Tuesday, December 31, 2019

The JB Random Report End of the Year Awards 2019


Well kids, it’s that time of year again, I must say this decade flew by in a flash, and just how the fuck are we still alive?

NEWS STORY OF THE YEARThe Impeachment of Donald Trump.
 There is a continued attitude of the cult that is the Conservatives of the United States that facts do not matter. There was a time, when different political views argued with each other, and fought for the soul of American thought. That was fine. No one should want to live in a world where only one political idea is allowed. That is how you get Totalitarian dictatorships like China and Russia. What is happening in this country today however, is way more dangerous than that. We are not just thinking differently, we are believing different versions of the truth. And sorry, but even the most objective observer sees that it is the right that is coining and continuing this concept of “alternative facts.” Conservatives are so desperate to hold on to political power that truth no longer matters to them. That cannot be the characteristic of any enlightened society, which is what the founding fathers of this country were going for, and Republicans would be well reminded of that if they would actually read the Constitution, something that the idiot they elected President obviously has not done.
Even the ideals of fiscal responsibility and respect for the military have been forgotten, as this government has borrowed a record $1 trillion to pay for tax cuts for the wealthy. And let’s not forget how quick they were to smear a decorated US Army officer, Lt. Col. Alexander S. Vindman and a career public servant Jennifer Williams in order to protect a five time draft dodging coward from impeachment.
As for the charges themselves, do not think they are somehow not serious, they are, and the evidence is pretty much overwhelming and in an impartial Senate, would without a doubt end in the removal of this president. However, that is not what we have here. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has already declared, for the record no less, that he will run the impeachment hearing “in total coordination” with the White House. (didn’t see any Democrats say that during Bill Clinton’s impeachment) Sen. Lindsey Graham has also stated that he is “not trying to pretend to be a fair Juror.” An odd statement, considering that he took an oath to do that very thing. So where is this “divisiveness” actually coming from? Well the facts point to Republicans, but they just do not seem to care, and what is worse, do not have the foresight to see that they will not be in power forever. How will they react when a Democrat gets back to the White House?
Yea, this is how small it is
Since taking office, Trump has made 13,435 false or misleading claims, according to the Fact Checker’s database. This alone should be enough to make you sick, but his cult is unmoved. Then of course, there are the at least sixteen, sixteen major investigations that include fraud, sexual assault defamation and violations of the emoluments clause. Once again, totally ignored by his cult. And let’s not forget that there are still families being separated at the border, where seven children have died due to lack of care from diseases that have been curable since World War I.

I could go on but I do not want to be responsible for anyone with a brain harming themselves, so I will just end it with the indictment count for 2019: So it’s 212 indictments, 7 convictions (not counting guilty pleas), 24 total guilty counts, and 4 people imprisoned. Making America great again indeed.


PERSON OF THE YEAR –Greta Thunberg and Autumn Peltier

Time magazine was, once again, well within its reasoning to select Greta Thunberg as its “Person of the Year.” When a 16 year old can manage to get under the skin of weak minded misogynistic brutes like Donald Trump, Brazil’s Jair Bolsonaro and that wimp Piers Morgan, then you are doing something right, young lady.
Autumn Peltier is less known, but equally significant. This young lady is a member of the Wikwemikong First Nation in Northern Ontario and an internationally recognized advocate for clean water. Just like me and my White Horse Warrior Society brothers and sisters, she is a water protector and "water warrior." Earlier this year, she addressed world leaders at the UN General Assembly on the issue of water protection, and was named chief water commissioner by the Anishinabek Nation. Then there is this one, simple quote, said during her address: “One day I will be an ancestor, and I want my descendants to know I used my voice so they can have a future.”

