Been very busy lately, not much time to blog. But I wanted to comment on the killing of Osama bin-Laden and had a few comments over the weekend about Poets and Madmen. So here it is.
I guess it was only a matter of time. It just took a longer time than what we were hoping for. Nearly a decade after the worst terrorist attack on U.S. soil, a group of Navy SEALS killed Osama bin-Laden, the mastermind of the 9-11 terrorist attacks.
It seems like every generation, there's an incident in which we remember where we were at at the time of the occurrence. Pearl Harbor and the JFK assassination to name a few. For our generation, the 9-11 attacks were one incident where we remember where we were at.
I was working at my day job. Tony, a co-worker of mine walked up to me and said "An airplane hit one of the World Trade Center Towers." I went to the radio at my work station and changed the station to WBZ, a Boston news station. By then the second tower was also hit by an airplane. Soon we heard that another plane hit the Pentagon and news of a fourth plane crash in Pennsylvania. Of course we remember seeing both of the World Trade Center towers collapsing. We also learned about the heroic actions of the passengers and crew of United Airlines Flight 93 who attempted to regain control of the plane from the terrorists before the plane crashed in Pennslyvannia.
Wanting access to a place that had television, myself and another co-worker went to T.K O'Malley's, a nearby restaurant and sports bar. Instead of having sports on, all of the televisions were tuned in news reports of the attacks. I couldn't believe the images we were seeing on the television. Especially the footage of the planes crashing into the towers and the towers collapsing.
The 9-11 attacks lead to the war we are still fighting in Afghanistan. Still somehow bin-Laden still somehow evaded capture. Until now. Thought to be in a cave somewhere in Pakistan, bin-Laden was actually found in a million dollar compound in a densely populated area not too far from the capital of Pakistan.
I'm glad that this has happened. bin-Laden was a man who attacked us and caused much pain. He's responsible for the deaths of thousands of innocent people. He's behind multiple terrorist attacks, not just 9-11. As it turned out, bin-Laden may have not been done since as his al-Qaeda terrorist network was apparently plotting to sabotage U.S. railroads. Some have voiced criticism for celebrating a man's death. But I can't blame anyone if they wanted to celebrate bin-Laden getting killed.
Both partisan Democrats and Republicans are trying to spin this to advance thier agenda (the 2012 election), but I don't want to go there. I have a lot of disagreements with President Barack Obama. But I also believe in giving credit where credit is due. Obama deserves credit for making the correct decision: the chance to capture/eliminate bin-Laden. Much credit also goes to the CIA and the Navy SEALS, for succeeding in a high risk mission.
I know the War on Terrorism is far from over. But the world has one less evil individual and finally bin-Laden finally faced justice for the evil he has done.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Manny Being Manny
GE Tax Break
One news that made rounds this week that got my attention. I'm not the only one who noticed it, but more people should have seen this news item. It was revealed this week that General Electric paid no Federal Taxes in 2010.
The first thing I wanted to say was "Wow! How did they get such a nice tax break?" GE made $14.2 billion in profits in 2010 but did not have to pay a penny in Federal taxes. I work 55 hours a week and have a good percentage chopped of my paycheck a week for taxes. I make a fraction of what former GE CEO Jeffery Immelt made, now the chairperson of President Barack Obama's Economic Advisory Board.
The question can easily be answered. All the tax loopholes that corporations enjoy. Can you blame GE for taking advantage of the loopholes that is available to them? If anyone should bear the blame, it's Congress. They are the one's who make the tax loopholes possible. They are the one's who are giving GE the ammunition that GE is so happy to use.
So while the small businesses and the average citizen continues to get hit with taxes, multinational corporations like GE continue to enjoy a tax free existence.
Manny Ramirez
This past week came the most sudden and unusual sports retirements. For Boston Red Sox star Manny Ramirez retired from Major League Baseball. His current team, the Tampa Bay Rays didn't even find out about his retirement until they heard about it from Major League Baseball.
As it turns out, Manny Ramirez tested positive for drugs during spring training. He previously served a 50 game suspension from testing positive for performance enhancing drugs. As a second time offender, he faced a 100 game suspension, close to two-thirds of a season. Rather than go through that, Ramirez chose to retire.
