- Wayne LaPierre The executive VP of the NRA reached, even for him and his despicable group, a new low with his prescription for school safety-- a gun in every classroom. Is there anyone who doesn't realize that, unlike other organizations that legitimately try to protect gun rights, the NRA is just a tool of the gun and ammunition manufacturers? Cut the sanctimonious crap, Wayne, and own up to it--you're merely a front man trying to sell more guns. The current debate has NOTHING to do with the Second Amendment, which is not under attack. It's all about Profits. It's very telling that this week the hedge fund Cerberus Management, headed by publicity shy Steven Feinberg, announced they were putting all of their numerous gun companies up for sale. Apparently, the blood of schoolchildren indirectly tied to them suddenly produced a conscience. Maybe Wayne will find one--unlikely, when you're as big a jerk as he is, there's really no hope.
- Donald Trump Speaking of reaching new lows, how about the Donald with his phony late October "offer" to the President pledging $5 million to a charity of Obama's choice if he would reveal his college transcripts and passport applications (Romney didn't receive the same offer). After getting the requisite dose of publicity (mostly negative) weren't you surprised that Trump didn't use that "spare" $5 million for relief in his own backyard for Hurricane Sandy victims? TNB can now reveal that this bizarre behavior results from the nest of aliens lodged in Trump's hairdo.
- Todd Akin, Richard Mourdock, Joe Walsh These are only the best known politicians to shoot themseves in the foot (or if you prefer, another appendage) by shockingly uninformed remarks about abortion and the female body. In the future, in order to secure the GOP nomination for any office, perhaps all male candidates ought to complete a basic course in female anatomy . Or at least have an IQ in three digits.
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Jerks of the Year
As usual, Time Magazine has just announced its Person of the Year--no big surprise, it's President Obama. But after searching high and low, TNB could not find any publication (respectable or otherwise) who has had the courage (or bad taste) to name its jerk of the year. There are actually so many worthy candidates, multiple "winners" are required. So in no particular order:
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Happy Birthday TNB
TNB wants to thank the American electorate for making his upcoming birthday a happy one (No ages please--but suffice to say there are two "lucky" numbers involved).
Some Observations
FLORIDA
Votes still not fully counted in Miami-Dade county? Again? If TNB didn't know better, he'd swear that the number of Cental American, South American and Cuban exiles there have turned this into a sort of banana republic. Next election they'll need international observers!
THE DONALD
Not satisfied with his pitiful, publicity-seeking, patently phony charity offers (how much did he give to Sandy relief?) Trump now says there should be a march on Washington to protest the election! Is he suggesting a coup like in, say, a banana republic [see above]?
ABORTION
Obviously Karl Rove and his ilk didn't get the message. Women want control over their own reproductive rights and every time some neanderthal male right-winger speaks stupidly about rape and abortion, they're going to lose [see: Todd Akin, Richard Mourdock and Joe Walsh]. Talk about shooting yourself in the foot--or some other appendage.
LATINOS
When a basically centrist Republican like Mitt Romney has to pretend he's "severely conservative" (his words) to secure the GOP nomination he's bound to make statements that will eventually haunt him such as "illegal immigrants should self-deport". And then of course the majority of Republicans are (or were) in denial over the demographic changes that have made Latinos the fast-growing voting bloc.
2016
TNB is fascinated by the fact that not since 1928 has a Republican Presidential ticket been successful without a Nixon or Bush on the ticket running for President or Vice President. Does this mean Jeb Bush will be their next nominee? He should at least know what's happening in South Florida [see above]. Or is that sort of ominous?
SHELDON ADELSON
Here's hoping that Sheldon who blew over $10 million (chump change in one of his casinos) in a misguided effort to help Israel (they are just fine with Obama!) is happy today. For TNB's money (not $10 million) Sheldon ranks as the most despicable Jew since Bernie Madoff.
OPRAH
The undisputed most important woman in Chicago for 25 years (remember her in Grant Park in 2008 on election night?) has vanished from sight here. Did she even support Obama? Who cares really?
After the dust clears, the next four years will be just as tough as the last four. TNB is not optimistic about bipartisanship, civility, etc. (in fairness Mitt's concession speech was gracious). But he'll celebrate on his birthday nevertheless. No gifts please.
Some Observations
FLORIDA
Votes still not fully counted in Miami-Dade county? Again? If TNB didn't know better, he'd swear that the number of Cental American, South American and Cuban exiles there have turned this into a sort of banana republic. Next election they'll need international observers!
THE DONALD
Not satisfied with his pitiful, publicity-seeking, patently phony charity offers (how much did he give to Sandy relief?) Trump now says there should be a march on Washington to protest the election! Is he suggesting a coup like in, say, a banana republic [see above]?
ABORTION
Obviously Karl Rove and his ilk didn't get the message. Women want control over their own reproductive rights and every time some neanderthal male right-winger speaks stupidly about rape and abortion, they're going to lose [see: Todd Akin, Richard Mourdock and Joe Walsh]. Talk about shooting yourself in the foot--or some other appendage.
LATINOS
When a basically centrist Republican like Mitt Romney has to pretend he's "severely conservative" (his words) to secure the GOP nomination he's bound to make statements that will eventually haunt him such as "illegal immigrants should self-deport". And then of course the majority of Republicans are (or were) in denial over the demographic changes that have made Latinos the fast-growing voting bloc.
