She Stoops To Conquer
Raising Your Voice Lowers Your Dignity: Probably nothing should surprise us when it comes to politics. America has boasted of its melting pot standing for decades. Inside a melting pot is a, dare I say, olio? We are a nation of “people of color.” It rankles me when one ethnic group uses that descriptor for its own. People of color come in every hue – black, brown, red, yellow, bronze, and oh yes, white. The melting pot includes males, females, hermaphrodites, gays, straights, asexual, Christians, Muslims, other types of theists, atheists, and immigrants from every country and even countries that no longer exist. Every person who arrived in this great country had to be true to their individuality while attempting to blend into the vaguely defined mainstream. Every group has had a glass ceiling to break through.
Discrimination is not limited to race and gender: The American society is based on equality. That is sometimes a difficult concept to grasp; since we are all different, how can we all be equal? Equality means equal opportunity and freedom allows for those consenting adults to opt to not to follow the path of equality. An example currently in the news is the women of a polygamous sect. If they choose to live as “sister wives” American freedom allows them to do so provided no laws are broken. Yet every group that is different from the mainstream – whether that difference is racial, gender, ethnic, religious, or any other defining characteristic – has had to fight for equality.
Dogs and Irish Keep Off The Grass: Those who do not learn from history are bound to repeat it. American Indian tribes discriminated against each other. Early settlers discriminated against the Indians, Jews, Irish, Slavs, Chinese, Africans, Japanese, Arabs, and nearly all religious groups faced a glass ceiling. Some broke it with the help of anti-discrimination laws, others by having members of their group become prominent and increased in number to become part of the mainstream. But although many groups have broken through that mythical glass ceiling others still crash against it for the process is a slow, tedious, and often frustrating one.
Hillary, Geraldine, and the Glass Ceiling: One of Hillary Clinton’s surrogates, herself once a vice presidential candidate, has made the talk show circuit claiming blatant gender discrimination by the Obama camp toward Senator Clinton. The surrogate implies that the so-called glass ceiling is keeping her candidate from winning the nomination. News flash for the surrogate and the Clinton camp: the very fact that Hillary is a viable competitive candidate shows that the barrier that would keep women from the highest office in the land has been breached. To suggest that she should be elected BECAUSE she is a woman, or for that matter that Senator Obama should be elected BECAUSE he is the first African American to run is to perpetuate the very discrimination against which she rails.
May the best... uh, Person Win: The Clinton campaign needs to refocus from crying to campaigning. Moving the goalposts to suit your strengths is a strategy I find unsavory, but it seems to be working for her. She has become a much better campaigner and her abrasive factor has smoothed considerably. If she wins the nomination it needs to be because she ran a better campaign – not because the sleaze factors of whining, devisiveness and mudslinging boosted her numbers.
A little blogging music Maestro.... “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” by Elton John.
Dr. Forgot
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Week that is.
The More You Talk in Peace, The Less You Bleed in War
Going to the Candidate’s Debate: The war of words is on between the Old Warrior and the Young Lion. Should we talk or should we not. We did it once but I forgot. The candidates are using the airwaves as an informal debate venue. I’ve always seen myself as a bit of an iconoclast. Protocol is nice when it let’s everybody know what the rules are, but it can become downright silly. Who talks to whom? Secretary, Director, Assistant, Surrogate? We Americans get so caught up in trying to be like the Olde English while proclaiming our independence from their archaic ways that we sometimes befuddle ourselves. So we sink to the lowest common denominator: the Rove factor. Attack, besmirch, demean, and enough uneducated, naïve, too lazy or unable to think for themselves people will buy your smoke screen to enable you to win again.
Long May She Wave: Another of the Rove Factor tricks is the “Hey! Look at that” while your walled gets snatched. Rather than discuss things like, oh, I don’t know, the economy, the gas crisis, the housing crisis, the war in Iraq, let’s make an issue of whether or not the opponent is wearing a flag lapel pin. Commentator Roland Martin sticks his tongue firmly in his cheek and suggests that perhaps the wearing of a flag lapel pin should become the 28th amendment. I’ll go one step further – let’s do a constitutional amendment that would be less sexist – an American flag should be tattooed in every God-fearing patriotic American – male and female.
