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My animal rights heroism

Tuesday, November 23rd, 2010

I will not be covering the North Korea skirmish with South Korea because we do not have all the facts. It could be anything from World War III to a mistake (yeah right). Nothing should be ruled in or out.

I will also not be spending any more time on the Thanksgiving Day airport situation because my attempt to have the ladies on Desperate Housewives turned into honorary airport security for the week has failed. Without Teri Hatcher or Eva Longoria doing the frisking, I think I will stay home.

So today is a day for me to be lighthearted and thankful that I do not have to observe Gloria Allred groaning in pleasure as some sweaty behemoth plays with her granny panties.

The one man who has had the good fortune to be me is quite lucky and blessed indeed.

Those living vicariously through me have witnessed or observed my greatness.

There was the time I gave up my seat to a black woman on a bus, making me the second coming of Rosa Parks. The fact that I was getting off at that stop anyway is irrelevant.

There was also the time when I spoke to a woman without staring at her cleavage.

Yes, she was hideous, but that is immaterial. I did not look at her at all, champion of feminism that I am.

I became a hero of the gay rights movement by offering a brilliant compromise of allowing gay rights for homosexual men but condemning the behavior for lesbians. I even compromised further, allowing ugly lesbians to do as they pleased. Critics accused me of just trying to get more hot women for myself. Those critics have no idea the burden I bare being a bra burning feminist.

(I wonder who’s bra that was anyway. I hope she does not want it back.)

So it is in this vein (or vain perhaps) that I reveal my animal rights heroism.

Yes, you read that correctly. I am a hero to the animal rights movement.

Some of you may point out that I am to the right of Ted Nugent when it comes to the philosophy of beef, which is kill it and grill it.

(On Thanksgiving Thursday, stabbing a turkey with a fork is a guilty pleasure, although the turkey is already dad and quite flavorful thanks to the good makers of Swanson dinners.)

I also agree with Nugent on his philosophy of “Wang, dang, sweet (redacted),” but that is for another day.

Anyway, back to me being a hero and animal lover.

The year was 2006. I was in Honolulu. The country bar was “Nashville Waikiki.”

For those confused, I was not in Tennessee. I was in Oahu, Hawaii. It was a country music bar on Kuhio Avenue.

I saw “her.” I will not elaborate about her, because she was your standard hot raven-haired Goddess…no biggie.

Yet I know that nothing warms the hearts of most women like trees and animals. I have no idea why, but flora, fauna, and furry fuzzies make them want to visit the island of fornicatia.

As for me, if one thing gets my hackles up, it is abuse of animals. It is one thing to eat beef, but barbecuing dogs and cats is totally unacceptable!

(This is how liberals operate. They make a statement nobody could possibly disagree with, and then accuse you of being insensitive for not saying it first, meaning you do support the evil action. I am against using goat horns to violate women, which means that everybody else I dislike supports doing this and are misogynists for not taking up the cause without me “prodding” them.)

Some barbarians actually eat horse meat, which is illegal. According to my Dennis Leary handbook on animals, we are only supposed to care about the cute ones. Otters and seals get to live. Cows are steaks and baseball gloves.

Well horsies are adorable, and it is high time somebody stepped in and saved them all.

So in the spirit of protecting these noble creatures, I needed to let this brunette Goddess know how I felt about combating the evil and brutality involved with hurting these animals.

I walked toward her, and with inspiration from animal lovers Big and Rich, showed my compassion.

“Sweetness,” I said to her…

“Save a horse, ride a cowboy.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qt0_oPPK6eA

With that, she understood my message. I was a lustful humanitarian.

“I saddle up my horse, and I ride into the city…

I make a lot of noise, ’cause the girls they are so pretty…

Riding up and down Broadway, on my old stud Leroy…

All the girls say ‘Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy.'”

So to that cowgirl who was part Nashville, part Waikiki, and 100% brunette Goddess, I would like to thank you for helping me spread my…cause.

Even a guy who is 5 ft 5 can be tall in the (side) saddle.

I will not rest until every animal is saved or I am exhausted, whichever comes first.

No need to thank me. I was just doing what I (lusted) loved.

To all of those horses (and horses’ hides also known as animal rights activist zealots) who are alive today because she decided to save a horse and ride a cowboy, there is only one thing to say.

You’re welcome. I would do it again…and again…and again.

eric

Posted in MUSIC, POLITICS, WOMEN | 2 Comments »

The Next Republican Jewish Brunette…Bring it on Woman!!!

Friday, November 19th, 2010

Screw tactfulness. This is business and personal.

Apparently I am single again.

I am so busy with work that I don’t even have time to pursue women. This should never happen. Last night it occurred to me that I have a mailing list of 11,000 people. It is time to start putting you all to work.

You all know women that I don’t. Introduce me to them.

Ok, that was the easy part. Now for the hard part.

I know exactly what I want.

I want a Republican Jewish brunette who likes football.

Some of you may recall that I was recently involved with that type of woman.

As for why the relationship broke up, I am going to follow the example of one of my political heroes, George W. Bush. Criticism of the previous romantic administration will not be found here. Publicly I will say she had many good qualities, and anything negative is private and kept on lockdown.

Here are some things I have observed in terms of past relationships, so that I can clarify what I want.

“Republican Jewish brunette who likes football” is not as simple as it sounds. It leaves too much open.

Being politically right of center is a must. Yet agreeing with me is insufficient. We do not need to spend every minute of the day discussing politics, but my career is political. At any moment somewhere in the United States, I might be asked to do an event with a senator or governor, which means they fly me out and put me up in a hotel. This is what I do. I need a political wife, one who likes hobnobbing at political functions. She has to be ok with the rubber chicken circuit, and my traveling for business. We will be a political power couple.