2016
TNB is fascinated by the fact that not since 1928 has a Republican Presidential ticket been successful without a Nixon or Bush on the ticket running for President or Vice President. Does this mean Jeb Bush will be their next nominee? He should at least know what's happening in South Florida [see above]. Or is that sort of ominous?
SHELDON ADELSON
Here's hoping that Sheldon who blew over $10 million (chump change in one of his casinos) in a misguided effort to help Israel (they are just fine with Obama!) is happy today. For TNB's money (not $10 million) Sheldon ranks as the most despicable Jew since Bernie Madoff.
OPRAH
The undisputed most important woman in Chicago for 25 years (remember her in Grant Park in 2008 on election night?) has vanished from sight here. Did she even support Obama? Who cares really?
After the dust clears, the next four years will be just as tough as the last four. TNB is not optimistic about bipartisanship, civility, etc. (in fairness Mitt's concession speech was gracious). But he'll celebrate on his birthday nevertheless. No gifts please.
Friday, October 19, 2012
Are We There Yet
For as far back as we all can remember, a common question from children, bored and impatient while on what seemed to them like an interminable car trip was "Are we there yet?" Currently, a TV commercial (for Mercedes automobiles) leverages on this query.
But forget the car trips. TNB's plaintive question concerning the election is "Are we there yet?" and if not, what's the delay?
Does it only seem like ever since the midterm elections, 23 months ago, the Presidential race has been in full swing? Honestly, do we need another debate, 18 more days of spin from both sides, tens of millions of dollars spent (in only 8 or 9 "swing" states--Illinois, New York, California, Texas and others are alas losing out), dozens of E-mails, robocalls, etc. to persuade "undecided voters", assuming there are such creatures existing who might actually go to the polls on November 6th.
Haven't we heard enough ad nauseum about the economy, jobs, taxes, Libya, women's rights (why should this even be an issue in 2012?) etc. Strangely, what TNB hasn't heard enough of is the potential and likely effect of this election on the makeup of the Supreme Court and whether abortion gets relegated to the back alleys and whether hard won gay rights get trampled.
The presidential terms of 4 years are beginning to resemble the congressional terms of 2 years--half the term is spent running for reelection or at least raising money. Governing? Somewhat of an afterthought.
TNB himself is also asking the question "Will getting there be worth it?"Kind of scary.
But forget the car trips. TNB's plaintive question concerning the election is "Are we there yet?" and if not, what's the delay?
Does it only seem like ever since the midterm elections, 23 months ago, the Presidential race has been in full swing? Honestly, do we need another debate, 18 more days of spin from both sides, tens of millions of dollars spent (in only 8 or 9 "swing" states--Illinois, New York, California, Texas and others are alas losing out), dozens of E-mails, robocalls, etc. to persuade "undecided voters", assuming there are such creatures existing who might actually go to the polls on November 6th.
Haven't we heard enough ad nauseum about the economy, jobs, taxes, Libya, women's rights (why should this even be an issue in 2012?) etc. Strangely, what TNB hasn't heard enough of is the potential and likely effect of this election on the makeup of the Supreme Court and whether abortion gets relegated to the back alleys and whether hard won gay rights get trampled.
The presidential terms of 4 years are beginning to resemble the congressional terms of 2 years--half the term is spent running for reelection or at least raising money. Governing? Somewhat of an afterthought.
TNB himself is also asking the question "Will getting there be worth it?"Kind of scary.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Low Expectations
Going back 150 years or so to Charles Dickens, the term Great Expectations had significance. Why not have expectations of success in life that were great or at least pretty good?
But of course Dickens was writing before the modern presidential campaign. On the eve of the first debate between President Obama and Mitt Romney we have generally been treated to a plethora of low expectations, with each camp's surrogates pooh-poohing their candidates debating abilities while complimenting the other (an exception has been Chris Christie who may have his own 2016 agenda).
The obvious reason for such ludicrous and even dishonest pronouncements--if the respective candidates don't trip on their shoelaces (or tongues) and don't emit any strange noises their side can (and you can bet will) claim victory. The low expectations will have been exceeded--how could they not?
So who falls for this nonsense? There are just so many truly undecided voters and they apparently don't really matter if they're not from one of the 7 or 8 swing states. At this point, you might be asking yourself why bother with the debates at all? In addition to making for riveting live television, there's always the chance for a major slipup--Richard Nixon with his five o'clock shadow, Michael Dukakis fumbling a question on his response if his wife had been raped and murdered. [Talk about low--questions concerning a candidate's fitness to be President shouldn't have to sink to that level].
Wouldn't it be a bit unusual if say product advertising dealt in low rather than high expectations? Imagine an ad for an automobile that promises minimum efficiency, mediocre gas mileage and has homely rather than handsome people portrayed as buyers? Would you buy that car with such extremely low expectations? Or would you "ask your doctor" about some rather frightening new medicine that only promises to possibly help you? Nowhere else but in presidential debates are low expectations so attractive.
TNB will watch anyway. His expectation--nothing much will change.
But of course Dickens was writing before the modern presidential campaign. On the eve of the first debate between President Obama and Mitt Romney we have generally been treated to a plethora of low expectations, with each camp's surrogates pooh-poohing their candidates debating abilities while complimenting the other (an exception has been Chris Christie who may have his own 2016 agenda).
The obvious reason for such ludicrous and even dishonest pronouncements--if the respective candidates don't trip on their shoelaces (or tongues) and don't emit any strange noises their side can (and you can bet will) claim victory. The low expectations will have been exceeded--how could they not?
