Monday, June 28, 2010

The 2010 Daytime Emmy Awards was great. The show moved quickly and the acts were amazing. Some of the show moved a little too fast for me. At times, mostly always, it seemed like everyone was on a time schedule and trying to catch up. I would have liked to see and hear a little more of the special segments, particularly the salute to Dick Clark and American Bandstand. I surely didn't get bored with it. I was just getting into the old songs and then they were over. Better fast and dynamic rather than prolonged and boring. Anyway the show was great. It was so sad to see the salute to the passing of As The World Turns. That's the only soap opera that I try to watch or at least keep up with the story lines. Come September, it too will pass on. It will be interesting to see the network daytime line-up come September. It won't make too much difference to me. I'm not available for daytime TV viewing, too many other things to do. 

Senator Robert Byrd of West Virginia has died. The senator was 92 years old, the longest serving member of congress. He was one of the "good old boys", so to speak. He may have been the king of pork. Throughout his political career he may have secured more special interest funds for his constituents than any other member of congress. I never cared for his particular brand of politics or government. He strictly followed the 20th century job description of being a U.S. Senator. He was a political partisan Democrat and played the game with his nose to the grind. He worked hard for the people of West Virginia at the expense of the rest of the Unites States. He was a dynamic, colorful and outspoken senator. Over the years I think he mellowed a bit and became the well loved friend of many formerly opposing fellow senators. In any case, the Byrd phenomenon is over. In a sense senate politics has not changed, maybe it has gotten a little worse. 

And the oil keeps on flowing...

Thursday, June 24, 2010

President Obama's public support is dwindling. His disapproval ratings are higher than his approval ratings. Are we shocked? Considering the state of affairs in America, actually he's holding his own. I think the oil spill is currently the dominate factor in his disapproval status. Some of this public outrage is the result of the political tone in America. Everyone and anyone seems to have something to say about everything and anything. Media or should I say media actors, continually attack the president. They are just doing their jobs. They are bidding for ratings. The bigger their audiences - TV, cable or radio the more popular their shows and the higher their salaries. CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, political talk radio and network news all compete for the attention of the public. They are indeed doing their jobs. Right or wrong? We the public direct their success or failure. If we continue to patronize their current mode of operation including political lambasting, then we are in fact the reason for the state of political news in America and in-part responsible for the nastiness in politics today. Why do some people rush to an accident scene? Why do people love gossip? Why does "bad" news sell? The political media sources produce what we lust. They are doing their jobs, so to speak. It is up the the public to end this madness. But will we? It is my fear that the media, right or left wing (mostly right) personalities while doing their jobs and bidding for public attention will produce extreme outrage in certain Americans. The outrage may lead to violence and maybe riotous situations. Will the conspiring media personalities be held responsible for these possible outcomes? They should. Will possible political office candidates be held to account for inspiring outrage and possible violent action on the part of otherwise well meaning Americans? Will political candidates or office holders be responsible and prosecuted for their role in affecting public outrage when they say such things as, "Take our country back"? Will the hate and call for action, possibly violent, by mostly right wing governmental leaders, right wing media and right wing political office seekers inspire un-American attitudes and behaviors? Is success, political or media, worth the possible destruction of lives of innocent Americans and the American way? Yes, they are doing their jobs. But for some over zealous misdirected Americans, these jobs may mean unrest, violence and the destruction of American values. 

Monday, June 21, 2010

The first official day of summer. Let the games begin. Actually the games have begun. Summer weather hit South Florida a few weeks ago. High humidity (seems like the highest), 90+ degree temperatures and of course those afternoon thunderstorms all make for a summer of indescribable fun and sweating. It's not so bad, once you get used to the humidity and make appropriate accommodations. I'm still walking midday. In South Florida morning, afternoon or evening are all the same - hot and humid. The sun is less of a factor in the early morning and evening, but basically it is humid. Midday works best for me. Early morning? Forget it. Evening? To easy to put the walking off until tomorrow. Plus the storms usually hit late afternoon and the early evenings. If I wasn't so dedicated to walking, that would be a great time because of the storms. I could use the storms as an excuse for not walking. I am convinced that walking is one of the best defenses in maintaining good health. The older we get, the more walking we do, not only keeps us in shape it more importantly keeps us healthy. Diet is important to good health. All the regular suspects - smoking, alcohol consumption, etc. impede good health and even advance the aging process. In my opinion, walking may be the single-most important thing we can do to defend and protect our good health . A regular walking program or any like physical activity is important, effective and necessary in maintaining good health especially as we age.  So, midday walking after my coffee and newspaper break seems to be the best prescription for me. I must remember periodically, "Just Do It". 

President Obama gave a so-so Oval Office speech last week. I don't think he should have mentioned any legislative proposals. He should have concentrated exclusively on the oil spill - capping, containment and recovery. You know how politicians are, of any party. As far as the criticism, bickering and other nonproductive ramblings of Republicans as well as Democrats - fiddly dee. Fiddly dee was a regular response showing the seemingly oblivious attitude of Blanche Devereaux. Sometimes is good to be oblivious to the nongermane behavior of others. 

The Saturday Night Live episode this weekend was a repeat of the show that Betty White hosted. This time I got to watch about a third of it. It was OK, but nothing to rave about except maybe for the fact that an 88 and a half year old woman was hosting it. Her age was obvious both in the look and physicality of the sketches. At least Betty white is still a player. I caught her new series Wednesday night on TVLand, Hot in Cleveland. Again, so-so. Better than most of the comparable pilot comedies, but still not up to my definition of "funny". Betty White still has comedic presence. The show, not so much. 

