally private matter between two willing participants. Why not the same for gays? I must add that I do not like to see gay parades where sexual actions are parodied or simulated for the same reason---it's no one's business and it's strictly private.
If a gay or lesbian volunteers for military service and meets the physical and mental standards required for service, he or she should be accepted---without questions regarding sexual orientation. So long as a person meets the standards and serves honorably, that is all that matters. In the British armed forces, for example, gays and lesbians have served for years, and I'm sure it is true for many other foreign military forces.
We have enough trouble today trying to find enough volunteers for service. Why should we exclude persons willing and able to serve, whose private lives are their business, just as the lives of straights are supposed to be?
Don't ask---and forget the "Don't Tell" part! We live in a country which reputedly respects individual rights (though I sometimes wonder). Why is this such a big deal? Come on, America, live and let live!
Are opponents afraid that some gay or lesbian is going to pop out of the shadows in a military barracks and force his or her sexual attentions on some poor straight? If a heterosexual attempted rape or molestation on some victim, he would be quickly brought up for court martial and either imprisoned or dishonorably discharged. The same should happen if a gay or lesbian were stupid enough to pull such a stunt.
As a heterosexual, I do not want to know what happens in your bedroom or for you to know what goes on in mine. It is a totally private matter between two willing participants. Why not the same for gays? I must add that I do not like to see gay parades where sexual actions are parodied or simulated for the same reason---it's no one's business and it's strictly private.
If a gay or lesbian volunteers for military service and meets the physical and mental standards required for service, he or she should be accepted---without questions regarding sexual orientation. So long as a person meets the standards and serves honorably, that is all that matters. In the British armed forces, for example, gays and lesbians have served for years, and I'm sure it is true for many other foreign military forces.
We have enough trouble today trying to find enough volunteers for service. Why should we exclude persons willing and able to serve, whose private lives are their business, just as the lives of straights are supposed to be?
Don't ask---and forget the "Don't Tell" part! We live in a country which reputedly respects individual rights (though I sometimes wonder). Why is this such a big deal? Come on, America, live and let live!
Sunday, December 12, 2010
LIKE FREDDY KRUGER, I'M BACK!
I was without the use of my computer for a few days due to what turned out to be a router gone bad and since replaced. A computer geek---a very nice guy--came over and diagnosed the problem and got me going again. I was going through terrible withdrawal symptoms and especially dreading the accumulation of mail which would be generated by several days of not being able to check mail. It was not so bad as I anticipated and did not take long to clear the 95% of junk which I did not want or need. In any case, I'm back in business at the same old stand...
A few miscellaneous and unrelated observations during this period of absence in no particular order:
(1) It isn't bad enough that Obama has continual problems with the recalcitrant Republicans but now must deal with backlash among the liberal Democrats. Wake up, guys: something is better than nothing, and the compromised tax deal is about as good as you'll get under the current poisonous political climate. Compromises never satisfy everyone, but in politics they make this imperfect world go round. The President is trying to salvage what is possible, and the impossible is just that!
(2) Cam Newton wins the Heisman, to nobody's surprise. He is a superb athlete, and the N.F.L. must be drooling. Whether he will end up keeping the Heisman is another story. I do find it a bit incredulous that he personally knew nothing about the financial shenanigans and proposed selling of his talent. Perhaps he still believes in the tooth fairy.
(3) The baseball salary sweepstakes is off like a rocket with the Red Sox making major moves and hitting, for them, new financial heights. Then we have the Cliff Lee bidding war between the Texas Rangers and the New York Yankees--- stay tuned, it's getting interesting. I'm glad the Yanks finally signed up their captain, Derek Jeter; it would have been sacrilege for him to finish his illustrious career elsewhere. And even my beloved Cincinnati Reds signed a long-term deal with their young and talented Jay Bruce.
(4) The Health Care issue is about to come front and center, and this should be a long and bloody war. I read that it is projected that medical care could in thirty years or less be 40% of the federal budget if medical costs continue on the same upwards spiral. Will someone step forward and face the facts and get the ball rolling to start remedial action? And then we have Social Security and tax reform with which to deal. Whoa, Nellie, as the old sportcaster Keith Jackson would say.
(5) In the meantime, education in America , in spite of the efforts of Arne Duncan, the Secretary of Education, is on the back burner, while our kids rank 14th in language, 17th in math and 24th in science in international testing. How do we plan to compete if this trend continues?
(6) Could you believe the rioting by the students in England? From the French, I expect running into the streets, throwing bombs and burning autos---but the usually well-mannered Brits? The times, they are a-changing. British students were shocked by a triple increase in tuitions, and they let it be known, as Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall can attest.
