Recent Disasters: Tornadoes, Floods, Earthquakes, Celebrity Comments
Should Sharon be Stoned over Karma Comments? Bob Dylan said, “Everybody must get stoned.” So let’s look at who throws the first one. Oliver Stone is a conspiracy theorist, a rolling stone gathers no moss, Sly and the Family Stone agree that there are Different Strokes for Different Folks, and some think Sharon Stone must have been stoned when she made her karma comments. To wit, regarding the recent devastating earthquake in Japan the 50 (yes, 50!) year old actress was quoted at the Cannes film festival as saying, “And then this earthquake and all this stuff happened, and then I thought, is that karma? When you’re not nice bad things happen to you?” Suffice it to say she will not win a Nobel Peace prize this year and probably not get the Chinese vote for “Woman of the Year.” The American Podiatrist Association might give her an award, however, for planting her foot in her mouth.
Obama Pastor Problem or SNL skit: The media and its pundits always make good targets. Sometimes they just take themselves too seriously. Maybe it is because they have air to fill and nobody watches, listens to or reads dead air. The most recent “Obama pastor controversy” is an example of how dead air sometimes gets filled with ridiculous and silly stuff. Some wacko priest, Rev. Michael Pfleger, decided to perform for the crowd in a way that reminds me of a junior high nerd who got his first rush from the attention of schoolmates. The bit was about Hillary and was actually pretty funny. Had it been a Saturday Night Live skit it would have gotten great reviews as a spoof. Instead it was run on cable news to fill dead air. Just goes to show you that humor and satire can become news.
Hillary Clinton is an addict: Those same 24-hour cable news networks have asked the question, “Exactly what does Hillary want?” They’ve hired high priced professionals, professors, and pundits to try to answer that question. All they have to do is read this blog and they will get the answer for free! Senator Hillary Clinton is addicted to something far stronger than heroin, crack cocaine, or oxycontin. It is the same addiction that seduces many other politicians, performers, and public figures. The addiction to stand before the camera and have millions of adoring fans fawn over you. The addiction that has people hang on your every word as though it were actually important. The addiction to the perks of having a staff, a limo, and a private jet at your disposal and have the scions of media clamoring for your attention. Hillary loves the hunt and the attention. The rush from this addiction is provided daily during the campaign. That’s what Hillary needs most. After the election regardless of the result, once the cameras are turned off and the cable news leads off with a different story there will be a letdown. It matters not so much whether she wins or loses but that she got to play in the game. And it wasn’t about Bill, it was about Hill.
A little blogging music Maestro... All I need is a Miracle by Mike and the Mechanics.
Dr. Forgot
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Friday, May 30, 2008
Friday's Follies
My computer beats me at chess but not kickboxing
Little Green Men from Phoenix: Another stunning victory for our U. S. space cadets. They’ve managed to land a vehicle called Phoenix on Mars. A news release from Hillary Clinton’s camp said the delegates from Mars supported her and demanded they be seated at the convention. In a speech beamed to Mars Senator Clinton said that as a child she was often green and that the term ”Red Planet” was coined by her grandfather, a half Montana, half Dakota Puerto Rican Indian. The speech also said that since there were no colleges on Mars it is clear that the population was part of her demographic stronghold.
There’s plenty of profit in being a prophet: FLDS leader and self proclaimed prophet Warren Jeffs is serving time in the hoosegow on an “Accomplice to rape” charge. Recent photos allegedly showed him kissing his new 12-year old bride. When asked what type of entertainment is available at the compound for all those wives Jeff responded, “In keeping with tradition, they wear prairie dresses and watch old movies like Lolita.” According to a search warrant Jeffs had spiritual marriages with four girls between the ages of 12 and 15. Yet Texas authorities sent all the children back to his church’s compound.
High cost of housing yields creative solutions: Foreclosures, housing debacles, and high rents are worldwide problems. A homeless woman in Japan discovered a reasonably priced solution to the problem. She sneaked into a house and lived undetected in a closet for a year. She’s since come out of the closet and into the jail cell after being arrested for trespass. She moved an air mattress into the closet and enjoyed all the comforts of home while the bachelor owner was at work. The joke is on society – she’s still receiving free room and board!
The absent-minded professor forgot to eat: I earned my moniker, Dr. Forgot by overlooking the minutia in life and focusing on things that had a higher priority. At least that’s my story and I’m sticking to it. However, the prize for absent-minded professorship goes to Muata Kamdibe, a college professor who, as I say tongue-in-cheek, forgot to eat. On a trip to Las Vegas the English prof weighed himself and at over 300 pounds he nearly broke the scale. He started an exercise and diet regimen that cost him 133 pounds and a new body. Way to go prof.
