Monday, June 20, 2011

The Good and the Bad of It, So Far

Ok, so the Verizon tech did show up last Monday, did spend two hours here and did leave the household with working Internet service (if not Internet service that's fast enough to do my schoolwork, which requires watching music videos and listening to music clips on the Web). It has stayed up since.

One tiny issue, though. The very next day, the dial tone service, local calling and voicemail -- also provided by Verizon -- experienced a complete service interruption, and Mom (the account holder) refused to call to report it. She had to go to Beth's, and said she didn't care if it was out, although I expect from her grumpiness on the issue that she cared very much and was rather upset by the whole thing.

Long story slightly shorter: She said Sunday night when we were both back home again that she planned to call Monday (today, the 20th). This morning she asked me to sit and talk to her about it. It was not the most pleasant or the easiest conversation I've ever had, but it was not the worst. I sat with her while she dialed. She asked if I could be here Tuesday the 21st to meet the Verizon tech. I said I could.

Today I'll wait again, and we'll see what they can do.

Oh, and they're still trying to sell her on Fios. Brilliant.

Saturday, June 11, 2011

You've Got To Be Kidding Me!

Mom comes home to find the dial tone (provided by Verizon) is nonexistent. She, bitterly, blames this on me, but is making a salad to go with dinner.

A Promising & Not-Unpleasant Call

Verizon rep was very polite on phone yesterday. I was ill, but nevertheless mentally budgeted an hour and a half and forced myself to be patient and polite as possible. We ended our call after approximately one hour with a promise that a tech would be at the house Monday sometime between eight a.m. and noon. Updates to follow.

Thursday, June 09, 2011

Total Service Interruption + Red Tape

Told to wait by the mobile phone and computer all day Wednesday. Was ready to deal with problem all day and got no call.

Upon calling back the next day (today) during daytime hours, a day when I had schoolwork, major housework and doctor's appointment that included two-hour round trip drive, was told I could not even transfer to a number where anyone could help me; would & could not get a refund until problem was fixed; that there was no estimated date for restoration of high-speed Internet service, and that no one could or would schedule a callback. My choices were to escalate to a supervisor or talk to tech support, with whom I've spoken repeatedly, to no satisfaction -- with time I simply did not have. All this after giving them more than eight hours of my time the day before.

Whatever happened to customer service? I know people who'd want to invoice that company if it stole that much of their time. Isn't Verizon regulated at some level as a public utility? All this comes after Verizon hooked me up and used me as the thin edge if the wedge to market their higher end services in what used to be a Comcast-only condo community. Their extraordinarily aggressive marketing techniques -- including harassing an 80+-year-old woman after both she and I both asked them politely, then told them sternly, not to knock on the door -- were just beyond the pale.

I used to be excited about Verizon, now I am angry, very tired and, frankly, disgusted by the whole situation.

What's to be done? Does one have to be clever enough to write something like "United Breaks Guitars" to get this company to behave responsibly?

Monday, June 06, 2011

End-User vs. ISP + Help Desk Caught in Middle?

Late-night hassle with telecom customer service. Who's the biggest jerk? Here's hoping it's not me. The complete and unedited text-based "chat" help-desk session of over and hour and half follows a few paragraphs down. Sorry in advance that the tone is a bit negative here. That's something I've really gotta work on, I know. Constructive comments highly welcomed.

A Question For Readers Here: When will be get good, reliable, safe and reasonably priced ISP/phone companies in the Northwestern suburbs of Philadelphia?? Are there some that most consumers just don't know about? We're talking about something those on fixed incomes can afford, and I'll be shocked if there are any that don't require a package deal.

Bigger Questions: What kind of conditions does this help-desk guy work under? Where is he? Is Verizon or whoever his direct employer is providing him with a decent job? Is he *doing* a decent job? Why can Verizon get away with gouging and harassing their low-end customers? How many other people are experiencing the same or very similar issues here at a time when internet connectivity seems close to necessary to successfully go to school many places or work in many jobs, let alone to "just" stay in touch with family and friends? Why does it take literally hours of employee and customer time to even pretend to get things solved these days?

OK, now I'm laying my one a.m. utter ridiculousness, awkwardness and frustration bare in the hope that it might not just solve problems for me or provide amusement. This is one of countless attempts to get quick, efficient customer service and good, stable, secure internet from this company -- the first time I've tried it by typing rather than talking. I was exhausted before I began the encounter, and am praying I can wind down quickly to get some good sleep before my doctor's appointment Monday mid-morning. FYI: The URL where this exchange took place is noted on the address bar as being https://collaborateext.verizon.com/ I will do my level best to report back here on the status of the trouble call, and to give Verizon accolades if they resolve the issue in any lasting and helpful way. No doubt some of the problem *is* due to my ignorance and stupidity (both technical and interpersonal), as referenced below:

