One of my favorite events is this weekend: The Grand Tasting at the Cincinnati Wine Festival. Here’s the setting: an empty glass, a room with over 600 wines, and 2 ½ hours.
I regularly see 3 types of wine corks: natural, plastic, and composite (my term). Interestingly, recycling programs around any of the 3 types are (at best) minimal.
All normal in our life with dance, handbells, and volunteering leading the way. Meanwhile, we are looking forward to my wife’s upcoming retirement, so we’re also planning future travel. A few other things got in my way this week. 😦
Thanks for the great response on the previous post (On an Inspiring Edit).
Colors: The Musical continues on this coming Tuesday with Act 4 featuring songs with Green in the title. Tips: No compound words with green, no shades of green, and no duplicates. On an important note, Dale (the musical’s official Maitre d’) will probably not be present to protect visitors from The Producer. Curtain time is Tuesday, March 8th at 9:30 pm (Eastern US).
No Explore post this weekend.
Many recall that former Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH) represented the district to the west of mine. In the upcoming primary, 15 Republican candidates are vying to become the next representative.
Super Tuesday delivered interesting results for Republicans. The thought of a Donald Trump (R-NY) nomination is making it interesting … and Thursday was loads of fun. Got to love the circus!
As some of the Republican candidates and their surrogates have now turned to attacking Donald Trump, where were they when Jeb Bush (R-FL), Carly Fiorina (R-CA), and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) were the only ones attempting to challenge Mr. Trump?
Watching Sen. Rubio and Mr. Trump the past 2 week reminded me of the middle school encounter between the obnoxious brat challenging the boisterous bully … and I find this demeaning, embarrassing and unpresidential.
Gov. John Kasich (R-OH) continues to be the adult in the room, which doesn’t seem to be working to his advantage. Because he speaks and behaves in a sensible manner while focusing on issues, that does not mean he is a moderate. As resident of Ohio, Gov. Kasich is unquestionably a conservative.
The Ohio primary is in 10 days. Television ads are now appearing, but we haven’t been swamped with them or mailings. I think they are giving us a break until August.conservative.
I previously stated that March 15th would be pivotal for the Democrats. The rationale was simple – the Super Tuesday states were stacked for Hillary Clinton (D-NY) with a few openings for Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-VT). I see Florida, Ohio, North Carolina, Missouri, and Illinois as the last stand for Senator Sanders – thus where the Bern goes to a flicker.
In a political campaign (especially the presidential nomination process), I notice individual endorsements. For instance, I have very low regard for Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA), and his endorsement is an unquestionable negative for me.
Two questions to ponder for each side of the aisle.
- If the your party could only win one, which of the following would you chose: winning the presidency or having a majority in the Senate?
- If Democrats won the Senate, who would you rather have as president: Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz, or Donald Trump?
This tidbit from The Onion about Sen. Cruz made me laugh … and what a great image.
Embed from Getty ImagesWeekly Headlines from The Onion (combos welcome)
Area tweet not exactly lighting the world on fire
Bored God tries to fit all of Jupiter in mouth
Banana bought, carried around, thrown out
Area man walking around in his underwear again
Breaking News: Some bullshit happening somewhere
Cirque Du Soleil’s new ‘Travelique’ examines the movements and mystery of public transit
Interesting Reads
Conservative media and the GOP
Radioactive reindeer
First users of geometry
The curious story about China and the mango
(Interactive) How religious is your state?
(Photos) An astronaut’s year in space
To lead you into the weekend, here’s a classic hit from the ‘70s. Have a safe weekend and in the words of Garrison Keillor, Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.
A Frank Angle 
A horse with no name seems a fitting theme song for this election year …
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Exactly what I thought, Elyse!
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Elyse,
Maybe the song selection is part of my inner madness.
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I agree too. And Frank what kind of trick question was that? For me none of the GOP.
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Kim,
It’s not a trick question, but a realistic one. It’s like cake or ice cream, but not both.
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🙂 Then I don’t like eithrt, I’ll take a cookie. 😉
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… and the question meant to be like … but actually be a bit uncomfortable.
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either 😉 on tablet. Yes it uncomfortable thinking of whatever the outcome in November might be.
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Although uncomfortable, but very real.
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Elyse….name your pub. I’m buying the first round!
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I’m in, too!
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You get to pay the airfare!