U.S. Ariways cuts the nuts: In the 1950s and 60s flying was not only a status symbol it was a pleasure. Longer flights provided the finest cuisine served on linen placemats with linen table napkins and fine silver. Ah, those were the days. In the late 1970s Southwest airline identified a new market and began to offer cheap fares with no food except peanuts – just like
their fares. The people spoke with their wallets. Southwest became the darling of the industry and the biggies began to emulate them. U.S. Airways recently did the coup de gras when they announced no more free snacks. The policy will join free meals as distant memories. It must be noted, however that there is not one known case of a person starving to death on a four-hour plane flight.
A little blogging music Maestro... Up Up and Away by The Fifth Dimension.
Dr. Forgot
Little Green Men from Phoenix: Another stunning victory for our U. S. space cadets. They’ve managed to land a vehicle called Phoenix on Mars. A news release from Hillary Clinton’s camp said the delegates from Mars supported her and demanded they be seated at the convention. In a speech beamed to Mars Senator Clinton said that as a child she was often green and that the term ”Red Planet” was coined by her grandfather, a half Montana, half Dakota Puerto Rican Indian. The speech also said that since there were no colleges on Mars it is clear that the population was part of her demographic stronghold.
There’s plenty of profit in being a prophet: FLDS leader and self proclaimed prophet Warren Jeffs is serving time in the hoosegow on an “Accomplice to rape” charge. Recent photos allegedly showed him kissing his new 12-year old bride. When asked what type of entertainment is available at the compound for all those wives Jeff responded, “In keeping with tradition, they wear prairie dresses and watch old movies like Lolita.” According to a search warrant Jeffs had spiritual marriages with four girls between the ages of 12 and 15. Yet Texas authorities sent all the children back to his church’s compound.
High cost of housing yields creative solutions: Foreclosures, housing debacles, and high rents are worldwide problems. A homeless woman in Japan discovered a reasonably priced solution to the problem. She sneaked into a house and lived undetected in a closet for a year. She’s since come out of the closet and into the jail cell after being arrested for trespass. She moved an air mattress into the closet and enjoyed all the comforts of home while the bachelor owner was at work. The joke is on society – she’s still receiving free room and board!
The absent-minded professor forgot to eat: I earned my moniker, Dr. Forgot by overlooking the minutia in life and focusing on things that had a higher priority. At least that’s my story and I’m sticking to it. However, the prize for absent-minded professorship goes to Muata Kamdibe, a college professor who, as I say tongue-in-cheek, forgot to eat. On a trip to Las Vegas the English prof weighed himself and at over 300 pounds he nearly broke the scale. He started an exercise and diet regimen that cost him 133 pounds and a new body. Way to go prof.
U.S. Ariways cuts the nuts: In the 1950s and 60s flying was not only a status symbol it was a pleasure. Longer flights provided the finest cuisine served on linen placemats with linen table napkins and fine silver. Ah, those were the days. In the late 1970s Southwest airline identified a new market and began to offer cheap fares with no food except peanuts – just like
their fares. The people spoke with their wallets. Southwest became the darling of the industry and the biggies began to emulate them. U.S. Airways recently did the coup de gras when they announced no more free snacks. The policy will join free meals as distant memories. It must be noted, however that there is not one known case of a person starving to death on a four-hour plane flight.A little blogging music Maestro... Up Up and Away by The Fifth Dimension.
Dr. Forgot
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Romeo, Romeo, Wherefore Art Thou?
Stupidity Left Untreated is Self Correcting
Was the fighter (pilot) also a lover?: Ah, Nevada politics. Some say that an honest politician is one who will stay bought. Maybe our politicians aren’t any wackier than those of other states, it just seems so. A candidate for Sheriff seems to have run a Ponzi scheme with his helicopter school, another was reportedly murdered by her husband, and a rising star in Nevada politics – a Notre Dame graduate and beauty queen - was charged with four felony counts. Our current governor is doing his best to become one of the wackiest politicians in recent memory.
Everybody loves a salacious saga: During his brief tenure to date the state’s deficit has ballooned to nearly $ 1 billion (with a B). The public yawned. Illegal immigrant maid kept in his basement. Ho hum. Appointed a banking lobbyist to run the Nevada Business and Industry Department - hardly a notice. Secret midnight swearing in ceremony - a one day story. And so it goes with a litany of bumbles, tumbles and ethical lapses. But bring in a potential sex scandal or two and the public loves it.
