SWITZERLAND FORUM

[cklaurence]

Phenomenal to see you, TT--and even better to see you here from your job!!! Mazel tov, my good friend. Best news...

Hope you're enjoying it, and they're treating you with the respect you deserve! Keep your friends and fans here at Switzerland posted, please. It's always great to see and hear from you.

[Emeritus]

[color=#000080]Wow! A Try Thinking sighting! This is most welcome. The Dolphins are indeed very close and are showing more assets every game. As I said before, I'm glad that we caught them the first game, before they got things sorted out.[/color]

[cklaurence]

Yes, it is a great sighting indeed. Best of all, our old family member is again working. To him I'm sure that means silly little things, like rent, food and clothing; but to us, most importantly, it means we might get to see him a bit more frequently here, which will really ramp things up, right Em?
Funny, I'm sure it's not a political thing (of course), but I'm pretty sure we are the only 3 political leftists (Try and I a little moreso than Em, but I'm pretty sure Em is an Obama supporter) from the entire Swiss Family. We could actually talk politics here now, without fear of offending anyone or losing anyone, lol.
As for football, the Fins still have a way to go to be considered strong 'finishers,' Em. I don't know how Try feels about it, but at my age, and I'm substantially older than Try, I don't know how much longer I can handle these games that go down to the last second--nearly half of them overtime! This is pure torture. Whether we have a strong lead in the first half or are behind, it always ends up a close race at the end. Whew! I think Em, your Texans had a slight slump, but usually a game like that serves as a wake-up call, and you'll see a big improvement from here on out. Hope I'm right.
About the politics, I don't know--I watched the debate last night and thought Obama looked good and made well up for whoever he was in the first debate (certainly not the Statesman he'd been in prior debates). I surely felt he'd won it in a strong fashion, and put Romney solidly in his place most of the night. I was alone however, no one to bounce my thoughts over with throughout the evening, and when I woke up this morning, all the talking heads seemed to be giving the debate to Romney again (more of our liberal media???). So what am I missing--help me here?

[cklaurence]

Happy Friday, Everyone!

[Emeritus]

Happy Saturday! On politics, I think that the labels big L Liberal and big C Conservative are misleading, as labels tend to be. I believe that most people lean left on some issues and right on others. To use myself as an example, I'm about as socially liberal as it is possible to be, which is why the Episcopal Church works for me. On the other hand, I tend to be more conservative on economic issues. For example, I consider the colossal tax breaks give to the obscenely profitable oil companies an abomination. I hate to be cynical, but when I see that lobbyists spend an average of six million dollars per member of Congress per year* to influence legislation, I don't believe that Congress really represents us. They aren't spending that much money every year for no return.

* See http://www.OpenSecrets.org.

[cklaurence]

Going back to your very first appearances at Switzerland, before you were even Emeritus, I felt you and I were kindred spirits in many ways. our political and social views are very much the same. I was raised poor, and I'm not exaggerating the least when I say that. Although neither of my parents had the benefit of college (save for my father 2 years of pre-law on GI benefits), I don't think anyone who knew them realized that they weren't both fully college educated. They were so bright and so open-minded, which back in the 50s was (in the middle class) a sign of college-educated people. The traveled in groups that everyone was educated--many even Ivy League and they were highly respected in all their circles. I've spoken of what I was taught and how I learned by being a part of their activities. I have no regrets and make no apologies, and when I see my children (especially my oldest son, who goes to Israel and is involved in protests there to try and bring peace between Palestinians and Jews from the young up through sports, and rides buses to work on integrating the ultra Orthodox women so they are not treated like our Blacks were treated int he 50s and early early 60s--after I get past the ice cold fear that runs through me), I am so proud that I have gotten through to them as well.

I know you too raised your son Tom the same way, and took enormous pride in the man he grew up to be, which is why when you explained your story to me I didn't hesitate to invite you back and have never regretted that decision. We seem to have so much in common, save for the fact that you were raised by a wealthy, established family, and you pay testimony to them every day of your life by living in the family home--keeping it as it has always been, which is regal. Of course, I'll never stop noodging you for a picture!!! You have a gazillion of me, and I can't even get one itsy bitsy teensy weensy one of you--even privately. You're so tough!

Well, I have gone on today. I've been left alone, which is easy now that it's just Peter and me. He's gone off flying with his buddies. I'm taking the say to knit--trying to get this king-size blanket done for daughter Emily and son-in-law Craig. I was invited to the UM/FSU game today, and would have killed to go; but it entailed an whole afternoon of tailgating in the heat under a tent with no chairs, then the game at night. My Arachnoiditis has had a stranglehold on me the past couple of weeks, and although I hate to talk about it (because really, who wants to hear this shit anyway?), the fact is I've been in such intractable pain, I've been bedridden for several days now. I hate this! More than anything it frightens me for my future. Arachnoiditis can and often does turn its victims into cripples. I've fought it for years now, and made light of it--but regardless, it has been escalating. Stress is a bad culprit and I've been under a lot of it--it's inevitable with life, although I try so hard to filter it out.