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There’s a wonderful one in Edinburgh with a fitting name for this election year — The Last Drop. It’s in the district where they used to have the gallows. And the carpeting? That’s the best part — it has little hanged men in squares on the rug …
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Ooh, Jots, here’s a picture of the Pub. It really would be such fun to meet there!
(Sorry. I just learned how to insert pictures in comments. Paul created a monster when he told me how …)
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Perfect, Elyse, and more than priceless….it’s only money! I have best British friends in London who are now wanting to come with, so it looks like a full-blown party. London Stephen keeps sending me pics of that T-guy…and I keep using the pages to dry my wet trainers on. Hang-men on carpet…don’t you just love it when a plan comes together……..!! Definitely not a question.
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I’m ready!!!
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Could I implore you to forward instructions so that I can do it too? Thanx, 😀
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Of course! We can plaster Frank’s Angle with all sorts of stuff!
These instructions only work for googled pictures. I don’t know how to do my own from my own computer or phone, though.
google your image and pick one that has a resolution around 500 x 500. Too large and it makes it take forever to load. Too small just doesn’t look good. Click on the picture that brings out that image. You will see on the right a box that says “Click to view Image.” That takes you to the image and then you just copy the URL/web address and then you paste it in the comment ON A NEW LINE. Voila!
I am going to try copying an image from my own blog (I right clicked and clicked on “copy image location”. We’ll see what happens…
http://fiftyfourandahalf.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/duncan-dish.jpg?w=500&h=375
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Oops. That one didn’t work. But the other does!
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In a typical election cycle Kasich would be too conservative for me, but he is such an adult in the Kindergarten class that I could be persuaded…of course, here in California we don’t even had any ads or campaigning going on. Our opinions don’t count at all, and for that matter, I’m just as glad! I’m looking forward to Tuesday and the color green!
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Debra,
Got to wonder if the latest events will lead to California being in play. Meanwhile, my wife frequently complains that he’s offended that Ohio seldom gets a chance because a small number of states have already made the decisions for everyone else. Maybe it’s time to change the system. Oh … but that would involve the two parties agreeing.
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The US campaign for a president seems endless and exhausting, even for those of us outsiders, looking in. It’s been my long held view that no matter who wins the office of PM or President or Dictator, we poor saps are stuck with a politician, the lowest form of life. Good luck with yours. (Despite the cynicism, even I hope it’s not going to be the despicable Donald Trump).
PS. Love a bit of wine and cheese fest. Wish I was there. 🙂
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Mary,
Our presidential campaign is ridiculously long, expensive, and inefficient. … and yes, we poor saps are stuck with them. Years of blogging has shown me that detesting politicians is universal. …. and a good reason to attend the Grand Tasting … and a grand event it is.
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Ditto. (sigh.) (but we do have bins in places for cork recycling…now if there was only some place for political signs…..we still have runoffs ahead and still lots and lots of signs and politicians…need to put a cork in some of those)
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I’m looking forward to your Green Tuesday, too. I’m exhausted with this circus, Frank. The rest of the world is laughing at us. I’m not sure I can answer those questions of yours tonight. I’m surprised you haven’t had any campaign chatter and ads, and things going on. I’m sure it’s coming! Florida would seem to be a huge deal for Rubio. It has been interesting, I’ll say that.
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Amy,
Yes, the circus is exhausting in more ways than one … and unfortunately, it’s our process. (Seems to me the process is ripe for change, but that requires the parties to somewhat agree).
The chatter is starting here, but I thought it would start earlier. Then again, money was spent elsewhere. Besides, I’m sure it will be quite different in the general election! We are thankful for DVR! .. but the local news is prime spot for political ads. Ouch!
Florida and Ohio will be huge … and also serve as a test if the anti-Trump surge has an effect. Hang in there!
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I think the presidency is more important than the majority of the senate. Right now, if it’s a regular majority (50-59) and not a filibuster-proof 60+ majority, it’s basically an oversized minority based on their ability to accomplish anything. 🙂 At least the president does have some leeway in governing that the Senate doesn’t have – particularly, because a president can veto a bill passed by the Senate.
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X,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Good points as I tossed those questions as a matter of curiosity. To go along with your points, a regular majority is also more veto proof. On the other hand, a Democratic Senate majority would temper the Republican president in terms of desires … but may not be enough to completely stop.