That's it for now. I must get my mind back to the holiday preparations and the arrival of three of our four children and spouses plus four of my six grandchildren. This will be hectic but wonderful. I hope you are in good holiday spirits and ready for Santa.
A few miscellaneous and unrelated observations during this period of absence in no particular order:
(1) It isn't bad enough that Obama has continual problems with the recalcitrant Republicans but now must deal with backlash among the liberal Democrats. Wake up, guys: something is better than nothing, and the compromised tax deal is about as good as you'll get under the current poisonous political climate. Compromises never satisfy everyone, but in politics they make this imperfect world go round. The President is trying to salvage what is possible, and the impossible is just that!
(2) Cam Newton wins the Heisman, to nobody's surprise. He is a superb athlete, and the N.F.L. must be drooling. Whether he will end up keeping the Heisman is another story. I do find it a bit incredulous that he personally knew nothing about the financial shenanigans and proposed selling of his talent. Perhaps he still believes in the tooth fairy.
(3) The baseball salary sweepstakes is off like a rocket with the Red Sox making major moves and hitting, for them, new financial heights. Then we have the Cliff Lee bidding war between the Texas Rangers and the New York Yankees--- stay tuned, it's getting interesting. I'm glad the Yanks finally signed up their captain, Derek Jeter; it would have been sacrilege for him to finish his illustrious career elsewhere. And even my beloved Cincinnati Reds signed a long-term deal with their young and talented Jay Bruce.
(4) The Health Care issue is about to come front and center, and this should be a long and bloody war. I read that it is projected that medical care could in thirty years or less be 40% of the federal budget if medical costs continue on the same upwards spiral. Will someone step forward and face the facts and get the ball rolling to start remedial action? And then we have Social Security and tax reform with which to deal. Whoa, Nellie, as the old sportcaster Keith Jackson would say.
(5) In the meantime, education in America , in spite of the efforts of Arne Duncan, the Secretary of Education, is on the back burner, while our kids rank 14th in language, 17th in math and 24th in science in international testing. How do we plan to compete if this trend continues?
(6) Could you believe the rioting by the students in England? From the French, I expect running into the streets, throwing bombs and burning autos---but the usually well-mannered Brits? The times, they are a-changing. British students were shocked by a triple increase in tuitions, and they let it be known, as Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall can attest.
That's it for now. I must get my mind back to the holiday preparations and the arrival of three of our four children and spouses plus four of my six grandchildren. This will be hectic but wonderful. I hope you are in good holiday spirits and ready for Santa.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
PANDORA'S BOX
Today I read in the New York Times that the F.T.C. is beginning to crack down on internet tracking by recommending a program where consumers would have the right to control, should they choose, to stop advertisers tracking their internet browsing and buying habits. I think this is needed, just as I firmly believe individuals in a free society have certain privacy rights.
I have sounded off before on my reasons for not joining Facebook or other social networks, although I recognize that for some it is a way to stay in touch with or rekindle old friendships. But the invasions of privacy which have occurred on these social networls concern me.
It even bothers me that in almost every news article the age of the person is noted. I realize in certain cases this is necessary, but who gives a damn if a woman cited for a traffic accident is 52. What has that got to do with the accident? I know some of us oldies are a bit sensitive about revealing our ages; personally, I don't care---I'm an old fart of 83, and I readily admit it. But why should a person have his or her age revealed unless vitally needed for medical or security reasons?
This new Age of Information is transformative and has put at our fingertips more information than ever available to the seeker. This can be a boon---and a bane. Individual rights are still an essential part of our democracy and way of life and must be respected. I still want to have the right to control my information within bounds of security or medical reasons. Your computer or laptop can be Pandora's box---don't forget that. You never know what may jump out of that box.
I have sounded off before on my reasons for not joining Facebook or other social networks, although I recognize that for some it is a way to stay in touch with or rekindle old friendships. But the invasions of privacy which have occurred on these social networls concern me.
It even bothers me that in almost every news article the age of the person is noted. I realize in certain cases this is necessary, but who gives a damn if a woman cited for a traffic accident is 52. What has that got to do with the accident? I know some of us oldies are a bit sensitive about revealing our ages; personally, I don't care---I'm an old fart of 83, and I readily admit it. But why should a person have his or her age revealed unless vitally needed for medical or security reasons?
This new Age of Information is transformative and has put at our fingertips more information than ever available to the seeker. This can be a boon---and a bane. Individual rights are still an essential part of our democracy and way of life and must be respected. I still want to have the right to control my information within bounds of security or medical reasons. Your computer or laptop can be Pandora's box---don't forget that. You never know what may jump out of that box.
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