So that ends the career of what was no doubt, one of the best right hand hitters ever. Now he won't be entering the Hall of Fame anytime soon. If ever. Mark McGwire never tested positive for performance enhancing drugs. Rafael Palmeiro tested positive once. Neither so far has come close to getting enough votes to get into the Hall of Fame. Ramirez tested positive twice.
Ramirez is indeed one of the best right handed hitter ever. But he could be very well remembered for steroids and for his occasionally childish behavior.
One news that made rounds this week that got my attention. I'm not the only one who noticed it, but more people should have seen this news item. It was revealed this week that General Electric paid no Federal Taxes in 2010.
The first thing I wanted to say was "Wow! How did they get such a nice tax break?" GE made $14.2 billion in profits in 2010 but did not have to pay a penny in Federal taxes. I work 55 hours a week and have a good percentage chopped of my paycheck a week for taxes. I make a fraction of what former GE CEO Jeffery Immelt made, now the chairperson of President Barack Obama's Economic Advisory Board.
The question can easily be answered. All the tax loopholes that corporations enjoy. Can you blame GE for taking advantage of the loopholes that is available to them? If anyone should bear the blame, it's Congress. They are the one's who make the tax loopholes possible. They are the one's who are giving GE the ammunition that GE is so happy to use.
So while the small businesses and the average citizen continues to get hit with taxes, multinational corporations like GE continue to enjoy a tax free existence.
Manny Ramirez
This past week came the most sudden and unusual sports retirements. For Boston Red Sox star Manny Ramirez retired from Major League Baseball. His current team, the Tampa Bay Rays didn't even find out about his retirement until they heard about it from Major League Baseball.
As it turns out, Manny Ramirez tested positive for drugs during spring training. He previously served a 50 game suspension from testing positive for performance enhancing drugs. As a second time offender, he faced a 100 game suspension, close to two-thirds of a season. Rather than go through that, Ramirez chose to retire.
So that ends the career of what was no doubt, one of the best right hand hitters ever. Now he won't be entering the Hall of Fame anytime soon. If ever. Mark McGwire never tested positive for performance enhancing drugs. Rafael Palmeiro tested positive once. Neither so far has come close to getting enough votes to get into the Hall of Fame. Ramirez tested positive twice.
Ramirez is indeed one of the best right handed hitter ever. But he could be very well remembered for steroids and for his occasionally childish behavior.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Busy, Busy, Busy
Working over 60 hours last week, plus all the other things in my life, not a lot of time to blog. A few thoughts.
Leo's Place/ Gambling
The main item making the local news this week was the raiding of a couple of Internet Cafe's in Fall River and Fairhaven. Both Internet Cafe's, called Leo's Place were owned by Leo Pelletier, a long time Fall River City Councilor.
An Internet Cafe is a place where someone can buy time on a computer on Internet in order to play sweepstakes games. Pelletier denies that the state's gambling laws were violated. Some local authorities seems to disagree. After complaints and an outgoing investigation by the state's Attorney General's office, state and local police raided both Internet Cafe's. Equipment was taken, making forcing Pelletier to close down his Internet Cafe's for the foreseeable future.
I'm not a lawyer. I don't know if Leo's Place violated the state's gambling laws. What went on in there sounded a lot like gambling. If there was gambling going on there, I don't care and I really don't think that state should get involved. Pelletier was operating a private enterprise and he had his fair share of paying customers.
Which brings us to the larger issue, gambling and casinos. Delaware has a casino and Massachusetts can't seem to get a casino bill passed. I find it rather interesting that state politicians oppose casino gambling, but have nothing against the lottery. Go to any local resturant and bar that has Keno and you see a lot of people (on occasion myself included) play the Keno ran by the Massachusetts State Lottery. More money that goes to the state. But they oppose private enterprise opening up gambling ventures. Things that make you go hmmmm. In the meantime, A lot of money is being spent in Connecticut that could be spent in Massachusetts.
In Other News
Later on today, I'll be running the Thomas Guinta 5K Road Race. It's ran in the memory of a Fall River police officer who dies in the line of duty. It's a well ran race, good course and a great post race meal and party.
