Today's MOZEN: MY Nyack

Words and photos by F LoBuono

My love for my adopted hometown of Nyack, NY is (or, should be) no secret to my family, friends, and readers of this blog. In fact, they often chide me for my effusive praise of it, calling me the "unofficial mayor". That's flattering, but I respect those who serve as our elected officials and have no desire to hold public office. Besides, most would agree that I'm unelectable anyway! But, the fact remains that I wouldn't be anywhere else. I could live elsewhere. I choose to live here.

So, it begs the question: why?

Well, there is the obvious physical beauty of the place. Being on the banks of the mighty Hudson River and at the base of the majestic Palisades provides us with breathtaking vistas and an abundance of wildlife to observe. And, it never ends. I have been photographing sunrises and sunsets every since I came to this area over 35 years ago. They took my breath away then and still do. Just the other day I had the great privilege to photograph the blazing dawn of the summer solstice.

As if that weren't enough, Nyack's (I use the name generically and incorporates the villages of South Nyack - where I actually live - as well as Upper Nyack and Grandview), greatest attribute may be its people. Their commitment to caring about how they live and maintaining the considerable diversity of this village continues to amaze and inspire me as much as the breathtaking sunrises.

And, it's demonstrated on nearly a daily basis.

Last night I was dining at one of our many, fine food establishments, when it struck me just why I love the place so much: it truly is the best of what America represents. Or, at least should.

Allow me to elaborate.

I was sitting at the bar, enjoying my standard cocktail, a bourbon Manhattan, expertly prepared by George, one of the best bartenders in town, and savoring some delicious Italian food. Because I was alone it allows me to take in everything that's going on around me. It was then that I noticed something that was truly extraordinary and summarizes just why this village is so special. The restaurant is owned by an Italian immigrant. I, a son of Sicilian immigrants, was eating Italian food prepared mostly by Latino immigrants. My cocktail was mixed by an Egyptian immigrant. I had a wonderful conversation with a fair, blonde women sitting next to me. To her left, a bunch of George's buddies were having a great time and carrying on their conversations in Arabic - while to the right of me a group of waiters and busboys were holding their conversations in Spanish. And, all of this was happening while the Yankees were playing the Chicago White Sox on the television.

Wow.

THIS is Nyack, THIS is America. THIS is why I am proud to live here.

Today's MOZEN: A Little Perspective.

F LoBuono

In a restless mood, I was channel surfing in a desperate attempt to find something, anything, worth watching on TV. As seems to be the case for me lately, the pickings were slim at best. Finally, I arrived at ESPN II which was airing a segment from its documentary series, 30 for 30. In the past, I have found them well produced and informative. So, I staid to see what they were offering. It was a documentary on the University of Kentucky's successful, but polarizing, head basketball coach, John Calipari.

Now, anyone who knows ANYTHING about college basketball knows that the University of Kentucky Wildcats rank among the games elite programs. In fact, it may be considered the State's greatest export. With that in mind, the program is given EVERY resource imaginable to be successful. And, the coach is no exception. Coach Calipari's salary, not including bonuses, is $8 million/year. That's right - $8 million!

So, you can imagine my shock when, during one segment of the program, Coach Calipari is talking about how important that everyone realize that, despite the fact that some of his players may be 7' tall, but they are still just "kids". While he is saying how important that we respect their "vulnerability" they are boarding their PRIVATE PLANE to fly to their next game. While Calipari is talking about his solemn responsibility to get this kids to "live their dreams", the players are stretching their 7' frames across entire rows of seats in their PRIVATE PLANE.

Are you f'n' kidding me???

The hypocrisy made we want to puke.

I played college football on the so-called club level at Rutgers University in Newark, NJ. Club football meant that it was barely sponsored by the school. In other words, we were pretty much on our own. We had limited practice facilities and even fewer locker room ones. At one point, our locker room had only one working shower - one! Not only did our coach not make nearly $8 million - he made NOTHING - he VOLUNTEERED!!

So, why did we do it? We played simply for the love of the game. There were no high profile, controversial coaches. There were no scholarships. And, there certainly were no private planes to fly us around the Country to compete! All we had was one another and our desire to play the game we all loved.

We've lost the purity of what it means to compete simply for it's own sake. College sports is BIG BUSINESS - no, correction - it's HUGE BUSINESS. And, the hypocrisy associated with it is everywhere. The situation at the University of Kentucky is a classic example. And, they are not alone. The State of Kentucky can't find the money to support sick coal miners (the backbone of its society) but it can afford $8 million/year for it's University's basketball teams coach and private planes for its players - just so they can "live the dream".