TV SHOW OF THE YEAR “Afterlife” – Netflix
So a few months ago, a friend of mine was insistent that I watch a documentary, and went so far as to give me her Netflix password so I can watch it. I am not a big TV person other than sports and CNN, but I said what the hell. Well nine hours later and into binge watching my third series, I might as well have a spoon and put a needle in my arm I got so addicted. I am off it now of course, but one of those series was this one. Ricky Gervais is brilliant, but there is so much real sensitivity here, blended in with dark sometimes envelope pushing humor (by today’s overly PC standards). This is the first show that I am really waiting for a  Season 2 for since “The Sopranos.”

ASSHOLE OF THE YEARSenate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY)
So I have already ranted about how he has admitted to being partial to the White House should impeachment reach the Senate. But let’s talk about the many other ways which this guy is a complete and utter asshole.
Currently there are 300 bills about voter registration, background checks for firearm sales, domestic violence, climate change, minimum wage increases and other issues, awaiting a vote on the Senate floor. He has refused to put them up for a vote.
This is obviously intentional. No one, not even Congress, is that inept. In September, McConnell promised to be a "grim reaper" to any and all progressive legislation. But, as multiple Senators pointed out Wednesday, more than 275 of these "dead" bills cleared the House with bipartisan support.
Oh, and the most significant one, just happens to deal with foreign interference in our elections. Why would Moscow Mitch block this one? Why Moscow Mitch? U.S. intelligence is unanimous that Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election, and that Russian President Vladimir Putin plans to disrupt the 2020 elections, too. Yet McConnell has blocked bills geared to stop foreign hackers from attacking U.S. voting systems. How can you do that to a nation you allegedly serve? And more importantly, WHY?
Oh, and honorable mention goes to fellow Russian asset Rudy Guiliani  

OVERUSED PHRASE OF THE YEAR – “Impeachment”
All of us who love democracy want this to happen, but the 24 hour cycle it’s on is enough to turn anyone off on the process, and that is something that we simply cannot afford. Remember it wasn’t Trump’s “stable genius” that got him elected, it was the indifference of the voting population, turned off by the choice of candidates that decided their vote didn’t matter so they just didn’t show up.

MOVIE OF THE YEAR “The Irishman”
Usually it’s a “Star Wars” concoction for me, and believe me “Rise of Skywalker” was quite enjoyable, but this film is vintage Martin Scorsese, and I loved every minute of its 3 hour plus runtime.

COOLEST MOVIE WITH SOMEWHAT FAMOUS PEOPLE IN IT THAT YOU STILL DIDN’T (YET/PROBABLY) SEE BUT YOU SHOULD HAVE – “The Laundromat”
Honestly I had no idea what to think of this when I first heard about it. But it plays out almost like an indie film that rich actors do just for some artistic credibility, but it is a bit more than that. Every interwoven story kept you interested until the end.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR – “Fool” – Joe Jackson
Ok so this came out at the beginning of the year so I guess y’all musta forgot! But I didn’t. Joe Jackson released the album of the year and every song on it was awesome. This was one of those experiences that is great from beginning to end, and at the end, it leaves you wanting more.
And this is where you cue my rant about how today’s music is complete shit as evidenced by what is being played on the radio, and great acts can only get radio airplay on the only radio station that even pretends to play music that matters, 90.7 WFUV, here in New York City.

COOLEST SONG BY A MAJOR ACT THAT WASN’T A BIG HIT – “Catfish Kate” – The Pixies
I thought this was just an excuse to “reunite,” go on tour, and make some money, but it’s more than that. This is a cool song with a catchy chorus.
And this is where you cue my rant about how today’s music is complete shit as evidenced by what is being played on the radio, and great acts can only get radio airplay on the only radio station that even pretends to play music that matters, 90.7 WFUV, here in New York City.
 
COOLEST SONG OF THE YEAR – “Summer Girl” - HAIM.
To be honest, this award came down to which song did I listen to the most this year? And this was it.