Not so Happy Birthday: Remember David Patterson? He was the nondescript politician from New York that Elliot Sptizer made famous by renting the services of a young hussy for $ 5,000. When the Guv took a swan dive David Patterson set several records as a governor as the first African American New Your governor and being legally blind. To celebrate his 54th birthday the New New York Guv had surgery for glaucoma. We wish him the best and a speedy recovery.
Bad news on the doorstep, I couldn’t take one more step: Our heart goes out to Senator Ted Kennedy who just moments ago was formally diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor which caused his recent seizure. The news shocked Americans as the robust Senator since 1972 showed no signs of illness. Our prayers are with him.
A little blogging music Maestro.... “Get Well Soon” by Reggie and the Full Effect.
Dr. Forgot
Going to the Candidate’s Debate: The war of words is on between the Old Warrior and the Young Lion. Should we talk or should we not. We did it once but I forgot. The candidates are using the airwaves as an informal debate venue. I’ve always seen myself as a bit of an iconoclast. Protocol is nice when it let’s everybody know what the rules are, but it can become downright silly. Who talks to whom? Secretary, Director, Assistant, Surrogate? We Americans get so caught up in trying to be like the Olde English while proclaiming our independence from their archaic ways that we sometimes befuddle ourselves. So we sink to the lowest common denominator: the Rove factor. Attack, besmirch, demean, and enough uneducated, naïve, too lazy or unable to think for themselves people will buy your smoke screen to enable you to win again.
Long May She Wave: Another of the Rove Factor tricks is the “Hey! Look at that” while your walled gets snatched. Rather than discuss things like, oh, I don’t know, the economy, the gas crisis, the housing crisis, the war in Iraq, let’s make an issue of whether or not the opponent is wearing a flag lapel pin. Commentator Roland Martin sticks his tongue firmly in his cheek and suggests that perhaps the wearing of a flag lapel pin should become the 28th amendment. I’ll go one step further – let’s do a constitutional amendment that would be less sexist – an American flag should be tattooed in every God-fearing patriotic American – male and female.
Not so Happy Birthday: Remember David Patterson? He was the nondescript politician from New York that Elliot Sptizer made famous by renting the services of a young hussy for $ 5,000. When the Guv took a swan dive David Patterson set several records as a governor as the first African American New Your governor and being legally blind. To celebrate his 54th birthday the New New York Guv had surgery for glaucoma. We wish him the best and a speedy recovery.
Bad news on the doorstep, I couldn’t take one more step: Our heart goes out to Senator Ted Kennedy who just moments ago was formally diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor which caused his recent seizure. The news shocked Americans as the robust Senator since 1972 showed no signs of illness. Our prayers are with him.
A little blogging music Maestro.... “Get Well Soon” by Reggie and the Full Effect.
Dr. Forgot
Monday, May 19, 2008
The Heavyweights
Take a Risk: Winning = Happiness, Losing = Wisdom
Weekend Tailgate in Oregon: Suppose they gave a war and nobody came. Suppose there was a candidate rally for presidential candidate Barack Obama and nobody came. Neither is very likely. Senator Obama held a rally in Portland that drew more than 75,000 attendees. To put that into perspective, attendance at the rally exceeded the capacity of the football stadiums at University of Oregon, Oregon State University, and Portland State University. Why wasn’t the rally held at Portland State’s football stadium, PGE Park – a common venue for concerts, hockey, and baseball as well as football? Because the crowd that showed up to cheer for Obama exceeded PGE Park’s capacity by 300%. Such a groundswell for a politico has not been seen in this country ever. Senator Obama is not only a candidate, he is a phenomenon.
