Bush is the Devil

Okay, so why all the fuss about Hugo Chavez exercising his first amendment rights to call Bush The Devil? And now the Right Wing media is promoting the idea to boycott Citgo Gas since it's based in Venezuela; there's even a call from a Boston City Councilman to remove the historic Citgo sign from Fenway Park in protest of Chavez's blunt remarks at the UN. Could it possibly be that when Chavez spoke those words, they rang so true to all who heard them uttered, right and left wingers alike, that the knee-jerk reaction was outrage? I've seen even lefty liberals like Rachel Maddow scold Chavez for his name calling. Hey people, it's just a name, it's not like he's dropped bombs which left our country in ruins, smashing our infrastructure, or caused the deaths of tens of thousands and turned our young military personnel into torturers and murderers, incited a civil war and imprisoned hundreds with no regard given to the Geneva Conventions or Uniform Military Code and has no plan as to how we'll extract ourselves from an ill conceived and unjustified war. Anyone with half a brain, if they really analyze the facts, can understand why other nations, lots of other nations, indeed do consider Bush the devil incarnate. It's just that Chavez had the guts to stand up and say what so many others are thinking.

More Paris

America Lost Her Heart & Soul Five Years Ago Today

Not just because of the horrendous tragedy of two giant planes crashing into the World Trade Towers, but because of the fear mongering that has dominated the political scene since that fateful day. The evil-doers of George W. and his band of cronies have capitalized on the shock and awe suffered by US citizens on 9/11. And now our government has become the kind of fundamentalist, intolerant regime that our leaders would have you believe we are actually fighting against over in Iraq and soon to be Iran. And NO the world is not a better place without Saddam Hussein, it's much worse. Saddam was a bad man, but not as bad as George W. who claims to be doing the work of God. Are you sure you don't mean Allah, George? Because the rhetoric you spew day after day is just as insane. So now we have become the world's number one terrorists, hated far and wide for an unjust war that has decimated Iraq and thrown the whole middle east into turmoil. Liberty and Justice are just hollow sounding words now as the Constitution is methodically dismantled by all branches of our government. The founding fathers must be rolling over in their graves. The kind of tyranny they so vocally warned against has finally come to fruition. God Help Us All.

The Stage is Set

It's Federer and Roddick for the US Open final tomorrow, and it promises to be a really good show. They're both playing at the top of their game, well I guess FedEx always has been, for years now. I was sad to see Youzhny go down in four in the semis to Roddick after beating Nadal. My prediction, Roddick will not be able to overcome Federer, but it will probably go to five sets. I hate not having it another Federer/Nadal showdown, but that's the breaks I guess.

You've Got To Be Kidding - Note to Katie Couric

Okay Katie, it was bad enough that the Long Goodbye lasted a freakin' six months on the Today Show, not to mention the half hour monologue of self absorption on the very last show. (I thought Matt Lauer was going to get up from his seat and personally strangle you on national TV.) But then your first night out of the gate on the CBS Evening News you come up with the "Photo everyone has been waiting for". THIS AIN'T Entertainment Tonight, and we don't Fucking CARE. There's only a War, a Stupid President, an upcoming mid-term election and 500 other things in the world that actually qualify as news that you could be informing the news-watching public about. You may have the legs, but you don't have the chops for a real news show. The stomach turning crap that has filled the Today Show the last several years making it unwatchable should die with your leaving, not just transfer over to CBS. Brian Williams, your future can only look brighter from here.

Farewell to Andre Agassi

Not a dry eye in the house when Andre Agassi hit his last professional tennis ball losing to Benjamin Becker, who will be known through sports history as the one that sent Andre packing. Unfortunately Becker got sent packing in his very next round. At least if someone beats you they should have the decency to go all the way. You had to feel bad for Benny who couldn't really relish the moment of making it to his first fourth round of major tournament ever. Andre gave a very heartfelt speech following his defeat, thanking his long time fans for their support on and off the court. He truly is a man of grace and class. From his days as a brash mullet wearing kid going pro at 16 to his final act as the senior citizen of the game, long outlasting all of his peers, he gave us great moments of tennis. A joy to watch, you couldn't help but root for him, and feel his pain when he could barely walk but managed to play his last match against the youngster Becker. Andre, you will be missed. Thanks for the memories.

Out in the Quarterfinals, Damn!!

Oh well, that's further than ever before for Rafa in the US Open

My Favorite Klimt

WTC The Movie

Well, Oliver Stone has produced a well balanced and touching film, without overdoing the drama or hinting at any conspiracy theory with World Trade Center. I was afraid it would be a real weeper, but actually wasn't too bad, although there are some very emotional moments. The pacing between the families and the trapped men was well done and seeing some of the sights from 9-11 while disturbing, after time you're able to look at the event with more of a historic perspective. The way the film opens with no opening credits, just a few notes of locations is very fitting. Well done.

The Swans of Hyde Park

Friday Notes

Back to Normal
Four weeks ago today we flew off to London. I guess it's time to get back to the routine and finish that painting I started about two months ago. Actually it's almost done, I have to pick a sunflower from the yard to use as the model, then a few touch ups and I'll be done. Next I have to decide if I buy two more canvases, which I think I should. The less fun task will be actually tackling that bare kitchen floor that I tore the gruesome carpet up from last summer. The bare wood is still nicer than the carpet ever was, even with the giant pesto stain from when the blender bottom fell out, oops! But it's a weird shaped kitchen and if I just lay down linoleum myself, it should be a chore getting it cut out. The ideal is ceramic tile, but not sure I'm ready for the expense yet.

