Au Cochonnet Marin

“In every neighborhood, on every block, a spoiled child (brat) can be found.” Donna Jones

And they can be spotted on sporting fields as well.

Pétanque is not a contact sport, far from it… but under certain conditions, a game can become contentious, even heated.

In a tournament, any disagreement is usually settled by an “arbitre” and everybody abides by his ruling; but a casual game is somewhat different. Since no referee is present, some people (inspired no doubt by a Trumpian size ego) take it upon themselves to pronounce… self-serving rulings. They are accustomed to having their way and if they don’t, they wail and whine like spoiled brats.

They lack emotional maturity… and are prone to display bratty behavior. This flaw usually affects very young children, but it also impacts many “adults” who neglected to grow up. Regardless of the circumstances, they are very likely to argue and have tantrums.

Childishness usually stops around 18, but sometimes, due to a freak of nature, it extends to adulthood… And as recently seen in the news, it is disturbing… and pathetic.

“Learning to control your reactions, saves you a lot of explaining, regretting, and apologizing.” Remez Sasson

Even when he tries, the spoiled brat can’t change his spots. He is condemned to misbehave and antagonize whoever he comes in contact with. Once in a great while, he shows contrition, but this repentance lasts as long as a pole-vaulting jump.

In every team sport, there is a playmaker, usually an experienced “shooter” who best knows what to do. He uses a quiet authority to lead his team and few people quibble about his decisions… but a spoiled brat will. He cannot help it; he has to sound off.

Many people have seen or experienced this unpleasant situation, and it is their prerogative to boycott such individuals. I, for one, won’t hesitate to do it.

“all spoiled children are, unsatisfied, demanding, ill-disciplined, despotic and useless… sniveling brats.” P. J. O’Rourke

Alain

Alleluia, we now have a new president… a real president! After 4 long years of wandering in the desert, we just entered the Promised Land. Bells are ringing all around the world.

Yes, I watched the inauguration of Joseph Biden, and I am happy (and hopeful) with what I saw and what I heard. Our new commander-in-chief looks presidential, talks presidential and acts presidential. He conducts himself like a real president.

And for a man who once afflicted with a painful stutter, he gave a flawless, passionate, magnificent acceptance speech. A presidential speech calling for unity and hope, instead of empty grandiloquent promises.

“I pledge to be a President who seeks not to divide, but to unify.”

Joe Biden never pretended to be a “very stable genius”. As a matter of fact, according to Wikipedia, he was a poor student; but he managed to be “class president in his junior and senior years”. A poor student maybe, but a personable, trusted fellow.

Contrarily to our former “leader” he was not born into money. He was raised in a blue-collar environment and understands the plight of the common man.
Instead of surroundings himself with a bunch of fawning stooges, he has already put recognized professionals in key positions.  And one of his top priorities will be fighting the pandemic.

“On Monday, I will name a group of leading scientists and experts as Transition Advisors to help take the Biden-Harris COVID plan and convert it into an action blueprint that starts on January 20th, 2021.
That plan will be built on a bedrock of science.”

Joe Biden is an experienced politician who knows his way around Washington. A very useful consideration for somebody who plans to unite instead of disparage his opponents.
A real president is not afraid to praise and share the limelight with his wife and collaborators, and Joe has already proved it. Something extremely refreshing.

Without using a plethora of superlatives, he pledged to be a president for all Americans and restore the world’s respect for our once leading democracy.

I believe him and for our sakes, I wish him all success in all his future endeavors.

Alain

PS: Lady Gaga performed magnificently

Yesterday, as it is becoming the custom for our local players, I drove to Lamorinda, a 40-minute ride from Marin.

Lamorinda is the home of true-blue pétanque fans. They polish their boules at sunrise and start playing before lunch; they only stop at sundown. They also, I have been told, sometimes continue to play after sundown, illuminating the field by using cars’ headlights.

As a pétanque dilettante, I seldom go to such extremes. Three hours of physical exertion is plenty for me and my aging anatomy. But otherwise, the Lamorinda gang is friendly and welcoming. Show up with boules and you are in. They also have excellent players, and it is always a challenge playing there.

Yesterday was also a little unusual by the sheer fact that the temperature reached 75° Fahrenheit around 2:00 pm. Let’s not forget that we are in the middle of winter and that it is 45° in New York and 21° in St Petersburg, Russia.

The Lamorinda people also have the healthy practice of reshuffling the decks after a few games. After a short break, teams are reassembled in different formations. It means that you will get a chance to play with many different players throughout the day. One slight drawback to this policy is the fact that with everybody’s face covered with a mask, you often don’t know who you are playing with.

During short playing intervals, I managed to snap a few pictures. This is the advantage of owning a small, versatile camera. It can easily by carried in a pocket while playing and put to work when the occasion presents itself.

When it comes to action shots, some people are naturally more photogenic than some others.  This usually indicates that are naturally gifted athletes.
It does not mean though that if you don’t look as good as the golden boys (or girls) you are less proficient. It simply means that very few people have it all: natural grace and ability.

I hope that you like the few shots I managed to take.

Alain