Today's MOZEN: Wear The Damned Mask

F LoBuono

The world could give 2 shits for my approval. And, that's the way it should be. After all, the only thing impressive about me is my rather over-sized ego.

So, why bother to voice an opinion.

Well, because of my splendid sense of self-importance, I figured it might as well be me as anyone else. Besides, some things NEED to be said. I feel this is another one of those moments.

This morning, I followed my usually ritual of walking into town to pick up a few things for lunch and dinner from the Korean Deli. It was a beautiful day so many were out enjoying the warm sunshine.

As is our new reality, most people I encountered along the way were wearing masks and avoiding direct contact. That is until I got into the heart of town. There, in front of the one of the local establishments, that necessity virtually disappeared. In fact, a sort of Lovefest was going on with a folk singer with a fairly large group of listeners crowding the sidewalk. As sweet as that scene might have been on any other beautiful, late Spring morning, it filled me with extreme disappointment - virtually NO ONE WAS WEARING A MASK or KEEPING THEIR DISTANCE. 

One group in particular stood out to me. There was about a half-dozen of them; young African-American men. One of the reasons I noticed them was that, damn, ALL of them were handsome, buffed, and, well-dressed. You COULDN'T miss them. They must have been in their late twenties or early thirties. They looked as if they were football players, or, at least, once were. They were in the prime of their lives, seemingly without a care in the world

But, not a single one of them was wearing a mask or keeping a safe distance from themselves or others.

Not one.

Despite the overwhelming amount of evidence that wearing a mask drastically decreases the chances of spreading the COVID-19 coronavirus,* they had not the inclination to wear them. Despite the fact the the virus ravages the African-American community at a disproportional rate (2 to 4 times greater then whites)**, they had not the impetus to do the right thing. Instead, they were laughing and flaunting their misguided bravado. They reveled in their perceived invincibility - damn the consequences. In another time and in another place, I would have envied their swagger.

They certainly didn't give a shit what I thought or, for that matter, what anyone else did, either. But, they had the opportunity to lead by example. And, they failed.

It saddened as much as angered me. But, sometimes, you just can't fix stupidity- or, arrogance either.

With the brutal killing of George Floyd, a black man by a white policeman, serving as a flash point triggering violent clashes between the community and the police, we need the voices of reason from the WHOLE community to bring some resolution to the festering race inequalities that have plagued this Country since its inception. And, more than ever, we need strong, able, young men and women of color to lead our way out of this dark time.

If you don't, no excuse will be valid.

*https://healthcarefoundation.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Evidence-that-universal-mask-wearing-helps-to-prevent-spread-of-virus-and-saves-lives.pdf

**https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/2020/04/coronavirus-disproportionately-impacts-african-americans/

In Memory of George Floyd

STEP ON THEIR NECKS

F LoBuono

When I was a young man playing football, in order to establish the killer instinct thought necessary to succeed in such a violent game, even with a comfortable lead, our coaches would goad us to finish the job, i.e. win the game by stepping on their necks. Of course, they were speaking metaphorically (MOSTLY) but the message was clear: when they're down keep them there. SHOW NO MERCY.

It's as ugly as it is vicious. 
But, that was just a game.

We are lost when that mentality trumps the rule of not only law, but common decency.

That cop in Minnesota has his knee on that man's neck for 8 and half minutes. 8 and a half minutes!!! 

That man's name is George Floyd. 

Never forget.

NO JUSTICE. NO PEACE.

Today's MOSTLY TRUE SHORT STORY: Remembering Those Who Gave All

F LoBuono

Many years ago, when I was a young man in high school, I had what at least what I thought was a dream job for the summer - working with the local school district's maintenance crew. I would aid the regular staff in cleaning classrooms and maintaining the school grounds.

The work could be hard but the perks were outstanding. I had after-hours access to all of the schools and that meant allowing my buddies in their gyms for some extra-curricular basketball. And, when I turned 17, I was allowed to drive the crew's maintenance vehicle - an authentic WWII vintage Willy's Jeep painted bright yellow and with a tow hitch to haul a small trailer with our gear in it.

I also remember the wonderful cast of characters I worked with: There was Harry, the boss, a hard-nosed German who instilled discipline in the crew. Badge, using an anglicized version of his real Italian name, Biaggio, who had the biggest forearms I've ever seen. Tex, with a Texas-sized drawl to match his impressive size. He decided to check out NY for a couple of days after he got off a WWII troop ship and never left. Chubby was an impish, hard-drinking Irishman with a gentle nature. And, then there was Louie. In appearance, he was almost comical. About 6' tall, he was not heavy but still had an incredibly extended beer belly. He was also missing quite a few teeth and a couple of fingers from an earlier industrial accident. He ALWAYS wore a baseball cap and dark glasses. And, to complete his rather bizarre appearance, he had and egg-shaped, fleshy tumor behind one of his ears.

