left field

Sorry, I just got back from yoga. In my urban camo. I’m no hunter? Period? I think It’s the period that hurts. I can guarantee you that I am a more accomplished angler than most. I’ve fished all over the world, taught flyfishing to newbies, help kids who’ve never been out of the city go to a stream and release fingerlings they raised from eggs, and sit on the board of the second largest TU chapter in the country. I can’t imagine a situation where I would say to a novice, “you are no angler” because they had a differing opinion on something unrelated. My posts reveal my real purpose? You’ve outed me ... this was my master plan. Buy a wooded property six years ago. Spend untold thousands fixing it up and rehabbing the woods for wildlife. Decide that after 60 years I’d like to hunt. Research, ask questions, join a few forums, shoot with friends, buy a bow, shoot more, take a few lessons, sit in deer stands, stalk, buy a shotgun and ML, still more practice, plan for 2020 season. All with the secret purpose of infiltrating a hunting forum, garnering some goodwill and then launching a devious political attack intended to upend the whole thing by saying, “Man, Trump’s a buffoon” and “Cuomo is doing a good job here.” My master plan.

Is it “hate” you’re standing tall against or just “Trump hate”? There seems to have been a lot of literal hate expressed in the past few pages. Not sure calling Trump a buffoon based on his actions and words for 50 years constitutes hate. Less a media consumer than you would think. I like source material and base my opinion on Trump’s actual words and deeds. Funny when they don’t matter; tragic when they do. Oh snap. I don’t think I’ve made a secret of the fact that I’m a new hunter. Asking a thousand stupid newbie questions. I offer help when I can, mostly when it comes to flyfishing which I’m fairly experienced with, and dogs which I know a lot about. As I’ve said often, I come at this without a whole lot of preconceptions or prehistory and therefore look at every aspect with new eyes. That may mean a differing opinion on say, coyote hunting for example, than most. But is being a master hunter a prerequisite for your approval? Most of the hunters I’ve met in person and online haven’t been like that. Or not. Biden is a terrible choice, but will attract a lot of voters. Should be an interesting time. Fun Sunday, fellows. Nice distraction from the fear.

I believe I said much earlier that if Trump pulled a cure out of his ass, I would kiss it. My gratitude for results knows no political party boundary. I don’t hate him. Having lived in NYC for 25 years, I do think he is a venal, petty, lying POS, but that’s hardly news as he’s been bragging about being that forever. Have you read about the Tucker Carlson call? “About 15 years ago, I said something nasty on CNN about Donald Trump’s hair. I can’t now remember the context, assuming there was one. In any case, Trump saw it and left a message the next day. “It’s true you have better hair than I do,” Trump said matter-of-factly. “But I get more p****y than you do.” Click.” Classy. Hate? No. I don’t wish him ill. I do wish for once he could have risen to the occasion. Just for a few months, put the petty bullshit aside and unify the country. This crisis is made for leadership. Say the right things, do what the experts say, let the vast machine handle it, then accept the accolades at the end. I have also said that I haven’t given Cuomo much thought prior to this. Generally, I’m not an overall fan (for different reasons than others here), but in this case - at this moment - he is filling the leadership void. Not with any flamboyance or histrionics, just with steady facts and clear communication. Trump is being outplayed.

Wait, so you guys really don’t like him? No one is suggesting he’ll be president and this isn’t about what he’s done. It’s about leadership, in this case, crisis leadership. He’s doing a great job. More noted because Trump seems to be making things worse. Here’s another read on the the attention he’s getting that less flattering: https://www.cjr.org/analysis/andrew-cuomo-coronavirus-covid19-barkan.php

