Thursday, October 31, 2013

The World Champion Boston Red Sox

Congratulations to the World Champion Boston Red Sox! (Photo/yahoo.news.com)
 
When the final strike was thrown, the Fenway crowd went wild.
Koji Uehara leaped around just like a child.
All the bearded Boys of Summer charged him on the mound.
Red Sox Nation won at home and made a joyful sound.

Dirty Water thundered on the speakers; no one heard.
I know there were speeches made but didn't catch a word.
Not 'til "Cooperstown" stepped up to chants of MVP...
(That's the latest nickname for Ortiz; our Big Papi)

"It's our bleeping city... and remember, Boston Strong!"
No one thought they had a chance this Spring.  Sox proved 'em wrong.
Boston's Red Sox are World Champions - again!  Three cheers!
This must be how Yankees' fans have felt for all those years.

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

The Boston Red Sox - President Obama Makes His Pitch

Let's go Red Sox!
 
Plans to make another speech about the ACA.
Normally we'd want to hear what he has got to say...
Right now though, our only care is how the Red Sox play.

We've already got our health insurance - have for years.
We know that the systems works despite the current fears.
We can see the President is sweating blood and tears
Trying to explain the reason gum got in the gears.

I should send him prayers to help him with his current plight;
Thank the Lord Obama didn't cave in to the Right.
He could surely use the prayers to help him win his fight,
But I'm busy praying for a Red Sox win tonight.

 

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Middle East Update - Making Friends Wherever We Go.




Iraq isn't better with us gone; in fact, it's worse.
Sunnis and the Shia are both fighting to reverse
Any signs of progress that their country may have made.
Now, it seems, they're wishing that our weapons systems stayed.

Sharing common borders with the Syrians, Iraq
Is a frequent target of a suicide attack.
Someone blows themselves - and others - into bloody bits;
Almost every single day some random violence hits.

Saudis are unhappy we've not played a larger role;
Don't believe it's possible that we'll achieve our goal
Of a peaceful Middle East until Assad is stopped.
Israel's not thrilled Iran might get its sanctions dropped.

Egypt's mad at funding cuts (because they had a coup.)
Pakistan and Libya are angry with us, too.
Nation building's not our strength so, once a war gets won,
We should not just walk away from countries...  We should run.

Monday, October 28, 2013

A Weird World Series

Photo/Michael Ivins/Boston Red Sox Collection: Getty Images Sport

This has been the weirdest Series I have ever seen...
Sometimes I could not believe my HDTV screen.
Both games in St. Louis finished with the strangest plays.
Baseball sports gods must be working overtime these days.

Game 3's controversial call; obstruction at 3rd base.
Salty threw to Middlebrooks, who landed on his face.
As he tried to get back up he blocked the runner's path.
Game was tied; the call was made at home...  You do the math.

Was the call correctly made?  The experts say it was.
Not mad at the ump for that - was mad at him because
His strike zone kept changing; seemed he had a favorite team.
Red Sox' strikes called "balls" so often ...  Made me want to scream.

Game 4 had a shocking end as well; a play at 1st.
Runner had a tiny lead but got his feet reversed.
Koji turned and threw him out.  Game over. Boston wins
Thanks, in part, to Jonny Gomes. Henceforth, absolved of sins.

Game 5 is a rematch and Jon Lester gets the call.
In Game 1 he was accused of doctoring the ball.
Who knows what will happen next but - something else that's weird -
Cards are growing whiskers now... They've learned to fear the beard.

Friday, October 25, 2013

Paranoia Will Destroy Ya.

Intercepted by NSA - omg... they know. hide the weed.  (Photo/Getty Images)

To the shock of no one, we've been spying on our friends.
Bugged the German Chancellor, an action that offends
All the European leaders...  Don't forget Brazil.
NSA may keep us safe, but this is overkill.

Edward Snowden told the world how much our country spies,
Putting an enormous strain on diplomatic ties.
Lucky us - recovery in Europe's not robust -
They need us despite the evidence of our mistrust.

Doesn't make us popular, however...  Not at all.
France's President has said we've got a lot of gall.
We don't have that many allies; those we've got are mad.
Fallout from these revelations has been very bad.

