Ahhh

CBS’ Face the Nation featured an appearance by the chief White House mouthpiece Kellyanne Conway. I won’t use additional space relating her elusive answers to questions asked. The Duchess of Deflection proved again that her talent for avoiding direct answers began with her child proficiency at the game of dodge ball. 

Seems England’s Prince William is not a fan of his uncle, Prince Andrew. He’s said to have been a strong influence in the removal of Andy’s royal duties. Apparently William was also involved in the decision to boot The Duke of York from his Buckingham Palace offices. Conversation during this year’s royal Christmas dinner could be a bit dicey. Perhaps he’ll be relegated to the kids’ table.

 I’m entertaining thoughts of sending a local exterminator’s convention into chaos by showing up in a Mickey Mouse suit.

Last year my annual “gifts for pets” list was a bit tardy. In order to avoid same again, here’s the  new edition.  Based on the limitless love you display for your pet,  these are a few items to help you show your affection for the cherished four legged one in your life;  The Cat Cabin $1200. Himalayan Dog Bed-$195,000, Diva Pet Blanket $320,000, Super Dog House with Plasma TV and Spa $410,000 and a 52 Carat Diamond Pet Collar $1.8 million.

His continuing retention by the rosy faced one remains a mystery. He’s labeled as the White House’s personal lawyer, his statements often defying logic and frequently eluding truth. Once labeled “America’s Mayor” his performance during the past three years qualifies Rudy Giuliani for a new title during this appropriate time, “Turkey of the Year”. Regarding the local scene, a loud chorus of boos is sent in the direction of those who abandoned the Pawsox and sent them scurrying to Worcester. Shame on every one of you.

Amid the joy of friends, family and food may we all pause long enough tomorrow to be thankful for the generous and treasured gifts we’ve been given.

Happy and Grateful Thanksgiving.

What?

Guess I had it wrong.  When I first heard the word “impeachment” I thought it to mean the obsession with a tree grown fruit.

Word has it that Trump Junior’s book “Triggered” has shot up the N.Y. Times best seller list. Not because of family fans or reader curiosity but rather the fact that it was because the Republican National Committee coughed up $95,000 buying the “epic”.

Certainly former National Security Council member Fiona Hill proved to be an outstanding witness during this week’s hearings. Her direct knowledgeable answers to all questions were commanding. Hill’s testimony was heartfelt and appreciated. Bravo!

Another sorry story of the times:  Two mothers engaged in foul mouthed punch tossing, hair pulling and wrestling in front of their toddlers at a British school this week. The panicky kids screamed and cried throughout the whole sordid event. Guess these two losers are being eliminated from the candidates’ list for “Mom of the Year”.    

Glad to see where rave reviews have greeted both the film “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” and its star Tom Hanks as Mr. Rogers.

How many of us took note that this November 22^nd marked 56 years since President John F. Kennedy was taken from us. Our country has seen a gradual attitudinal decline ever since.

Can’t imagine sitting in a Gillette Stadium pouring rain to watch the Patriots play. The home recliner, flat screen, nearby kitchen and bathroom make more sense. But for the faithful or the fool hearty, enjoy.

Michael Bloomberg’s multi-million dollar announcement of his intention to run for the White House once again brings home a fore mentioned fact.  Abe Lincoln would stand zero chance of being a candidate today.

How delighted Bev and I are to ad “great” to our title of “grandparents”. Mae Debra Phillips arrival is a continuing total joy.

Roaring Mouths

Where’s that rotting aroma coming from? Could it possibly be 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue?  Trump pardons were issued this week regarding three servicemen who had committed crimes including 2^nd degree murder while serving in Afghanistan.  Meantime, he fired Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch, then degraded her by twitter after she had served three plus decades of distinguished service to our nation. 

A more pleasant note:  Am looking forward to a favorite playing another favorite; Tom Hanks as Mister Rogers in “A Beautiful Day in The Neighborhood”. Also on the “must see” list is Helen Mirren in “The Good Liar”. 

The eventual Democratic candidate to emerge from the current dozen or so hopefuls needs to have a pronounceable and easily remembered name. Pete Buttigieg is not one of them.

The list of all time, most famous tap dancers includes Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, Gene Kelly, The Nicholas Brothers, Fred Astaire, Sammy Davis Jr., Vera Ellen and Donald O’Connor.  Under consideration is current “tapper” Prince Andrew of England. His explanation of his relationship and activities with Jeffrey Epstein is worthy of the time step, the ball heel, the single buffalo and his own contribution to “tapping”, The Royal Shuffle.

Donald Junior’s twitter account should be considered for what it is, trash. He misused it to question the character of 30 year military vet and Purple Heart recipient Lt. Col. Alex Vindman who testified at the Trump impeachment hearings this week. Of course, we need to consider Sonny’s ill-conceived opinions are from a father and son duo who believes in pardoning war criminals and has never worn a U.S. military uniform.

Lest we get lost in the holiday rush and the quest for our dollars let’s keep in mind the priceless, forever gifts with which we’ve been favored.  Let’s not allow November 28^th to become just a one day less pathway to those of mirth, celebration and over consumption. May we pause to reflect upon the treasures of family, friends, relationships and circumstances we have been given. Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving.

A Ha!

Perhaps an improvement in daytime tube watching will be realized as the impeachment hearings are made available to us.  At least we won’t have to be subjected to laugh tracks that accompany the usual fare.  Then again, we may be supplying our own. By the way, does Rep. Jordan of Ohio own a suit coat or sports jacket? He always seems to appear in a white shirt and tie in an attempt to get noticed.

As this public testimony was about to reveal itself these are some interesting thoughts from Carl Bernstein who along with Bob Woodward uncovered the Nixon/Watergate scandal: “In terms of the facts, we have some overwhelming evidence that the president of the United States conspired with his lawyer to undermine the electoral process of this country through the intervention of a foreign power,” Bernstein said, referencing Trump’s phone call asking the Ukrainian leader to dig up dirt on his potential Democratic 2020 rival Joe Biden .“It’s a very grave charge and there are a lot of facts that support the charge,” Bernstein noted as he urged “take a step back, particularly journalists” because “we don’t know where this is going to go. The impeachment process hinges on how the American people process developments and how senators in the GOP-controlled Senate react to any changes in public mood. The conventional wisdom is that he would be acquitted in the Senate,” said Bernstein. “I think it’s a time to put conventional wisdom aside, We don’t know”. He further stated our quote of the week, “America is in a cold civil war”.

John Dean, based on his experience with Nixon and the Watergate Scandal, commented during the first day of impeachment trial testimony indicating it wasn’t a good Trump day. “What struck me today in listening to these two witnesses is they already have more than they had against Richard Nixon to impeach him, because the evidence is there.” 

A contender for quote of the week came from former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley. Appearing on The Today Show while plugging her book she stated this about Donald Trump, ““In every instance that I dealt with him, he was truthful, he listened and he was great to work with”.

The second day of the impeachment hearings were highlighted by the appearance and testimony of Ambassador Yovanovitch  whose thirty plus years in service to this country was applauded by both democrats and republicans.  Even during her testimony White House couldn’t refrain from insulting her as the tweet machine was in high gear once again. One committee member stated,  “If Trump wanted her gone he could have just recalled her without the smear campaign to wreck her reputation”. When the day and her testimony concluded it was obvious where both “class” and “classless” was located