Chat Subject: Unknown
Your Question: Still can't browse Web or access Web-based email. Hardware you sent didn't solve problem, nor, as yet, has telephone customer support. Also, I do not know the number for the DSL (secondary) line you hooked up; forced to give primary telephone number for house number. Very dissatisfied. Please assist
A Verizon Service Representative will be with you shortly. Thank you. (00:49:35)
Agent Gurmeet has joined. (00:50:54)
Gurmeet : Chat ID for this session is 06061162667. (00:50:54)
Gurmeet(00:51:09): Thank you for contacting Verizon DSL Technical Support. My name is Gurmeet and I am the technical support analyst assigned to help you. Please stay online for a few moments while I review the information generated by your trouble ticket.
Gurmeet(00:51:39): Thank you so much for staying online. I appreciate your patience.
Gurmeet(00:51:44): For verification, please provide the following information before we start:
- Your first and last name and relationship with the account holder.
-The Operating System (Window XP, Windows Vista, Windows 2000 or Macintosh) that you are using.
Barbra Bateman(00:54:09): My name is Barbra Bateman, and I opened the DSL account. Would you like the account number? Right now, I am attempting to run Windows XP. What other information can I give you to try to help you get this up, running and secure for me? If there is any, please let me know. In the meantime, I'll try to be patient.
Gurmeet(00:54:39): Thank you for the information, Mr. Bateman.
Gurmeet(00:55:05): While I am checking your account details, may I have your preferred email address? Could you also confirm if your DSL number accepts incoming calls from 800 or toll free numbers?
Barbra Bateman(00:55:08): You do not need to use an honorific.
Barbra Bateman(00:55:16): Excuse me?
Gurmeet(00:55:36): Before I proceed for the troubleshooting steps may I ask you few questions, which will help us to resolve the issue?
Barbra Bateman(00:56:57): Of course you may, but I need to understand why you are asking them. I have not even been provided with the number here. This is a residence. There is no question but that toll-free call acceptance is not authorized on this account.
Gurmeet(00:57:27): It is okay.
Gurmeet(00:57:27): Since when are you facing this issue?
Gurmeet(00:59:19): Please respond on this chat window otherwise this chat window would get inactive.
Barbra Bateman(00:59:36): No, not having the telephone/DSL number for which I am paying $250-plus a year is emphatically not okay, but I have not yet found the person who is alble to resolve this issue for me. I have had issues with connectivity, also, for some time, likely at least a year and a half.
Barbra Bateman(00:59:50): Can you assist?
Gurmeet(01:00:11): Yes, I am here to assist you.
Gurmeet(01:00:51): Please confirm Model number of the Modem you are using to connect to the Internet. Is it Westell 6100, 2200, 6110, Versalink 327, or Actiontec? (Model # is located at the bottom of the Modem)
Barbra Bateman(01:01:48): Just a moment, please.
Barbra Bateman(01:03:15): It is a Westell, but I cannot tell if it is a 6100, 2200 or a 6110.
Barbra Bateman(01:03:28): Oh -- it's a 7500.
Gurmeet(01:03:39): Thank you.
Barbra Bateman(01:04:03): Welcome. Thank you.
Gurmeet(01:04:44): I am running a line test to check your internet connection status.
Gurmeet(01:04:54): So please be online.
Gurmeet(01:05:19): May I know if you are getting any error message while sending/receiving emails?
Barbra Bateman(01:06:39): I have not been able to send or receive emails. My gmail says "working."
Gurmeet(01:06:54): Okay.
Gurmeet(01:07:31): Yes, I have checked you account status through line test, there is problem with your internet.
Gurmeet(01:07:47): I apologize for the inconvenience caused to you.
Gurmeet(01:08:09): So I would request you to contact our Voice Technical support at 1-800-VERIZON or 1-800-837-4966 and Voice Prompt - "DSL Technical Support. They are available 24x7 (Monday through Sunday).
Gurmeet(01:09:23): They will perform some more advance troubleshooting steps to resolve your issue.
Barbra Bateman(01:09:38): Or rather "still working." That is not an answer that works for me. I have not gotten any satisfaction or lasting help over the telephone, and I feel I'm being taken advantage of as a customer.
Gurmeet(01:10:28): Yes, I can understand but I hope you understand my limitations in this regard.
Barbra Bateman(01:11:04): I understand you are at a remote location and are limited in what you can accomplish, but there must be a way to solve this without the customer having to spend hours upon hours to resolve the promblem. It feels quite punitive, almost as if you were demarketing the very account that got you into this community.
Gurmeet(01:11:15): I have done everything to resolve your issue from my side but after running line test it is showing the problem is still there.
Barbra Bateman(01:11:15): *problem
Gurmeet(01:11:51): I can very well understand your situation and apologize on the behalf of entire Verizon team for the trouble which you have been faced due this issue.
Gurmeet(01:12:39): I mean there is some issue with your internet connection. That is why you are not able to use this facility properly.
Gurmeet(01:13:37): Please do not worry, they will definitely take care of your issue and make sure to fix it for you.
Gurmeet(01:14:08): They will perform some advance troubleshooting to resolve your issue.
Barbra Bateman(01:14:11): I can attest to the fact that there is a problem, and I well believe it is on this side (although there may be issues all over the place, who knows). I need to have a service call on this, and must be at the doctors' and at school throughout this week. I cannot afford to pay for a service I cannot use, and I need assistance in resolving the issue. There must be some way to get this solved without me hanging on the line for hours. It is exhausting, rather than assiting, me.
Gurmeet(01:14:52): Okay.
Gurmeet(01:15:18): If you allow me, then I can arrange a call back for you for tomorrow.
Barbra Bateman(01:15:59): I cannot help but worry: I am paying for something I am not receiving. And I am being turned in circles when I try to get the issue resolved. Thank you for the apologetic words, but I do not need reassurance: I need someone to cur the red tape & take care of this without further exhausting or frustrating me -- and without using my own resources to get the problem solved.
Gurmeet(01:16:58): I totally agree with you. As a consumer myself I would be just as frustrated if placed in this position.
Gurmeet(01:17:17): If you allow me, then I can arrange a call back for you for tomorrow.
Barbra Bateman(01:17:28): I will be at the doctor's or at class, but it is possible I may be reached in between at my AT&T mobile number. The problem is, I do not answer that phone unless I recognize the number. I cannot. Is there someplace I can go in person nearby to arrance a service call?
Gurmeet(01:18:08): No, there is no other way.
Barbra Bateman(01:18:11): Thank you for your acknowlegement of the situation Verizon has created here. I am sorry if my ignorance or stupidity has added to it in any way. Gurmeet(01:18:31): In that case, you have to call our voice technical support.
Gurmeet(01:19:12): I really apologies for the inconvience caused to you.
Barbra Bateman(01:19:15): I will accept a call from, what?, a toll-free number tomorrow unless I am in the doctor's office (not allowed) or in a place in school in which phones are blocked. At what time do you expect someone would call me?
Gurmeet(01:19:41): You can give me the call back time.
Barbra Bateman(01:19:56): Apologies, however sincere, do not remedy the situation, but thank you. I really miss having a reliable ISP.
Gurmeet(01:20:17): Your welcome.
Barbra Bateman(01:20:27): Must I be by the computer? Really, this is kind of ridiculous, you must admit.
Gurmeet(01:21:33): Please give me the call back time so that I can arrange a call back for you.
Barbra Bateman(01:23:45): Is it possible to effectively troubleshoot it or arrange a service call when I am not at the desk where the computer is? That is a crucial piece of information for me to have in order to schedule a block of time to devote to this nettlesome and annoying problem. I apologize again for my harsh tone, but you really have to admit this is just beyond the pale.
Gurmeet(01:24:43): They will help you to resolve your issue.
Barbra Bateman(01:25:46): Must I be at the computer? I just do not have the pateience or time (or voice and hand strength) to continue to make these calls. I am sorry to be skeptical. I think I need a service call.
Barbra Bateman(01:26:19): Please answer the question to the best of your ability. Thanks.
Barbra Bateman(01:26:52): *patience
Gurmeet(01:28:53): I will arrange a call back and they will contact with you and after that they will do some more advace troubleshooting, if they could not resolve you issue then they will arrange a techincian to fix your issue.
Barbra Bateman(01:29:57): Will they be able to do their troubleshooting without me by the computer? Do I have to leave the computer on for the day?
Barbra Bateman(01:30:06): Is that even a good thing to do?
Gurmeet(01:30:41): No, you will have to be there with your computer.
Gurmeet(01:33:17): Please respond on this chat window otherwise the chat window would get inactive.
Barbra Bateman(01:33:35): Then it will have to be on Wednesday during the day. How long should I block out for it? How many calls more do you think it will take before they send a tech to physically tackle the job?
Gurmeet(01:34:51): If you want to arrange a direct technician at your to fix the issue. Then I would request you to contact our Voice Technical support at 1-800-VERIZON or 1-800-837-4966 and Voice Prompt - "DSL Technical Support. They are available 24x7 (Monday through Sunday).
Barbra Bateman(01:35:30): You offered to schedule a callback. I am requesting that you follow through on that.
Gurmeet(01:36:17): Okay.
Gurmeet(01:36:40): You will get a call on Wednesday during the day.
Barbra Bateman(01:36:41): I have indicated to you that I have tried repeatedly to get my problem addressed that way. Please do what you said you would. Thanks.
Gurmeet(01:36:56): Okay.
Gurmeet(01:37:17): Please do no worry.
Gurmeet(01:37:32): Is there anything else I may assist you today?
Barbra Bateman(01:37:42): At what number? I am yelled out if I take calls, especially long ones on the number you have. Shall I give you my mobile phone number??
Gurmeet(01:38:03): Yes, please.
Barbra Bateman(01:38:20): Yes, please ensure that I do not receive tech calls on the house line. I cannot take much more stress from this issue.
Gurmeet(01:38:36): Okay.
Barbra Bateman(01:39:26): My mobile telephone number is 610 209-2840. I will look for a call on Wednesday. If it can be fairly early in the day East Coast time in the United States, that would be very helpful. How much time should I set aside to assist in the troubleshooting?
Gurmeet(01:39:57): Okay.
Gurmeet(01:40:03): Thank you.
Gurmeet(01:40:08): Is there anything else I may assist you today?
Barbra Bateman(01:41:41): Thank you, but please answer that question. Also, is it possible to have someone call me back in the a.m.? If you can accurately answer both those questions, I will be appreciative. If this problem can be resolved, I will be both flabbergasted and extremely grateful. Please finish assisting me with this, and thank you for your time.
Barbra Bateman(01:42:13): Wednesday a.m., that is.
Gurmeet(01:42:18): Your welcome.
Gurmeet(01:42:29): Okay.
Barbra Bateman(01:42:50): Please finish with this okay. Also, will I get a record of this help-desk chat?
Gurmeet(01:43:06): Okay
Gurmeet(01:43:11): Have a nice day!
Gurmeet(01:43:12): Bye!
Gurmeet(01:43:32): You can finish this chat from your side. Your session is now closed.
Thank you, have a nice day

Monday, May 16, 2011

HEY. YEP, IT'S VOTING TIME, Y'ALL!

Yes, I'm a Republican. You knew that. The GOP in SE PA has a fine slate up and down this year. But in particular, I'd like to bring your attention to our school board and sheriff's races, where Fran CUBBERLEY and her Norristown Action Team and Eileen BEHR are standouts. Please exercise your precious franchise. Polls open at 7! Call if you have questions or difficulties.

Friday, December 10, 2010

McCartney: Comedian

too funny

And Fallon's not too shabby on the vocals, either.

Friday, November 19, 2010

Good Grief, What a Groove!

Big thanks to Quinn the miracle man and Nadia (whoever she may be) for elevating my mood and jump starting my mojo by posting some James Brown. I'll pass on the favor to you. WARNING: Only click through if you've cleared the decks and are prepared for this seven-minute dominating, mesmerizing solid gold groove that Brown and his band laid down in 1973 on Soul Train. I give you "Get On the Good Foot"/"Soul Power"/"Make It Funky."

