My parents are off to spend the holiday in the last Catskill Resort Kutshers. Part of me wishes I was there to see old friends and remember the Concord. Kutschers is up the road and the Concord is just a heap of rubble.
I remember how special the dinning room was made up on that day and the Seder. I am only kicking myself because it never occurred to me to take pictures Maybe its better because I miss those days and years of hope.
I think of the Obama world my daughter will inherit when I am gone. College used to be affordable to almost anyone who had a dream. Now those dreams are gone thanks to a lousy economy and never ending tuition rises. Your fat cat radicals created a future where endless debt for worthless paper is now the norm.
Yet I remember the couple of hundred I made while working those meals meant a down payment on a some of my classes.
I will perform Catskills style humor at work with the good cases. It is my way of remembering those lost days. I was thinking back on my life which is nearing an end in the next twenty or so years. We changed many things but not for the better. The world of my parents was like the last waltz. Couples stayed together and raised kids and remained together no matter what.
In the end my twilight will not include trips to a hotel to spend a moment together. My last moments will be in a foreign jungle raising rubber plants and wandering into the possibilities. For all the talk of feminism it really meant many would marry their careers and work for a retirement of nothing.
The good news for the rest of you is that although we can't ever recreate the Catskills you can recreate
the food. I hate to admit this but for those of you who can't find a Bens Deli if your Costco offers Meal Mart pick it up. The items are really close in substance to the fare at a Catskills resort.
I remember showing my daughter the Majesty of what a hotel dinning room table looked like. I sat the home for Thanksgiving in Hotel style. For her it was like being a little princess and it was pure magic.
For me it was memories of a lost world of which I am likely among the last to recall as guest and worker. Glimpses of that world take place in odd locales like making Cherry Lime Rickeys in a place where children have never seen such silliness. Telling stories of long passed entertainers like asking a strange cook to make my pancakes for a guest and not recognizing it was comedian Dom Deluise who just filled the order.
We can make better technologies and items, but I miss the magic and promise of simpler times.
Monday, March 25, 2013
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Not Terrible Invitation to a Gunfighter
Yul Brynner was in many movies. You expect a certain type of performance that is nuanced. In many of the films of the 60's especially the late 60's Vietnam must be seen as a back drop. The movie is well worth watching even with dated cliches about class and race.
Friday, March 22, 2013
Found it
I am guilty of wearing a pair of shoes till the last possible second. Usually my niece will hide the pair or throw them away when I am not looking. The current pair served me for three years. Unfortunately, they developed huge holes so that when it rains the socks get wet. The cushion wore out long ago.
I only wear Rockport or SAS and in an emergency Bostonian. Unfortunately, the place where I bought my shoes went out of business in the Obama economic mess. It is painful when I go to a store and an told my size doesn't exist.
I walked into a shoe store not far from where I work and found an old school shoe man. I saw my old model on the wall I have been wearing for 20 years and was told do you want that in double wide. I was told they stopped making that size. Apparently, the lesser stores lie to customers to make a sale. I was told if they didn't have it they would order it.
A quick trip to the back and there it was my old model that I haven't seen in almost seven years. I have been wearing it as far back as the 1990s. When I can't get it I wear a similar Rockport model. I still have a white Rockport model. However, one of the management nepotistic bozos thinks it looks too much like a sneaker. I wear them only on icy or rainy days. I pointed out that Rockport does not sell sneakers. Those would be sold under the Reebok label. However, as this person is a know it all and is not even my boss she makes a federal case out of everything.
I was trained to wear Rockports as a young student. The podiatrist told me I could have my toes broken so I could wear regular shoes or simply just wear high quality footwear. Rather then endure painful corns on both feet I switched brands and no problems for 20 years. Oddly the same disorders that cause the foot pain actually causes me to be very balanced. If my feet were broken it would entail
month in a cast one at a time and learning to walk again.
My father uses only SAS shoe and my podiatrist informed me that the particular model is as good if not better for the conditions that ail me. I can't always find my model hence the odd Rockport. In fact I usually don't even ask as they are not sold all over the place.
