Just some miscellaneous ramblings from an Upstate New Yorker.


Saturday, September 28, 2013

Sasha's commentary for September 28, 2013

Thursday was a blast. I enjoyed speaking on behalf of the Children's Hospital of Phildelphia's Center for Autism Research. I thank Gail and the rest of the staff at the Center for having me and giving me the chance to speak. I promise a much better speech when I speak next year. But I'm hoping the speaking engagement yesterday only leads to further opportunities.

I have had penpals (albeit electronically) but a fifty-five year friendship that spans half the world? Incredible! I'm glad that these two women have finally gotten to meet in person.

I've never been to Buffalo, but I've heard my share of stories about the town. One of the world's most beautiful rail stations is in Buffalo, waiting for it's second chance of life. I agree with the blogger on the subject of the Buffalo Bills and on other aspects. Definitely an interesting read, whether you're from Buffalo or not. Natives to Buffalo feel a strong affinity to the city, something I'm truly impressed with.

Note to Anderson Cooper: Stop insulting Dyngus Day. Although I'm Russian-American (and we're known for our bad blood with the Poles), I'm with Polonia and the Polish community in Buffalo on this one.

A continuing sad saga from Saratoga County. Last winter, a college student in the Capital Region plowed into an SUV, killing two teens and injuring another two. I know one Shenendehowa grad (who is a crush of mine) and the story made statewide news. The only nice thing about these sad stories is how communities come together. A word of wisdom: it's best to drive NOT under the influence.

I will probably never have the chance to help a commercial airline pilot help land a plane as a result of one of the pilots being incapacitated, but I'm pretty sure that several hundred hours of flying in simulators somewhat qualifies me. My condolences to the family of the pilot who had the fatal heart attack.

Wendy Davis, I wish you the best of luck as you run for governor. Your win would be a watershed moment. Of course, I've heard rumors of her not being too warm on the subject of marriage equality, but I bet if the Texas legislature did an end-of-the-world move and approved a same-sex marriage bill, she'd pull a John Lynch, as I've said. And the Democrats have a good chance this cycle. Sure, TX Attorney General Greg Abbot is the frontrunner, but who knows where it will end?

Kudos to the Maryland MTA and Governor Martin O'Malley for bringing weekend commuter rail service to Maryland! I'm sure that the maxim "if you build it they will come" WILL apply in this instance. It's truly time we invest more money into our infrastructure in this country. It puts people to work as well. We spend 2.3% of GDP on infrastructure. For acceptable standards, more monies are needed. Developing nations in some cases have nicer airports than the United States. Even spending 5% would be a huge improvement. I hope to in my lifetime see coast-to-coast high speed rail.

It's no surprise that Americans have a low opinion of federal government employees. No surprise at all. Americans have always had a hatred of the IRS, and this year only made things worse.

If Republicans have their minimal support for Obamacare and have their objections to blocking budget votes, why vote against it in the first place? If it's a political ploy, then get over it. No lie, Cruz's tactics are purely wrong. Just flat out wrong. I'm glad that Ted Cruz isn't making friends on Capital Hill. Heck, the student Ted Cruz cited isn't really against Obamacare, but in fact, grateful for it. Even Nicolle Wallace has dim hopes for the GOP succeeding on a shutdown, and agrees that the Tea Party behavior is risky. I'm hoping the Tea Party has reached its death knoll. The Tea Baggers themselves aren't really liked by the American public.

Once again, Bravo is showing itself as the TV channel for idiots. Melissa Gorga, from the NJ version, has written a chauvinistic book which only Republicans could love. It advocates martial rape, which sadly some see as acceptable. That being said, I'd love to meet the Lauritas.

It turns out that all naps are good, but the extent and length of the nap is what is important. Usually when I nap, I'll nap for two hours or so. Cat naps never work for me.

This mom and her two-year old have got it going!

Why should there be a cure for autism if individuals with the condition don't want a cure? That being said, I guess I can ONLY advocate for a cure for those who have struggles with basic daily living tasks. Those of use who could live independently could use acceptance more than anything else. The Seattle ASAN chapter gets my full support in their protest. And there's no lie here: Autism Speaks tends to poorly use their research funding. But when it comes to awareness, that's something they do pretty well.

I'll tell you why the conservatives only because more radical: first, people who vote tend to be more towards the ends of the spectrum (i.e. radical); second, we have a non-100% white president in the White House and three, in recent years religion has tainted politics.

Kardashian Kollection? RIDICULOUS! That's all I'm saying. It's a big name with poor quality.

I think the EU should start regulating European air carriers. To let Alitalia die would be horrible. Lufthansa is like a fat man: it eats everything in its sight. I am a critic of airline deregulation as all it does is foster instability.

* And finally, if anyone has any advice on how I can better deal with my somewhat abusive younger stepbrother, let me know.

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