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Ella Fitzgerald and Tom Jones - Sunny (Live 1970)

As the sun sets and I head back to the grind, I just wanted to offer a thankful shoutout to all of you who make my life so much brighter. Besos, particularmente, a Mama B y Pete.

Saturday, November 06, 2010

Elvis Costello 1983 Everyday I Write the Book

Cheeky video commentary rolls behind one of snarkmeister Elvis Costello's poppiest harangues. Many thanks to K. Merrick for reminding me of the good old days when MTV was like radio only rounder -- and we all walked uphill to school and from it. Good times.

  • It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like ...

    ... someone who buys for me asked me to post a list online.
    Can you imagine?

    It's going to be close to a homemade Christmas here for me, but I was surprised and, yes, pleased to get two lists and some good hints already. Please, people, keep the good ideas coming. I'm a little embarrassed to put this up publicly, but but it's great to know I've got significant annual readership;) Until we have a Bateman intranet, I'll just be bold enough ask my colleagues and male friends not to get me anything inappropriate -- or anything large -- and please forgive the oversharing.

    THINGS I NEED VERY MUCH

    toothpaste -- (crest & colgate are both good: the one Jackie gave me last year is wonderful); shampoo -- any kind of decent to very good moisturizing or clarifying ones; citrashine's good, too; crabtree & evelyn soap -- there's a store at the court + good hallmark stores often carry it; rose water; any decent lavender products; tom's of maine deoderant

    aspercreme
    heartguard for grace goo: prescription's on file with Steinbach Vet in Blue Bell

    as many canned green veggies and legumes as you care to give!; dried fruit of all types, fresh fruit, fresh (or even frozen) berries, too; room-temp containers of rice, almond and soy milk -- vitamin & calcium enriched if they have it; (I don't know if there's such a thing as UHT Lactaid milk, but that would be good, too.)

    b&n gift cards; wawa ones are great, too

    ---

    THINGS I DON'T NEED QUITE AS MUCH

    a winter skirt -- conservative colors: appropriate for work, school, church & going out; comfortable, neat, sturdy walking shorts -- appropriate for school; turtle necks of any description (good ones can be found at landsend.com, but stay away from bright colors, please); cotton skivvies in beige; cotton and flannel nightgowns

    ---

    SMALL LUXURIES THAT WOULD BE VERY HELPFUL

    a coupon wallet

    music: printed scores + music on cd or mp3 -- see amazon for ideas, or just get something you like & think I might, too
    duplexer for hp deskjet 6988 printer
    ****sperry topsiders -- plain, no light colors -- just brown is best, size 7 (style #9294190 -- $70 -- available online: you might be able to find them in a store around here, too.)****

    beads: glass, wooden, crystal, clay or china -- maybe semiprecious if you get a wonderful deal on 'em (say, under $5 or $10 for a strand); sterling lobster clasps (should be no more than $6 or $7)

    THREE THINGS THAT DON'T COST A CENT

    Coke(tm) rewards codes, from soda pop bottle tops and cartons; Boxtops for Education coupons, unless you're already giving them to a school you love; your continued friendship, love, loyalty, devotion and understanding

    ---

    I have less than no idea what Mom wants, but I know she wouldn't turn down a ginormo container of Cremora(R) or six!

    Saturday, April 17, 2010

    That's Right, I'm Not From Texas

    But Ann Richards was, despite the potential to misinterpret Lyle Lovett's dedication. I just heard this tune on XPN and had to share it.

    Oh, and for what it's worth I understand I was made there but imported to the North.

    Wednesday, April 07, 2010

    A Request for Your Consideration

    I would like to ask for your vote – well, if you go to school with me I do.

    Montgomery County Community College student government elections begin today (Thursday) and end tomorrow (Friday). I have offered myself as a candidate for vice president of the Student Government Association. To vote, go online at the above url, and log in with your student ID. In your email you'll find simple instructions for online voting.

    I am proud to say I am, without a doubt, the oldest of the four very impressive executive board candidates who joined in a candidates' forum earlier today. I think my age and maturity, my background in communications (as a former print and electronic reporter, an editor and editorialist) and my focus on government and elections make me uniquely qualified to listen to and act on the concerns of all my fellow students.

    My competitor and I agree on many things, but most of all this: We each have the school's best interests at heart, and each of us intend to be active in student government whether we're elected as executive officers or not. For those who weren't able to hear the discussion at school today, here is a quick look at the reasons for running I filed with the school in my election packet.

    Please feel free to contact me via email at barbra.bateman (at) comcast.net if you have any questions. Thanks for taking the time to have a read, and thanks for your consideration.

    As I said earlier today, I want to help continue to build on successes: to help make the college an even better place to learn, and an even better place to be. If you elect me I promise I will work as hard as I can to look after your interests and the interests of our school.

    GOALS AND PRINCIPLES

    I am running to give back to a school that has given so much opportunity to me, to other students and to the community and region. I want to help it fulfill its enormous promise – and to strengthen itself as a welcoming, safe, supportive and well-structured place for all who come here to learn.

    We should build on successes: continued polling of students to determine their priorities and presentation of “Top Ten” lists to the administration. I think we should continue to use both electronic and traditional communication to try to reach the student body. In addition, we should offer at least one or two well-advertised open meetings each semester, so students can be even better informed about projects on campus and have a chance to bring concerns and success stories to the student government, staff and administration.

    Members of student government must continue to be active and to engage both the student body and the administration to see student concerns – and the administration’s priorities – addressed. We must also continue to facilitate increased cooperation among clubs and other student organizations to make sure the money we all pay in student activity fees and the time students devote to their pursuits benefits the college and community at large.

    Wednesday, March 31, 2010

    Time For Reflection at the WTC

    Hi there, y'all. I found myself a little overwhelmed -- in a good way -- when I clicked through on the link in the following short email the Port Authority sent to its World Trade Center update mailing list:

    "Acre-sized signature reflecting pools for 9/11 Memorial fully framed in steel. To view images, visit www.wtcprogress.com."

    As always, feel free to share your thoughts, but if you click through I hope you enjoy. I cried a little, and I'm very glad I clicked on it. Thanks, Port Authority folks.

    Saturday, February 27, 2010

    Tuesday, January 05, 2010

    Christina's World

    Thanks, Peter, for reminding me of this lady's chops.

    Tuesday, December 29, 2009

    Making Each Little Move Count

    Here's a great Supremes clip, courtesy of Pags. I find I want to learn more and more about the movement that was midcentury Motown. We grew up with these sounds, and I'm fascinated by both the hit machine that was Hitsville and the "refinement" of soul. Great video, love the tune.

    Wednesday, December 23, 2009

    Worth the Click

    Thanks, Cormac, for this German link to Simon and Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water." The aspect ratio is a little funky on my machine, but it's refreshing to hear this song and see the performance again. If you click, enjoy!

    Saturday, December 19, 2009

    Christmastime Is Here Again

    Christmas ain't about the presents, but here goes. I think I finally have my shopping LIST done, anyway, and I'll be ready for Christmas. Here are a few ideas for Mom and for me:

    for Mom

    • anything apricot -- jam, dried fruit, even toiletries!
    • great country or easy listening tunes, CD format
    • anything Christmas -- tunes, eats, ornaments -- you name it
    • anything shiny
    • COAL (just kidding!)

    Oh, and I'm sure she'd crown anybody who bought her laundry soap or coffee, but she sure does go through a lot of both!

    for me

    • Barnes & Nobles gift cards = fun AND textbooks
    • pretty beads of any kind
    • love and devotion from my friends and family
    • somebody to spot for me while I finish painting the bathroom

    And, yes, this simple shiny woman likes simple shiny things, too -- but only from the family and the sweetie. If there's anything else I need, I'm sure Amazon has it!

    Tuesday, December 08, 2009

    Just Rattle Your Jewelry

    John Lennon, you are missed.

    Friday, December 04, 2009

    ... And Give!

    Here's another great opportunity to give, this one centered on a program right in Norristown.

    Thursday, December 03, 2009

    It's Great To Give

    With December comes the official season of giving. Please consider starting it off by giving a hand to those who need your help the most.

    One easy way to do that is to support WMMR's Camp Out For Hunger. Despite the name, I gather these folks are actually pretty serious about working to end hunger (couldn't resist!) -- and you can help. You can bring nonperishable food items to the Metroplex Shopping Center on Chemical Road in Plymouth Meeeting, buy a prepackaged bag of food from the Giant in that shopping center to donate -- or just point and click to donate on the 'MMR web site. The camp out goes on 'til mid-morning Friday for those who like to do their donating in person.