Perspective, my friends, perspective.

LIFE LESSONS WITH STELLA

Frank and Stella

It's no secret that my mother and I get along great. Let's face it, how many guys can get away with calling their mothers by their first name? I have always used what the rest of the world calls her -Stella, and always will. It's a lovely name and suits her perfectly. Besides, it just seems to come so naturally for me to use her name instead of her title. In a sense, it cements our very deep bond, not only as mother and son, but as people and true friends, too.

One of the things that we share is a disdain for formal religious ritual. Stella has never really had a need for a physical church. Her house of worship lies deep within her very being. Therefore, she carries her temple with her wherever she goes. She prays where and when she wants to and finds the catalyst of a formal setting unnecessary. She is deeply spiritual but not traditionally religious. I inherited this mind-set from her and we often discuss it's meaning and that of life itself together.

In fact, it came up in one of our conversations just the other day.

Stella is aging. She's 93 and must face the reality that most of her life is well behind her. I know that this frightens her a bit, and rightly so. How many of us want to face the imminent reality of our own demise? And, because of her age, she must also deal with fact that she is losing many of her friends. She is outliving virtually all of them.

After the recent death of a good friend's husband, she was feeling a little down. She wondered to me why there has to be so much pain associated with being alive. We are confronted with death and cruelty on virtually a daily basis (if you don't believe me, just turn on the TV). I agreed. But, I also said that life is beautiful, too. And, the best part is that, after all of these years of listening to Stella, she listened to me as I attempted to explain a life in balance - at least as I have come to understand it.

She concentrated intensely while I described the ancient concept (and, the beauty) of Yin and Yang.

Yin and Yang was developed in China sometime around the 3rd Century BCE. The concept is embodied by this symbol -

It is perfect in form and concept. Black and white are perfectly intertwined with half the symbol in each color. Further, there is a dot of black in the white section and, conversely, a dot of white in the black. This, of course, represents the perfect balance that is life - it is neither ALL light nor ALL dark. And, even when it appears that it is, at least mostly, there is a spot of one within the other - BALANCE. Life contains ALL things. It's how we INTERPRET those events that makes all the difference. This balance will NEVER change. Therefore, the key to a happy life is in accepting ALL of what it has to offer. When we do this, our concept of what is actually good and what is bad changes - in the end, they really become one and the same. It reinforces the popular slogan: THE WORLD IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT.

Stella nodded several times in approval. I believe that she understood and agreed. It certainly seemed to comfort her. She may be 93 but one of the keys to her longevity has always been her ability to listen and to accept new thinking. It's one of the things that she has so frequently said to me: when you close your mind, you're finished! Well, Stella is FAR from finished. We ended our conversation like we always do: I love you, Frankie. And, I replied: I love you, MOM!

Truly YIN and YANG.

Today's MOZEN: A Message to the Democratic Party.

F LoBuono

It's SO simple - the Democrats lose because they are weak. Their message does not resonate with common folk and, even if they did have a strong message, they have no one dynamic enough to deliver it. Hillary Clinton proved to be disastrous as a candidate and no one has stepped up to fill the void. Bernie Sanders had the message but was the wrong vehicle. Yes, he represented change but not in a package that so-called Main Street America was prepared to vote for. Let's face it, we still have a long way to go before most of America, frankly, would be willing to vote for a cranky, old Jew from Brooklyn! That's pathetic but, I believe, sadly accurate.

So, instead, we have a Reality TV Show Host as President of the United States.

WHY?

It's SO simple - because he crafted a message that people wanted to hear. Whether or not he spoke the truth is not important - at least not to them. He gave them hope. Democrats believe it to be false hope but have offered NO viable alternative. So, in a sense, we got what we paid for - a pathetic megalomaniac who at least has the balls to move his agenda forward.

During the campaign, the Democrats were completely tone-deaf as to what voters truly wanted, i.e. a path to economic viability. Why should they care for helping others when they can't help themselves? It's the logic of hunger. Social programs are worthless when they help others solely at your expense. But, they were too arrogant to listen and they paid the price - and, still are and do. At a time when we were speaking of the end of the Republican party the complete opposite happened. Now, the Democrats are reeling just to save their own asses. And, they have no one to blame but themselves.

