After detailing to you my good experience, I must advise you of some of my bad experiences as well.
I was supposed to fly to Atlanta and connect up to a flight to Pensacola, FL. Only, the flight from Newark was delayed and delayed and delayed and finally took off 4-1/2 hours after it's scheduled departure. The delay was caused because the incoming flight which should have been used for our flight, although delayed due to weather,was diverted for use by another outgoing flight, primarily a company decision. Of course I was worried about the Pensacola flight but found out that it too was delayed. It was on a different airline and my attempts to take a different flight on a different airline to get to Atlanta on time was thwarted because the airline threatened to cancel the balance of my ticket if I didn't fly out on my originally booked flight.This would have necessitated the purchase of another ticket for the remaining segments at walkup rates. Also, the Newark to Atlanta portion would have been forfeited and a ticket on a competing airline would also have been at walkup rates.
There is a new model to the old game of airline profit maximization. It used to be a low rate for a round trip which starts in one week and returns after the following Saturday night. This allowed the leisure traveller who usually stays over a weekend to benefit at the expense of the business traveller who does not usually include the weekend in his travel plans. That has pretty much been scrapped. The latest ploy is to increase fares as the time for the flight approaches. Maybe this has become possible because the fare algorithms effectively sell the flights out. It is something that the savvy traveler needs to consider.
I have drawn up a list that I intend to send to the committee chairmen of the House and Senate committees that deal with air transport.
Here is the list:
Flight cancellations and delays which are caused purely for commercial reasons or by mismanagement.
Exorbitant ticket change fees
Ticket cancellations to correct typographical errors
Cancellations of an entire itinerary when one segment is missed causing the passenger to have to pay 5 or 10 times the original price in order to get back home,.
Assigning the worst seats to certain classes of tickets without notifying the purchasers.
If any of you have any other suggestions regarding where the public is being taken advantage of by the airlines, please post a comment..
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Fly the Friendly Skies
Air travel has lately gotten a deservedly bad rap. More about this in my next post.
Sometimes,it can still be fun. Take for instance a flight I took from Atlanta to Orlando this week. Security was a hassle, it's true, but as security goes, it wasn't bad. There was no crowding and no untoward delays to the shoeless, midriff showing masses. The plane was completely full, not a single seat empty. Of course some of the later boarders didn't get their bags on board which must have been unpleasant for them. I was in the final zone to be called but I found a place for my luggage a few seats in front of my assigned seat. The stewardesses were amazingly competent; there was no sense of them being harried or other manifestations of distress sometimes seen when a plane gets full.
We took off on time into the smooth clear air of a beautiful night. The ride continued to be smooth, I did not feel cramped because the plane was uncharacterically roomy (a 757, single aisle, originally used as an overseas aircraft). The added amenity which made things even more pleasant was an on-board wifi system which allowed me to pass the time in IM conversations with two of my children. I first thought there would be no refreshment on board but to my surprise they served drinks. I asked if they had any pretzels and received an apologetic negative although I was offered peanuts. As the plane descended to a painted-on landing, the stewardess who had originally served our row handed me two bags of pretzels which, apparently, she found on board.
As I left the plane, thanking all the crew, she said to me, "Goodnight, Mr. Pretzels."
Sometimes,it can still be fun. Take for instance a flight I took from Atlanta to Orlando this week. Security was a hassle, it's true, but as security goes, it wasn't bad. There was no crowding and no untoward delays to the shoeless, midriff showing masses. The plane was completely full, not a single seat empty. Of course some of the later boarders didn't get their bags on board which must have been unpleasant for them. I was in the final zone to be called but I found a place for my luggage a few seats in front of my assigned seat. The stewardesses were amazingly competent; there was no sense of them being harried or other manifestations of distress sometimes seen when a plane gets full.