    Whatever you decide to do, please enjoy playing Santa in your own community, and enjoy the impending holidays.

    Saturday, November 28, 2009

    The Muppets -- Bohemian Rhapsody

    Thanks, Janine, for just the smile I needed today.

    Friday, November 27, 2009

    David Byrne: Playing the Building (BBtv)

    Just in from Cousin Jeff. Interesting concept, creepy sounds.

    Thursday, November 26, 2009

    Rub-a-Dub-Dub, Thanks for the Grub

    Word from Bottlebee, and a gift, too!

    Many thanks for the cooking spice he sent along from one of his favorite Manhattan shops!! Apparently, that busy man has been thinking about recipes for the blog and dreaming up a few new ideas. I told him I may try to help him along if he can jot down an idea or two.

    In the meantime, here's a non-turkey gift for you on Thanksgiving Day, just in case you missed it the first time.

    x-x-x

    OSSO BUCCO

    This stew of marrowbones is a family favorite, made for guests or just us two. It serves 3-4, or 2 with plenty left over. Find yourself a good butcher and take it slowly, and it may well become one of your favorites, too.

    Ingredients:

    4 2-inch thick cuts of veal shank

    Balsamic vinegar

    Flour, salt, pepper

    1 tablespoon butter

    1 tablespoon olive oil

    1 large onion, chopped

    1 rib of celery, chopped

    1 carrot, chopped

    1 parsnip, chopped

    1 turnip, chopped

    2 cloves garlic, minced

    1 cup low-salt chicken broth

    1 cup white wine

    1 bay leaf

    1 tablespoon fresh thyme, or 1 teaspoon dried

    I bought the meat at the Pennington Market for $9.99/lb. Many recipes call for using tomatoes, but my wife prefers not to -- she dislikes the way the tomato flavor dominates. Instead, we add winter vegetables (parsnip and turnip, both $1.99/lb), and sometimes mushrooms. She also insists, as she always does with any meat, that the veal be marinated in balsamic vinegar, even if only for a few minutes.

    Sometimes I use a cast-iron Dutch oven for this recipe, as it can be used on the stove top for browning and in the oven for baking. If I’m making too much to fit in my Dutch oven, I’ll do the browning in a cast-iron skillet and the baking in a ceramic dish with a lid. It is important that the shanks fit in the vessel in one layer.

    Preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Tie the shank pieces with butcher’s string to keep the meat on the bone. Marinate the meat in balsamic vinegar, and sprinkle it with salt, pepper, and flour. Brown the shanks in batches in the butter & olive oil over medium-high heat; this should take about 10 minutes. Remove the meat to a plate. Cook the vegetables in the fat until the onions start to turn color. Add the garlic to the vegetables. Pour in the can of chicken broth and the wine. Add the bay leaf and thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then turn off the heat. (Transfer the mixture to the oven-proof vessel, if what you’re using on the stove top is not oven-proof.) Arrange the veal shanks in one layer on top of the vegetables. The liquid should cover the bottom 1/3 to 1/2 of the shanks. Bake in the oven, covered, for 1-1/2 to 2 hours. Done properly, the meat will be very tender, falling off the bone. Remove the bay leaf and carefully cut off the twine with scissors; try to keep the shanks intact. We like to serve it over couscous, with a gremolata topping.

    Gremolata Topping: 3 tablespoons parsley, minced 1 clove garlic, minced 1 teaspoon lemon zest 2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted

    Mix ingredients in a serving bowl and place it on the dinner table to spoon on top of the osso buco.

    This recipe can be scaled up to serve larger groups, as long as you have enough covered baking dishes. Make one veal shank piece for every diner, plus a few spares: You don’t want to run short. It yields delicious leftovers, too.

    Friday, November 20, 2009

    What do you like best about the Athenaeum?

    from my alma mater, Goucher College

    T Rox

    It may be rock and roll heresy to say so, but Mick Jagger doesn't have much on Marc Bolan in this 1972 performance of Jeepster. Thanks, Pags!

    Friday, November 13, 2009

    Staying in the Pink

    Note to self while straightening papers up: Having a bunch of Susan G. Komen bookmarks all around the house does not ward off disease. Finish scheduling routine health-care screenings.

    Wednesday, November 11, 2009

    Music, and Wonderful Roses

    Here's a little sugar to sweeten everyone's dreams. G'night, all.

    Believe It!

    This just makes me smile. Thanks for posting, Cormac.

    Saturday, November 07, 2009

    Ain't No cure for the Mid-Semester 'Flus

    This break brought to you by our sponsors, intermediate algebra and H1N1. If you're the praying sort, please say a short one for Mom, who definitely has H1N1 influenza. And I wouldn't mind if you crossed your fingers that I got through this academic year unscathed and healthy, too.

    I'll be back at ya with 'tude and tunes when things ease up a bit -- or if somebody posts a great video online I can't help but share.

    Thursday, November 05, 2009

    The End of Two Glorious Seasons

    Here's to all those who voted, and all those who rooted!

    Tuesday, November 03, 2009

    What Time Is It??

    It's election time -- Election Day, to be exact. We're been in the seasion for a while, but this is when we need you to turn out and vote.

    I ask for your support for Pennsylvania's entire GOP judicial slate -- candidates remarkable for both their excellence and their diversity -- and I ask you to turn out in support of terrific Republican candidates for local office if you happen to live in my tiny burg of West Norriton. We've got a tremendously hard-working team here.

    In response to recent ads I've seen calling for "balance," I'd ask that you consider the way our federal government is structured with three separate branches. While I appreciate the right of each party to make the case for its candidate, nowhere is it written that the bench must swing politically with each election. In many cases, such as this, it can be beneficial to have that balance be ensured by retaining existing judges and considering other candidates according to one's voting criteria. As a Republican I am happy to support a Republican slate, but I would be impressed with our ticket even if I were not.

    Whatever your political stripe, I ask you to read up (cramming may be necessary), ask questions and -- as always -- vote once and vote well.

    Friday, October 30, 2009

    Here Come the Judges!

    Hey, Pennsylvania. Yes, you Southeast Pennsylvania ... as we roll into the final weekend before Election Day, we all have so much on our plates. The World Series and Halloween add to the hubbub and hoopla of daily life. I'd just like to ask a minute of your time to consider Montgomery County's Republican slate for the big swoop of judgeships voters will be filling Tuesday.

    Please remember our "magnificant seven" -- Wendy Demchick Alloy, Carolyn Tornetta Carluccio, Patricia Coonahan, Joanna Cruz, Garrett Page, Gary Silow and Kelly Wall. Please be sure, too, to vote for Joan Orie Melvin for Pennsylvania's Supreme Court.

    And, of course, please speak up if you have any questions, or know of anyone who would like to vote and might not be able to make it to the polls.

    Thanks. Back to baseball, y'all.

    Thursday, October 29, 2009

    Rolling Stones - You Can't Always Get What You Want - Live

    Seems the perfect song for the night. Let's get what we need, y'all.

    Wednesday, October 28, 2009

    Elvis Costello - Pump It Up

    How about we keep it lowkey tonight, Elvis -- and PUMP IT PAST BELIEF for Game 1? Ride it all the way to Election Day. Thanks for tapping this, Tara Baney!

    Friday, October 16, 2009

    A Witness Tree Will Live On

    I commend this simple and moving story about Anne Frank's beloved -- and now 150-year-old -- chestnut tree to your morning reading list.

    Back on Track ... and Thinking About Derailing

    Two growing thoughts swim in my gourd, unbidden.

    One: I am oddly smitten with the urge for healthier food. Real cravings. Grains, beans, vegetable curries. I am hit also with the occasional revulsion for meats. For me, it's odd, odd, odd. Something my doctor would love, too, given my zaftig form and dairy obsession. (Mmmmmmmm ... my illicit love of cheese remains unhealthily strong.)

    Two: I have been tempted to shift my blogging to something a bit more culture, less political vulture. Since I've been on near hiatus I've slapped up only occasional links to music and quick links to news pieces. I don't like neglecting the blog, but I must say I like forcing myself to post music and food much more than I want to forcefeed rants down readers' throats. Thus, I'm taken with healthful food and sweet, sweet music. Both deserve more time and space: both will get it from me.

    I suspect I will either crosspost between here and a new, more focused, blog once my current writing course is done -- or abandon this addy altogether for new digs. If Bottlebee is willing, I may pull up stakes and move across town (say, to WordPress or TypePad). If you'd like to follow, just give me a shout.

    Tuesday, September 01, 2009

    Beslan, One Year Later

    Please click through to read -- and view -- the entire BBC story.

