HANKERING -- RETRO -- SANITY

Had an unexplainable hankering recently for a chili dog -- a culinary concoction  I probably haven't eaten for a couple decades or more.   Recalled a nearby fast food drive thru featuring hot dog varieties so I indulged myself.   The chili wasn't as tasty as what I made, but I'm not about to warm up my kitchen by cooking.  We had a slight cool down outside for a couple days, but we're back to another three digit heat wave again.

The retro dog created a mind set that caused me to be susceptible to a bit of binge viewing of a long ago TV series, "Laugh-In", I coincidentally noticed being featured on current TV one recent day. I had seen some of the broadcasts when they originally aired, but missed many shows given my busy life those years, 1968-1973.   Prime time viewing, traditionally 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., might benefit even now for a similar weekly sketch comedy variety show.  The only comparable sketch comedy program for many years since is NBC-TV's "Saturday Night Live" currently airing well after prime time hours.

"Laugh-In" featured numerous comedic talents, celebrities and even politicians.  The show was fast-moving; colorful; full of comedy skits; outlandish costumes; humorous songs, dances, poetry;  numerous jokes often described as "one-liners" -- brief, and to-the-point on every subject imaginable.

A comedian, Henny Youngman who lived to be 92 was referred to as the King of One-Liners with his classic: "Take my wife......Please!"

Another of his many jokes:

The Doctor called Mrs. Cohen saying, "Mrs. Cohen, your check came back".     
Mrs. Cohen answered: "So did my arthritis!"

Laugh-In's primary hosts were a comedy duo, Dan Rowan and Dick Martin.  Numerous featured comic talents whose careers flourished in the entertainment world after "Laugh-In" ended.  Some of those performers include:  Ruth Buzzi, Judy Carne, Jo Anne Worley, Arte Johnson, Lily Tomlin, Goldie Hawn, Henry Gibson, Alan Sues, Gary Owens, Chelsea Brown, Richard Dawson, Robin Williams.

Flying Fickle Finger of Fate,  one of the shows segments with a serious but humorous twist was an award given "saluting actual dubious achievements by the government or famous people. A breakthrough in TV broadcasting" as defined by the Urban Dictionary.

Here's the first award in a brief  54 sec. video:



Recent news items continue to raise questions about our considerably less than transparent U.S. Administration and President's namesake son.

I can hear Lily Tomlin's little girl character, Edith Ann saying after each of  his new stories  and seemingly never-ending revelations: "And that's the truth!" followed by her making the raspberry sound.



One of Arte Johnson's characters would likely react thusly:



Perhaps this bit of humor will tide me through whatever new insanity may emerge in the week ahead.

THOUGHT.......QUESTIONS.......JUSTICE

THOUGHT – CAUTIONARY TALE

I have this habit of writing “thot” for thought and other abbreviations based on how words sound.   I use such casual shortened words in my instant messaging and email conversation.   I know there’s a whole set of such words and acronyms being used, accessible on the Internet, but I’ve never bothered to study them.  I simply make up my own, though that can be dangerous.   

My young adult granddaughter has cautioned me “thot” has a different meaning in culture today.   So, I consulted my trusty Urban Dictionary link.   Guess we all better be careful what we write:

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Thot&utm_source=search-action

QUESTIONS

Questions….questions….I’ve never had so many questions.....here are a few:

Should Americans be seriously concerned, as I am, that Russia (or any foreign government) interfered in our election?

Should Americans be alarmed that Russia is expected to continue to do so?

Do we need serious investigations to identify all American individuals who have engaged in actions with the Russians to affect our elections -- even if they just encouraged or invited the Russians to do so?

Why does our President not seem dedicated to protecting our nation from a potential threat to elections in our government since this is a non-partisan issue?  

Should we believe this self-described brilliant businessman is so naive as to not understand how to behave ethically as President, but if he doesn't, is that an excuse for not doing so?

Are we ever going to see the President’s taxes to rule out any business conflicts of interest with Russia, or other countries, corporations, and why won't he reveal them?

Is this administration threatening our democratic republic constitutional government? 

Is an intent for “deconstruction of the administrative state” stated as this adminstration’s agenda by White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon a betrayal of allegiance to the United States of America?  

Instead of “draining the swamp” has our President created a cesspool?

Does passing Presidential Executive Orders eliminating regulations that safeguard Americans from financial exploitation and collapse really benefit ordinary citizens?

Does passing Presidential Executive Orders that eliminate consumer protections benefit ordinary citizens?   

When White House Deputy Press Secretary Sarah Sanders says:  “I can definitively say the President is not a liar”, is that true?  

JUSTICE

I would enjoy returning to D.C. to sight see at a more leisurely pace than the last time I went.   Years earlier trips I had there with other family were just driving Pennsylvania Avenue and passing the White House. 

My last trip several years ago I was visiting family in Virginia.   A friend who had relocated to VA had an appointment in D.C. with the FBI for some research she was doing.  Though she had a parking pass in the Bureau’s parking garage, after our long drive to D.C. I urgently needed a rest stop.   So, we had to stop hurriedly at a parking meter practically in front of the Justice Dept. and I rushed up the steps and inside. 

Unfortunately, the Justice Dept. would not allow me to utilize their facilities, since I didn't have a pass beyond the entryway.   I could see the ladies room door tantalizingly close, but beyond my access.  That resulted in my having quite a different problem -- no justice there.   (Later I learned I had an infection.) 

The parking meter on the street required coins every two hours, so my excursions the rest of the day were limited by the need to acquire the proper coins, then to feed the meter periodically and locate a rest room.  I would like to have explored much more, including the Viet Nam Memorial Wall, but especially now, since installation of the WWII Memorial.