Jewish does not mean “willing to convert.” I have been burned before. The conversion process is arduous. I want somebody already Jewish by all legal religious standards. If you had a legal conversion, that is fine. I want somebody who is proud to be Jewish. Level of religiosity is less important than simply being comfortable and happy around Jewish people. This means socializing from time to time at Jewish dinner parties, and raising Jewish children.

The wife will have 99% of the say in terms of what type of house we have. While I have a deep respect for other religions, I do not practice them and they will not be in my home.

Brunette is a preference, not a deal-breaker.

I like to watch NFL Football on Sundays. We can do whatever you want to do Monday through Saturday. On Sundays I like to watch my games. Please respect that. You can watch with me or go do something else. Complaining you are bored and unable to understand how a guy can spend his Sunday indoors is not ok.

(I love my dad, but he has said this to me many times.)

Everybody should have a passion for something, and mine is football. I play in a league as well.

So if you are politically liberal, do not tell me you are open-minded. I am not. I want a Republican woman. I have dated liberals before. If I just liked politics, that would be one thing. It is my career.

No schoolteachers or social workers. You are all bleeding heart liberals. If you are a Republican in these professions, I would be shocked, and willing to consider it. I do not get along well with people in the entertainment industry. I am willing to ogle your backside from time to time, but not snort cocaine off of it.

I am a hard-charging corporate Type A guy. I want a corporate, professional woman. I have always been attracted to Wall Street type women. Legal and medical professionals are great as well.

Most importantly, I am an extrovert. I cannot date introverts. If you are shy, quiet, and mousey, I will overwhelm you. Aggressive is fine.

You must be fun. Fun is subjective, but I have long-lasting friendships. All of my friendships are long-term. They will tell you I am a fun guy to be around, gregarious and jovial. I do not drink or smoke, but love socializing and people-watching.

My favorite cities regarding women:

1) Brooklyn–The best women in the world. Moxie!

2) Miami–South Beach rocks.

3) Deep South–Lord have mercy.

I find too many women in Los Angeles to be toxic, but will not rule it out. I can’t. I live here. There are too many women in the professions I dislike and not enough corporate women here.

Here are some things that various women have done over the years that I liked a lot.

1) Cosmic Bowling—lights low…we danced in the alley to the music.

2) July 4th–At a beach party at a house, we climbed up on the ledge and danced under the fireworks.

3) One woman grabbed my arm and took me on the dance floor. Aggressive, but I liked her moxie.

4) Halloween–Matching costumes at the freak show in West Hollywood, making friends with total strangers.

5) Hanukkah–I love Hanukkah, and so did she. I hope you do as well.

I love going to restaurants. I will dress up if I absolutely have to. I will dress up above the waist and put on a sport jacket, but jeans and sneakers thank you much.

My two main rules are…1) Don’t be shallow. 2) Don’t be crazy.

If you think you are better than the waiter serving us, get lost. If you have a variety of illnesses, I gave to charity at the office and am tapped out. I am healthy and want that in a partner.

Oh, and I eat red meat and refuse to drive hybrids. Meat tastes good and Pious (Prius) drivers are insufferable. Worse than being on the left politically, they drive slowly in the left lane.

Ok, so I said what I wanted. What am I willing to give?

A ton. If you want to be a wife and mother, I am eager to become a husband and father. I have had a great single life, but I want my partner in crime. Tell me what you want and need. The worst that can happen is I cannot give it. Not everybody is a match. I come from a good family, and my family and friends would welcome you in with open arms. Also, I have my act together. I hope you do as well.

So for those of you out there who thinks you know somebody I could be happy with, or at the very least share mutual toleration, send her my way.

After all, I am not on Facebook to play computer games. I use this site for business.

Pleasure is business, and business is personal.

Please send your recommendations privately.

Lastly, I only want one woman. I am totally into the monogamy thing.

eric

Posted in MUSIC, POLITICS, SPORTS, WOMEN | 5 Comments »

Defending Michael Steele

Tuesday, July 6th, 2010

RNC Chairman Michael Steele is under fire.

I am firing back.

Somebody has to defend this good and decent man, and I am happy to do it.

If Michael Steele goes down, it will not be the fault of leftists, liberals, President Obama, the Pelosiraptor, or any of the usual suspects screwing up virtually everything else in America.

If Michael Steele goes down, it will be Republicans and conservatives who will deservedly get the blame.

I have met Chairman Steele on three separate occasions. I met him at the 2008 GOP Convention in Minneapolis, and at a Republican Jewish Coalition event in South Florida. I recently did an event with him in Idaho.

On all three occasions, the same thing occurred. Michael Steele lit up the crowd.

I like the man. Actually, let me be more clear. I love the man. He is the right man at the right time for a Republican Party that desperately needs to expand its reach.

He was not an affirmative action hire. He is proof that one can be a minority and still have substance, without exploiting minorities while lining his own pockets like several liberal black “reverends.”

He is not out spreading hate speech like his DNC counterpart Howard Screaming Dean.

(Dean apparently has been banned from speaking. When one is too crazy for liberals, that says a ton.)

I totally disagree with the notion that the Afghanistan war is unwinnable. Yet Steele was completely correct when he said that the war was “Obama’s war.”

This is a true statement. The war started under Mr. Obama’s predecessor, but he made a conscious decision to send more troops (after plenty of dithering and poll testing and focus groups). Despite the fact that Mr. Obama refuses to take responsibility for anything (unless it is positive, where he takes full credit), he owns this war now. If the war ends up being a debacle, it will not be his predecessor’s fault. He could pull all the troops out tomorrow, but likes keeping his own job.

One thing Chairman Steele has going against him is that Ron Paul defended him. That is not Chairman Steele’s fault, although getting support from Ron Paul is one step above getting support from Don King.