    Russia marks the fifth anniversary of the Beslan siege in which more than 330 people died after a school was seized by Chechen rebels.

    The rebels, who held more than 1,000 people hostage, demanded the withdrawal of Russian troops from Chechnya. The siege ended three days later when security forces stormed the building. Those killed in the ensuing battle included 186 children.

    Five years on, the people of Beslan are still haunted by what happened there.

    A Fave For a Fave

    Happy birthday, Luther, and good luck back at school, young man! Thanks for the funky links.

    Little Feat - Oh Atlanta (Live) - WLIR, Hempstead 1974

    Friday, August 07, 2009

    A "Small" War Anniversary

    Please click through to read the entire Associated Press story.

    TBILISI, Georgia – Georgia marked one year since its war with Russia on Friday with quiet moments and somber ceremonies — a nationwide minute of silence, a human chain in a war-battered town, a soldier's small son gazing at his father's tombstone.

    The brief war killed at least 390 people and left a legacy of animosity between leaders and fears among civilians that more fighting may erupt. About 26,000 people displaced by the conflict still live in temporary housing in Georgia, many on less than $3 a day, according to aid group World Vision.

    Monday, June 29, 2009

    Legends

    Truth be told, I reached saturation on the constant pounding refrain of Michael Jackson mania in the media pretty quickly. But believe the hype about Ne-Yo and Jamie Foxx' BET Awards performance: It was pretty darned good. Thanks, Mary Huhn.

    Ne-Yo & Jamie Foxx - I'll Be There

    Wednesday, June 24, 2009

    Tom and Janis

    Credit goes to Bill Shaw for bringing my attention to this one. I didn't know Janis Joplin had appeared on Tom Jones' 1969 telecast "This Is Tom Jones." Without further ado ...

    Tom Jones & Janis Joplin - Raise Your Hand

    All That's Left

    Set the wayback machine for a Saturday afternoon in the early 1970s. The cartoons have just ended and here comes "SOOOOOOOUL TRAIN!"

    Freda Payne - Band of Gold

    Thanks, Paul Cantin, for a trip back to when lip-synching was so new it was barely even faked.

    Saturday, June 20, 2009

    NY Times: Journo Escapes Taliban Custody

    According to the New York Times and an email alert from the Washington Post, Times reporter David Rodhe, missing since November 2008, has escaped Taliban kidnappers and is under U.S. military protection.

    Wednesday, June 17, 2009

    Traffic Jam

    It was a good day to hear this tune: Makes me feed so bad I feel better. And I'd never noticed, but in the opening seconds of the clip doesn't Winwood bear a passing resemblance to John Lennon? (But I guess more than a few people did back then.) Thanks, Paul Cantin.

    Traffic - Mr. Fantasy - Santa Monica 1972

    Monday, June 15, 2009

    Who's Your Mummy?

    Thanks to the (Bridgewater, N.J.) Courier News' Ed Pagliarini for this:

    The Mummies - High-Heeled Sneakers

    Friday, June 05, 2009

    Message in A Bottle

    As a bit of an offering while I knock out a couple of English courses, please accept these periodic links to music videos. A couple of my friends have a way of posting the best ones to facebook, so I'll do them the tribute (and you the favor) of publishing them here. Sadly, blogger won't let me embed YouTube videos anymore, but do enjoy the link!

    Police - Message in A Bottle - Tokyo 2008

    Friday, January 16, 2009

    The Ramp Goes Up

    Today marks two milestones at the World Trade Center in Manhattan: both the issuance of its first quarterly report on post-9/11 progress at the site and the removal of of the last piece of the large ramp leading down into "the pit."

    The ramp was used in rescue and recovery efforts -- and it allowed survivors of those who died in the attack to travel down to ground for memorial services.

    It's an end and a beginning. If you're in Lower Manhattan today, maybe go mark it by taking a peek into the construction site around 11:30.

    Tuesday, January 13, 2009

    A New Year ...

    ... and Still Silence.

    Until I know how intense my Spring semester will be, please don't expect regular postings. School comes first: Period. I've crashed and burned big-time over break, and may manage to squeak out an open-minded post or two to greet a new administration taking over in terrible circumstances. Try not to be too appalled if I do -- and try to forgive me if I don't.

    Thanks.

    Friday, November 14, 2008

    In Case You Missed It

    Whoops! (NYTimes.com -- login required)

    Friday, November 07, 2008

    After Thanksgiving Comes ...

    ... black Friday. What were you thinking -- Christmas?

    Here's my annual attempt to pry Christmas lists out of my friends and family by offering up what's good for me this year.

    First, I do not NEED anything. I know that will contradict what you read below, but I'm sure you're all smart enough to understand the context. I have been incredibly blessed by family and friends this year, and by the opportunity to continue my studies. I do not expect anything except some holiday love, and I know that don't always come easy, either. I keep wish lists -- and gift lists for others -- at amazon.com for my own amusement. I hope to get my little bit of holiday shopping done early, for my own ease of planning and, frankly, for the good of our consumer economy.

    "NEEDS:" pencils, particularly #2 Ticonderogas (they have the best erasers.) and drawing pencils (either the green ones or the blue ones are fine); pink pearl or similar erasers; recycled three-subject notebooks with as high post-consumer content as possible, with three-hole punches, if possible; drawing pads, fairly large format; graph paper; hygienic supplies: moisturizing soap (I particularly like Crabtree & Evelyn's rose scents.), Crest or Colgate whitening toothpaste "WANTS:" books and book gift certificates to area bookstores or chains; non-decadent jewelry, particularly earrings and bracelets (simple designs, beadwork or bees are best); gardening supplies (soil, soil amendments, clay pots, herb and vegetable seeds -- avoid the brand name & chemical; buy North American if at all possible)

    With all due respect to my friends who are always kind enough to remember me with a token at the holidays, I'd really appreciate it if you left more personal gifts to my family and to my boyfriend of eight years. But PLEASE post or email a Christmas list. How can I help Santa without one??

    A Request from the Left Coast

    An old school chum of mine asks that you hold in your prayers a friend of hers who just had emergency brain surgery. At last word he was in a coma: I'll post updates if she sends them. In the meantime, good thoughts are in order, too.

    Thursday, November 06, 2008

    Checking in at Ground Zero

    If you have questions about the effort to rebuild at Ground Zero (and we all probably should), you now have the chance to get them to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Starting today and running through Tuesday the public will may pose their questions to Christopher Ward, the port authority's executive director through a form on a Web site mounted by the governmental agency. Ward has indicated he intends to answer questions online.

    Put on your thinking caps, boys and girls, explore the WTC progress web page, whatever other materials you think may help and, if you can, the Financial District and Lower Manhattan themselves. Don't be shy about asking your questions -- then check back for answers.

    Let's assume the port authority will manage to address all subjects and issues brought to its attention, but if your question doesn't get answered, feel free to post here. Where there's a question, there's usually an answer.

    Thursday, October 23, 2008

    A N.J. Quiz for U.S. Senatorial Candidates

    Gannett's holding a live faceoff in New Jersey as I type: Zimmer and Lautenberg are meeting in person -- and they're taking questions from New Jersey daily newspapers and the chain's wire service live and via teleconference. The whole shebang is available live and on demand via the Internet.

    The mechanism for offering up reader questions to their editorial board session was not clear to me upon clicking through at the start of the candidates' forum, but one question occurred to me last night that I'd like to hear both candidates address. I'm curious to hear whether they each accept the premise that the climate is trending toward global warming and, if they do, what they feel must be done in America's coastal communities to prepare for it.

    Candid answers from both U.S. senatorial candidates, incumbent Frank Lautenberg and former Central Jersey Congressman Dick Zimmer, would shed light on their philosophy and, perhaps, coming practicalities. Zimmer has a reputation for being a person who would like to discredit "bad science." He was proactive on the dangers presented by radon in New Jersey buildings. At this moment, people in coastal communities, New Jersey's included, are dealing with federal efforts to remap the flood plains. New flood maps will certainly hit homeowners in the pocket book when new flood insurance is required. If the maps are accurate, they may describe the potential for coming natural disasters and weather crises.

    Thursday, October 16, 2008

    Two Visits in One (Exhausting) Day

    There was youthful exuberance aplenty at John McCain's town hall meeting in Blue Bell Tuesday. Local college students were joined by a large contingent of home-schooled teens and private school students from nearby Gwynned Mercy Academy.