They were all good as gold to me and taught me as much about life as any professor I ever had. But, it's one story in particular that has stayed with me for nearly 50 years. It came from Louie.

It seems that, despite his rather comical appearance, Louie was one badass in his day. During WWII he was a paratrooper in the Philippines. Paratroopers were not used as extensively in the Pacific theater as it was in the European, but the missions they did execute were extremely dangerous. Louie often told me of one in particular. The one when he lost his best friend, a man he called by only one name - Gronski.

It seems that Louie met Gronski in boot camp and they became inseparable buddies right from the beginning - two peas in a pod. They made a point of jumping together on every mission. And, this one would be no different.

They were heading for a small clearing in the jungle when they were given their orders to jump and they leapt from the plane, one right after the other. Soon after their parachutes deployed, Louie saw them. The Japanese had spotted the planes and were rushing to the area where the paratroopers would land. Louie knew they were heading right for an ambush and hanging in the air meant they would be sitting ducks. Louie reached for the Tommy gun strapped to his body in an effort to fire at the approaching enemy. At the same time he yelled to his buddy, GRONSKI, GRONSKI, LOOK OUT! But, it was too late. The Japanese were already in firing position and cut Gronski virtually in half with a machine gun. He was dead before he hit the ground. Louie obviously survived that battle and the war.

But, to Louie, that one moment in time, and his friend, would never be forgotten. And, he made it come alive every time he told it to me. He would yell, GRONSKI, GRONSKI, GRONSKI, like it was still happening at that very moment. He would take off his dark glasses, and wipe the tears from his eyes with a handkerchief. After more than 30 years he still grieved. Then, he would put those glasses back on, spit through the gap in his teeth, compose himself and say, life moves on.

Yes, life does move on. But, if men like Gronski had not given us the last, greatest measure of devotion to preserve our most precious gift - our freedom - would it still be worth living.

Never forget.

Today's MOZEN: The Hypocrite-in-Chief

F LoBuono

It would be fair to say that, overall, I'm a friendly guy. I generally like people and I love animals. I would hope that my friends would find me kind and generous. I'm loud and I like to laugh- a lot.

Of course, my faults are as glaring as my booming voice.

Despite those faults, the most important thing to me is to always live with honesty and integrity. And, I believe that I have. Therefore, there are two traits I simply cannot abide by, in myself AND others: dishonesty and hypocrisy.

So, by the process of extrapolation, one should easily see where my utter disdain for Donald J. Trump and his entire entourage emanates from. He has none of the former and entirely too much of the latter.

His dishonesty is on display on daily basis. To put it simply, at this point, if his lips are moving he's lying. His latest tweets saying he was "Michigan's Man-of-the-Year" is simple fantasy if not a downright fabrication, i.e. LIE.

And, now, his hypocrisy has once again reared its ugly head.

In a televised announcement to the Country, despite medical experts' continued advice against large gatherings, Mr. Trump declared all Houses of Worship as Essential Businesses, leaving it up to the local religious authorities to have full services or not. He also threatened to override any state governor who defied him (which he cannot legally do).

GIVE ME A GOD DAMNED BREAK!!

It's painfully obvious WHY he did it - it appeals to his fanatical, Christian, Zombie-like base. I GET that. It's the hypocrisy of the man that his minions simply can't (or, won't) see that galls me.

Here is a man who has broken virtually EVERY Christian commandment, including #'s 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, and 10 (look them up), and still had the balls to stand up before the Country as a Champion for the Godly. 

A more apt moniker might be Hypocrite-in-Chief.

That's 6 our of 10 Commandments, or 60%. If he was a baseball player with an average like that he'd finally actually BE the greatest of all time - but, he ain't a baseball player. He's President of the United States. And, his behavior is an embarrassment to EVERY American who treasures, truth, commitment, justice, humility, empathy, and selfless leadership.

Brothers and sisters, fight back - in November send a resounding message. Choose honesty and integrity. And, we all know how.

Today's MOZEN: Savor the Moment

Words and photos by F LoBuono

There are these sublime moments in life, often happening in the most simple of ways and at the most unexpected of times.

You just have to be open to them.

In fact, I had one this evening.