In addition, I decided to enter a short story writing contest put on by The Writer magazine. After an endless amount of encouragement from family and friends, I decided to do submit some of my writing. The contest will be step one. I already got an idea on what I'll be submitting as a short story. Off I go.
Leo's Place/ Gambling
The main item making the local news this week was the raiding of a couple of Internet Cafe's in Fall River and Fairhaven. Both Internet Cafe's, called Leo's Place were owned by Leo Pelletier, a long time Fall River City Councilor.
An Internet Cafe is a place where someone can buy time on a computer on Internet in order to play sweepstakes games. Pelletier denies that the state's gambling laws were violated. Some local authorities seems to disagree. After complaints and an outgoing investigation by the state's Attorney General's office, state and local police raided both Internet Cafe's. Equipment was taken, making forcing Pelletier to close down his Internet Cafe's for the foreseeable future.
I'm not a lawyer. I don't know if Leo's Place violated the state's gambling laws. What went on in there sounded a lot like gambling. If there was gambling going on there, I don't care and I really don't think that state should get involved. Pelletier was operating a private enterprise and he had his fair share of paying customers.
Which brings us to the larger issue, gambling and casinos. Delaware has a casino and Massachusetts can't seem to get a casino bill passed. I find it rather interesting that state politicians oppose casino gambling, but have nothing against the lottery. Go to any local resturant and bar that has Keno and you see a lot of people (on occasion myself included) play the Keno ran by the Massachusetts State Lottery. More money that goes to the state. But they oppose private enterprise opening up gambling ventures. Things that make you go hmmmm. In the meantime, A lot of money is being spent in Connecticut that could be spent in Massachusetts.
In Other News
Later on today, I'll be running the Thomas Guinta 5K Road Race. It's ran in the memory of a Fall River police officer who dies in the line of duty. It's a well ran race, good course and a great post race meal and party.
In addition, I decided to enter a short story writing contest put on by The Writer magazine. After an endless amount of encouragement from family and friends, I decided to do submit some of my writing. The contest will be step one. I already got an idea on what I'll be submitting as a short story. Off I go.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Fall River's Population Decline
This past weekend, much of the talk in my hometown of Fall River has been the rapid population decline. The most recent census showed that in the past ten yeears, the population of Fall River has declined by 3,000, more than any town in the state. Once the news came, the debate came along on why it happened. It's really not rocket science. The mass exodus can be summed down to two reasons. Crime and lack of jobs.
For those who don't live in New England, Fall River is a working class city in southeastern Massachusetts. Mill buildings stand all over the city as relics of what used to be. Like many other blue collar manufacturing towns, Fall River has hit hard times in recent years. Double digit unemployment has been the norm here. Many of the jobs that was lost here are jobs that are going to places like China. Jobs that are never coming back.
Perhaps nothing in this city symbolizes the decline of jobs in this city than the old site of the Quaker Fabrics headquarters on Brayton Ave. Once filled with cars seven days a week, Quaker made a quick downward spiral till it went out of business, taking 2,00 jobs with it. More recently, A.J. Wright closed it Fall River Distribution Center, taking another 800 jobs.
The old mill buildings that once was on the Brayton Ave. Quaker site are now demolished to make way for a new shopping plaza. Target and Lowe's are two of the stores that are rumored to be moving in. While the jobs that they will provide is better than no jobs. But most of the jobs there won't have the pay and benefits that Quaker did. Fall River was teased again with the possibility about a casino coming to town. But the Governor and the State Legislature was unable to come with an agreement on a casino bill, denying a city some much needed jobs.
Crime is another part of this. It's sad on what parts of this city have become. We always had crime, but nothing like it was in recent years. Gangs, drugs, shootings. Our undermanned police department have a lot on their hands. They are neighborhoods that used to be part of my running routes that I don't go through anymore.
Why are people leaving? A hard working couple might want to raise their kids in the best environment possible? Upon hearing about a drive by shooting in the projects a few blocks away, they might want to look into moving to Somerset and Swansea. A young man wants to find a jobs in the field he went to college for. He put himself into debt to pay for his education. Unable to find a job in the Fall River area, he might look into moving to North Carolina or Florida.