    The "Women's Town Hall" was by no means limited to females, as men comprised a fair portion of those in attendance, too. But it was the youth who drove much of the volume and intensity of the crowd reaction to McCain's remarks. Someone next to me quietly wondered whether they were feeling the oats of their impending franchise, or whether they were letting off steam on a day off school. Me, I was just the weird kid in the back hunched over my Spanish homework and trying to get through the day.

    If the more energetic were paying attention to the senator's remarks (I hope they were), they heard as good a speech as I've heard him deliver on a topic that eclipses all others at the moment: the economy. McCain touched on a plan that would, he hopes, save Main Street by cleansing and strengthening Wall Street. His ideas on the subject seem to contrast with Barack Obama's but not stand in direct conflict with them. All of which is to say that two things seem likely in America's future regardless of who's sworn in this coming January: federal purchases of defaulted mortgage debt and direct federal investment in our country's heretofore private banking institutions. It's going to take me some time to decide exactly what to think or how to feel about that. Government ownership -- even part ownership -- of banks and houses gives me the heebie jeebies. And I think my creepy crawlies are not only seasonal: I think they're a reasonable response to an unreasonable crisis.

    I was glad I attended, as it gave me another view of my party's man and plenty of food for thought. My main criticism of the event were that it was not a true town hall meeting, as no questions were taken, and that the large standing-room crowd could not see McCain as he spoke.

    I'll offer kudos to both meeting attendees and, yes, even to the few protestors outside the building. Both largely kept their cool. I was next to one small exchange that heated up to a simmer. It ended with the anti-McCain fellow running out of a, no doubt, somewhat limited supply of rhetorical skills and referring to buddy waiting to get into the meeting as an ancient feminine hygiene product.

    Now that's irony, folks.

    On a more rarified note, my day was capped off by Mass ending Visitation B.V.M. Catholic Church's 40 hours devotion, where Archbishop Justin Rigali carried the eucharistic host in procession back to the parish's Perpetual Adoration Chapel. There, for 10 years, people have had the opportunity to kneel and sit in contemplation of the mystery of Holy Communion. The cardinal's visit was an honor, and the accomplishment of those who have been so faithful to their prayer and devotion is inspiring. May it make all of us better people.

    Monday, October 13, 2008

    This Just In

    John Fund just suggested, on air in a session of the "Pundit Pit" on Fox News Channel's morning zoo, the presidential campaigns are "yelling racism in a crowded political theater," and that they, again in his words, ratchet it down a bit.

    That seems a sensible enough idea. Honest discussion about race, culture and values should be on the table: Hysteria should not. It's a thought I'll personally, if quietly, advocate when John McCain visits my college tomorrow.

    Thursday, October 09, 2008

    This latest requires me to speak: A man in Florida was emboldened by Sarah Palin's anti-Obama rhetoric to yell out "Kill him!" at a rally there. Stop! Enough is enough. Those who would be our leaders must be the ones to inject some sense. If they cannot, then people of good will cannot in good conscience follow.

    Thursday, August 28, 2008

    'Well Done' Indeed

    this break brought to you by our sponsors, civility and graciousness

    The East's Nasty Housekeeping

    I'm trying to stay in full R&R mode, and thus have held my tongue even on the nominating conventions. This comment, though, from Georgia's foreign minister -- stating that ethnic cleansing in South Ossetia was almost complete -- compelled me to mount a link.

    Friday, August 22, 2008

    Meanwhile, In Georgia

    Georgians celebrate as Russian tanks roll out, but U.S. State Department officials say Russia is not living up to the agreement it signed.

    Philadelphian Protesters Arrested in Beijing

    "In jail, all fine," texts South Philly video blogger Brian Conley who, along with Wayne native Jefferey Rae, was taken into police custody early Tuesday.

    Distant Early (Electoral) Warning

    Get ready, Ohio!

    The State of the Georgia/Russia Border

    This from the State Department earlier this week, and this from the Russians today.

    Thursday, August 21, 2008

    iTibet Unplugged

    This on top of the detention of U.S. citizens for protesting in Beijing. The world is watching: Now international athletes and the people of China can't even listen.

    Saturday, August 16, 2008

    Megabucks

    According to MSNBC, tickets to tonight's event went for as high as $2,000, although several hundred were given away to church-goers.

    Meeting at the Megachurch

    Tonight's presidential forum -- unprecedented in modern presidential history for both its location (a house of worship) and its timing (before the nominating conventions) -- will be broadcast on Fox News, CNN and MSNBC tonight at 8 p.m. Eastern time. Saddleback will stream video of the meeting live.

    The event was sold out before it was announced in the mainstream media, it seems, with tickets going for as much as $1,000.

    Friday, August 15, 2008

    Judgment in Georgia

    Russia and Georgia accuse each other, in the conflict over South Ossetia, of ethnic cleansing. Is it remotely possible that both accusations are correct? What are we as a nation to do if that's the case?

    Purpose Driven(tm) Politicians

    Fox News reports John McCain and Barack Obama will meet Saturday night at Rick Warren's Saddleback Church (wikilink) for what Warren is calling the "Saddleback Civil Summit." Fox will broadcast the event, which is scheduled for eight p.m. Eastern time. Unknown whether other broadcasters will have a shot at airing it.

    Warren, the best-selling author and populist mega-church pastor, will interview the candidates. Questions will be taken; no direct debate is expected. Should be interesting.

    The church meeting will be the candidates' first joint appearance of the campaign, and could help set the stage for the summer nominating conventions which follows closely on its heels.

    Thursday, August 14, 2008

    A comment Tom Ridge made in a brief chat he and I had after John McCain's visit to York this week is worth relating here.

    I told Gov. Ridge how pleased my family had been that, in his capacity as Director of Homeland Security, he had been the commencement speaker at the United States Merchant Marine Academy when a young relative of mine graduated. Ridge's next, very next, thought was that he was aware that some of the mariners who'd graduated have died in service to their country.

    It is so easy -- for me, for anyone -- to assume those in elective office don't really feel the pain the way the families who send their sons and daughters off our shores and into harm's way do. To an extent, that may be a safe assumption. Within the walls of that conversation, though, it startled me to realize how closely he must live with the knowledge that he has sent our men and women out in the name of keeping civilians safe.

    Wednesday, August 13, 2008

    The Milli Vanilli Revolution?

    I'm trying to figure out why people who don't give a rat's patoot's worth of care to intellectual, political, economic and religious repression are so exercized about a lip-synching child. Well, I guess we have to draw the line somewhere.

    Tuesday, August 12, 2008

    Pennsylvania Shows Some Love

    Depending on who does the counting, somewhere between 3,000 and 5,500 folks lined up in York, Pa., today -- many for hours -- to listen to Republican presidential hopeful John McCain and to ask him questions. Also in attendance: Senate colleagues Joe Lieberman and Arlen Specter, former Pennsylvania Governor and Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge, Congressman Todd Platts and, front and center in the arena, McCain's iconic Straight Talk Express campaign bus.

    As is his habit, McCain spent twice as much time taking questions as he did making his stump speech. Much of his remarks centered on the still unfolding situation in South Ossetia, although he did take time to remark on Barack Obama's seeming inability to recognize the success of the troop surge in Iraq. He was questioned on Social Security reform, technology in the classroom, defense, veterans' benefits and conservative values. He took a teacher's concerns about a lack of technology in American classrooms as an opportunity to riff on themes of school choice and educational standards -- but in most cases gave, at least by political standards, fairly straightforward answers on the issues. Most notable was his response when asked if thought he could muster a passionate defense of conservative ideals, which I'll quote in its entirely: "Yes."

    Word is John McCain was pleased with his reception in York. He had every right to be: The town sure seemed to appreciate him, too. If he can build on successes in Pennsylvania's conservative "T" and make a good appeal to suburban and urban voters around Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, the senator just might have good reason to keep coming back to visit Pennsylvania voters.

    ----

    I'd also like to post a shout out to my family in Spring Grove, Pa. As cool as the York event was, the neatest thing about it was that it was a darned good excuse to hang out with them.

    Thursday, August 07, 2008

    Robbed of Closure

    I'm still trying to process the dump of information on the sole suspect in the Amerithrax investigation. While there would have, no doubt, been security concerns in bringing Bruce Ivins to justice in open court, I cannot help but feel there should have been a trial.

    I have pointed out to many, many people just how remarkable it is that no further terrorist attacks have claimed mass casualties on American soil over the past eight years, and I appreciate the efforts of the agencies, from the most local to the federal and international, that have helped assure our safety. Yet I still cannot help but think that the American people would have been better served if they'd been more assured that whatever corrective measures needed by the Department of Defense and other federal agencies in the wake of the anthrax attacks have been or will be put into place. I cannot shake the feeling that a conviction in absentia (for that is what this is) is hollow at best, frightening at worst from the standpoint of both human liberty and national security.

