Posts
I know that some of you enjoy my writing about local baseball and my adventures with the Twilight League. This year, I've limited my discussions about local baseball on this blog.
Some of you know that I also have a blog devoted mostly to writing, or writing-related topics. Since I'm writing a few articles about the Twilight League for The Forecaster again this summer, I took the liberty to post my most recent one over at Write in Maine.
The two men that I profile are very similar to the type of town team players that instilled in me my fascination for baseball, when I was seven, or eight-years-old. While these types of "throwbacks" are increasingly rare, they still exist and continue to fascinate me as a fan of the sport.
Friday, July 28, 2006
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Middle East geopolitics 101
For the past week or so, I’ve been following Israel’s military incursion into Lebanon closely. Never a fan of the MSM, with their need to slant news and information towards their corporate viewpoint, regardless of the story, I still have been surprised at how pro-Israeli the coverage has been.
Like most Americans, even those who purport to be geopolitically astute, my understanding of Middle Eastern politics could be called perfunctory at best. Yet, understanding the roots of this escalating conflict isn’t as difficult to acquire as I am led to believe by the mantra, “the roots of this conflict are rooted in ancient times,” or some variation on the theme that “this issue is a complicated one, so just sit back and let us experts explain it to you.”
Actually, if you rely on the so-called experts, you’ll be woefully misinformed, at best and duped at worst.
As I mentioned, I’m no scholar of Palestinian history, but even in my previous state of ignorant bliss, I knew that AIPAC (pro-Israeli lobby) wielded a great deal of influence in Washington, as well as with media outlets. Coupled with a fear of being labeled anti-Semitic, the MSM tiptoes around issues regarding Israel, predominantly taking the position that whatever the IDF does is justified, as poor little Israel, swimming in a sea of Islamic terrorists and jihadists, are only protecting themselves and saving themselves from being pushed into the sea. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that much of the coverage in the American press could be classified as racist!
As with any subject that you are attempting to understand, it’s always helpful to put it into some historical context. The most recent invasion byIsrael didn’t begin two weeks ago, with the capture of two IDF soldiers by Hezbollah, despite the MSM’s historical amnesia. This goes back to 1982 and much further, if you take the time to do some research on Jewish settlement in the region.
Despite the evidence that exists for a Palestinian state (two-state solution), the need to spin things favorably for Israel continues unabated. I would challenge anyone to try to find any recent article in a mainstream publication that doesn’t frame Israel’s blatant and brazen attack on Lebanon as one of self-defense and security. You may run across the odd story here and there that attempts to show the Palestinian position, but it will be rare and require some serious sleuthing.
Since the Middle East is a region that will occupy our military’s attention (as well as a significant amount of tax dollars for the remainder of all our lifetimes), it would seem prudent to begin to expand one's knowledge-base of that region.
All of what’s happening between Israel, Lebanon, Syria and Iran have clear implications for our own military and the ever-widening scope of the “war on terror,” as our linguistically-challenged president is fond of uttering.
The late Edward Said (interestingly, you'll find attempts by pro-Israeli "scholars" to discredit his work) is someone worth reading for the Palestinian side of the equation and a good starting point. Also, I find Counterpunch to be a provocative, progressive read. Interestingly, as you begin to see things in a new light, don’t be surprised if someone accuses you of being anti-Israel, or worse, anti-Semitic. In much the same way that right-wingers attempt to end debate on matters germane to American politics with the “anti-patriotic” lob, so will those who wish to deny the indigenous Palestinian people their right to co-exist in their homeland.
Like most Americans, even those who purport to be geopolitically astute, my understanding of Middle Eastern politics could be called perfunctory at best. Yet, understanding the roots of this escalating conflict isn’t as difficult to acquire as I am led to believe by the mantra, “the roots of this conflict are rooted in ancient times,” or some variation on the theme that “this issue is a complicated one, so just sit back and let us experts explain it to you.”
Actually, if you rely on the so-called experts, you’ll be woefully misinformed, at best and duped at worst.
