Top 10 Lazy Habits of People

Smarten up People. Really?

This list could easily double or triple in size but 10 is a nice round number. Perhaps I am too lazy to come up with a longer list when I know that most people are too lazy to read more than a Tweet. These affect me and probably you almost every day.

If you are guilty of any of these you deserve a special place in Hell, especially if you use that old standby about providing a job for someone. These are in no particular order.

Are you annoyed by people who:

- Leave shopping carts that are hidden between 2 parked cars. You only see them when you attempt to snag what appears to be a lucky spot just for you! I often return them. Do you?

- Deposit groceries, especially frozen ones, which they no longer want or can't afford, so they just dump them anywhere - usually many aisles from where they belong.

- Remove clothes from hangers or packages to try on or examine only to leave them in a heap on top of others.

- Are litterbugs when a trash bin is only steps away. Burning at the stake in Hell is reserved for those who spit out their chewing gum in this manner.

- Toss their butts out the car window. The burning stake in Hell again if it is still lit. Look at today's forest fires. Lazy AND stupid.

- Are too lazy to get a moderate amount of personal exercise daily. OK, this only affects the rest of us in terms of our medical and insurance rates being high. But they could live so much better lives if just a half hour brisk walk was part of their daily routine.

- Park their cars at ridiculous angles and nowhere near the centre of their spot. This makes it difficult for the adjacent car to park and results in door chips and dents. A second attempt will normally fix the problem.

- Don't bother to keep tissues with them in which to cough or sneeze. If they forget, then coughing into their sleeve or coat/jacket is acceptable. This is selfish and rude in addition to lazy. I confess to sometimes forgetting the tissues.

- Won't keep their own trash until their pickup day. Instead they dump it when a bag is full into a public trash bin or business dumpster paid for by others. Once again, also selfish.

- Don't keep their properties at least as neat and tidy as their surrounding neighbours' places thus becoming an eyesore.

In the next post the annoying characteristic will be selfishness instead of laziness although there is often an overlap!

Feel free to contribute your own.

#thebrewsterblock

That Old Question: Is Rap Music?

 Music of any form is: What you want it to be!

I was just reviewing an interview from 2019 between commentator Ben Shapiro and rapper Zuby. Shapiro had maintained several times that Rap was not music! It was not popular. Naturally Zuby disagreed.

It did remind me of thoughts and pieces I have written in the past of a similar nature. I am not a Rap fan - so what? Many people are.

I am sure most of you had similar disagreements with your parents about the latest music trends compared to the "old" days. I started to follow pop music in the '50s - it was Rock and Roll. The only thing my folks rolled was their eyes at the claim that this was music! We in turn were not exactly fond of Frank Sinatra, Lawrence Welk, or '40s music like big bands. However even then I did not question that it constituted music - just square music!

Shapiro tried to define requirements for the label of "music" citing harmony, melody, and rhythm. Surely your priority as a fan or listener is what you like or what sounds or feels good to you. When I first heard Rap I had similar thoughts - how can such a monotone repetition of really bad poetry with a mechanically produced background pass for music? The basic problem for me was that there was no singing and since the performer didn't play anything, no talent was required.

The other day I heard one and have no idea of the performer's background, skin colour, or political beliefs. It consisted of a total monotone - one note. If there were two he was sharp or flat on one of them! So to me TALENT is a mandatory element and all Rap required was speaking rapidly. Fans argue that it has a message. So does almost any lyric.

OK, OK. I know that riled a few people. Let me continue. The debate requires a little more of a broad perspective. I once thought that Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen were terrible, not singing real music. Now I realize how wrong I was.

So consider these points:

Classical music seldom involves lyrics or vocalists but who would ever say that Beethoven and Mozart did not play music? What they did have was immense talent. The same goes for big bands and marching bands. You might not listen to them but it is clearly music.

Have you ever heard a very moving piece sung a cappello such as a national anthem? Think of Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion, Josh Groban, Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, or even Frank Sinatra. They use their raw talent and magnificently trained (YEARS of it) vocal chords to leave you spellbound - with no harmony or rhythm. This is not music? Of course it is - so is a soprano or tenor singing a solo.

As to rhythm alone, have you heard solo efforts by any of drummers John Bonham; Buddy Rich; Keith Moon; or Max Weinberg to name a few? These are also music. If you tapped your foot or gyrated along with it, it was music! Listen to a steel drum/pan group and see if you disagree.

Another point - today you can use computer hardware and software to produce any of these. Does that also disqualify it as music? I don't think so. Great producers do this when working with singers or instrumentalists and the result is indeed great music.