So who falls for this nonsense? There are just so many truly undecided voters and they apparently don't really matter if they're not from one of the 7 or 8 swing states. At this point, you might be asking yourself why bother with the debates at all? In addition to making for riveting live television, there's always the chance for a major slipup--Richard Nixon with his five o'clock shadow, Michael Dukakis fumbling a question on his response if his wife had been raped and murdered. [Talk about low--questions concerning a candidate's fitness to be President shouldn't have to sink to that level].
Wouldn't it be a bit unusual if say product advertising dealt in low rather than high expectations? Imagine an ad for an automobile that promises minimum efficiency, mediocre gas mileage and has homely rather than handsome people portrayed as buyers? Would you buy that car with such extremely low expectations? Or would you "ask your doctor" about some rather frightening new medicine that only promises to possibly help you? Nowhere else but in presidential debates are low expectations so attractive.
TNB will watch anyway. His expectation--nothing much will change.
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Know When to Fold 'Em
Remember Kenny Rogers' famous song "The Gambler"? The classic line was "You gotta know when to hold 'em and know when to fold 'em" referring of course to a poker hand. TNB recalled the line this week as a result of the bizarre performance by Hollywood icon Clint Eastwood at the Republican National Convention when to the dismay of the convention producers (and the candidates) old Dirty Harry had an imaginary conversation with an empty chair supposedly representing President Obama. This invisible Obama "conveyed" a message for Clint to relay to Mitt Romney to "go .... himself " [an anatomical impossibility].
Thus, another beloved personality has obviously overstayed his welcome in the spotlight, because he
didn't "know when to fold 'em" i.e, gracefully step back before diminishing and humiliating himself.
Think in sports Willie Mays, Muhammad Ali and even recently Brett Favre, among others, all of whom are unfortunately remembered not only for their massive accomplishments but alas for hanging on way past their primes, not only for ego reasons but certainly for financial rewards. And in the entertainment world how many embarrassing "farewell tours" have there been where the performer was way over the hill, one example being Frank Sinatra, probably (for most of his career) the greatest pop singer of all time.
After all the great movies, as an actor and director, that have starred Clint Eastwood, will this 12 minute long disgrace be his lasting legacy? Interesting that Clint has a new movie "Trouble with the Curve" coming out soon (was this maybe a promo??). Will the public shun him as they have an even badder boy, Mel Gibson? Or are there enough people who, like the delegates who applauded him wildly, believe this crap because it was uttered by a "celebrity"?
After all, these were the same people who lapped up a pack of lies so blatant that even Fox News blanched at some of the falsehoods, especially Paul Ryan's. Clint fit right in.
Thus, another beloved personality has obviously overstayed his welcome in the spotlight, because he
didn't "know when to fold 'em" i.e, gracefully step back before diminishing and humiliating himself.
Think in sports Willie Mays, Muhammad Ali and even recently Brett Favre, among others, all of whom are unfortunately remembered not only for their massive accomplishments but alas for hanging on way past their primes, not only for ego reasons but certainly for financial rewards. And in the entertainment world how many embarrassing "farewell tours" have there been where the performer was way over the hill, one example being Frank Sinatra, probably (for most of his career) the greatest pop singer of all time.
After all the great movies, as an actor and director, that have starred Clint Eastwood, will this 12 minute long disgrace be his lasting legacy? Interesting that Clint has a new movie "Trouble with the Curve" coming out soon (was this maybe a promo??). Will the public shun him as they have an even badder boy, Mel Gibson? Or are there enough people who, like the delegates who applauded him wildly, believe this crap because it was uttered by a "celebrity"?
After all, these were the same people who lapped up a pack of lies so blatant that even Fox News blanched at some of the falsehoods, especially Paul Ryan's. Clint fit right in.
Monday, August 20, 2012
Idiot's Delight
After a month or more of summer doldrums, the political season has really picked up. First there was Mitt Romney's selection of Paul Ryan as his running mate thus doubling the number of boring white guys on the GOP ticket. Ryan is a perfect fit because like Romney he only cares about making the rich richer. Anyone who believes their spiel about how they're better for the middle class is, sorry to say, an idiot.
Then we had the fascinating revelation that in August 2011 a large group of freshman GOP congressmen who were in Israel on a euphemistically named "fact-finding mission" paid for by the American-Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) went swimming in the Sea of Galilee while either clothed or in the case of Rep. Kevin Yoder of Kansas stark naked. Of course the Sea of Galilee is a holy site to Christians because it is the alleged site where Jesus walked on water. No word on whether any of these idiots attempted that feat. Anyway, the next morning, House majority leader Eric Cantor (probably the only Jew among the congressmen) who had not gone swimming purportedly severely reprimanded the group for, well, behaving like idiots. He probably told them to stay away from any mikvas.
Then in Illinois we have one of the top idiots--freshman Republican Joe Walsh who has been making increasingly stupid statements for two years. The latest was his dismissing his opponent , Tammy Duckworth, as a false hero although she lost both legs in a military helicopter incident while she was serving in Iraq (Walsh of course has no military experience).
