Saturday, August 29, 2009
'Ted Kennedy’s Irish Wake' -- and more
Some random thoughts on Ted Kennedy and the Kennedy coverage:
-- Did you catch last night's service on TV? One of the better storytellers was none other than Deval Patrick, who spoke of the time Kennedy and Vicki were invited out to the Patrick's home in western Massachusetts for a Tanglewood concert and a pre- or post-concert dinner. Before the weekend, Kennedy kept calling to add dinner guests to the list. Vicki was mortified by her husband's "add ons." One of them was an uninvited symphony pianst who rang the door bell as dinner was served. He came in with his keyboard and Kennedy grandly announced he was there so they could sing songs after the meal. Kennedy was delighted. So were Patrick and Vicki -- after their initial shock.
-- Did you catch Greater Boston's 'Beat the Press' last night? Yet more stories from veteran reporters who used to cover Kennedy. I don't know about you, but I can't stand one more soaring speech or column about what Kennedy meant to America and the working man, etc., etc., etc. I want more stories about him. Stories, stories, stories. The funnier the better. They're the essence of Irish wakes and funerals.
-- Speaking of stories, I liked this one: "In recalling the courtship, Vicki Kennedy told Mr. Clymer that she had been aware of the senator’s low approval ratings, which he had mentioned over dinner one night. They had fallen into the mid-40s. “And I said, ‘Oh, wow, I’ve never gone out with anybody whose approval rating wasn’t at least 48.’” ... Kennedy proposed to her six months later. Smart move.
-- Have you ever frantically spiffed up the house before guests arrive? Have you ever rushed to a store to buy a new shirt or jacket before a funeral, wedding or other formal event? Now think of the spiffing up Mission Hill is now getting. Nothing wrong with a belated clean-up. It’s normal. Guests are arriving.
-- One of the uglier moments in Kennedy's career: The infamous Bork denunciation. OK, OK. It was bad. Real bad. But read on. ... OK, OK. I once accidently killed a kitten. Just clearing my conscience.
Update -- Someone inquired about the 'weird' kitten reference above. It's an inside joke with a regular Hub Blog reader. I'm waiting to see if he catches it.
Some random thoughts on Ted Kennedy and the Kennedy coverage:
-- Did you catch last night's service on TV? One of the better storytellers was none other than Deval Patrick, who spoke of the time Kennedy and Vicki were invited out to the Patrick's home in western Massachusetts for a Tanglewood concert and a pre- or post-concert dinner. Before the weekend, Kennedy kept calling to add dinner guests to the list. Vicki was mortified by her husband's "add ons." One of them was an uninvited symphony pianst who rang the door bell as dinner was served. He came in with his keyboard and Kennedy grandly announced he was there so they could sing songs after the meal. Kennedy was delighted. So were Patrick and Vicki -- after their initial shock.
-- Did you catch Greater Boston's 'Beat the Press' last night? Yet more stories from veteran reporters who used to cover Kennedy. I don't know about you, but I can't stand one more soaring speech or column about what Kennedy meant to America and the working man, etc., etc., etc. I want more stories about him. Stories, stories, stories. The funnier the better. They're the essence of Irish wakes and funerals.
-- Speaking of stories, I liked this one: "In recalling the courtship, Vicki Kennedy told Mr. Clymer that she had been aware of the senator’s low approval ratings, which he had mentioned over dinner one night. They had fallen into the mid-40s. “And I said, ‘Oh, wow, I’ve never gone out with anybody whose approval rating wasn’t at least 48.’” ... Kennedy proposed to her six months later. Smart move.
-- Have you ever frantically spiffed up the house before guests arrive? Have you ever rushed to a store to buy a new shirt or jacket before a funeral, wedding or other formal event? Now think of the spiffing up Mission Hill is now getting. Nothing wrong with a belated clean-up. It’s normal. Guests are arriving.
-- One of the uglier moments in Kennedy's career: The infamous Bork denunciation. OK, OK. It was bad. Real bad. But read on. ... OK, OK. I once accidently killed a kitten. Just clearing my conscience.
Update -- Someone inquired about the 'weird' kitten reference above. It's an inside joke with a regular Hub Blog reader. I'm waiting to see if he catches it.
