March 31, 2008
Today is the 5Th anniversary of the start of my favorite television program, Countdown with Keith Olbermann. I know I tend to wax rhapsodic when I speak of Mr. Olbermann. I've been watching him in various incarnations since Sportscenter. But looking back, I think there should be more to it than that. I think that the show is more important than my fleeting hormonal enjoyment.
In a vast landscape of "everything is just fine" news, he is a voice of reason. He gets angry about injustice. He is tenacious in his opinion. Even when I don't agree, and sometimes I don't, I admire his passion. The show is a voice of difference in a corporate media structure that allows precious little dissent. I greatly admire Mr. Olbermann and his show, and I wish him five score years of prosperity and success. Keep up the great work, Keith. And in tribute to you, and the great journalist you honor, I sign off as I always do. good night and good luck...stimp
Monday, March 31, 2008
That dog won't hunt
March 31, 2008
I'm listening to all this discussion about whether Senator Clinton should withdraw from the primaries left to be run. All the talking heads yammering "She can't win, It's dividing the party". Blah, blah, blah.
First, let me make it clear, I have been supporting Senator Obama. I don't have anything against Senator Clinton, I just like him better. I've been a Democrat since I could vote, and in the general election, I'd vote for either.
The thing that bothers me is this. This is getting to be a real ugly fight. Both sides are trying to tear each other down, and this does no good for any of us. Let Senator Clinton run til all the votes are cast. That's democracy. Let the process see itself through. But for Pete's sake, let's stop putting weapons into the hands of the opposition! Every time we Democrats offer up insults, throw nasty barbs, detonate bombs, we are giving the other side ammunition for the general election. It's evident that the Repugnicans are going to have plenty of time to get ready for whoever is nominated. Why hand them the clubs to beat us? If you can't win with your own good campaign, why malign the other opponent, making it easier for the Repugs to do it later? Seems fairly simple to me. Clinton and Obama both have their soft spots, just like McCain does. Let's at least try to be civilized while we still can. good night and good luck...stimp
I'm listening to all this discussion about whether Senator Clinton should withdraw from the primaries left to be run. All the talking heads yammering "She can't win, It's dividing the party". Blah, blah, blah.
First, let me make it clear, I have been supporting Senator Obama. I don't have anything against Senator Clinton, I just like him better. I've been a Democrat since I could vote, and in the general election, I'd vote for either.
The thing that bothers me is this. This is getting to be a real ugly fight. Both sides are trying to tear each other down, and this does no good for any of us. Let Senator Clinton run til all the votes are cast. That's democracy. Let the process see itself through. But for Pete's sake, let's stop putting weapons into the hands of the opposition! Every time we Democrats offer up insults, throw nasty barbs, detonate bombs, we are giving the other side ammunition for the general election. It's evident that the Repugnicans are going to have plenty of time to get ready for whoever is nominated. Why hand them the clubs to beat us? If you can't win with your own good campaign, why malign the other opponent, making it easier for the Repugs to do it later? Seems fairly simple to me. Clinton and Obama both have their soft spots, just like McCain does. Let's at least try to be civilized while we still can. good night and good luck...stimp
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Good sports, or "Hey, those guys should get paid, too"
March 20, 2008
I am a life long Yankees fan. So what I am about to say is going to cause me to flinch a little.
Today, I am really impressed with the Boston Red Sox.
In a story I heard on Countdown, and reread on Dan Patrick.com, the essentials are thus.
The Red Sox are supposed to go to Japan next week for the season opener against the Oakland A's. The players for both teams will receive extra compensation for the trip to the Tokyo Dome. The coaches and managers, the important support personnel, would not receive the compensation. They had in the last two years, but it was not included in the negotiations or contract for this year.
Boston's players didn't think this was fair. So they voted not to go, unless the others got paid as well. From what I can tell, Oakland's players basically agreed. Not only were the Sox not going to Japan, they weren't going to play last night's spring training game. It was finally decided that everyone would be equally compensated on the Red Sox side. Oakland is still working out the details, from what I gather.