We took off on time into the smooth clear air of a beautiful night. The ride continued to be smooth, I did not feel cramped because the plane was uncharacterically roomy (a 757, single aisle, originally used as an overseas aircraft). The added amenity which made things even more pleasant was an on-board wifi system which allowed me to pass the time in IM conversations with two of my children. I first thought there would be no refreshment on board but to my surprise they served drinks. I asked if they had any pretzels and received an apologetic negative although I was offered peanuts. As the plane descended to a painted-on landing, the stewardess who had originally served our row handed me two bags of pretzels which, apparently, she found on board.
As I left the plane, thanking all the crew, she said to me, "Goodnight, Mr. Pretzels."
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
All That For What??
I was listening to Martin Luther King's speech the other morning on Imus in the Morning, which I have been doing for many years on MLK day (known in some circles as BG day, but that is for a different post) , as he is one of the few people who play the speech, in its entirety, every celebrated anniversary of the birthday. (Long before a particular grandstanding formerly fat rabblerouser decided to attack him as a racist to advance his own racist agenda, but again, that is for a separate post).
One of the thoughts that struck me as I listened to this 46 year old speech is that the idea of a black President could only have been a vague notion to Dr. King, and one that he probably did not think would actually happen. The fact that it did is surely a testament to how far this country has come as a nation, and to his role in bringing about the changing mindsets that would allow it.
Another thought that struck me was that the woman obviously sitting right in front of the mic making constant comments to every other line, as if this were a revival meeting ( I don't remember exactly, but things like right on, you tell em, etc.) probably had no idea that (a) every little word she said was heard, as everyone else was just listening, and (b) that the speech would be preserved for posterity as a landmark moment in American history.
Finally, I was struck by the fact that it took 45 years from the speech, and all the advances in race relations to have a black president elected, and in just 1 year, we are left to wonder as to why it had to be this one.
One of the thoughts that struck me as I listened to this 46 year old speech is that the idea of a black President could only have been a vague notion to Dr. King, and one that he probably did not think would actually happen. The fact that it did is surely a testament to how far this country has come as a nation, and to his role in bringing about the changing mindsets that would allow it.
Another thought that struck me was that the woman obviously sitting right in front of the mic making constant comments to every other line, as if this were a revival meeting ( I don't remember exactly, but things like right on, you tell em, etc.) probably had no idea that (a) every little word she said was heard, as everyone else was just listening, and (b) that the speech would be preserved for posterity as a landmark moment in American history.
Finally, I was struck by the fact that it took 45 years from the speech, and all the advances in race relations to have a black president elected, and in just 1 year, we are left to wonder as to why it had to be this one.
Friday, January 22, 2010
An Open Letter to Hussein Obama
You've been in office a year now, so let's evaluate your performance.
Back in November 2008 you, rightfully, blamed the pickle the US found itself mired in, on the then current administration. It was blamed for the failing economy, the failing banks, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the federal deficit, the political corruption in Washington. You somehow convinced the people that you both knew how to and were capable of, fixing the problem.
The people elected you to fix the problems not to continue to blame others for creating the problem. They created the mess and that is why they are no longer in power. The mess creation is in the past, it is over with,
US citizens are now concerned with the future.
You immediately tackled the economic problem with your stimulus package. Unfortunately, you and your party, having lingered in the shadows these many years proposed a stimulus solution promoting public immorality and corruption which clearly showed that you were more interested in advancing your party's agenda than to remedy the nation's deficiencies.
Unfazed and deaf to the public outcry - your majority leader going so far as to claim the economic health of the nation would be improved by giving money to abortion clinics - you then proceded to further advance your party's agenda to force everyone into a health insurance plan reminiscent of the collectivisation of the kulaks in Soviet Russia in 1932. In order to get this, you came up with a bill that no one liked in it's entirety, the identity of it's beneficiaries a big question mark.
You further embarked on a campaign to extend an open hand to the sworn enemies of our nation, your friends, the adherents to the muslim faith. You made your first major speech as President in a foreign country to emphasize your respect for their culture and religion. In the spirit of reciprocity the response to our opening came in the form of an attempted attack during one of our nation's principal holiday seasons. To add insult to injury, after divine intervention caused the bomb to misfire, your Homeland Security secretary claimed that the system worked. The only part of the system that worked is that the perpetrator was arrested after the attempt. And we didn't need homeland security for that. Some of the civilian passengers abetted the arrest. We can excuse an error in judgement. Stupidity is inexcusable.