But the top of the idiocy chart was reached over the weekend by Rep. Todd Akin, the Republican candidate for Senate in Missouri. He told a TV interviewer that women who are victims of what he termed "legitimate rape"(!!!!) have biological ways to "shut the whole thing down" or avoid pregnancy. Thus in his idiotic brain, there is no need to permit abortions in case of rape. Of course, when the inevitable fallout occurred, Akin's damage control spin included the classic "I misspoke". With national Republicans pressuring him to drop out (he has until tomorrow afternoon) watch for him to decide that he needs to spend more time with his family. As President Obama pointedly stated, male politicians (read: Republicans) should not be making health care decisions (birth control, abortion) for women. For that matter, why would any women who are not idiots vote Republican?
OMG-- we still have the Republican convention next week. TNB will be back soon.
Then we had the fascinating revelation that in August 2011 a large group of freshman GOP congressmen who were in Israel on a euphemistically named "fact-finding mission" paid for by the American-Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) went swimming in the Sea of Galilee while either clothed or in the case of Rep. Kevin Yoder of Kansas stark naked. Of course the Sea of Galilee is a holy site to Christians because it is the alleged site where Jesus walked on water. No word on whether any of these idiots attempted that feat. Anyway, the next morning, House majority leader Eric Cantor (probably the only Jew among the congressmen) who had not gone swimming purportedly severely reprimanded the group for, well, behaving like idiots. He probably told them to stay away from any mikvas.
Then in Illinois we have one of the top idiots--freshman Republican Joe Walsh who has been making increasingly stupid statements for two years. The latest was his dismissing his opponent , Tammy Duckworth, as a false hero although she lost both legs in a military helicopter incident while she was serving in Iraq (Walsh of course has no military experience).
But the top of the idiocy chart was reached over the weekend by Rep. Todd Akin, the Republican candidate for Senate in Missouri. He told a TV interviewer that women who are victims of what he termed "legitimate rape"(!!!!) have biological ways to "shut the whole thing down" or avoid pregnancy. Thus in his idiotic brain, there is no need to permit abortions in case of rape. Of course, when the inevitable fallout occurred, Akin's damage control spin included the classic "I misspoke". With national Republicans pressuring him to drop out (he has until tomorrow afternoon) watch for him to decide that he needs to spend more time with his family. As President Obama pointedly stated, male politicians (read: Republicans) should not be making health care decisions (birth control, abortion) for women. For that matter, why would any women who are not idiots vote Republican?
OMG-- we still have the Republican convention next week. TNB will be back soon.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Summer Headlines
Where to Turn First?
- BATMAN BECOMES REAL Dressed up in his faux Batman or monster gear and armed to the teeth James Holmes was quite the macho dude while shooting 70 people in of all sacred places (to TNB) a movie theater! [See the inspiration for this blog, the Normal Theater]. But in court today he didn't look very imposing, with his weird dyed hair, glassy stare, etc. Possibly over the weekend, the almost certain death penalty he will receive may have begun to register in his warped brain. BTW-- the futile argument over gun control (see the NRA) just surfaced again. When at least one right-wing gun nut Congressman suggested that if "law-abiding citizens" carrying weapons were only present in the theater, the carnage would have been stopped, TNB wanted to scream.Imagine after tear gas had been sprayed in a darkened theater and several "law-abiding citizens" had all started shooting at once, what the death toll would have amounted to!
- PENN STATE PUNISHED Speaking, sadly, of death penalties the university escaped having its football program shut down, which in the short run would financially penalize opponents whose games would be cancelled (not to mention anger the TV networks and their sponsors). While a $60 million fine will have to be paid over the next five years and bowl revenue and scholarships were severely curtailed, the biggest penalty occurred posthumously (sort of a post-death penalty) against the reputation and record of the late Joe Paterno. Joe Pa is now 8th instead of first on the all-time wins list, with all Penn State victories over the last 13 years retroactively wiped out. This action also in TNB's opinion unfairly penalizes all the players during that period. Couldn't Paterno's now removed statue just have been melted down instead? However, if it's OK (?) for Mitt Romney to retroactively retire from Bain Capital, apparently just about any actions or outcomes can be reversed--and many years later at that.
- MORE FINANCIAL SCANDALS The auditor in TNB never ceases to be amazed at the never-ending financial scandals. Let's see--there's the Barclay's LIBOR rate cheating, the HSBC terrorist money laundering, the $53 million apparently stolen by the controller of tiny Dixon, Illinos, Ronald Reagan's hometown, the apparent $200 million embezzlement by its CEO from Peregrine Financial (confessed to in a note left with a failed suicide attempt--this guy couldn't do anything right!) etc. etc. Interesting that about 10 years ago at the height of the Enron/World Com scandals, TNB predicted to his students in an auditing class he was then teaching at DePaul University that no matter what new controls were put in, these scandals would continue unabated (this was 6 years before the uncovering of Bernie Madoff). Easy to predict--human nature being what is is. Alas, not many of the students were paying close attention.
Friday, June 15, 2012
Cant anyone hear spel
Today's online edition of The Chicago Tribune, in reporting a story of a legal dispute between actors Kevin Costner and Stephen Baldwin, misspelled the name "Costner" as "Coster" in the headline and in a picture caption and also used "degended" for "defended". A later edition still had the picture caption spelled incorrectly.
Unfortunately, poor proofreading is not unusual.How often do you see egregious misspellings of names and places in the graphics on TV news programs? These shows are of course primarily aimed at seniors (who should know better)as evidenced by the plethora of pharmaceutical commercials for scary new medicines with frightening side effects ranging from bed wetting to erections lasting four hours to thoughts of suicide ("just ask your doctor").
