Thoughts of a Common Man

There have been so many times when I’ve been infuriated listening to Mitch McConnell. The biggest aggravation was when he refused to allow President Obama seat a Supreme Court Justice in an election year… …and then he allowed the Orangetan to appoint one a month before the election. I screamed ‘hypocrisy!’ And didn’t have much nice to say about Mitch. He also had some horrific policies for working men and women… …so, I was surprised yesterday when I felt a huge twinge of sadness as Mitch was asked about running for re-election in 2026. He froze. Just stood there. No idea what planet he was on. And I felt sad. Does he not have any loved ones? He should be home, watching ‘Law & Order’ and catching a nap after lunch. He didn’t look nasty and mean. Instead, he looked scared. And that is sad to me. Why put him up in front of a room or a camera? How can he even sit for a vote? Why doesn’t someone help him?

The first three stories I hit on were about the Florida hurricane, the typhoon forming in the Asian Pacific and a meteor storm In Colorado. Fun. Of course, the storms and wild fires appear to be more out of control and the destruction will be widespread. Half the people will talk about climate change. The other half will ignore all evidence. Science is whack! Regardless, it’s not much fun reading the stories. As for the meteorites… …that the stuff of movies. Did Rock Johnson have to go smash one? I know Superman punched a few. That will probably be what ends it all in one fell swoop. Just a 💥  Lights out! Stay safe out there.

On the road and headed to a small diner for dinner. I held the door for a family, including a teenage boy who was disabled. The Dad, who was working the wheelchair, was grateful, and the Mom - a big woman - also said thanks. Not a big deal and not the point of the story that I held the door. Rather, a man came up behind me and said, “very loudly,  “Holy hell, that’s a fat woman.” The Mom turned and looked at me and the guy who was a foot behind me and was evidently speaking to me about the woman. “I don’t know this guy,” I said. The damage was done. She walked away. I turned to the guy. “What’s wrong with you?” I asked. “Her thighs!” He said. “They were like sides of beef.” I walked away too. As luck might have it, I was seated at a booth and next to me was this guy - and his wife - who he was waiting for him. I didn’t look at him, for obvious reasons, but partway through my meal, he called across to me. “Where you from?” He asked. “Buffalo,” I said, reluctantly. He looked confused...

Through the years I’ve heard people say: “The universe will balance things out.” It’s a comforting thought, and one that allows oneself to think: “Clean living will allow me to bounce back here.” It’s horseshit. People don’t get what they deserve. Instant Karma doesn’t come to get you. If that were true there’d be a jail cell with a huge orange occupant. All the people on death row would have a debilitating disease that involves suffering. For example! I did the right thing and turned down all invites for golf this weekend because Kathy has Covid and couldn’t deal with the pets, eating, etc….and would’ve sat alone as she battled it. Universe owes me, right? Spent some time outside - push mowed the lawn - I’ve always kind of liked mowing. I finished up and my left leg hurt. A weird hurt. It was burning, and was swelling up. I figured I just planted wrong and I’d rest it and that would be that. Woke up at 3:13 a.m., and scratched my leg until about 3:25. It dawned on me. “I got stung or ...

Shohei Ohtani has had an absolutely amazing season for the Angels. I’m not sure when the MVP in a league was decided so early - he had it wrapped up in May. The thing is, Ohtani’s contract is up this season and he most likely will move on from the Angels because in six years, he hasn’t played a playoff game. Ohtani is probably the second best power hitter in the league (after Judge). He is also a very good pitcher and is in the top ten of the best in the game. Think Babe Ruth.  That’s how legendary a career Ohtani has put together. His contract was set to head in the direction of a billion dollars. Until earlier this week. Ohtani has a tear in his UCL and won’t be able to pitch… …for at least the next 18 months. It is his second UCL tear. It puts his status as a two-way player in serious doubt and what looked like a sure $500 million deal in peril. How much will he get as a designated hitter? Still plenty! I want the Yankees to be in on the bidding. Ohtani might hit 70 homers in Ne...

We avoided Covid - as far as we knew - for 3.5 years. Jake - who has his own place - tested positive a couple of weeks ago. Kathy took him to the doctors and brought him some food. Then last Saturday, I was suddenly sick - I slept for a while during the day on Saturday and announced that I was done being sick. I didn’t bother with a test. (I wasn’t completely done with symptoms, but I battled through a round of golf and a couple of busy work days). And then Kathy got sick. Tested positive. This is where my plans for the day went out the window. I was set to take a day and play golf with a couple of buddies near Syracuse. Yesterday morning I loaded the clubs into my car and headed back into the house to grab my coffee. Kathy was up and hacking. “How you feeling?” I asked. “Horrendous.” The boys aren’t here. Ollie and Miller are. “Should I stay home?” I asked. “I can call 9-1-1 if I have to,” she said. Yeah. I unloaded the clubs. Took Ollie into the backyard and we played catch in the ra...

The motorcade to indictment number four was preposterous. The media then went into full white Ford Bronco mode while waiting for the giant orange man to be booked. Las Vegas was taking bets on his official weight, setting the over/under at 275 pounds. Once they noted that it was a self-reporting deal everyone should’ve taken the under. Just another fabrication as the first booking note stated that he was:  (are you ready?) 6’3” and 215 pounds. 😂  And for a little while, I waited to see the mug shot. The Twitter world was breathless with anticipation. I bailed. I didn’t want to see the mug shot. I don’t want it here on this blog. In fact, Chris Christie had an interesting comment when he mentioned that someone has to condemn the behavior. All the other candidates on that debate stage stated that they would still vote for a candidate who was convicted of felony charges. That’s why I didn’t look for the mug shot. Sad, sad, sad day for America. And yes, I agree with Chris Christi...