As I mentioned, I’m no scholar of Palestinian history, but even in my previous state of ignorant bliss, I knew that AIPAC (pro-Israeli lobby) wielded a great deal of influence in Washington, as well as with media outlets. Coupled with a fear of being labeled anti-Semitic, the MSM tiptoes around issues regarding Israel, predominantly taking the position that whatever the IDF does is justified, as poor little Israel, swimming in a sea of Islamic terrorists and jihadists, are only protecting themselves and saving themselves from being pushed into the sea. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that much of the coverage in the American press could be classified as racist!
As with any subject that you are attempting to understand, it’s always helpful to put it into some historical context. The most recent invasion byIsrael didn’t begin two weeks ago, with the capture of two IDF soldiers by Hezbollah, despite the MSM’s historical amnesia. This goes back to 1982 and much further, if you take the time to do some research on Jewish settlement in the region.
Despite the evidence that exists for a Palestinian state (two-state solution), the need to spin things favorably for Israel continues unabated. I would challenge anyone to try to find any recent article in a mainstream publication that doesn’t frame Israel’s blatant and brazen attack on Lebanon as one of self-defense and security. You may run across the odd story here and there that attempts to show the Palestinian position, but it will be rare and require some serious sleuthing.
Since the Middle East is a region that will occupy our military’s attention (as well as a significant amount of tax dollars for the remainder of all our lifetimes), it would seem prudent to begin to expand one's knowledge-base of that region.
All of what’s happening between Israel, Lebanon, Syria and Iran have clear implications for our own military and the ever-widening scope of the “war on terror,” as our linguistically-challenged president is fond of uttering.
The late Edward Said (interestingly, you'll find attempts by pro-Israeli "scholars" to discredit his work) is someone worth reading for the Palestinian side of the equation and a good starting point. Also, I find Counterpunch to be a provocative, progressive read. Interestingly, as you begin to see things in a new light, don’t be surprised if someone accuses you of being anti-Israel, or worse, anti-Semitic. In much the same way that right-wingers attempt to end debate on matters germane to American politics with the “anti-patriotic” lob, so will those who wish to deny the indigenous Palestinian people their right to co-exist in their homeland.
Friday, July 21, 2006
Clams away!
It’s summer in Maine and with the warm weather comes the opportunity to get out and experience some of the unique offerings the state has to offer. Being the sucker for festivals that I am, I’m looking forward to this weekend’s Yarmouth Clam Festival.
I’m sure the originators of this celebration of community and small town life in Maine never envisioned this festival being such a major event, when it started 41 years ago. Who would have thought that people could get so wound up over a tiny bivalve? But by Sunday night, over 120,000 folks will have experienced the wonders of the clam.
While the festival doesn’t officially kick off until tonight, with its annual parade, one of the state’s largest parades, those in the know got a sneak preview, last night, at the first ever "It’s Clamtastic Clam Cook-off." For a mere 5 clams (sorry, I couldn’t resist), samplers got to nibble on creations feting the clam, concocted by area restaurants and eateries. Attendees also got a wooden coin that they could deposit in the bucket of their favorite restaurant’s dish. I personally enjoyed the clam dip from Royal River Grillhouse. Chef, Brian Tebben, concocted what he considers “the world’s greatest clam dip.” The dip had a great texture and some secret addition giving it a spicy kick. Served warm on a nice sesame cracker, the creation was a nice accompaniment to the many chowders that other entrants were offering.
Yarmouth is one of Maine’s cuter towns, featuring a Main Street that should be the model of every small town in the land. With its town hall, library, shops and other businesses clustered within a ½ mile radius of one another, it is still a place that promotes the pedestrian. In fact, they have a great walking path that winds its way along the Royal River, before bringing walkers back to Main Street as they complete a comfortable circular route.
