GOP and Dems Alike, Everybody Wants to Pound Julia

Poor Mexico – so far from God, and so close to the United States. – Mexican folk aphorism, often erroneously attributed to José de la Cruz Porfirio Díaz Mori Cinco de Mayo isn’t Mexican Independence Day; that’s September 16.  It isn’t the date of the Mexican Constitution – that’s February 5.  It isn’t the date… Continue reading GOP and Dems Alike, Everybody Wants to Pound Julia

Bo Xilai and Bo Guagua – Beaux Yeux or Bo Zeux?

He began calling early Thursday, trying to get a telephone consultation appointment, but I was booked solid.  Since we were working this weekend, Gretchen finally managed to fit him in on Saturday afternoon. Bo: Hello?  Tom Collins? Tom: Yes. Bo: This is Bo Guagua.  How are you? Tom: Fine, thanks.  And you? Bo: I’ve been… Continue reading Bo Xilai and Bo Guagua – Beaux Yeux or Bo Zeux?

Secret Service Bedroom Video Scandal Avoided

Last night, before taking in Arias with a Twist at the Woolly Mammoth Theater, Cerise and I were relaxing over tapas at Jaleo.  While we waited for our order to arrive, Beaumont noticed me and sidled over.  He’s a very decent sort, and works for the Secret Service.  Some people, of course, might wonder about… Continue reading Secret Service Bedroom Video Scandal Avoided

Kim Jong Un Endures North Korea’s Failure to Launch

The unusually warm winter and early spring here in Washington this year resulted in some strange and wonderful things – the flowering cherry trees, which respond to temperature, came out in advance of the forsythia, which responds to the light cycle.  Crocuses, daffodils and tulips, which ordinarily bloom in a predictable sequence, all decided to… Continue reading Kim Jong Un Endures North Korea’s Failure to Launch

The GSA – Uncle Sam’s Landlord Knows How to Live

Ballantine and I went to college together, which is to say, we attended it at the same time and were in several of the same classes.  The last I knew, he was in the Senior Executive Service with GSA Region 9, which is out on the west coast.  So I hadn’t seen him in quite a while… Continue reading The GSA – Uncle Sam’s Landlord Knows How to Live