The Australian Open has just ended, and I am still reeling from the impact of the final matches. I thought the semifinal between Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer a taut and exciting four-setter where every set was close but clearly won by Nadal. Then the other semi-final between Novak Djokovich and Andy Murray turned into a marathon five-set nail biter, won by Djokovich after four hours and fifty minutes.
As Al Jolson used to say, "Folks, you ain't seen nothin' yet!" Today Novak Djokovich barely outlasted Rafa Nadal in five sets---this time. in five hours and fifty-three minutes. Talk about a gladiator war in the Roman Coliseum, this match certainly qualified with two bloody but unbowed warriors barely on their respective feet at the end. Epic, monumental, unforgettable, choose your own awed adjective!
Novak Djokovich has developed all the qualities of a great champion. He won three of the four grand slams last year and has now, with the Australian win again this year,a shot at the calendar grand slam. The only one he failed to win last year was the French where he was upset in the semis by Roger Federer, who in turn lost the final to Nadal. We now have a triumvirate of greatness in Federer, Nadal and add Djockovich.
It was great seeing Rod Laver, the last Grand Slam Champion, on the revewing stand at the cup presentation. Laver won two Grand Slams back in the sixties and might well have won more if he had not been banned from playing for six years in the old days when they banned professionals from playing the grand slams. He won the slam in 1962, turned pro the next year and then won again after they allowed pros to play in 1969.As I've commented before, it's a different game now, technologically and physically. The new racquets are so powerful, and the best guys have the fitness level of Iron Man triathletes.
New game. new times---and still inspiring!
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
THE LONG HARD CLIMB
The State of the Union address by the President was effective, although I agree with "The New York Times" that he needs to be even tougher in his views with a recalcitrant opposition party in Congress.
We need to cut the deficit and control spending---that's a given---but the first priority is to create jobs and stimulate the economy, Without reducing unemployment and putting more people to work, how can we generate more revenue to help lower the deficit? An interesting article by Tom Friedman in "The Times" called "Average is Over" highlights one of the major issues, the loss of jobs due to technology, the I.T. revolution and cheaper foreign labor. Friedman refers to an article in "The Atlantic" by Adam Davidson which points out that one out of every three worker has lost a job in the ten years ending in 2009, thereby erasing the gains in employment made the last previous fifty years. In addition, you are fighting not only cheap labor, such as in China, but better-trained foreign workforces. That is why the President emphasized new job training.
The President has made many mistakes over these last three years, although I cannot imagine John McCain would have done so well. I think the first mistake Obama made was putting the heavy emphasis on health care as his first major endeavour instead of putting the full force of his popularity as a new president on the economy. He expended so much human capital and energy on the health care battle, which was a polarizing issue at best, and it cost him dearly in good will. Mind you, I recognize the importance of the health care issue, but first things first: you need a healthy economy with more people working to build momentum before you deal with substantive changes like health care.
Another mistake was to ignore the recommendations of the special commission he appointed (Webb-Simpson) to study the tax code and deficit reduction. Eventually, some of the recommendations of that bi-partisan commission will have to be effected.
Another major boo-boo was to try to play the role of the Great Conciliator too long with an opposing Congress. O.K., give it a try, but it became apparent very rapidly that the Republicans were not in the mood and would resist anything the President
did. He has learned this lesson now, but again, he lost a lot of time.
Another failure: to hit hard the need for repairs to our infrastructure. In addition to making obsolete or exhausted resources valuable again, it can also create jobs at a time when jobs are desperately needed.
He has a chance to win reelection, but he is going to have to be forceful and effective. The Republican candidates, for the most part, are expert at shooting themselves in their own feet, which can only help him. The economy is still not good, although improving, and the economy is always the paramount issue in any election.
The President is going to be on the proverbial slippery slope, which he needs to climb hard and fast.
We need to cut the deficit and control spending---that's a given---but the first priority is to create jobs and stimulate the economy, Without reducing unemployment and putting more people to work, how can we generate more revenue to help lower the deficit? An interesting article by Tom Friedman in "The Times" called "Average is Over" highlights one of the major issues, the loss of jobs due to technology, the I.T. revolution and cheaper foreign labor. Friedman refers to an article in "The Atlantic" by Adam Davidson which points out that one out of every three worker has lost a job in the ten years ending in 2009, thereby erasing the gains in employment made the last previous fifty years. In addition, you are fighting not only cheap labor, such as in China, but better-trained foreign workforces. That is why the President emphasized new job training.
The President has made many mistakes over these last three years, although I cannot imagine John McCain would have done so well. I think the first mistake Obama made was putting the heavy emphasis on health care as his first major endeavour instead of putting the full force of his popularity as a new president on the economy. He expended so much human capital and energy on the health care battle, which was a polarizing issue at best, and it cost him dearly in good will. Mind you, I recognize the importance of the health care issue, but first things first: you need a healthy economy with more people working to build momentum before you deal with substantive changes like health care.