Michael Steele has made controversial comments (although again nothing compared to Howard Dean). However, he should be judged by only one criteria, and that is substance. Forget what he says. Look at what he has done.

His job is to build the party. He is doing that. He is a phenomenal fundraiser. He is a great speaker who inspires people.

(Unlike a president, a party leader speaking well is sufficient.)

He also has won every major race since his election as GOP leader. Republicans swept the governorships in New Jersey and Virginia, in addition to other vital races.

Some say we would have won those races anyway, but those armchair quarterbacks are just that. The 2010 elections are coming upon us, and Chairman Steele should be judged by those results.

I am tired of weak-kneed Republicans who have spent their lives caving in to the Democrats telling me who my Republican leader should be. These same Republicans run against Democrats and lose.

(More than one commentator I deeply respect also favors his removal. I respectfully but fiercely disagree with them. Not all of Steele’s Republican critics are spineless sissies, but enough of them are.)

Until Howard Dean is fired, Michael Steele should be left alone. Better yet, have Steele step down the moment Joe Biden stops being given a free pass for a lifetime of verbal idiocy and is dismissed.

If I hear “aww, that’s just Joe being Joe” one more time I am going to hit the roof.

Republicans have to stop eating their own. Democrats support each other. We throw each other under the bus. The Democrats allow a bigot to be the DNC Chair, and Republicans are not allowed to have a guy that occasionally misspeaks?

Do Republicans remember what happened when we threw Newt Gingrich under the bus? We became drunken sailor spendthrift Democrats with no vision. Republicans complained that Gingrich made dumb comments that could have cost the GOP its majority. It was Gingrich who got them the majority to begin with.

We are about to make the same mistake again by cannibalizing a Republican who had the nerve to speak off the cuff and was recorded without his permission.

(Republicans need to remember that the microphone is always on. Trent Lott was butchered for harmless comments. He failed to understand that only liberals have free speech.)

Republicans get nervous when the media shows us exit polls, even though those polls are often wrong. They love stories of GOP divisions.

We are a big tent party and a family. Divisions are healthy. It is the Democrats who ban dissenting opinions.

If we throw Michael Steele to the wolves, we will only have ourselves to blame when the Democrats and their media friends gleefully run stories of GOP turmoil up until November.

The goal is to demoralize Republicans and depress turnout in 2010, and prevent what should be a GOP electoral tidal wave. In 1994 we held firm. We need to do so again.

The GOP is energized right now, and it is totally unfair to deny Steele credit for a portion of that energy.

He is a good Republican and a good leader. Stand by him.

eric

Posted in MUSIC, POLITICS | 5 Comments »

A pair of heartfelt Father’s Day songs

Sunday, June 20th, 2010

On this Father’s Day, it would be nice if my father could be healthy. Between being a Holocaust survivor and having a pair of open heart surgeries in addition to eye problems, he has not caught many breaks.

He and I are very different people with very different interests. He still remembers reading to me as a kid, and is amazed at how fast time flies.

On this day I am thinking of two songs. Neither of them are happy songs, but they are heartfelt. The first one was a song he sang to me when I was a kid. It was done by Jim Croce and redone by Ugly Kid Joe. It is entitled “Cats in the Cradle.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=un2EfjEJAOA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B32yjbCSVpU

The second song is by Mike and the Mechanics, entitled “The Living Years.” It is a very poignant song that is a good blueprint for fathers and sons everywhere.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGDA0Hecw1k

Here is “Cats in the Cradle.”

“My child arrived just the other day
He came to the world in the usual way
But there were planes to catch and bills to pay
He learned to walk while I was away
And he was talkin’ ‘fore I knew it, and as he grew
He’d say ‘I’m gonna be like you dad
You know I’m gonna be like you’

And the cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man on the moon
When you comin’ home dad?
I don’t know when, but we’ll get together then son
You know we’ll have a good time then

My son turned ten just the other day
He said, ‘Thanks for the ball, Dad, come on let’s play
Can you teach me to throw’, I said ‘Not today
I got a lot to do’, he said, ‘That’s ok’
And he walked away but his smile never dimmed
And said, ‘I’m gonna be like him, yeah
You know I’m gonna be like him’

And the cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man on the moon
When you comin’ home son?
I don’t know when, but we’ll get together then son
You know we’ll have a good time then

Well, he came home from college just the other day
So much like a man I just had to say
‘Son, I’m proud of you, can you sit for a while?’
He shook his head and said with a smile
‘What I’d really like, Dad, is to borrow the car keys
See you later, can I have them please?’

And the cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man on the moon
When you comin’ home son?
I don’t know when, but we’ll get together then son
You know we’ll have a good time then

I’ve long since retired, my son’s moved away
I called him up just the other day
I said, ‘I’d like to see you if you don’t mind’
He said, ‘I’d love to, Dad, if I can find the time
You see my new job’s a hassle and kids have the flu
But it’s sure nice talking to you, Dad
It’s been sure nice talking to you’

And as I hung up the phone it occurred to me
He’d grown up just like me
My boy was just like me

And the cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man on the moon
When you comin’ home son?
I don’t know when, but we’ll get together then son
You know we’ll have a good time then”

On more than one occasion I thought I would not have a father. As awful as his health is, he is alive. I now have a job with frequent travel, so I book as many gigs as possible in South Florida so I can visit my parents. It is too late when we are gone to wish we had visited more often.

We are all busy. We have to make the time.

As for the song “The Living Years,” it is one of the most heartfelt songs ever written.

