In Memoriam: Liza Dmytrieva

Photo Credit: AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky

 

floating, floating
in the sky above
i can see her winged self
drifting among the clouds
miles away from the carnage
the war has wrought
where silence and peace abide
her spirit has flown

Last Thursday, Little Liza was seen happily pushing her stroller on the street when a Russian missile struck killing her instantly along with 23 other people. Her mother, Iryna Dmytrieva, was among the wounded. The 4-year-old and the other victims could be considered collateral damage in this war that Putin initiated. However, it has become more apparent that the attack was intended to break the will of the Ukrainian people to fight. I want to believe that there’ll be a reckoning for Putin and his cohorts for their misdeeds. I really want to believe. In the meantime, little Liza, may you rest in peace.

 

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Remembering 9/11

 
Today is the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks that used four hijacked planes, two of which brought down the World Trade Center, one of which resulted in damaging the Pentagon, and the last of which failed to reach its intended target when the passengers decided to fight back causing it to crash in Pennsylvania.

According to Wikipedia, the attacks resulted in 2,977 fatalities, over 25,000 injuries, and substantial long-term health consequences, in addition to at least $10 billion in infrastructure and property damage. It remains the deadliest terrorist attack in human history and the single deadliest incident for firefighters and law enforcement officers in the history of the United States, with 340 and 72 killed, respectively.

Let us bow our heads and remember and honor the memory of those who were lost that day.

A Case for Celebration

Art Credit: Charles M. Schulz

 
For the last 14 months, social distancing has become the norm to slow the spread of Covid-19. As a result, our ability to interact with one another has suffered. Physical contact and camaraderie with friends and loved ones outside our home have been cancelled. Darn, we even have to hide our smile behind a mask.

One can only understand this sense of excitement as current restrictions are being lifted. A case in point was the last July 4th celebration with all the fanfare and happy faces.

On a personal level, I want you look at me now after my first real haircut in months. Do I look great or what? Finally, I was also able to go to the dentist for routine dental cleaning and checkup.

For a birthday or anniversary that occurs this year, I see no reason not to celebrate. I wish each one my best wishes and happiest thoughts. In lieu of the current situation and folks still suffering from the effects of the pandemic, however, it may be preferred to keep it simple and intimate even if you can afford to splurge.

For sure, we’re not out of the woods yet, but we can now see the light and the clearing ahead even with the highly transmissible delta variant spreading around. Until then, stay safe and be healthy, people!

Poor Dad Has No Money On Christmas Eve

It’s one of the best Christmas stories ever. Please pass the tissue and enjoy.

Top 10 Giuliani Moments in 2020

Rudolph Giuliani

President Trump top consigliere and Former NYC Mayor Rudolph “The Red Nose” Giuiani continues to amaze. His fall from grace is legendary, but he seems to bask in the limelight. Here’s my top 10 Giuliani’s moments in 2020.

Wearing clown loafers. Blowing his nose in public and using the same handkerchief to wipe his mouth, forehead, and cheek with it. Accidentally posting a video of himself being a racist. Butt-dialing an NBC reporter and heard discussing need for a few hundred thousand dollars and trashing the Bidens. Being dubbed a grifter for peddling fraud election claims and allegedly asking $20,000 a day for his services. Caught on camera with hair dye dripping on his face. Farting twice at Michigan voter fraud hearing. Holding a conference nearby Fantasy Island Adult Bookstore. Caught with his hand in his pants in a Borat movie scene. Getting COVID-19.