Opening Stuff:
Some of the best things in life are often hastily put together. That's an awkward way of saying "Indulge yourself in spontaneity".
"All you really need is Love"...and $75,000. That's what Princeton U is saying is the basis for happiness. The study says that day to day you can be totally happy all of the time once you achieve $75K (Maybe a little more in big Metros and a little less in Dakota). More income doesn't add to over all happiness, just to your pile of stuff. More wealth will boost a person's life achievement assessment, but it won't change daily happiness. For instance, if you have nice Ford and decide that you'll feel better with an expensive BMW, you will discover that driving that richer car every day will not add to basic contentment. So maybe that's why according to recent real estate reports average home purchase square footage is falling form 3.5-4000 to 2200-2500. Maybe the perceived pleasure from a gigantic bathroom with spa wears off real quick. Life is bigger than bidets.
And then there is Natalie Portman who at last night's SAG boondoggle (Yes another awards ceremony) wore a gown that was so expensive that she had to have securtiy guards attneding her all of the time. Money can buy you fear.
Grass roots uprisings like the one in Egypt, no matter how noble, often produces a vacuum of leadership. A vacuum that is often filled by an organized group that may be worse than the overthrown. A group that may be in reality the faceless inspiration for the people's urge to overthrow. And when the overthrow is complete, the elation of the feat will satisfy the masses who will go home to await the promises of the next tyranny.. And the group behind it all will say all the right things and quietly assume leadership amidst the rhapsodic euphoria of the event as it rises to a crescendo. A new unannounced agenda will be woven into a new culture.. It has happened often in history, from the Bolsheviks to the overthrow of the Shah in Iran. the odds are high that it may bean Islamic/muslim group, which could be worse for Israel and American interests..
The Question:
It's only 15 days til Pitchers and Catchers show up and the crack of the bat resounds in ball fields across the gracious southland. So, how about a basic baseball question -- Name the year in which the first Hall of fame class was inducted. Who were they?
The Headlines:
--Good be A Million In The Streets In Egypt Today; US Saying Transition Away From Mubarek Regine Could be Difficult.--Cairo Airport In Chaos.
--99% Of Southern Sudnaese Vote For Secession And Independence.
--New Massive Winter Storm Approaching Midwest.
--Chrysler 4Q "Better Loss" Numbers, Coupled With Forward Uptick Forecast Bright Spot For Rebuilding Automaker.
--Markets Expect To Over Come Egypt Negativity And Bounce Upward On Good Earnings Reports, Higher Consumer Spending In December.
Back to More Stuff:
There seems to be a movement afoot to reexamine the "Living Will". As you know, most of these wills specify that nothing mechanical shall be used to keep the patient alive. Now, many are asking for a codicil that would simultaneously erase their hard drive to ensure that their cyber-legacy dies with them. It will be called a Power of Attorney for Executive/Executrix Eraser.
Have you noticed how people barely react to alarms, whether in stores, parking lots or places of amusement...or from national debt warnings. United States of Apathy.
Good provolone doesn't come in floppy white 3 1/2 round slices. Sorry Subway.
With all of this talk about toning down the rhetoric, isn't it interesting to realize that the most acerbic are the "Nannyists". The healthy food folks, the furry friends lovers, the alternate energy excitables. Many of them don't call others names or put targets on their heads. No, they just demean viciously by looking down condescendingly at the unwashed amongst them and sneer.
Stop with the Public Relations BS. Charlie Sheehan needs help. Basically the publicist is helping him die with a good image.
Almost near: Chapter 4 continues. --The last time Samantha sat down to eat, she was overly aware fo the people around he. All those people of her memories that were ignoring her. This morning, she sat looking at the stranger across from her. Wondering why a stranger was the most friendly person in this room where everybody knew everybody but her.
"Actually, I've only been here for 13 years." Tucker theatrically pulled up his rolled paper napkin by a corner so it flung the utensils noisily on the table. Samantha flinched. "I'm a writer, so I have gotten to know these people becasue they are characters I live with. "And hell! Even in New England 13 years is a long enough time for the people to get familiar with you and start accepting you." He laughed comfortably, which induced Samantha laugh conspiratorially along with him.
For no other reason that it was what came to her mind first, Samantha started, "I'm form lower Maine, but used to spend a good part of life here with my Aunt Ginny. This little town feels more like home to me than anywhere I have been. then softer, "Well, it did."
Tucker nodded understandingly, "I can see how you feel. But, I have to agree with you, your reception in this little place does sound odd.
A good reader sent me several good ideas...one of them being the need for a good "sarcasm font".
OK everybody, raise your hand if you ever added less than a whole can of water to Campbell's condensed soup. Be honest.
0-Man's electric car rhetoric must be as quiet among the unwashed masses as that of a Hybrid car engine, because it's roar of Palin Pick-ups that are pulling the heavy load for GM. Complete with the choice of BlueTooth or gun rack. (GM is building a new factory for Pick-up production.)
There is plenty of well documented evidence showing where Parts of Rhode Island and Connecticut were once connected to Northern Africa. I wonder what greedy business man caused that environmental meltdown.
I remember being underwhelmed while driving through the Napa Valley wine region. For instance, I think the wine area in the hills overlooking Erie Pa are amazingly beautiful and frankly make the Cal grape yards appear drab. Just shows you how publicity can make a difference. Actually a couple of small vineyards along the Sakonnet in RI are pretty darn special. But, that's just me. Actually, if we didn't have a state government, RI would be perfect.
If you have a lot more money than $75K you could have bigger birthday parties for your pets and be the envy of your neighborhood.
The Answer:
In 1936, the first five were inducted into the Hall of Fame at Cooperstown. they were Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Honus Wagner, Christy Mathewson and Walter "Big Train" Johnson. Hall of Fame members should be the creme de la creme. The truly outstanding of an era. that is why I have a problem with the committee that from time to time will vote in some "Undiscovered" super player of the past. This may have been apropos for the negro league players but not for some player, who while very good, played in the shadow of the truly Great.
The End:
Think of all the money you could save if you stayed home and appreciated what you had.
Be contented and relax.
BTW, a new government report on the causes of the big recession has just said that probable root cause was the penchant for too many to live too far beyond their means. The overstating of income for mortgages and the general denial of personal economic reality.
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