Sitting in my rocking chair on my spacious porch, I was engulfed in the most glorious, golden sunshine. Because, it's been such a disappointing Spring weather-wise, it was particularly pleasing to feel the sun's warming rays on my face. I poured a crackling cold beer to add to the mood. There was this symphony of birds, all kinds of them, seemingly in perfect harmony with the dazzling sunlight. Even the hum of traffic from the not too distant highway could not distract me from their spell. I was also surrounded by all sort of flowering trees - dogwoods, cherry, Japanese red maples, willow, and, just entering season, wisteria.

As I sipped my ice cold brew, drinking in both the beer and the sunshine, a deep feeling of satisfaction descended upon me. Despite the chaos caused by COVID-19, I was filled with gratitude to have that one, singular moment where everything was all right and I was one with the world.

The moment was not lost on me - and, hopefully, there will be more to come - for all of us.

SAVOR THE MOMENT - KEEP THE FAITH!

Today's MOZEN: NEVER SURRENDER

F LoBuono

The fight against demagoguery and tyranny is NEVER ending. And, that is simply the nature of the struggle. They are insidious enemies whose assault on freedom and true justice is relentless. 

Therefore, we must be just as resolute in our opposition of them. 

By design, those who oppress others for the own gain are dogged in pursuing their goals, hoping that YOU will quit before they do. And, they never will. Therefore, we must be forever vigilant.

Or, they win.

So, just because I have not actively written lately in opposition to the current President and his entire, corrupt Administrations' bungling misanthropy, it doesn't mean my vigor to derail this mess has waned. The reality is quite the opposite. In fact, it has accelerated.

I will NEVER cease in my opposition to this man and his policies - they are weak in every way. Because they emanate from a mind so consumed with its own search for personal fame and fortune, they wreak of the same greedy and myopic characteristics.

In times of great crisis - like this one - we look to our leaders to inspire us through great wisdom, compassion, empathy, responsibility, foresight, confidence and humility. I have not seen a single one of these characteristics in Donald J. Trump. And, never will. They are simply not within him.

Well, Fellow Members of the Choir, I will never give up this fight. 

Or, at least until it is won. And, you should do the same!!

Today's MOZEN: O'Donoghue's Tavern - A Reflection

All words and photos F LoBuono/O'D's, May, 2020

When I heard that the legendary O'Donoghue's Tavern in Nyack, NY was the latest victim of the scourge we call COVID-19, I, like most long-time denizens of this wonderful village, felt like I had just lost an old friend. Memories washed over me like a rogue wave. I had made more of them there than I could ever hope to recall.

With Kevin O'Donoghue, circa 2018

But, in reality, the O'D's (as it was popularly called) of legend passed into history a little over 4 years ago when Kevin O'Donoghue, oldest son of Paul O'Donoghue, Sr. from whom the tavern derived its name, leased the business to Dianne Walsh and Geoff Torrens. In fact, I wrote about it then, too (https://talk-frank.blogspot.com/2015/04/todays-mozen-meditation-on-death-of.html).

Paul O'Donoghue, circa 2010

Walsh and Torrens had their own, new vision for the place that was quite different from the more traditional Irish Pub/Speakeasy it had always been. However, from my understanding, although the place would have a completely different vibe, it was contractually obligated to continue to use the O'Donoghue name. Still, in an effort to make it their own and create a new identity for the place, they renovated the interior (which was MUCH needed), cleaned the vile bathrooms that were almost as infamous as the place itself, and instituted an entirely new food and drink menu making it more of a restaurant than merely a tavern that served food.

Monday night traditional Irish music, circa 2012

But, the association with the very name, O'Donoghue's, i.e. O'D's, and remaining in the location were it had ALWAYS been, proved to be a burden rather than an advantage.  It was like a new baseball player trying to replace a legendary one - few succeed. And, in my opinion, the new place, despite herculean efforts by the current owners, struggled to find its own identity. People, especially the backbone of the place - the locals -  expected to find the same shot and beer joint, with the great characters and conversation, it had always been. But, it was not. Featuring organic local food and booze, the new O'D's was a far cry from the burger and Bud beer joint it had become famous for.

Dianne and Jeff tried hard and had their moments. But, rumor had it that they were struggling even before this catastrophe. Despite their best efforts, they simply did not create enough momentum to sustain the tavern through this challenge. Still, the village thanks them for their love and devotion to keep the place going. They are talented people and, I'm sure, will land on their feet.

Kevin and Paul O'Donoghue, circa 1988

As for the so-called Old O'D's, it had earned it's exalted status. 

When I moved to here in the early 80's it was already a Nyack (and, beyond) legend. I had heard the stories so, as soon as possible, I went to see for myself if they were true. It did not disappoint.