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

The President will give his first Oval Office address tonight. I don't know what the complaining people expect him to do. There is only so much a president can do. Some of the aftermath of such a disaster is out of anyone's hands. The rule of law must be followed. Maybe I should say the rule of common sense should be employed. When in doubt, go with common sense. I am vigorously opposed to rash distribution of restitution funds. Even in a natural disaster i.e. a hurricane or earthquake (Haiti), common sense, thoughtful processes and comprehensive deliberation must guide the powers that be as well as those affected in the handling of the disaster. I am not saying that the government should not act, but act decisively and after thoughtful deliberation. Just giving people money is not necessarily the answer. Perhaps meeting the human needs (food, shelter, medical attention, etc.) should be the immediate action of any affected government, then the development of a workable and appropriate financial plan of attack should be conceived and implemented. Human nature says get the money now. Get as much as you can. I need help. Yes, people need help, but undisciplined, irresponsible reaction is nothing more than guilt driven or PR driven and may not solve the long term problem. Immediate help, sustaining life is most appropriate. Financial support, restitution and blame placing takes time to be implemented following a detailed, comprehensive and intellectual approach. Don't rush to judge, but rush to alleviated human pain. It is surprising to me that when a disaster occurs the government, federal, state and local all usually go berserk. Didn't these governmental offices develop emergency plans for such disasters? Most assuredly. Governmental agencies are usually required to develop emergency procedures that are to be implemented in times of distress. Why don't they just follow those plans? Human nature is predictable and frustrating in all strata of human life. Act don't react. Common sense not emotions. Specific objectives not PR driven satisfaction. It seems so easy. 

Monday, June 14, 2010

Happy Flag Day. How many people really celebrate Flag Day? An even bigger question, how many people understand the history behind the American flag? Probably not that big a deal. No one profits financially or otherwise from the holiday, so how cares? People who really care about America and it's history probably are well aware of the meaning and significance of Flag Day. How about you?

President Obama is visiting the Gulf Coast today and tomorrow, then an Oval Office speech tomorrow night. Theatrics at it's best? Considering what's at risk here, theatrics should play no part in the matter. But it will. After all this is politics and politics is all about public perception. I support the president, as I did with President George W. Bush, but I do have questions, as I did with the former president. Why isn't the cleanup more on target? Do those in power know the ramifications of the destruction of the natural resources along the Gulf Coast? Are they aware that a way of life, a culture is under attack? Do they not understand the impact of this disaster on the lifestyle of not only the Gulf Coast residents, but of all Americans? The seemingly lack of regards for a swift and effective defense and cleanup by the administration and BP is unfathomable. The best defense is a strong offense. Do the administration and BP know the meaning of that statement? Unbelievable. As far as the bystanders, including the media, leave the administration and BP alone so they can deal effectively with this disaster. There will be plenty of time for Monday morning quarterbacking once the disaster has passed. But for now, let the powers that be do their jobs. 

Thursday, June 10, 2010

OK Mr. President we get it. You are trying to be more "mad" about the oil leak. Should a president be kicking anyone's a**? I think not. Be yourself President Obama. You are a cool dude, so be it. Don't listen to the critics. Someone will have something to say about anything you do. So, be yourself and handle the oil spill in your usual cool, even tempered way. I would stop crucifying BP. Everyone has said that it's BP's fault. Now stop slamming BP and its officials and start concentrating all efforts on plugging the oil leak and securing the Gulf Coast. See that appropriate restitution is made to those people whose livelihood is being affected. Continually hammering BP is sending BP's stock down the drain. Other guiltless people i.e. retirement investors among others who depend on the stock's standing and dividends will suffer. What good does it do if BP is wiped out and declares bankruptcy? Let's get this done. 

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Rue McClanahan a.k.a. Blanche Devereaux of the Golden Girls died a few days ago. That makes Betty White the only surviving cast member. Blanche and Rose were a great characters. Blanche was the sex starved tramp, so to speak and Rose was the mousy nitwit. In previous roles they played just the opposites. Betty White played the over-sexed Sue Anne Nivens on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Rue McClanahan the timid Vivian on Bea Arthur's Maude. This seems to be getting somewhat confusing. Any way, both women were flawless in their respective TV roles. I enjoyed watching both in their shows. In real life, as if I know any actors in real life, I don't really care for Betty White's persona. When I see her being interviewed I get the feeling she is the consummate actor, always on. I don't think she is real. Maybe a great actor can't be real because they are so good playing a role. Betty White doesn't seem to ever just relax and be herself. Well that's my take.  

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

The oil spill in the Gulf is on the move. Oil should reach the Alabama, Mississippi and Florida coasts by week's end. Thus far all attempts to stop the leak have failed. What's next? A lot of heartbreak and life altering changes for those folks involved. Can you imagine the feelings and emotions of the affected residents of the Gulf Coast? As each day passes, more Americans will be among those affected. I think the government should stop the blame game for now and concentrate on plugging that leak. I'm sure all concerned are working hard to accomplish that task, but it is frustrating. BP is responsible, but let's work together in a fair-minded, cooperative manner and get the job done. After the crisis is over, then talk of blame and restitution can begin. 

Hurricane season is upon us. A season predicted to be severe. Prepare, stay alert and keep calm. What will happen, will happen. The important thing is how we handle the preparation, the possible storm and the ultimate cleanup. Don't over react. No matter what, life will go on.

I was dumbfounded when I heard about the separation of Al Gore and Tipper. After 40 years of marriage, the Gores are separating. What a shock. They seemed like the ideal couple. It does happen. Doesn't it?

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Hello Summer!