Sports Jerseys

-
A few thoughts collected while wondering whatever happened to Billy Ocean:

--- My son put on his Marshawn Lynch jersey this morning because he wanted to aggravate me. It is being reported that Lynch's automobile was involved in a hit and run accident in Buffalo. My son likes to remind me that catching or running with a football is what excites him - no matter the character of the man. My wife often sides with him - "Just let him be a kid," she'll say.

"Why don't we get him a jersey with Hitler on the back?" I'll ask.

Now I'm not comparing these guys with Hitler - but there are a lot of good human beings out there to emulate - felons, rapists, murderers, hit and run drivers, wife-beaters, men who pistol whip their parents - I have little tolerance for that.

--- Read a story today about young men and women of the military committing suicide at an alarming rate due to longer stints, the horrors of war, and general discontent for the fight. There have been over 100 suicides in recent months. How many more will die for a "mistake" in intelligence?

--- The new book by the Chief of Staff is a real shocker, huh? They lied about selling the war to the American public. Doesn't selling something mean that someone is buying it? I never bought it.

--- Is Abe Vigoda still alive? I read a joke that a comedian is doing about it - not going out on a limb here, but that dude must look old!

--- Lakers-Celtics in the NBA Finals - when I was a kid basketball was my favorite sport to watch and play - it's mind-numbingly boring to me to watch a game now. Also I have a hard time rooting for a team led by a man accused of rape versus a team led by a man who was stabbed 85 or so times. I can't relate - see above.

--- Why do I know all of the names of the Jolie-Pitt kids?

--- Say a prayer for the guys over there, huh? At least let them know that they are appreciated and that God-Willing they don't have to kill themselves to get out.

--- Why Billy Ocean? Don't know - just popped into my head - but I remember all of those love ballads and I swear I sang along very well.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Suits

-
Like a lot of other people we got pulled into the series, ‘Suits’ on Netflix. I’ve never had much fun hanging around lawyers who have questioned me as a construction safety officer. I once testified in a case where the opposing lawyer started questioning me by going through my educational background. “So,” he said, racing to a crescendo, “You graduated from college with a degree in Communications-Journalism and suddenly, 30 years later, you’re a ‘safety expert.’” He actually made the quotation marks with his fingers. I just looked at him. “How does that happen?” He bellowed, sure that he was going to discredit me. “Well,” I said. “I knew I was overqualified to become a lawyer.” The courtroom erupted in laughter. Even the judge chuckled. The rest of his questions landed flat. So, I wasn’t all that keen on a show about lawyers, but ‘Suits’ is great. Meghan Markle became a princess because of the show, and she is very good in it (and a beautiful woman). Yet, there is so much more. The wri
Read more

My Buddy, Dave

-
Way back in 1997, I started working with a steel erection company out of Syracuse. I was coming straight from a long stint with a steel erector here in Buffalo so I knew my stuff when it came to steel erection safety rules. On day one, I met with the safety director and he was just getting started as a safety guy, but man, he certainly cared about the guys he worked with. Dave was a good man from the start. He’d say things like: “You’re so full of beans.” Just a down to earth, hardworking guy who became a fast friend. We drove all around New York State setting up jobs. I always let Dave drive so that I could rest. One fine day, way up North of Syracuse, we passed a state trooper.  I glanced at the speedometer. “You’re screwed,” I said, and seconds later, the lights came on. Dave was beside himself.  The cop stopped by the window, grabbed the license and registration and headed back to his vehicle. “Here’s the thing,” I said. “You’re pissed, but you’re such a good guy that I bet you tha
Read more

Mom & Ollie

-
Image
 Ollie Stadium is a mess. The heavy rains rendered the backyard a mud pit and even though we threw in the side yard, the Big O was looking for more, and we were both covered in mud. I had to take some steam out of him somehow so I suggested we go visit Grandma. Ollie hates the car, but he laid quietly as we made the trip. We even brought the football because there is plenty of room to play at Grandma’s. Mom opened the door and started laughing. I thought about the love she had for every single dog we ever had. Oliver was quick to give my Mom a kiss, and then he stood beside her. The love between Mom and Dogs is a mutual bond. Through the years, Mom would make breakfast for the dogs.  Fried eggs, toast, bacon… She would wrap Christmas gifts for them. “To Jeter, Love Santa,” she would write on the cards. They played with the big chicken that made a lot of noise. Mom tossed the football and Ollie brought it back to her. As the visit drew to a close I headed for the door.  “C’mon, Oliver,”
Read more