I only wear Rockport or SAS and in an emergency Bostonian. Unfortunately, the place where I bought my shoes went out of business in the Obama economic mess. It is painful when I go to a store and an told my size doesn't exist.
I walked into a shoe store not far from where I work and found an old school shoe man. I saw my old model on the wall I have been wearing for 20 years and was told do you want that in double wide. I was told they stopped making that size. Apparently, the lesser stores lie to customers to make a sale. I was told if they didn't have it they would order it.
A quick trip to the back and there it was my old model that I haven't seen in almost seven years. I have been wearing it as far back as the 1990s. When I can't get it I wear a similar Rockport model. I still have a white Rockport model. However, one of the management nepotistic bozos thinks it looks too much like a sneaker. I wear them only on icy or rainy days. I pointed out that Rockport does not sell sneakers. Those would be sold under the Reebok label. However, as this person is a know it all and is not even my boss she makes a federal case out of everything.
I was trained to wear Rockports as a young student. The podiatrist told me I could have my toes broken so I could wear regular shoes or simply just wear high quality footwear. Rather then endure painful corns on both feet I switched brands and no problems for 20 years. Oddly the same disorders that cause the foot pain actually causes me to be very balanced. If my feet were broken it would entail
month in a cast one at a time and learning to walk again.
My father uses only SAS shoe and my podiatrist informed me that the particular model is as good if not better for the conditions that ail me. I can't always find my model hence the odd Rockport. In fact I usually don't even ask as they are not sold all over the place.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Unfortunate
Its too bad that Sonia didn't stick around for a protracted conversation about film. However, the Duck and I will bandy about the topic of B films. What element of an actors talent allows certain performers to carry a B film? Are we past the age when larger then life actors can do this.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Violence is not the answer
My daughter wanted to know if that was me in the old film The Viking. I explained that I only pick up knives and swords if there is some form of deli meat and mustard are involved. Solving your personal problems with swords or weaponry is not a good idea, unless your name is Mr. Beamish.
Example I can't find a parking space and drive around for hours. Mr. Beamish takes out a LAW rocket and the nearest SAAB and creates one. Unless you wear a gasmask and define cool solving problems with violence does not work for the rest of us.
Dudeology
Pick the right answer and you might be a Dude
Situation
Your favorite NFL team is playing. Your friend has drank the last beer and it is the fourth quarter.
A) You watch the game with no alcohol.
B) Chuck your friend out the door and tell him to get the beer.
C) Switch to Hard Liquor.
D) Change the channel
E) Get new friends
Answers Explained
A) You are a nice guy and you will finish last in life.
B) Only Cool if your name is Mr. Beamish. If not you are a thug.
C) You are a Dude
D) You are a nerd and lose your man card
E) You are a creep
Tune in next week for more Dudeology
Unless you are Mr. Beamish and define cool, being a dude is the best for everyone else
Example I can't find a parking space and drive around for hours. Mr. Beamish takes out a LAW rocket and the nearest SAAB and creates one. Unless you wear a gasmask and define cool solving problems with violence does not work for the rest of us.
Dudeology
Pick the right answer and you might be a Dude
Situation
Your favorite NFL team is playing. Your friend has drank the last beer and it is the fourth quarter.
A) You watch the game with no alcohol.
B) Chuck your friend out the door and tell him to get the beer.
C) Switch to Hard Liquor.
D) Change the channel
E) Get new friends
Answers Explained
A) You are a nice guy and you will finish last in life.
B) Only Cool if your name is Mr. Beamish. If not you are a thug.
C) You are a Dude
D) You are a nerd and lose your man card
E) You are a creep
Tune in next week for more Dudeology
Unless you are Mr. Beamish and define cool, being a dude is the best for everyone else
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Painful Watching Taras Bulba
I often joke about my ethnicity being Guyanese. However, in reality it stems from the Jews living in the Poland Ukrainian frontier. Watching Taras Bulba and the mythical accounts of noble Cossack and criminal Poles and no mention of Jews was absurd.
Poles were quite effective cavalry men with a well established traditions. Polish cavalry would make short work of Cossack in a pitched battle. Their abuse of Jews should be treated in a manner similar to the KKK.