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I think the Senate needs 67 senators to override a veto.
A Democratic Senate majority would temper the Republican president’s desires for new laws, but can’t stop him from messing up the existing ones. 🙂
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I don’t believe a president can veto a previously signed law. In other words, repealing the Affordable Care Act requires more than a presidential desire … it requires signed legislation.
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Your wine event sounds wonderful! Have a great time! Hope the other things are OK.
I don’t want Trump, Cruz, or Rubio, so I don’t know how to answer that question.
I shared the ancient Babylonian article with my husband, and the Mao Mango story on Facebook–thanks for those interesting bits.
I will miss Maitre’d Dale remarks on Green. 🙂
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Merril,
Yippee!!! … love it when someone finds an article or two that they share! The wine event is a good one. It’s the 26th (or so) year, and we’ve attended more than half … thus have the glasses to show for our efforts (although we’ve given some away). I usually focus on wines that I won’t buy, such as a $200 bottle I discovered last year. Darn it … they aren’t back this year. Here’s the program. https://www.winefestival.com/_winefestival/assets/File/CIWF%202016%20Tasting%20Guide.pdf
In terms of my question, your answer suggests you would rather have a Democratic president with a Republican Congress … and that’s OK.
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Well, my actual preference would be for a Democratic president with a congress that he/she could actually work with. 😉
Being able to taste the very expensive wines would be a treat. We have a bunch of glasses from local wineries that we’ve received from events. Sometimes we use them when we drink bottles we’ve purchased from that winery.
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Many Americans want elected officials to be functional. … and the past 7 years have been anything but … Interestingly, at least 85% of incumbents running will be re-elected. Oh well … more wine please … cheers!
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If only the GOP hadn’t been so late in renouncing Trump, we might not be in the pickle we’re in. Sigh.
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Carrie,
Yep … they sat on their hands, therefore let Bush, Fiorina, and Graham be the sacrificial lambs. Given the slate of primaries on the 15th, it will be interesting to see if the attack surge has an effect.
Given recent events, last night’s debate must have been a free-for-all. … but here’s the song that popped into my head. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nauLgZISozs
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I’m at a conference right now so I’ll have to listen to it later. But now I’m curious. 🙂
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LOL … so I’m not going to tell, but will say that I think you’ll love it. … Watch it without the volume because you’ll know it.
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Haha, yes, that’s it in a nutshell.
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I knew you would like it.
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This election keeps making me think of that supposed curse–“May you live in interesting times.” It’s a bit TOO interesting for my taste . . .
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Kerry,
I understand … thus also appreciate this old from the elder President Bush … I’m getting old at a good time.
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Your question is a good one of why some of the Republican candidates and their surrogates have now turned to attacking Donald Trump when Jeb Bush (R-FL), Carly Fiorina (R-CA), and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) were out there alone challenging Trump. The country is paying the price.
Your response this morning to your reader that “years of blogging has shown me that detesting politicians is universal” appears to be true enough in the U.S. to result in the GOP nominating Donald Trump for president. The general election will determine whether the majority of Americans agree with the GOP primary voters.
The splat I got from “Cirque Du Soleil’s new ‘Travelique’ examines the movements and mystery of public transit” sent me online this morning to order tickets.
(1) Presidency (2) Rubio
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Tim,
The GOP nominating Donald Trump is not definite conclusion. After all, no candidate with 320 or so delegates has ever won a nomination requiring 1237 votes.
Meanwhile, another good question to ponder … will the attacks affect March 15th’s results? We will know soon. … and thanks for providing your answers to the choice questions.
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You’re right about March 15 being important, especially after yesterday’s GOP debate and Mitt Romney’s speech, and also the interview this morning on CNN with the New York Attorney General on what actually happened in the ‘Trump University’ court case.
Also thanks for your recommendation to see the movie ‘Spotlight.’ The last scene about how the story originally got buried in the Metro section of the Boston Globe, is universally devastating.
You are correct that 320 or so delegates does not equal getting the GOP nomination.
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One correction … I didn’t recommend Spotlight because I haven’t seen it.
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Area tweet walking around in his underwear again and examines the bullshit movements.
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John,
Oh no … it seems the area tweet has soiled pants again.
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Maybe the tweet is homeless.