In a sports world where there are constant scandals about cheating, bad behavior, horrible ticket prices, and a variety of naughtiness, I am blown away by one team's act of fairness. Of thinking of someone else's treatment. With all the nastiness in the world, two groups of pro athletes said, "All for one, and one for all", and intended to stick to it. Fair is fair.
So, for today, hurray for the Boston Red Sox!
I'll return to hating you later. good night and good luck...stimp
I am a life long Yankees fan. So what I am about to say is going to cause me to flinch a little.
Today, I am really impressed with the Boston Red Sox.
In a story I heard on Countdown, and reread on Dan Patrick.com, the essentials are thus.
The Red Sox are supposed to go to Japan next week for the season opener against the Oakland A's. The players for both teams will receive extra compensation for the trip to the Tokyo Dome. The coaches and managers, the important support personnel, would not receive the compensation. They had in the last two years, but it was not included in the negotiations or contract for this year.
Boston's players didn't think this was fair. So they voted not to go, unless the others got paid as well. From what I can tell, Oakland's players basically agreed. Not only were the Sox not going to Japan, they weren't going to play last night's spring training game. It was finally decided that everyone would be equally compensated on the Red Sox side. Oakland is still working out the details, from what I gather.
In a sports world where there are constant scandals about cheating, bad behavior, horrible ticket prices, and a variety of naughtiness, I am blown away by one team's act of fairness. Of thinking of someone else's treatment. With all the nastiness in the world, two groups of pro athletes said, "All for one, and one for all", and intended to stick to it. Fair is fair.
So, for today, hurray for the Boston Red Sox!
I'll return to hating you later. good night and good luck...stimp
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
A More Perfect Union
March 18, 2008
"This was one of the tasks we set forth at the beginning of this campaign - to continue the long march of those who came before us, a march for a more just, more equal, more free, more caring and more prosperous America. I chose to run for the presidency at this moment in history because I believe deeply that we cannot solve the challenges of our time unless we solve them together - unless we perfect our union by understanding that we may have different stories, but we hold common hopes; that we may not look the same and we may not have come from the same place, but we all want to move in the same direction - towards a better future for of children and our grandchildren."
Senator Barack Obama, Philadelphia, PA
Why do we still need someone to remind us of these things in 2008? I saw the video of Reverend Wright's comments in his sermon. I don't agree with some of the things he said. I don't agree with racial divisiveness. I wish we were past this by now. But we're not. There are people in this country who hate and avoid each other based only on the shade of pigment. I know some of these people, of a variety of colors.
Why, with all that is going on in the world, good and bad, do we need to take time out because we still don't get it? Why do I have to explain to my son the ugly words we use to talk about one another? Why am I 40 plus years old, and still wincing when I hear the "N word", no matter who says it? Why am I still hearing the "N word", or any other racial epithet, to begin with? I don't agree with Senator Obama's pastor, but I don't assume they share all the same views. And to an extent, I understand Rev. Wright's views as much as is possible for a white woman from Ohio. I haven't lived his life. Neither has Barack Obama.
I am not sure what troubles me more. That we are still divided by race. That a man running for President has to stop talking about what he wants to accomplish, in order to defend himself regarding something he didn't even say himself. We need to focus on what we can do about the things that trouble us, the progress we need to make. And I think we need to move past the things that divide us. Not forgetting them, not ignoring them. But marking them, and then moving on to the things we need to solve now. I would like America to become and ever more perfect union. For my family and families yet to come. As long as we are still fighting over our past, we can't move into our future. good night and good luck...stimp
"This was one of the tasks we set forth at the beginning of this campaign - to continue the long march of those who came before us, a march for a more just, more equal, more free, more caring and more prosperous America. I chose to run for the presidency at this moment in history because I believe deeply that we cannot solve the challenges of our time unless we solve them together - unless we perfect our union by understanding that we may have different stories, but we hold common hopes; that we may not look the same and we may not have come from the same place, but we all want to move in the same direction - towards a better future for of children and our grandchildren."