Another mistake was to ignore the recommendations of the special commission he appointed (Webb-Simpson) to study the tax code and deficit reduction. Eventually, some of the recommendations of that bi-partisan commission will have to be effected.
Another major boo-boo was to try to play the role of the Great Conciliator too long with an opposing Congress. O.K., give it a try, but it became apparent very rapidly that the Republicans were not in the mood and would resist anything the President
did. He has learned this lesson now, but again, he lost a lot of time.
Another failure: to hit hard the need for repairs to our infrastructure. In addition to making obsolete or exhausted resources valuable again, it can also create jobs at a time when jobs are desperately needed.
He has a chance to win reelection, but he is going to have to be forceful and effective. The Republican candidates, for the most part, are expert at shooting themselves in their own feet, which can only help him. The economy is still not good, although improving, and the economy is always the paramount issue in any election.
The President is going to be on the proverbial slippery slope, which he needs to climb hard and fast.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
SOME MENTAL MEANDERINGS
Do you feel a keen sense of loss now that Rick Parry has withdrawn from the race? I'll miss his foot-in-mouth disease and amnesia.
Will you be shocked to find how rich Mitt Romney is and why he's close to 15% taxes? The Fred Astaire of the political field is still tapping away or around the truth.
How many more revelations about his personal life can Newt Gingrich take? I'm sure there will be more.
Santorum and Paul keep chirping in the background, but the show is over.
Are the New York Giants the team of destiny? Eli Manning is incredibly poised and having the year of his life. But he lives in a golden era of q.b.s with the two Bs, Brees and Brady. I think the winner of the Giants-Forty-Niners game will go on to win the Super Bowl. I think the Giants, but the Niners continue to shock me.
I don't expect Syracuse will keep up this streak much longer. Parity is looking for real in the top ten or so basketball teams.
I suspect Peyton Manning may be playing elsewhere if the Colts can renegotiate that bonus deal of his. The Colts cannot pass on Andrew Luck. What a dilemma. Personally, I wish Peyton would hang it up and not risk his health. I see him as a coach-owner somewhere in the near future with his money and brains.
Next month will be spring training time here in the Fort Myers area where we can watch the Twins or the Red Sox in their brandnew facility. I always look forward to this training period.
Have you got your tax data together? I have not, but I'm going to do it in February and not procrastinate to early April. That's a promise!
If you haven't see the film, "War Horse", run, do not walk to your neighborhood multiplex theatre and see it. I saw the play in London and raved about it in a blog a couple of years ago. The Spielberg film is less intimate and definitely an epic and just as good as the play. A real upper---don't miss it. I knew Spielberg would do it up right...
Will you be shocked to find how rich Mitt Romney is and why he's close to 15% taxes? The Fred Astaire of the political field is still tapping away or around the truth.
How many more revelations about his personal life can Newt Gingrich take? I'm sure there will be more.
Santorum and Paul keep chirping in the background, but the show is over.
Are the New York Giants the team of destiny? Eli Manning is incredibly poised and having the year of his life. But he lives in a golden era of q.b.s with the two Bs, Brees and Brady. I think the winner of the Giants-Forty-Niners game will go on to win the Super Bowl. I think the Giants, but the Niners continue to shock me.
I don't expect Syracuse will keep up this streak much longer. Parity is looking for real in the top ten or so basketball teams.
I suspect Peyton Manning may be playing elsewhere if the Colts can renegotiate that bonus deal of his. The Colts cannot pass on Andrew Luck. What a dilemma. Personally, I wish Peyton would hang it up and not risk his health. I see him as a coach-owner somewhere in the near future with his money and brains.
Next month will be spring training time here in the Fort Myers area where we can watch the Twins or the Red Sox in their brandnew facility. I always look forward to this training period.
Have you got your tax data together? I have not, but I'm going to do it in February and not procrastinate to early April. That's a promise!
If you haven't see the film, "War Horse", run, do not walk to your neighborhood multiplex theatre and see it. I saw the play in London and raved about it in a blog a couple of years ago. The Spielberg film is less intimate and definitely an epic and just as good as the play. A real upper---don't miss it. I knew Spielberg would do it up right...
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
AND THE CHAMPION IS...
It looks as if Mitt Romney has secured his position as the next Republican candidate for President. His Super-Pacs and considerable wealth have simply buried the opposition. It looks as if it may be possible to buy the Presidency, although I suspect this has been done before, but not to the extent that the unlimited flow of money available in elections has manifested now.