Brussels has been buzzing; we have angered all our friends.
They have got a right to be.  We have to make amends.
President must put a stop to this.  He said he would...
Learned that just because you can does not mean that you should.

Thursday, October 24, 2013

The Boston Red Sox - Fear the Beard.

Somewhere over the rainbow.  (Photo/Red Sox)

Last night, when Jon Lester got the start and took the mound,
Game 1 of the Series played on Fenway's hallowed ground,
Pitching was amazing; held the Cardinals to 1.
Red Sox hitters came alive to score us 8...  We won!

My B hat is blue and red and yet, at heart, it's pink...
And, since I am superstitious, I've begun to think
Part of why we're winning is connected to the beard.
Yes, I know that's crazy but we Boston fans are weird.

I look at the evidence; the balls that bounced away,
Watched as umps reversed a call - don't see that every day -
Saw a pitcher call a ball and then just stand and stare.
Pretty clear to me; the sports gods must like facial hair.

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Ted Cruz Limerick

 

I think Cruz was pulling a scam
When he was attempting to ram
(By hijacking news)
The Tea Party's views
Down throats, sans the biscuits and jam.

The Senator's selling flimflam...
Are you not offended? I am.
He's cost us a lot,
And finished he's not,
'cause nihilists don't give a damn.

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

The ACA - A Fine Mess

https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQW1UtYu3OiOEDlbc2j0hYXUvUA6v6gBULeUf3JM_DqGVUXC4S6TRiF1fI


President had hoped his plan would go without a hitch
But, instead, the ACA is one enormous glitch.
Three weeks after roll-out and the website is a mess;
When they'll get the problem fixed is anybody's guess.

"See...  We told you this would happen," gloats the GOP.
"Government can't solve your problems."  Hard to disagree.
What Republicans won't say is that they played a part
Making sure Obama Care would have a rocky start.

As for now, the phone lines work so you can always call.
If you have a smart phone there's an app you can install.
Twenty million people may have made the website crash;
Meanwhile, those who do get through have saved a lot of cash.


Monday, October 21, 2013

The Boston Red Sox - Get Beard? Check.


I've decided not to dwell on yesterday's defeat;
Not to focus on the fact the Patriots got beat;
Not to think about the pain of losing to the Jets...
Even though a loss to them's as painful as it gets.

I prefer to think about my Red Sox team, instead
Who, despite predictions early on, went out and led
First throughout the season; now they've won the A.L., too.
Back to the World Series with a sense of déjà vu.

Was it just 9 years ago our string of rotten luck -
Truths of our existence; winter, taxes, Sox would suck -
Ended with St. Louis? Hope this outcome is the same.
Cross your fingers though, 'cause Lady Luck's a fickle dame.

I have made myself a beard which I intend to wear.
Trying to appease the gods, we fans must do our share.
Too bad if the country thinks we're superstitious jerks;
Evidence is indicating that this beard thing works.


Friday, October 18, 2013

Procrastinators Unite... Tomorrow!

Photo/Wei Fang

Foliage is past its peak and trees are shedding leaves;
Landing on the dying grass, collecting on the eaves,
Drifting on the driveway, and they're covering the deck.
Once I thought them pretty...  Now? A big pain in the neck.

Oak trees haven't shed their leaves, although they're turning brown.
Not until Thanksgiving will the last one flutter down.
This year I've decided I will give myself a break;
I will wait 'til that one falls before I start to rake.

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Baby Steps Back from the Edge

data:image/jpeg;base64,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
(Photo/pixiesdidit.com)
 
Kick the can a few months down the road; declare a win...
Knowing that the patience of the country had worn thin,
Congress put a bandage on an open, angry wound.
Can they stitch the nation back together now? Stay tuned.

I don't think Republicans are ever gonna heal.
Party's split and voters who've told pollsters how they feel
Say they blame the GOP for causing such a mess.
Will some pay the price in their elections' next year? Yes.

Ted Cruz isn't worried though; he raised a lot of cash.
Donors who preferred to see financial markets crash;
Voters who agree with him - less government, not more.
Cruz can't run for President, so what's the money for?

