IS DONALD TRUMP SUPERCILIOUS?

If you watch the body language of Donald  J. Trump one might think he's supercilious. With an education in a military school and exposure to a highly successful family it is not presumptuous to think this to be the truth. Trump was "surrounded by wealth and privilege at a tender age.' He learned the art of a deal from his father. Tonight we may be on the verge of a political meltdown.


America has a conscience.. just look at Watergate. But that was long ago and far away. The Rule of the Internet continues to redefine our fast-track living styles.. for some Donald Trump is a steamroller. Nothing seems to stop him... nothing. Has the Republican Party met its Waterloo? The arrogance of the elected opens up opportunities for those who want to be serving their fellow man.


What if American's are faced with such a proposition? The New World Order may be at hand .Hand-held devices including tablets and a myriad of electronics are thwarting reality as we knew it in the fifties. We live longer with miracle medicines and experience miracles behind the wheel with driverless cars. Isn't it great?


Climate Change has changed the way we look at meteorology yet there still isn't any cure for the common cold. Tobacco reigns supreme as man's worst enemy. The lifers in Washington take monies from the tobacco lobby and turn their backs to it all yet as corrupt as things may be, America remains the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.


VOTE, damn it! Show the rascals the way out of Washington! Why not put a scare in them.

 

They no longer deserve our trust.

TRUMP SLAMS MEDIA

The brash, bold and audacious Donald Trump is unrelenting in his chastisement of the mainstream media. At a speech in Valdosta, Georgia, Mr. Trump singlehandedly zeroed in on the likes of Time, CNN and the rest. Simply stated, The Donald just doesn't care who he offends. Traditionally news people were in the good graces of candidates. I swear JFK did not have any enemies as he fielded questions.




La

st night I watched with great interest  West Virginia reporters ask questions of Hubert Humphry and John Kennedy. Both candidates were demure ion their styles. Not Trump. He goes for the jugular. Maybe this is good as "the best defense is the best offense." It's only March 1st. Trump does not show any signs of weakening. full speed ahead.


I think the media is required to tell the truth. 'No tickey.. no laundry." Apparently his 'Dog and pony show" will keep going like the Duracell battery. Everybody wants a piece of Donald Trump and Donald Trump wants a piece of everybody. He is appealing to the masses... black and white, rich or poor, fat or skinny, old and young. Everybody.


Trump is breathtaking and his speeches have no real definition other than "the wall, ISIS, drug cartels, insurance companies... the whole nine yards. Is his pontification against the establishment called for? YES. Will this get him the Nomination? I guess so.


There's a raucous in Donald Trump's style at times. This elicits rebellion from the crowds... be it media or man. Some people  are responding in such ways, The Donald speaks with supreme authority ""Get 'em out." Interruptions are becoming more prevalent. His rambling is like a rose. His appearance justifies his message. Donald Trump isn't that lighthearted so it seems.


Trump minces his words sometimes. I don't know just how good his vocabulary is? He's loose with his tongue using hell more and more.


So, tomorrow is the day. Please vote!

TRUMP IS A WORLDWIDE PHENOMENON

Donald J. Trump is a worldwide phenomenon. His running for President this time around is a "rare and significant event." Trust me! European medias, Australian, Asian...all are poised in to witness an American barnburner of thee highest order. March 1, 2016.."SUPER TUESDAY"

In many ways tomorrow's vote will be more exciting than Election Day come November. I know I am excited as are sons Ben & Josh.


Pam Metayer gave me a TRUMP sticker this morning. I'm committed. We don't need any more lifers in Washington. "Vote for Trump" he doesn't need the money.. he needs power! Trump is a big guy 6'2''. Only his hairdresser knows. In talking with "the man on the street" I have heard more "yes" answers than "no" in "who are you voting for?"


America's fighting spirit for Liberty goes back to the First Massachusetts Governor, John Winthrop: 'We must always consider that we shall be a city upon a hill - the eyes of all people are upon us."


'And so my fellow Americans'.. "vote," and the choice will be yours; don't vote and the choice will be theirs."


Satellites and sound-bites will fill the airs tomorrow. You must know America is truly the envy of the World...."of thee I sing."

CALVIN COOLIDGE LIVES ON IN NORTHAMPTON!