Senator Barack Obama, Philadelphia, PA
Why do we still need someone to remind us of these things in 2008? I saw the video of Reverend Wright's comments in his sermon. I don't agree with some of the things he said. I don't agree with racial divisiveness. I wish we were past this by now. But we're not. There are people in this country who hate and avoid each other based only on the shade of pigment. I know some of these people, of a variety of colors.
Why, with all that is going on in the world, good and bad, do we need to take time out because we still don't get it? Why do I have to explain to my son the ugly words we use to talk about one another? Why am I 40 plus years old, and still wincing when I hear the "N word", no matter who says it? Why am I still hearing the "N word", or any other racial epithet, to begin with? I don't agree with Senator Obama's pastor, but I don't assume they share all the same views. And to an extent, I understand Rev. Wright's views as much as is possible for a white woman from Ohio. I haven't lived his life. Neither has Barack Obama.
I am not sure what troubles me more. That we are still divided by race. That a man running for President has to stop talking about what he wants to accomplish, in order to defend himself regarding something he didn't even say himself. We need to focus on what we can do about the things that trouble us, the progress we need to make. And I think we need to move past the things that divide us. Not forgetting them, not ignoring them. But marking them, and then moving on to the things we need to solve now. I would like America to become and ever more perfect union. For my family and families yet to come. As long as we are still fighting over our past, we can't move into our future. good night and good luck...stimp
Friday, March 14, 2008
A Boy's Life
March 14, 2004
I was thinking about boy's adventure stories. The old ones. Where the cowboys were always fighting the Indians, and might always made right. Before I lost my innocence.
I wonder if, with all that has happened on his watch, our president still has his.
At least when it comes to war. I was watching the news tonight, and there was a story about the President making a conference call to our troops in Afghanistan. In part of his remarks, he said that he was envious of those serving there. That there was something romantic in the war, that it was a fantastic adventure.
Spoken like someone who has never had to go. I don't claim to understand in full what people experience in war. I've never been there. But I'm not sure "romantic" or "adventure" are words I would use. I have relatives from WWII who wouldn't discuss what they saw there. I've met people who fought in Vietnam who were never the same, and fought the demons ever after. I lived at Central Command in Tampa during Gulf War I, and remember how frightened I was that someone I loved would have to go. And this time, I've seen family and friends leave, and waited for them to come back in one piece. I am a peripheral player at most.
But I do pay attention. Do you, Mr. Bush? You've been to Walter Reed to see the men and women sent back in pieces. Does that seem like a fantastic adventure to you? As Commander in Chief, you see, or I assume you see, the reports about the hardships our military and their families VOLUNTARILY go through while apart. The horrors of battle, for both the soldiers and civilians in Iraq and Afghanistan, that never cease. This seems romantic? Actually, this puts a lot of things in perspective. Mr. Bush is living in a movie, in one of the patriotic stories written in years past to keep every one's chins up during the hard times in war. From that perspective, maybe I can see it. If you assume those stories are true, or were fed those stories as part of your manhood or patriotism, war must seem a great adventure indeed. Next time you go to see the troops, instead of spouting off your rhetoric, listen to the kind of adventures these folks have been having while they were away. On this 5Th anniversary of the start of the Iraq war, listen to the reality, instead of tall Texas tales. Maybe that will suck some of the romance out of it for you. I doubt it will spur you to end this insanity, but maybe sharing the nightmares will keep you from saying anything else stupid...oh, wait. I forgot who I was talking about. Never mind. good night and good luck...stimp
I was thinking about boy's adventure stories. The old ones. Where the cowboys were always fighting the Indians, and might always made right. Before I lost my innocence.
I wonder if, with all that has happened on his watch, our president still has his.
At least when it comes to war. I was watching the news tonight, and there was a story about the President making a conference call to our troops in Afghanistan. In part of his remarks, he said that he was envious of those serving there. That there was something romantic in the war, that it was a fantastic adventure.
