Excess

We’ve long passed “absurd” regarding the money paid to pro athletes. The latest example is the  salary for a free agent pitcher, Gerrit Cole.  His bucks are reported to exceed those of Washington hurler Steven Strasburg who hauls in $35 million a year. Keep in mind pitchers only take the mound once in every four or five days. Call such doings what you will, preposterous, wacky, inane, daffy, idiotic, ludicrous, but by any definition this defies logic. Furthermore, these bloated contracts negate any chance of a Mom, Dad and couple of kids taking in a major league game without applying for a bank loan.

What, Mickey and Minnie could be living in their cars??  Seems a class action lawsuit states that the Walt Disney Company, worth $130 billion, has failed to pay some 400 Disneyland workers a living wage. Several actually are existing in their vehicles and on friends’ couches in the Anaheim area. The suit seeks back wages, damages and restitution. Pretty Goofy stuff!

 News has surfaced that the Beacon of Blunder, the Count of Couldn’t Care Less, Don Jr., shot and killed an endangered sheep during a hunting expedition in Mongolia. The Oval Office son received a permit AFTER slaying the rapidly vanishing majestic long horned sheep during a trip he purchased from the National Rifle Association. 

Enthusiastic congrats to a 16 year old who demonstrates more sense that certain world leaders. Greta Thornburg, 16, has headed the global activist movement against climate change. Because of her initiative, she’s been named Time Mag’s 2019 Person of the Year. The magazine stated, “For decades, researchers and activists have struggled to get world leaders to take the climate threat seriously. But this year, an unlikely teenager somehow got the world’s attention.”

One of radio’s best, Mark Simone of WOR New York, recently posted a­­ 1984 video of Johnny Carson referring to Prince Andrew’s penchant for young girls.

Why is it that I can remember the names of the original Kingston Trio, Dave Guard, Nick Reynolds and Bob Shane, but not where I put my car keys?

So?

Seems the King of Calamity has returned from his London debacle and has now turned his focus on a similar event, toilet flushing.  He’s claiming that “people are flushing toilets 10 times, i5 times, as opposed to once and were ending up using more water.” Apparently he’s asked the Environmental Protection Agency to investigate. His own excess flushing could be due to  attempted vanishing of those fabled tax returns.

A recent appearance saw Trump bring onstage two of his trio of pardoned military. Both had previously been charged with murder while serving. Word is that the chief exec feels that utilizing them on the campaign trail would be beneficial. These times grow more curious each day.

 Current indications point toward a new division regarding North Korea and the U.S. as Kim Jong Un has heaped insults on Donald Trump. North Korea has labeled him as a “heedless and erratic old man.”  It looks as though Un and his people are steamed over a Trump tweet that said Kim is “too smart and has far too much to lose” by acting in a hostile way toward him.

Another “whoops” for England’s Prince Andrew. Photos have emerged showing accused rapist Harvey Weinstein along with pedophile Jeffrey Epstein at a party thrown by Andrew in 2006.

Sadly, a sixth person has succumbed to injuries suffered during the huge volcanic eruption in New Zealand’s White Island. It’s believed eight more people including an American are missing and presumed perished. Such makes me question why anyone would want to venture onto a territory where exists an active volcano that holds the ability to erupt. Apparently, it must be the “human desire to challenge the dangerous” syndrome. Consider “taking a chance” may result in “taking a life”.

Of course, the holidays are overflowing with music, tv shows and films. Some are classics, others interesting and a fair amount trash. Midst the familiar flicks, the listings indicate obscure ones populated by names totally unfamiliar in which case call me Scrooge if I’d rather opt for past Bee Gees’ concerts or Blue Bloods’ reruns.

All that is wonderful, warm, loving and caring is one who can also be described as “The Best”. I continue to be the very fortunate person who gratefully shares each day with her for lo these many years. I’m delighted to be another joyous member of the many who say, “Happy Birthday, Bev”.

Just Thinkin'

There are 50,000 lights and seven miles of wire on the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.  Imagine if those lights were the kind used years ago that when one went out they all went out, how long would it take to find the culprit? 

Checked in on NBC”s coverage of tree lighting, etc. and delighted to have seen “Chicago” performing.  Still one of the very best and a forever favorite of mine. Glad to realize the current members include the heart of “Chicago”, the original trombone, trumpet and sax players.

Elizabeth Warren must be concerned about Michael Bloomberg’s entrance into the presidential race as she appears to be devoting a great deal of time and effort to criticizing the former New York Mayor. .”I don’t think as a Democratic Party that we should say that the only way you’re going to get elected, the only way you’re going to be our nominee, is either if you are a billionaire or if you’re sucking up to billionaires.”.