Jimbo and the bimbo: After then gubernatorial candidate and Mormon Gibbons finished getting soused with his campaign manager and a couple toadies at a bar/restaurant he staggered into the parking lot. There he saw the girl of his dreams. Long dark hair, big boobs and a pretty smile - the cocktail waitress who had come to his table earlier was alone. He walked her into the darkened parking garage then began to, uh, well, let us say, do more than just help find her Hummer. It was a great scandal for a week or two but tapes of the incident mysteriously disappeared and no charges were filed.
Heartache #2 was when you walked out on me: He won the election if not the gold medal for the wrestling event and moved into the governor’s mansion with wife Dawn. After half a year in the Big House, Governor Goofy packed his toiletries and overnight bag and left the Mansion in Dawn’s capable hands. Rumors began to swirl that “Jimmy has a girlfriend.” He denied it. Reports said this was an old high school chum. Of course the fact that she’s 20 years his junior meant either he holds the world’s record for flunking third grade, or it was a false report. Besides, the alleged “other woman” is the respected wife of a surgeon and former nanny (no, not the same as the illegal locked in the basement) and longtime friend. Guv Gibbo hurriedly had the divorce documents sealed from public view and prying eyes.
Wifey number two speaks: Long haired Dawn Gibbons was left behind like Rapunzel to wallow in the fine Mansion. Her lawyer responds to the affair: “The (other) woman has for years stalked the man who could give her the public persona and prestige that apparently she craves and for which she is willing to, concurrently, abandon her husband.” Stay tuned folks. This one has all the ingredients to become a staple on Fox news.
A little blogging music Maestro... Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) by Journey.
Dr. Forgot
Was the fighter (pilot) also a lover?: Ah, Nevada politics. Some say that an honest politician is one who will stay bought. Maybe our politicians aren’t any wackier than those of other states, it just seems so. A candidate for Sheriff seems to have run a Ponzi scheme with his helicopter school, another was reportedly murdered by her husband, and a rising star in Nevada politics – a Notre Dame graduate and beauty queen - was charged with four felony counts. Our current governor is doing his best to become one of the wackiest politicians in recent memory.
Everybody loves a salacious saga: During his brief tenure to date the state’s deficit has ballooned to nearly $ 1 billion (with a B). The public yawned. Illegal immigrant maid kept in his basement. Ho hum. Appointed a banking lobbyist to run the Nevada Business and Industry Department - hardly a notice. Secret midnight swearing in ceremony - a one day story. And so it goes with a litany of bumbles, tumbles and ethical lapses. But bring in a potential sex scandal or two and the public loves it.
Jimbo and the bimbo: After then gubernatorial candidate and Mormon Gibbons finished getting soused with his campaign manager and a couple toadies at a bar/restaurant he staggered into the parking lot. There he saw the girl of his dreams. Long dark hair, big boobs and a pretty smile - the cocktail waitress who had come to his table earlier was alone. He walked her into the darkened parking garage then began to, uh, well, let us say, do more than just help find her Hummer. It was a great scandal for a week or two but tapes of the incident mysteriously disappeared and no charges were filed.
Heartache #2 was when you walked out on me: He won the election if not the gold medal for the wrestling event and moved into the governor’s mansion with wife Dawn. After half a year in the Big House, Governor Goofy packed his toiletries and overnight bag and left the Mansion in Dawn’s capable hands. Rumors began to swirl that “Jimmy has a girlfriend.” He denied it. Reports said this was an old high school chum. Of course the fact that she’s 20 years his junior meant either he holds the world’s record for flunking third grade, or it was a false report. Besides, the alleged “other woman” is the respected wife of a surgeon and former nanny (no, not the same as the illegal locked in the basement) and longtime friend. Guv Gibbo hurriedly had the divorce documents sealed from public view and prying eyes.
Wifey number two speaks: Long haired Dawn Gibbons was left behind like Rapunzel to wallow in the fine Mansion. Her lawyer responds to the affair: “The (other) woman has for years stalked the man who could give her the public persona and prestige that apparently she craves and for which she is willing to, concurrently, abandon her husband.” Stay tuned folks. This one has all the ingredients to become a staple on Fox news.
A little blogging music Maestro... Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) by Journey.