Maybe he could use some to defray the nation's cost...
Make up for the more than $20 billion that we lost.
Maybe pay for therapy and medication, 'cause
No one's proven more delusional than Ted Cruz was.

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Unsolicited Advice for the 113th Congress

http://www.westernfreepress.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/boehner.jpg
(Photo/WesternFreePress)

Here it is; the day this lunacy has got to end.
Last chance for the Congress to agree that they'll extend
Full faith and the credit to the debts our country owes.
All the world is watching us to see which way it goes.

Europeans can't believe it's ever come to this.
Such a stupid spectacle is one they'd rather miss.
Congress on the precipice and fighting at the edge.
(I would bet, in future, our investors choose to hedge.)

Credit rating's teetering and will be going down,
Causing repercussions that you'll feel in your hometown.
All of this uncertainty already took a toll.
Speaker Boehner needs to prove he hasn't sold his soul

Does he want his job so badly that he will allow
Damage even worse than what the country's feeling now?
Will he let our Treasuries become a worthless note?
Find a Senate compromise and let the Congress vote!

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

The 113th Congress - Saner Heads?



Rumor has it Harry Reid and Mitch McConnell are
Very close to compromise, although they won't get far...
Just across the hall, perhaps, unless John Boehner will
Bring it to a vote.  I wouldn't hold my breath until.

Markets must believe it 'cause they didn't take a dive,
'though the recent shutdown means that business didn't thrive.
 CFOs are slugging down their keg-aged, single malt.
They don't like a shutdown but they really hate default.

Hope the markets have it right or we're all gonna lose.
Hope the GOP will put a muzzle on Ted Cruz.
Judging by the recent polling, he makes people mad,
As we ponder how this situation got so bad.

Wondering why we're ignored in favor of extremes;
Why we're always victims in some politician's schemes.
Hope that saner heads prevail and they can make a deal.
Call or write your Congressperson. Tell them how you feel.

Monday, October 14, 2013

Joy in Mudville






Fans across New England have been overwhelmed with joy.
Last night, sports gods treated our emotions like a toy;
Patriots and Red Sox looked like they were gonna lose.
Brady threw an interception, late, and I heard boos. 

Many left - convinced New Orleans' victory was sealed...
Half the seats were empty when the Pats drove down the field.
Just 10 seconds on the clock, New England down by 4,
Brady threw to Thompkins in the end zone for the score.

If that win was not enough, next up - the Red Sox game.
They had lost the night before and this looked much the same;
Tigers' pitchers managing to shut the Red Sox down...
Not a lot of hitting for the fans in their hometown.

Outlook wasn't brilliant for the home-team but, once more
(Kinda like the Patriots - the Red Sox down by 4)
With the bases loaded Papi stepped up to the plate;
People held their breath - and prayed - in homes throughout the state.

Unlike poor old Casey at the Bat, this mighty swing
Sent the ball out deep to right where Hunter got a ding
Trying to prevent the tying Grand Slam by Ortiz,
Missed the ball...  Which sent the Red Sox Faithful to their knees.

Red Sox won it 6 to 5 and I'm still out of breath...
Both my teams in games where they were looking close to death.
Both teams, with a miracle, came back and got the wins.
Now their fans wear disbelieving, but triumphant, grins.

Friday, October 11, 2013

Perspective

You are here…but where are you going?


When I need perspective on life;
Fed up with political strife.
My brain needs to clear...
"You're somewhere on here"
Cuts right to the point - like a knife.

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Happy Un-Sweet 16th Birthday




Boys do not turn "Sweet 16" I'm told...  That's just for girls.
(In my day it meant you could wear make-up, heels, and pearls.
You were finally  old enough to go out on a date;
Curfew went to midnight which, to me, seems pretty late.)

Boys would rather die before their mother calls them sweet;
Damages their credibility out on the street.
Youngest turns 16 today; we gave our son a phone.
Took him out to dinner after, but I dined alone.

He was busy texting, tweeting, watching video...
Had to snap my fingers, twice, when it was time to go.
16's so significant because he wants to drive;
Scary when you've seen him playing Grand Theft Auto 5.