There is a crying need for jobs and a resucitation of American industry. If you are serious about these goals the way to accomplish them is definitely not to make it inadvisable for corporations to hire additional workers. Raising taxes, increasing regulations and increasing the overall costs of doing business will certainly increase the stagnation and the failure of American business to thrive.
You won the election; it's no longer about them, it's about you.
Back in November 2008 you, rightfully, blamed the pickle the US found itself mired in, on the then current administration. It was blamed for the failing economy, the failing banks, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the federal deficit, the political corruption in Washington. You somehow convinced the people that you both knew how to and were capable of, fixing the problem.
The people elected you to fix the problems not to continue to blame others for creating the problem. They created the mess and that is why they are no longer in power. The mess creation is in the past, it is over with,
US citizens are now concerned with the future.
You immediately tackled the economic problem with your stimulus package. Unfortunately, you and your party, having lingered in the shadows these many years proposed a stimulus solution promoting public immorality and corruption which clearly showed that you were more interested in advancing your party's agenda than to remedy the nation's deficiencies.
Unfazed and deaf to the public outcry - your majority leader going so far as to claim the economic health of the nation would be improved by giving money to abortion clinics - you then proceded to further advance your party's agenda to force everyone into a health insurance plan reminiscent of the collectivisation of the kulaks in Soviet Russia in 1932. In order to get this, you came up with a bill that no one liked in it's entirety, the identity of it's beneficiaries a big question mark.
You further embarked on a campaign to extend an open hand to the sworn enemies of our nation, your friends, the adherents to the muslim faith. You made your first major speech as President in a foreign country to emphasize your respect for their culture and religion. In the spirit of reciprocity the response to our opening came in the form of an attempted attack during one of our nation's principal holiday seasons. To add insult to injury, after divine intervention caused the bomb to misfire, your Homeland Security secretary claimed that the system worked. The only part of the system that worked is that the perpetrator was arrested after the attempt. And we didn't need homeland security for that. Some of the civilian passengers abetted the arrest. We can excuse an error in judgement. Stupidity is inexcusable.
There is a crying need for jobs and a resucitation of American industry. If you are serious about these goals the way to accomplish them is definitely not to make it inadvisable for corporations to hire additional workers. Raising taxes, increasing regulations and increasing the overall costs of doing business will certainly increase the stagnation and the failure of American business to thrive.
You won the election; it's no longer about them, it's about you.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Please scroll down..
i usually give a day or two between posts for people to read and comment, but as that doesn't happen too often, and there is SO MUCH going on now, I will just ask you to scroll down the page to earlier posts as you read, and feel free to express opinions wherever you choose.
I have 2 points to make
POINT 1
Anti Semitism is alive and well in this country. By now, I am sure you have heard the story of the 17 year old putting on Tefillin causing a NEW YORK based plane to divert because the totally clueless ( never seen a Jew?) flight crew, out of New York, were suspicious. Even though the Tefillin obviously went through the screening process (no, wait, that is no proof.)
This is not the anti semitic part.
The issue that gets to me is that if this were a Muslim praying in the aisle, or a Christian using prayer beads, and the flight crew decided that they were rterrorists and caused a plane to divert, the ACLU, NAACP, Muslim league and others would be SCREAMING how this person's religious rights were violated, that we overreacted to what is clearly a simple religious activity, how this is profiling, etc. What do we hear on this?
Nothing.
POINT 2
The head of the democratic party, also known as the chief donkey, has now decided that he "got the message"and in order to set things to rights, he is now proposing NEW REGULATIONS!!!! Although the banks do deserve to be smacked around, this guy is clueless. Thank goodness, now there is a chance that the American people revolt will continue into November 2010 as the liberals continue to show they have no clue, as opposed to realizing that they ought to get with the program.
I would move to Canada, but their health care sucks.