While the town has changed some over the years, a spirit of community and volunteerism remains. At one time, the community was ringed by working farms. Like many other areas of Maine, with an abundance of open space, farms have been sold and subdivisions have sprung up. Still, there are family farms nearby (like Toot's; take Rte 115 out of town towards North Yarmouth for some fabulous ice cream) and while the town has moved up the socio-economic ladder, the town has done a good job at keeping snobbishness and social-climbing at bay. Doctors, lawyers and other professionals serve on community boards and committees alongside blue-collar workers and farmers. The food booths that take over the town green, at the heart of downtown during the festival, are a veritable who’s who of the town’s volunteer organizations. For the week of the festival, many town folk take their vacations to work and participate, in order to make this the jewel of Maine’s summer festival circuit.
Whether you are an aficionado of the clam, or not, make a point to spend a day in idyllic Yarmouth, tasting Maine foods, watching the parade, or experiencing a fireman’s muster. With it’s proximity to Portland, there is no shortage of things to do and see.
I’m sure the originators of this celebration of community and small town life in Maine never envisioned this festival being such a major event, when it started 41 years ago. Who would have thought that people could get so wound up over a tiny bivalve? But by Sunday night, over 120,000 folks will have experienced the wonders of the clam.
While the festival doesn’t officially kick off until tonight, with its annual parade, one of the state’s largest parades, those in the know got a sneak preview, last night, at the first ever "It’s Clamtastic Clam Cook-off." For a mere 5 clams (sorry, I couldn’t resist), samplers got to nibble on creations feting the clam, concocted by area restaurants and eateries. Attendees also got a wooden coin that they could deposit in the bucket of their favorite restaurant’s dish. I personally enjoyed the clam dip from Royal River Grillhouse. Chef, Brian Tebben, concocted what he considers “the world’s greatest clam dip.” The dip had a great texture and some secret addition giving it a spicy kick. Served warm on a nice sesame cracker, the creation was a nice accompaniment to the many chowders that other entrants were offering.
Yarmouth is one of Maine’s cuter towns, featuring a Main Street that should be the model of every small town in the land. With its town hall, library, shops and other businesses clustered within a ½ mile radius of one another, it is still a place that promotes the pedestrian. In fact, they have a great walking path that winds its way along the Royal River, before bringing walkers back to Main Street as they complete a comfortable circular route.
While the town has changed some over the years, a spirit of community and volunteerism remains. At one time, the community was ringed by working farms. Like many other areas of Maine, with an abundance of open space, farms have been sold and subdivisions have sprung up. Still, there are family farms nearby (like Toot's; take Rte 115 out of town towards North Yarmouth for some fabulous ice cream) and while the town has moved up the socio-economic ladder, the town has done a good job at keeping snobbishness and social-climbing at bay. Doctors, lawyers and other professionals serve on community boards and committees alongside blue-collar workers and farmers. The food booths that take over the town green, at the heart of downtown during the festival, are a veritable who’s who of the town’s volunteer organizations. For the week of the festival, many town folk take their vacations to work and participate, in order to make this the jewel of Maine’s summer festival circuit.
Whether you are an aficionado of the clam, or not, make a point to spend a day in idyllic Yarmouth, tasting Maine foods, watching the parade, or experiencing a fireman’s muster. With it’s proximity to Portland, there is no shortage of things to do and see.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Fear factor
Americans are addicted to fear. We love to have someone—whether it is a journalist, government official, or our friends—scare us to death about some aspect of our daily lives.
Just today, I’m waiting for the start of The Jim Rome Show, while I’m preparing my lunch and on comes a commercial urging listeners to discuss what to do in the event of a terrorist attack—the announcer asked the question, “has your family discussed what to do in case of a terrorist attack?” Holy Christ! No, I haven’t discussed what I’d do if a terrorist attack happens because I’m not expecting one, at least in the near future. He ended the commercial by giving the following website, which scares me more, than the thought of a terrorist coming to my little corner of Maine.
Yet, there are crazy fuckers out there, many of them running our government, or controlling the airwaves, who derive great pleasure (and profit handsomely) from scaring the bejeezus out of the average American. Yesterday, while driving home from some appointments in Dover-Foxcroft, I was scanning the radio dial for something tolerable, or at least wouldn’t put me to sleep. For a five minute period, my better judgment took leave and I found myself listening to the demagoguery of Sean Hannity, during his afternoon exercise in right wing ideological indoctrination. This man is certifiably insane. His propaganda-laced tirades are lapped up eagerly by his brain-addled listeners, who subscribe to this kind of bigotry-infused and racist rhetoric. He was prattling on about the need for the U.S. to support their friends (in this case, Israel) in the battle against “Islamofascism,” a term invented by the haters on the right.