Dr. Forgot
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Death is a Fact of Life
Mostly Personal – Goodbye Joe
Death is Nature’s way of telling us to slow down: I received an email today from a friend and high school classmate. Clairton High School was the pride of the area in the 1950s and 60s. It was one of the only schools in the area that boasted a swimming pool. The other was Mount Lebanon, home of the Blue Devils and all the rich kids. But Clairton’s students were mostly children of blue collar workers and grandchildren of immigrants – Italians, Slavs, Irish, Russians, and a host of other ethnicities including a healthy number of African Americans. Clairton was a microcosm of what American projected as its very being – a melting pot of people living for the most part in harmony.
U.S. Steel reigned supreme: Personal taxes in Clairton were low in large part because the biggest taxpayers were United States Steel and a chemical plant whose acronym spelled PICCO. Every kid in CHS who wanted to go to college applied for a PICCO scholarship and most families had at least one who was awarded. There were at least three movie theaters and more than a dozen car dealerships in the community of 20,000. Life was good in the village along the Monongehela River.
Diversity was economic as well: Although most parents of Clairton High School students were blue collar workers in one of the nearby steel mills, rural kids were bused in from nearby Elrama and Finleyville and a trailer park in Large. Uppity kids whose parents’ were upper middle class drove their own cars to school from the hoity toity community of Pleasant Hills. Together CHS students won championships and awards and left high school for college, service, or marriage and for the most part did not return. Such was the composition of CHS in the 1950s and 60s.
Class Leadership: The CHS Class of 1960 had strong leadership. President Joe Ancrile, VEEP Jim Schultz, Stephanie Grunsky and Mary Lou Skapik were class officers. The Reunion Committee has arranged well attended class reunions every half decade for nearly 50 years. Robert White became an attorney and M.C. in residence. Class graduates included successes in all fields including parenting.
The Other Side of Life: The CHS Class of 1960 had its sad side as well. Mickey Hrvacic drowned before graduation, Connie Bindrum was killed in an auto accident, Allen Lancaster died of a debilitating disease.... all told, more than 40 classmates are gone. The most recent, according to an email I received today from Donna Lancianese Lajak, is class president Joe Ancrile. Rest in Peace, classmates. You’ve left a proud legacy.
A little blogging music Maestro... From the Clairton High School Alma Mater: “... With loyalty unfailing, And love that shall not die.”
Dr. Forgot
Death is Nature’s way of telling us to slow down: I received an email today from a friend and high school classmate. Clairton High School was the pride of the area in the 1950s and 60s. It was one of the only schools in the area that boasted a swimming pool. The other was Mount Lebanon, home of the Blue Devils and all the rich kids. But Clairton’s students were mostly children of blue collar workers and grandchildren of immigrants – Italians, Slavs, Irish, Russians, and a host of other ethnicities including a healthy number of African Americans. Clairton was a microcosm of what American projected as its very being – a melting pot of people living for the most part in harmony.
U.S. Steel reigned supreme: Personal taxes in Clairton were low in large part because the biggest taxpayers were United States Steel and a chemical plant whose acronym spelled PICCO. Every kid in CHS who wanted to go to college applied for a PICCO scholarship and most families had at least one who was awarded. There were at least three movie theaters and more than a dozen car dealerships in the community of 20,000. Life was good in the village along the Monongehela River.
Diversity was economic as well: Although most parents of Clairton High School students were blue collar workers in one of the nearby steel mills, rural kids were bused in from nearby Elrama and Finleyville and a trailer park in Large. Uppity kids whose parents’ were upper middle class drove their own cars to school from the hoity toity community of Pleasant Hills. Together CHS students won championships and awards and left high school for college, service, or marriage and for the most part did not return. Such was the composition of CHS in the 1950s and 60s.
Class Leadership: The CHS Class of 1960 had strong leadership. President Joe Ancrile, VEEP Jim Schultz, Stephanie Grunsky and Mary Lou Skapik were class officers. The Reunion Committee has arranged well attended class reunions every half decade for nearly 50 years. Robert White became an attorney and M.C. in residence. Class graduates included successes in all fields including parenting.
The Other Side of Life: The CHS Class of 1960 had its sad side as well. Mickey Hrvacic drowned before graduation, Connie Bindrum was killed in an auto accident, Allen Lancaster died of a debilitating disease.... all told, more than 40 classmates are gone. The most recent, according to an email I received today from Donna Lancianese Lajak, is class president Joe Ancrile. Rest in Peace, classmates. You’ve left a proud legacy.
A little blogging music Maestro... From the Clairton High School Alma Mater: “... With loyalty unfailing, And love that shall not die.”
Dr. Forgot
Monday, May 26, 2008
Memorial Day
I Dream of Fathering a Child who asks, “Daddy, What is War?”