I have 2 points to make
POINT 1
Anti Semitism is alive and well in this country. By now, I am sure you have heard the story of the 17 year old putting on Tefillin causing a NEW YORK based plane to divert because the totally clueless ( never seen a Jew?) flight crew, out of New York, were suspicious. Even though the Tefillin obviously went through the screening process (no, wait, that is no proof.)
This is not the anti semitic part.
The issue that gets to me is that if this were a Muslim praying in the aisle, or a Christian using prayer beads, and the flight crew decided that they were rterrorists and caused a plane to divert, the ACLU, NAACP, Muslim league and others would be SCREAMING how this person's religious rights were violated, that we overreacted to what is clearly a simple religious activity, how this is profiling, etc. What do we hear on this?
Nothing.
POINT 2
The head of the democratic party, also known as the chief donkey, has now decided that he "got the message"and in order to set things to rights, he is now proposing NEW REGULATIONS!!!! Although the banks do deserve to be smacked around, this guy is clueless. Thank goodness, now there is a chance that the American people revolt will continue into November 2010 as the liberals continue to show they have no clue, as opposed to realizing that they ought to get with the program.
I would move to Canada, but their health care sucks.
The Long National Nightmare is Over
Getting back to the politics here, with a little help from information gathered up in Toronto, I will continue the celebration in the GOP's stunning victory in Massachusetts.
The fact that the leftists no longer have an unbreakable stranglehold on the country is cause in itself for celebrating. An awful lot of political capital has been spent to further the liberal and socialist agenda, and the backlash has begun.
However, I would like to go back to the health care disaster that these people have been trying to foist on us, telling us how good it is in Canada, England and Israel, to name a few countries. Well, I got to talking to a member of the local volunteer ambulance service in Canada. He told me that there is a certain beauty to having one system, because all records are available electronically to all hospitals, including the pre-hospital reports which are done electronically, since it is all one system.
Then I asked him if the organization has its own ambulances, or are they just a first responder outfit. What he told me made my blood run cold.
He told me that it doesn't pay to have an ambulance, because the way it works up north is if there isn't an available bed for your patient in the hospital, you have to wait, with your patient on your stretcher, until there is one. This could be in excess of FIFTEEN HOURS!!!! Not always, but it happens. So if you asked a volunteer to take a call at 8 in the morning, and not get off the call until 8 at night, losing an entire day of work ( and perhaps his job) there wouldn't be alot of volunteers! I asked him what happens at a shift change in the ambulance corps. He told me the next crew babysits that patient. So you could have two shifts of ambulance crews, or more, all just dealing with the same patient, taking an ambulance off the street, and not having the patient treated, for hours and hours.
This is what we have to look forward to? Frightening.
The fact that the leftists no longer have an unbreakable stranglehold on the country is cause in itself for celebrating. An awful lot of political capital has been spent to further the liberal and socialist agenda, and the backlash has begun.
However, I would like to go back to the health care disaster that these people have been trying to foist on us, telling us how good it is in Canada, England and Israel, to name a few countries. Well, I got to talking to a member of the local volunteer ambulance service in Canada. He told me that there is a certain beauty to having one system, because all records are available electronically to all hospitals, including the pre-hospital reports which are done electronically, since it is all one system.
Then I asked him if the organization has its own ambulances, or are they just a first responder outfit. What he told me made my blood run cold.
He told me that it doesn't pay to have an ambulance, because the way it works up north is if there isn't an available bed for your patient in the hospital, you have to wait, with your patient on your stretcher, until there is one. This could be in excess of FIFTEEN HOURS!!!! Not always, but it happens. So if you asked a volunteer to take a call at 8 in the morning, and not get off the call until 8 at night, losing an entire day of work ( and perhaps his job) there wouldn't be alot of volunteers! I asked him what happens at a shift change in the ambulance corps. He told me the next crew babysits that patient. So you could have two shifts of ambulance crews, or more, all just dealing with the same patient, taking an ambulance off the street, and not having the patient treated, for hours and hours.