I don’t understand the need to be afraid. George Orwell’s protagonist in 1984, Winston Smith, lived in the type of world that Hannity and company would like to construct for us. A place where we live in fear of our neighbors, people of color and immigrants coming here for the type of life that Hannity has at his disposal. For Smith, his world was a place where every action and every word was being recorded by the telescreen. The populace lived with a palpable fear. Smith’s totalitarian government, kept perpetual surveillance over the citizenry. Certainly not the kind of place I want to spend the last 40 years of my life.
Fear is a paralyzing force and a killer of the spontaneity and interaction that communities require to remain vibrant and open. All of us need to fight the forces that want to force us inside, safe behind locked doors, or isolated within our gated fortresses. The right-wing doesn’t own the patent on inflicting fear and paranoia upon its followers, either. Progressives often can be just as craven to doom and gloom and the paralysis that comes from apocalyptic pronouncements.
Sometimes, simple acts are empowering. Tuning out the talking heads has been meaningful for me. Also, something as basic as growing some of one’s own food helps to develop a sense of self-sufficiency that we need more of. There are other things that all of us can do to reconnect with our communities, embracing the unique qualities that we all bring to the table. Pick something basic, and make it your own. You'll be happier and healthier as a result.
Just today, I’m waiting for the start of The Jim Rome Show, while I’m preparing my lunch and on comes a commercial urging listeners to discuss what to do in the event of a terrorist attack—the announcer asked the question, “has your family discussed what to do in case of a terrorist attack?” Holy Christ! No, I haven’t discussed what I’d do if a terrorist attack happens because I’m not expecting one, at least in the near future. He ended the commercial by giving the following website, which scares me more, than the thought of a terrorist coming to my little corner of Maine.
Yet, there are crazy fuckers out there, many of them running our government, or controlling the airwaves, who derive great pleasure (and profit handsomely) from scaring the bejeezus out of the average American. Yesterday, while driving home from some appointments in Dover-Foxcroft, I was scanning the radio dial for something tolerable, or at least wouldn’t put me to sleep. For a five minute period, my better judgment took leave and I found myself listening to the demagoguery of Sean Hannity, during his afternoon exercise in right wing ideological indoctrination. This man is certifiably insane. His propaganda-laced tirades are lapped up eagerly by his brain-addled listeners, who subscribe to this kind of bigotry-infused and racist rhetoric. He was prattling on about the need for the U.S. to support their friends (in this case, Israel) in the battle against “Islamofascism,” a term invented by the haters on the right.
I don’t understand the need to be afraid. George Orwell’s protagonist in 1984, Winston Smith, lived in the type of world that Hannity and company would like to construct for us. A place where we live in fear of our neighbors, people of color and immigrants coming here for the type of life that Hannity has at his disposal. For Smith, his world was a place where every action and every word was being recorded by the telescreen. The populace lived with a palpable fear. Smith’s totalitarian government, kept perpetual surveillance over the citizenry. Certainly not the kind of place I want to spend the last 40 years of my life.
Fear is a paralyzing force and a killer of the spontaneity and interaction that communities require to remain vibrant and open. All of us need to fight the forces that want to force us inside, safe behind locked doors, or isolated within our gated fortresses. The right-wing doesn’t own the patent on inflicting fear and paranoia upon its followers, either. Progressives often can be just as craven to doom and gloom and the paralysis that comes from apocalyptic pronouncements.
Sometimes, simple acts are empowering. Tuning out the talking heads has been meaningful for me. Also, something as basic as growing some of one’s own food helps to develop a sense of self-sufficiency that we need more of. There are other things that all of us can do to reconnect with our communities, embracing the unique qualities that we all bring to the table. Pick something basic, and make it your own. You'll be happier and healthier as a result.