“Every generation
Blames the one before
And all of their frustrations
Come beating on your door

I know that I’m a prisoner
To all my Father held so dear
I know that I’m a hostage
To all his hopes and fears
I just wish I could have told him in the living years

Crumpled bits of paper
Filled with imperfect thoughts
Stilted conversations
I’m afraid that’s all we’ve got

You say you just don’t see it
He says it’s perfect sense
You just can’t get agreement
In this present tense
We all talk a different language
Talkin’ in defense

Say it loud, say it clear
You can listen as well as you hear
It’s too late when we die
To admit we don’t see eye to eye

So we open up a quarrel
Between the present and the past
We only sacrifice the future
It’s the bitterness that lasts

So Don’t yield to the fortunes
You sometimes see as fate
It may have a new perspective
On a different date
And if you don’t give up, and don’t give in
You may just be O.K.

Say it loud, say it clear
You can listen as well as you hear
It’s too late when we die
To admit we don’t see eye to eye

I wasn’t there that morning
When my Father passed away
I didn’t get to tell him
All the things I had to say

I think I caught his spirit
Later that same year
I’m sure I heard his echo
In my baby’s new born tears
I just wish I could have told him in the living years

Say it loud, say it clear
You can listen as well as you hear
It’s too late when we die
To admit we don’t see eye to eye

Say it loud, say it clear
Say it loud
Don’t give up
Don’t give in
And don’t know what you can do next”

I really hope that I bring a son into the world while my dad is alive. After all he has been through, I know he badly wants a grandson. However, part of growing up is a man living his own life on his own terms. If it happens, great. If not, it was not meant to be.

My father and I remain very different people. Yet at least we said we needed to say in the living years.

Dad, I hope this Father’s Day brings you good health. More than anything, you want, need, and deserve that.

I love you dad. Happy…and Healthy…Father’s Day.

eric

Posted in MUSIC, Uncategorized | 4 Comments »

Give Seattle to Canada

Saturday, June 5th, 2010

We should just give Seattle to Canada and be done with it.

I hate coffee, rain, grunge, technology geeks, and smugness, which seems to be everything that is Seattle.

(I also used to dislike the Seahawks, but they are no longer a rival of the Raiders.)

The Seattle Post Intelligencer is the biggest oxymoron since “tough diplomacy,” and “Jews for Jesus.”

Does anything good come out of that place?

The Seahawks used to be at the top of all that is detestable about Seattle. The Kingdome was a house of horrors for the Oakland Raiders. Now they are just a team with ghastly uniforms. They now play in an open stadium, proving that idiocy exists in the Pacific Northwest.

How can anyone live in a place where it rains 300 days per year? Some people romanticize the rain. I think they should be forced to stay outdoors permanently. There is nothing romantic about getting wet socks and shoes. That leads to death by pneumonia.

As for technology geeks, I wish I could hit control, alt, delete, and get rid of them all. Every time they come out with a new and improved version of their product, it is incompatible with the old version. The first thing they disable is the ability to send them complaint emails.

The liberalism is out of control. I would declare it smug liberalism, but in Seattle that is redundant.

The only thing worse than regular liberals are latte liberals. I don’t care if they are Grande, Venti, or whatever the heck those things are called. Anybody who pays $5 for a cup of a beverage needs to have their head examined. At least at McDonalds the lady who scalded herself only paid $1 for her cup of scalding hot death beverage.

Yet the worst of Seattle has to be the remnants of grunge.

For those who do not know, the golden age of rock music occurred from 1986 to 1992. It was known as “glam rock” or “hair metal.” The guys had long hair and high falsetto voices. It was happy rock.

Then in 1992, grunge descended on America. Some incoherent individual decided that smelling like teen spirit was somehow something positive.

(I am not speaking ill of the dead. If Cobain was still alive I would still be hostile toward his music.)

“A mulatto…an albino…a mosquito…my libido…”

Does anybody know what the heck he was saying?

Really. Come on. Here are my versions.

“Eat gelato…Spearmint Rhino…a potato…a torpedo…

Sing legato…with a wino…in Salado…eating Fritos…

From Novato…to Encino…Corleon-o…he shot Fredo…

Baked Risotto…parmesagno…add romano…that’s my credo…YEAH!”

NO!

How about Kurt Cobain agonizing while singing “Polly want a cracker.” Then in the song for some bizarre reason he sings “Polly says her back hurts.”

My mom taught English. This can’t be English. I could offer my versions.

“Polly is a crack whore.”

(She very well could be.)

“Polly lives in Krakow.”

(She could be Polish.)

“Polly needs a clap cure.”

(Can birds get Syphillis?)

Kurt Cobain brought gibberish, but it was Eddie Vedder and Pearl Jam that brought the true surliness and smugness that made grunge and Seattle so contemptible.

Homeless people can’t help dressing that way. If they could afford better unripped clothing they would buy it. Eddie Vedder and his “I’m rich, I’m miserable” routine is insufferable. Songs about students committing suicide in school are not my thing.

Also, the guy had a chance to do something positive by testifying before congress on a ticket pricing issue. He showed up looking like a homeless person, and of course they ignored him. Congress may not be what it once was, but he could have put on a clean shirt and dropped his attitude long enough to make his case. This is typical behavior from a man who wins a music award, shows up to the ceremony stoned, brags about it and tacitly endorses drug use, and hands the award to the kid in the video by saying, “He’s Trevor. He lives.” He did not even bother to thank the crowd.

Enough with Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Temple of the Dog, as if being dyslexic is trendy and hip. Enough with grunge. Good riddance.

This is what Seattle has brought us.

Seattle is the land of rain…the Seahawks…technology geeks…lattes and other coffee derivatives…liberal smugness…and grunger angst.

