Category: Fourre-tout

Politics is the gentle art of getting votes from the poor and campaign funds from the rich, by promising to protect each from the other.~Oscar Ameringer

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When I was growing up in France, the country was mesmerized (and divided – as always) by the war of words and the fights of two famous wrestlers: l’Ange Blanc (the White Angel) and le Bourreau de Béthune (the Executioner of Béthune).

Fifty years later we are witnessing  the same theatrics in America.

In one corner we have Donald Trump (The Blustering Fool) and Hillary Clinton (The Nasty Woman).
In one of the most contentious elections in the American history we have to choose between “making America great again” and “Stronger Together”.

Frankly, I would rather go with “stronger together”. United we stand, divided we fall. Everybody knows that. In an increasingly diverse population we need to include (and not to exclude) every segment of the American society.

What kind of person do we need in the White House?

• We need a Uniter, not a Divider (Hillary or the Donald?)
• We need an experienced person, not a dilettante (Hillary or the Donald?).
• We need somebody with knowledge of the issues (Hillary or the Donald?).
• We need a cool head, not an excitable macho man (Hillary or the Donald?).
• We need a good communicator (Hillary or the Donald?).
• We need somebody with emotional stability (Hillary or the Donald?).
• We need somebody who has concern for others (Hillary or the Donald?).
• We need a diplomat, (Hillary or the Donald?).
• We need humbleness and self-depreciation (Hillary or the Donald?).
• We need resilience under adversity (Hillary or the Donald?).

Well, what do say America?
The choice is between an unpredictable blustering egomaniac and a tough, cerebral, experienced dame.

Hillary is far from perfect. And yes she occasionally lied, but who (especially politicians) never lied? Is the Donald lily-white in the fabrication business?

So give me a break.
On November 8, put emotions aside and cast a sane ballot for the person who will be better for all of us, not just a few.

Alain

Do it today. It could be illegal tomorrow.

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Saturday night, I attended La Pétanque Marinière’s year-end party/business meeting. To be truthful, I proceeded somewhat reluctantly.
Instead of the anticipated restaurant venue, we had to settle for the rather stale environment of the Villa Inn in San Rafael.

We fought for years to have our function in a restaurant, and 3 years later we are back where we started. I understand that money (as usual) was a factor in this decision, but I think that this choice turned off many people who opted out of this event.

But, despite a low attendance and in spite of my initial misgivings, the party turned out pretty well. The club spent a fair amount of money on edibles and refreshments and there was more food than anybody could possibly eat.

Upon my arrival, I bumped into Louis Toulon and Ken Lee. Smiling from ear to ear, Louis told me that he won first place in the Singles tournament that took place (in the rain) in San Rafael the same day.
Felicitaciones amigo! (I am watching a lot of Hispanic telenovelas)

It does my heart good because Louis and I are the same age (two months apart) and he proved that Old Timers still can teach whippersnappers a thing or two.
I was also told that Maryanne Curley (from Petaluma?) won first place in the women’s category and our own Christine Cragg came a close second.
Well done Christine! Or as Tamara would say: Молодец!

After a few drinks and appetizers Christine Cragg, our long time president, gave the opening address. She mentioned that some new people (Henry Wessel and Mark Shirkey among others) volunteered to join our Board and that Brigitte Moran is now our new treasurer.

Brigitte then took center stage and spelled out how she envisioned our future. She is a very dynamic and motivated person and I am solidly behind her.
She is experienced and understands how to deal with the County’s authorities; I believe that with her help our club has a bright prospect in front of us.

I cannot spell out everything she said, but you will glad to know that, among others things, starting next year the field maintenance will be done by county workers.

She is also actively pursuing the field fencing project and contrarily to what some people think it is not going to bankrupt us. More about this later.

Mireille (a longtime employee of the Villa Inn) Monique Bricca and a certain Tamara worked very hard to handle the food and keep everything under control.
A big hand for these ladies!

Addendum: Calvert Barron, Sandra and Mark Shirkey were also of invaluable help.

I tried to take some pictures of this event, but as you will see it did not turn very well. Nothing more difficult than snapping pictures in an artificial environment.

All in all, this meeting turned out better than expected. For those who did not attend, I think that you missed a lot.

“Be pretty if you can. Be witty if you must. But be gracious if it kills you.” Elsie de Wolfe

 Alain

To look at photos of this event and listen to the accompanying background music, turn your computer’s sound on, and click on the link “My Photos” located on the right side of this page. For best viewing, go Full Screen.

Have you ever heard of OPD?
No, it is not an Old Persons Disease and it does not mean Officially Pronounced Dead or Outraging Public Decency.

OPD is (according to many of my friends) a fairly common ailment called the Open Drawer Syndrome by psychologists; it seems to affect mainly female Homo Sapiens.

I know that I have written about this before, but I think that this subject is serious enough to warrant a second look.

How can you tell if somebody is afflicted with this peculiar disorder?

Some of the known symptoms are as follows:
Near-impossibility for patients to shut drawers, cupboards or doors after they have been opened.
Becoming bored with a task after only a few minutes, unless doing something enjoyable.
Easily distracted, missing details, forgetting things, and frequently switching from one activity to another.
These manifestations are usually associated with the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

For most men it is a very annoying peculiarity because they usually operate according to a simple, rational principle: “A place for everything and everything in its place.”

 A drawer that remains open after it has served its purpose is an aberration; it is highly illogical. But then, are women operating by the same sterling standards as men?
Many doubt it.

Logic is not part of the female’s modus operandi (way of operating).

What seems logical, sensible to men often goes against the grain for the fair sex. They always do the unexpected and thus highly confuse their enemies.

This particular trait makes them formidable foes at guerilla warfare.
Instead of sending the Marines to trouble spots, we ought to consider sending women tormented by OPD.
Due to their unpredictable tactics, they could in a matter of days clean up large areas presently occupied by ISIS.

I envision these women charging enemy positions, topless (an extremely scary sight for some) and carrying small open drawers on their shoulders.
The enemy unused to such dastardly tactics would certainly flee in disarray. Just the sight of bare breasts could shake them to the core, and the ominous look of open drawers would definitely send them fleeing in panic.

Am I exaggerating? NO… maybe… just a little bit. But this syndrome is real and can negatively affect relationships.

Is there a cure for this disturbing disorder? I don’t know, but gene therapy seems to be a promising option.

Alain