Quote of the Week- Ted Kennedy

Today, we remember two cultural icons who have recently passed away. On this blog we honor Ted Kennedy (1932-2009) and on my other blog we remember John Hughes (1950-2009). In the respective worlds of politics and films, both of these figure leave an ever-lasting influence.


Ted Kennedy at the Democratic Convention in 1980:


"For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures and the dreams shall never die."

Beers of the Islamic World (5 of 6)- Bintang from Indonesia

It might go well with a hot dog! Then again, maybe not!

Silly Photo to Fill Space- Hot Dogs

Hmmmmmmmm.........this makes me NOT want to eat a hot dog the next time I go to a Greensboro Grasshoppers game.

Quote of the Week-Benjamin Disraeli

Today's quote of the day comes from Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881) and I found it the great graphic novel "Elephantmen: Wounded Animals," hence the image we have here for you:

"The press is not only free, it is powerful. That power is ours. It is the proudest that man can enjoy."

A Crazy Poem I Wrote

This was originally intended to be read at No Shame Theatre at Studio Roanoke in Roanoke, Va., this weekend, but I was still recovering from my gall bladder surgery as well as the medications they put me on!

It is called "I'm Dating Sylvia Plath:"

I met a wonderful girl through e-harmony

They claim she's a 'perfect match'

This time- they could actually be right.

We both like The Smiths and The Cure

as well as the poetry of Mishima

And, we had our first date at the Holocaust Museum

Perhaps, we'll have our honeymoon at the Golden Gate Bridge


I'm so happy, so happy, so happy

I'm dating Sylvia Plath

Aren't I a lucky boy, indeed???

Footnote: For those who don't know Sylvia Plath was the subject of the Gwyneth Paltrow film "Sylvia." The late poet, also known for her novel "The Belljar" killed herself when she was just in her twenties.

Political Confusion Test (21 of 21)- Village People vs. The Oak Ridge Boys

Today, we finally conclude our Political Confusion Test series by asking folks if they would prefer the music of The Village People or The Oak Ridge Boys.

The Village People were formed in the late 1970s and the original members included police officer (Victor Willis), American Indian chief (Felipe Rose), cowboy (Randy Jones), construction worker (the late Glenn Hughes) and military man (Alex Briley). The band's costumes were inspired by the gay night life scene in Grenwich Village.

Hit songs for the group included "YMCA," "Macho Man," "Go West" and "In the Navy."

Former lead singer Ray Simpson who replaced Willis as the cop recently threw out a first pitch at a Florida Marlins game.

The Oak Ridge Boys were actually formed way back in 1945! The current lineup includes Duane Allen, William Lee Golden, Joe Bonsall and Richard Sterban.

Originally called the Oak Ridge Quartet, the group focused on gospel music. They moved to Columbia Records in 1973, and they finally made it big in 1981 with their smash hit single "Elvira."

This has been a fun series (the entry was in June!), but like all good things it must come to an end.

More Silly Photos to Fill Space-Operation!

If this seems like one too many silly photos, please keep in mind that I am recovering from gall bladder surgery which I had on Monday. In case you were wondering yes it really %$&*#% hurts!