I'm tired of hearing the Democrats whine - and, then continue to lose. And, they will continue to do so until they craft a message that reaches most Americans. Until then, the Orange Man will eat their lunch and all they can do is cry about it.

WAKE UP. PUT UP. OR, SHUT UP.

Today's MOZEN: LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL

Words and photos by F LoBuono

It sure seems easy to get depressed these days. One just need turn on the television to see an almost endless barrage of bad news. Terrorists of all varieties take human life indiscriminately. The cops are killing innocent people and people are killing innocent cops. Our Country seems to be not only in a state of confusion, but split ideologically as rarely seen before. Then, the Spring weather in the Northeast simply SUCKED. Throw in a few personal issues like selling a home, resolving relationships, getting older, commuting through insane traffic into NYC, trying to make ends meet financially, and its not hard to get down.

When this happens, its easy to focus on the negative - the things that are wrong in our lives - instead of taking of moment to observe what is beautiful and, therefore, right with them.

And, if you let it, it can happen at the most unexpected times and in the most surprising places.

Like yesterday.

First, it started on a most positive note: after strong storms the previous day, it dawned sunny and bright - not a cloud in the sky. I had the day off which meant I could spend it with my dog, Rexie which always makes me smile. I jumped in my truck to make my way up 9W and the house where he lives on a daily basis (it's a "joint custody thing" LOL). My windows were down and the radio was blasting - the throbbing drum beat of Bob Marley's Exodus was carrying us on the wind. After that, Neil Young's Like a Hurricane had such meaning for me at that moment that it brought me to tears - literally. At a spot where the road makes a hard right turn, there is a grassy meadow that you must pass. As I made the turn, the meadow exploded in white. It was almost as if it was snowing - upside down. I then realized that they were tiny, white butterflies - hundred of them!

I picked up the dog and we continued our way together. And, my mood had changed completely. I became more and more aware of ALL the beauty that surrounds us: a swallow swooping low right over the top of my truck. A field of hap-hazard wild flowers graced one side of the road. I looked up to see a lone cormorant, long neck leading the way flying furiously towards the River. We took the scenic route through town, passing gracious homes and well-kept gardens. The village was alive with window shoppers and sidewalk diners.  The River glistened like quicksilver in the distance. We spent a good portion of the day walking, working in my garden, and, overall, taking the time to allow life to come to us.

Then, after a serene evening and long sleep, we walked to the River to catch the dawn of the Summer Solstice - just in time to witness this. The Summer Solstice is upon us:

The Summer Solstice

The ugliness in life will never go away. It provides yin for the yang. But, it is just as important that we know life is beautiful, as well. We just need take the time to notice. All of it.

Today's MOZEN: His Roar Was Long and Loud

Photo: National Geographic/Words: F LoBuono

His roar was long and loud. 
     Description of King Leonidas in "300".

Male, or pride, lions (Pantehra leo) are awesome creatures. It is not unusual for us to associate power, strength, and magesty with the image of an adult, male lion.

Weighing as much as 450 lbs., they can still reach speeds of nearly 50 mph (in short bursts). They are capable of attacking and killing animals that can weigh as much as 1,000 lbs. Males reach sexual maturity at about 2-3 years of age before they are driven out of the pride by the older, more powerful males. Females tend to stay with the same pride for their entire lives. At this time, the males form alliances and wander the countryside to attempt to find a pride of their own. Of course, the existing males of any given territory are not about to give up their pride ownership without a fight.

And, fight they do - often to the death. Even if the existing pride leader is not killed, he is diposed and forced to make it on his own, usually a death sentence anyway. After ruling the pride where his main duties consisted basically of only fighting and fucking, his skills as a hunter become so completely eroded that if the hyeneas (the lion's ancient and deadly enemy) don't get him, starvation will. And, this is after an average of only 6 years! So, their existance is, in a sense, fast and furious.

I suppose the lesson here is that there is a price to pay to lead. But, if it's in your blood, there can be no ther way. A lion can only be a lion, and makes no excuses for it.

Today's MOZEN: The Color of Justice is GREEN.

F LoBuono

They say in this Country, when it comes to justice, there are only 2 colors: white and black. And, to take it one step further and read between the lines, it really means that white Americans receive fair treatment while black Americans get little or no justice.

I disagree, at least partially.

The ONLY color that ultimately matters in the American justice system is GREEN!!!!!!

As in the color of cold, hard cash.