This is what we have to look forward to? Frightening.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Early Warning
After yesterday’s upset in the Massachusetts senate race, the pundits are all saying that this foretells a major loss for the Democrats in the upcoming midterm elections. Maybe just because of this event it will not happen. The expected disaster to the Democrats has just occurred, a good ten months prematurely, and therein lies the rub. If our elected officials take heed (and they probably will) and reform their ways to align more closely with the will of their constituents there may not be a rout in November. There are a whole host of issues on which they can refuse to be a rubber stamp for the Obama – Reid – Pelosi steamroller.
Of course there may be voters in November who will want revenge for the betrayal of their trust, for turning their opportunity at responsible leadership into a dictatorial frenzy.
Of course there may be voters in November who will want revenge for the betrayal of their trust, for turning their opportunity at responsible leadership into a dictatorial frenzy.
My Faith in People Has Been Restored ( for now)
I have two quasi political posts but I will break up the joy here with this one first. -Dr. G.
We went to Canada this past week (its not the complete reason for lack of posts, but the material I got from the trip should make up for it). So we were thinking of stopping overnight in Rochester to break up the trip. When Stretch heard this, he said to us "great, now I can pick up my tie."
We asked him what he was talking about, and he informed us that the last time we were in Rochester, 2 1/2 years ago, he left his tie in the shul (synagogue) there. he claimed he left it on the back table, and he was sure that it was still there.
Well, not wishing to disabuse his faith in human nature, but due to a change in plans, we ended up in Syracuse instead. However, on the way back, an opportunity presented itself to pass by the shul in Rochester. Lovey bet him 2 bucks that it wouldn't be there, and I was willing to put up 5 additional dollars, but that was too rich for Stretch, since, I guess, he wasn't THAT sure the tie would be there. He says to me as we were entering the building, " just so you know, its a Croft & Barrow tie, with circles on it". Sure, dude, whatever you say.
So we walk in, and I ask someone if there is a lost and found box, and the answer is no. So we go to the back table and wouldn't you know it, after 2 1/2 years, the TIE WAS NO LONGER on the back table. Gee, I guess they clean up once in a while, even in quiet places like Rochester.
However, not to be discouraged yet, we rifled through a box of skullcaps on the back ledge, and wouldn't you know it, NO TIE! So now I tell him "why don't you check the coatroom?" Figuring the same, continuing result. He goes in and after a bit pops out, and wouldn't you know it...... his tie is in his hand!
Amazing.
We went to Canada this past week (its not the complete reason for lack of posts, but the material I got from the trip should make up for it). So we were thinking of stopping overnight in Rochester to break up the trip. When Stretch heard this, he said to us "great, now I can pick up my tie."
We asked him what he was talking about, and he informed us that the last time we were in Rochester, 2 1/2 years ago, he left his tie in the shul (synagogue) there. he claimed he left it on the back table, and he was sure that it was still there.
Well, not wishing to disabuse his faith in human nature, but due to a change in plans, we ended up in Syracuse instead. However, on the way back, an opportunity presented itself to pass by the shul in Rochester. Lovey bet him 2 bucks that it wouldn't be there, and I was willing to put up 5 additional dollars, but that was too rich for Stretch, since, I guess, he wasn't THAT sure the tie would be there. He says to me as we were entering the building, " just so you know, its a Croft & Barrow tie, with circles on it". Sure, dude, whatever you say.
So we walk in, and I ask someone if there is a lost and found box, and the answer is no. So we go to the back table and wouldn't you know it, after 2 1/2 years, the TIE WAS NO LONGER on the back table. Gee, I guess they clean up once in a while, even in quiet places like Rochester.
However, not to be discouraged yet, we rifled through a box of skullcaps on the back ledge, and wouldn't you know it, NO TIE! So now I tell him "why don't you check the coatroom?" Figuring the same, continuing result. He goes in and after a bit pops out, and wouldn't you know it...... his tie is in his hand!
Amazing.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
WHAT WAS SHE THINKING?
It's not the 60th vote that the Democrats just lost this night. Even if Scott Brown had not won, his near miraculous rise in the polls where he became a real threat to Martha Coakley clearly indicated the public's dissatisfaction with the health care bill.