Friday, July 14, 2006
Geopolitical meltdown
I know I said that I am "dialing down" the politics, at least while the games are on this summer. Well, one of the beauties of blogging is that you are your own managing editor, when it comes to content selection.
Anyone who has made even a cursory perusal of international news the past few days will recognize that the Middle East, a virtual geopolitical powderkeg, just got even hotter. Israel, reacting to the kidnap of two of its soldiers (I wonder how many Lebanese, Palestinian and Arab soldiers are sitting in Israeli jails?) by Hezbollah, has launched their own Zionist-driven shock and awe campaign against Lebanon. Consequently, global markets, particularly oil, have reacted accordingly. Oil hit the $76.70/barrel mark yesterday, an all-time high, btw, on its march towards $80/barrel. According to the AP's Brad Foss, breaking the $80 barrier is inevitable. If that happens, those that track these things say that $100/barrel will follow soon thereafter.
Government, politics, or even sweet Jesus won't save us. Our government, which should have been working towards a two-state solution in Gaza, has been strangely silent about Israeli bombs raining down on the Lebanese. Bill Clinton wasn't a perfect president, by any means, but at least he recognized the importance of this for a viable future for the Middle East (as did Martin Sheen, my president [see West Wing]). The over-used trump card of global terrorism has just about run its course. The Guardian, always a place for interesting perspectives, has this one on how the definition of terror is motivated by the self-interest of the user. Big surprise there, eh?
If gas is $3.00/gallon at the current price of crude, where's it headed if we see oil at $100/barrel? Of course, Barack Obama and the Democrats are out on the highways, trying to drum up support for more E-85 (Ethanol), so we can continue to drive just as damn much as we always have, chasing down our cheap trinkets, made courtesy of Chinese slaves, at the local Wal-Mart. No problem--we'll just have to plow under the entire Midwestern corridor (flyover country to you folks in the east) and plant corn!
When I look at the seriousness of the big picture and see how little effect I am able to make, as well as the utter lunacy of those who should be doing more, because they have the power, I don't feel so bad about my little garden, riding my bike, or even listening to the Red Sox on the radio.
Anyone who has made even a cursory perusal of international news the past few days will recognize that the Middle East, a virtual geopolitical powderkeg, just got even hotter. Israel, reacting to the kidnap of two of its soldiers (I wonder how many Lebanese, Palestinian and Arab soldiers are sitting in Israeli jails?) by Hezbollah, has launched their own Zionist-driven shock and awe campaign against Lebanon. Consequently, global markets, particularly oil, have reacted accordingly. Oil hit the $76.70/barrel mark yesterday, an all-time high, btw, on its march towards $80/barrel. According to the AP's Brad Foss, breaking the $80 barrier is inevitable. If that happens, those that track these things say that $100/barrel will follow soon thereafter.
Government, politics, or even sweet Jesus won't save us. Our government, which should have been working towards a two-state solution in Gaza, has been strangely silent about Israeli bombs raining down on the Lebanese. Bill Clinton wasn't a perfect president, by any means, but at least he recognized the importance of this for a viable future for the Middle East (as did Martin Sheen, my president [see West Wing]). The over-used trump card of global terrorism has just about run its course. The Guardian, always a place for interesting perspectives, has this one on how the definition of terror is motivated by the self-interest of the user. Big surprise there, eh?
If gas is $3.00/gallon at the current price of crude, where's it headed if we see oil at $100/barrel? Of course, Barack Obama and the Democrats are out on the highways, trying to drum up support for more E-85 (Ethanol), so we can continue to drive just as damn much as we always have, chasing down our cheap trinkets, made courtesy of Chinese slaves, at the local Wal-Mart. No problem--we'll just have to plow under the entire Midwestern corridor (flyover country to you folks in the east) and plant corn!
When I look at the seriousness of the big picture and see how little effect I am able to make, as well as the utter lunacy of those who should be doing more, because they have the power, I don't feel so bad about my little garden, riding my bike, or even listening to the Red Sox on the radio.
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