An example supporting my claim just happened again this past week. One WEALTHY and FAMOUS BLACK MAN, Bill Cosby, was granted another trial for sexual offenses against a woman (women) after the first one resulted resulted in a hung jury. Despite STRONG evidence that Mr. Cosby actually committed the crimes he was accused of, his HIGH POWERED and VERY EXPENSIVE lawyers used their considerable skills to make this happen - and, I might add, not for the first time (see OJ Simpson).

Then you have the case of a POOR BLACK MAN in Minnesota shot to death in his car by a WHITE POLICEMAN, despite the fact that the victim was following the policeman's orders. The policeman was acquitted on all charges.

So, let's summarize: Two trials involving black men - both seeking justice through truth - end with completely different results. So, what's the difference - both men where black?

Well, it seems that one had the power of GREEN, i.e. $$$$$, while the other only had his good reputation to aid in his families' quest to get justice for him. And, against a white cop that just ain't good enough. Without the GREEN behind him, he was just another nigger who got out of line.

Until we level the playing field, unfortunately, I fear the ONLY color that ultimately matters is GREEN.

Father's Day 2017

Joseph LoBuono, circa 1943

People who read my posts (those rare individuals) know I can, at times, pepper my entries with a healthy dose of sarcasm and, hopefully, some humor. Today, for Father's Day, I thought I would fill that bill by saying something like: Father's Day is the easiest holiday of the year for me - I'm not one and I don't have one any more either.

In addition to my rather twisted sense of humor, I am also NOT very nostalgic (I don't think that I even have a photo of me and my dad together).  Nor, am I particularly religious. You will never catch me posting memes that says something like: Daddy, missing you in heaven everyday. I don't mock people who feel this way, I just don't. I simply do not know where my father's soul is. All I know is that he has been physically gone from my life for nearly 30 years.

And, before you think me cold and thoughtless, let me add: I may not know where my father's soul resides but I DO know that his spirit lies within me. I AM the essence of what HE was. The lessons that he taught me have provided the basis for the man I am today. I'm sure that I will forget some, but here are the most important lessons he gave to me:

Respect for others begins with respecting yourself.
Treat everyone equally.
There is no one greater, or lesser, than yourself.
The greatest joy in life is family. Cherish yours.
Always strive to be the best, but accept that you will fail - often.
Never raise your hand to a woman or anyone less physical than you.
Always be brave, but never fear to be gentle, too.
Walk away from a fight whenever possible, but never let anyone lay their hands on you.
Be educated.
Speak your mind, boldly.
Seek out adventure.
Don't marry too young.
Listen to your heart.
No one loved me more than he did.

The last lesson is the one that I will always keep to sustain me. I can see his face and how he smiled when he would call to me and say, hiya, Frankie! And, at that moment and time, there was nothing in the world more important to him than my presence. And, that my friends, makes him immortal.

Happy Father's Day.

When You Think About It: SENSIBLE Gun Control -NOW!!!

F LoBuono

Now that most of the smoke has cleared from the horrific shooting incident in Alexandria, Va. this week (6/14/2017), I feel it important to say a few things.

First, and foremost, violence of any kind, on any level, directed against any individually is simply unacceptable. Period. I abhor violence in all its forms and manifestations. It has no place in our politics or our society. We must reject it totally and completely.

Next, we can look for a silver lining within the dark clouds of this heinous crime. And, that is a renewed sense of unity that has been so lacking since that last, brutal election season. Both sides of the aisle have put aside their differences, at least temporarily, to unite in support of their comrades who were attacked and seriously wounded. This is a good thing. I hope that it lasts, although I have my doubts.

Last, and, perhaps, most controversially, I hope people, without malice, will see the irony in the entire situation. It is obvious that a deranged man was able to LEGALLY purchase an ASSAULT WEAPON and use it to gun down the VERY people who support the legislation that ALLOWED him to LEGALLY purchase the weapon in the first place -that's right out of the Irony Handbook! Let's face it folks, the NRA is the largest supporter of GOP candidates and Representatives of any lobbying group in the Country. So, in a sense, the GOP got what they paid for.

Now, this is not my attempt to be glib, especially when people were so seriously hurt. But, rather, I would ask people to see it for the insanity it is and DO something about it by INSISTING that our legislators. We need UNIVERSAL BACKGROUND CHECKS and close the GUN SHOW LOOPHOLE. These things are both REASONABLE and DOABLE. Now, the Republicans can choose: pass the legislation or continue to eat their own children.