COOLEST ACT OF THE YEAR – Lizzo
An “act” is not just a singer or a band or a magician, it‘s someone who on the whole of their persona is entertaining, and no one did it better than this girl. Not only is her voice amazing, but she is fearless, confident and a substantial artist, even without the ‘act.”But tell me this girl is entertaining, and not just with her stunning talent. Lizzo shows up at a  Lakers game, and instead of sitting quietly in her million dollar seats like the rest of those lifeless, rich, world controlling cyborgs, she gives a fun interview, dances to her own song playing at the arena, twerks exposing her thong, and shoots her shot with Carl Anthony Townes of the Minnesota Timberwolves. We don’t even know if alcohol was involved. You gotta love that. 

SPORTS TEAM OF THE YEARThe Washington Nationals, MLB
Yes, so maybe the Patriots did with their 6th Super Bowl, but it’s my list and fuck New England. What I loved about this Nationals team, is that they won the World Series after losing Bryce Harper, arguably the best player in the National League, to free agency. He watched from Philly as the Nats went on to beat a heavily favored team in the Houston Astros. And then of course, there was that chant when Trump showed up at the game…

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR – Tiger Woods, Golf.
 I am not a fan of Tiger Woods, not even when he was breaking barriers as a young black pro golfer who pretty much changed how the game was viewed and played. My dad loved golf and I really couldn’t care less until I saw Tiger Woods for the first time. Now I still do not care, but it’s a little less not caring, if you can follow that shit.
However, at a time where he could have done more, he didn’t, and still hasn’t. He is a friend of Donald Trump (So is Howard Stern, who I love, but Stern has repeatedly said that he does not endorse Trump politically, Woods has yet to do that.) It wasn’t until he got caught with his pants down and his body began to break down that he became just a bit more human to us. And since everyone loves a good redemption story, we watched and waited for a decade for his comeback to emerge, only to be disappointed. Until this year’s Masters. A solid start, rounds that got our attention, and an “almost” ace on the 16th hole, then his 5th Masters Green Jacket. He’s an asshole, but what a great comeback.
Honorable mention goes to Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens, NFL

BELOVED ATHLETE WHO REALLY SHOULD RETIRE –Ummm…I Dunno
I'm the future whether you like it or not
I said this last year, and I just have to say it again, Eli Manning, every year that you stay in the NFL, you damage your legacy just a bit more. Please stop. The Giants suck but will still be moving on from Eli because it looks like they are all in on Daniel Jones. But I think he still believes he can start in the NFL so he will move on, but I do not think there are any teams who would want to start him. Other than that, I do not see anyone who is so detrimental to a team that they should no longer be on a field.
In the NBA, I think this may be Vince Carter’s last year, but is he a liability on his team? No he is not. And Carmelo Anthony seems to have found some sort of fountain of youth because he is playing well in Portland. So who the fuck knows?

BIGOTED ASSHOLE OF THE YEARAnyone who, at this point, still supports Donald Trump.
Remember logic games in algebra class? OK I know Republicans don’t go much for fancy book learnin’ but stay with me: In 2016, not all people who voted for Donald Trump were racist, but all racists voted for Donald Trump. Now, if after the humanitarian crisis at the border and Charlottesville, if you still support Trump, then yea, you are a racist. If you cannot see that, then you are stupid as well.

DEAD PERSON OF THE YEAR – Toni Morrison

Coincidentally, the night before she died me and my best friend were at a bar talking about how much her work had meant to me in college. I was so saddened the next morning. 
Oh, and here are some other interesting people who dropped dead this year:
Robert Evans' life was just as interesting as his movies. If you do not know who he is, then you are not a real fan of movies, but let me help you out. Check out a documentary called “The Kid Stays in the Picture.”
Scott Walker was a musical genius but I doubt anyone gives a fuck but me and a few other music geeks so yea
Walter Mercado and Jose Jose were monumental losses for Latino housewives everywhere in the world.
Don Imus was a racist asshole so fuck him!

Here’s hoping the New Year brings you everything you want! And of course…FUCK DONALD TRUMP!!