Give it Canada. Then we can work on Detroit. At least Detroit has Motown, not grunge.

eric

Posted in MUSIC, POLITICS, SPORTS | 10 Comments »

Poison Sunday–Rock Solid Bret Michaels

Sunday, May 23rd, 2010

I have always been a big fan of rock group Poison. Lead singer Bret Michaels is one of my favorite singers of all time.

http://www.tmz.com/2010/05/23/bret-michaels-celebrity-apprentice-finale-medical-staff/

http://www.bretmichaels.com/default.shtml

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poison_%28band%29

Lately he has been in and out of hospitals. He has had life threatening maladies.

The man is only 47 years old, and for as of now unexplained reasons, his body is just having a tough time.

Yes, rock stars have died young due to the “lifestyle.” Yet Mr. Michaels is a father to a couple of young girls, and he seems to be living a relatively clean lifestyle. He definitely wants to live.

Tonight he is one of two finalists along with Holly Robinson Peete to be the next Celebrity Apprentice. Ms. Peete, wife of retired NFL star Rodney Peete, is formidable. Yet I hope Bret wins.

I still remember the 1988 video for the song “Fallen Angel.” It was about somebody trying to live their dream in the entertainment industry, only to see it eventually go downhill.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71gEULkXzec

“Just a step away, from the edge of the fall…caught between heaven and hell, where’s the girl I knew a year ago…Win big, Mama’s Fallen Angel…lose big, living out her lies…wants it all, Mama’s Fallen Angel…lose big, rolling the dice of her life.”

Bret Michaels made it not just as a musician in a rock band but as a businessman. He combines creativity with smart business savvy.

He also has used his fame for good.

He was caught backstage once sticking himself with a needle. Everyone who knew thought it was a typical rocker doing drugs. It wasn’t. Bret is diabetic. He was giving himself insulin. He went public and became a spokesperson for juvenile diabetes.

During the Celebrity Apprentice, he found out that his young daughter is diabetic as well.

In the last few weeks he has been hospitalized with a brain ailment, and a ministroke. Somehow, miraculously, he is still alive.

Bret has given so much to so many in the form of great music. While many 1980s rockers faded away, Poison continued. Many people do not know that Poison put out albums in 2000 and 2002, which were every bit as good as their 1980s heyday.

Poison even repeated the failed Hollywood dream with the song “Wishful thinking.”

“Mr. Smiley” is hilarious. It is about staying optimistic with all the chaos going around.

Sexually explicit songs were common, and well written. One had guitarist CC Deville singing, on the song “I hate every bone in your body…but mine.”

Their biggest hit was their love ballad.

“Every rose has its thorn…every night has its dawn…every cowboy sings a sad sad song…every rose has its thorn.”

The name of Bret’s team on Celebrity Apprentice was “Rock Solid,” which he came up with.

He has been rock solid through everything.

This should not be a sympathy choice. He has done the job. He won his task as project manager, and was often the de facto leder as other contestants turned to him to take the lead.

He is a special person, and I will always thank him for his contributions to my coming of age. When I was a broke guy in college, taking a girl out on a date meant taking her to the rooftop of my building and slow dancing under the stars to 1980s rock ballads. Between the night sky, the rooftop jacuzzi, and the music of Poison, I managed to have some great nights that broke guys often don’t have.

Bret is ill now, but every thorn also has its rose. He will get better, and continue to provide joy for millions while raising money for his charity.

Donald Trump has an easy decision tonight. Bret Michaels should be the next Celebrity Apprentice. Bret is Rock Solid, and deserves it.

Get well Bret, and thank you for everything you have brought this world. May God bless you always.

As you say in your song “Life Goes On,” “this last mile…I travel with you.”

We are all traveling on this road with you Bret.

Be well.

eric

Update: Donald Trump chose Bret Michaels as the Celebrity Apprentice.

Trump had a very difficult decision this time, and I was curious to see how he would handle it.

On a cold, logical, business level devoid of emotion (which I often advocate), Holly Robinson Peete raised the most money in the history of the show.

On an emotional level, which I have repeatedly stated should have nothing to do with the decision, Bret Michaels nearly dying and coming back to fight for his charity does matter.

Emotion normally should not be a deciding factor, but this case was a rare and appropriate exception.

Yet the problem is that since the winning charity gets $250,000, allowing sympathy for Bret Michaels to reign supreme would cheat innocent children that Holly Peete is fighting for.

Trump got this one perfectly right. I have admired him in the past, but this time he really showed the wisdom of Solomon.

He got the Snapple executives to match his $250,000, so both contestants saw their charities win. Once that was taken care of, the winner of Celebrity Apprentice was more symbolic.

Symbols do matter. Bret Michaels showed more character than many people in this world these last few weeks.

He was one of my music heroes as a teenager, but these past few weeks I have admired him as an adult even more than as a young rocker wannabe.

Holly is the best fundraiser in the history of the show. Bret is one of the best people in the history of the show. His heart shone through from day one.

Trump has been called heartless, but if he was, he would have picked Holly. Some will say that he would have faced a torrent of media criticism, but Trump has never shied away from making unpopular decisions.

I think that even though he has made his life engaging in projects to make money, he was genuinely moved by Bret Michaels.

I know I was.

I can’t wait to meet Bret Michaels one day and thank him. He has no idea what his music did for me as a kid.

I have said many prayers for him.

Trump got it right, and Bret Michaels will hopefully rock on for years to come.

The tears flowed from many, but as Bret reminded us in Poison’s first song, you gotta “Cry Tough.”

Nice job Mr, Trump.

Very classy Holly.

Rock on always Bret. God bless.

eric

Posted in MUSIC | 3 Comments »

Barack Obama, Meet Mike Tramp

Tuesday, October 20th, 2009

Awhile back I recommended that Hillary Clinton meet Joey Tempest, the lead singer of 1980s hard rock group Europe.

Once again it is necessary for an 80s hard rock band to explain a Democratic politician.

It is time for Barack Obama to meet Mike Tramp.

Yes, the Mike Tramp from White Lion.