Who is Maggie Lockridge?: A good friend of mine, Jim Wilson introduced me to Maggie Lockridge. Who is Maggie? She’s just a dynamo of a woman who founded the Iraq Star Foundation, www.iraqstar.org. To quote Maggie, “The statistics are grim. More than 24,000* brave men and women have returned wounded from Iraq. They must now face the daunting challenge of recovery. The military will replace the missing arms and legs with prosthetics, provide the initial surgeries to close the wounds and grafts to replace the burned flesh, striving tirelessly to make our veterans functional people. But the fact stands that terrible scarring from shrapnel, burns, and wound trauma remain. Surgeries are still needed to help our veterans gain back their pre-war lives, to assist them in holding their heads high, and help them return to their homes and careers.” Visit Maggie’s site and offer your help. They fought for you. Now it’s your turn. *the numbers have since passed 30,000 wounded
Although she won’t admit it: Maggie Lockridge is herself a hero – or heroine if you are of a more traditional ilk. Maggie is a registered nurse, an air force veteran, and former owner of a plastic surgery recovery center. Thanks to her tireless efforts Iraq Star now consists of more than 140 reconstructive surgeons and plastic surgeons in more than 28 states who volunteer their time. Still, Maggie needs your help, for even with the donated time of the surgeons each reconstructive surgery can cost up to $ 10,000. I urge you to go to her web page noted above. Additional information on Maggie can be found at http://snipurl.com/2apyg and www.crackle.com/#id=2119005.
Memorial Day Facts: Following the Civil War many communities set aside a day as a memorial to honor those who died. In 1868 the custom of decorating graves of fallen soldiers changed the name to Decoration Day. Several southern states refused to use the term “Decoration Day” so it was changed to “Memorial Day” around 1882, although many continued to refer to it as “Decoration Day.” In 1968 Memorial Day was officially declared a national holiday.
Veteran Facts by the Numbers: There are more than 25 million living veterans in the United States according to Statistical Abstracts. Of that number nearly two million are women. More than 10 million have passed their 65th birthday. Viet Nam veterans number more than 8 million and represent one of every three U.S. veterans. Women account for 2% of Korean War veterans, 3% of Viet Nam vets, 5% of World War II vets, and 16% of Gulf War vets. No data are available for the number of women among Iraq war veterans. What do California, Florida, Texas, New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio have in common? All have sent more than one million veterans to protect our country. This is a perfect time to mention the G.I. Bill, recently passed by the senate. Here’s hoping it will pass the House as well.
On a personal note, I had the honor of knowing one Congressional Medal of Honor winner. Capt. Reginald Desiderio of Clairton, PA was posthumously awarded the medal during the Korean war.
A little blogging music Maestro... One more time with Kate Smith singing “God Bless America.”
Dr. Forgot
Who is Maggie Lockridge?: A good friend of mine, Jim Wilson introduced me to Maggie Lockridge. Who is Maggie? She’s just a dynamo of a woman who founded the Iraq Star Foundation, www.iraqstar.org. To quote Maggie, “The statistics are grim. More than 24,000* brave men and women have returned wounded from Iraq. They must now face the daunting challenge of recovery. The military will replace the missing arms and legs with prosthetics, provide the initial surgeries to close the wounds and grafts to replace the burned flesh, striving tirelessly to make our veterans functional people. But the fact stands that terrible scarring from shrapnel, burns, and wound trauma remain. Surgeries are still needed to help our veterans gain back their pre-war lives, to assist them in holding their heads high, and help them return to their homes and careers.” Visit Maggie’s site and offer your help. They fought for you. Now it’s your turn. *the numbers have since passed 30,000 wounded
Although she won’t admit it: Maggie Lockridge is herself a hero – or heroine if you are of a more traditional ilk. Maggie is a registered nurse, an air force veteran, and former owner of a plastic surgery recovery center. Thanks to her tireless efforts Iraq Star now consists of more than 140 reconstructive surgeons and plastic surge
ons in more than 28 states who volunteer their time. Still, Maggie needs your help, for even with the donated time of the surgeons each reconstructive surgery can cost up to $ 10,000. I urge you to go to her web page noted above. Additional information on Maggie can be found at http://snipurl.com/2apyg and www.crackle.com/#id=2119005.Memorial Day Facts: Following the Civil War many communities set aside a day as a memorial to honor those who died. In 1868 the custom of decorating graves of fallen soldiers changed the name to Decoration Day. Several southern states refused to use the term “Decoration Day” so it was changed to “Memorial Day” around 1882, although many continued to refer to it as “Decoration Day.” In 1968 Memorial Day was officially declared a national holiday.
