As a sports nut and an Anglophile, I am naturally in seventh heaven with the London Olympics. Everything, as the Brits would say, is going "brilliantly, swimmingly". But I have to admit to one disappointment---the opening ceremony.
Mind you, it had wonderful scenes such as the opening with 007, greeted by the Queen with her first acting line, "Good evening, Mr. Bond," I loved the Corgis and the whole parachute scene. I liked the idea of giving some history, expecially the Industrial Revolution bit. The Mary Poppins, Count Valdemort, Captain Hook and the other floats were fun. BUT...I thought the N.H.S. (National Health Service) got tedious and the dancing wasn't that original. I though the musical transition from the 60s to now with the black lovers wasn't all that creative. It was more like a Super show halftime spectacular; in fact, I think some of the Super Bowl extravaganzas have been better. Danny Boyle, you could have done so much more!
What would I have liked? More emphasis on historical pageantry, a panorama of British history from 1066 when William the Conqueror changed the face of history for Britain by beating Harold and the Anglo-Saxons; when the British fleet in 1588 destroyed the Spanish Armada, thus establishing Elizabeth I as queen of the world; Wellington in 1815 beating Napoleon at Waterloo; when in 1940 the R.A.F. held off the Luftwaffe and saved England from invasion: those kind of high notes. Then throw in a little more pomp and circumstance with Grenadier and Coldstream guards---you know, the kind of wonderful magic dust we saw at the Queen's Jubilee.
Then get to the music scene: the Fab Five, the Stones, Kinks, Cream, Led Zeppelin, you name it. Show Carnaby Street and the mod and mini-skirt days evolving to the rap scene of today.
I guess my age once again is showing. It was a just a bit too trendy and "let's be with it" today. Yes, I did enjoy Sir Paul McCartney.
I just came away craving for a bit more meat on the bones.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
OF GUNS AND NO ROSES
In these anxious days, I am reminded once again of the line from William Butler Yeats: : "Things fall apart, the centre cannot hold..." The world seems to be careening from one disaster to another: Syria disintegrating into endless civil war; the Libor financial scandals in London, the polarity of politics here in Amerca and a political campaign increasingly nastier each day; the Penn State tragedy; and now the Colorado shooting. Things are very much fallen apart.
Now the debate will rise up again regarding gun control, and the political posturing and empty rhetoric will abound. The N.R.A. will flex its muscles and spout the usual sound bites about the Second Amendment and the right of citizens to bear arms. I wonder what the founding fathers and framers of the Constitution would say about the interpretation of the amendment today. On the heels of the American Revolution, they were legitimately concerned about rebellions and insurrections and the need for formation of militias in times of need. I'm sure they would be shocked and aggrieved at the state of America today with millions of unregistered illegal weapons out there as well as the plethora of legally gun-bearing citizens.
We can do nothing by legislation to stem the illegal guns, except (1) make the punishment more severe for having illegal weapons and (2) do a better job of psychological screenings of potential gun owners. It is impossible to stop a psychotic who has a weapon and ammo in his possession. Virginia Tech, Norway and Aurora, Colorado are living proof of this statement. A more thorough background check of any potential gunowner can help but is not foolproof.
The gun supporters like the N.R.A. and the gun control opponents are going to have to learn to speak to each other and to find a middle ground where acceptance of the Second Amendment is a given and where both sides work together to enforce strongly existing laws and to add such laws which will preclude private individuals buying assault weapons and ammo unless part of a gun club or association where usage is controlled.
I'm too old to hunt anymore, and at one time in my life enjoyed pheasant and quail shooting, so I am not anti-gun, when in proper and responsible hands. Somehow we have got to put more teeth into laws and enforcement, as well as better screening, to reduce this carnage.
These horrific massacres are happening too often. When are we going, together, to address this problem in a realistic and constructive way? It's overdue.
Now the debate will rise up again regarding gun control, and the political posturing and empty rhetoric will abound. The N.R.A. will flex its muscles and spout the usual sound bites about the Second Amendment and the right of citizens to bear arms. I wonder what the founding fathers and framers of the Constitution would say about the interpretation of the amendment today. On the heels of the American Revolution, they were legitimately concerned about rebellions and insurrections and the need for formation of militias in times of need. I'm sure they would be shocked and aggrieved at the state of America today with millions of unregistered illegal weapons out there as well as the plethora of legally gun-bearing citizens.