Today the Black Tygrrrr, known as the Tygrrrr Express, is endorsing White Lion.

http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/white_lion/artist.jhtml#bio

No, this is not about the great remake they did of the Golden Earring classic “Radar Love.”

It is not even about their hit song “Tell me.”

No, it is about the White Lion ballad that should be the official anthem of Barack Obama and the entire Demagoguic Party.

The song is called “When the Children Cry.”

You see, the left is throwing another one of their temper tantrums due to their own inability to actually accomplish anything.

They blame Rush Limbaugh. They blame Fox News. They blame insurance companies. They blame everybody except the people that they should blame…themselves.

Now I know some of you still have not figured it out, so let me sum it up quickly and then catch my flight back to the left coast.

Rush Limbaugh, despite what I said recently, did not cause 9/11.

Fox News is not responsible for the Holocaust.

Neither Glenn Beck nor Sean Hannity have ever cast a single vote against Obamacare, because no bill even came up for a full vote. Even if it did, they cannot vote.

People on the left despise George W. Bush, but there is no denying that he was more effective. After all, if he was ineffective, they would have no reason to despise him. Liberals love conservatives that fail to accomplish their goals.

President Bush had a 50/50 Senate, yet he got his tax cuts through.

Barack Obama has 60 Democrats in the Senate, and can’t get them to agree on anything except to blame Republicans.

When the Children Cry, let them know we tried.

The Pelosiraptor refers to the voters opposing her as Astroturf. The St. Louis Rams and Indianapolis Colts won many games on Astroturf.  Maybe she is blaming Republicans for the recent failure of the Rams. Then again, her opposition to Limbaugh buying them means she wants them to fail.

Ok, enough silliness for now.

Islamofacist terrorists are trying to kill us all. Conservatives care about this. We don’t have time for the absolute nonsense that consumes the left.

We do not have time to hold full time jobs in the private sector and come home to babysit screaming liberals children neglected by the nanny state the left loves.

The left has two options. Either accomplish something, or don’t.

Just quit the crying. Quit railing against other private citizens.

George W. Bush did not complain about MSNBC, which truly does exist to spread left-wing bile. He did not complain about the Jayson Blair Times. He did not make Gunga Dan Rather and Mary “fake but accurate” Mapes commit fraud and cover it up.

Barack Obama has not and will not ever encounter 10% of the criticism is his predecessor did for existing and breathing air.

It is nobody else’s fault but is own that he is seen worldwide as a likable wimp, as opposed to is predecessor, who as hated by those who hate this country no matter what.

Barack Obama and the left can either put up or shut up. Until they do the first, they may wish to try the second.

In the meantime, I am recommending that the Gerber company create a new line of baby food for Democrats. Perhaps the makers of Castor Oil can give them some before bed.

Until then, they can enjoy some White Lion songs.

The adults will be back in charge soon enough, and the children will be sent to their rooms again. Naturally, they will learn nothing from their experiences.

Perhaps Nancy Pelosi can join White Lion, and they can rename the band “Lady and the Tramp.”

Just kidding. She is no lady. Ladies are adults.

I am off to work, because that is what productive people do. I am hesitant to leave the Obama spokespeople at home alone, but at least if we give them a few pacifiers to suck on, the rest of America can get some piece and quiet from their bellyaching for awhile.

eric

Posted in MUSIC, POLITICS | 4 Comments »

Joe Piscopo and other (angry) mob(ster)s

Friday, August 7th, 2009

Editors Note: I am en route to San Diego for Sean Hannity and his Freedom Concert. I will not be covering the Sonia Sotomayor confirmation because there is nothing to say. She got confirmed. If Republicans want to prevent another mediocre talent and leftist ethnic grievance monger on the court, then winning back the Senate is the only hope.

Besides, I have bigger concerns.

I am now officially a mobster.

This is surprising to me. I am not Italian, and most Italians I know are not mobsters either.

I like Italian food, but found the Sopranos colossally boring. For those who said “Bada Boom!” and “Bada Bing!” I responded with “Bada Yawn,” also known as “Bada who the hell cares?”

Yet in the current health care debate, anybody that goes to a town hall meeting and disagrees with the President is now part of an angry mob.

So this is actually less about mobsters than mob(ster)s.

To be part of a mob, there is only one qualification. One has to disgaree with President Obama and refuse to be silent about this.

http://boortz.com/nealz_nuze/2009/08/but-when-in-doubt-blame-it-on.html

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204908604574334623330098540.html

http://www.nypost.com/seven/08072009/postopinion/opedcolumnists/world_burns_as_doc_o_fiddles_183348.htm

http://michellemalkin.com/2009/08/07/i-am-the-mob/

When George W. Bush was the president, dissent was patriotic. Very leftist ran wild. Were there reasonable Democrats that protested in a civil manner? Sure. Yet the lunatics were celebrated. Every organization from “Lesbian Vegans for Libya” to “Hillary’s hags and harpies” to “Bush lied, the music died” was out in full force.

Cindy Sheehan engaged in behavior toward President Bush that can only be described as stalking. Medea Benjamin and the rest of the Code Pinkos engaged in verbal bombthrowing that bordered on terrorism.

Yet despite accusations that President Bush was clamping down on free speech, those accusations from Hollywood celebrities and other leftist nitwits defied logic. After all, people yelling about censorship at the top of their lungs with no repercussions hardly sounds like a police state.

As for Barack Obama, anybody disagreeing with him is a concern. Leftists are constantly complaining about Gestapo tactics, but they seem to enjoy them themselves. After all, what else would one call collecting evidence of conservatives criticizing the President, and then emailing the White House to inform them.

Despite having the White House and both houses of Congress, the left is more enraged than ever. They still have not grasped what election after election has told the rest of the civilized world.