Happy Birthday darlin'...  Your mother loves you.


Wednesday, October 09, 2013

Boston Red Sox Fans Are Weird.

https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQr3gFOnsgwJ7V20vz-3yCaaQffr6hhv6BPyPSlBsus7eoP-FJi
What?

Red Sox are advancing 'cause, last night, we beat the Rays.
Don't know who we're playing next; the Tigers or the A's.
All we know is we'll be here at home and better rested.
Fans have hopes so high right now, we ought'a be arrested.

Saturday is game one in the A.L. pennant chase.
Either way, whichever team the Red Sox have to face,
They will feel the Fenway Faithful - many with a beard...
Proving to the nation that, up here, we're kinda weird.

I make no predictions 'cause I want the Sox to win.
I don't want to jinx the team before the games begin.
When I write a rhyme about my teams they tend to lose.
You would not take chances either, were you in my shoes.


Tuesday, October 08, 2013

The 113th Congress - What Kind of Example is This?

https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS86140Gvd8GA7G6udXeIHk-xwEj0MybBywM6tZBxjkkN0RPGucGw

Do we want to show the world that we'll negotiate
If the threat is big enough?  Well, isn't that just great?
Less than perfect timing (just to understate the facts)
Threaten world economies until the Congress acts.

With a common enemy the Arab street unites;
We're that common enemy - ignoring sovereign rights.
Two raids into Africa; a city street, a beach...
One man's being questioned but the other's out of reach.

Egypt doesn't like the fact we can't support their coup.
In Afghanistan their President is angry, too.
Karzai says he won't agree to sign a long-term deal
'cause we never stop to ask the Afghans how they feel.

Pakistan and Yemen hate that we use unmanned drones;
All the world is mad the NSA is tapping phones.
Now they get to watch and see our government not work...
Anyone who'd sign up for this kind of thing's a jerk.

Monday, October 07, 2013

Cursed?

Patriots vs. Bengals - 10/6/2013
The Patriots offense was all wet yesterday. (Photo/AP)

Patriots are 4 and 1; the Sox are 2 and oh.
One team hopes to sweep their series; one team's plagued with woe.
One team is on fire while the other team is damp.
Patriots are struggling; the Sox could be the Champ.

Brady threw no touchdowns yesterday which broke his streak.
52 games in a row; at least one every week...
'though I'm sure that Danny Amendola's very nice,
There's no Joe Montana if you don't have Jerry Rice.

Red Sox are at Tropicana Field to play the Rays
But, though they're more fun to write a rhyme about these days,
I am being very careful - watching what I say -
Just in case my rhyming is affecting how they play.

When I rhymed, extensively, about the Sox last year
They performed so badly that I had begun to fear
I might be responsible - incurred the sports gods' wrath -
And there is no fury like the kind the sports gods hath.

Maybe I should stick to politics and government
'though, the more I think about it, look at how that went.
Maybe Dr. Seussilitis really is a curse...
When I write a rhyme about something it's gotten worse.

http://s3.amazonaws.com/beZambee/smiley_images/420/82c0b907e9530faa4d1ad2fe140a747137f6f85b.png?1330185587

Friday, October 04, 2013

Where's the EPA When You Need Them?

data:image/jpeg;base64,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
(Artwork courtesy of The Simpsons)


G.O.P. wants something from their Shutdown, don't know what;
To defund Obama Care, another budget cut?
One thing that they're sure they want? A little more respect.
They're not getting any lately...  What did they expect?

They could always tune to Bullshit Mountain for some praise.
(That is what Jon Stewart's calling FOX's "news" these days.)
When you hear them tell it, "slimming down" is for the good.
You won't feel the impact in your all-white neighborhood.

They do not support calls for the Tea Party to halt
Shutting down the government (which is Obama's fault.)
Something's in the water there; it's making them insane.
Maybe that's the reason why their programs are inane.

Look at Bill O'Reilly and what happened to Glenn Beck...
By the time he left the place the poor guy was a wreck.
They've become so toxic - spreading anger, fear, and doubt -
It's a shame the E.P.A. is closed and can't help out.