Obviously a major cause of our national inability to spell correctly is the Internet. While proper grammar and spelling has more or less been shunted aside in the E-Mail world, the rising use of texting has been ruinous especially to young people.[Even TNB has been affected--in his occasional text to a family member, he might use "how r u"].
Also, the justifiable emphasis on math and science today has relegated the study of English to a secondary position. Back in the day, when TNB and his peers were learning how to spell, the teachers were largely tough, unmarried Irish women--who if it were Catholic instead of public school would likely have been tough, unmarried Irish nuns.
No raps on the knuckles though.
All may not be lost--TNB is familiar with an 8 year old sports fan who routinely catches errors in the spelling of athletes names.
Unfortunately, poor proofreading is not unusual.How often do you see egregious misspellings of names and places in the graphics on TV news programs? These shows are of course primarily aimed at seniors (who should know better)as evidenced by the plethora of pharmaceutical commercials for scary new medicines with frightening side effects ranging from bed wetting to erections lasting four hours to thoughts of suicide ("just ask your doctor").
Obviously a major cause of our national inability to spell correctly is the Internet. While proper grammar and spelling has more or less been shunted aside in the E-Mail world, the rising use of texting has been ruinous especially to young people.[Even TNB has been affected--in his occasional text to a family member, he might use "how r u"].
Also, the justifiable emphasis on math and science today has relegated the study of English to a secondary position. Back in the day, when TNB and his peers were learning how to spell, the teachers were largely tough, unmarried Irish women--who if it were Catholic instead of public school would likely have been tough, unmarried Irish nuns.
No raps on the knuckles though.
All may not be lost--TNB is familiar with an 8 year old sports fan who routinely catches errors in the spelling of athletes names.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
How Not to Own a Sports Team
Probably few readers of The Normal Blog (or anything else currently published) have been Cubs fans longer than TNB who remembers as a young boy when his team was last in the World Series (that's right 1945). For sheer futility there has certainly never been a team in any sport that could equal the Cubs. But yet the true fan carries on--hoping beyond all reason that something good will happen "soon".
When the wealthy Ricketts family that had made its fortune by developing the online broker TD Ameritrade bought the Cubs from Tribune Co. in 2009, there was a glimmer of hope (for no real reason)that things might get better, which has hardly happened yet. But patience, patience!
All this hope and patience came crashing down last week when it was revealed that the family patriarch, Joe Ricketts, had apparently commited $10 million to help a SuperPac finance a vicious attack on President Obama --including dredging up Rev. Jeremiah Wright, the birther issue and other long discredited lies. Free speech, if this where Joe wants to throw away his money you say?
Not so fast. Joe's son Tom, the nominal Cubs president, was in the midst of delicate negotiations with the City of Chicago and State of Illinois trying to get public funds to renovate ancient Wrigley Field. Upon hearing the news Mayor Rahm Emanuel, formerly Obama chief of staff, became livid and future City of Chicago financial aid to the Ricketts family looks as likely as the Cubs winning one-third of their games in 2012.
For which TNB says bravo! Let Wrigley fall apart--after all, the iconic stadium has been the main attraction for a long time as opposed to the team itself.
If Joe has an extra $10 million he probably has an extra $100 million that should be used for rehabbing the old ballpark, rather than the family hypocritically asking for public money from politicians they despise. Joe could start by replacing the troughs in the men's rooms, which come to think of it would be an appropriate place for him.
When the wealthy Ricketts family that had made its fortune by developing the online broker TD Ameritrade bought the Cubs from Tribune Co. in 2009, there was a glimmer of hope (for no real reason)that things might get better, which has hardly happened yet. But patience, patience!
All this hope and patience came crashing down last week when it was revealed that the family patriarch, Joe Ricketts, had apparently commited $10 million to help a SuperPac finance a vicious attack on President Obama --including dredging up Rev. Jeremiah Wright, the birther issue and other long discredited lies. Free speech, if this where Joe wants to throw away his money you say?
Not so fast. Joe's son Tom, the nominal Cubs president, was in the midst of delicate negotiations with the City of Chicago and State of Illinois trying to get public funds to renovate ancient Wrigley Field. Upon hearing the news Mayor Rahm Emanuel, formerly Obama chief of staff, became livid and future City of Chicago financial aid to the Ricketts family looks as likely as the Cubs winning one-third of their games in 2012.
For which TNB says bravo! Let Wrigley fall apart--after all, the iconic stadium has been the main attraction for a long time as opposed to the team itself.
If Joe has an extra $10 million he probably has an extra $100 million that should be used for rehabbing the old ballpark, rather than the family hypocritically asking for public money from politicians they despise. Joe could start by replacing the troughs in the men's rooms, which come to think of it would be an appropriate place for him.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
All Good Causes
One of the annoying realities of modern life is the barrage of solicitations received almost daily from various charitable entities.
Certainly most of these charities represent good causes but TNB (who contributes a significant amount of his income to the good causes of his own choosing) is really becoming impatient with the quantity and intrusiveness of the solicitations.
It's bad enough to have to throw away unopened up to 10 such letters in a given day and not sometimes feel a little guilty because of the obviously worthwhile nature of at least some of the senders. But then the CPA in TNB computes that even at a modest $20 per potential donee additional donations running several thousand dollars a year could easily be made. And of course the more donations that are made the more organizations solicit you--not by accident.
A sure way to increase the volume of solicitations is to donate in memory of a friend or loved one to an organization you've never heard of (as requested by the family).These organizations will no longer be obscure--you'll hear from them repeatedly.