I have been screwing around trying to post my blog about my trip to Northampton. Both Amherst and Northampton really thrill me. It was in June of 1959 American Legion Mike Zugrovich transported my 17 year old body to attend Boys State at U-Mass. Little  did I know what influence attending Boys State would have on my life and what Amherst and Northampton would have in my development.


Essentially I'm a country boy but just two years later I began to blossom intellectually through influence of one Frank Cooke. I was being introduced to the finer things in like antique Rolls Royce motor cars, Diane, his daughter and Byron. I then catapulted my life's journey to Saint Louis University as a Transfer student. I was 20.


Leaving home twice, once for college then twice for the U.S. Army saw me come of age, big time. Service in Vietnam further broadened my horizons. The funny thing is my neighbors, Chuck and Pat McCarthy were products of Amherst and Northampton! They both were college graduate and introduced me to the real world. Their son is Kevin.


This educated duo from North Brookfield slammed-dunked me into what the educated class was all about. Included was the reputation of President Calvin Coolidge. This morning I went to the Forbes Library and chatted with Julie Bartlett Nelson who is Archivist of the Calvin Coolidge collections. I signed the book "Mecca" and made a donation of a crisp ten dollar bill. How wonderful to make a profound discovery as I turn the corner to age 74 in July.


This Presidential Library is set by Coolidge's time in Northampton, Boston and the White House. He was quite a guy, that Coolidge. Will Rogers, noted columnist of the time joked about President Coolidge all the time. Of course, back then, newspapers and radio reigned supreme in our plain vanilla world. Artifacts in the Coolidge Museum reveal how simple life was back then. They also reveal both the public and personal lives of Calvin and wife Grace and sons, Calvin and John.


As mentioned I once interviewed John Coolidge in Farmington, CT. in the mid-seventies.


The Coolidge Library and Museum can be found on West Street, Northampton. jbartlett@forbeslibrary.org is there to help you. www.forbeslibrary.org or 413-587-1014 ..

IT WAS A GOOD SUNDAY!

Slow to start with, news programs everywhere and no New York Sunday Times so I purchased the Hartford Courant. Three bucks and not worth it. "I want my New York Times." and I found one in Sturbridge...six dollars. The newspaper is good as I enjoy morning up on my writing skills.


Mexican strawberries at Walmart-Ware. A treat. Five bucks. Decent tasting. Splenda added. I drove to Ware to look for wallpaper borders at Lowes. Tacky. I want to define my blue-tango office with some class. At least I have some new ideas on decorating. Maybe tomorrow I will find something in Northampton?






No Ben, no Josh today. My kids are busy with family. I find things to do like taking a nap. Today's weather was superb. It felt like early Spring. Can't wait to resume my walking and getting a dose of sunshine. But the big news was Seton Hall' victory over Xavier U. 90 - 81 in Newark. It was a great game and a wonderful victory to relish. Go Hall! The newspapers may give us some ink tomorrow?!






In watching Donald Trump in the South before a crowd of an amazing 35,000 well-wishers trouble irrupted with some black demonstrators touting clench raised fists. Trump seemed testy  as he dealt with several issues. Then there was a dude wearing an Uncle Sam top hat walking back and forth behind the master.It's almost like the crowds are TOO big. Then The Donald pointed out to thousands left on the outside." Get the fire department to allow them in.


"


Marco Rubio is pontificating on the foibles of Donald Trump. Trump depreciates the Senator's good faith efforts in the campaign.






Tonight, I watched with great interest the ways of a coin dealer. I dug out my Red Book and will reserve judgment with the millions of dollars of silver bullion and Peace Silver Dollars sold. They are shooting fish in a barrel, my friends. I say "buy locally." I have been at coins since 1955 and feel I have an understanding of numismatics. I don't have an understanding of bunions and false teeth, however.






Be sure to leap tomorrow as it will be February 29th. It will not be a blue Monday as I just got off of the phone with Fats Domino. LOL. Mike's comments of the old rockers noted.

SANDERS, A PLAUSIBLE CANDIDATE FOR THE PRESIDENCY

White-haired Bernie Sanders socked it to the Trumpster in a speech from Rochester, MN. Mr. Sanders, in his stolid delivery of truisms before  what appeared to be a younger crowd went on, and on, and on. His pointed fingers and avuncular style revealed a mist like a March shower in late February to the attentive world around him.




Many don't know Bernie Sanders is Jewish. So what. At age 74, I listened to wisdom. He's a Vermonter born in Brooklyn, NY, and has keen insights to the System no other candidate may know. He slams Wall  Street, big drug companies as well as insurance companies. He's plausible in his quest for the Nation's highest office: The Presidency.