The Fight of the Heavyweights Has Begun: One look at Barack Obama reveals that he is anything but a heavyweight in the boxing ring. His bowling skills are more than suspect and although he’s fairly agile on the basketball court for a man his age, he has a weak jump shot. John McCain, on the other hand has some physical limitations that would keep him 4-F in the boxing arena but the ex-fighter pilot and POW survivor knows something about fighting. The two have begun to square off with Previews of Coming Attractions in their back-and-forth Iran and foreign policy banter.
Was His Strategy With Clinton Rope-A-Dope?: Mohamed Ali made the rope-a-dope strategy famous when he toyed with his opponent without landing any substantial punches but winning on points. Senator Obama applied a similar strategy against Senator Clinton. When she attacked him he responded in a kinder, gentler fashion. Some thought he could not throw a punch, but it now appears he was reluctant to strike back hard at a woman, despite the ranting of Gerald Ferarro. Perhaps he was, as Champ Ali did, saving his energy for the big fight. We’ve seen him hit back hard against the Bush/McCain policies.
Other Weekend News and Views: The country breathed a collective sigh of relief as Ted Kennedy, appeared to have had a stroke in the very same house as his father. Looks not too serious. Wacky weather hits, the east, the west, the Midwest and the south. We used to blame it on the communists. Today global warming is the culprit. Stupidity can kill. Three guys in California thought it would be fun to bury a homeless drunken women in the sand. They did. She died. Miami Heat Guard Dwyane Wade gave his Mom an unusual gift – her very own church so she could minister to those less fortunate.
A little blogging music Maestro.... “Give Me that Old Time Religion”
Dr. Forgot
Weekend Tailgate in Oregon: Suppose they gave a war and nobody came. Suppose there was a candidate rally for presidential candidate Barack Obama and nobody came. Neither is very likely. Senator Obama held a rally in Portland that drew more than 75,000 attendees. To put that into perspective, attendance at the rally exceeded the capacity of the football stadiums at University of Oregon, Oregon State University, and Portland State University. Why wasn’t the rally held at Portland State’s football stadium, PGE Park – a common venue for concerts, hockey, and baseball as well as football? Because the crowd that showed up to cheer for Obama exceeded PGE Park’s capacity by 300%. Such a groundswell for a politico has not been seen in this country ever. Senator Obama is not only a candidate, he is a phenomenon.
The Fight of the Heavyweights Has Begun: One look at Barack Obama reveals that he is anything but a heavyweight in the boxing ring. His bowling skills are more than suspect and although he’s fairly agile on the basketball court for a man his age, he has a weak jump shot. John McCain, on the other hand has some physical limitations that would keep him 4-F in the boxing arena but the ex-fighter pilot and POW survivor knows something about fighting. The two have begun to square off with Previews of Coming Attractions in their back-and-forth Iran and foreign policy banter.
Was His Strategy With Clinton Rope-A-Dope?: Mohamed Ali made the rope-a-dope strategy famous when he toyed with his opponent without landing any substantial punches but winning on points. Senator Obama applied a similar strategy against Senator Clinton. When she attacked him he responded in a kinder, gentler fashion. Some thought he could not throw a punch, but it now appears he was reluctant to strike back hard at a woman, despite the ranting of Gerald Ferarro. Perhaps he was, as Champ Ali did, saving his energy for the big fight. We’ve seen him hit back hard against the Bush/McCain policies.
Other Weekend News and Views: The country breathed a collective sigh of relief as Ted Kennedy, appeared to have had a stroke in the very same house as his father. Looks not too serious. Wacky weather hits, the east, the west, the Midwest and the south. We used to blame it on the communists. Today global warming is the culprit. Stupidity can kill. Three guys in California thought it would be fun to bury a homeless drunken women in the sand. They did. She died. Miami Heat Guard Dwyane Wade gave his Mom an unusual gift – her very own church so she could minister to those less fortunate.