Leftists don’t matter. They are, were, and lord willing, will always be irrelevant.

Without rehashing past discussions, in short, conservatives get elected by saying who they are and what they believe. Liberals get elected only when conservatives mess up, and only be denying who they are. They make up phony terms like “progressives” because they are too gutless to admit they are liberals.

Because of this, there is no mandate for liberalism in America.

For those that point out the last two elections, think again. The Democrats won in 2006 by not discussing anything remotely resembling a policy or a program. They stood for nothing, which was good enough whe the Republicans were seen as less than nothing. Naturally, outside of non-binding resolutions, and hating President Bush, they did nothing.

Then they got the White House in 2008, and they claimed a mandate for liberalism. This is false because Barack Obama denied who he was from day one of his campaign. He had a mandate to fix the economy. He did not have a mandate to remake it in the tradition of FDR.

Democrats had a few brief months where blaming Republicans for everything from killing puppies and kittens to hating seniors and children worked. Yet then a funny thing happened.

The voters wanted results. They wanted the blame game to stop. The liberals were incapable of stopping.

Liberal hatred of conservatives is pathological. They need hatred the way normal human beings need  oxygen.

With no Republicans to blame, the liberals had no choice but to blame somebody. It was tornado temper tantrum time. First the Democrats lashed out at each other. The Blue Dogs correctly understood that allowing the Pelosiraptor to dictate legislation would not her. She has a safe seat. She would not care if they all lost their seats once the legislation was passed.

Yet the Blue Dogs eventually turned into lap dogs. There was just one problem. Nancy Pelosi, Barack Obama, and even Rahm Emanuel ran into the one group of people that could not be bullied…voters.

First the Democrats got shellacked at Town Halls. Then they simply decided to stop holding them. They began a ruthless assault on ordinary Americans. Just ask Joe the Plumber.

They then verbally attacked people attending tea parties and town halls as either lunatics, or plants. Now liberals are experts in having planted questioners in their midst, to ensure favorable coverage.

I remember attending a press conference by Barbara Boxer where the questioners were required to write the questions on pieces of paper, and she would choose which ones to answer.

The liberals once had complete domination of the media. Then conservatives found outlets, including talk radio. The left came unglued, knowing that dissenting conservative opinions were even allowed.

This led to citizens getting more politically active. This is not a threat to Democracy. This is democracy.

Now the left is demonizing people attending Town Halls for simply disagreeing with the President.

The left is determined to find people that act badly. In the same way Palesiminans are having a tougher time recruiting new homicide bombers, leftists are posing as hateful conservatives because mainstream conservatives refuse to act like bat spit crazy nut jobs.

When Senator Boxer complains that the protesters are fake because they dress well, she is conceding that most liberal protesters are unshaven creatures that should be profiled at airports.

I recently attended a strategy session, and we were told as conservatives that we were to be civilized and polite. We were told not to hold up any crazy signs, or yell any bad words. This is because one incident of bad behavior will allow liberals to present all conservatives as wack jobs.

The funny thing is the conservatives did not even need this advice. Unlike liberals, they do not need to experience extensive training in civilized behavior. We do not throw objects or celebrate those who do. We would never throw shoes at Barack Obama or a pie at a liberal commentator.

The left has become so unhinged that they actually accused the senior citizens in the audience of grandstanding so that they could be on You-Tube.

It was at this moment that a liberal mobster had to settle down other liberal mob(ster)s, even though he agree with them politically.

I never thought I would witness this, but the voice of reason in this discussion was Joe Piscopo.

As a political blogger, I never even thought to ever write his name. H eis an actor or comedian who was famous for something a while back. I mean no disrespect. He seems like a nice enough guy. Yet his recent appearance on Hannity was brilliant.

I still do not understand why he wa son Hannity, but again, for a Hollywood celebrity, he actually spoke like somebody thoughtful. When the You-Tube issue was brought up, Piscopo deadpanned that “These are senior citizens. They don’t even know what You-Tube is.”

I admit, to me that is hilarious, and quite accurate. They call it “new media” because it is new. It is mainly the tool of young people.

I do not know what Joe Piscopo knows about new media, but Joe Piscopo knows about mobsters. He and Danny Devito was hilarious in “Wise Guys,” when Dan Hedaya hired each of them to kill the other one. Ray Sharkey was killed, but Piscopo bungled his way into survival.

He knows comedy, and apparently he knows seniors as well. They are not looking for internet glory. That is a young thing. They do not know You-Tube from My-Space to the Space Race to the Great Space Coaster.

My father is a bright man, but he has no idea how to do most things on a computer. He is old and set in his ways. He dictates letters, and my mother types them. I taught him how to download music, and he got angry when nobody else had the songs he liked. My mother wakes up 3am to handle eBay auctions. Again, this man is no dummy. He is just old, and not interested in Twitter and Facebook. My mother checks his email.

Many seniors are angry because they truly love America, and see liberal policies wrecking the nation they inherited.

These poeople are not fake plants. The assertion is ludicrous.

The pelosiraptor claims that these people are “carpet-bombing” this country. Many of these seniors belong to the World War II generation. They know more about carpet-bombing that the Pelosiraptor ever will.

These are not political agitators. They don’t put on war paint like Code Pink. They are not college kids that wouldn’t know a fact from an opinion if it was drilled into their skulls.

The seniors simply want to get to the truth. They want congress to read the bills they vote on. They want congress to level with them.

They want honesty.

They are not an angry mob. I have seen angry mobs. During the LA Riots of 1992, I saw a city have to be put on lockdown. It was not Republican senior citizens burning and looting. It was young people with a sense of grievance and entitlement.Why would seniors steal VCRs back then? They did not even know how to program them. (I let mine blink 12:00 because twice a day, every day, it was right.)

