Just as did Nixon, the republicans are using IRS audits to punish their opponents.
The Washington Post Report
Entries from February 2006
February 28, 2006
Nixon Redux III
February 28, 2006
Armando
This past Sunday Armando, my 88 year old (soon to be 89) Cuban American neighbor asked if he could take me lunch at a local cocina economica/bar I had told him about. I of course accepted.
A week or so ago Armando asked if I would email his granddaughter and let her know that his mailing [...]
February 28, 2006
Carnaval
Tomorrow, being Ash Wednesday, Catholics will begin their observance of Lent, the forty days preceding Easter characterized by withdrawal and reflection. Certainly during Lent no behavior such as has occurred here the last few days will be permitted
Today, Fat Tuesday, Merida businesses have been closed, I suppose so folks can get serious about their [...]
February 24, 2006
Carnaval
Carnaval 2006 kicked off Wednesday evening with the ceremonial Burning of the Bad Moods on a stage set up in the street in front of the Municipal Building adjacent to the Plaza de la Independencia. The elaborately decorated stage was as wide as the street.
The ceremony was preceded by a dance contest amongst a number [...]
February 22, 2006
Send O’Reilly to Darfur Pledge Drive Report
“Kristof’s Pledge Drive Yields $727,568 to Send Bill O’Reilly to Darfur”
And I thought it was a joke. This should suggest an income opportunity to the unscrupulous.
February 22, 2006
Birth Announcement
The avocado seed I planted some weeks ago has given birth to a sprout which is now developing its initial set of leaves.
As you can see in the picture below, my little tree nursery on the patio now includes the papaya that my neighbor Ignacio wrenched from his yard and dropped to me over the [...]
February 21, 2006
Francis Fukuyama
Can someone please tell me why anyone should give any credence what-so-ever to what Francis Fukuyama has to say, let alone buy his books?
The guy is a professor at Johns Hopkins University and cranks out books like pasta, probably on the university’s dollar; but he changes is ideological clothes like an adolescent in the midst [...]
February 21, 2006
Carnaval
I imagine if these grandstands, erected in Hunucma for the upcoming Carnaval celebrations, were erected in the USA, the fire and police chiefs, the OSHA inspector, the insurance company risk manager and a host of others would be shitting bricks.
Though there have already been something like 18 Caranval parties that have rotated around Merida’s major [...]
February 20, 2006
There’s No Damned Towels
Actually, there were towels in the $200 per night Cancun hotel room; but they just weren’t large enough for Dan, my good friend and neighbor of 30 years. So he used the bedspread.
I ran across this picture in my computer files this morning, while searching for another photo, and rolled over laughing just as I [...]
February 20, 2006
Leones de Yucatan
My big adventure today was bussing to El Parque Kukulkan home of Los Leones de Yucatan. Los Leones play in the Southern division of the Mexican League.
I had hoped to buy a ticket to opening night on March 22 but was informed single tickets don’t go on sale until March 1. Now one may only [...]
February 20, 2006
He Forgot To Include Spelling
I have for some time been meaning to post this picture that my friend Angela sent me.
I wonder if the picture was taken at one of the “astro turf” anti-gambling demonstrations Ralph Reed organized using funding that Jack Abramoff got from Indian tribes operating casinos.
February 20, 2006
"Senate Coverup Committee"
Sen. Pat Roberts of Kansas, chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, has done everything he has been able to cover up the Bush administration’s misdeed and lies. Apparently Roberts has carried the White House water a bit too far.
The L. A. Times has opined that:“THAT THE UNITED STATES Senate has a body called the [...]
February 20, 2006
KaTravels Blog
Kat is living and teaching in Merida and has a great blog chronicling her experiences here in well composed narratives and wonderful photos. Check it out.
Kat also makes fine chili which I sampled at the Merida English Library’s cook off.
February 18, 2006
One Hell Of A Big Tree
I believe this a Kapok tree. I happeneded upon it yesterday while out for an extended walk around the Itzimna area. I have noticed a number of other large specimens around town.
I have since read that the Kapok tree can grow to 150 feet tall and 9 feet in diameter. The trees [...]
February 17, 2006
Correspondence From A Reader
I’m thinking that everyone should have to opportunity to read this highly literate comment that anonymous left under my Train Station post. If you’re interested you can read my response by going to the post.
I’m really offended by the suggestion that I’m a child of the 70s. I’m a child of the 60s, and [...]
February 17, 2006
Leaked USA Army Report Catalogs Abuse
Abu Ghraib leaked report reveals full extent of abuse
· 1,325 images of suspected detainee abuse· 93 video files of suspected detainee abuse· 660 images of adult pornography· 546 images of suspected dead Iraqi detainees· 29 images of soldiers in simulated sexual acts [...]
February 17, 2006
Celestun Is Well Worth A Visit
Every tourist guide I have consulted since beginning my Yucatan research, in preparation for my move here, recommends a trip to Celestun. The guides cite the boat excursions through the tidal estuary of the Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve that afford views and photo opportunities of the vast flocks of flamingos; hundreds of other bird species; [...]
February 16, 2006
Byrd Defoliates Bush
In case you haven’t seen the transcript of heard the actual speech, Sen. Robert Byrd of West Virginia has lambasted the president and his administration for its violations of the law and Constitution. I added the bold type in the following excerpt. I encourage you to read the entire speech. Senator Byrd, [...]
February 15, 2006
A Couple of Great Videos
This morning the compact DVD player hi fi system I bought was delivered, and I immediately watched both of the DVDs I brought with me.
First I watched the Dixie Chicks performance in the Kodak Theatre. Lead singer Natalie Maines’ somewhat rough and tumble vocals are sweetened by the very precise harrmonies of sisters Emily Robison [...]
February 15, 2006
More Abu Ghraib Photos Make Me Ashamed
If you want to see what the Bush administration and USA service personnel are doing in your name, an Australian TV station has obtained additional photos of the abuse at Abu Ghraib. This stuff sickens me, and makes me ashamed to admit that I am of the USA.
Having said that, I believe that the [...]