Veteran Facts by the Numbers: There are more than 25 million living veterans in the United States according to Statistical Abstracts. Of that number nearly two million are women. More than 10 million have passed their 65th birthday. Viet Nam veterans number more than 8 million and represent one of every three U.S. veterans. Women account for 2% of Korean War veterans, 3% of Viet Nam vets, 5% of World War II vets, and 16% of Gulf War vets. No data are available for the number of women among Iraq war veterans. What do California, Florida, Texas, New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio have in common? All have sent more than one million veterans to protect our country. This is a perfect time to mention the G.I. Bill, recently passed by the senate. Here’s hoping it will pass the House as well.
On a personal note, I had the honor of knowing one Congressional Medal of Honor winner. Capt. Reginald Desiderio of Clairton, PA was posthumously awarded the medal during the Korean war.
A little blogging music Maestro... One more time with Kate Smith singing “God Bless America.”
Dr. Forgot
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Las Vegas Weekend
What Happens in Vegas
Weekend Update, Las Vegas: Passing the fire doesn’t mean you must get burned. Native Americans have a custom of “passing the embers” when they move from one place to another. “Famous Dave” Anderson will include his heritage’s custom when her opens his newest “Famous Dave’s Barbeque” Tuesday with a rib cutting ceremony for his newest Famous Dave’s Barbeque on Blue Diamond and 215. Dave started his famous BBQ in Wisconsin and has transferred the good luck embers to each new location. He will offer free tastes to the public and provide support to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. More info at: Erika@braintrustlv.com
Speaking of good food: Mrs. Dr. Forgot Forgot and I stumbled upon a new eating place recently. Makino is a Japanese restaurant that features what they claim to be the world’s best sushi- 60 different varieties. If you limit yourself to sushi, however, you’re missing the fishing boat. A phenomenal variety of salads are also available as well as hot dishes with a vast array of fish, all so fresh that you might have to slap it. The dessert selections range from yummy chocolate dipped large strawberries to individual servings of crème brule, tiramisu, green tea ice cream and others. It is served buffet style.
Speaking of green tea, their Makino green tea is the absolute best. It tastes so good it can’t be healthy. But it is. More info at: http://www.vegasbuzznews.com/ or http://www.makinogreentea.com/.
Napa Comes to the Ritz: Grgich Hills Estate winery in Napa Valley has a fascinating history. The Grgich is named for its founder, a Croatian immigrant whose Chardonay became the first award winning wine to best the French wines in France. The Hills refers not to the location but to the angel who helped Mr. Grgich found the winery - as in Hills Brothers Coffee. Daughter Violet Grgich brings some of their products to Lake Las Vegas for a winw tasting. But unlike your normal cheese and crackerwine tasting, this onw will include a full five-course meal with wine pairings for each course. Dinner will be served June 11 at 6 p.m. More info at 702.567.4600.
AAA knows best – or not: The American Automobile Association paints a grim picture of the Memorial Holiday according to local media outlets. AAA says high gas prices and chillier than usual weather will keep crowds down. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) is expecting over 300,000. I’d bet on the LVCVA. They are the local experts and their projections are usually right on the money.
Getting to the Root of politics: Wayne Allen Root is the Unknown Candidate, but don’t tell him that. The admitted health nut consumes 85 vitamins, herbs, and supplements each day. His goal is to become the presidential candidate of the Libertarian party. Root can be accused of being a Donald Trump lookalike He’s a self-proclaimed oddsmaker and wannabe politician who will attend the Denver convention in hopes of becoming the third=party candidate. But his bid for the nomination will be more difficult than Hillary’s since ex=Republican Texan Bob Barr jumped into the race. Root has big dreams but clearly the odds do not favor this oddsmaker.
A little blogging music Maestro... Our usual weekend rendition of “Viva Las Vegas."
Dr. Forgot
Weekend Update, Las Vegas: Passing the fire doesn’t mean you must get burned. Native Americans have a custom of “passing the embers” when they move from one place to another. “Famous Dave” Anderson will include his heritage’s custom when her opens his newest “Famous Dave’s Barbeque” Tuesday with a rib cutting ceremony for his newest Famous Dave’s Barbeque on Blue Diamond and 215. Dave started his famous BBQ in Wisconsin and has transferred the good luck embers to each new location. He will offer free tastes to the public and provide support to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. More info at: Erika@braintrustlv.com
Speaking of good food: Mrs. Dr. Forgot Forgot and I stumbled upon a new eating place recently. Makino is a Japanese restaurant that features what they claim to be the world’s best sushi- 60 different varieties. If you limit yourself to sushi, however, you’re missing the fishing boat. A phenomenal variety of salads are also available as well as hot dishes with a vast array of fish, all so fresh that you might have to slap it. The dessert selections range from yummy chocolate dipped large strawberries to individual servings of crème brule, tiramisu, green tea ice cream and others. It is served buffet style.