We can do nothing by legislation to stem the illegal guns, except (1) make the punishment more severe for having illegal weapons and (2) do a better job of psychological screenings of potential gun owners. It is impossible to stop a psychotic who has a weapon and ammo in his possession. Virginia Tech, Norway and Aurora, Colorado are living proof of this statement. A more thorough background check of any potential gunowner can help but is not foolproof.
The gun supporters like the N.R.A. and the gun control opponents are going to have to learn to speak to each other and to find a middle ground where acceptance of the Second Amendment is a given and where both sides work together to enforce strongly existing laws and to add such laws which will preclude private individuals buying assault weapons and ammo unless part of a gun club or association where usage is controlled.
I'm too old to hunt anymore, and at one time in my life enjoyed pheasant and quail shooting, so I am not anti-gun, when in proper and responsible hands. Somehow we have got to put more teeth into laws and enforcement, as well as better screening, to reduce this carnage.
These horrific massacres are happening too often. When are we going, together, to address this problem in a realistic and constructive way? It's overdue.
Friday, July 20, 2012
THE LONG ROAD BACK
My wife is recuperating from shunt surgery in a lovely rehab center a short distance across the causeway from our island where she has a private room, immediate care and all kinds of therapies to rebuild her strength in body and mind.
My three daughters have been rotating visits to be with Mom and to support Dad. All three are alpha females, real "take-charge-and-organize" types who have been wonderful. My son and his family arrive Saturday for two weeks in our condo on the island , so then the family support will be complete.
Shunt surgery, in case you are not familiar with it, is to cure the ill effects of water on the brain (hydrocephalis) which has a debilitating effect on your balance, can cause incontinence and impair reasoning. (My wife likes to quote an old medical aphorism: the three Ws---wooziness, wetness and wackiness.) A tube with a valve, which can be regulated by magnet once implanted in the skull, is inserted in the skull, carried down under her skull to an incision in the neck and then passes down to the abdomen where there is a third insert. This shunt drains excessive water away from surrounding the brain to where it can be passed from the body. The operation has a high success rate; in fact, we know several people who have done it successfully.
My wife is responding well. She has not complained about her three incisions but only about her knees and ankles. The ankles are probably arthritis, and she is now able to start taking her regular medication for that. The knees must have been the result of twisting in bed post-op or at some point. An orthopedic p.a. in the hospital drained her swollen knees and gave her steroid injections, so they are much improved.
She is already feeling steadier, although this improvement will be a gradual process. The major emphasis in rehab is to rebuild her strength in body and mind (I think her mind is pretty damned good at this point). The horror of loss of balance has weakened her significantly, plus the debilitating effect is a real downer mentally. My English-born wife was a wonderful tennis player and all-around athlete, which adds to her frustrations. Obviously, in her eighties, she is not going to Wimbledon, but we all want to see her be able to resume a relatively active life style, such as, for example, being able to take walks on our beautiful beaches. She has been on a cane and then a walker for some time. Our family and friends would love to see her be able to walk unassisted and, ultimate dream, be able to play doubles occasionally.
She has a challenge ahead of her, but, with the cumulative effect of love, prayer and determination, she will do it. Girls who grew up in London in the war and the blitz are tough. We want her back enjoying the time she has left. That is my primary prayer.
My three daughters have been rotating visits to be with Mom and to support Dad. All three are alpha females, real "take-charge-and-organize" types who have been wonderful. My son and his family arrive Saturday for two weeks in our condo on the island , so then the family support will be complete.
Shunt surgery, in case you are not familiar with it, is to cure the ill effects of water on the brain (hydrocephalis) which has a debilitating effect on your balance, can cause incontinence and impair reasoning. (My wife likes to quote an old medical aphorism: the three Ws---wooziness, wetness and wackiness.) A tube with a valve, which can be regulated by magnet once implanted in the skull, is inserted in the skull, carried down under her skull to an incision in the neck and then passes down to the abdomen where there is a third insert. This shunt drains excessive water away from surrounding the brain to where it can be passed from the body. The operation has a high success rate; in fact, we know several people who have done it successfully.
My wife is responding well. She has not complained about her three incisions but only about her knees and ankles. The ankles are probably arthritis, and she is now able to start taking her regular medication for that. The knees must have been the result of twisting in bed post-op or at some point. An orthopedic p.a. in the hospital drained her swollen knees and gave her steroid injections, so they are much improved.
