23 Years Later

It looks as if things are finally settling down in Baltimore. Images of two teams playing to an absolutely abandoned park were surreal. You know, the Rodney King beating was 23 years ago. When the officers were not convicted, Los Angeles was put to flames. 23 years later, EVERYONE now carries a video camera around, and what have we learned? Nothing.

“We're doomed to repeat the past no matter what. That's what it is to be alive. It's pretty dense kids who haven't figured that out by the time they're ten.... Most kids can't afford to go to Harvard and be misinformed.” 
― Kurt Vonnegut, Bluebeard

My first big deal will close tomorrow. Hallelujah! Halle Berry! Halitosis!

Game one of the conference semi-finals starts tonight; Washington vs. the NY Rangers. It should be a brutal, hard fought series. My pick- WAS in 7 games.

The Passage

I just finished reading Justin Cronin's The Passage. Fucking wow! It's a vampire apocalypse that begins with the US government trying to- - - 

[Okay, I had to stop because Dr. Wu saw my my fingers moving and tried to eat all ten digits. Luckily, a beer cap has now caught his attention. It's funny how there always seem to be beer caps around the house. Not sure how that happens.]

---So, The Passage. Let me continue. The government tries to turn twelve convicts, on death row, into the world's greatest shock troop soldiers, infected with a vampire virus. It all goes horribly wrong, of course, and suddenly we're looking at people who are living in the year 92 A.V. (After Virus.) The book is sprawling and brilliant. It's also dark and terrifying and has a religious under current that signifies what religion is to we human beings. I just started the 2nd book of the trilogy, which is 650 pages, as compared with the 850 of the first book. The last book comes out in the fall. 

It's an epic read that brings so many new twists to the whole vampire thing. I really enjoyed it. I read a lot of novels, so it takes a lot for me to gush. It's filled with surprises and some very heady stuff. If apocalyptic, science fiction, supernatural stories are your bag, this book is for you. If not, then just do what my ex-wife used to do, and read through me vicariously. 

The Problem with Color

The National Guard was called into Baltimore after the violence and arson that followed Freddie Gray's funeral. I've never liked Baltimore. It's a dirty and dangerous city, the awkward redheaded step sister to Washington DC, who has movie star looks and gets straight A's in school. But this is sad. You never want to see this. And we need to start taking action so that black males aren't killed by police unless it's absolutely necessary. Little is known about how Freddie Gray received his injuries, but it appears crystal clear that it was no necessary for him to die. And so the cycle of violence goes on and on; a white police officer or officers apprehend a black man and as a result, the man dies. Then the black community riots. I get the anger and frustration, who wouldn't? But burning your city to the ground never helps. Even when it's one I never liked. 

In other color problems, never die your cat pink. Or any other color. Russian author Lena Lenina had her cat dyed pink for a "Pretty in Pink" party. Rumors circulated that it later died, but then it was reported that it did not. Either way, I am sure the cat was displeased, to say the very least. So please do not dye your cat. I never thought I'd have to say that. I'm pretty sure doctor would tear the artery in one of my wrists open if I ever tried to dye him. He is my little buddy. Here are several benefits to having a cat.

Lastly, Pantone has a released a new color, Minion Yellow (from Despicable Me.) Just shoot me now.

http://mentalfloss.com/article/51154/8-benefits-being-cat-owner

Awaiting Fulfilment

I ordered some hibiscus plants that should be shipping soon. I went to the website and it said my order was awaiting fulfilment. Sounds like my life.

Today, I would settle for a Washington win over the Islanders and a trip to the next round against the New York Rangers.

Speaking of fulfilment, it looks like CT is going to get its first 70 degree day of the year on Wed., but I won't hold my breath.

Week in Review

While I was sleeping, a 6.7 magnitude earthquake hit Nepal, killing at least 2,200 people, leveling several iconic landmarks and killing 17 climbers on Mt. Everest in an avalanche. Horrible. So terribly sad.

The Mets and Yanks split the first two games, so the series comes down to tonight's contest in the Bronx.

The Caps fell to the Isles, forcing game seven tomorrow night in Washington. It's time to put up or shut up, for the season.

