Saturday, July 31, 2021

Take A Shot

Monday, July 26, 2021 
Frankly, I don't give a damn about Branson or Bezos in space.  The space that I care about is the space in Palazzo di Gotthelf to store and display the accumulation of a lifetime of thoughtless spending.  The weekend's real estate section helped a bit by printing "How Much Will an Extra Bedroom Cost You in Rent?"      https://nyti.ms/3BypdZA

Presumably, purchasing an extra room is consistent with renting one, so we find that Manhattan is the most expensive place in which to expand, followed by many of the largest cities in the country.  On the other end are Stockton and Modesto, California, both in danger of either dying of thirst or burning to a crisp.

. . .  

 Another interesting item that is appearing online is the question: "What Is Your Opposite Job?"  
Taking the skills allegedly needed to meet job requirements according to the Department of Labor and posing their opposites, the study claims that the opposite job of a historian is a lumberjack and the opposite job of a surgeon is a model.
. . .

 Should one feel pride seeing this sculpted treatment of the Star of David?


Or, resent this denigration of the symbol of the Jewish people by placing it on the bottom of a pair of slippers?  


 

Tuesday, July 27, 2021 
America's Favorite Epidemiologist has outlasted her general practitioner and is seeking a new doctor.  Upon the recommendation of Professor T. F., a very trustworthy source in many matters, she called Dr. F. to make an appointment.  The friendly receptionist gave her the next available slot -- April 6, 2022.  I've advised her to take two aspirins and stay in bed for the next 253 days.
. . .

Speaking of medical issues, vaccination hesitancy in this country is ultimately inexplicable, although clearly rooted in demographics.  Two disparate populations stand out in standing back from protecting their own health -- Black people generally and (predominantly white) Republicans.  

One research project reports that, as of last month, 67% of white adults have gotten one shot or more vs. 60% of Black adults, while the partisan divide is more substantial at 86% of Democrats vs. 52% of Republicans.    https://www.kff.org/coronavirus-covid-19/poll-finding/kff-covid-19-vaccine-monitor-june-2021/

There seems to be a momentary kernel of rationality in the attitudes of Black Americans, familiar with too many examples of mistreatment by our medical establishment.  But, as exemplified by the notorious Tuskegee experiment, it was the denial of treatment that often fostered death and destruction among Black people.  Now, the Covid-19 vaccines are offered to all anywhere and everywhere.  

Republicans are not only without a basis for hesitancy, they are denying themselves the opportunity to take credit for protecting the health and safety of the American people.  After all, if there is one initiative that the Tangerine Dream deserves to take credit for, it was Operation Warp Speed, the huge investment of resources to develop a Covid-19 vaccine.  Yet, instead of boasting of this success, many Republicans not only avoid vaccination, they are actively antagonistic to it.  CNN reported in May, "Just 45% of House Republicans say they've been vaccinated while 100% of congressional Democrats say they've gotten the shot."  Go figure.

Oh, by the way, "Jewish Americans are most likely to be vaccine accepters (85%)."     

https://www.prri.org/research/religious-vaccines-covid-vaccination/
 
Wednesday, July 28, 2021
This headline appeared in a Jewish newspaper regarding a new streaming reality series, "Is ‘My Unorthodox Life’ bad for the Jews?"  Having seen the first episode, I can say that it is bad for the human race. 
. . .

While it may not affect the human race as a whole, my spirits were elevated tonight by watching the Mets in person defeat the insensitively-named Braves, the victory sealed by a spectacular play by our right fielder. 

Thursday, July 29, 2021

Clue 20 Down - Red Rose (Hint: Same field of endeavor as how I spent last evening)
. . .
 
A company that surveys consumer behavior found that COSTCO's typical shopper in the U.S. is an Asian American woman between 35 and 44 years old, who is married and living in a city in the Pacific Northwest.  https://snapshot.numerator.com/retailer/costco   I hardly seem to get anything right.
. . .

Thanks to my brother for sending me this rumination on Jewish (not Kosher) restaurant food. 

https://www.grubstreet.com/2021/07/what-it-means-to-be-a-jewish-restaurant-right-now.htm

Somewhat inspired by this article, I suggested to Stony Brook Steve that we go to USA Brooklyn Deli, 200 West 57th Street, at the corner of Seventh Avenue, across the street from Carnegie Hall.  It is a new joint, with the same ownership as the Brooklyn Diner, half a block away on West 57th Street, and the Red Eye Grill, immediately south on Seventh Avenue.  

The deli is totally informal, order at the counter and carry your food to an elevated table at the center of the room or a ledge on the perimeter.  The very busy intersection outside brought a lot of noise inside.  It is Jewish to the degree that it promotes its pastrami, not much more.  In fact, it also pushes its "Roman Style" pizza, rectangular pieces that seem wildly overpriced at $7.95-8.25.  Sandwich prices were not as out of line, pastrami ($16), corned beef ($15).  Both were hand carved, a special treat, and stacked high on marble rye, which I never liked as much as Seinfeld did (see season 7, episode 11).  In a rare contrary mood, I had the roast beef ($18), so I can't comment on the taste of the other critical meats until a return visit.  

 
Friday, July 30, 2021 
I went to the New York City Department of Finance, 66 John Street, this morning to wax eloquent on why the $115 parking ticket that I got last Saturday was a bit of an overreach.  I focussed on the poor signage and the readiness of the city's Parkmobile app to take $21 when I parked my car where it wasn't supposed to be parked.  At the least, I expected my fine to be reduced by the money already swallowed up.
 
And the verdict is: "Respondent's claim is supported by persuasive and credible testimonial and photographic evidence, and the summons is dismissed."  Law review articles are already in the works.
. . .
 
Answer = PETE

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