Today's Mostly True Short Story: Their Lucky Day

It was a blistering hot day, perfect for a ride up Route 9W on the Harley. I had just crested a steep hill when I saw the little buggers - two of them - chipmunks with their tails sticking straight up and running hell-bent-for-leather to make it across the highway. It must have been their lucky day because I saw them just in time to slow down, laugh, and yell, run you little bastards, RUN!! Almost as quickly as I saw them, they disappeared into the thick brush at the side of the rode. They made it. And, I smiled.

EPILOGUE: After I got home from my ride, I took a walk in my backyard to rest and reflect, and who do you think I see but this little guy hiding out on my pear tree! Must be some kind of harbinger of good luck - I hope!!

Today's MOZEN: Nyack Pride

Words an photos by F LoBuono

Today was Pride Day in my adopted village of Nyack, NY. And, as usual, I couldn't be more proud. Once again, we have celebrated our diversity in grand fashion. I ran into a friend at the festivities who was born in the UK but has CHOSEN to make his home in Nyack - as he has for nearly 30 years. Both of us agreed that it was events like this one that truly make our adopted home a very special place, indeed.

I'm sure that there are those who are actually revolted by the very thought of Gay Pride, much less the celebration of it. Most of these people do so on so-called religious grounds. While I respect their right to worship how they choose, I've never understood it. Never.

Since I was raised as a Catholic, let me address it from a Christian perspective. I know that there are biblical passages that supposedly condemn homosexuality as an abomination (You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. NKJ, Leviticus 18:20. And, If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. They shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them. NKJ, Leviticus 20:13).

That's some pretty serious shit. However, these passage are from the OLD TESTAMENT.

But, there was an awakening in the Christian world brought about by the teachings of one Jesus, the Christ. His words redefined what it means to be a Christian. And, whether you believe in his divinity or not, the most important words uttered by Jesus came from his Sermon on the Mount when, in the Beatitudes, he gave us the path to live a righteous life. The most important lesson to take away from this sermon is that Jesus ultimately said, and the greatest of these is LOVE.

Folks, it doesn't got any more simple than that: the greatest of these is LOVE.

Love is love is love.

And, I'm not sure why people are afraid of it. Homosexuality never bothered me. Never. Even as a kid and didn't fully understand, it simply never affected me in a negative way. I'm sure that my parents played a key role here too because it never bothered them either!

And, talk about SIMPLE. How easy is it to NOT worry about how someone chooses to live their own lives and simply concentrate on your own??? I don't know about you guys, but I have enough issues in my own life and relationships to not worry about someone else's!!

So, congratulations to all who participated - gay or not. Life and love is ALWAYS a reason to celebrate.

Today's PEG-BOARD 6/7/2017

I scream. You scream. We all scream...................because we're parents..............and this shit is hard.

Today's MOZEN: The Journalist

F LoBuono

People simply don't get what it means to be a journalist.

The most common misconception about the profession is that you have to be TOTALLY non-biased in order to be a good one. This is certainly true - in theory. In practice, it is a completely different thing. In fact, it's partially your job to be.

Allow me to explain.

A journalist is trained to report what he or she SEES as part of the story. That's why they send us to BREAKING news stories! The public counts on us to ACTIVELY REPORT what is happening at the scene. So, right off the bat, you have an individuals' impression of exactly what it is that we are witnessing. A good journalist then mixes that observation with facts - if we can (and MUST) - that we garner from the scene itself. These facts are gleaned from other eyewitness accounts as well as interviews with officials and experts with relevance to the story. And, the reporter does not do this alone. They are supported by a host of others who include photographers, producers, writers, editors, and researchers, all dedicated to using their skills in telling a truthful story.

It's up to all of us to piece together an accurate, informed story based on what we may have witnessed, as well using the other parameters mentioned above. But, make no mistake about it, interpretation of what is happening, based on experience - actual and archival - as well as research and corroboration of the facts are what make for an accurate news story. Still, because the story is created by humans it will always carry with it the impressions of the crew, i.e. bias. This must be considered. However,, it does NOT mean that the story is false or inaccurate. It is only when someone on that crew interjects a PERSONAL bias into the story that it becomes so. That is, they have allowed their personal convictions to influence their independent observations.  And, it's up to every person on that news team to exercise all of their skills in the profession to assure that this does not happen. And, within the range of human expression, it is possible to separate the two.