April 23 was Pat O'Neill's birthday. He would have been 48. We lost him twenty-one years ago in a car accident where he fell asleep at the wheel. But time can heal all wounds, if you're open to it. All I remember are the endless laughs and good times. He was only here for 26 years, but he was the kind of guy who let a lasting impression.

So I had Kev, Smith and Dean over for poker on Friday. We toasted O'Neill with some Jameson's Irish Whiskey and played poker. We listed to the Grateful Dead's Europe '72 in his honor. We had a great time. Old friends are the best.

"Oh Spring, Where Art Thou?"

I could not find my phone this morning. I searched everywhere. It's not in the car so it has to be in the house. Maybe under the couch? Dr. Wu is always knocking things off of tables and such.

The Caps won game 5 and take a 3-2 lead into Saturday's contest on Long Island, with a chance to close out the series and advance to the 2nd round. The Mets are 13 - 3 and head to the Bronx, hopefully to lay a beating on those Damn Yankees.

We have a frost warning for tonight and it is cold. "Spring, you stupid son of a whore, where are you?"

A Long Way to October

VITAL STATISTICS: Doc will be 5 months old on Monday. When I first got him, he weighed less than 4 pounds. he now weighs 4 pounds, 14 ounces. He'll soon cross the 5 pound milestone. Happy days!!! Other than that, he is doing very well. He broken three glasses, but all three were on a very light table that he bumped. He is definitely still 'kitten clumsy.' He eats well. He has a new covered box because he loves to throw his litter. He loves this new box. It has a ramp he walks up into, which shakes of the litter. It's shaped like an igloo, so we call it "the igloo of poo." He's eating well and loves to run around and play until he drops.

FROM THE HUFFINGTON POST: Six school districts in Kansas will close early this year, following budget cuts signed in March by Republican Gov. Sam Brownback. Brownback has championed tax and spending cuts since he was elected in 2010. The governor's school funding reform this spring came less than a year after the Kansas Supreme Court ruled in 2014 that some of the state's spending cuts to education were unconstitutional. 

Just what Kansas needs; less education. This is the same state that has been fighting the teaching of evolution in its public schools.

Human beings are batshit crazy. End of discussion.
-Dr. Wu

The Mets have the best record in baseball at 12 - 3. I never thought I'd ever have the chance to say that again. They look to tie a franchise high 11 game streak this afternoon. It would also mean an undefeated ten game home stand. It's only April, but I'm going to say it; postseason baby! 

But there's a long way between now and October, and it's called summer! I have never looked forward to a summer this much in all my life. This winter was brutally cold and snowy. I had to work from home five times because of snow or ice. I am getting some hibiscus plants shipped from Florida. I need to have at least some king of garden. They should ship next week because CT is in USDA hardiness zone 6b.

Tea Time at the Circus

'Twas tea-time at the circus, though some might not agree
as jugglers danced, and horses pranced and clowns clowned endlessly
But trunk to tail the elephants quite silent, never spoke
and though the crowd clapped desperately they could not see the joke

-Procol Harum

It's been a crazy week. A student in Barcelona killed a teacher with a homemade crossbow. WTF?

A Texas "man," shot his daughter with an A-15 rifle that he thought was empty. She was 3. He was "playing" with his gun. That's something you do with the Internet behind closed doors.

And in breaking news, Jesus Christ said that if he had to do it again, "I wouldn't die for you assholes. Fuck that."

In the autumn of my madness when my hair is turning grey
for the milk has finally curdled and I've nothing left to say

Boys will be Boys

Sentenced to drift far away now

Nothing is quite what it seems

Sometimes entangled 
in your own dreams

-Genesis

• Here's the Doctor playing this morning. He wound up well entangled. That's life.

The Mets are 8 - 3. They are playing very well and have been fun to watch. 

Today is a cleaning day. Dr. Wu is sitting in the open window and loving it. It has a screen, so he's safe. 

When I eat pistachios, he runs off with the shells. As Janet pointed out last week, he is a fetcher. 

The Caps pulled themselves of of a 2-0 hole last night to win 4-3 and tie the series with the Isles at 1-1. Game 3 is mañana at 12:00 PM. Kevin and his son are coming over to watch the game and I will barbecue up four different types of sausage before they get here. I love playoff hockey.