A little blogging music Maestro.... “Give Me that Old Time Religion”
Dr. Forgot
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Las Vegas Weekend
Weekends in Vegas
Good Old Days - Jacksons vs. Osmonds: Oh for a bit of history. The Jackson Five burst on the scene a few decades ago with little brother Michael who grew into one of the biggest pop stars in music history. The Osmonds had a TV show that featured Donny and Marie, then seemed to disappear. Fast forward to 2008. Michale Jackson has had his troubles and is reportedly hiding out in the Middle East, the rest of the family are, as we used to say, “doing their thing,” and the Osmonds are soon to be playing Vegas! Flamingo Las Vegas announced that Donny and Marie will present a 90 minute show on a custom designed stage. They will sing their greatest hits backed by multiple video screens and a troupe of dancers. This will be the first time in three decades that they’ve done an extended gig in Vegas. More info at dpettit@harrahs.com
Toity Poiple Boids, Sittin’ on a Coib: If you ever lived in New Joisey you’d understand that intro. If not, well you surely have enjoyed listening to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons (think She-e-e-rie Baby). The unlikely road to stardom has been captured in the wildly popular “Jersey Boys.” The group wrote its own songs that sold over 175 million copies before any of them hit age 30. The musical is now playing at Palazzo. More info at ezbylut@kirvindoak.com.
Everybody Comes to Las Vegas: Travel Industry Association’s 40th Annual Powwow comes to the Valley of the Dollars next week. More than 1,000 travel originations from every corner of the country will meet at the Convention Center. 1,500 international and domestic buyers from more than 70 countries will discuss how to direct the $ 3.5 billion travel industry they control. Their days will be spent in the Convention Center but nights will include visits to local attractions, excursions, and dining with local media. More info at www.tia.org/powwow.
Dying is easy, comedy is hard: Las Vegas is the place to play if you are an entertainer. Over the years venues for comics trying to break in have dwindled. Workshops and comedy clubs are not as plentiful as they once were. Once a comic gets some traction, is still difficult to find venues outside hotel big rooms to try routines and polish material. The Fitzgerald downtown is addressing the issue. Next week Comedy After Hours will showcase some of the country’s top comedic talent. Three cheers for Fitzgerald’s for providing such a venue. It is worth the walk to the second floor – OK, take the elevator if you must. More info at 702.388.2400.
A little blogging music Maestro.... How about Elvis one more time with “Viva Las Vegas.”
Dr. Forgot
Good Old Days - Jacksons vs. Osmonds: Oh for a bit of history. The Jackson Five burst on the scene a few decades ago with little brother Michael who grew into one of the biggest pop stars in music history. The Osmonds had a TV show that featured Donny and Marie, then seemed to disappear. Fast forward to 2008. Michale Jackson has had his troubles and is reportedly hiding out in the Middle East, the rest of the family are, as we used to say, “doing their thing,” and the Osmonds are soon to be playing Vegas! Flamingo Las Vegas announced that Donny and Marie will present a 90 minute show on a custom designed stage. They will sing their greatest hits backed by multiple video screens and a troupe of dancers. This will be the first time in three decades that they’ve done an extended gig in Vegas. More info at dpettit@harrahs.com
Toity Poiple Boids, Sittin’ on a Coib: If you ever lived in New Joisey you’d understand that intro. If not, well you surely have enjoyed listening to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons (think She-e-e-rie Baby). The unlikely road to stardom has been captured in the wildly popular “Jersey Boys.” The group wrote its own songs that sold over 175 million copies before any of them hit age 30. The musical is now playing at Palazzo. More info at ezbylut@kirvindoak.com.
Everybody Comes to Las Vegas: Travel Industry Association’s 40th Annual Powwow comes to the Valley of the Dollars next week. More than 1,000 travel originations from every corner of the country will meet at the Convention Center. 1,500 international and domestic buyers from more than 70 countries will discuss how to direct the $ 3.5 billion travel industry they control. Their days will be spent in the Convention Center but nights will include visits to local attractions, excursions, and dining with local media. More info at www.tia.org/powwow.