Let us not forget those pieces that were immensely popular but made no real sense at all! Listen to Whiter Shade of Pale; American Pie; Wooly Bully. Others repeat lines and phrases over and over like Hey Jude; Roxanne; Chain of Fools; Ain't No Sunshine; and again Wooly Bully. This would debunk the belief that a deep or moving message is also required.

In conclusion if you have a recognized talent in any of the above singly or in combination then you are making music. When people dance or sing or clap to accompany you - same conclusion.

So you can decide for yourself if Rap or any other verbal or instrumental expression is music. If you dig it or can jive to it, who cares?

#thebrewsterblock

Marjorie Taylor Greene and her Buds Never Cease to Astonish!

There is no political speak for Stupid!

We all know about political speak and spin talk. The best politicians are masters. Unfortunately some appear to be just plain oily. Others are more clever. Renowned orators like Churchill, Obama, and JFK can get their message across with astounding wit. We all know that Trump will never be in their league.

Occasionally the tide is turned. Eminent civilians can tear strips off politicians one layer at a time making your eyes water in the process. Terms like "spineless invertebrate"; "grey matter challenged"; "extemporaneous prevaricator"; and "head where the sun don't shine" come to mind.

But then there are those for whom or about whom there can be no political discretion. In some cases stupid is just plain stupid! There is no better word. Since the advent of Trump, the GOP has them coming out of the woodwork and out from under the rocks.

Once again MTG has made headlines the only way she can - by demonstrating my previous point. When she opined (I feel safe using that term) that 600,000 Americans die from cancer but no schools shut down as a result...well surely you get my point. Why didn't she add that we are not rushing to develop a vaccine for it and mandating its use? The auto industry attempts to make their cars safer every year but thousands die in cars every year so why bother? That one is for free Marjorie if you want to use it.

Then there is Matt Gaetz stating without tongue in cheek that COVID-19 was the best defence against COVID-19! Good one Matt. I guess child porn is the best solution to child porn and more guns will protect people from the existing ones. He should unite with Marjorie and they could publicly state that the best hope against Cancer is - wait for it - MORE Cancer!

Let's not forget shirt sleeves Jordan. He has declared that REAL America is done with COVID! OK Jim. Let me guess - hundreds of other countries throughout the world should also be done with it - I speak naturally about REAL countries and the REAL world - because you make such a ludicrous statement? If the numbers keep climbing the way they are, repeat that in a couple of months. Here is one for you Jim. Trump would have pounced on it and announced it to the world from his daily podium with Fauci burying his head. Maybe you have proven that not wearing a jacket to work is the best protection of all!

Here is something the rest of the world also can't understand: Millions of Americans actually want to put these clowns back in power!

Choke me with a neck tie!

#thebrewsterblock

#CNN Chris Cuomo. School of Hard Knocks

Blood is Thicker than Ratings!

I have written about CNN, Chris Cuomo, and a few others like Lemon on the network before. Long ago with several others I also suggested at the beginning of COVID-19 that Andrew should run for President. That was long before any of his harassment woes. I was often critical of Chris but only because of his tendency to interrupt his guests. This was a phenomenon of most CNN anchors - as though they had to do it on command.

That being said I totally respect the network, even more now and Chris himself. I didn't realize he was their top anchor but I am not surprised. He is very articulate and obviously intelligent possessing a knowledge of grammar and vocabulary lacking in many of his co-patriots.

It must have been tough for the brass to cut loose one of their top attractions but to do so demonstrates integrity. Right wingers and FOX could have had a field day with their ridicule if he was permitted to stay. We all wish FOX would cut loose more people. Chris also goes up a notch for his loyalty to his brother and family. This has come through many times on his show. I guess it is part of the Italian personae. He must have known that it could get tepid for him. He shied away from any coverage of his big bro which was proper but I think it was a given that he would have tried to help Andrew however he could and vice versa.

He always said "I love you" to Don Lemon but this was the real deal. If you dare to badmouth Andrew in his presence then, lawyer or not, you'd better duck or run.

There is no doubt in my mind that he will land squarely on his feet. How about Andrew and he starting a new slightly more right Democratic Party? With any luck there will be a slightly more left Republican party. Imagine four parties in America from which to choose.

That just might calm the waters. Politicians would finally have to work for your vote, not just tell lies for it.

#thebrewsterblock

Oxford Tragedy

Americans are Lemmings and the Precipice is Getting Close

Once again American families are in deep mourning for their kids, both the deceased and those injured or traumatized. Most of you could write this introduction and they would be very similar. The standard expressions have all been repeated hundreds of times. When will it end? When will we come to our senses? Never again! Congress must act! Here is another fact - they never do.