                                                                        

Weird, Odd, and Bizarre

When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro.
- Hunter S. Thompson

I called a lady and it was really noisy. I said it sounded like she was in the subway or something and that I'd call her back. She said "Oh no, I'm just vacuuming." That's not strange at all, I thought.

The last of the snow only disappeared last week and there's still ice on some of the rocks as you drive through the Naugatuck Valley. However, we've got forsythia and dogwood tree sightings. We went from Winter, right into Spring. Now that's fudged up.

Gweneth Paltrow tried to take the SNAP Challenge where you live on the equivalent of Food Stamps for a month, which means $29 a week. She gave up after four days and admitted she went out to buy chicken and licorice. I knew she was a few circuits short, but who breaks their fast on chicken and licorice? She is bat shit crazy.

You're only as weird as you think you are. I'll spend hours hunting down the treats my human hides for me. This may seem odd to you. For me it's just another quiet evening at home with my human.
-Dr. Wu

Just Another Scene

Hey Joe,
Where you gonna run to now where you gonna go
Hey Joe, I said
Where you gonna run to now where you gonna go
I'm goin' way down south
Way down to mexico way
Alright
I'm goin' way down South
Way down where I can be free
Ain't no one gonna find me
Ain't no hang-man gonna
He ain't gonna put a rope around me
You better believe it right now
I gotta go now
-Jimi Hendrix

The Gulf of Mexico oil spill was 5 years ago, come Monday. BP's report says that the Gulf has healed itself. Scientists say it will take longer than 5 years to tell. They say the fish and oysters are coming back and don't have any proof of exposure to the oil. My response is "Fuck you, I'm going to get my oysters form Long Island."

Note to companies I call on: If your "on hold" music is still Enya, you need to throw away your bottle of Vicodin, go to rehab, get a shrink and leave the early 1990's behind.

The Caps played an uninspired game last night and lost 4 - 1. They need to get it together and win on Friday to avoid digging themselves a deep hole.

As Dr. Wu always says, If you thought today was a scene, just wait until next week.

Dig a Hole in the Sand

Let's dig a hole in the sand, brother
A little grave we can fill together 
I got myself a problem
That I been looking to sell

Some people die just a little
Sometimes you die by the drop
Some people die in the middle
I live just fine on the top
-The Dead Weather

Ugh. I detest feeling bloated and gassy. I have taken simethicone, anise seeds, and peppermint tea, but I still feel like a helium balloon. My Kingdom for a fart!

My left side is killing me. I'll have to get more anise and peppermint at lunch. I'd think I was going into labor but that's impossible with the whole sex/timeline thing. Also, I don't have a uterus. Just a ton of gas pain.

---

Whew! - the anise and peppermint worked. Bless you, medicine women of the world!Today the NHL Playoffs begin. Woo hoo!

Kill Your Idols

It seems as if all I read about these days is about female teachers getting busted for having sex with their students. A woman in Oregon was just sentenced to jail for having sex with a former gang member, at least 12 times, in a broom closet at the prison where she worked. PS - she is married. Or was.

So I ask you - what the hell is wrong with people?

---

Well, if the Bible has taught us anything, which it has not, it's that people do a lot of crazy shit. God led you out of Egypt - he killed EVERY Egyptian first-born male! And then Moses is gone 40 days - but you were slaves in Egypt for over 400 years, why would you worship a golden calf?!

Death and Taxes

Let me tell you how it will be
There's one for you, nineteen for me
Cos I'm the taxman, yeah, I'm the taxman
Should five per cent appear too small
Be thankful I don't take it all
Cos I'm the taxman, yeah I'm the taxman
If you drive a car, I'll tax the street
If you try to sit, I'll tax your seat
If you get too cold I'll tax the heat
If you take a walk, I'll tax your feet
-The Beatles

It seems unfair to compare the two. Given, death is way worse. However, I only have to die once, but I've had to pay taxes for the past 23 years (and presumably, for quite a number of years, hereafter.)

At least Game of Thrones premiers tonight. 

The good Dr. got out of his carrier and has been sleeping in my bed for the last three hours. He was knocked out from all of the travel. This was his first real interaction with other people and another cat. He is very zeroed in me, but a) it's just the two of us and b) Siamese cats do tend to just focus in on one owner, even if there are several others in the house. 