Dying is easy, comedy is hard: Las Vegas is the place to play if you are an entertainer. Over the years venues for comics trying to break in have dwindled. Workshops and comedy clubs are not as plentiful as they once were. Once a comic gets some traction, is still difficult to find venues outside hotel big rooms to try routines and polish material. The Fitzgerald downtown is addressing the issue. Next week Comedy After Hours will showcase some of the country’s top comedic talent. Three cheers for Fitzgerald’s for providing such a venue. It is worth the walk to the second floor – OK, take the elevator if you must. More info at 702.388.2400.
A little blogging music Maestro.... How about Elvis one more time with “Viva Las Vegas.”
Dr. Forgot
Friday, May 16, 2008
The Morning After
The Morning After......
Can you say, “Upstaged?”: Back in my college days comedian Shelley Berman did a bit about waking up with a hangover. It was called, “The Morning After the Night Before. “My tongue is asleep, and my teeth itch,” is part of the classic sketch. That must have been what Senator Clinton felt this morning. Fresh from her biggest victory on the primary trail she had but a few hours to relish it. After holding court with the biggies in preparation of the evening news the big news was a whooping, cheering, hollering pep rally in Grand Rapids Michigan, no less, during which John Edwards pledged his ever-loving support to Senator Obama.
From the Penthouse to the Outhouse: The late Francis Albert Sinatra, Ole Blue Eyes, perhaps said it best in one of his songs when he uttered, “The higher the top, the longer the drop.” After being knocked off her Lady-in-Waiting perch in Iowa she has been struggling to regain traction up the primary tree but she’s had more ups and downs than Otis the elevator man. Up in PA, down in NC, sideways in IN, then Up, Up, and Away in WVA. It was indeed Almost Heaven and the Lady in the Pantsuit perhaps was getting ready to sing after hitting it out of the park. But while she was in the dugout accepting kudos from her team members, Team BAJ (Barry and John) hit a bottom of the ninth grand slam.
Coronation vs. Strategy: The Clinton campaign ran on the gasoline of familiarity. Bill left his house in fiscal order when they vacated, she had been dodging bullets in Bosnia (not), and had a Washington legacy as first lady and NY Senator. The Obama campaign ran on the solar power of hope (not the one in Arkansas) and change. He was an unknown junior senator but his manner and message brought millions to his revival tent to join in his song, “Yes We Can.” Two different approaches delivered for the most part one point of view.
Now What? Who, Who, Who Will Be #2?: Many suggest the Edwards endorsement will mean little in terms of bringing Barack the constituency that has been the Hillary domain – poor uneducated whites and old blue-haired women. Others who disagree believe Edwards endorsement will pry loose the Hillary constituency but only if he runs as veep, thereby ignoring those who would chant, “Go to Hill” and make your second banana a killer tomato.
The Impact of the McCain Factor: Still, the presidential fight will not be run against the Clintons, but against the McCains. No doubt there will be a Reverend vs. Reverend round, an Economic Disaster round, a Talk about Iraq round, a Kick your Gas policy round, and a Race to the Finish round. The things we know for sure about the fight outcome is it will be bloody, it will be hard fought, and there will be no split decision.
A little blogging music Maestro.... Play any college fight song.
Dr. Forgot
Can you say, “Upstaged?”: Back in my college days comedian Shelley Berman did a bit about waking up with a hangover. It was called, “The Morning After the Night Before. “My tongue is asleep, and my teeth itch,” is part of the classic sketch. That must have been what Senator Clinton felt this morning. Fresh from her biggest victory on the primary trail she had but a few hours to relish it. After holding court with the biggies in preparation of the evening news the big news was a whooping, cheering, hollering pep rally in Grand Rapids Michigan, no less, during which John Edwards pledged his ever-loving support to Senator Obama.