Switzerland is and always was a wonderful diversion for me. I use facebook in a completely different way. I put on a happy face there all the time. No sincerity at all, save for fun football talk and an occasional political battle, but it's the last place I would show my true face, EVER! Whether it's just you and me passing the time of day, or Dred coming by with his little fly-ins or Try keeping us up on his life, I love it here. Thank you for staying. It means so much to me. It seems Ms Bags has finally left us for good (or not-so-good as the case may be to me), but she and I do stay in touch). Yet you, always around, always a familiar voice and I tease you a lot, but I don't think I ever take the time to tell you how very much I appreciate the fact that you have been such a steady friend/family member here at Switzerland. Now I have...

[Baglady]

mea culpa CK, so sorry I haven't been here for a while

Interesting season so far (guess they all are). Congrats CK and TT (great to see you commenting from *work*) on your Dolphins seeming to have turned it around. While I haven't seen any of your games, it sounds like Tannehill is proving to be a good QB, R Bush is having a great season, a stellar D and I happen to like your HC Philbin. Who would have expected all 4 teams in your div to be 3-3???

Em, losing Cushing hurt your TX's but you did just fine w/out M Williams last season. Don't see how you don't take the AFC South.

UT, if you see this, one of my favorite games so far was the Broncos coming back over the Chargers, yes Peyton is baaaaaack ! Just can't get used to his uni - lol! Honestly glad to see him having success.

Colts, beating the Packers one week, getting crushed by the Jets the next, unpredictable at best. Loved the NYG W @ SF, helped ease the pain of the Colts loss! Going to the Cleveland game here tomorrow. Hopefully a better outcome than last week or at least a competitive game.

Enjoy the games tomorrow, CK TT and UT, a stress free bye week for you!

[cklaurence]

Great to see you as always Ms Bags. Been a wonderful week for family visitors. Try Thinking was by and now you! Even had a couple of drive bys by our old buddy Utah. We've really been happy to see everyone.

It's wonderful to see Peyton back, different uniform, same great look. Truly a master--

It's the Dolphins' opportunity to either show what we have or fall back into oblivion once more, I AM VOTING that we show what we have going once and for all, and keep it going and growing.

Looks like both your teams are doing fine as well...go Bags!

[PatsAsOne]

Hi!! Hope all is well with you and yours!

[cklaurence]

How could it be anything short of well when we have a wonderful week like this past one, Pats As One???? We had visits by old family members, you, Ms Bags, Try Thinking, Utah and is there anyone I left out? Of course, the regulars, Emeritus and myself[color=#0080BF]So good to see you here again--even for a quick drop by. We always love to see old family members... [/color]

[Emeritus]

The Texans just crushed the Ravens and are 6-1 going into the bye. We have the best record in the AFC. I don't know how long it will last, but that won't keep me from enjoying it while I can. As far as this fan is concerned, the Cowboys are just that other Texas team.

[cklaurence]

I watched your game and cheered you on. Yes, you were safe even with me cheering for you. THAT is amazing! Your boys look awesome and you are so right about the Texans--"just another team in Texas!"

Did you see Pats as One came by? Little by little our old family members have been stopping by to say hello this past week or so. Perhaps they'll start to get cozy and stay awhile? Y'never know...

Fins had their bye week this week--shoot, it's lonely when your team doesn't play! At any rate, we're all neck 'n neck, so it will be interesting to see what happens when we come back. We're playing in division this week coming , but hopefully, contrary to our past performances, we'll come back strong and kick some butt!

Take care--

[Emeritus]

Fins had their bye week this week--shoot, it's lonely when your team doesn't play!

You are so right! The Texans have their bye this weekend and I'm already hating it. There are other teams that I'm interested in, but they seldom show their games in my area. I really don't care to watch the Browns and Bengals play, for example.

[cklaurence]

The only good thing about bye-week is that you positively can't come out of it with a loss!!!

Isn't there some kind of a statistical probability, though, that you'll lose the week after your bye though?

[Emeritus]

That's an interesting question, ck. After Googling, the short answer is: it depends on the coach. Some coaches use the bye week much more effectively than others. For example, the Eagles under Andy Reid have never lost after a bye. They are 12-0! Other coaches are unable to prevent their players from losing their focus. Surprisingly, underdogs do better than favorites after their bye. Of course, the teams that benefit the most are the ones that have their key players recover from injuries during the week off.

[cklaurence]

I suppose the Fins' tradition starts this coming week, Em. New coach and all. It remains to be seen... I can only hope we start a good tradition (for a change).

[Emeritus]

Best of luck, ck. We play the Bills after the bye, so maybe we can help you out.

[cklaurence]

I would greatly appreciate that, Em. You took care of us for them, turnabout is fair play, lol.