Spoken like someone who has never had to go. I don't claim to understand in full what people experience in war. I've never been there. But I'm not sure "romantic" or "adventure" are words I would use. I have relatives from WWII who wouldn't discuss what they saw there. I've met people who fought in Vietnam who were never the same, and fought the demons ever after. I lived at Central Command in Tampa during Gulf War I, and remember how frightened I was that someone I loved would have to go. And this time, I've seen family and friends leave, and waited for them to come back in one piece. I am a peripheral player at most.
But I do pay attention. Do you, Mr. Bush? You've been to Walter Reed to see the men and women sent back in pieces. Does that seem like a fantastic adventure to you? As Commander in Chief, you see, or I assume you see, the reports about the hardships our military and their families VOLUNTARILY go through while apart. The horrors of battle, for both the soldiers and civilians in Iraq and Afghanistan, that never cease. This seems romantic? Actually, this puts a lot of things in perspective. Mr. Bush is living in a movie, in one of the patriotic stories written in years past to keep every one's chins up during the hard times in war. From that perspective, maybe I can see it. If you assume those stories are true, or were fed those stories as part of your manhood or patriotism, war must seem a great adventure indeed. Next time you go to see the troops, instead of spouting off your rhetoric, listen to the kind of adventures these folks have been having while they were away. On this 5Th anniversary of the start of the Iraq war, listen to the reality, instead of tall Texas tales. Maybe that will suck some of the romance out of it for you. I doubt it will spur you to end this insanity, but maybe sharing the nightmares will keep you from saying anything else stupid...oh, wait. I forgot who I was talking about. Never mind. good night and good luck...stimp
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Where's spring?
March 9, 2008
I AM SICK. AND FREAKIN' TIRED. OF FREAKIN' SNOW!
I know I live in Ohio. I know it is only March. I know it's not spring yet, officially. But really. Could Mother Nature throw me a bone already? I get one day of nice warm weather, and then two days of a freakin' blizzard. My ride home last night got stuck in my driveway. I think they said we got 11 inches of snow between yesterday and Friday.
I am a total pussy when it comes to driving on snow. A panic attack having, hyperventilating, calling off work pussy. But I just finally got a new job. And since I work in a hospital now, I have to get there no matter what. I am fine with that. I like my job. And the last two days, I managed to find rides so I didn't have to drive. For which I send up hosannas to the gods, and great thanks to those who helped. Today I was going to have to get there on my own. I went out at 10:30 with two shovels, my ten-year-old, and one of my neighbors to dig my car out. My neighbor even managed to get the car to move, no small miracle in itself. What happens next, you ask? Turns out after an hour of digging, I have a flat tire and can't get it fixed until tomorrow anyway! The gods conspire against me! Fortunately, I have a wonderful friend, who has kindly agreed to come (on her day off) and give me a ride.
But I want spring. I'm ready for it like you can't believe. I need rain and warmer breezes. A little sunshine would be nice. I want to sit on my porch and read a book. To let my kid play outside without having to put three layers of clothes on him. To get to and from work without sliding all over the freakin' road. I want green grass, and to see my roses bloom. To plant flowers and putter around in the garden. I want to put my dog out to pee without having him look at me like I'm insane before he goes out in the yard. I don't expect Florida weather in Ohio. But a little break from all the ice, snow, and cold would be welcome. Come on, Spring! good night, and good luck...stimp
I AM SICK. AND FREAKIN' TIRED. OF FREAKIN' SNOW!
I know I live in Ohio. I know it is only March. I know it's not spring yet, officially. But really. Could Mother Nature throw me a bone already? I get one day of nice warm weather, and then two days of a freakin' blizzard. My ride home last night got stuck in my driveway. I think they said we got 11 inches of snow between yesterday and Friday.