From the Penthouse to the Outhouse: The late Francis Albert Sinatra, Ole Blue Eyes, perhaps said it best in one of his songs when he uttered, “The higher the top, the longer the drop.” After being knocked off her Lady-in-Waiting perch in Iowa she has been struggling to regain traction up the primary tree but she’s had more ups and downs than Otis the elevator man. Up in PA, down in NC, sideways in IN, then Up, Up, and Away in WVA. It was indeed Almost Heaven and the Lady in the Pantsuit perhaps was getting ready to sing after hitting it out of the park. But while she was in the dugout accepting kudos from her team members, Team BAJ (Barry and John) hit a bottom of the ninth grand slam.
Coronation vs. Strategy: The Clinton campaign ran on the gasoline of familiarity. Bill left his house in fiscal order when they vacated, she had been dodging bullets in Bosnia (not), and had a Washington legacy as first lady and NY Senator. The Obama campaign ran on the solar power of hope (not the one in Arkansas) and change. He was an unknown junior senator but his manner and message brought millions to his revival tent to join in his song, “Yes We Can.” Two different approaches delivered for the most part one point of view.
Now What? Who, Who, Who Will Be #2?: Many suggest the Edwards endorsement will mean little in terms of bringing Barack the constituency that has been the Hillary domain – poor uneducated whites and old blue-haired women. Others who disagree believe Edwards endorsement will pry loose the Hillary constituency but only if he runs as veep, thereby ignoring those who would chant, “Go to Hill” and make your second banana a killer tomato.
The Impact of the McCain Factor: Still, the presidential fight will not be run against the Clintons, but against the McCains. No doubt there will be a Reverend vs. Reverend round, an Economic Disaster round, a Talk about Iraq round, a Kick your Gas policy round, and a Race to the Finish round. The things we know for sure about the fight outcome is it will be bloody, it will be hard fought, and there will be no split decision.
A little blogging music Maestro.... Play any college fight song.
Dr. Forgot
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Almost Heaven
WVA Obama’s Waterloo or Victory Lane
Clinton Cadre Continues to Crusade: Funny thing about media pundits. They feel that if one side is dominating the other side, they need to make up the difference. Early on in the Democratic campaign Hillary was the anointed one and media pundits chipped in to pillory Hillary at every opportunity. Then the infamous Saturday Night Live skit turned the tables and it was bam-bam Obama. However, the pendulum began to swing back toward the Hill as St. Obie piled up Super Deles. With the win in WVA the Hillary artillery and media pundits are seeking a shotgun marriage for an O’Clinton ticket.
Obama Overtakes Official Ownership: Meanwhile, back at Party Headquarters (which some say acts like hindquarters) Super-delegates have been anything but “faster than a speeding bullet” when making up their minds. The leak in Hillary’s dele-bag bled enough switcheroos to unofficially buoy Barry to become the betrothed brainchild of the party and leave a bitter buttercup behind. But her surrogates strongly hint that she needs to be on the ticket to carry states in the general that she’s carried in the primaries.
A Fatal Attraction? Exactly what would come of a one-two punch if number two wore a pant suit? Would President Obama worry that the residents of the vice president’s cottage at Number One Observatory Circle might change the address to Spyglass Hill? What of the adjustment from “Hail to the Chief” to “Second Laddie?” Or is the Second Time Around simply Just a Dream that is Blowin’ in the Wind? Will the former First Family sing Homeward Bound or Shattered Dreams? It could prove to be a sticky wicket.
Dear Hillary: In the interest of presidential insecurity I will help Senator Obama by ghost-writing his letter to Senator Clinton on the topic of the selection of his running mate:
Dear Senator Clinton:
Let me first congratulate you on your superb run of the presidential primary race. Speaking of race, it is a card that you have played brilliantly. I watched dumfounded in Pennsylvania as you clung to your gun toting background and demonstrated your ability to shoot from the hip. I listened to your speeches in each venue and was amazed at your vast experience. Who knew that you could down a shot and a beer while clinging to your religion by discussing Reverend Wright so often and in such vivid detail. I was moved as your voice broke in New England and fascinated with your drive toward a gas tax holiday despite pushback from every legitimate economist who spoke to the issue. I am happy that you found your voice. I’ve heard that voice loud and clear. It is not a voice I want to hear each morning coming from Number One Observatory Circle. Therefore I have decided to select as my vice president.... your husband, Bill. Just kidding. I’m not sure who it will be at this time but I know who it will not be. Thank you for your lack of support. I remain Sincerely Yours, President-Elect Barack O Yeah!