One wonders how the sheer volume and cost of mass or even targeted solicitations can provide net revenues to the fundraising entities. Yet they continue on unabated--often with a nickel or dime enclosed or the favorite inducement--return mailing labels for the recipients. Then we also have robocalls and sometimes even live people interrupting your day, some of whom are offended by you being offended by their call!
TNB's only advice is to continue to support the good causes you want to and don't feel at all guilty about say not donating $3 per day to feed some unfortunate children (unless of course this is your desire).
Actually TNB resents even more the constant deluge he receives soliciting him for retirement homes and the like. No need for a reminder that we're all aging.
Certainly most of these charities represent good causes but TNB (who contributes a significant amount of his income to the good causes of his own choosing) is really becoming impatient with the quantity and intrusiveness of the solicitations.
It's bad enough to have to throw away unopened up to 10 such letters in a given day and not sometimes feel a little guilty because of the obviously worthwhile nature of at least some of the senders. But then the CPA in TNB computes that even at a modest $20 per potential donee additional donations running several thousand dollars a year could easily be made. And of course the more donations that are made the more organizations solicit you--not by accident.
A sure way to increase the volume of solicitations is to donate in memory of a friend or loved one to an organization you've never heard of (as requested by the family).These organizations will no longer be obscure--you'll hear from them repeatedly.
One wonders how the sheer volume and cost of mass or even targeted solicitations can provide net revenues to the fundraising entities. Yet they continue on unabated--often with a nickel or dime enclosed or the favorite inducement--return mailing labels for the recipients. Then we also have robocalls and sometimes even live people interrupting your day, some of whom are offended by you being offended by their call!
TNB's only advice is to continue to support the good causes you want to and don't feel at all guilty about say not donating $3 per day to feed some unfortunate children (unless of course this is your desire).
Actually TNB resents even more the constant deluge he receives soliciting him for retirement homes and the like. No need for a reminder that we're all aging.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Politics Make Strange Hypocrites
No one is quite sure where the saying "politics make strange bedfellows" originated but it has been understood to mean that in order to get elected, politicians would welcome and even seek out support from people who they wouldn't enjoy having dinner with much less (metaphorically) sharing a bed.
Some of us for example can remember 1960 when John F. Kennedy picked his primary rival, Lyndon Johnson (about 180 degrees opposite in personality and background) to be his running mate in order to help win Southern states. Believe it or not, Democrats had a good chance then in the South before Richard Nixon's Southern Strategy ( not so subtle racism) kicked in.
Eventually due to a number of sex scandals, not to mention married (and other) couples such as the Clintons both being active politically the term was sometimes inverted to read "bedfellows make strange politics".
Now however we are about to witness the ultimate in hypocrisy-- Mitt Romney who viciously and continuously attacked Rick Santorum (and vice versa) is already making nice to Santorum just hours after the latter suspended his campaign. This is more than just the two maybe becoming bedfellows (OMG--that term would drive both of them crazy!) it means asking the electorate to just totally ignore every barb, negative ad and surrogate attack each made on the other over the last six months or so.
What's changed from the JFK/LBJ days of 1960 (the era of Mad Men) among other things, is that every word and invective each has hurled at the other (not to mention Newt Gingrich) is preserved on videotape and after careful editing will be used against Romney this Fall thus further exposing the hypocritical side of someone whose real opinions and policies, if any, are subject daily or hourly to the political expediency of the moment (see: Etch-A-Sketch). Early speculation that Santorum will be the VP choice seems farfetched, but...?
To be fair, Mitt Romney is not the first hypocrite seeking high office. Or low office for that matter. If a politician turns out to be relatively decent and honest, we're generally surprised. As another old saying goes "we get the leaders we deserve".
Some of us for example can remember 1960 when John F. Kennedy picked his primary rival, Lyndon Johnson (about 180 degrees opposite in personality and background) to be his running mate in order to help win Southern states. Believe it or not, Democrats had a good chance then in the South before Richard Nixon's Southern Strategy ( not so subtle racism) kicked in.
Eventually due to a number of sex scandals, not to mention married (and other) couples such as the Clintons both being active politically the term was sometimes inverted to read "bedfellows make strange politics".
Now however we are about to witness the ultimate in hypocrisy-- Mitt Romney who viciously and continuously attacked Rick Santorum (and vice versa) is already making nice to Santorum just hours after the latter suspended his campaign. This is more than just the two maybe becoming bedfellows (OMG--that term would drive both of them crazy!) it means asking the electorate to just totally ignore every barb, negative ad and surrogate attack each made on the other over the last six months or so.
What's changed from the JFK/LBJ days of 1960 (the era of Mad Men) among other things, is that every word and invective each has hurled at the other (not to mention Newt Gingrich) is preserved on videotape and after careful editing will be used against Romney this Fall thus further exposing the hypocritical side of someone whose real opinions and policies, if any, are subject daily or hourly to the political expediency of the moment (see: Etch-A-Sketch). Early speculation that Santorum will be the VP choice seems farfetched, but...?
To be fair, Mitt Romney is not the first hypocrite seeking high office. Or low office for that matter. If a politician turns out to be relatively decent and honest, we're generally surprised. As another old saying goes "we get the leaders we deserve".
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Technology Gone Wild
It's undisputable that in the last decade or so (i.e. the 21st century) technology has just about totally taken over most everyone's lives. To a large extent, this has been a positive development -- the ubiquitous smartphones, tablets such as I Pads and other new products have made PC's and laptops for example seem somewhat obsolete. Of course, planned obsolescence is the name of the game.