    Having said that, I will add that it is easier to be a citizen than it is to be a lawman: I do not envy the job of those who must keep us safe.

    Sunday, August 03, 2008

    Look Who's Not Talking

    Seems Barack Obama had enough energy and ideas when he was trying to appeal to the left and defeat a large field of Democrats who would be president. He participated in more than 20 debates in the primary season. Twenty-six to be exact! Once he had the nomination he boasted he'd meet his senate colleague, Republican nominee John McCain "anytime, anywhere" to discuss the issues in front of the American people.

    Apparently, though, Obama either doesn't like the town hall format or he's reluctant to take on McCain mano a mano any more than he must. He's agreeing to debate only the bare minimum: just three debates before November. C'mon, you fellows can do better than that. Show us you can handle something other than a super friendly crowd, Barack! Your competitor already has.

    Friday, August 01, 2008

    Anthrax Investigation's Dead End?

    I don't even know what to say about this AP story on the fate of a suspect in the investigation to find out who was responsible for sending anthrax-laden letters through the U.S. Mail. I suppose it's good to know the investigation had been ongoing; I have absolutely no comment at this point about the tactics federal investigators have used in their work, and I note that my colleagues at the New York Post who suffered when a tainted letter was sent to us were not included in specific casualty list in the news story.

    I guess I did have a little to say, but I still don't know quite what to think.

    Thursday, July 31, 2008

    In Lighter News Briefs

    The Naked Cowboy escapes California scot-free.

    The Olympics vs. Freedom

    (sent to the White House via email)

    Dear Mr. President,

    I am pleased to hear you plan to make a statement on religious freedom during your visit to China. I still feel strongly that, in light of the brutal treatment both Christian and non-Christian religious have suffered at the hands of Chinese authorities, a visit from our head of state sends at best a mixed message. However, making as strong a statement as is possible and prudent on the importance of freedom for all religions may help those in power in China realize this is an issue that commands world attention. I also applaud your efforts to step up criticism of Beijing's repression as we continue the countdown to the games.

    I am certain you must be aware of the International Olympic Committee's recent acceptance of China's decision to restrict Internet access to foreign media during the Olympic games. I ask you to consider that the free flow of information, both within a nation and internationally, is a cornerstone of democracy. Freedom of thought and expression must be guarded as sacred: Without them a society can neither achieve its potential nor call itself fully free. Please express the views of your citizens -- and their desire to see a peaceful, prosperous and free world -- to the people of China and their leaders in the strongest possible terms.

    Thank you.

    Sunday, July 27, 2008

    Getting Active in Montco

    The regional McCain victory office in Blue Bell, Pa., held its grand opening on July 17. All sorts of McCain backers have been finding their way there since to pick up signs and stickers, volunteer and find out about other campaigns in the district.

    Now the Montgomery County Council of Republican Women and the county's New Majority Council are piggybacking efforts to keep the campaign well-stocked with willing and able supporters every Monday. They're planning to staff Victory '08 from five to eight p.m. every week. If that's up your alley, check out the details on the flier above.

    Thursday, July 24, 2008

    Home Alone

    Seen front and center in the ramp-up to Obama's "major foreign policy speech" in Berlin, Germany? A big blue and white banner held aloft reading "NO YOU CAN'T." Talk about audacity. Heard in Berlin, Pa., Berlin, Wisc., and Berlin, N.H. -- a McCain radio campaign blasting Obama for voting against a 2007 bill to fund troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. Seen at an Ohio German-American restaurant today? The candidate who stayed home to campaign. (Oh, and he was at a Bethlehem, Pa., grocery store, too!)

    Also worth noting: As both parties ramp up for voter registration and get-out-the-vote efforts, veterans hospitals are turning away those who'd like to make sure vets have the vote. They say their main mission is the rehabilitation of our servicemen, but their refusal has the effect of disenfranchising those who've laid their lives on the line. Obama and Clinton have objected to the ban, which is blamed by federal officials on the Hatch Act.

    One can only assume the Democrats hope our veterans want to react against the current administration and the war in Afghanistan and Iraq. Their reactions may well depend on who comes in to speak to them and what messages they hear. Keeping those isolated in hospitals from voting, however, is hardly democratic -- and cutting them off from free debate is even worse.

    Tuesday, July 22, 2008

    Women Drivers

    OK, I'll admit I linked to a story back in May about Danica Patrick getting a little hot around the collar at the Indianapolis 500 this year. This weekend Patrick was caught on camera trying to force a face off with Milka Duno. Both drivers just happen to be women. I'm starting to wonder why it doesn't make the news when the guys get out from behind the wheel and get in each others' faces.

    As interesting as it is to see a photogenic character like Patrick vent, I'm getting close to the point where I'm going to start whining for her to be treated more like a driver and less like an oddity. I would hate to see Patrick suffer the same fate as auto legend Janet Guthrie, who apparently felt burnt by her time on the circuit. If we believe what we read, Guthrie will not even watch racing anymore.

    I also hope Patrick's not trying to get in Duno's way. It's a competitive sport, but there should be room for more than one chick on the oval.

    What Used To Be Called a Listening Tour

    NBC's Andrea Mitchell just relayed unattributed reports of criticism of Barack Obama's highly publicized overseas tour while appearing on the MSNBC program "Morning Joe." I hesitate to attach my name to those of other critics when I don't know who they are, but I have to admit Mitchell's report conveyed an interesting point.

    It seems Obama is backpedalling on his comments made at AIPAC about not wanting to see a Jerusalem "divided by barbed wire" now that he's meeting with non-Israelis in the Middle East. Quite apart from the politics of the matter, Mitchell put her finger on something that has bothered me in this election cycle. There is an overseas element to this campaign that is greater in its scope and visibility than ever before: almost more of a difference of kind than degree.

    Mitchell talked of people who say we "only have one president," and accuse Obama of conducting diplomacy while in the Middle East instead of having a true legislative-style fact-finding trip. It would seem it's part and parcel of Obama straining to appear presidential despite his lack of foreign policy experience. Campaigning and positioning are one thing: Radically influencing American policy without benefit of having been elected to the Oval Office is quite another. I would caution the Obama campaign to make it clear they are working to elect their candidate, not assembling a cabinet-in-waiting.

    Monday, July 21, 2008

    Really? Really?!

    There's an IVF clinic advertising "online coupons" for discount in vitro fertilization. I wouldn't be comfortable getting a cheapie tummy tuck let alone a cut-rate test tube baby. What is this world coming to??

    In Case You Missed It

    More on the aftermath of the Chinese earthquake -- it appears China is cracking down on those who are supporting families devastated by the loss of their children in state-built and -run schools there.

    Your Smile for Today

    My old (as in the sense of former) boss at the Courier-News in Bridgewater, N.J. -- Carol A. Hunter -- is half of a two-woman team on a 471-mile bicycle trek across Iowa for the 36th RAGBRAI. Carol was executive editor at the Courier, and hired me to be the nation's youngest female editorial page editor. Fifteen years later she's at the Des Moines Register as ... you guessed it ... editorial page editor, doing a whole lot more than pedal pushing.

    Follow her as she braves this heat and a bicycle seat and all that.

    Thursday, June 19, 2008

    Ya Gotta Break a Few Eggs (and Laws?)

    No one is yet in a position to judge whether former Bear Stearns hedge fund managers Ralph Cioffi and Matthew Tannin's attempts to make money were criminal. I suppose, though, I should not be amazed that criminal culpability is first laid at the feet of Wall Street, and not on top executives at the firms that made the questionable loans to begin with -- for example, the folks over at Countywide. But Cioffi and Tannin are not alone in being prosecuted, despite marquis news coverage that might lead one to believe the contrary.

    Friday, June 06, 2008

    China's Newest Propagandists: The American Media

    I suppose nothing should shock me anymore, but I'm astounded that ABC is reporting Chinese government propaganda about its "Happy Homeland" temporary Styrofoam houses as straight news. Yup, looks like the Chinese government is right on top of its problems. Sheesh!

    Monday, June 02, 2008

    Layoffs in Sufragette City?

    (Note: I was unable to post the following to Blogger.com just after four p.m. today because of technical problems. My best guess is that the site was overwhelmed with traffic.)

