New York gets a shock

ON BOARD FLT 215 – This is still being written on board the JetBlue flight from New York City bound for Long Beach City which is the nearest airport to Riverside City as well as to Irvine, all in the state of California. Well, this is supposed to be a five-and-a-half hour flight, so I could have easily written three or four on my peregrinations if not for the distractions from the TV set on my seat. Who could concentrate on one’s personal experiences when the most interesting things are being reported, or displayed, right in front of you?

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For one there is the New York scandal, where its governor, believed to be a very upright, God-fearing person, is discovered to be, not only consorting with prostitutes, but even giving out huge amounts for their support? Governor Eliot Spitzer is being shown, live, apologizing, obviously with tongue-in-check, and vowing to improve his relationship with his family, his poor, clearly long-suffering wife, standing beside him. The poor woman reminds one of Loi Estrada, but the latter certainly stood up better before the public. Of course this kind of shenanigans is not strange to politicians, but Spitzer was just stupid enough to get caught.

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We are having a very smooth flight and I am really appreciating the extra leg room that JetBlue Airline is bragging about. It really makes sitting for so long more bearable. Certainly this is better than most international airlines. I am embarrassed that I never heard of it before. It certainly is more modern than the Long Beach airport and terminal facilities, which reminds you of the old Bacolod airport. Well, Bacolod and Long Beach are sister cities, this is one thing they used to have in common. The staff is courteous and helpful, but more strict than those at JFK airport.

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I am watching this mostly on CNN, but I have to keep switching channels all the time. I think CNN has better programs for Asia. Here it repeats itself so often, it gets tiresome. Right now I am also watching the primaries in Mississippi, which is showing heartbreaking results. Oh well, an Ilonggo here grumbled to her friends that America is turning into Harlem. It’s their choice. They aren’t fazed by the whispers that there is a prediction that America will be taken over by anti-Christ in the future. Is that future near?

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We are now back in Irvine, our plane landed six minutes early. I was surprised to see the folks watching American Idol. We already saw the whole show while on flight. But we were all alike in our assessment that the Fil-Am bet, Ramiele Malubay, did not do so well this time. Whoever chose her song and set up that stairway backdrop should be punished for sabotage. Anyway we all continue to hope she makes it – at least somewhere near the top. My cousin Meya Corral has texted 25 times for her.

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While flying over Long Beach, shortly before landing, I tried to see where the beach was but did not see any. Instead, like most of California, I saw hills, well they’re more like mountains since they are bare. In some parts they are still encrusted with snow, making a beautiful sight. Unlike in Irvine and Riverside where the hills are now green, Long Beach is still waiting for spring.*

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