Listen, I lived here all of my life and despite all of this problems, there's a lot of good about the city. Most of the people are friendly and there's lots to do here. Cape Cod, Boston, Newport, the forest and beaches are all short drives away. But I too in the past have thought about relocation for the reasons that I listed above.
I really hope the trend reverses itself. But if the jobs and crime situation continues to decline, then this city will continue to lose it's best and brightest people. It's too bad, because this city has so much potential.
For those who don't live in New England, Fall River is a working class city in southeastern Massachusetts. Mill buildings stand all over the city as relics of what used to be. Like many other blue collar manufacturing towns, Fall River has hit hard times in recent years. Double digit unemployment has been the norm here. Many of the jobs that was lost here are jobs that are going to places like China. Jobs that are never coming back.
Perhaps nothing in this city symbolizes the decline of jobs in this city than the old site of the Quaker Fabrics headquarters on Brayton Ave. Once filled with cars seven days a week, Quaker made a quick downward spiral till it went out of business, taking 2,00 jobs with it. More recently, A.J. Wright closed it Fall River Distribution Center, taking another 800 jobs.
The old mill buildings that once was on the Brayton Ave. Quaker site are now demolished to make way for a new shopping plaza. Target and Lowe's are two of the stores that are rumored to be moving in. While the jobs that they will provide is better than no jobs. But most of the jobs there won't have the pay and benefits that Quaker did. Fall River was teased again with the possibility about a casino coming to town. But the Governor and the State Legislature was unable to come with an agreement on a casino bill, denying a city some much needed jobs.
Crime is another part of this. It's sad on what parts of this city have become. We always had crime, but nothing like it was in recent years. Gangs, drugs, shootings. Our undermanned police department have a lot on their hands. They are neighborhoods that used to be part of my running routes that I don't go through anymore.
Why are people leaving? A hard working couple might want to raise their kids in the best environment possible? Upon hearing about a drive by shooting in the projects a few blocks away, they might want to look into moving to Somerset and Swansea. A young man wants to find a jobs in the field he went to college for. He put himself into debt to pay for his education. Unable to find a job in the Fall River area, he might look into moving to North Carolina or Florida.
Listen, I lived here all of my life and despite all of this problems, there's a lot of good about the city. Most of the people are friendly and there's lots to do here. Cape Cod, Boston, Newport, the forest and beaches are all short drives away. But I too in the past have thought about relocation for the reasons that I listed above.
I really hope the trend reverses itself. But if the jobs and crime situation continues to decline, then this city will continue to lose it's best and brightest people. It's too bad, because this city has so much potential.
Friday, March 25, 2011
"I focus on the pain, the only thing that's real."
Hurt by Johnny Cash and Nine Inch Nails
Nine Inch Nails are a industrial rock group that was most popular in the early to mid 1990's. The only official member of the group is Trent Reznor who writes and composes all of the material. A somewhat unique sound, Nine Inch Nails are one of my favorite groups from that era. One of their biggest hits is called "Hurt". Slower and more accessible that most of NIN material, "Hurt" received a lot of airplay on radio and on MTV. Perhaps the thing that most stand out about the song are it's haunting lyrics, which can be interpreted as being about drug addiction, depression or both. The title of this post is a line from the song.
A decade later, Johnny Cash was recording music and his producer suggested that he cover "Hurt". The result that came out was possibly the best cover tune ever. Recorded just after the death of his wife June, Cash himself was ailing and was a few months away from dying himself. What came out is the hurt and sorrow that Cash was feeling at the time. The video itself was also haunting, showing an aging Johnny Cash but also showing a younger Johnny and June Cash. One person who was moved by the Cash version of "Hurt" was Reznor himself who said "I pop the video in, and wow... Tears welling, silence, goose-bumps... Wow. [I felt like] I just lost my girlfriend, because that song isn't mine anymore... It really made me think about how powerful music is as a medium and art form. I wrote some words and music in my bedroom as a way of staying sane, about a bleak and desperate place I was in, totally isolated and alone. [Somehow] that winds up reinterpreted by a music legend from a radically different era/genre and still retains sincerity and meaning — different, but every bit as pure". (Alternative Press#194, September 2004.) I couldn't agree more. Those who want to see the Johnny Cash version of the song can click here.