Let me illustrate my point with some personal experience.

In the days after President Trump's inauguration, there was a good deal of controversy as to the number of people who actually attended - especially in comparison to those who attended President Obama's second inauguration four years before. President Trump himself claimed his to be the best attended of all time and produced some photos to back up his claim. Some news outlets supported this claim. However, MANY others disputed this and presented their evidence (mostly photos and traffic statistics) to support their claim.

Well, I can REPORT this: I was at both inaugurations and this is what I observed - there was no comparison between the two. Although President Trump's affair was by no means empty, the size of the crowd paled in comparison to Mr. Obama's. Period. I had a unique vantage point for both which allowed me excellent access to the events. And, I KNOW what I saw and experienced. Furthermore, the official photos from the National Park Service and AP (charged with documenting the event) clearly showed the difference. Plus, further studies that included traffic patterns around the city of Washington confirmed Mr. Obama's much larger crowd. It's my JOB to REPORT that.

So, I can tell my story, TRUTHFULLY, based on what I OBSERVED, confirmed by the statistics made available by various officials sources. There is only the bias of what it may all ultimately mean. However, at no time were my PERSONAL convictions considered within this observation. This is Reporting.

THIS is how news stories are told. They are ALWAYS going to maintain a human component - otherwise, robots should do the reporting! But, that's why it's a PROFESSION. Journalists must be trained in the art of keen observation and how to weave that with pertinent facts and other information, while at the same time avoiding personal/political leanings. There can be no agenda, personal or political, beyond observing and reporting the truth allowed to enter into your reporting. And, THAT is why the trust between journalist and the public is a sacred pact. The journalist must do everything within his/her power to create and maintain that trust. So, it's important for the public to know the source of the news and that it's a legitimate news provider that knows and practices these important principals. Sources that have an ax to grind (i.e strong political leanings either too far right OR left) are not to be trusted when reporting breaking news. Expressions of viewpoints based on current affairs lie within a different realm.

And, this is another key factor for the public to consider when deciding what (and, whom) to believe.

An important distinction must be made between reporting and editorializing. And, I think that it is possible for the good journalist to do both - as long as a strong line is drawn between the two.

Again, I will use my personal experiences drawn from covering both inaugurations mentioned in a previous paragraph. I reported EXACTLY what I witnessed, as I OBSERVED it to be. In a sense, it was simply a matter of numbers. This is REPORTING: I observed this. Experts said that to confirm, etc. After the fact (and, this term can be used most literally), I used those observations and the subsequent controversies created by the Trump administration to form MY interpretation of what the significance of it all might mean. This is my informed opinion, a.k.a. an EDITORIAL. YOU, then, make up your OWN minds. I always make clear the difference between the two - in my own mind, as well as publicly.

It is not only possible to accomplish the two, in my humble opinion, it is essential that a good journalist does both, at least to a degree. In fact, it's our job. In the end, people will, and should, make up their own minds based on a variety of reliable sources and opinions, hopefully, mine being one.

'NUFF SAID

F LoBuono

provocative

[pruh-vok-uh-tiv]

adjective

1.

tending or serving to provoke; inciting, stimulating, irritating, orvexing.

noun

2.

something provocative.

Today's MOZEN: A Better Life

F LoBuono

Recently, I wrote a rather scathing post challenging the so-called Rust Belt States to stop living in the past and begin preparing for the future. I'll readily admit that my language there was not as conciliatory as I present it here. I was angry that these States, largely, but not exclusively, located in the Midwest, had chosen to side with the current administration's plan to remove the United States from its previous commitment to the Paris Climate Accord.

I make no apologies.

I still believe that the people who are the most outspoken in support of Mr. Trump and his policies are faulty in their thinking. This may sound arrogant, but allow me to present my case.

One of the themes that I hear repeatedly from the people who live in the area in question is their sense of respect for their culture, history, and heritage. They often say that their father and uncles worked the mines as did their fathers before them and so on. If it was good enough for them, it's good enough for me. This sense of continuity and the pride that comes with earning a good living from difficult and dangerous work is admirable.

I get it.

But, it's a different ethos from the one that I grew up with.

Allow me to elaborate.

My parents were the children of relatively poor, Sicilian immigrants. As was the case for most immigrants of that time, America gave them a chance - if they worked hard, if they assimilated, they could be successful. They did and, so, they were. We had a roof over a heads and food in our bellies - always. But, here is were my parents and their dreams for me and my siblings seem to differ greatly from those whose families worked the mines.