As well on the other side the gun lovers echo their standard lines again. Most famous: "Guns don't kill people - people kill people." They always leave the second part out - people WITH GUNS kill people. More guns are still their answer.

I have written a lot about this. Apparently the rest of the world is wrong or doesn't understand that America is different. Americans must have their guns. All the countries with low numbers of deaths from guns are lying. They would be even more safe if they all had guns. OK NRA - whatever you say.

Sad as well is the fact that the family of the shooter will now watch as their son's life - although he is still alive - is ruined. If it is true that he used a gun his father recently purchased then they must also pay an additional penalty. Perhaps this will teach other parents to keep their guns away from their kids or face the consequences. The second amendment does not prevent punishment for misuse of the arms people bear. You can own and bear a weapon but you damned well better take care when it comes to why, when, and how you use it!

I am Canadian. Lots of Canadians own guns as well but you never see them and they are not typically on display or the subject of coffee chatter like some new car or toy.

Is it just me or is this not ironic in an 'only in the big, bad, U.S.A.' kind of way? Just a couple of weeks ago the media was dedicated to two trials - one a boy and the other men claiming in both cases that they had to shoot people because they feared for their lives. Now in the same country another boy cowardly murders as many as he can with no such justification at all. Young people feared for their own lives but their only self defense was to hide or to run. Guns were the implement of death in each case. They did indeed kill people.

The American solution? Those kids should have been able to shoot back. Guns under every Christmas tree!

Like other great nations in history, America is in sharp decline not only from the top down but also from the bottom up.

God help the country when the trends meet.

#thebrewsterblock

Lauren Boebert, Trump Wanna Be

Put a Sock in it Lauren

Here we go again - another Republican figure acting out like a kid in a high school yard. Next we'll be hearing "Oh ya - well my old man makes more money than your old man!"

I just watched a video of her looking straight faced into the camera, claiming that she "...will always put America first, never sympathizing with terrorists!" Really? Perhaps I missed her utter condemnation of the Trump supporters on January 6. Not only were they terrorists and Trump supporters (many admitted it), they wanted to hang Mike Pence and God knows what they would have done to Nancy Pelosi. Apparently that brand of terrorism is OK in her books - assuming she ever read one.

She goes on to say that she will always shoot straight with you - no doubt being big on guns herself - and that she will call out anti-Americanism. Once again - remember January 6th? Trying to topple your own government and badly damaging the Capital is a tad anti-American to most other people. Finally she says that she is here to protect your freedom. Then why does she support the Big Lie and a party which is already changing laws to put in the big fix in many states to rig the next election. They tried to rig the last one but fortunately failed.

We all know what she is doing - her best impression of The Donald, who mocked the handicapped, made disparaging remarks about a female competitor, and displayed an even higher degree of immaturity. Perhaps she is taking a cue from Marjorie Taylor Green but why on earth anyone would want to emulate her in any fashion defies understanding.

Maybe ending with a similarly disgusting remark directed at her might give some idea how Ilhan Omar felt. Lauren is a very attractive woman. She could probably model swimsuits or lingerie. Perhaps America would be better off if she did. Sorry ladies - other ladies - for that very sexist remark.

The problem is she reminds me with both her appearance and intellect of another woman who almost became Vice President. She stood for America as well and looked at Russia from her living room window. Look what happened to her.

Let me close with one VERY scary thought. Imagine this woman as President one day, MTG as Vice President, and Kevin McCarty wearing one of his many faces as Speaker.

Are you waking up yet America?

#thebrewsterblock

Ahmaud #Arbery Trial

What About the Victim's RIght to Defend?

In this prominent case a lot has been said about whether the accused had a right to defend himself. The Prosecutor explained in detail that there was no citizen's arrest taking place and therefore since the accused had a weapon his right to self defence did not exist.

It was also pointed out that the victim was being chased by the three accused who used trucks in their pursuit. One even referred to trapping Mr. Arbery "like a rat."

I do not recall hearing anything about Mr. Arbery having a right to defend HIMSELF. Why not? It might be a foolish strategy to pit your own fists against a man pointing a loaded shotgun at you but with his retreat route cut off what else could he do if he feared being shot in the back as he fled? His defence strategy is not on trial here. He is dead so can not express his fears and feelings at that moment.

Put yourself in his position. Do you not have a right to try to push the gun away or even to grab it out of your attacker's hands?

This is like going in to rob a bank with a loaded gun; encountering an armed guard; killing that guard with your gun; and then claiming it was self defense.

Welcome to the U.S.A.