Speaking of green tea, their Makino green tea is the absolute best. It tastes so good it can’t be healthy. But it is. More info at: http://www.vegasbuzznews.com/ or http://www.makinogreentea.com/.
Napa Comes to the Ritz: Grgich Hills Estate winery in Napa Valley has a fascinating history. The Grgich is named for its founder, a Croatian immigrant whose Chardonay became the first award winning wine to best the French wines in France. The Hills refers not to the location but to the angel who helped Mr. Grgich found the winery - as in Hills Brothers Coffee. Daughter Violet Grgich brings some of their products to Lake Las Vegas for a winw tasting. But unlike your normal cheese and crackerwine tasting, this onw will include a full five-course meal with wine pairings for each course. Dinner will be served June 11 at 6 p.m. More info at 702.567.4600.
AAA knows best – or not: The American Automobile Association paints a grim picture of the Memorial Holiday according to local media outlets. AAA says high gas prices and chillier than usual weather will keep crowds down. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) is expecting over 300,000. I’d bet on the LVCVA. They are the local experts and their projections are usually right on the money.
Getting to the Root of politics: Wayne Allen Root is the Unknown Candidate, but don’t tell him that. The admitted health nut consumes 85 vitamins, herbs, and supplements each day. His goal is to become the presidential candidate of the Libertarian party. Root can be accused of being a Donald Trump lookalike He’s a self-proclaimed oddsmaker and wannabe politician who will attend the Denver convention in hopes of becoming the third=party candidate. But his bid for the nomination will be more difficult than Hillary’s since ex=Republican Texan Bob Barr jumped into the race. Root has big dreams but clearly the odds do not favor this oddsmaker.
A little blogging music Maestro... Our usual weekend rendition of “Viva Las Vegas."
Dr. Forgot
Friday, May 23, 2008
Trouble in Carson City
Music Man Ditty Updated
Trouble in Carson City: One of my favorite musicals is “The Music Man.” One song in particular, “Trouble in River City” tells of problems in a bucolic little town. Nevada’s capital, Carson City, is the home (more or less) of Governor Jim Gibbons, former Delta Airlines pilot who was reportedly fired by Delta for missing too much work, then rehired after a reported ethical lapse over some alleged favors over a fuel tax. During his gubernatorial campaign there were allegations of his forcing affections on a cocktail waitress after a bout of drinking, and once in office, he left his wife and moved out of his home (the guv’s mansion, that is). A presidential election is coming soon. This is just too good not to have a song about, so in deference to Professor Howard Hill, we’ll do our own version of “Trouble in Carson City:
Well, either you’re closing your eyes to a series of fiascos you do not wish to acknowledge or you are not aware of the caliber of disaster in the State of Nevada by a Governor who reached a 28% approval rating in just five, count ‘em f-i-v-e months – a feat that took our President five YEARS to accomplish! You’ve got trouble, friend, right here in Carson City. Trouble with a capital T and that rhymes with G and that stands for “Guv.”
Sure I’m a voter. Mighty proud to say I’m mighty proud to take part in my right as an American citizen. Why I proudly display my “I Voted Early” sticker on the front window of my eco-friendly desert dwelling. I consider the hours spent researching political candidates and issues as golden. Helps you cultivate horse sense and a keen eye to read the ballot and eliminate any possibility of a hanging chad.
But just as I say it takes judgment, brains, and maturity to properly serve the people of the great state of Nevada, I say any fool can trick the public into getting elected. And I call that Nevada politics. The first big step on the road to feeding off the lobbyists of Washington Dee Cee.
I say to you, first it is a sip of wine at dinner with a group of friends, then after each one has ordered a round of booze you end up in a wrestling match with a cocktail waitress and try to blame it on not being able to find your car in a dark parking garage.
And the next thing you know he’s been voted into office and the state ends up with a half billion dollar deficit. Friends, you done elected a buffoon, that’s buffoon with a capital B and that rhymes with G and that stands for Guv.
Then week after week he gets to fritterin’ I say, fritterin away his time on the Official State Computer, going to the web sites of his old cronies who take him on vacation and treat him royally, which some say is in exchange for political favors. Yes, friends, you’ve elected a governor that’s ethically challenged, I say challenged with a capital C and that rhymes with G and that stands for Guv.
