Foghorns!

Like many, for the past couple of weeks I’ve been consumed by the drama that is unfolding as we speak – impeachment, Ukraine, testimony, Trump, etc.  Which is a good reason to step away and think about something else.

So how about foghorns?  In recent weeks we’ve had low fog in the bay, accompanied in the background by the unique sound of several foghorns.  Often they seem to recede and I don’t even hear them, until I pay attention and there they are.  At least two and sometimes three distinct sounds, one lower in tone than the others and each occurring at various times.

Okay, fine, so what?  Is there a problem here?  These things have been around forever, so what’s new?  What’s new is that I can’t figure out how these foghorns are of real value.  I looked up a definition and found:

A foghorn is a warning signal that makes a loud noise when it's very foggy. The sound of a foghorn is a warning to sailors and ship captains. ... Its warning noise lets those at sea know when they're approaching a rocky coastline or other obstacles they can't see in the fog.

I could have guessed and come up with a similar definition.  But it doesn’t help.  If I were on a ship in the fog how would I know where the foghorns were?  If they get louder does that mean I’m in trouble and should go another way?  And which way exactly?  Sounds like a very imprecise danger signal.

Maybe foghorns were the best they had a century or two ago.  But this is 2019, and we’ve got GPS to guide us.  Seems to me that at best the foghorns can confuse the issue.  Having said that, I’d vote to keep them as a pleasant reminder of a simpler past.  We don’t need them to avoid accidents, but listening to them repeat themselves in their distinctive way puts a smile on my face.

Mayor Pete!

I’m one of those people who is looking around for a good alternative to Joe Biden, someone more moderate than Warren and Sanders who can beat Trump.

Why not stay with Biden?  Too low energy and running on the past, not proposing a better future.  If he’s the nominee I’ll vote for him, but not enthusiastically.  So who else?

For a while I was leaning toward Warren, even though her intense personality turns me off and even though I think her policies are too radical for my taste.  Again, I’d vote for her should she be the nominee, but not enthusiastically.

I’ve never warmed to Bernie and none of the others, except Mayor Pete, have won me over.  I remember that when I first listened to Buttigieg I was impressed.  Smart, articulate, good ideas, maybe a touch too glib, but impressive nonetheless.  Since he continues to rise in the polls, obviously others are having the same reaction.

Beating Trump is the main goal.  Is this country ready to replace him with a gay guy?  I’ve been asking myself this question.  Same concern many had in 2008: Were we ready to put a black man in the oval office?  Turns out we were ready and did it twice.  At this point I’m not willing to make sexual orientation the determinant.  If I prefer Mayor Pete over the others I’ll support him.

And that’s where I am at the moment.  Go Buttigieg!

From Today's News!

There is a full page ad in the New York Times promoting pubic hair.  Check it out!

Kurds comment on U.S. pullout by throwing rocks and potatoes at departing troops.  That sounds about right!

Netanyahu is not able to form a government in Israel.  Good news!

Homelessness is a big problem in California.  Really?  What a surprise!

PG&E is likely to cut power again this week to avoid wildfires.  There must be a better way!

The U.S. is no longer any ally that can be counted on.  Right.  The Trump Doctrine!

 Trump consulted with the anti-Ukraine pro-Russian Hungarian dictator about what to do in Ukraine.  And then followed his advice.  Another big surprise!

Impeachment continues apace.  A good thing.  Go impeachment!

The World Series, which begins today, should feature great pitching.  Looking forward to it!

The Brexit circus has more twists and turns in store today.  My preference:  A second referendum and a vote to Remain!

Riots and demonstrations all over the place.  Lebanon, Chile, Ecuador, Hong Kong, London, Burkina Faso, etc.  Why not here in the good old U.S.A.!

No End in Sight!

It would be nice if some things would change, but I see no end in sight for:

Violent demonstrations in Hong Kong.

The struggle between the Kurds and Turkey.

Corruption in Iraq.

Civilian deaths in Afghanistan.

Political gridlock in the U.S.

Anti-Semitism.

Income inequality.

Racial prejudice.

Homelessness.

If this prognosis is too bleak, should we just give up?  The list could be much longer.  Being hopeless won’t help.  So now what?  There is no easy answer.  Just as it is inevitable that the tectonic plates will continue to move under us and will ultimately change everything, so it is inevitable that so long as humans are around bad stuff will happen.  I say tell the truth about it, do something if you can and live your life – with gratitude for the blessings that are yours.

Meanderings!

With so much in-your-face dramatic news dominating the civil discourse these days I’m stepping back from the fray to let my thoughts wander.

It was great to see such a warm appreciation of Bruce Bochy as he retired after 13 years as manager of the Giants.  A decent, authentic guy who more than earned the praise and acknowledgement he received.

Staying with sports, I was happy to watch Liverpool win for the seventh time this season and stay undefeated.  They didn’t look great and Sheffield United was a tough opponent, but a win is a win.

I enjoyed the American Masters program featuring Raul Julia.  I have fond memories of Raul as a friend and Breakthrough Foundation supporter, but I had forgotten what a great talent he was.  Died much too young.

“Our Boys” is the most recent TV show out of Israel that has my attention.  Very powerful and well done.  I’m particularly moved by Jony Arbid’s performance.  He plays Hussein.

Newest food discovery:  It is possible to have Mercato deliver items from the San Francisco Fish Company in the Ferry Building.  Had delicious gravlax and salmon roll, easily ordered and arrived on time.

Our recent heat wave has given way to cooler air, and we’re back to the standard 50’s and 60’s.  No complaints (at least for a while) about San Francisco being too cold.

Okay, that was a welcome break from the chaos.  I can now go back and see what today’s outrage is going to be.