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You’ve got a busy weekend ahead of you, Frank. How exciting that you’re planning more travel once your wife retires. Love this track. Thanks for sharing. Now I’m thinking ‘Green’ for the musical. 🙂
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Sylvia,
Travel is such a wonderful way to expand appreciation and understanding of our world … then again, you realize that more than I. Still places we want to visit, so we want to do that while we can.
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Impossible question, Frank. It’s like asking if I’d prefer a heart or liver transplant. I think you’re giving them too much credit by relating the debates to middle school fights. These guys haven’t made it out of elementary school.
Great song choice and appropriate for the season.
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George,
Yes, a tough question and one that many don’t like to answer, yet, it’s a good one. Not only do I enjoy putting the question out there, but also see the choices and the justification. In other words, I find it thought provoking.
Meanwhile, toddler could also apply to the group.
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Looks like the people of this country are the losers no matter who wins the election.
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LB,
I will look at it another way because the people are the ones to blame. They blame Congress, but re-elect incumbents at a 85%+ rate.
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The political choices are not very good this year and your two questions complicate the possibilities even more! I agree that Kasich is the only gentleman in the Republican choices. The presidential process goes on way too long but has been more like a reality tv show. Let us hope Trump is not the nominee. I don’t think Hillary would have ever dreamed that she might be running against him! I may need more wine! Cheers!
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CC,
The question is one about a what-if choice. Sure it is something members in each party don’t want, but what if the party only won one – so what would it be? The question is meant to stimulate thinking and discussion. Meanwhile, not only is our process too long, it’s all too expensive. Then again, to change it requires both parties to each some sort of agreement. Fat chance of that!
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Wine tasting sounds like fun. Do you get to actually drink it, or do you just wash your palate with it? Well, Frank, the whole presidential race in America is quite the side show. I just don’t know what to say. Sometimes it’s entertaining, sometimes painful but mostly it just makes me change channel!
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Resa,
The presidential sideshow here is also painful and entertaining for us as well. I haven’t seen anything like this … and there are times I either Mute or change the channel.
At the tasting event, one can do as they please … that is swish or swallow. There are dump containers at each station. We enjoy this event.
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I agree with your analysis, especially about Kasich. I’ve been saying that for months about him. Stalin would look like a moderate against Trump and Cruz. As to your questions: 1) I would choose winning the Presidency, hands down, 2) I wouldn’t like to have any of those choices for president (Rubio [too immature, unstable, and duplicitous], Cruz [meanest, most arrogant SOB I’ve seen in a long time and what makes it worst is that he has validated his arrogance and meanness in the cloak of Jesus], and Trump [fah-get-about-it!–My Mama didn’t raise no fool!])
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E-Tom,
Regarding Kasich, I continue to take the high road by not saying much about my governor … well, at least for now. But when I heard a person call him a moderate, I about went through the roof … thus don’t confuse adulthood and moderate.
In terms of the questions, at least you answered half, but because you avoided the second, that’s like answered none at all. It’s a tough choice … and a realistic one. If Kasich and Rubio can win their home primaries, that greatly increases the odds of a brokered convention, which (IMO) means a candidate who is not in the current field with a running mate from the field.
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. . . now you see why I’m having headaches. I feel like Rubio, Cruz, and Trump are the witches in Macbeth.
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I also know that if Kasich was in the list, the question would have been easier … but with him being a current long-shot, I left him out.
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Hello aFrank,
Congratulations on the upcoming retirement for your wife. Me thinks, you will be busy with honey-do projects too. LOL
Loved the song … I used to listen to the group.
Did somebody say wine? Did someone say wine tasting? 🍷
I’m going to one in Orlando Florida at Disney World. Yes, Disney. It’s and international wine festival. I hope I can hold my glass up. 😳
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Isadora,
I imagine the Disney festival is larger than ours … but about a total of 4,000 attended the 3 Grand Tastings. Meanwhile, enjoy the one in Orlando!
As for my wife’s upcoming retirement, she’s looking forward to it .. and happening at the same time will be my part-time job at a golf course. That way she will have some time for herself.
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Very timely (not to mention)great song, Frank.
I came up with this, it’s simple but, hey…
Bored God examines the movements and mystery of public transit
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“Some bullshit happening in his underwear again. Travelique’ examines the movements.”
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John,
LMAO .. very good … you are a combo natural!
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