She is already feeling steadier, although this improvement will be a gradual process. The major emphasis in rehab is to rebuild her strength in body and mind (I think her mind is pretty damned good at this point). The horror of loss of balance has weakened her significantly, plus the debilitating effect is a real downer mentally. My English-born wife was a wonderful tennis player and all-around athlete, which adds to her frustrations. Obviously, in her eighties, she is not going to Wimbledon, but we all want to see her be able to resume a relatively active life style, such as, for example, being able to take walks on our beautiful beaches. She has been on a cane and then a walker for some time. Our family and friends would love to see her be able to walk unassisted and, ultimate dream, be able to play doubles occasionally.
She has a challenge ahead of her, but, with the cumulative effect of love, prayer and determination, she will do it. Girls who grew up in London in the war and the blitz are tough. We want her back enjoying the time she has left. That is my primary prayer.
Friday, July 13, 2012
AN AMERICAN TRAGEDY
"Our most saddening and sobering finding is the total disregard for the safety and welfare of Sandusky's child victims by the most senior leaders at Penn State," said Louis Freeh, the former director of the FBI who was hired by university trustees to look into what has become one of sports' biggest scandals. "The most powerful men at Penn State failed to take any steps for 14 years to protect the children who Sandusky victimized.
That says it all, the sad and damning summary of the Freeh report on the Penn State scandal and tragedy.
It is also a commentary on our times where so often the credo “Image is Everything” is the prevailing philosophy. All the bigwigs at Penn State, President Spanier, V.P. Schulz, Athletic Director Curley and the legendary Coach Joe Paterno all were involved in the cover-up in the name of protecting the image of the university. The tragic consequences of their deceptive actions have affected too many lives by allowing the predator, Jerry Sandusky, to carry on his bestial sexual activity.
Joe Paterno was a living legend for so long that we are still incredulous. We have heard so often the tales of his “students and character first, football second” that it became a national mantra. Now the myth is destroyed. It is a great tragedy but dwarfed by the effects of his and other’s negligence in allowing Sandusky to seek prey, which created the worst tragedy in the many lives affected.
Can we learn from this horrible lesson? I hope so. Too many people, companies, bankers, politicians et. al. are prone to hiding or avoiding the truth in order to protect their images.
The Penn State affair is vivid testimony of the tragic consequences.
That says it all, the sad and damning summary of the Freeh report on the Penn State scandal and tragedy.
It is also a commentary on our times where so often the credo “Image is Everything” is the prevailing philosophy. All the bigwigs at Penn State, President Spanier, V.P. Schulz, Athletic Director Curley and the legendary Coach Joe Paterno all were involved in the cover-up in the name of protecting the image of the university. The tragic consequences of their deceptive actions have affected too many lives by allowing the predator, Jerry Sandusky, to carry on his bestial sexual activity.
Joe Paterno was a living legend for so long that we are still incredulous. We have heard so often the tales of his “students and character first, football second” that it became a national mantra. Now the myth is destroyed. It is a great tragedy but dwarfed by the effects of his and other’s negligence in allowing Sandusky to seek prey, which created the worst tragedy in the many lives affected.
Can we learn from this horrible lesson? I hope so. Too many people, companies, bankers, politicians et. al. are prone to hiding or avoiding the truth in order to protect their images.
The Penn State affair is vivid testimony of the tragic consequences.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
A GAME WITH WHICH I'M NOT FAMILIAR
Just in time for the the last few days of Wimbledon, I got a 47" Vizio LCD-LED HD TV. I was even able to record the first part of the final today while we were at church. I figured it was about time I joined the modern world.
Andy Murray, with the crushing weight of British expectations on his shoulders, acquitted himself full bore and valiantly. He made some magnificent shots, played may close games, one of which took sixteen minutes and twelve deuces, fell or slipped to the ground three times and did everything an athletic human could do---and still lost in four sets.
Many years ago at the Masters, the great Bobby Jones, by this time confined to a wheel chair, made the winner's presentation in the cottage at the Masters. Jack Nicklaus beat Arnie Palmer with an incredible display of golf. Bobby Jones said to Arnold Palmer, the previous year's winner and thereby ready to assist Jack Nicklaus donning the green jacket, "Arnold, you played a game that normally should have won." He turned to Jack Nicklaus and stated, "Mr. Nicklaus, you play a game with which I'm not familiar." Jack Nicklaus said he almost choked on the spot. It is one of the world's great compliments.