Barack Obama has his work cut out for him. The economy is the central issue, as it so often has been. Remember Bill Clinton and "It's the economy, stupid."? We are showing gradual signs of economic improvement, but will it be fast enough to salvage a second term for the President?
An intriguing idea is floating among Democratic circles: a ticket of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. Verrrry interesting... I think Joe Biden, although it would hurt, would be willing to make the sacrifice for the good of the party.
That could be a major fifteen rounder.
Barack Obama has his work cut out for him. The economy is the central issue, as it so often has been. Remember Bill Clinton and "It's the economy, stupid."? We are showing gradual signs of economic improvement, but will it be fast enough to salvage a second term for the President?
An intriguing idea is floating among Democratic circles: a ticket of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. Verrrry interesting... I think Joe Biden, although it would hurt, would be willing to make the sacrifice for the good of the party.
That could be a major fifteen rounder.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
OOPS!!!
I had a recent medical experience which in a way sums up the frustrations of health care, or maybe just a simple misreading causing a screw-up.
I have had a swelling above my left ankle for some time. I first noticed it in England a couple of summers ago, then it disappeared, but came back last summer. It is not painful, but I wondered what the cause is. My doctor had me do an ultrasound to make sure there was no blood clot---and there was not. Then I had a cat scan which showed a possible inguinal lymph node swelling in my groin. He also sent me to a vein specialist who did another ultrasound and told me to wear support hose for a month and then come back to see him.
In the meantime, a couple of weeks ago, I get a call from my regular doctor's nurse (he is taking a few days off at Christmas), instructing me to go see a surgeon in nearby Fort Myers with whom an appoitment for me had been made. No explanation, just go to this surgeon and a specific appointment date and time. So, i'm wondering what the hell is going on and beginning to imagine unpleasant possibilities. I go to see this surgeon, an ebullient and gregarious Tunisian-born man, who charms me with conversation and then checks my groin. I don't feel any pain, but he tells me I need a hernia operation. I tell him I don't feel any discomfort, but he suggests I make a date after the holidays. In fact, they called me right after Christmas to see if I'm ready to schedule. By this time I'm beginning to feel as if I am dealing with a persistent used car salesman who is trying to sell me an operation and I say I'm not ready.
Before I commit to any surgery and with this feeling I am being rushed, I call my regular doctor and make an appointment,now that he is back to work. I tell him about my date with the surgeon, and he looks totally puzzled. "I never recommended you see him," he says. He looks at my file and then looks up, chagrined. "Oh. my God," he exclaims, "I think the nurse misread the file and sent you to the wrong doctor, She must have misread your file where it says you have a hiatal hernia (a condition I have had for years for which I regularly take Prilosic or the like) and sent you to a hernia surgeon. My doctor checked me over and agreed that, if I had a hernia, it's an insignificant one. He suggested I see the vein guy who could probably deal with this swelling problem.
I had my date with the vein doctor yesterday, who told me my ultrasound showed some vein seepage or leaking in my left leg which would cause this swelling and affect the lymph node in my groin. He recommended I continue to wear support hose for two months, then see him and he will perform minor surgery to seal off this leak. This guy, I believe! wearing the support hose has helped the swelling, I might add.
Ah, the glories of medicine! A misreading by a nurse, a hungry surgeon. Thank God for Medicare! but what a waste of time and expense...
I have had a swelling above my left ankle for some time. I first noticed it in England a couple of summers ago, then it disappeared, but came back last summer. It is not painful, but I wondered what the cause is. My doctor had me do an ultrasound to make sure there was no blood clot---and there was not. Then I had a cat scan which showed a possible inguinal lymph node swelling in my groin. He also sent me to a vein specialist who did another ultrasound and told me to wear support hose for a month and then come back to see him.
In the meantime, a couple of weeks ago, I get a call from my regular doctor's nurse (he is taking a few days off at Christmas), instructing me to go see a surgeon in nearby Fort Myers with whom an appoitment for me had been made. No explanation, just go to this surgeon and a specific appointment date and time. So, i'm wondering what the hell is going on and beginning to imagine unpleasant possibilities. I go to see this surgeon, an ebullient and gregarious Tunisian-born man, who charms me with conversation and then checks my groin. I don't feel any pain, but he tells me I need a hernia operation. I tell him I don't feel any discomfort, but he suggests I make a date after the holidays. In fact, they called me right after Christmas to see if I'm ready to schedule. By this time I'm beginning to feel as if I am dealing with a persistent used car salesman who is trying to sell me an operation and I say I'm not ready.