Pat Keating and Sal "Tucky" Cordaro share a laugh at the old bar, circa 2012

In those days, it formed one third of a triumvirate of fine drinking establishments, the other two being The Old Fashion and Eastwick's. Each had their own character and colorful owners - Kevin O'D at O'Donoghue's, Drew Eastwick at Eastwick's, and Joe D' at The Old Fashion. I patronized all of them with regularity, often on the same night. However, O'D's was THE watering hole for me.

My perch of choice was a seat at the end of the bar, near the main entrance. From there I could sit with my back to the wall and observe the incredible cast of characters that regularly frequented the place. In addition to the parade of eccentric locals, you could find writers like Terry Southern or celebrities like Academy Award winners Jonathan Demme and Ellen Burstyn, as well as actors William Hurt and Margot Kidder. Grammy Award winning singer/song writer, Harry Nisslon, whose drunken escapades there were would make a tabloid reporter blush, was an institution at O'D's. There would also be defrocked priests, NYPD captains, scientists, sailors, brigands, miscreants, doctors, politicians, lawyers, journalists, carpenters, steel workers, teachers, musicians, singers, bikers, hikers, truckers, salesmen, cooks, policemen, firemen, communists, socialists, democrats, republicans, bouncers, nurses, liars, thieves, freaks, geeks, sinners, and saints, all contributing to the bohemian vibe. There was even a 90 year-old, former Marine named Butch who had his own, reserved barber's chair at the bar.

Long time bar manager, Barry Koch, sitting at one of the corner tables, circa 1988

In my opinion, it was the best drinking bar in town. And, it had an impressive history established decades before I had arrived. It is so involved and interesting that it must be a story for another post.

My brother Joe and Nathan

Perhaps, what gave the place its true character, it's zeitgeist, if you will, were the staff and Nyack natives who provided the foundation for the legend. Each was unique and contributed in their own way to that special O'D vibe. I remember them, all of them, many of whom are not with us any more: Kevin, Paul, Jr., Ann, Mary, Noreen, Barry, Tucky, Phil, Kenny, Tason, Nathan, Duffy, Tim O, Sam, LeAnn, Ginger, A.O., Pierre, Peggy, Drew, Jerry, Sean, J.J., Siobhan, Butch, Jane, Susan, John, Manny, Doc George, the Kiwi sisters, Will, Dr. Mo, Loren, Pat, Dan, Roberta, M.A., Jim, Mark, Shawna, Leslie, Eddie, Jimmy, Joe, and, too many more to list.

Kenny Callanan in the kitchen at O'D's

O'D's (both of them) is gone now. In reality, THE O'Donoghue's has been for a long time. But, it is all still with me, whenever I have a shot of Jameson and a beer, burned into the subconscious of my memory, just as real as if all of them were standing before me today. And, they are - if only in my mind's eye.

Today's MOZEN: PATIENCE

Words and photos by F LoBuono

WHAT IS IT THAT PEOPLE DON'T GET????

The current health and subsequent economic crisis rocking America shouldn't be about politics (although this Administration's rhetoric has made it so). Despite the President's insistence, it is not some Democratic hoax designed to make Donald J. Trump look bad with the election a mere 6 months away. He does a fine job of that every time he opens his mouth or takes to Twitter.

And, even though anxiety over the economic impact of COVID-19
is real and understandable, don't lose sight of the reasons why it is an unfortunate burden we MUST find a way to bear. Be wary of wolves in sheep's clothing (and, armor) who, under the guise of some perverted sense of patriotism, claim the safety protocols instituted for the benefit of ALL are a plot to deprive us of our Constitutional rights and freedoms as individuals. In the case of Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death, the outcome will be the latter.

It should be about science, facts, common sense, life, and death.

If you do not trust the people who have dedicated their lives to understanding COVID-19 AND the data used to support their hypotheses, then you are not politically aware or skeptical. Rather, you are seriously uneducated, willfully ignorant, or dangerously misinformed.

And, the experts agree that we may not have seen the worst yet.

Virtually every new scientific, non-partisan study of the data* involving the spread of the the Coronavirus indicates that deaths from this disease will increase by 70% to approximately 3,000 deaths daily by June 1st.

The main reason given for the spike in numbers is expected to be from the relaxing of Social Distancing and other sanitary protocols that many States are implementing as they begin to re-open their economies. This reverses the trend of leveling numbers that were occurring while these States had the measures in place. Look, I get it. I wrote in this blog weeks ago that the economic impact of this scourge would be almost as painful as the health issues. 