The film is an insult to the Poles and Jews of the region. Although Yul Brynner and Tony Curtis make the film watchable it should be treated as a farce. If you are a fan of either it is the only reason to watch this film.
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Interesting
One of the oddities of the work I do is meeting people from different countries. Once again an old picture of me was mistaken for Tony Curtis. I find it odd that that image is seen so much in my office but at the time the comparison was usually to Christopher Reeves.
I am amazed at how well Tony Curtis is remembered in Hungary. Normally, Jews from Europe are remembered separately. This was not the case with Curtis who was remembered as a native son. In America we think of him as Bernie from the Bronx who grew up in a broken home and rose to fame and slept with everything.
The resemblance is strong enough my daughter asked if that was me with Fred Flintstone. At least I was not mistaken for Kazoo.
I did hear from older people I have met about the TV series the Persuaders. It is still remembered fondly by many. I took in an episode and Curtis is hysterical and a perfect foil to Moore's more Simon Templarish stoic role.
I will try and locate his books.
I am amazed at how well Tony Curtis is remembered in Hungary. Normally, Jews from Europe are remembered separately. This was not the case with Curtis who was remembered as a native son. In America we think of him as Bernie from the Bronx who grew up in a broken home and rose to fame and slept with everything.
The resemblance is strong enough my daughter asked if that was me with Fred Flintstone. At least I was not mistaken for Kazoo.
I did hear from older people I have met about the TV series the Persuaders. It is still remembered fondly by many. I took in an episode and Curtis is hysterical and a perfect foil to Moore's more Simon Templarish stoic role.
I will try and locate his books.
Friday, March 15, 2013
Miffed
I am somewhat annoyed at a friend who has fallen down. She went to training to learn a trade and as soon as she graduated ditched her husband. She started with a new boyfriend who promised her the moon.
The jobs promised by the trade school never materialized. Her plans back fired when her husband got tired of the infidelity and tossed her out. She rarely if ever sees her children and is upset about it. Her husband's mother is raising the kids.
She is broken and depressed and has not had a job interview for months. Being a decent guy, I called up an old friend who runs a warehouse about 90 minutes commute by public transportation and arranged a job. At the last minute she backed out and said the travel is too far. I pointed out I left home for three years and went 300 miles to find work.
The truth is some people just don't want to work. There is nothing wrong with working in a factory. I would rather do that then work in a fast food outlet. The only job worse then a bad job is no job.
I also reminded this person not to ask me for help or bend my ear. I understand how hard unemployment is. I would have done almost anything for even a menial job just to get out of the house.
Even a failed job interview would have been welcome just to get out and do something.
In life there simply are stupid losers. Leaving a spouse with no plans is stupid. Sitting on the couch and talking to friends on the cell phone when a job is offered is stupid. Helping people who refuse to help themselves is stupid.
There are limits to my stupidity. No more enabling stupid people for me.
The jobs promised by the trade school never materialized. Her plans back fired when her husband got tired of the infidelity and tossed her out. She rarely if ever sees her children and is upset about it. Her husband's mother is raising the kids.
She is broken and depressed and has not had a job interview for months. Being a decent guy, I called up an old friend who runs a warehouse about 90 minutes commute by public transportation and arranged a job. At the last minute she backed out and said the travel is too far. I pointed out I left home for three years and went 300 miles to find work.
The truth is some people just don't want to work. There is nothing wrong with working in a factory. I would rather do that then work in a fast food outlet. The only job worse then a bad job is no job.
I also reminded this person not to ask me for help or bend my ear. I understand how hard unemployment is. I would have done almost anything for even a menial job just to get out of the house.
Even a failed job interview would have been welcome just to get out and do something.
In life there simply are stupid losers. Leaving a spouse with no plans is stupid. Sitting on the couch and talking to friends on the cell phone when a job is offered is stupid. Helping people who refuse to help themselves is stupid.
There are limits to my stupidity. No more enabling stupid people for me.
Saturday, March 09, 2013
Painfully Blunt Immigration Talk
I seldom write about immigration and lawyers. I hope that somehow this reaches its intended audience.
The intended audience is the American people and those who want to join our family.