Before I commit to any surgery and with this feeling I am being rushed, I call my regular doctor and make an appointment,now that he is back to work. I tell him about my date with the surgeon, and he looks totally puzzled. "I never recommended you see him," he says. He looks at my file and then looks up, chagrined. "Oh. my God," he exclaims, "I think the nurse misread the file and sent you to the wrong doctor, She must have misread your file where it says you have a hiatal hernia (a condition I have had for years for which I regularly take Prilosic or the like) and sent you to a hernia surgeon. My doctor checked me over and agreed that, if I had a hernia, it's an insignificant one. He suggested I see the vein guy who could probably deal with this swelling problem.
I had my date with the vein doctor yesterday, who told me my ultrasound showed some vein seepage or leaking in my left leg which would cause this swelling and affect the lymph node in my groin. He recommended I continue to wear support hose for two months, then see him and he will perform minor surgery to seal off this leak. This guy, I believe! wearing the support hose has helped the swelling, I might add.
Ah, the glories of medicine! A misreading by a nurse, a hungry surgeon. Thank God for Medicare! but what a waste of time and expense...
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
KICKSTARTING 2012
I trust you all survived the holidays and are preoccupied with your many 2012 resolutions, which will probably take at least a month to break.
Today two of my daughters helped me dismantle the Christmas tree and pack up all the holiday accoutrements for storage in our basement. We have a cleaning lady whose significant other is a superb handyman with all the skills that I lack; they are coming tomorrow, and Mike will help me move all these items to the basement and, with unbelievable speed, fulfill my wife's "honey-do" list.
One of the two daughters is leaving this evening for her home in Atlanta, and the second leaves tomorrow afternoon to return home to Toledo. They are great women with the additional asset of being superb organizers, so the house is in incredible shape: clean, all laundry done, refrigerator organized and closets never neater. They are great company, as well, and we cherish them, My third daughter is also blessed with the organizational skills and is obsessively neat, so, when she is here, everything sparkles. (She left a few days after Christmas with husband and two sons to resume her life on the east coast of Florida, and now the two kids are back at school.) My only son is a good guy and not here, but he lacks those "clean genes".
We also had here two grown grand-daughters by my eldest daughter and husband of one of the grand-daughters who had to leave before the New Year to return to Myrtle Beach SC and their lives there.
Now we return to normalcy, as our Sanibel Island, which is a real showpiece of holiday lights and decorations will also get back to normal---only now with more people beginning to flow in as the cold weather strikes the north and the snowbirds arrive. Soon traffic will be horrendous on our main drag, Periwinkle Way, which is only two lanes. Sanibel also does not have traffic lights. If you want to get off the island in a hurry, you better plan to leave by 2:30 p.m., for after that it takes varying from one and a half to two hours to reach the causeway that connects us to the mainland three miles away. It will stay like this through Easter and then, gradually, the traffic jam will become less sticky until by May it is heaven again. But we like the tourists: they help the economy of the local merchants and restaurants as well as the condos and inns.
2011 was not the best year for America. Let's raise a late glass to better things to come in 2012. Certainly, in our case, we started 2012 with a bang after this great family holiday. We hope you do, too.
Today two of my daughters helped me dismantle the Christmas tree and pack up all the holiday accoutrements for storage in our basement. We have a cleaning lady whose significant other is a superb handyman with all the skills that I lack; they are coming tomorrow, and Mike will help me move all these items to the basement and, with unbelievable speed, fulfill my wife's "honey-do" list.
One of the two daughters is leaving this evening for her home in Atlanta, and the second leaves tomorrow afternoon to return home to Toledo. They are great women with the additional asset of being superb organizers, so the house is in incredible shape: clean, all laundry done, refrigerator organized and closets never neater. They are great company, as well, and we cherish them, My third daughter is also blessed with the organizational skills and is obsessively neat, so, when she is here, everything sparkles. (She left a few days after Christmas with husband and two sons to resume her life on the east coast of Florida, and now the two kids are back at school.) My only son is a good guy and not here, but he lacks those "clean genes".
We also had here two grown grand-daughters by my eldest daughter and husband of one of the grand-daughters who had to leave before the New Year to return to Myrtle Beach SC and their lives there.
Now we return to normalcy, as our Sanibel Island, which is a real showpiece of holiday lights and decorations will also get back to normal---only now with more people beginning to flow in as the cold weather strikes the north and the snowbirds arrive. Soon traffic will be horrendous on our main drag, Periwinkle Way, which is only two lanes. Sanibel also does not have traffic lights. If you want to get off the island in a hurry, you better plan to leave by 2:30 p.m., for after that it takes varying from one and a half to two hours to reach the causeway that connects us to the mainland three miles away. It will stay like this through Easter and then, gradually, the traffic jam will become less sticky until by May it is heaven again. But we like the tourists: they help the economy of the local merchants and restaurants as well as the condos and inns.
2011 was not the best year for America. Let's raise a late glass to better things to come in 2012. Certainly, in our case, we started 2012 with a bang after this great family holiday. We hope you do, too.
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