The Road to Jersey

Wind, in my hair

Shifting and drifting

Mechanical music

Adrenaline surge...

Well-weathered leather

Hot metal and oil

The scented country air

Sunlight on chrome

The blur of the landscape

Every nerve aware

-Rush

The trip went very well. Mulligan was very polite and tried to befriend Dr. Wu, but the Doc was having none of it. He'd hiss at Mully and then play with the toy Mel and Jan gave him. He did well in the car, but he was a bit of a basket case around Mully. Oh well. We'll try again next time.

Road Trip

Tonight's the night
-Neil Young

Today is Dr.'s first trip to Jersey to meet Mum, Mully, Mel (that's a whole lotta M's) and Janet. 

Route 8 to the Merrit to 287 to the NJ Parkway to Garfield. I've done it hundreds of times. But for Dr. Wu, it's a first. 

CDs, his litter box, food, gifts for Mully, carrier. I think we're set. Let the games begin!

Rushmore

I've been calling South Dakota all morning. Generally speaking, these folks are not the brightest bulbs on the Xmas tree. I didn't expect them to be rude either. Shame on me. I should always expect the worst. 

Dr. Robert, your a new and better man,
He helps you to understand,
He does everything he can, 
Dr. Robert.

If your down he'll pick you up 
Dr. Robert,
Take a drink from his special cup 
Dr. Robert

Dr. Robert, he's a man you must believe,
Helping everyone in need,
No one can succeed 
like Dr. Robert
-The Beattles

Dr. Wu is settling in and prepping for the big drive to Jersey on Saturday. Last time he was in a car was after I picked him up in a blizzard and I thought we were going to die. Here's hoping this ride goes better.

Good-bye and Thanks

Robert D. Sweet (1938 - 2015)

It's rainy day for your funeral, Bob. That's fitting. Thanks for always being there whenever we needed you.

The measure of a life is a measure of love and respect,
So hard to earn so easily burned

In the fullness of time,
A garden to nurture and protect
(It's a measure of a life)
-Rush

Sunday with the Family

Easter, here again
a time for the blind to see
Easter, surely now
All of your hearts are free
-Marillion

Dr. Wu and I spent a quiet Easter at home. He had lamb for the first time and approved whole-heartedly. That's my boy!

Perchance to Dream

Everyone is allowed to Dream on Opening day, even the Phillies. And as a Met fan, well, for the first time in ages we have a chance to finish a) with more wins than that team in the Bronx, and b) be playing meaningful games in Sept., although I think making the playoffs is a year off. 

The season kicked off last night at Wrigley. Unfortunately, the park is undergoing a lot of construction, which played hell with the bathrooms. $100 says that is not wasted beer. 

It's Opening Day. Every team still has a dream of a World Series, no matter how slim. You just arrived in Vegas and you and the House are even, despite that it won't stay that way for long.

The Path and the Footsteps

In my time of dying, want nobody to mourn
All I want for you to do is take my body home
Well, well, well, so I can die easy
-Led Zeppelin

Yesterday, my neighbor, Bob Sweet, passed away in his sleep. He was in his mid-seventies. He was a good man. I always knew he was there to help Mum with anything she ever needed with the pool, or the house, snow removal,... anything. I will miss him

The Disease and the Cure

No work today, which is nice, not that I've been to work much this week anyway. Truly, this bronchitis kicked my ass. But I believe I have turned the corner, on this, the seventh day of my treatment. Lungs are getting clearer and I would guess my oxygen levels are damn close to 100%. However, the antibiotics bring with it the explosive trots, which hit me last night. I still feel like I'm dying of dysentery, but this too shall pass. Sometimes the cure exacts a price as well.

Go with me to a notary, seal me there
Your single bond; and, in a merry sport,
If you repay me not on such a day,
In such a place, such sum or sums as are
Express'd in the condition, let the forfeit
Be nominated for an equal pound
Of your fair flesh, to be cut off and taken
In what part of your body pleaseth me. (1.3.17)
-The Merchant of Venice

So of all of my body parts, the part that pleaseth the clarithromycin the most is my colon? That's just fudged up.