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Opinion

British Humour

Good to know the American presidential race is attracting attention in England. I often read Kim Bailey’s entertaining blog, http://www.kimbaileyracing.com, which always includes a joke.

Here’s his joke from a few days ago. It’s an old one, with a lot of variations, but I like this one. 

Pain in the Neck

Out of network. Pre-approved. Co-pay. X-ray. CT scan. MRI. Acutely herniated. C6-C7. Hot mess. Radiculopathy. Severe compression. Christiana Spine Center. Finger extensions weak. Pre-existing condition. Nerve root. Rate your pain. Multilevel degenerative spondylosis. Disc osteophyte complexes. Severe neural foraminal encroachment. Epidural injection. Metaxalone. Gabapentin. Hydrocodone. Diclofenac. Medral dose pack. Numbness. Disc replacement? Fusion? Surgery postponed. Insurance. Insurance. Insurance.  … Read more

A win for what?

Minutes removed from Spotlight being awarded the Oscar for Best Picture Sunday came the predictable consensus about a film involving hard-nosed investigative journalism being awarded the top prize from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Krakauer on writing

People clutched dog-eared copies of paperbacks and worn-looking hardcovers as they filed into Page Hall on the University at Albany Downtown Campus Tuesday evening.

The books they toted – with titles such as Into The Wild, Into Thin Air, Where Men Win Glory, and Three Cups of Deceit – were as diverse as the people carrying them. Students mixed with retirees, young professionals sat alongside seasoned veterans of the white- and blue-collar workforces.

Corn-fed, grand stamp, snaffle-mouthed…

A friend of mine once asked me if I ever sold a horse. I said, “Of course.” Then, he said, “Then I don’t trust you.”

With that in mind, I just perused the Tattersalls Ireland Ascot catalogue, scheduled for Feb. 23, and read the comments on the pedigree pages. Classic lines produced by the owners or trainers of the horses, they make you want to hitch the trailer and go to the sale. Now, I wonder which ones we can trust?

Northbound with the band

What a difference four and a half days make. The buses are headed north, home from sunny Florida and Disney. The band’s performance went great, so did the choir’s concert. But, man, these kids are quiet. No movies, no jokes, no conversations, everybody (OK, probably not everybody) is asleep.

Southbound with Lilo, Stitch, Leonard and the band

The wifi stinks, so does the legroom. The movie choices are odd (the credits to Lilo and Stitch are rolling). There are two kids in Disney character snuggies (maybe) across the aisle. Four rows in front of me, Leonard the bus driver just keeps on steering – straight and steady. He’s with us until Florence, S.C., where his relief awaits. He’ll get eight hours sleep and drive home in the morning. We’ll keep on heading south.

Polling a 7-year-old

Confused about the presidential election? Don’t be alarmed, ashamed or abashed – the candidates seem confused, too. I look for logic from Miles, 7, on most things. Yes, even the presidential election. He’s watched several debates and has formed strong opinions.

Here’s some of his thoughts, questions and stances after watching the most recent Republican debate.

Winter Wonderland: Surviving Jonas

Jonas – 1. Sean – 0.

It began Friday, we knew it was coming. We filled the cars with gas. Filled two cans of diesel fuel for the tractor. Found the snow shovel. Stacked hay on the wagon next to the fence, so we could kick bales into the field, like footballs from a tee. Bought an inflatable mattress for the tack room, in case the help stayed (hilarious). Stocked the kitchen with bread, milk, eggs, cereal, frozen pizzas, beer. Annie planned a meal for every night, frozen pizzas were the last resort.

Winter wonderland of work with horses

“All right, you **********ers . . . I don’t want to see anything but elbows and **** flying.” With that bellow, from the top of the narrow stairway to the lower barn, and those well-placed profanities, Lonnie Fuller announced the beginning of storm preparations.