My parents and, in particular, my father, was ADAMANT about ME living a BETTER life than HIS  - which was greater than his father's and so on. And, NO ONE need tell a Sicilian about the importance of tradition. NO ONE. But, part of it as I know it to be, is to continually create a better life for your children. And, for my family that meant pursuing a HIGHER EDUCATION. My father was adamant about this, almost brutal, in fact. When things got tough for me at school, he simply would NOT let me quit. He KNEW it was the key to my success - and, in the end, he was SO right. There is a seminal scene in "The Godfather", when Don Corleone laments to his son: "Michael, I never wanted this for you. I wanted you to have something better".

So, my question to these people who still cling to the old ways is this: do you not want what's best for your children? Because you suffered to get by, must they? My grandfather was a mason, and a good one. So, must I be one, too?

It's time for people to stop looking for excuses and clinging to the hopes and dreams of past generations. EVERYONE in American should have the means AND the DESIRE to create a better future for themselves and their children. The past is gone and the future will be what WE make it. THIS is what Paris is truly about . . .

Tonight's RANT: The Rust Belt Forever!

F LoBuono

They call it THE RUST BELT for a reason.

That region, also known as the Midwest, has gone to shit and they'd like to blame the rest of the Country and World for them falling so fucking far behind - in EVERYTHING - education - technology - innovation that they want everyone else to feel sorry for them.

BOO HOO!

Think of the NAME - RUST BELT. It implies that they've fallen so far behind as to DECAY - literally. And, you know what? It's OUR fault, the so-called Eastern Elite, because we had the balls to get educated - to prepare ourselves for a better future for ourselves and our children.

I know, I know. These are simply honesty, hard-working people with a rich history. Well, that's great and no one is trying to take that away from them. But, there is also a saying that goes: fool me once, shame on YOU. Fool me twice, and shame on ME.

Well, shame on YOU. You're Americans. And, Americans STEP UP and do what it takes to get shit done - and accept what's best for ALL Americans - not just those in your little corner of the globe. I know that many will claim that it is easy to say something like that when you don't have hungry children to feed. Well, the solution to feeding your starving kids doesn't lie in COAL. Others will claim that we help inner-city ghettos and ignore the rural poor. And, there is some truth to that. However, white, middle-America will NEVER deal with the institutionalized racism of our urban centers.

In the final analysis, the so-called REST BELTERS would have us reverse our progress to suit their lack of initiative. And, in the final analysis, that's all it is.

Really.

So, let's get this straight - let's slow down the REST OF THE WORLD so that these losers might have a chance to catch up.

REALLY.

What happened to you guys?? I was always taught that Midwesterners had the "can do spirit" that made America great. They were always so proud of their independence. These people were supposed to have balls - the balls to change and do what it takes to get better.

So, WTF? Now, we're the bad guys becuase we have the wherewithall to do what's necessary to KEEP America great.

GET REAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today's MOZEN: When the Swallows Return

F LoBuono

Their timing was perfect - in so many ways. But, then again, it always is. And, I had forgotten that.

In the late Spring, in one of the surest signs of the looming Summer season, the swallows return to the Village of Nyack, NY.

As if by magic, one day, by the millions, they appear. And, I always hear their cacophony long before I actually see them.

Walking in town, down Broadway, with their loud clicks and squawks signaling their presence, I looked up to see hundreds of them darting and diving around one of the old church steeples. They fly like demons, making a resounding racket that is inconsistent with their diminutive size. I have always likened them to lightening fast fighter jets, sighting and then quickly attacking their prey.

They nest in the old church steeples and high in the mighty Palisades that frame Nyack and the surrounding communities along the Hudson River from Fort Lee, NJ to Beacon, NY and beyond. The Hudson provides a ready supply of the insects that form the swallows' diet. So, they are useful. But, they are also beautiful. Many species have such brightly colored plumage as to seem iridescent!

This year's Spring weather has been so gloomy as to be down-right depressing. I know that I was feeling it and that I was not alone. After a long Winter, we look forward to the temperance of the Spring. Well, after a few teasing days, it just never seemed to arrive - until one day when the sun came out AND the swallows appeared.

As I looked up, I smiled broadly. My dark mood instantly disappeared. The swallows have returned. There WILL be Summer. All was right with the world. Thanks to the swallows for reminding me. :)