Prior to becoming part of the system I had my fair share of stereotypes about lawyers. The standard refrains are all lawyers are crooks in training. Yes, there are bad lawyers, but they are in the minority. There are plenty of bad teachers, policeman, accountants and immigration officers. However, the fact that there potentially bad ones out there should never deter you from getting proper guidance on a life changing event.
Lets also leave out the notion that immigrants are a saintly lot of ignorant people confused by the system. Many of them make stupid choices and knowingly take false paths to get a green card via fake asylum claims, temporary worker scams, fake employment cases, fake marriages, adoption scams and the fiance shortcut. When I get a huge file on my desk most of the time it is because some dimwit took a short cut or decided they don't need expensive lawyers.
A fictional example of a contrived case is person Z from the country Uncoutholand. Z entered the USA in 1992 and he found a shady lawyer promising to help him get a green card through a work related visa as a mule skinner. There may actually be a plant that employs this type of trade, but is Z qualified or intending to do this job. Does the USA posses ample low skilled workers to fill this job. Z is not specially qualified for the job and knows it. We allow the immigrants to feign ignorance for their
role as unknowing victims but the reality is more complex.
We think of the above as a victimless crime but it is not. Z has cut the line at the expense of people who have played by the rules. His application is a waste of resources that delay other peoples cases. On top of this many people like Z have the nerve to file mandamus lawsuits and run to a local official. I have ample sympathy for those with ordinary cases who do these things. People whose cases have layers of fraud are the first to complain and complain the loudest.
to be continued
The intended audience is the American people and those who want to join our family.
Prior to becoming part of the system I had my fair share of stereotypes about lawyers. The standard refrains are all lawyers are crooks in training. Yes, there are bad lawyers, but they are in the minority. There are plenty of bad teachers, policeman, accountants and immigration officers. However, the fact that there potentially bad ones out there should never deter you from getting proper guidance on a life changing event.
Lets also leave out the notion that immigrants are a saintly lot of ignorant people confused by the system. Many of them make stupid choices and knowingly take false paths to get a green card via fake asylum claims, temporary worker scams, fake employment cases, fake marriages, adoption scams and the fiance shortcut. When I get a huge file on my desk most of the time it is because some dimwit took a short cut or decided they don't need expensive lawyers.
A fictional example of a contrived case is person Z from the country Uncoutholand. Z entered the USA in 1992 and he found a shady lawyer promising to help him get a green card through a work related visa as a mule skinner. There may actually be a plant that employs this type of trade, but is Z qualified or intending to do this job. Does the USA posses ample low skilled workers to fill this job. Z is not specially qualified for the job and knows it. We allow the immigrants to feign ignorance for their
role as unknowing victims but the reality is more complex.
We think of the above as a victimless crime but it is not. Z has cut the line at the expense of people who have played by the rules. His application is a waste of resources that delay other peoples cases. On top of this many people like Z have the nerve to file mandamus lawsuits and run to a local official. I have ample sympathy for those with ordinary cases who do these things. People whose cases have layers of fraud are the first to complain and complain the loudest.
to be continued
Friday, March 08, 2013
My experience with democracy
I ran for Union office and lost. Unlike the other candidates I did not campaign actively and chose to speak about age discrimination and workplace bullying at the debates. In fact I stated that my sole purpose was to raise awareness of these issues and challenge the real candidates to address the issue.
Unlike the other candidates I congratulated the winner thanked my voters and told them to support the winner. I would have had headaches had I won.
Unlike the other candidates I congratulated the winner thanked my voters and told them to support the winner. I would have had headaches had I won.
Wednesday, March 06, 2013
Hugo
Hugo was a thug criminal who fouled everything he touched. The planet is a better place with his removal.
Tuesday, March 05, 2013
Stand by Our Allies
If the demented government of Argentina makes any military moves in the Falklands the US needs to stand firmly behind its ally. Any nation that gets involved in this dispute such as the one run by the nearly expired Hugo ,Infidel Castro or Iran should be subject to immediate US reprisals.
The planet will be improved when Hugo is gone.
The planet will be improved when Hugo is gone.
