Friday, August 15, 2008

Today's Video Link

I have often made mention here of a fellow named Frank Ferrante, who wanders this great nation of ours, impersonating Julius "Groucho" Marx. I'm ordinarily not a fan of impressions that go on more than about three minutes but Frank doesn't do an impression. He really turns himself into the grouchiest of all Marx Brothers and his show is a delight.

In the past, you've had to take my word for it. Now, I can show you seven minutes of what I've been raving about. Take a peek and then check out this schedule to see when Frank will be hackenbushing his way into your area. (According to the list, he'll be in Blowing Rock, North Carolina next week. I don't imagine he'll be referencing the name of the city at all during his performance.)

• Posted at 2:52 PM · LINK

Today's Reason Not To Vote For John McCain

Tax cuts for the wealthy...but folks who receive health insurance through their employers would now be paying income tax on what was previously untaxed money. This, his backers say, is not really a tax increase.

Hey, remember when Republicans were passing around those lists of Michael Dukakis and later Bill Clinton tax increases? One, as I recall, was that one of those governors — Clinton, I think — signed a bill extending the dog racing season in his state. The logic was that since the season was longer, the government would be collecting more revenues from its cut and that qualified the extension as a tax increase.

Yeah, McCain's plan also includes a subsidy payment which people can put towards their health care costs. But it'll wind up costing middle class and poor folks more...which I suppose is the whole point of it. Someone has to make up the money Cindy McCain won't be paying.

• Posted at 10:11 AM · LINK

BBQ Battles

As perhaps could be expected, I am now receiving messages from folks who live in or around Kansas City informing me that those who recommended Gates Barbecue are fools who wouldn't know a proper rib if it was used to create the first woman. (There's a better way to phrase that joke but I don't have time now for cosmetic surgery.) Most of them are suggesting not only Arthur Bryant's but that I insist on the original location of Arthur Bryant's.

If 'tis possible, I will check out both Gates and Arthur Bryant's during my brief Kansas City visit. I must admit this will not be as joyous an experience as it might have been a few years ago, back before my Gastric Bypass Surgery. Gone are the days when I could/would devour huge combo platters in such places. The stomach simply won't accommodate large portions. When dining out in L.A., I always plan to take at least 40% of my meal home and sometimes it's more like 65%. That's not always practical while travelling.

Anyway, I'll tell you which barbecue eatery I like best and then that will settle the matter, once and for all. You will all be required to agree with me and the restaurant I don't prefer will have to go out of business immediately. (I'm sorry if you work at the place I order closed...but that's the way these things work.)

• Posted at 1:36 AM · LINK

August 14, 2008 • Current • August 16, 2008