Little being heard from “The Mouth That Bored”, Rudy Giuliani. Seems he’s busy traveling rather than spouting. Recently, he returned to a favored spot, Ukraine, where he continues to support the Biden inquiries. Yes Rudy, we miss your quotes. We need more laughs in our lives.

Robert Ellis failed to negotiate a curve when his ’95 Chevy Silverado struck a utility pole, killing his wife Dawn. Ellis recorded a blood alcohol level of .185 more than twice the legal limit in Ohio. Turns out this was his 13^th arrest in his deplorable driving history which displays 36 suspensions including a current one. He remains in jail, charged with vehicular homicide. Obviously, his suspensions including the present one stand as proof he has no respect for the law and others’ safety. May he be convicted and remain behind bars, away from a vehicle, for a very long time.

Caught another David Foster special on PBS this week.  Several of his guest “stars” were unknown to me save for his recently married wife. Foster doesn’t really need others on his outings he has more than enough company with his ever present inflated ego.

As we look hopefully forward to more civility, appreciation and good will in 2020 we might also wish for the elimination of robo calls and lessening of those TV medication commercials with their endless list of disclaimers.

Oh?

Former FBI lawyer Lisa Page and her romantic partner, fired agent Peter Strzok,  have lashed out at the White House occupant for attacks against her. Page pointed toward Trump’s reference to the couple during an October campaign rally by what she characterized as his performance of an imagined “orgasm” between her and Strzok. Another example of heretofore unheard of rhetoric from the highest office in the land.

Rosa Parks was arrested on December 1^st 1955 in Montgomery, Alabama. This past Sunday, 64 years later, a life size statue of her standing, holding her purse was erected in her honor some 30 feet from where it’s said she boarded the bus and ultimately refused to give up her seat to a white man. Her arrest inspired the Montgomery Bus Boycott organized by Rev. Martin Luther King which, in turn, led to the desegregation of public transportation and the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

This comes from the “what was that knucklehead thinking” department. Seems said bozo served coffee to a police officer at an Oklahoma Starbucks in a cup on which was written “pig”. The irresponsible employee is now, deservedly, an ex-irresponsible employee. You think his/her next job application will include the real reason for leaving Starbucks?

If you want to become a billionaire invent holiday decorations that dissolve after three weeks.

Here’s a thought:  Politicians being allowed to only use twitter once a week. 

.Quote of the week: Donald Trump: “I don’t know Prince Andrew”. Rather it seems the two have met several times. He was photographed shaking hands with the Prince during his state visit to London in June, both at Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey. Also snapped with Andrew, Melania and Jeffrey Epstein at a party in Palm Beach 19 years ago. 

Quote of the week #2: Referring to Canada’s Prime Minister Trudeau, the Sultan of Scorn claimed, “Well, he’s two-faced” a pause, then,: “And honestly, with Trudeau, he’s a nice guy. I find him to be a very nice guy.”  

NFL fans probably get the vote as pro sports’ most rabid and nuttiest.  Proof comes in the tattoos some feature on their bodies. One had his entire back filled with Dallas Cowboys images, another pictured a lip stick wearing and green eyed Tom Brady, a female fan displayed all the autographs of her favorite on her arms,  while another covered his hairless dome with tattoos in tribute to his team.  

Who

Bill O’Reilly has surfaced, this time chatting by phone on Fox with his pally, Donald.  Perhaps he had called from the Train of Disrespect which is hauling O’Reilly, Roseanne, Rudy Giuliani, Lori Loughlin, Prince Andrew, Harvey Weinstein and other sordid types on a one way journey to nowhere. 

A word which we can add to our vocabularies:  “Failson”. It’s the name for a son of wealth who is incompetent, stupid and arrogant. Anyone come to mind?

One Florida family had an uninvited guest for Thanksgiving dinner. A knocking at their door went unanswered as a glance thru a window revealed a nine foot alligator whose tail was thumping against the house entrance. No leg or wing for the abundant amphibian.  Proper experts were called and removed the unwelcome invader to a safer location.

Apparently, it was a slow news day as the Peacock Web ran an interview with one of the Lori Loughlin brats for whom she and her hubby doled out half a million bucks to bribe into college entrance.  Before I hit the “off” button the kid was babbling endlessly about herself with no regrets over her preventing a worthy student from having the opportunity to seek a college education. She and her “money can buy dishonesty” parents need to just go away.

As it is said, “all good things”.... The Patriots seem to be on the verge of normalcy, stumbling through the last few games while dropping two in a row. Tom Brady hasn’t exactly been the Brady we’ve cheered through his six Super Bowl wins.  He’s seen spending more time on his back this season than ever before. It’s time to realize Belichick’s dominant team is on the slide and that Tom should retire his number 12 before suffering lasting injury.