Very Odd
The local newspapers did not list which group the members of the Chasidic couple who passed away belonged to.Tthis couple tragically died on the way to the hospital for prenatal care. It is a sad tragedy because according to media accounts this was the rare mensch in a community of jerks.
The Satmar Rebbe and his followers remain pariahs for various reasons. Their clown like leaders can go to hell. I am familiar with their tradition of visiting sick people in the hospital. I hope that if I ever end up in the hospital God should call me to the afterlife before one of their flock fouls my day with their presence.
The community has gotten away with too much gross behavior. It is time that the rest of the Jewish community hold the vile cultists accountable for their scandalous behavior. Gov Cuomo needs to send his investigators to Kirias Joel and crack down on welfare fraud and stop property tax scams used by this cult.
The Satmar Rebbe and his followers remain pariahs for various reasons. Their clown like leaders can go to hell. I am familiar with their tradition of visiting sick people in the hospital. I hope that if I ever end up in the hospital God should call me to the afterlife before one of their flock fouls my day with their presence.
The community has gotten away with too much gross behavior. It is time that the rest of the Jewish community hold the vile cultists accountable for their scandalous behavior. Gov Cuomo needs to send his investigators to Kirias Joel and crack down on welfare fraud and stop property tax scams used by this cult.
Sunday, March 03, 2013
Who needs Al Qaeda for this
The latest news story says Al Qaeda magazine offers advice on how to cause traffic accidents. Given the normal bad driving habits of most Americans this is wasted magazine space. This is akin to the folks at Al Qaeda taking credit for traffic jams in places where they are endemic like the LIE.
Perhaps they will take credit for Obama making the State of the Union speech when NCIS was scheduled or for RGIII's injury.
Perhaps they will take credit for Obama making the State of the Union speech when NCIS was scheduled or for RGIII's injury.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
The Sad State of Pro Sports
Long term readers of this blog know that I am a fan of the NFL. The huge numbers NFL rookies make are investments. It is acceptable to do all types of medical and mental health tests. However, it is just wrong to ask if a player is gay. In a league where criminal behavior is not uncommon and having scores of kids out of wedlock are common a gay player is a minor issue at best.
The NFL researches the players and their families. The fact that a player comes from a family where his mother may be a drug addict is a real situation. There are tactful ways to talk about these issues and some of the NFL scouts miss the point.
The NFL is a crazy game and it is sad that your most valuable personnel may be Sid in accounting to manage the salary cap, Lisa in human resources to psychoanalyze which players may be worth the risk
and Victor the team lawyer who helps keep players out of jail.
This may sound unpopular but given the investments some players should be working with mental health professionals. Perhaps if there had been close supervision and early treatment noted talented failures like Lawrence Phillips and Charles Rodgers might have had better careers.
The NFL researches the players and their families. The fact that a player comes from a family where his mother may be a drug addict is a real situation. There are tactful ways to talk about these issues and some of the NFL scouts miss the point.
The NFL is a crazy game and it is sad that your most valuable personnel may be Sid in accounting to manage the salary cap, Lisa in human resources to psychoanalyze which players may be worth the risk
and Victor the team lawyer who helps keep players out of jail.
This may sound unpopular but given the investments some players should be working with mental health professionals. Perhaps if there had been close supervision and early treatment noted talented failures like Lawrence Phillips and Charles Rodgers might have had better careers.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Obama Fatigue
Note the one item China will never hack is Obama's teleprompter. The Chinese, Iranians and Russians must be laughing at our clueless President slashing defense and wrecking the economy with a health plan that has killed jobs.
I can envision some Chinese Hacker inserting Buy Chinese into the teleprompter or my underwear is three sizes to small and Obama reading it. Obama is akin to electing Ted Baxter President.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Your future
It is always tempting to look abroad to Europe for what lies ahead. In the next ten years as Europe becomes more Islamic polygamy will become legal. Already at the furthest reaches of the left in Sweden this is being discussed.
The USA will not likely get to that stage for another 30 years or so.
On a liberty based standpoint those on the left are a tad odd. It is acceptable to limit the size of a beverage and tax fast food but sexual liberty is a given.
Societies adapt and change but life seems best when households are basic couples that want to stay together long term. Larger groups just seem inherently more unstable but that will be for future generations to decide.