As incredible as many of the new gadgets are (and certainly TNB uses them) there is always a downside. Who could argue that the wanton use of cellphones has gone over the top? Besides talking while driving (banned in many States but poorly enforced), how about talking on these phones just about everywhere such as while crossing streets, in public restroom stalls, etc. Privacy is a forgotten word. Despite admonitions at the start of a program, cellphone ringing is constantly interrupting concerts, plays and even funerals. Manners is another forgotten word.
And then there's texting. Besides likely causing our teenagers to have carpal tunnel syndrome in their thumbs, recent studies express the fear that ultimately we will be raising a group of people who besides not knowing how to write, won't be able to talk properly (with their mouths that is).
TNB has learned to at least abide by all the changes enumerated above. But in one area TNB fervently believes that technology has gone wild with the scourge of today's world--the robocall. There is no way any rational person can accept the constant interruptions by robotically dialed calls, soliciting donations, product purchases and worst of all political support.
TNB might be a little sensitive because today was the Illinois primary and so leading up to it were an incredible number of robocalls for just a few (well-financed) candidates. TNB in the last 2 days was invited to 3 Mitt Romney events (!) so obviously there is no effort to weed out unsuitable recipients. Just blanket everyone--maybe for every 10 people that are annoyed, one MIGHT vote for you. Just wait until the November election.
Never mind the real issues such as the economy, foreign policy or whether a woman seeking an abortion should have a scope put in her vagina (really!). TNB's vote will go to anyone who will ban robocalls.
As incredible as many of the new gadgets are (and certainly TNB uses them) there is always a downside. Who could argue that the wanton use of cellphones has gone over the top? Besides talking while driving (banned in many States but poorly enforced), how about talking on these phones just about everywhere such as while crossing streets, in public restroom stalls, etc. Privacy is a forgotten word. Despite admonitions at the start of a program, cellphone ringing is constantly interrupting concerts, plays and even funerals. Manners is another forgotten word.
And then there's texting. Besides likely causing our teenagers to have carpal tunnel syndrome in their thumbs, recent studies express the fear that ultimately we will be raising a group of people who besides not knowing how to write, won't be able to talk properly (with their mouths that is).
TNB has learned to at least abide by all the changes enumerated above. But in one area TNB fervently believes that technology has gone wild with the scourge of today's world--the robocall. There is no way any rational person can accept the constant interruptions by robotically dialed calls, soliciting donations, product purchases and worst of all political support.
TNB might be a little sensitive because today was the Illinois primary and so leading up to it were an incredible number of robocalls for just a few (well-financed) candidates. TNB in the last 2 days was invited to 3 Mitt Romney events (!) so obviously there is no effort to weed out unsuitable recipients. Just blanket everyone--maybe for every 10 people that are annoyed, one MIGHT vote for you. Just wait until the November election.
Never mind the real issues such as the economy, foreign policy or whether a woman seeking an abortion should have a scope put in her vagina (really!). TNB's vote will go to anyone who will ban robocalls.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Leap Day
Today, February 29 is of course a very significant day in our calendar, occurring only once every 4th year (exept for turn of the century years). While this "extra day" has some astronomical or perhaps astrological meaning, there are many more personal reasons to celebrate Leap Day.
For example, there used to be a "tradition"of sorts where for one day it was acceptable for women to ask men to get married (remember Sadie Hawkins from L'il Abner?). This appears laughable today where few get married anyway (even expectant parents) and even fewer men get on bended knee to ask for a lady's hand. Not much call for turnabout one day per year.
But for TNB, the best thing about Leap Day is that it always signifies that we're in the middle of a presidential campaign where quality candidates sparkle with ideas and make the average citizen proud of being an American.
Wait a minute--this is hardly happening this Leap Year as far as the contending GOP candidates are concerned. Just in the past week, we've seen Rick Sanctimonius (I mean Santorum) tell a bunch of Tea Party blue collar types that President Obama is an elite snob who wants to force everyone to (gasp!) get a college education so that liberal professors can remake every voter's child in Obama's image. This seems to be a stretch on several fronts, as you can imagine.
Then Mitt Romney tried to connect with ordinary people by disclosing that his wife drove 2 Cadillacs and also that while knowing (or caring) little about Nascar, he was a friend of some team owners. You thought maybe the drivers?
And on and on. It's getting so discouraging that TNB is longing for the next three years, when there's no Leap Day and no presidential race. Truth be told--TNB is quite happy to be an elite snob.
For example, there used to be a "tradition"of sorts where for one day it was acceptable for women to ask men to get married (remember Sadie Hawkins from L'il Abner?). This appears laughable today where few get married anyway (even expectant parents) and even fewer men get on bended knee to ask for a lady's hand. Not much call for turnabout one day per year.
But for TNB, the best thing about Leap Day is that it always signifies that we're in the middle of a presidential campaign where quality candidates sparkle with ideas and make the average citizen proud of being an American.
Wait a minute--this is hardly happening this Leap Year as far as the contending GOP candidates are concerned. Just in the past week, we've seen Rick Sanctimonius (I mean Santorum) tell a bunch of Tea Party blue collar types that President Obama is an elite snob who wants to force everyone to (gasp!) get a college education so that liberal professors can remake every voter's child in Obama's image. This seems to be a stretch on several fronts, as you can imagine.