[Emeritus]

I haven't checked the TV schedule, but with the Texans on the bye I will watch the Dolphins game if I can and cheer them on.

[cklaurence]

Thanks Em, much appreciated. You know, the bandwagoners have already started stepping onboard aqt 3-3. Amazing, isn't it? Tannehill, who I do believe has done a really stand-up job considering he really only has two guys he can count on to catch his balls (Hartline and Fasano), and our running game has been shaky--oh, and I don't need to waste much time chatting about our kicker this year.

The talking heads, however, are all putting Miami right up there with the rest of the teams in our division because our records are so close. I don't think we're all really that close. Pretty soon the Pats (as much as I hate to say it) will separate themselves from the pack and pull way out in front IMHO. The Jests, well, it just depends on which team comes out which week. Tebow's very busy trademarking his prayer stance, so how much mind can he have left for whatever lousy football he plays anyway.

Our whole division got off to a slow start, actually--except the Fins, who look about how I expected them to look. They struggle with every game and go to the last possible second. It's always a dog fight, and I'm thinking that's how it will be the entire season (unless we lose players to injuries, in which case, it will only get worse). I know, I know, you'll say I'm a pessimist, but I'm sorry, I'm not buying in to the "Philbin is a genius" stuff this soon. Six games does not a season make and 3-3 does not a genius make. We shall see...

[Emeritus]

I voted Monday morning, but Bill Clinton will be in town this evening to support the local Democratic Congressman. My county is not red, because it is unique in Texas for being highly unionized. I've already voted for the Congressman, but I want to see Bill. Say what you want to about him, he is a fine speaker.

[cklaurence]

You don't have to tell me about Bill, Em--you're preaching to the choir. He is a wonderful speaker. Intelligent, humorous and always interesting. He's a rock star and I only wish there was a way to bring him back for another eight years. Wish I could be with you!

[Emeritus]

I wish that you could have made it, ck. Bill was in fine form. The man could have made a great comedian. He has wonderful timing and is a master of the deadpan joke. I doubt that we will have another his equal in my lifetime.

[cklaurence]

I agree with you, Em. Having worked in a high level position for the office that brought Dade County in (and thus, the State of Florida) in the '96 election--I got a chance to see him a number of times, up close and personal. We were key to so much and a number of the high rollers (thousands of dollars a plate dinners) were here, as well as huge rallies. I did everything from working with the schedulers to driving in the motorcades when they were short-handed, and plenty in-between (setting up rallies of 30,000-plus with 2 days notice; arranging 'surprise' meetings that weren't really a surprise at all and working security details with Secret Service). Being around Clinton was something special. He's so brilliant, but has a way of making you feel so capable. His sense of humor is natural, and when he looks at you, you are sure he doesn't see anyone else in the room. I was most comfortable throughout the years of his Presidency as well. No, there won't be another in our lifetimes for sure--and perhaps ever from what I can tell with what's coming up.

I met John Kennedy once when I was sixteen. He had that same aura. I didn't think (other than Bobby) there'd ever be another like him until Bill. I was only sorry that the reporters didn't hold the same respect for the President's privacy . They made a mockery of Kennedy after his death and Clinton while he was still President over things that were just none of our business. Sadness.

So here comes the weekend. I'm counting on you to root for my boys...

[Emeritus]

Some politicians have charm. You can feel it even if you don't like them. For example, Ronald Reagan had it. I didn't like any of his policies, but he had the charm. FDR had it to such a degree that the country took him as a father figure. Some lack it entirely. Dick Cheney comes to mind. I would hiss and boo every time that he appeared.

[cklaurence]

Cheney would make my blood run cold. It's a good thing that he was kept under cover throughout most of his time as Veep.He personified evil for me. A lot of people used to tell me that W was quite a charmer in person, but I can't tolerate stupidity. He couldn't win me over, no way, no how. I'm not really a huge Obama fan, save that he's way ahead of our other choices, but I remember how happy I was when he was elected and we once again had someone as President who spoke well, had a decent vocabulary and could think without a cue card...

[Emeritus]

Congratulations on the win. The Dolphins really put a whipping on the Jets. I hope that Tannehill is OK.

[cklaurence]

Thanks, Em. Yes, they looked wonderful in the first half; however, in the second half, it was like,"who are these guys?"All that fire seemed to disappear, and they were barely hanging on to the lead they accumulated in the first half. Somehow they always slide in the second half. It's a killer, and it drives me nuts. Moore was stellar. He came off the bench after not playing since summertime and went in like a trooper. I was very happy with him, but I too hope Tannehill's injury is not serious. So now I just need our team to figure out a way to play strong through entire games--really and truly, because I just don't think my heart can't handle the second half chaos!!

Now your team has had its rest and you're back in the angst of football too. I don't know if I'm just plain getting too old for this...

[cklaurence]

Checked again today and the score was still 30-9! YAHOOOOOO!!!!!

[cklaurence]

Em? Everything okay?