But wait, there’s more. Amid his budget slashing and taking money from schoolchildren the Guv decided to move out of the mansion and left Dawn to run the house. She asked what he was doing and he replied that he wants a divorce. A divorce, friends, with a capital D and that rhymes with G and that stands for Guv.
Voters of Carson City, heed the warning before it is too late. Watch for the telltale signs of corruption. An election is coming up this fall. Does your candidate have a record of being wined and dined by lobbyists? Has he or she made promises to the constituency that cannot be kept? Then has dinner with big donors whose huge donations help to renege on those promises? And do certain words creep into the conversation? Words like, “Tax cuts,” and “Big oil profits.” If so, you’ve got trouble friends. Trouble with a capital T and that rhymes with E and that stands for Election.
So the next time an opportunity arises to vote for a candidate, don’t get fooled. Demand more disclosure. That’s disclosure with a capital D and... well, you get the idea.
A little blogging music Maestro.... Kate Smith singing “God Bless America.”
Dr. Forgot
Trouble in Carson City: One of my favorite musicals is “The Music Man.” One song in particular, “Trouble in River City” tells of problems in a bucolic little town. Nevada’s capital, Carson City, is the home (more or less) of Governor Jim Gibbons, former Delta Airlines pilot who was reportedly fired by Delta for missing too much work, then rehired after a reported ethical lapse over some alleged favors over a fuel tax. During his gubernatorial campaign there were allegations of his forcing affections on a cocktail waitress after a bout of drinking, and once in office, he left his wife and moved out of his home (the guv’s mansion, that is). A presidential election is coming soon. This is just too good not to have a song about, so in deference to Professor Howard Hill, we’ll do our own version of “Trouble in Carson City:
Well, either you’re closing your eyes to a series of fiascos you do not wish to acknowledge or you are not aware of the caliber of disaster in the State of Nevada by a Governor who reached a 28% approval rating in just five, count ‘em f-i-v-e months – a feat that took our President five YEARS to accomplish! You’ve got trouble, friend, right here in Carson City. Trouble with a capital T and that rhymes with G and that stands for “Guv.”
Sure I’m a voter. Mighty proud to say I’m mighty proud to take part in my right as an American citizen. Why I proudly display my “I Voted Early” sticker on the front window of my eco-friendly desert dwelling. I consider the hours spent researching political candidates and issues as golden. Helps you cultivate horse sense and a keen eye to read the ballot and eliminate any possibility of a hanging chad.
But just as I say it takes judgment, brains, and maturity to properly serve the people of the great state of Nevada, I say any fool can trick the public into getting elected. And I call that Nevada politics. The first big step on the road to feeding off the lobbyists of Washington Dee Cee.
I say to you, first it is a sip of wine at dinner with a group of friends, then after each one has ordered a round of booze you end up in a wrestling match with a cocktail waitress and try to blame it on not being able to find your car in a dark parking garage.
And the next thing you know he’s been voted into office and the state ends up with a half billion dollar deficit. Friends, you done elected a buffoon, that’s buffoon with a capital B and that rhymes with G and that stands for Guv.
Then week after week he gets to fritterin’ I say, fritterin away his time on the Official State Computer, going to the web sites of his old cronies who take him on vacation and treat him royally, which some say is in exchange for political favors. Yes, friends, you’ve elected a governor that’s ethically challenged, I say challenged with a capital C and that rhymes with G and that stands for Guv.
But wait, there’s more. Amid his budget slashing and taking money from schoolchildren the Guv decided to move out of the mansion and left Dawn to run the house. She asked what he was doing and he replied that he wants a divorce. A divorce, friends, with a capital D and that rhymes with G and that stands for Guv.
Voters of Carson City, heed the warning before it is too late. Watch for the telltale signs of corruption. An election is coming up this fall. Does your candidate have a record of being wined and dined by lobbyists? Has he or she made promises to the constituency that cannot be kept? Then has dinner with big donors whose huge donations help to renege on those promises? And do certain words creep into the conversation? Words like, “Tax cuts,” and “Big oil profits.” If so, you’ve got trouble friends. Trouble with a capital T and that rhymes with E and that stands for Election.
So the next time an opportunity arises to vote for a candidate, don’t get fooled. Demand more disclosure. That’s disclosure with a capital D and... well, you get the idea.
A little blogging music Maestro.... Kate Smith singing “God Bless America.”
Dr. Forgot
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