Donald Trump and Obama Birth Certificate
In a recent blog here on Poets and Madmen, I talked about Donald Trump's plan to run for the Republican nomination for President. I speculated on how much of a sideshow it would be. Especially if God forbid, he'd get elected President. It didn't take me long to prove me right. As of late, Trump has brought up an old conspiracy theory surrounding Obama. He questioned Obama's citizenship.
This conspiracy theory is nothing new. The theory is that Obama was born out of the United States and therefore ineligible to become President of the United States. You expect to here this stuff from someone who broadcasts on shortwave radio. Not from someone who wants to become leader of the free world. Yet, this stuff was been coming out of Trump's mouth. Trump, most notable appeared on a recent episode of The View and demanded to see Obama's birth certificate.
Now I'm not a fan of Obama. But I can say with confidence that he was born in Hawaii. If he was not eligible to be President, he never would have received the Democratic nomination for President because Hillary Clinton or one of his other opponents would have found out about it. I wonder what is Trump thinking. If people think you are crazy, you will not be elected President. Just ask Ross Perot and Howard Dean. In the meantime, Trump looks like he'll provide me with a lot of writing material for my blog if he runs for President.
Nine Inch Nails are a industrial rock group that was most popular in the early to mid 1990's. The only official member of the group is Trent Reznor who writes and composes all of the material. A somewhat unique sound, Nine Inch Nails are one of my favorite groups from that era. One of their biggest hits is called "Hurt". Slower and more accessible that most of NIN material, "Hurt" received a lot of airplay on radio and on MTV. Perhaps the thing that most stand out about the song are it's haunting lyrics, which can be interpreted as being about drug addiction, depression or both. The title of this post is a line from the song.
A decade later, Johnny Cash was recording music and his producer suggested that he cover "Hurt". The result that came out was possibly the best cover tune ever. Recorded just after the death of his wife June, Cash himself was ailing and was a few months away from dying himself. What came out is the hurt and sorrow that Cash was feeling at the time. The video itself was also haunting, showing an aging Johnny Cash but also showing a younger Johnny and June Cash. One person who was moved by the Cash version of "Hurt" was Reznor himself who said "I pop the video in, and wow... Tears welling, silence, goose-bumps... Wow. [I felt like] I just lost my girlfriend, because that song isn't mine anymore... It really made me think about how powerful music is as a medium and art form. I wrote some words and music in my bedroom as a way of staying sane, about a bleak and desperate place I was in, totally isolated and alone. [Somehow] that winds up reinterpreted by a music legend from a radically different era/genre and still retains sincerity and meaning — different, but every bit as pure". (Alternative Press#194, September 2004.) I couldn't agree more. Those who want to see the Johnny Cash version of the song can click here.
Donald Trump and Obama Birth Certificate
In a recent blog here on Poets and Madmen, I talked about Donald Trump's plan to run for the Republican nomination for President. I speculated on how much of a sideshow it would be. Especially if God forbid, he'd get elected President. It didn't take me long to prove me right. As of late, Trump has brought up an old conspiracy theory surrounding Obama. He questioned Obama's citizenship.
This conspiracy theory is nothing new. The theory is that Obama was born out of the United States and therefore ineligible to become President of the United States. You expect to here this stuff from someone who broadcasts on shortwave radio. Not from someone who wants to become leader of the free world. Yet, this stuff was been coming out of Trump's mouth. Trump, most notable appeared on a recent episode of The View and demanded to see Obama's birth certificate.
Now I'm not a fan of Obama. But I can say with confidence that he was born in Hawaii. If he was not eligible to be President, he never would have received the Democratic nomination for President because Hillary Clinton or one of his other opponents would have found out about it. I wonder what is Trump thinking. If people think you are crazy, you will not be elected President. Just ask Ross Perot and Howard Dean. In the meantime, Trump looks like he'll provide me with a lot of writing material for my blog if he runs for President.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Big Brother and Old Man Winter Rears Their Ugly Heads
Big Brother
Two more examples of our freedoms being infringed upon. One was the decision of the City Council in my hometown of Fall River, MA to ban the sale of tobacco in stores that contain pharmacies. This includes drug stores and grocery stores that contain pharmacies. This is just another example of government going where it should not be going into. Leave it to the individual business owners to make the decisions. Plus they are more important stuff for the Fall River City Council to worry about. Crime. Double digit unemployment. Now there's talk about the state taking over our public school system.
