Agreeing with Sarah Palin is not something that comes easily or often, but I must say that I totally agree that David Letterman was a jerk when his top ten jokes about her being in New York and at a Yankee game included a comment about her daughter being knocked-up by Yankee baseball player Alex Rodriguez, and it does not matter whether he was referring to the Palin’s 14 year old daughter who was with her at the Yankee game or her more worldly 17 year old sister who was not. And while I do not think it has anything to do with the liberal press or a political double-standard, it was nonetheless mean and ruthless towards a child (or young woman) who has done nothing to deserve being humiliated in that way. Palin has brought her personal manner and appearance into the public arena and like Bill Clinton, can have no complaint with being personally pillared by comedians and other’s of their ilk. Their kids should not be fodder for such humor. It was disgusting.
Very Petty
May 14th 3:15
Granted this isn't a big deal..BUT...
So I drop of my car at Volvo for work on my keyless key and was given a loan from Budget, and like usual, I was given a clump of keys (two ignition) that were all together on a sealed key ring. I do not understand. Why give us two keys if they must be together on the same ring? What earthly purpose does it serve.
Speaking of keyless keys, I thought I had lost one and the dealer quoted me $400 for a replacement..twice as much as my iphone and equal to a low end lap top computer. Seems like if you need a key you need a key and there is no competition, so they can charge what they please.
Thank You Oakland Police
March 22nd 5:16
There is nothing really one can say about the pain of losing four good and decent police officers, doing their job, in this instance protecting us from the danger of one evil man. I express my humble remorse to families and fellow officers of John Hege, 41; Mark Dunakin, 40; Ervin Roman,43, and Daniel Sakai, 35. Much attention is given in Oakland to the mistakes and occasional wrongdoing of police officers. Because of politics and press much less attention is given to the overwhelming selfless and courageous service of the men and women of the Oakland Police Department who daily risk their lives to protect us. I am really beside myself with sadness for the personal, family, department and community loss. I hope that all segments of our community will join with all of us to expresses our respect and grief for this senseless loss. Like all of us, these men should be enjoying this beautiful Sunday afternoon. They are not, nor will they ever. Let us not forget that their forever absence is the price paid for their choice to protect us. If we expect other men and woman to make the choice of such service it must be clear that this community, all of us, values and respect their services.
Thank You Ralph Grant
February 12th 3:09
My friend Ralph Grant passed away last week after a long illness. Our lives touched in many places: baseball, professional and kids; the community; politics; his accounting work for me and my legal work for him; many clients we shared, and most importantly friendship. I was amongst the speakers at his in the aisles and out of the doors funeral service. Here are my remarks.
Every Day is a Good Day, or so Ralph told us over and over again..each time any of asked, how are you doing, hoping that he would share the news of some miracle... Every day is a good day. Ralph meant it. Not some days and not for some of us. Every day, all of us, today.
I went to Club1 this morning and was reminded how much Ralph loved playing basketball there. I teased him that he was the best dressed. I don’t play and would watch the big boys from an adjacent aerobics machine. Ralph typically was the only one on the court who would pass off rather than take the shot..his pleasure was in the assist. It was always curious to me how he took the same joy in helping a young boy play better baseball, as a new business owner keep better books or a successful mature individual achieve political office. Ralph was the Jason Kidd of life...his talent and desire was the well timed assist...making the rest of us better and achieve our goals.
Lunch 4 years ago November was no different from the hundreds we had before ...Ralph and I had the aches and pains that men in their late 50s have. He was matter of fact and relaxed when telling me he had pancreatic cancer...He looked me straight in the eye and says, Peter, I do not fear death. I have enjoyed a wonderful life with a wonderful family. Other than more time with them there is nothing I want that I do not have, nothing I must do that I have not done and nothing I want to accomplish that has not happened already I have always loved Ralph and respected him, but never more than that moment ...for his courage, his dignity and his grace. Ralph possessed that rare quality of being satisfied without being mediocre.
We can be afraid of Ralph’s death for ourselves...not for him as he was not afraid. We can dwell in the shame of a good man’s life cut too short, but not in his name because he did not share that lament.
We all got the gift of Ralph for 4 more really great years That he and his strong and beautiful wife Gloria would get 1500 more days and nights together. That Casey and Kim would have 4 more years of their warm and capable dad, and that he could romp with his beautiful grandchildren That he would prepare and sign another 1000 tax returns for us..and ..that he would still get to coach dozens and dozens of young boys in baseball and life. That he would get to see with his eyes a baseball field in his name and a highway billboard honoring him. That he would get to coach with his pals, Eddie and Will a team at the national championships...that he would have a 60th birthday party that was so raucous they are still recording the aftershocks...he put together a baseball game played just three weeks before his death. Kappa won, of course (then again they had a ringer for a pitcher (Harry, my son) and I was the umpire). All of this was after the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Yoga Berra was right..it aint over until its over and Ralph showed us how to live life well and fully until it is
...and then Ralph passed gently on,, in his sleep, in his bed, in the warmth of his home, next to his loving wife. It was Ralph’s time and he did it well. It may not have been what we wanted but still, it was good, a good day.
Ralph was not a big shot or a celebrity, at least the usual kind. Ralph was a simple man who did not seek wealth or fame..he practiced abundance over scarcity, patience over being short tempered, forgiveness over holding a grudge...he was generous and kind and loving. While we lacked connection as family, or by race or by fraternity, Ralph was my brother too. In the way Ralph touched our lives with his warm nature and set an example by his life he remains with us..I feel his presence....his character burns bright..it is in us...in each of us, not just some of us, all of us. Ralph has given us an enormous gift and it is for each one of us to choose its power. I love you brother.