But the Democrats as late as today were still airily bandying about the notion that all they had to do was re-vote the Senate bill and send it to the president. Are they for real? Does Nancy Pelosi really think that her congressional caucus are such lemmings that they would vote for a bill they clearly couldn't pass (the Senate's version) on the first try? Add to that, after today's upset, would all 220 Democrats who voted for the House version of the Health Care bill in November vote even for their own version again?
I kind of doubt it. After all, politicians are masters of self preservation and if the people are so against this bill that a left wing state like Massachusetts can elect a conservative Republican on the strength of his opposition to this bill I am sure they will take notice.
Nancy Pelosi, what were you thinking?
But the Democrats as late as today were still airily bandying about the notion that all they had to do was re-vote the Senate bill and send it to the president. Are they for real? Does Nancy Pelosi really think that her congressional caucus are such lemmings that they would vote for a bill they clearly couldn't pass (the Senate's version) on the first try? Add to that, after today's upset, would all 220 Democrats who voted for the House version of the Health Care bill in November vote even for their own version again?
I kind of doubt it. After all, politicians are masters of self preservation and if the people are so against this bill that a left wing state like Massachusetts can elect a conservative Republican on the strength of his opposition to this bill I am sure they will take notice.
Nancy Pelosi, what were you thinking?
Monday, January 18, 2010
High Noon
Things are changing as I write this and it is gratifying to see.
Just a few weeks ago, Scott Brown could hardly have been less known and could hardly have had a worse chance of being elected to the Senate in the left-wing, liberal state of Massachusetts. Now,he has a pretty good chance; his poll numbers have skyrocketed and despite the Democrats' denials that he won't win, they brought out their biggest guns, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, to try to stem the tide.
This gives us a good lesson in political science and I am sure our wise politicians will take note of what happened here. For months, there have been intimations that the health care bill was unpopular and as time went on, and the congress kept fooling around with it to garner a vote here and a vote there, it became such a grotesque creation that the majority of the electorate were opposed to it. But the Democrats, continuing to smoke their own dope, really believed that the health care bill was the most just, fair and popular thing that ever passed the congress. Scott Brown's meteoric rise in the polls can only be attributed to his opposition to the health care bill and any politician who rationalizes this away, (as some have done) does so at his own peril. Our politicians are very sensitive to hot-button issues.
Whether Martha Coakley wins or not, I wouldn't be surprised if some of the Congressmen and Senators who voted for the bill will switch their vote when the compromise version is submitted for final passage.
I don't have an answer to the following question. Can Joe Biden, as president of the Senate cast a 60th vote to break a fillibuster in case Brown wins election to the Senate? According to my understanding of Robert's rules, a chairman can always vote, not only to break a tie or to create one. I think the Senate rules may be a bit different, limiting the Vice President's vote only to these two aforementioned occasions.
This will be a tense 36 hours for our country and I hope the best man wins this election.
Just a few weeks ago, Scott Brown could hardly have been less known and could hardly have had a worse chance of being elected to the Senate in the left-wing, liberal state of Massachusetts. Now,he has a pretty good chance; his poll numbers have skyrocketed and despite the Democrats' denials that he won't win, they brought out their biggest guns, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, to try to stem the tide.
This gives us a good lesson in political science and I am sure our wise politicians will take note of what happened here. For months, there have been intimations that the health care bill was unpopular and as time went on, and the congress kept fooling around with it to garner a vote here and a vote there, it became such a grotesque creation that the majority of the electorate were opposed to it. But the Democrats, continuing to smoke their own dope, really believed that the health care bill was the most just, fair and popular thing that ever passed the congress. Scott Brown's meteoric rise in the polls can only be attributed to his opposition to the health care bill and any politician who rationalizes this away, (as some have done) does so at his own peril. Our politicians are very sensitive to hot-button issues.
Whether Martha Coakley wins or not, I wouldn't be surprised if some of the Congressmen and Senators who voted for the bill will switch their vote when the compromise version is submitted for final passage.