In another matter, a Facebook friend of mine from California got a ticket for not wearing a seat belt while stopped at a red light. The police officer even did a u-turn in order to giver him a ticket. He's planning on appealing the ticket on constitutional grounds. Sounds like a violation of the Fourth Amendment to me.
I don't smoke. I wear my seat belt when I drive. But don't tell stores whether or not they can sell cigarettes. Don't tell bars and restaurants they must ban smoking in their establishments. Don't tell me I must wear a seat belt in the car that I own and is my private property. If I wanted a nanny state government to control and micromanage my life, I'd move to a Communist country. Get more cops on the street. Improve our education. But stay out of our personal lives. Thank you. In the meantime, stock up on the booze and Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream before they go after that.
Old Man Winter
With the way the winter of 2010-2011 is going, you know it's wasn't going to go away quickly. We were teased with some nice spring weather. But like an unwelcome house guest, old man winter is back. With some cold temperatures and an overnight snowstorm to boot. Nothing too big, just enough to be a nuisance. But I really can't complain. When I see what's going on in Japan, I feel guilty about my winter long complaining about the snow.
Dez Bryant
The funniest off the field news of an athlete I've heard in a long time was one involving Dallas Cowboys star Dez Bryant. Bryant was kicked out of a mall and given a criminal trespass warning after he became angry after off duty cops asked him to pull up his sagging pants. The NFL may be in a lock out, but certain players continue to make news.
Elizabeth Taylor
Hollywood lost an icon as Elizabeth Taylor died today. Long in declining health passed away at the age of 79. Much known for her many marriages, I'm sure people will remember her more her decade long acting career, successfully making a transition from childhood star to adult superstar. R.I.P. Liz Taylor.
Two more examples of our freedoms being infringed upon. One was the decision of the City Council in my hometown of Fall River, MA to ban the sale of tobacco in stores that contain pharmacies. This includes drug stores and grocery stores that contain pharmacies. This is just another example of government going where it should not be going into. Leave it to the individual business owners to make the decisions. Plus they are more important stuff for the Fall River City Council to worry about. Crime. Double digit unemployment. Now there's talk about the state taking over our public school system.
In another matter, a Facebook friend of mine from California got a ticket for not wearing a seat belt while stopped at a red light. The police officer even did a u-turn in order to giver him a ticket. He's planning on appealing the ticket on constitutional grounds. Sounds like a violation of the Fourth Amendment to me.
I don't smoke. I wear my seat belt when I drive. But don't tell stores whether or not they can sell cigarettes. Don't tell bars and restaurants they must ban smoking in their establishments. Don't tell me I must wear a seat belt in the car that I own and is my private property. If I wanted a nanny state government to control and micromanage my life, I'd move to a Communist country. Get more cops on the street. Improve our education. But stay out of our personal lives. Thank you. In the meantime, stock up on the booze and Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream before they go after that.
Old Man Winter
With the way the winter of 2010-2011 is going, you know it's wasn't going to go away quickly. We were teased with some nice spring weather. But like an unwelcome house guest, old man winter is back. With some cold temperatures and an overnight snowstorm to boot. Nothing too big, just enough to be a nuisance. But I really can't complain. When I see what's going on in Japan, I feel guilty about my winter long complaining about the snow.
Dez Bryant
The funniest off the field news of an athlete I've heard in a long time was one involving Dallas Cowboys star Dez Bryant. Bryant was kicked out of a mall and given a criminal trespass warning after he became angry after off duty cops asked him to pull up his sagging pants. The NFL may be in a lock out, but certain players continue to make news.
Elizabeth Taylor
Hollywood lost an icon as Elizabeth Taylor died today. Long in declining health passed away at the age of 79. Much known for her many marriages, I'm sure people will remember her more her decade long acting career, successfully making a transition from childhood star to adult superstar. R.I.P. Liz Taylor.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Am I Older or Am I Wiser?