Then Mitt Romney tried to connect with ordinary people by disclosing that his wife drove 2 Cadillacs and also that while knowing (or caring) little about Nascar, he was a friend of some team owners. You thought maybe the drivers?
And on and on. It's getting so discouraging that TNB is longing for the next three years, when there's no Leap Day and no presidential race. Truth be told--TNB is quite happy to be an elite snob.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
The Secret Agenda
So now that it's February, it appears that the Republican flavor-of-the-month appears to be, of all people Rick Santorum. This surprising turn of events of course evidences the profound dislike many Republicans feel toward the vapid Mitt Romney, probably the least exciting presidential candidate since Al Gore. In case you hadn't heard, Santorum has unwittingly given his name to the latest urban slang word, which delicately can be defined as relating to certain byproducts of anal sex. Since the former Pennsylvania Senator is well known for his homophobia, it was only "natural" that some people (certainly not TNB) thought this might provide an obscene but accurate depiction of him.
Of much more significance to the campaign, Santorum has claimed that if (the Lord be cursed!) President Obama is reelected to a second term, he will finally roll out the "secret agenda" he was been saving for the time that he no longer will need to worry about running for office. Of course, since Santorum is not allowed (!) to reveal the secret, it is up to TNB to relate just what Sen. Rick fears so much, which no doubt will also frighten you.
Of much more significance to the campaign, Santorum has claimed that if (the Lord be cursed!) President Obama is reelected to a second term, he will finally roll out the "secret agenda" he was been saving for the time that he no longer will need to worry about running for office. Of course, since Santorum is not allowed (!) to reveal the secret, it is up to TNB to relate just what Sen. Rick fears so much, which no doubt will also frighten you.
- All religions except Islam will be abolished
- Kenya will become the 51st state
- The U.S. Capital will move to Chicago (why not--it's more centrally located)
- All Republicans will be forced to practice contraception
Actually, the last point, if heeded, might result in fewer Rick Santorums being produced.
*************************************************************************************
Personal Note-- TNB bids a sad farewell to Lynda Kramer, who with her husband Marshall, intoduced TNB and Mrs. TNB some 53 years ago. Lynda passed away in Florida recently at the young age of 73. Lynda was one of the most devoted readers of The Normal Blog and actually agreed with TNB 98% of the time. Here's a hope that, wherever she is, Lynda is continuing to enjoy all the blogs and books that she so voraciously read.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Content is Always Free
Today, several of the major free Internet information sites such as Wikipedia temporarily shut down their websites to protest two anti-piracy bills pending in Congress. The piracy at issue is not occurring off the coast of Somalia but rather refers to the constant free accessing of written, filmed and recorded content by just about anyone with a computer, tablet or smartphone. Since this practice (sometimes known as piracy) obviously deprives the content creators of royalties or other payments it is easy to understand why there is a huge controversy. On one side are Facebook, Twitter and the like, claiming of course "free speech" while the legislation is favored by movie and TV studios, publishers of books, magazines and newspapers, record companies, etc. Some newspapers already charge for accessing their online sites-- everything has a price!
No need for you to fear this legislation. If the unthinkable happens and you no longer can get free information on the Internet, you can always depend on The Normal Blog, where content is always free (perhaps because that's all it's worth). Never mind that blog posts appear only sporadically, totally at the whim of the (unpaid) creator. Should the world really need him, TNB might be persuaded to give up everything else to perform a public service by providing pithy descriptions of current events, albeit sometimes tinged with satire.
You might learn, at no cost, for example that the captain of the shipwrecked Italian cruise ship is being not so lovingly described as Pollo di Mer or Chicken of the Sea [this was lifted from the New York Post]. Most would agree that this is adequate reporting on this unfortunate accident.
Or what about the upcoming South Carolina Republican primary? Too bad comedian Stephen Colbert can't get even write-in votes which means that one of the five remaining morons will have to win. OMG. BTW, if you've noticed, Colbert and his buddy Jon Stewart have totally exposed what a fraud super PAC's are. That's enough free info on this matter.
Need to find out about sports? Tonight's NBA scores are 96-89, 101-76, 88-87. The names of the teams might cost you but admit it--we've all been spoiled by the free flow of information, some of which justifiably might cost something in the future. If that thought depresses you, remember where content is always free.
No need for you to fear this legislation. If the unthinkable happens and you no longer can get free information on the Internet, you can always depend on The Normal Blog, where content is always free (perhaps because that's all it's worth). Never mind that blog posts appear only sporadically, totally at the whim of the (unpaid) creator. Should the world really need him, TNB might be persuaded to give up everything else to perform a public service by providing pithy descriptions of current events, albeit sometimes tinged with satire.
You might learn, at no cost, for example that the captain of the shipwrecked Italian cruise ship is being not so lovingly described as Pollo di Mer or Chicken of the Sea [this was lifted from the New York Post]. Most would agree that this is adequate reporting on this unfortunate accident.
Or what about the upcoming South Carolina Republican primary? Too bad comedian Stephen Colbert can't get even write-in votes which means that one of the five remaining morons will have to win. OMG. BTW, if you've noticed, Colbert and his buddy Jon Stewart have totally exposed what a fraud super PAC's are. That's enough free info on this matter.
Need to find out about sports? Tonight's NBA scores are 96-89, 101-76, 88-87. The names of the teams might cost you but admit it--we've all been spoiled by the free flow of information, some of which justifiably might cost something in the future. If that thought depresses you, remember where content is always free.
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