And, NO ONE is unaffected.

My family certainly has been. I've been fortunate to work from home. But, it's just 3 days a week. So, my income has been virtually cut in half. And, my sister who was a top salesperson for 41 years with a major food supplier, was let go from her position - never to return. We certainly NEED and WANT to get back to work. But, we shouldn't be dying to do so, either!

But, we have to find a way.

If we lose patience now, we will have destroyed any positive momentum that we may have created. And, THAT means beginning ALL OVER AGAIN. It's like a 3:00 minute internet video that a friend sends you. You start the video and you are interested for the first minute or so. Then, you lose patience - you've got things to do, people to see, etc. So, you decide to fast forward to a near the end. But, the video needs to buffer so now, it won't play at all. The only way to see it is to shut it down and START ALL OVER AGAIN. Now, you've wasted ALL of the time and then some that you thought you were saving. And, you have nothing to show for your efforts: no time saved and no video viewed.

If you had only been a bit more patient.

And, so it is here and now. Despite the pressure to get back to normal (if that still even exists), if we relent we will have gained little and lost everything. This race is not a sprint but more of a marathon. If we set the pace too quickly, we will falter at the end and, perhaps, not even finish the race. . . 

*https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/04/us/coronavirus-live-updates.html

Today's MOZEN: All Is NOT Lost

Words and photos by F LoBuono

The thought came to me one evening while sitting with a bourbon on my porch in South Nyack, NY. As has unfortunately been the case for most of this Spring, the weather was cool and damp. It certainly wasn't pleasant, but it it wasn't all that awful either. Darkness was gathering, gradually overcoming what little daylight there was to begin with. The air was chilly but still held the promise of warmer days ahead. I could sense a change in the air, a transition from light to darkness. Winter to Spring and, eventually, Summer, lay ahead.

What it all came to mean for me is that change is inevitable - and, constant. It is with us in the very passage of every single day.

And, sometimes, that change is enormous.

That has never been more true than it is right now.

COVID-19, a.k.a. The Corona Virus has changed the world in ways rarely, if ever, seen before. Personally, in my 65 years on this planet I have witnessed my share of life-altering events like the attacks of 911 and Super Storm Sandy. But, not even they can compare to the sea change caused by this pernicious enemy.

Still, it is just change. As a Country, as a world community, we have ALWAYS dealt with it. And, even when events seem catastrophic and the odds insurmountable, we have not been destroyed. In fact, we have not only survived but emerged better off for the experience. Think about it - in the 244 year history of America, our people have experienced a Civil War that killed hundreds of thousands of our own, a devastating Flu Pandemic, a total Economic Collapse and subsequent Great Depression, 2 World Wars, numerous Epidemics including Polio and AIDS, Terrorist Attacks (domestic and international) and, a plethora of both Natural and Man-made Disasters. Each event could have been our last. But, they were not. And, neither will this!

As I have always done, I still walk regularly into my little village of Nyack, NY . I practice the protocols in place to keep myself and others safe so that I can do what I do best - continue to observe life in the place I truly call home. And, from what I see, the village is already experiencing the pain caused by COVID-19. The loss of life experienced by our community is nothing short of tragic. Those scars will always be with us. 

But, the economic impact will have a seriously deleterious effect, as well. In fact, it already has. For a downtown that was experiencing previous challenges, this situation has proven fatal for some. I know of at least 4 businesses that will not be returning when we can finally experience a return to some semblance of normalcy.

And, for a village that was already struggling, this could prove devastating to not just some, but to all.

Ironically, I had met with Nyack mayor, Don Hammond, a few months BEFORE all of this went down to discuss my concerns about the amount of vacant story fronts scattered throughout the village. In our hour-long discussion of possible reasons and solutions, Mayor Hammond brought up and interesting point. He said that business in a small town has always been subject to economic tics, both up and down. We were experiencing one of the down-turns. He added that we needed fresh ideas and people with entrepreneurial spirit to replace those businesses that were lost.

And, thousands of small towns and villages around the Country were facing similar problems in the retail market because the way people shop was changing even before the Corona attack.

And, so it is today. Much has been lost. And, more still will be. Lives taken cannot be replaced. But, businesses can. This is not to ignore the pain of those who suffered the loss of what must have been their dreams, but, rather, to challenge them - and, others - to be reborn. To not look at what we lost but, instead, what we might actually have to gain.

Where are the bold? Where are the intrepid travelers? Like a Phoenix, who will rise from the ashes?

Americans have always been that way. We need to be again. Because change is inevitable. HOW we navigate it will make all the difference.