Walking On Sunshine - Pomplamoose

Charleston Tragedy

The tragedy of the Charleston killings is appalling. This has sparked reaction on many fronts. The obvious one is the blatant racism of the killer, Dylann Roof, who sported patches from former apartheid nations of Rhodesia and South Africa. It has also brought forth the old issue of guns in America. It seems for many it seems it's defending their second amendment rights were under attack instead of worrying about the nine people who are dead. The NRA blames the church for not allowing "open carry" which they say would have prevented the tragedy. Seriously? Priorities seem to be a bit backwards.


The confederate flag has come under fire also as a relic of the past. I admit as a Civil War buff I've had mixed feelings about the flag. Although I think this falls first amendment protection for the individual citizen or private group  I don't feel it should be displayed on any state or Federal property. It's sad that over 150 years since the war ended that it's still prominently displayed. It really should come down, the war is over.

It's sad that we can't seem to find some middle ground as far as gun control without gun enthusiasts entrenching themselves in rhetoric and weak arguments. Honestly little will probably be done as most politicians fear support from southern voters and the wrath of the very vocal NRA who solution it seems is that everyone needs a gun.

I like big libraries, I cannot lie

As the balls deflate

 

As a New Englander it's hard not to be unaware of this whole deflated balls mess with the New England Patriots . Even as we're closing in on summer this pound or two of pressure is still causing all this fuss. I'm only a Patriots fan by default as I'm really a hockey guy as I was more concerned who the new Bruins GM was going to be (Congrats to Don Sweeney for the selection!).

Of course the big news of the days was the reaction of Bob Kraft capitulating at the spring NFL owners meeting and is supposedly all hugs and kisses with Roger Goodell, the NFL commissioner. In short he gives the reasoning that he won't fight the team sanction part of the penalty(draft picks and million dollar fine). This has had everyone scratching there heads as the last couple of weeks Bob had sworn for blood to fight it all. the way. Supposedly he saw the light decided, reluctantly,  to not pursue the matter for the better of the NFL. Yeah right.

Although I'm not expert but I think a few things happened,  more probably than not. First I think he got there and had realized he had little or no support from fellow owners. Let's face it, outside New England the Patriots and Brady are hated with a passion for a number of reasons. We've probably beat their butts at one time or another. Plus the issue of spygate several years back has them already with a black mark.

Another theory going around is that some sort of back channel talks have been going on and maybe Kraft dropped the issue if they'd give Brady a break on the suspension. Of Goodell is in denial of this in his most recent news conference. One has to realize to is that any back room dealing would most likely be considered confidential with a unofficial nondisclosure type of agreement so all involved could deny it. Kind of wink and a nudge type of agreement. So I wouldn't be too quick to dismiss this theory.

Last, it's possible that the Roger Goodell had something more that wasn't revealed in the controversial Wells report. May have promised a bigger fight than Kraft was willing to take on at this point.

It would seem that Tom Brady is on his own at the moment. I don't see how they'll raise a championship banner while Superbowl MVP is serving his suspension. I'm hoping and predicting it'll get cut(hopefully) to just a game or two. I don't see Tom getting totally off on this one. Only time will tell what happens as this isn't over just yet.

It really is the Patriots verses the world in this case. This whole thing just leaves a rotten taste  in your mouth especially cause you know every football fan outside New England is having a field day with this one. This isn't over yet.

Spring Book Sale at Boyden Library

Friends of Boyden Library Spring Book Sale 

 Come to our Spring Book Sale at the Boyden Library in Foxboro, Massachusetts and browse our huge selection of gently-used books, CDs and DVDs for adults and children. You are sure to find a bargain or two (or three!) - it's a perfect opportunity to stock up for your summer reading. All money raised through our book sale supports library programs such as the Author Series, DVD rentals, and wonderful children's programming. 

Our book sale hours will be:

Thursday, May 14 5pm-8pm 

Friday, May 15 10am-6pm 

Saturday, May 16 10am-3pm 

Thank you for your support and happy reading! 

To learn more about Friends of Boyden Library click here.