Arrggghhh!!

I had to stop watching the Red Sox right after the first couple of runs scored for Cleveland in the fifth inning. It was just too painful. I've checked into Redsox.com periodically which seems to offer me some emotional protection as opposed to seeing it play out on television.

Well thankfully it looks like we may have avoided another political blunder. I noticed that CNN chose not to even headline this potential embarrassment: Dems Withdraw Support of Armenian Genocide Resolution I'm sure it is probably buried somewhere on their page. Pelosi suffered a blow in her attempt to cause U.S. soldiers grief and suffering. Luckily enough Democrats defected support (came to their senses) on this one. Everyone understands the Ottoman Empire's actions against the Armenians were horrible. That being said, this had not been brought up for many years, and the timing was not a coincidence, it was intended to be a calculated blow at the U.S. military. If this bill had gone through, Turkey threatened to end or severely cut back our alliance as they did recently with France when a similar measure was taken. Pelosi is a smart woman, and she knew EXACTLY what she was doing... it is borderline... no it IS TREASON. It could be argued that she is a traitor to the very government she should be supporting. Of course proving that her specific goal was further destabilizing Iraq for the intent of political gain, while really obvious... would be tough to demonstrate.

First Baby Boomer Files For Social Security Benefits: This article goes into details about how our current social programs may not be fiscally viable in the future.

From Article: Walker (the comptroller general of the Government Accountability Office, Congress' legislative arm) said over the next 75 years between Social Security, Medicaid and other entitlements, the federal government will be in a $50 trillion hole.

The irony is certain Presidential Candidates are discussing the creation of an entire new health care social bureaucracy.... instead of first figuring out how to fix the ones that are already underfunded and essentially broken.

Friday... Red Sox implosion...Kate's Birthday

Well... Happy Birthday Kate... It is the official day, or the last couple of minutes of it as I write this. It has been a weekend long celebration for Kate starting with dinner on Friday night. Kate's friend Kevin was in town again on business with his coworker Julie. We went to Zenna Noodle bar in Brookline and had a nice meal. The cuisine is described as Vietnamese Fusion.

Saturday Kate and I got up and I made pancakes on the griddle that she purchased for my birthday last month. With some maple syrup from Jillson's farm in my home town of Sabattus, ME they were a heavenly delight. Kate and I spent the afternoon walking around Boston, specifically the Charles River. We decided on a whim to go to Thornton's Fenway Grille which is off the beaten track near Kenmore square. Located on Peterborough St. if you walked down the main routes out of Kenmore, you would easily miss this bar located in a small oasis of eateries including a Mexican, Thai, Greek, and sushi restaurant side by side.

I had intended to meet up with Tim Hayes who had organized a group of our friends to meet up and watch the second game of the Red Sox playoff against Cleveland. The group had decided to stay at the Baseball Tavern longer, so I went ahead and got food with Kate. I originally thought we'd all meet up and eat together, but I was starved and my stomach just didn't want to wait. As luck would have it Steve, Tim's brother ended up suggesting the Thornton Grille to eat, and everyone met us there. Kate not being a baseball or beer fan headed back to a quiet night in Brookline and I remained behind with everyone. Watching everyone eat was a bit weird, but lucky for me my friend John had also eaten. We decided to go outside in the sidewalk cafe area and drank our beer while John smoked. Soon we headed back to the Baseball Tavern, which I actually enjoyed. Some sports bars lack character, but the upstairs here had great decor comprised mostly of old black & white photos of baseball players. A moose head adorned one wall and it's rack held a baseball bat. The windows looked out at the back side of Fenway park, and we would occasionally glance over to see if a well hit ball could be spotted above the walls. Unfortunately as luck would have it, and otherwise great game imploded in extra innings with the Indians winning 13-6.

Sunday I spent doing some things around the apartment. Later in the afternoon I went out and got Kate a "cookie cake" and brought it over. We went out to Moogy's for steak sandwiches and walked around for a little bit. After I got home that night I slept well. I think I was still tired from the prior night of drinking.

Monday was a rather slow day at work. Thankfully I was looking forward to going to the Sunset Grill for supper which is just off of Harvard Ave in Allston. I had a Smuttynose Pumpkin ale with the grub. Kate and I ordered a half plate of nachos and a platter of "wimpy burgers" and "wimpy fries" (mini burgers). It was delicious. After our meal we walked back to Brookline for some of the cookie cake for desert.

Anyway... I think this is where I wrap up this weekend summary.

Tax & Spend

Chance of Increased Taxes if Hillary Clinton is Elected

Ouch... and this is coming from the mouth of Dick Morris, former Bill Clinton staff member. Biggest tax increase since the "New Deal". Targeting dividends and capital gains in a way that will probably create a huge blow to investment. I'm no financial expert but I would guess that it would deal quite a blow to the markets, and business in general, bringing an already cooling economy to a free fall.