It was surprising for Bernie Sanders to save his thunder until the end of his speech. Boy, did he slam Donald Trump and all Trump stands for. Mr. Sanders showed his fire in his belly which means he really wants the Presidency. Does Bernie Sanders have a chance of winning? A definite maybe.


 Voters had a prime time viewing of Uncle Bernie. He is the antithesis of Donald Trump.


Maybe this Saturday Night Live - live broadcast will solidify folks who don't know a lot about "Colonel Sanders." He even looks like the colonel. I can identify with his message as I am hardly a rich man...da.da.da da.da and I'm no fiddler on the roof.




Tonight's hallmark speech can turn Bernie Sander's position. As I said, his candidacy for President is revealed for real. Don't forget to vote on Tuesday... and the race is on!

BUDDY HOLLY

"In just eighteen months , Buddy Holly recorded 9 top ten smash hits. He was ahead of his time. He died before his time. His music lives on." My Buddy Holly LP cost me $18 a few years back. It is that valuable to me here in advancing years. His music is immortal. So are my memories of the advent or Rock n Roll.


As this new fad emerged in our society I was hip. I'm glad I was hip as Buddy Holly rings true in my spirit. Some of his songs are adapted to easy listening.others are toe-tapping which shows age has really nothing to do with good living. I don't do Judge Judy or so much of the other stuff they call entertainment. I am a purist. Buddy Holly's music fits the bill.


Here ae twenty songs for your pleasure. 1.That'll Be The Day. 2. "Peggy Sue"3.  "Words of Love" 4. Everyday 5. Note Fade Away. 6. "Oh Boy" 7. "Maybe Baby" 8."Listen To Me"  9. Heartbeat 10. "Think It Over"


11. It Doesn't Matter Anymore 12. "It's So Easy" 13. "Well...Alright" 14. "Rave On" 15. "Raining Inn My Heart 16. "True Love Ways" 17. "Peggy Sue Got Married' 18. "Bo Diddley" 19 "Brown Eyed Handsome Man" 20. "Wishing"..


Your favorite? Mine "'Raining In My Heart."


Playing 45rpm records was fun at North Brookfield High School at noon as my classmates danced; playing records tonight as I do my swan song to February 2016 is even better.. "Rave On!"

CHUCK BERRY - A REALLY OLD ROCKER

I am particular to the music of Chuck Berry as he lives in "Saint Louis." Chuck and The Fat Man were at rock and roll's gate at the very beginning in 1955 and seem to still be going strong in 2016. I love it.


Familiar Berry song titles grace the decades of music we love. 'Johnny B. Goode,'  'School Days,' 'Reeeling and rocking,' 'Rock and roll Music,' 'Sweet Little Sixteen'  are but a few of Chuck Berry super hits. I own 'The Best of the Best of Chuck Berry' LP album. I think I would have to draw straws between Chuck Berry and Fats Domino. How about you?


I have seen a Chuck Berry Tribute on TV several years ago. His "back beat" is truly unique.

IS AMERICA REALLY READY FOR A DONALD TRUMP PRESIDENCY?

Today's headline in the New York Times points the finger at the now-defunct Trump University. I don't like the implications of non-truths revealed in this poignant article. Was it a con-job by Trump's high-rolling real estate crew? Trump University was founded in 2004 as an on-line operation as read in the Times article. "There are people that borrowed $36,000 to get rich quick. Were the suckered in? Rubio said "it was a fake school."


Wikipedia has a historic accounting of The Trump Organization and its 515subsidiaries.. 264 of them bearing Trump's name. Amazing. Today the "number of employees is an amazing 22,450! Heck, these numbers pare with Aetna, my former employer. Further, Donald Trump's services are 1. Construction 2. Real estate development 3. Entertainment & Hospitality 4. Retailing & Online  Shopping  5. Diversified investments.


These operations are Global and staggering. "Trump this, Trump that,  a Trump emperor, he has had since 1971.From carousels to skating rinks, to vineyards, The Donald has no clothes. Him and Bloomberg own New York City, so it seems. He is absolutely "FILTHY RICH." But here's the question, can Donald Trump really identify with the lonely poor and Middle class? Richard Nixon comes to mind with his Imperial Presidency.


