Unfair Fight

We are watching a fight between a giant and a tough but much smaller fighter. There are no rules, no clock, no referee. The fight will go until someone is crushed.

This catastrophe needs to be stopped or at least slowed down. Negotiate a cease fire. Implement a no fly zone. Lock both sides in a stalemate. Do some5ing.

Leaders are looking for ways to mitigate the onslaught while trying to avoid a world war, perhaps a nuclear war. That’s understandable and admirable, but what kind of world will exist if the invaded nation falls? No country on Earth will be safe. Naked aggression and territorial expansion will become the new standard of global dominance.

Can communications be interrupted or distorted? Can supply lines be delayed? Could we provide Ukraine with a budget to hire contractors or mercenaries?

The United States spends nearly a trillion dollars a year on its military, far more than we are willing to spend on infrastructure or social policies. What is all of that money for if not to intervene in dire situations? Are we interested in defending freedom, keeping the peace, or was all of that spending just a scheme to enrich corporate interests? Are our politics so corrupt that profit is the only thing that matters?

Misery

When deeply broken people occupy positions of power, they bring misery to everyone within their sphere of influence. One of the great tragedies of human civilization is that this happens so often.

Orange Disgrace

Never forget that Donald Trump was impeached for two things: withholding military aid from Ukraine, and leading an insurrection against the United States. Let that sink in.

Russian Twist

Republicans used to stand up to Russia. President Reagan urged President Gorbachev to “tear down that wall!” The Soviet Union crumbled.

Today’s GOP bends down to lick Putin’s shoes. “Go ahead an invade Ukraine!” they say. “Who cares?”

I guess we know why they wear red ties.

The twice impeached former president said publicly that Putin was “brilliant” for declaring parts of Ukraine to be “independent” before sending an army to invade them.

I wonder what Republican voters would think if the President of Mexico declared that Texas was independent as a pretext to military invasion and annexation of territory. That might not seem so brilliant.

Valentine Interview

Yesterday, it was snowing in New York. The trees in Central Park had that magical, winter wonderland look where all of the twigs and branches are coated in white. I took my camera and walked around for a few hours.

As I was leaving the park, a lady asked if I would answer some questions about Valentine’s Day for her YouTube channel. I was surprised. I was in my hiking gear, which is kind of old and tattered. My big, snowflake moistened camera was hanging from my neck. 

Me: “My hair’s a mess.”

YouTube Lady: “It looks fine.”

Me: “Okay”

She handed me a lapel microphone and asked me to hold it, then she raised her phone and stated recording video.

YouTube Lady: “Do you have a Valentine?”

Me: “Yes”

YTL: “Who is it?”

Me: “My wife.”

YTL: “How long have you been together?”

Me: “Oh, many years.”

YTL: “Do you have a special Valentine’s memory with her?“

Me: “Nothing that stands out. It’s always a nice celebration.”

YTL: “Do you do something special for her, or is it more low key.”

Me: “Well, I buy her flowers, but I buy her flowers all through the year, almost every week.”

YTL: “Oh, wow! That’s nice.”

Me: “I try to keep the romance alive.”

YTL: “I think my boyfriend bought me flowers once.”

Reflections on Super Bowl LVI

Reflections on Super Bowl LVI

Congratulations to the Los Angeles Rams for winning the Super Bowl against the talented and explosive Cincinnati Bengals.

Both teams were strong defensively, as the 23-20 score would indicate, but the Rams prevailed in the battle at the line of scrimmage. The Bengals’ quarterback faced too much pressure, especially in the second half.

Outstanding players

Rams: Matthew Stafford, Aaron Donald, Cooper Kupp

Bengals: Joe Burrow, Joe Mixon, Ja’Marr Chase

Officiating

More horrible than usual, and it’s usually horrible.

- No call on the face mask grab

- No call on hitting Burrow as he ran out of bounds

And yet…

- Multiple calls in the last minute of the game for “touching” Rams receivers.

The refs appear to be working for the gambling apps (as is just about everyone else these days).

Best Commercials

1. Barbie’s Dream House (Rocket Mortgage)

2. Arnold Schwarzenegger as Zeus (BMW iX)

3. Jost and Johansson (Amazon Alexa)

4. Sopranos (Chevrolet Silverado EV)

Worst Commercials

Anything to do with sports betting. Has the world gone insane? Children watch television. They don’t need to see this crap. What’s next? Ads for meth and prostitution?

Thoughts On St. Valentine’s Day

Happy St. Valentine's Day!

Remember that there is no perfect symmetry in relationships, no soul mate who will bring effortless happiness to your life. There are people who are good matches, and you should strive to find one, because living with a bad match leads to an agonizing life.

But even your best match is a different person with needs, fears, commitments, and aspirations that may not line up perfectly with your own.

Every relationship, even the best relationships, require compromise, give and take, a dedication to keep romance flourishing, and a commitment to work through the rough spots, no matter how much effort it takes. You will need to pick your partner up when they are down, and they will need to do the same for you more often than you might expect.

Be kind. Be supportive. Be caring. Be patient. Love isn't always easy. Rainbows don't appear every day. But if you find a good partner, and if you are dedicated to each other, long-term joy is well within your reach.

The Value Of Money

“If money can fix it, it’s not a problem.”

For example, if someone accidentally breaks an item that’s important to you, you might respond in anger. This could lead to resentment and emotional trauma. If the person is close to you, an outburst could damage the relationship.

Or you could downplay the material loss and prioritize the person’s feelings.

“Don’t worry. I can get another one,” “Don’t worry. I’m insured.” “Don’t be upset. I rarely use that old thing. I was going to sell it, anyway.”

Imagine that someone you know is involved in a traffic accident. The car is totaled, but the people are fine. Money can replace the car, so is it really a problem? If someone is injured, however, that may be a problem that no amount of money can fix.

That said, money is not the answer to every problem. Society entices us to spend on goods and services. “If you want to be happy, buy new clothes, get a new car or the latest phone. Buy gear for your hobbies. Join a gym. Take a vacation. Patronize entertainment.”

We have to resist this pressure. Lasting satisfaction doesn’t come from the purchase of goods and services. It comes from making meaningful progress. To make progress, we need to identify and overcome what holds us back. This requires effort, not monetary expenditure.

Ask yourself: “How can I accomplish my goals without spending any money?” This will challenge your creative mind and direct you toward a path uncluttered by the influence of consumerism.

Find A Way To Be Happy Today

The best way to be happy tomorrow is to find a way to be happy today.

Will you be happy when you have a better position and more money? Maybe, but consider that wealthy people aren’t always happy. Find a way to be happy as you build your career and your fortune. You’ll be even happier when your ship comes in.

Will you be happy when you are discovered and recognized for your contribution? Maybe, but consider that fame is fleeting. How will you feel when it fades? Find a way to be happy as you work toward success. You’ll be even happier when it’s acknowledged.

Will you be happy when you’re in the relationship that you’ve dreamt of? Maybe, but consider that married people aren’t always happy. Find a way to be happy in your life as it is today. A joyful spirit is attractive; misery is not. You’ll be even happier when you have a chance to spend time with someone special.

Find a way to be happy today.