My Early St Patrick's Day
I couldn't help but wonder last week if I'm officially old. On St. Patrick's Day, I was home by 9:30. Normally in the past, I would live up to my 49% Irish blood. I would go to a local bar, either St. James, Belmont or Mickey Doyle's and consume my fair share of adult beverages. I just didn't feel like it this year. I'm sure a good time was had in all three establishments. I just chose to go home that day after leaving work. I felt much better on the morning March 18th than I had in previous years. I'm I getting older? Or wiser? Or both?
March Madness
It's that time of year again. March Madness, the NCAA Basketball Championships. Every year in which people fill out their brackets and hope for the best. Last year, my bracket was ripped up early when my pick Kansas fell in round 2. This year is looking a little better. While I lost some Elite 8's and lost a few Sweet 16's, all of my Final Four teams are still alive. My pick to win it all, Ohio State looked great as they bombed the usually respectable George Mason.
Commuter Rail in Fall River?
The people have waited for commuter rail in Fall River much like Linus in the Peanuts cartoons waiting for the Great Pumpkin. Both waiting in anticipation for it to come. Only for it once again not to show. Now the Patrick administration once again brought up commuter rail again for the South Coast. I'll believe it when it happens.
Japan
The news from Japan is absolutely heartbreaking. The most recent death toll I heard is 8,000. Stories of people searching for missing loved ones. Stories on entire villages getting wiped out. In addition they also have to deal with the nuclear crisis. While the nuclear crisis seems to be easing, a meltdown (or a potential meltdown) is the last thing the people of Japan needed.
Donald Trump for President?
Why not? Jesse Ventura got elected Governor of Minnesota. Arnold Schwarzenegger got elected Governor of California. Minnesotans were not done elected celebrities to office as they elected Al Frankin to the U.S. Senate. Linda McMahon almost got elected to the U.S. Senate in Connecticut. Of course leader of the free world is a totally different slice of pie. The thought of him getting elected is scary. There's not doubt he's a highly intelligent businessman. Still, if he's elected President, the White House will be a sideshow. It'll make the Bill Clinton years, and all of his bimbo eruptions, seem tame by comparison.
I couldn't help but wonder last week if I'm officially old. On St. Patrick's Day, I was home by 9:30. Normally in the past, I would live up to my 49% Irish blood. I would go to a local bar, either St. James, Belmont or Mickey Doyle's and consume my fair share of adult beverages. I just didn't feel like it this year. I'm sure a good time was had in all three establishments. I just chose to go home that day after leaving work. I felt much better on the morning March 18th than I had in previous years. I'm I getting older? Or wiser? Or both?
March Madness
It's that time of year again. March Madness, the NCAA Basketball Championships. Every year in which people fill out their brackets and hope for the best. Last year, my bracket was ripped up early when my pick Kansas fell in round 2. This year is looking a little better. While I lost some Elite 8's and lost a few Sweet 16's, all of my Final Four teams are still alive. My pick to win it all, Ohio State looked great as they bombed the usually respectable George Mason.
Commuter Rail in Fall River?
The people have waited for commuter rail in Fall River much like Linus in the Peanuts cartoons waiting for the Great Pumpkin. Both waiting in anticipation for it to come. Only for it once again not to show. Now the Patrick administration once again brought up commuter rail again for the South Coast. I'll believe it when it happens.
Japan
The news from Japan is absolutely heartbreaking. The most recent death toll I heard is 8,000. Stories of people searching for missing loved ones. Stories on entire villages getting wiped out. In addition they also have to deal with the nuclear crisis. While the nuclear crisis seems to be easing, a meltdown (or a potential meltdown) is the last thing the people of Japan needed.
Donald Trump for President?
Why not? Jesse Ventura got elected Governor of Minnesota. Arnold Schwarzenegger got elected Governor of California. Minnesotans were not done elected celebrities to office as they elected Al Frankin to the U.S. Senate. Linda McMahon almost got elected to the U.S. Senate in Connecticut. Of course leader of the free world is a totally different slice of pie. The thought of him getting elected is scary. There's not doubt he's a highly intelligent businessman. Still, if he's elected President, the White House will be a sideshow. It'll make the Bill Clinton years, and all of his bimbo eruptions, seem tame by comparison.
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