The USA will not likely get to that stage for another 30 years or so.
On a liberty based standpoint those on the left are a tad odd. It is acceptable to limit the size of a beverage and tax fast food but sexual liberty is a given.
Societies adapt and change but life seems best when households are basic couples that want to stay together long term. Larger groups just seem inherently more unstable but that will be for future generations to decide.
Monday, February 18, 2013
Tour of Duty
I am up to episode 30 out of 58. The second season is interesting but one of the mistakes the show made was by writing out the Baker character for comic relief. Now I do remember watching the entire season in first run . At the time I watched the second season and expected more action from the two part opener. The second season is more about psychology and the episodes are still worth watching but are not as good as the first season. The exception is episode 27 with the deranged sniper Sgt Block, The episodes are good because they are fresh. I never viewed them so they remain interesting.
Thus far the best episodes
1) The episode that tells the tale of the Montangards. Communists feign outrage about the treatment of indigenous people in American history but abuse them in the present.
2) The Season One finale that has the platoon capturing the same hill 3x. The war objector saves his peers and is badly injured. This is the last time we see Horn who was the best scripted part of season one.
3) The USO episode where the singer Long John looked and reminded some of Jim Morrison. In this case an epileptic becomes a rock musician after flunking out basic. He participates in a firefight and thinks he is invincible. He gets a friend killed trying to retrieve a saxophone. He sacrifices his life to save Taylor.
4 Sgt Block. The sniper becomes psychotic and has to be put out of his misery.
5) The episode where the Communist Doctor is ordered to kill Prisoner Taylor. The tunnels are portrayed pretty well.
Thus far the best episodes
1) The episode that tells the tale of the Montangards. Communists feign outrage about the treatment of indigenous people in American history but abuse them in the present.
2) The Season One finale that has the platoon capturing the same hill 3x. The war objector saves his peers and is badly injured. This is the last time we see Horn who was the best scripted part of season one.
3) The USO episode where the singer Long John looked and reminded some of Jim Morrison. In this case an epileptic becomes a rock musician after flunking out basic. He participates in a firefight and thinks he is invincible. He gets a friend killed trying to retrieve a saxophone. He sacrifices his life to save Taylor.
4 Sgt Block. The sniper becomes psychotic and has to be put out of his misery.
5) The episode where the Communist Doctor is ordered to kill Prisoner Taylor. The tunnels are portrayed pretty well.
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Spent some time with my daughter
It is just amazing watching her grow and being there. I took her to the Greek place up the block. Being Dad is the best part of life.
I watched the first three episodes of Tour of Duty. Back in the days the guys would get together get a pizza or a couple of Blimpie sandwiches and watch the show. It holds up well over time and I am amazed the show didn't run longer.
I watched the first three episodes of Tour of Duty. Back in the days the guys would get together get a pizza or a couple of Blimpie sandwiches and watch the show. It holds up well over time and I am amazed the show didn't run longer.
Friday, February 15, 2013
A Note To Harry's Place Visitors
This blog is basically a diary. There are sometimes political posts or comments on the times. The topics
are varied and there is everything from book reviews, satire and personal stories.
The intent of the blog was to do comedic comments on the political scene. Amazingly, at the start we were attacked by Gay Palestinian Activists from the UK. The blog grew more political and found a niche.
There are very few rules here and you will notice the blog is in moderation. It was placed in moderation because a criminal leftist spammed this site, violated my privacy and threatened the family members of my friends. You are free to do as you like as long as you respect the privacy of others and refrain from criminal threats. You are free to comment whatever attacks you like so long as they stay within those rules.
are varied and there is everything from book reviews, satire and personal stories.
The intent of the blog was to do comedic comments on the political scene. Amazingly, at the start we were attacked by Gay Palestinian Activists from the UK. The blog grew more political and found a niche.
There are very few rules here and you will notice the blog is in moderation. It was placed in moderation because a criminal leftist spammed this site, violated my privacy and threatened the family members of my friends. You are free to do as you like as long as you respect the privacy of others and refrain from criminal threats. You are free to comment whatever attacks you like so long as they stay within those rules.
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