Defacto : in effect whether by right or not. Like it or not, the country is looking at Cuomo. Trump is acting like a petulant man-boy. He isn’t helping anything with his misinformation, whining, and self congratulatory stroke sessions. Cuomo is giving this ”downstate and upstate” resident the information I need. “Here’s what we know right now; here’s what we’re doing; here’s what you can expect; here’s what we’re planning for.” Cuomo is nailing this in part because he’s very good at it, and in part because Trump is so bad at it. The point of that commentary is whether or not the financial leaders will follow Trump or Cuomo. 15 minutes ago, Trump announced that he will not close off NY. Maybe he read the site.

http://www.borntorunthenumbers.com/2020/03/btrtn-will-business-leaders-follow.html?m=1 “The bet has to be that Trump backs down, lest he watch as New York and its global financial institutions ignore his directive and follow the policies of Governor Cuomo. Were Trump to attempt to force a confrontation with Cuomo, the loss of face that would result would effectively position Cuomo as the de facto President of the United States.“

I use a 7’ 2wt or 9’ 4wt for trout depending on stream size. I’ll up that to a 9’ 6wt if I want to throw streamers. Leaders are consistently 9’ 5x but I cut off the three feet of tippet and tie a perfection loop in the leader which allows me to do a loop-to-loop connection with new tippet. A half dozen flies - elks hair caddis, parachute adams, pheasant tail nymph, red copper John, wooly bugger, and whatever strikes your fancy. Good to go.

She. Fear of the unknown is a hell of a thing. I experienced quite a bit in the last few weeks as did everyone else. The cancer example may not be the most apt. I guess there are people here not that far removed from the holocaust where those who harboured, succored, aided Jews did so at the risk of imprisonment or death. And yet, many did. Personally, I’m not that far from 911 and Gander where in the fear and unknown of that day the little town took in 6700 people in a couple of hours - all suspects, all potentially dangerous to their loved ones - and vetted, housed and comforted them. Yesterday, I went for a drive in my little town and saw teens playing basketball and people hanging around parking lots in groups. Who’s spreading this?

Can we get James Dyson on the case?

What about Rockefeller Republicans? You say you don’t think it would be right to send them downstate. Would you deny them that opportunity to live?

That is heartening news. Best of luck to her and you.

Or sell it.

Leland, I’m sure it’s just some weird kid thing. All the best.

The more things change, the more they stay the same. https://nypost.com/video/new-yorker-singing-out-window-told-to-shut-the-f-up/

Nobody.

We need more Italian mayors.

https://youtu.be/MGSsu6pfOoY

Damn. This took an ugly turn. Whitman said that periodically one must, “Re-examine all that you have been told... dismiss that which insults your soul." Perhaps this is that time for some. I fear not.

What about those of us who split our time? Judgement of Solomon?

I would replace the line. Chances are it’s a little stiff and line technology has improved incredibly over the last decade.i would also replace leaders and tippet which have an even shorter shelf life I replace my mono tippet every year. Cabelas is fine but there are a thousand other online or B&M shops to buy gear. Considering all that’s going on, this might be a good opportunity to support a local fly shop. For $100 you should be able to get a new line, leader and tippet. if you want to support an NY manufacturer, take a look at Cortland. I use some of their lines - their DT Peach is a favourite. They are a storied NY fly-fishing brand and well worth your support. Good luck.

DP

^ NYC or NY State?

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/25/nyregion/nyc-coronavirus-hospitals.amp.html?referringSource=articleShare

Very close to a review I had once. Biggest raise I’ve ever received. If any if you have time, listen to the Max Brooks interview. He sat in multiple emergency preparedness meetings with the military, CDC, FEMA, etc., with people who eat and sleep this type of situation. The plans are in place and proven but the order needs to come down. His point about the DPA is apt. It’s not taking over companies, it’s facilitating the supply chain so this rubber glove maker gets the latex that this condom maker two states over has and the army moves the finished product where it needs to be. It’s an informed layman’s look at pandemic preparation. https://www.npr.org/2020/03/24/820601571/all-of-this-panic-could-have-been-prevented-author-max-brooks-on-covid-19

“It snuck up on us.” Later, during a White House press briefing, adding that the virus is “a very unforeseen thing.”