Dr. Forgot
Clinton Cadre Continues to Crusade: Funny thing about media pundits. They feel that if one side is dominating the other side, they need to make up the difference. Early on in the Democratic campaign Hillary was the anointed one and media pundits chipped in to pillory Hillary at every opportunity. Then the infamous Saturday Night Live skit turned the tables and it was bam-bam Obama. However, the pendulum began to swing back toward the Hill as St. Obie piled up Super Deles. With the win in WVA the Hillary artillery and media pundits are seeking a shotgun marriage for an O’Clinton ticket.
Obama Overtakes Official Ownership: Meanwhile, back at Party Headquarters (which some say acts like hindquarters) Super-delegates have been anything but “faster than a speeding bullet” when making up their minds. The leak in Hillary’s dele-bag bled enough switcheroos to unofficially buoy Barry to become the betrothed brainchild of the party and leave a bitter buttercup behind. But her surrogates strongly hint that she needs to be on the ticket to carry states in the general that she’s carried in the primaries.
A Fatal Attraction? Exactly what would come of a one-two punch if number two wore a pant suit? Would President Obama worry that the residents of the vice president’s cottage at Number One Observatory Circle might change the address to Spyglass Hill? What of the adjustment from “Hail to the Chief” to “Second Laddie?” Or is the Second Time Around simply Just a Dream that is Blowin’ in the Wind? Will the former First Family sing Homeward Bound or Shattered Dreams? It could prove to be a sticky wicket.
Dear Hillary: In the interest of presidential insecurity I will help Senator Obama by ghost-writing his letter to Senator Clinton on the topic of the selection of his running mate:
Dear Senator Clinton:
Let me first congratulate you on your superb run of the presidential primary race. Speaking of race, it is a card that you have played brilliantly. I watched dumfounded in Pennsylvania as you clung to your gun toting background and demonstrated your ability to shoot from the hip. I listened to your speeches in each venue and was amazed at your vast experience. Who knew that you could down a shot and a beer while clinging to your religion by discussing Reverend Wright so often and in such vivid detail. I was moved as your voice broke in New England and fascinated with your drive toward a gas tax holiday despite pushback from every legitimate economist who spoke to the issue. I am happy that you found your voice. I’ve heard that voice loud and clear. It is not a voice I want to hear each morning coming from Number One Observatory Circle. Therefore I have decided to select as my vice president.... your husband, Bill. Just kidding. I’m not sure who it will be at this time but I know who it will not be. Thank you for your lack of support. I remain Sincerely Yours, President-Elect Barack O Yeah!
Dr. Forgot
Monday, May 12, 2008
Love Me, Love My Pet
Reigning Cats and Dogs
Remember back in the late 1800s when we were all growing up? Most households had two parents (What a concept!), a stay-at-home Mom, one car, two and a half kids, a house with a picket fence – never heard of a condo and did not know anybody who lived in an apartment – although some families of limited means rented houses or portions thereof. Most every house had a dog as a family pet. They had names like Pinkie, Poochie, Pippi, Peppy. Or for those of us who weren’t into alliteration, and less were creative, they might be named Blackie, Brownie, Spot, Lassie, or Laddie.
Even our first Readers had a dog named Spot who belonged to Dick and Jane. See Spot run. Run Spot, run. Dogs seemed to follow boys on their adventures more than girls. Girls played with dogs in the house but did not take them to cheerleader or majorette practice. Norman Rockwell painted scenes of “Americana” that included boys and dogs. T.V. shows included dogs who could literally understand their young boy master. “Run home Lassie. Tell Mom I fell in the well.” And the dog did! Oh, not to burst your bubble, but I once did research on Lassie and discovered that “she” was actually a “he.” And that was before we knew the term transgender.