#thebrewsterblock

#Rittenhouse Verdict

#Rittenhouse Should be Behind Bars

So the kid gets off on all charges. What a joke. However after the O.J. trial we knew the American court system is sometimes like the Jerry Springer show on which the Rittenhouse judge would have been an excellent guest. There should be another annual awards show for lawyers, judges, and prosecutors. Rittenhouse carrying his assault rifle should have made his guilt a slam dunk from the beginning. Thank you Judge - one who seemed to be incapable of completing an entire sentence on his own.

Look out America. Now any bullied kid in a schoolyard can just pull out a gun - however young he or she might be - and blow the bully away if they feel that their lives are "endangered." Rittenhouse deserved to be found guilty on at least one of the charges and should be serving some serious time.

This reminds me of the Trayvon Martin case in which George Zimmerman who also considered himself to be a neighbourhood watchman walked away a free man after shooting Martin, an unarmed black youth. As I write, the Ahmaud Arbery case is in progress in which once again some white men took it upon themselves to be vigilantes and proceeded to kill an innocent unarmed black man.

There is no question in the minds of most non-Americans that the American system is stacked against non-white minorities. Many Americans - white ones - claim that this is not true. Many others know that it is.

My point today was not to get dragged down the racial rabbit hole. It was to lambaste the American justice system. Here in Canada we do not allow cameras into the courtroom. How can you receive the best from court officials who are performing for an audience? When the entire world saw O.J. hold up that glove the prosecution's case was dead. It could have been managed much better off camera.

I have two suggestions from all of this. Firstly, go ahead and record proceedings visually but NOT live. Do not stream them in real time. The recordings should only be available for appeals so that the public can then form an opinion as to the merits of the appeal and the reasons for it.

These trials are not sporting events. Top athletes might do a victory dance or throw a temper tantrum for the viewing audience, but when they are actually competing their mind is on only one thing - winning by utilizing the best of their abilities. There is no time for drama. In a live courtroom lawyers, prosecutors, and even judges are also using their best skills but they do play to their world audience as part of their performance.

Remove the audience.

Secondly this jury should definitely have been sequestered. Do you really think none of them watched the news, social media, or discussed the case at home? Give your heads a shake.

#thebrewsterblock

America the Not So Beautiful

America, America - shame on you

Rest assured - this is NOT what Katharine Lee Bates had in mind when she wrote this beautiful song. It is a very inspiring piece and should lift up the heart. Try listening to it. Then DO NOT turn on the TV; read a paper (who does anymore); or go onto social media of any kind for a couple of days. Yeah - right!

What will you see when you give in?

1. Two major trials on live TV - big mistake in the first place but that is another story. One is about a white kid who used a gun he was not allowed to carry to go to a place of violence to "help" police and first aiders only to end up killing two people, The other is about grown adults who presumably were carrying legal weapons to chase and shoot a black kid to death for jogging in their area.

2. A censuring of a member of congress for displaying a "cartoon" of him murdering another member. He was also removed from committees and then re-published the same video.

3. His own party backing him up and refusing to condemn him. They even threatened to retaliate as they should if any other member does something so ghastly again.

4. Many states already setting up to rig the next election so the Republicans will win.

5. Spineless members of the Republican Party refusing to join together to disown their former despicable President or at least form a different party without him.

6. Millions of people actually trying to return the country to the old days of racial discrimination and white supremacy.

7. A country and indeed a world which is still dragging its butt on rescuing the planet for their own children. The whole attitude is "Why should I sacrifice my chance to enjoy the lavish lifestyle my relatives did. Not in my generation thank you." America was and still is one of the most greedy countries when it comes to squandering precious resources which belong to everyone, not just America.

8. A country in which millions of people on opposite sides of a political divide actually hate each other.

9. A President and his followers who were willing to attack The Capital and kill the Vice President and others because they lost an election legitimately.

10. A country which has fallen so far behind China in its technology and power that it could only win a new war by dropping nuclear weapons - except that now others will retaliate.

So Kathy, thanks for the memories - no that was Bob Hope (Ralph Rainger / Leo Robin).

Don't feel so badly. The Lady of Liberty has been wanting to climb down and just swim back to France one night for a long time.

#thebrewsterblock

Top 6 Groin Tats for Men and Women

 

MEN

1 Satisfaction Not Guaranteed
2 This way up
3 Handle with care
4 Might produce unwanted side effects
5 This package could explode
6 Shake well before using

WOMEN

1 Enter at own risk
2 Slippery when wet
3 Open other end first
4 Do not use if seal is broken
5 Use with alcohol not advised

6 Safety gloves recommended

#thebrewsterblock