The article says Trump has between $100,000 and $200,000 in gold. How much is really enough I ask. This political race of 2016 is being churned by controversy, criticism and calamity. Some well-to-do types favor Marco Rubio for President. Just remember the wisdom of announcer John Chancellor "Someone BIG will grow small... and someone SMALL will grow rich!" Is trump being deposed by Rubio?


Stay tuned. Trump's wealth is truly incomprehensible by the masses.

AFFECTIONALLY, ANTOINE "FATS" DOMINO

I was in the eighth grade at St. Joseph School, North Brookfield, Mass. when I first heard the name Fats Domino. Cousin Paul Kizzle and I compared notes on this new type of music called Rock N Roll. We were amused by all of the newcomers to life's stage from Pat Boone to Bill Haley. We were teeniboppers looking for love.






Sock hops prevailed at the monstrosity of a town hall. We literally danced in our socks.Behind all of this din came The Fat Man from New Orleans.There was something unique Fats Domino. Maybe his square hair do/ Maybe his belly fat? Maybe his Jambalaya? Maybe his blueberry hill? Mr. Domino played a mean keyboard with his stubby hands from heaven. All I know is I love Fats Domino.


At age 88 today, the fat man lives. His songs are immortal and appeal to all of humankind in the Western Hemisphere. I have a tired old LP somewhere in my maze of stuff and it will take me tomorrow to find my favorite record: Fats Domino. This blog is now amended.. I know you will enjoy reminiscing the hits of the man who gave us rock and roll.


Isn't it wonderful to vave Uncle Fats Domino in our advancing years. He da man!


So here goes some memories of The Fat Man: 1. Ain't That A Shame 2. I'm In Love Again 3. Blueberry Hill 4. Blue Monday 5. I'm Walkin 6. Whole Lotta of Lovin 7. I Want To Walk You Home
8. I'm Gonna Be A Wheel Someday 9. Walking to New Orleans 10. Let the Four Winds Blow 11. Jambalya (On The Bayou.


How's that...Fats lives in New Orleans!

TRUMP AS PRESIDENT?

"Trump as President?" I think Donald Trump will make a good president. Why? Because he already has "celebrity status."Today's New York tabloids are sucking up the Donald Trump image. Nobody, I repeat nobody, has the panache The Donald has. His dash or flamboyance tells all.


I think the Presidency, if he makes it, will reveal a new, more shopworn Donald Trump. He's pushing 70 and, like old Ronald Reagan, Donald Trump wears things well. He needs bigger bodyguards be cause he's so big himself. The Presidential limousine  will take his torso as if he's a movie star. They say "circumstances don't make the man.. they reveal him. Trump is a tough Dude.


But we must remember Donald Trump is human. We want and need a winner, a person with aplomb, a person who will act naturally.


Watch out for Super Tuesday! More than 10 states will vote. Hopefully the weather will be decent. "Old folks" do much of the voting. I am currently a Registered Republican (though and Independent) and am getting excited about the whole thing.


Few know I ran for office in 2000. Fewer know I got 5,157 votes. Less know I received 544 votes in my hometown of North Brookfield and 44 votes in West Brookfield. Running for office was fun. It is something I always wanted to do. As I enjoy helping people, I say "why not.?" "Vote and the choice is yours; don't vote and the choice is theirs."


 It seems the Republicans have little to contest Trump. What does this mean? I see where the Governor of New Jersey threw his support to trump.Watch him get a Cabinet Post if Trump wind!


Fats Domino is on television tonight on PBS. Antoine is 88 years old. "

I'm Walkin."

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE PRESIDENT

'What  It Means To Be President' by President J. Calvin Coolidge, found  The American Magazine, July  1929 , was located by me this morning at the Robert Frost Library at Amherst College, Amherst, Massachusetts. Because Calvin Coolidge is an alumni I had an inkling I might find something in their archives. I sure did; I found two media boxes full of articles spanning the lifetime of the man from Plymouth Notch who would become President of the United States.


Coolidge was an anomaly in the process of being elected president. He was born on July 4, 1872, sworn in in the Summer of 1923 by his father with whom he was visiting in Vermont when word reached the duo that Warren G. Harding had died making father and son news around Planet Earth in the dim light of a kerosene lamp.


In 1924 in Cal's quest for election came the party's cry 'KEEP COOL AND KEEP COOLIDGE." It worked. The former mayor from Northampton, Mass., the former Lieutenant Governor, the former Governor and so on climbed into the presidency with both shoes on. Like "Abraham' Calvin was honesty and it shows in his abundance of writings.