No Thanks, I Already Have a Stalker
Been playing around on My Space, which I had never really checked out before, and it's strange. Still not too many local area men that I'd want to meet, but have been corresponding with a couple nearby. I thought it would be different than the online dating sites, which is all meat market vibe, but really My Space is pretty similar in that respect. And the formats, even the custom made ones, are not that pleasing to look at. I'll keep at it for awhile longer, and then probably chuck the whole idea. Besides, blogging is a lot more fun than worrying if the guy who wants to be your friend suffers from a major mental disorder. And another aspect, I'm really at peace with my life as it is, so why fix the unbroken?

I See Live People
One of the starkest differences between Paris and US cities I've visited is the total awareness and engaging nature of the Parisians. A city where people look at each other, watch each other and wonder about each other is pretty refreshing.

Double Feature

Okay after spending a couple of hours pulling up the dead sunflowers that baked while I was away, I decided to catch a couple of movies I've been wanting to see, even though the summer weather had returned. So, I'd heard Woody Allen's new one, Scoop, again had Scarlett Johansson and even Hugh Jackman. Seems every actor wants to work with Woody. Now if you're one of those people who doesn't like Woody when in his own movies, you'll especially not like this one. But, if you're like me and you really like almost all of his movies, this one is definitely entertaining. A little silly, but with Ian McShane (Al Swearingen of Deadwood) it's worth viewing. Scarlett's character is a little ditzy, but it's actually nice to see her play other than the usual smoldering sex symbol, which of course she is.

Speaking of sex symbols, I had to go see Miami Vice, Colin Farrell alone was reason enough for me. And it's actually good, the photography is a lot of hand held action, and luckily not overly violent, which I usually avoid. Not just an action flick, the added dimension of Colin hitting on the enemy plays well with some nice scenes, the speed boat in particular. I wonder how Jamie Foxx liked sharing the screen with Colin, as when he's up there, you just have to watch him, you can't help yourself. Colin has that magnetism that not too many actors own, I can think of only a couple off hand: Clive Owen and Brad Pitt. I smell sequel.

Europe, the Highlights

The trip was a complete success and I feel such a sense of accomplishment that we went and had such a great time. One of the major things that contributed to this, is the amount of preparation that went into the trip. When everything is planned out it allows you to relax and just enjoy the sights and share the experience with people you love, family. The European flavor is so different than the US and seeing things for the first time, especially when you've heard about them and seen pictures your whole life, is quite amazing. How many movies, pictures, etc. have I seen in my life showing the Eiffel Tower, and yet it was spectacular in real life. And Paris, the land of scooters, the streets are like nothing I've ever seen, although the yellow colored buildings did remind me of Stockholm, another city I hope to return to in my life. I think the value of traveling can not be overstated, to see other places and cultures and the different attitudes of each are valuable to give more perspective on life. I think of my siblings, parents and grandparents who would all love to see England at least, considering the family heritage connections, and yet I doubt many will travel there in their life. The barriers that keep people from taking on adventure, money, fear of flying or whatever, can be broken through and makes life so much more rewarding. I'm thankful my daughter moved to Sweden which prompted me to finally take the plunge and get on an eight hour flight. It scares me to think I might otherwise never have made it over to Europe. Now I'd like to make the trip annually, if possible. So much more to see.

"There are no hereditary Kings in America and no powers not created by the Constitution."

Judge Anna Diggs Taylor, from her scathing Detroit district court decision striking down the legality of the NSA spying program. Specifically she found the program unconstitutional and in violation of Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable search and seizure.

Blue Dali & Big Ben

More Europe

London-Hostel & Paris-Louve & Sweden-Zoo

Escaping the Chaos

Well when I woke up this morning and heard NPR talking about the latest terror threat, in London no less, I was quite relieved that I wasn't stuck in Heathrow. That we just flew back Sunday quite effortlessly from there seems like a lucky stroke. Europe was so fun to visit and London was so easy to navigate it's hard to believe they're under lockdown now, NO WATER OR SHAMPOO, relinquish all liquids!! Seems a little silly that the best defense against terrorists, instead of actually tracking real terrorists, is to make all travelers submit to stupid practices, such as taking off shoes before flying and giving up the coveted water bottle. And that French wine you thought you'd take back to the folks back home, forget it! Flying is bad enough without all the HIGH ALERT madness. So, very glad to be back home instead of waiting in line for hours to board a flight.

Girls in Paris

Wrapping up Europe

last night in sweden, it's really beautiful here, green and clean and the people are so civilized. no drought here by the looks of things. back to london tomorrow for one last day with the brits, and hopefully some serious shopping, still have some gifts to buy for the folks back home. this time i'm thinking i need to come back next year instead of waiting two years, we'll just have to pick a couple of other places to see as well as another visit to sweden. pre=planning the trip has meant all the difference as to how smoothly it's all gone, thank God for the internet; plane, train, hostel/hotel and bus reservations all booked ahead of time. Paris, the land of scooters was very friendly, all that crap about the french not liking americans is a myth. We had so many people trying to assist when we were a little lost and all the service people were as pleasant as could be. And they're so observant of the people around them, not like NY where everyone is on their cell phone or nose in the paper. The Eiffel Tower is an awesome sight, as well as big ben from the london eye, which itself is a magnificent feat of engineering. Will be kind of a let down getting back to the regular work week routine, but what a great success the trip has been.