I don't have an answer to the following question. Can Joe Biden, as president of the Senate cast a 60th vote to break a fillibuster in case Brown wins election to the Senate? According to my understanding of Robert's rules, a chairman can always vote, not only to break a tie or to create one. I think the Senate rules may be a bit different, limiting the Vice President's vote only to these two aforementioned occasions.
This will be a tense 36 hours for our country and I hope the best man wins this election.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Come and get it at the Greunkern garage sale!
Lovey has decided that we have too much stuff, and it is time to get rid of some ( most) of it. So the first thing she does is post something on one of these community bulletin boards, that results in an almost instantaneous response, and the quick exit of a rather bulky item from our garage.
So amazed at the ease of the transfer, (for free, how difficult is it, actually?) and giddy with the prospect of an empty garage, she continued on her quest and responded to an ad looking for unused household goods.
This was to donate unused goods to a charity, that would then auction them off. So away she goes on a tear through the garage, unearthing all the crap we moved with us from the City nine years ago and never even used, much less opened, or even remembered that we had anymore. This results in five shopping bags worth of stuff.
Now, I think that I should just clarify my position in this as opposed to Lovey's. I am all in favor of a clean and neat house, even if I just appreciate it, but do not actively participate in its creation, and in fact, have been known a time or two to be the root of interference towards the stated goal.
However,
I am also an inveterate packrat, and not really in favor of letting anything go. ( really, I know that is just shocking to all of you.) which is in direct contravention to Lovey's position, which is to remove anything that doesn't move in eight hours. ( there are reasons why I go to bed later than her every night, but that is for another post.)
So, now we have the dilemma of my basic nature warring with the desire to make the wife happy, so I decided to shut up and let her have her way, so that maybe I could get one of MY cars in the garage for the winter.
So she puts together this package, over my martyred expression, and then drops the bomb on me. Since the guy is in Brooklyn, why should he have to give his UPS number, I go every day, why don't I just saddle up and TAKE ALL THE STUFF TO BROOKLYN FOR HER!!?!?
Now wait a darn tootin' minute here, I went along with the concept, but I sure never agreed to be part of the process! Just steamroll over me, my objections, wishes and thoughts because we need to keep the house neat.
However, as I do like to sleep inside, in the cold, I am looking at a pile of stuff to be picked up as I write this in my office. Anybody want a sectional candy dish? just let me know.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Sentimentalism or sensationalism?
On its face, the story of Sean Goldman seems sand for all the people involved. The father who has been fighting for his son, and the "adoptive" family that has been raising the boy for the last five years, who endured the loss of a wife/daughter.
Even taking into account that the mother was duplicitous, and that the adoptive family kept a child hostage from his father, it still would seem sad for them to lose a child they purported to love for the last five years.
Until we see their final grandstanding act.
Parading a scared and confused nine year old boy through the streets, and throngs of reporters and onlookers, is tantamount to abuse of the worst nature.
So the saga of Sean Goldman ultimately unfolds with the poor put upon Brazilian family finally being forced to return the kidnapped child. Without getting into a long philosophical discussion as to the situation, I would just say that the final act of abuse shows the true colors of the family in Brazil. If they truly loved the boy, they would never have subjected him to the torture of the public spectacle he was forced to endure.
So as they say, the proof is in the pudding, and in this case, the pudding is rancid.
Even taking into account that the mother was duplicitous, and that the adoptive family kept a child hostage from his father, it still would seem sad for them to lose a child they purported to love for the last five years.
Until we see their final grandstanding act.
Parading a scared and confused nine year old boy through the streets, and throngs of reporters and onlookers, is tantamount to abuse of the worst nature.
So the saga of Sean Goldman ultimately unfolds with the poor put upon Brazilian family finally being forced to return the kidnapped child. Without getting into a long philosophical discussion as to the situation, I would just say that the final act of abuse shows the true colors of the family in Brazil. If they truly loved the boy, they would never have subjected him to the torture of the public spectacle he was forced to endure.
So as they say, the proof is in the pudding, and in this case, the pudding is rancid.
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