The following is an example of what I mean: "If others make mistakes they can be relieved, and oftentimes a remedy can be provided. But the President cannot retire. His decisions are final and usually irreparable. This constitutes the appalling burden of his office." It is like what President Harry Truman was famous for 'THE BUCK STOPS HERE." I like Mr. Truman and I like Calvin Coolidge!


Ronald Reagan, too, admired  I think as did the media according to this Mother Lode discovered. Better yet the Coolidge Presidential Library  is located at the Forbes Library in Northampton.. and so, here I go next week. Return to sender.


This article on Coolidge was published by The Crowell Publishing Company. The content is something so special to me thanks to Mariah, librarian. Further Coolidge wrote "Every day of the Presidential life is crowded with activities. He admits to meeting thousands of visitors and walking his dog and taking a nap. 'I always preferred to shave myself with old fashioned razors which I knew how to keep in good condition.

Calvin Coolidge was a Yankee farmer and never forgot his Plymouth Notch roots... never. YouTube reveals a testimony of his Roaring Twenties in office. He sure knew how to get out when the getting was good. "I choose not to run in 1928." Calvin Coolidge was a dedicated public servant... a rare breed, indeed and to think I had the pleasure of interviewing his son, John, in later years pleases me to no end.


I think I will send this article to Donald Trump as The Donald might learn something from The Calvin.


Remember the beer commercial" "Coolidge?"

PRESIDENT CALVIN COOLIDGE

As winter winds down I wound up my Pontiac Grand AM and headed for the hills of Southern Vermont To Plymouth. The round trip took 302 miles RT and it was the antithesis of Driving to Boston! For the real first time I plugged in my gps and heard the directions from "the lady of the sky." With 24 satellites directing me, I lost contact only 3 times.


I was reliving my youth as far back as 1957 Hogback Mountain was in my blood. Ginger Mansfield, Home Ec teacher was a skier  and took us boys to the hills. Further, Don Kent, meteorologist touted Hogback in his weather forecasts along with Mount Snow and its out of door pool. Then in 1959 I drove back with dad. His words came back to me today.

COOLIDGE WAS BORN ON THE 4TH OF JULY 1872!

COOLIDGE WAS GOVERNOR OF MASSACHUSETTS!

."Bob, I'd like to live to the year 2000." He made it to 1986.


My solitary journey was spiritual. No radio, no discs, just beautiful mountains on this last leg of winter. As I drove up I-91 into Vermont the grandeur of the Green Mountains in a distance told me I was headed in the right direction. Once I alighted from the Eisenhower Interstate, tiny town after town seemed asleep. Patches of snow were transformed into a formidable covering of the white stuff. But with each mile I traveled north, the traffic seemed to be just me.


As I got closer to President Calvin Coolidge's birthplace my enthusiasm for our 30th President grew. From my boyhood to a college a term paper entitled "The Man Behind The Myth" and the gentleman's "C" received from Dr. Steinbicker at Saint Louis U, everything about Coolidge came to life. The tiny town of Plymouth is truly a sleepy hollow. Maybe six antique buildings grace the grounds where Grace and Calvin are buried in the cemetery. I didn't know what to expect?


Then I observed a sign PLYMOUTH CHEESE and an Open Flag limping in the snow-generated-fog. Great. This wonderful country store reflects the traditions of the Coolidge family cheese enterprise that was founded in 1890. I knew this as I once interviewed President Coolidge's son, John while living in Connecticut.


The bell rang as I waked in and here was "Mark" labeling waxed blocks of Vermont cheddar. Yummy.  I spoke and Mark Listened as if I were The Ancient Mariner. I dumped my bucket of Coolidgeisms. For an hour we spoke about so many good things .Mark He learned ; I learned. Mark's from Chicago. PLYMOUTHCHEESE.COM is the real deal. Why not check it out?


The country roads of Vermont are equal to John Denver's Country Roads of West Virginia. Earlier in the day I filled up with John Denver on Slackr radio.


The trip back was formidable but not as enjoyable as watching Calvin Coolidge on YouTube. Coolidge has come alive in time for tonight's Debate. I can hardly wait. I may return to Plymouth Notch in apple blossom time, my favorite time of the year. Today's trip and visit was a jewel.. Thanks for the cheese, Mark!