    Probably the biggest blogospheric sign that big things are happening the Democratic presidential primary is the fact that blogger.com is incapable of handling the traffic thrown at it at this moment.

    The biggest real-world sign that there's movement afoot is the fact that Clinton campaign staffers are being told to get their expense reports in order and get their butts to NYC to hear Hillary's speech tomorrow night.

    Oh yeah, and then there's Bill declaring for at least the second time in his political life that today might be the "last day he was involved in a campaign of this kind."

    Stay tuned, as they say.

    -----

    Real time non sequitor update: The Stanley Cup has entered the building at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit. Sigh.

    Saturday, May 31, 2008

    A Late Lunch in D.C.

    Apparently the Democratic rules committee meeting in Washington today is interfering with Chris Matthews' lunch. Matthews didn't appear to be swayed by Sen. Carl Levin's passionate arguments or former Michigan Gov. Jim Blanchard's good-natured pitch to seat all of Michigan's delegates. Instead, he spoke of the Dems' "obligation" to adhere to the news media's deadlines, which prompted Andrea Mitchell to speak of an even more pressing obligation -- an evening fundraiser in New York City featuring Avignon president and former Vice President Al Gore.

    Unless somebody gets huffy and tries to put it back on the table, Florida's decided -- a Florida vote equals a half a vote. The immediate question is whether Michigan's votes will be pinned down by committee today in time for the Sunday papers and the evening news, or whether everybody will be camping out in our nation's capital overnight. But no committee resolution will shut up the combatants in this fight. Unless there is some basic understanding between the two campaigns, the fight over Michigan will -- without a doubt -- spill over into a bare-knuckles brawl in Colorado this summer. Which might not be bad for democracy, for political theater or for GOP candidate John McCain's chances in November.

    Revisiting Rules and Regs

    So, it's Saturday already. Have the Dems solved all the world's problems yet, or are we just looking at the 2000 general election redux?

    Friday, May 30, 2008

    What's a Month Between Friends?

    John McCain's campaign rescheduled its planned May 30 Quakertown-area town hall to June 30. Suits me fine, as I wasn't going to be able to attend the Friday event, but should manage to make it to the Monday one.

    With a little more notice and some publicity I'm hoping the senator should get a nice crowd from both the Lehigh and Delaware valleys.

    I'll try to cobble together some impressions and, if I'm lucky, some decent photos. In the meantime, if you're in the area and this is your cup of political red meat, feel free to check out the details at the McCain Web site.

    Sunday, May 25, 2008

    That Indy Spirit

    Danica Patrick got her dander up after a crash at Indianapolis Motor Speedway today at the Indy 500.

    Monday, May 19, 2008

    No Offense, But ...

    Shank This!

    Here's the long-delayed (and, apparently, greatly anticipated) osso buco recipe. Making an osso buco is a rite of passage for many foodies, and the rich taste and tender meat are worth the fuss.

    This stew of marrowbones is a family favorite, made for guests or just the two of us. It serves 3-4, or 2 with plenty left over. Find yourself a good butcher and take it slowly, and it may well become one of your favorites, too.

    Ingredients:
    4 2-inch thick cuts of veal shank
    Balsamic vinegar
    Flour, salt, pepper
    1 tablespoon butter
    1 tablespoon olive oil
    1 large onion, chopped
    1 rib of celery, chopped
    1 carrot, chopped
    1 parsnip, chopped
    1 turnip, chopped
    2 cloves garlic, minced
    1 cup low-salt chicken broth
    1 cup white wine
    1 bay leaf
    1 tablespoon fresh thyme, or 1 teaspoon dried

    I bought the meat at the Pennington Market for $9.99/lb. Many recipes call for using tomatoes, but my wife prefers not to -- she dislikes the way the tomato flavor dominates. Instead, we add winter vegetables (parsnip and turnip, both $1.99/lb), and sometimes mushrooms. She also insists, as she always does with any meat, that the veal be marinated in balsamic vinegar, even if only for a few minutes.

    Sometimes I use a cast-iron Dutch oven for this recipe, as it can be used on the stove top for browning and in the oven for baking. If I’m making too much to fit in my Dutch oven, I’ll do the browning in a cast-iron skillet and the baking in a ceramic dish with a lid. It is important that the shanks fit in the vessel in one layer.

    Preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Tie the shank pieces with butcher’s string to keep the meat on the bone. Marinate the meat in balsamic vinegar, and sprinkle it with salt, pepper, and flour. Brown the shanks in batches in the butter & olive oil over medium-high heat; this should take about 10 minutes. Remove the meat to a plate. Cook the vegetables in the fat until the onions start to turn color. Add the garlic to the vegetables. Pour in the can of chicken broth and the wine. Add the bay leaf and thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then turn off the heat. (Transfer the mixture to the oven-proof vessel, if what you’re using on the stove top is not oven-proof.) Arrange the veal shanks in one layer on top of the vegetables. The liquid should cover the bottom 1/3 to 1/2 of the shanks. Bake in the oven, covered, for 1-1/2 to 2 hours. Done properly, the meat will be very tender, falling off the bone. Remove the bay leaf and carefully cut off the twine with scissors; try to keep the shanks intact. We like to serve it over couscous, with a gremolata topping.

    Gremolata Topping:
    3 tablespoons parsley, minced
    1 clove garlic, minced
    1 teaspoon lemon zest
    2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted

    Mix ingredients in a serving bowl and place it on the dinner table to spoon on top of the osso buco.

    This recipe can be scaled up to serve larger groups, as long as you have enough covered baking dishes. Make one veal shank piece for every diner, plus a few spares: You don’t want to run short. It yields delicious leftovers, too.

    Thursday, May 08, 2008

    more trouble for Western media outlets reporting in Zimbabwe

    Wednesday, May 07, 2008

    The McGovern Factor

    Is Howard Dean going to get his wish? Will Hillary just "tone it down," or might she find a good moment -- and a good reason -- to pack it in before the Democrats convene in Denver this summer?

    Tuesday, May 06, 2008

    Lobbying by Hillary

    If the mainstream outlets (and I count Politico.com among them) are to be believed, today marked the first day that Hillary Clinton's campaign began lobbying party officials to include Florida and Michigan's theoretical delegates in the count when they determine the number required for victory.

    It would be difficult to believe this has been Clinton's strategy from the beginning, but it does seem her only way, at this point, to end up at the top of the ticket. The irony is that states were tempted to move up their primaries up so their voters would have more of a say in the presidential contest. That move has resulted in Michigan and Florida voters being denied any say: It has also made every other state down the line a bare-knuckles battleground.

    Walks to Remember

    OK. Let me put myself out on a limb here. Hillary takes Indiana; Barack takes North Carolina.

    At this point, it looks as though there will be few surprises. Leading up to the convention it will all be a spin game of managing expectations and declaring victories and quasi victories. Any decisions that are made as a result of that expectations game will be made in the minds of superdelegates or at the urging of power brokers within the party.

    A seven-vote split in Guam was fun -- interesting in that it's reflective of the Democrats' indecision nationally.

    McCain talking about the appointment of judges with Olsen on the dias was interesting, too.

    As we continue the long, slow walk to January 20, 2009, take time to check out a friend and former colleague of mine who keeps putting one foot in front of another to meet some pretty remarkable goals. Cheers, Marilyn!!

    Thursday, May 01, 2008

    Clinging to Community

    Shane, Collin and Quinn Giongo will be the beneficiaries of Montgomery County's newest fund set up to aid children victimized by crime. "Guys, you have an education," promised Montco Sheriff John Durante at a celebration last night at Norristown's Holy Saviour Club.

    More than 100 contributors' efforts helped bring the figure on the big check presented to the Giongo children by members of the Citizens Advisory Council last night to $106,332.30. Contributions ranged from change dropped into five-gallon buckets at the courthouse to corporate contributions in the multi-thousand dollar range. Among those on the dias at the Holy Saviour Club were Durante and major partners Mike Gretz, of Gretz Beer Co., George Gunning Jr., of Continental Bank, and Stan Huskey of The Times Herald. The Child Victims Fund, which aims to help children and families laid low by crime or disaster, will be administered by Huskey.

    The Giongo boys have suffered the death of their mother, their father's arrest in connection with her death and a devastating house fire at their residence. The eldest, Collin, is a student at Kennedy-Kenrick High School and a student athlete. He was unable to attend the event because of a baseball game, but asked his brother Shane to represent the family and sent along written remarks for Shane to read. He called contributors "angels on Earth," and asked the question that's on many a Kenrick senior's mind: "Will this get me into Notre Dame?"