I am a total pussy when it comes to driving on snow. A panic attack having, hyperventilating, calling off work pussy. But I just finally got a new job. And since I work in a hospital now, I have to get there no matter what. I am fine with that. I like my job. And the last two days, I managed to find rides so I didn't have to drive. For which I send up hosannas to the gods, and great thanks to those who helped. Today I was going to have to get there on my own. I went out at 10:30 with two shovels, my ten-year-old, and one of my neighbors to dig my car out. My neighbor even managed to get the car to move, no small miracle in itself. What happens next, you ask? Turns out after an hour of digging, I have a flat tire and can't get it fixed until tomorrow anyway! The gods conspire against me! Fortunately, I have a wonderful friend, who has kindly agreed to come (on her day off) and give me a ride.
But I want spring. I'm ready for it like you can't believe. I need rain and warmer breezes. A little sunshine would be nice. I want to sit on my porch and read a book. To let my kid play outside without having to put three layers of clothes on him. To get to and from work without sliding all over the freakin' road. I want green grass, and to see my roses bloom. To plant flowers and putter around in the garden. I want to put my dog out to pee without having him look at me like I'm insane before he goes out in the yard. I don't expect Florida weather in Ohio. But a little break from all the ice, snow, and cold would be welcome. Come on, Spring! good night, and good luck...stimp
Thursday, March 06, 2008
An inconvenient question
March 6, 2008
Last night, in the aftermath of the Ohio primary, my son asked me a question. He wanted to know what the first thing I would want him to do was if he were elected president. Sadly, the first thing that came out was, "I would tell you not to run for president". And he wanted to know why.
I did tell him that if he chose to serve his country in that way, I would be very proud of him. That being president was a very difficult job, and a great honor. And that I would want world peace, and that no one would be hungry or homeless, without a job or good health care. He decided that he would rather be a musician, and help the homeless in his spare time.
But I am rather sad that my first response was not to do it at all. I have always been proud to be an American. Even when we did things I couldn't be proud of or agree with. I think we aspire to be the most generous, best nation on Earth. Sometimes we fall short, like everyone does. We are only human after all.
In my lifetime, I have seen what being the leader of this nation can do to a person. I have watched Presidents grow old before their time, careworn and hard used. The first president I can clearly remember is Carter. He seemed so young and smiling when he first got to Washington. But by the time he left office, to my child's eyes, he seemed to have aged twenty years. All the pressure and responsibility kind of sucked the life out of him. I'm not sure I would want that for my son.
Looking at the folks who wish to be president this time, I wonder how the office will change them. Even when I don't like them, I think it takes something unusual to want to give your life to this country for four or eight years. Men have been broken by less. I'm not sure I would choose that life for my son. Public service is noble, and none more so than President of The United States. But I think, in the long run, I'd rather he were a musician. I'll be proud of him either way. good night and good luck...stimp
Last night, in the aftermath of the Ohio primary, my son asked me a question. He wanted to know what the first thing I would want him to do was if he were elected president. Sadly, the first thing that came out was, "I would tell you not to run for president". And he wanted to know why.
I did tell him that if he chose to serve his country in that way, I would be very proud of him. That being president was a very difficult job, and a great honor. And that I would want world peace, and that no one would be hungry or homeless, without a job or good health care. He decided that he would rather be a musician, and help the homeless in his spare time.
But I am rather sad that my first response was not to do it at all. I have always been proud to be an American. Even when we did things I couldn't be proud of or agree with. I think we aspire to be the most generous, best nation on Earth. Sometimes we fall short, like everyone does. We are only human after all.
In my lifetime, I have seen what being the leader of this nation can do to a person. I have watched Presidents grow old before their time, careworn and hard used. The first president I can clearly remember is Carter. He seemed so young and smiling when he first got to Washington. But by the time he left office, to my child's eyes, he seemed to have aged twenty years. All the pressure and responsibility kind of sucked the life out of him. I'm not sure I would want that for my son.
Looking at the folks who wish to be president this time, I wonder how the office will change them. Even when I don't like them, I think it takes something unusual to want to give your life to this country for four or eight years. Men have been broken by less. I'm not sure I would choose that life for my son. Public service is noble, and none more so than President of The United States. But I think, in the long run, I'd rather he were a musician. I'll be proud of him either way. good night and good luck...stimp
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