Florida Judge's Despicable Behaviour

Tasmanian Devil Judge

The recent video we saw of a female Florida judge chewing out a young girl at the other end of a video feed was outrageous. 

I don't know all the circumstances surrounding this but I don't have to. What I saw was behaviour that was totally unwarranted towards anyone but a misbehaving hard criminal or arrogant lawyer or prosecutor in her courtroom. I saw neither.

It almost looked as though she was auditioning for yet another "reality" court program (as if we need another "Judge Suzy Q"  Jerry Springer wannabe show.) 

Her early retirement was appropriate. If she just got up on the wrong side of the bed now is her chance to stay there for a long sleep.

The Brewster

They Don't Make'm Like Barbara Bush Any More

Now THAT'S a Lady

Just like your grandmother (at least those in my generation); Angela Channing on Falcon Crest (Jane Wyman); or Kate Lawrence on Family (Sada Thompson), this was a lady who exuded respect, control, and grace from you or any of her family members.

I was very impressed with the tributes I heard last night after her passing. Most of us did not know Mrs. Bush but now I have much more of an appreciation for the person. When I saw footage of her husband's inauguration her eyes were just glued to him the entire time like the adoring wife she was.

However she managed to walk a line somewhere between the '50s stereotype housewife like June Cleaver and the '60's burn your bra feminists apparently not taking static from anyone lightly. She supported her husband throughout all of her endeavours and I suspect her husband would have done the same in return.

There will no doubt be some great documentaries or specials to follow. I hope I don't miss them. They were probably the ideal American Dream couple.

The Brewster

Space and the Cosmos - The Great Equalizer

COSMOS: the world or universe regarded as an orderly, harmonious system

The above is a real definition. Having just viewed a recent video of a live broadcast between the space station and Queens University featuring Dr. Drew Feustel, it represents a tragic irony.

What I saw and heard was a magnificent example of astronauts from the United States, Canada, Russia and many other nations all working together in perfect harmony in that fascinating unknown - the Cosmos (or Space). What I heard was awe inspiring.

Yet here on this tiny spec we call Earth in that Cosmos, those same nations or their leaders can't get along and even scheme to destroy each other. Both Russia and the USA have cooperated to shuttle each others scientists to and from that station. Surely there is a lesson here. If they can be colleagues up there, why can't their political leaders at least get along down here?

Such thoughts inspired the following:

With mortal sight we do behold
This awe inspiring vision.
Mysteries of our sky unfold
Immaculate precision. 

A home away from home we share.
Depending on each other.
When we return how will we fare?
Will I still call you brother?

We share this vast celestial sight.
It casts on us a spell.
We fear our heads of state just might
Change Earth to living hell.

As we observe these planets far
In this communal space,
Are we being judged from distant star?
Have we used up our grace?

If our great leaders would agree
To take a turn up here,
As one team they soon would see
That trust surpasses fear.

There will come a time when we
Will have to conquer space.
Cooperation will be key
To live beyond this place.

. 

Lives, Loves, and Futures Gone in a Second

Humboldt Broncos Remembered

Do you have sons or daughters of any age? Think about all of those families now grieving who will no longer share your good fortune. Everything you cherish can be gone in an instant.
Now would be a good time to give them a long hug and to tell them that this horrific tragedy makes you realize how lucky you are to still have them with you.

The Brewster

Please! Your Perfume Stinks!

Did You Bathe in that Stuff?

Perfumes, colognes, after shaves etc. have been advertising for decades. No problem. What is a problem is that some of them reek! It seems that the people who purchase the inexpensive products are also prone to practically bathing in the stuff.

Isn't it time for some clever ads from the better name brands featuring for example people choking in an elevator or office because of somebody wearing a horribly strong and offensive scent? If enough of them ran these kinds of ads maybe people would begin to get the message.

There are lots of commercials that feature bad breath; perspiration stains and wetness; yellow teethe etc. Let's have a movement to eliminate cheap and overpowering fragrances. 

By getting that message across ever so subtly followed by a scene showing the application of just a little dab of their brand, they would do us all a huge favour and probably sell more product as a result.

The Brewster