Well, ladies and gentlemen, may I turn to Roger Federer and repeat: "Mr. Federer, you play a game with which I'm not familiar." This match displayed Roger Federer as an athletic artist supreme. He floated around the court, even more smoothly that ever, and made a dazzling array and variety of shots: bullets to the corners, unplayable drop shots, crisp volleys, explosive overheads, overpowering forehands and backhands---the whole schmeer. Mr. "Has-Been", who had not one a major in two and a half years, won the biggest and is now ranked number one in the world again, tying Pete Sampras for most weeks on top and equalling his seven Wimbledon victories. Hooray for the "over-the-hill" gang!
We are blessed in this modern era to have three super-stars in Djokovich, Nadal and Federer (the order of their ranking prior to Wimbledon). At least for a few more shining moments in an athletic lifetime of them, Roger Federer shines brighest of all as number one and secured his place as the greatest of all times with seventeen major titles. It was a joy to watch.
Andy Murray, with the crushing weight of British expectations on his shoulders, acquitted himself full bore and valiantly. He made some magnificent shots, played may close games, one of which took sixteen minutes and twelve deuces, fell or slipped to the ground three times and did everything an athletic human could do---and still lost in four sets.
Many years ago at the Masters, the great Bobby Jones, by this time confined to a wheel chair, made the winner's presentation in the cottage at the Masters. Jack Nicklaus beat Arnie Palmer with an incredible display of golf. Bobby Jones said to Arnold Palmer, the previous year's winner and thereby ready to assist Jack Nicklaus donning the green jacket, "Arnold, you played a game that normally should have won." He turned to Jack Nicklaus and stated, "Mr. Nicklaus, you play a game with which I'm not familiar." Jack Nicklaus said he almost choked on the spot. It is one of the world's great compliments.
Well, ladies and gentlemen, may I turn to Roger Federer and repeat: "Mr. Federer, you play a game with which I'm not familiar." This match displayed Roger Federer as an athletic artist supreme. He floated around the court, even more smoothly that ever, and made a dazzling array and variety of shots: bullets to the corners, unplayable drop shots, crisp volleys, explosive overheads, overpowering forehands and backhands---the whole schmeer. Mr. "Has-Been", who had not one a major in two and a half years, won the biggest and is now ranked number one in the world again, tying Pete Sampras for most weeks on top and equalling his seven Wimbledon victories. Hooray for the "over-the-hill" gang!
We are blessed in this modern era to have three super-stars in Djokovich, Nadal and Federer (the order of their ranking prior to Wimbledon). At least for a few more shining moments in an athletic lifetime of them, Roger Federer shines brighest of all as number one and secured his place as the greatest of all times with seventeen major titles. It was a joy to watch.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
THE NEW LOOK IS HERE
I hope you are having a good Fourth of July---light a cracker for me!
My youngest daughter, Lindsay, and her elder son, Drew are visiting. All my daughters are in rotating visits prior to my wife having shunt surgery next Monday to relieve water on the brain which has caused severe balance problems. This type surgery has a high success rate, so we are hopeful that it will do the trick for my wife.
My grandson, Drew, is a computer whiz, and he told me it was time to make some changes in my music on my blog and, while he was doing that, incorporating my musical selections, we got the idea of changing the format of the blog. Keep up with the times, don't get stuck in a rut, so voila, here we go.
You can choose the song(s) you want to hear and then read the blog. Let me know if you like it or not. The times, they are a 'changin!
My youngest daughter, Lindsay, and her elder son, Drew are visiting. All my daughters are in rotating visits prior to my wife having shunt surgery next Monday to relieve water on the brain which has caused severe balance problems. This type surgery has a high success rate, so we are hopeful that it will do the trick for my wife.
My grandson, Drew, is a computer whiz, and he told me it was time to make some changes in my music on my blog and, while he was doing that, incorporating my musical selections, we got the idea of changing the format of the blog. Keep up with the times, don't get stuck in a rut, so voila, here we go.
You can choose the song(s) you want to hear and then read the blog. Let me know if you like it or not. The times, they are a 'changin!
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