I had a dog while growing up. Actually Pinky did not live with me because my mother would not allow it, so he lived with my grandparents but I considered him my dog. He was a “city dog,” which means he ran in, around, and through traffic and was never run over. He did love to chase cars, though, nipping at their tires. I could never understand what he planned to do if he ever caught one.
All our dogs were mutts. We as a society had not yet been sold the bill of goods about breeding and traits of specific breeds. The dog in the T.V. series “Little Rascals” was mostly a pit bull terrier but never was vicious or bit anybody.
After I married I had a series of dogs – a beagle mix, a poodle/sheepdog mix (I’m sure it was an interesting courtship), a mixed terrier finally a purebred poodle, then the only one that was ever purchased – a something-poo that was supposedly a new mixed breed. But Lacy, although she cost $ 1,000, was certifiably insane and we had to give her away.
During my entire life I had never owned a cat, if a cat can indeed be “owned.” One cold winter morning about 5 years ago while putting up holiday lights we heard a faint “meow” and saw a pure black cat shivering behind a bush. We took it in “until we could find its owner,” and still have it. Cats don’t fetch, don’t come when called, don’t chase cars, don’t do tricks, and if you fall in the well, will not go home to fetch Mom. There is an adage, only too true, “A dog has a master. A cat has a staff.” How true.
A little blogging music Maestro... Today, please play two, Elvis Presley doing “Hound Dog,” and “Year of the Cat” by Al Stewart.
Dr. Forgot
Remember back in the late 1800s when we were all growing up? Most households had two parents (What a concept!), a stay-at-home Mom, one car, two and a half kids, a house with a picket fence – never heard of a condo and did not know anybody who lived in an apartment – although some families of limited means rented houses or portions thereof. Most every house had a dog as a family pet. They had names like Pinkie, Poochie, Pippi, Peppy. Or for those of us who weren’t into alliteration, and less were creative, they might be named Blackie, Brownie, Spot, Lassie, or Laddie.
Even our first Readers had a dog named Spot who belonged to Dick and Jane. See Spot run. Run Spot, run. Dogs seemed to follow boys on their adventures more than girls. Girls played with dogs in the house but did not take them to cheerleader or majorette practice. Norman Rockwell painted scenes of “Americana” that included boys and dogs. T.V. shows included dogs who could literally understand their young boy master. “Run home Lassie. Tell Mom I fell in the well.” And the dog did! Oh, not to burst your bubble, but I once did research on Lassie and discovered that “she” was actually a “he.” And that was before we knew the term transgender.
I had a dog while growing up. Actually Pinky did not live with me because my mother would not allow it, so he lived with my grandparents but I considered him my dog. He was a “city dog,” which means he ran in, around, and through traffic and was never run over. He did love to chase cars, though, nipping at their tires. I could never understand what he planned to do if he ever caught one.
All our dogs were mutts. We as a society had not yet been sold the bill of goods about breeding and traits of specific breeds. The dog in the T.V. series “Little Rascals” was mostly a pit bull terrier but never was vicious or bit anybody.
After I married I had a series of dogs – a beagle mix, a poodle/sheepdog mix (I’m sure it was an interesting courtship), a mixed terrier finally a purebred poodle, then the only one that was ever purchased – a something-poo that was supposedly a new mixed breed. But Lacy, although she cost $ 1,000, was certifiably insane and we had to give her away.
During my entire life I had never owned a cat, if a cat can indeed be “owned.” One cold winter morning about 5 years ago while putting up holiday lights we heard a faint “meow” and saw a pure black cat shivering behind a bush. We took it in “until we could find its owner,” and still have it. Cats don’t fetch, don’t come when called, don’t chase cars, don’t do tricks, and if you fall in the well, will not go home to fetch Mom. There is an adage, only too true, “A dog has a master. A cat has a staff.” How true.
A little blogging music Maestro... Today, please play two, Elvis Presley doing “Hound Dog,” and “Year of the Cat” by Al Stewart.
Dr. Forgot
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