The left can kick and scream and cry and hurl epithets. What they cannot do is govern.

They control everything, and they are repeating their mistakes of 1992.

The louder they yell, the more they will be rejected, and the more desperate they will become.

They could try reaching across the aisle, but if they did this they would not be liberals.

Again, when hatred is a religion, it is difficult to let reason trump emotion.

I will continue to exercise my right to free speech. I will engage in democracy.

I may attend some protests. I am sure the crowds will be filled with decent and civilized human beings.

For now, it is time to hang out with some great AMericans.

The Tygrrrr Express is San Diego bound, ready to hear Charlie Daniels, Lee Greenwood, and of course Sean Hannity.

I never thought I would say this, but if Joe Piscopo is there, that would be cool as well.

We will be portrayed as angry mob(ster)s, but thousands of people singing “God Bless the U.S.A.” along with Lee Greenwood sounds like a lovefest to me.

eric

Posted in MILITARY, MUSIC, POLITICS | 20 Comments »

233 Years and Beautiful–America Remains Great in 2009

Saturday, July 4th, 2009

Happy 233 America!

The Tygrrrr Express is in Sacramento.

The Sacramento Queen and I will visit the beautiful island of Rio Linda, where Mt. Rush Limbaugh got his start. There were fireworks extravaganzas last night in from Downtown San Diego to the Washington State Northern border, and out Eastward to Maine and Key West, Florida. The Sacramento Queen and I will then watch the fireworks tonight in Sacramento Queen and much of her family before making it back to the City of Angels on Sunday. Naturally of course, there will be tea parties, including one at the state capitol.

I know what July 4th means to me. Independence Day is special. Before offering my own wistfulness, I would rather let some of the finest people associated with the finest military in the world offer their heartfelt sentiments. Without these brave heroes, the miracle that began in 1776 would be paler by comparison. Below are their July 4th memories, and what Independence Day means to them.

http://michellemalkin.com/2009/07/04/independence-day-america-turns-233/

http://www.freep.com/article/20090704/OPINION01/907040301/1069/An++09+declaration+of+reasons+for+celebration

ADMIRAL LEIGHTON SNUFFY SMITH

A simple answer: I think of what our forefathers sacrificed so that we could be free to work, pray and socialize as we wished. I think of Bosnia, and how I saw many people die for those very same things. I think of Iraq and Afghanistan and the number of people doing the same. We are so very lucky to have what we have yet we seldom seem to understand just what we do have in comparison to the rest of the world.

SS

RETIRED SOLDIER AND CONSERVATIVE BLOGGER SNOOPER

What does the 4th of July mean to me?

It means the Spirit of American Freedom reigns supreme throughout the world and that the vast majority of Americans, when the chips are down, will do whatever it takes to remain free.

It reminds me that when facing odds seemingly stacked against us, we as a nation will always rise to the top.

Currently, I reside in the GREAT Republic of Texas as does my son who has recently returned from the War In Iraq. I am a retired DAV and have served my nation since 1976.

As Francis Scott Key was writing our National Anthem, I can only imagine the sight of which he beheld. Every time I myself returned across The Wire and caught a glimpse of our Flag flying, chills traveled up and down my spine and that experience remains with me to this day. The American Flag represents that which millions of others wish they had. Why else is it that millions try to get to the United States and millions are not trying to leave?

July 4th, to me, represents that which no other country in the world has…True Freedom. And I and millions like me are more than willing to give the ultimate sacrifice for our way of life, politics be damned.

COLONEL AL FRACKER

Our family vacation was always spent “up north” in a one-room cabin in the woods on the 4th of July. So, when someone mentions the 4th of July, my very first thought is standing next to a bonfire by Nichols Lake in mid Michigan, the smoky scent of hot dogs tantalizing my nose and irritating my eyes. The words “freedom” and “independence” were thrown around as my Dad and relatives drank beer, ate, and retreated from long days working in a factory or climbing poles for Consumer Power Company, but those words meant little to me, as I was born free.

Ten years later, and the 4th of July meant so much more. I thought of my older brother who was born on July 2nd, the day the Declaration of Independence was signed, and how proud he was at 17 to be a Marine. Some say he died a needless death attacking the city of Hue. Three days after learning of his death, we received a letter from him describing a huge beetle he found that he wanted to add to our insect collection, and as a side note, he said not to worry because he was happy promoting freedom in a different land. Naïve? Maybe so, but poignant nonetheless.

My first official day in the Army was July 2nd, 1972, and following a two day bus trip, I remember vividly the physical pain of push-ups, gorilla stomps, inverted crawls, and grass drills executed on the 4th of July. The utter frustration of being powerless on the receiving end of verbal and physical abuse highlighted the paradox, “one must lose freedom to gain freedom”… in other words, much like the song, “You don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone”.

Fast forward another 35 years, and I’m part cynic and part optimist. The cynic laments our public’s concept of freedom on this special day and latches onto cautionary excerpts sent from a friend. A Scottish History professor from University of Edinburgh in 1787 cites: “A democracy will continue to exist up until the time that voters discover they can vote themselves generous gifts from the public treasury. From that moment on the majority always vote for the candidates who promise the most benefits from the public treasury with the result that every democracy will finally collapse due to loose fiscal policy, which is always followed by dictatorship.” He describes the cycle as, “from bondage to spiritual faith…from spiritual faith to great courage…from great courage to liberty…from liberty to abundance…from abundance to complacency…from complacency to apathy…from apathy to dependence…from dependence back into bondage”.

The optimist in me suggests this 4th of July will mean the same to me now as it did almost fifty years ago. We’ll build a fire and scrounge up some hot dogs. I’ll remember the coolness of the lake, my Dad’s strong laugh, and Uncle Joe losing his false teeth while water skiing…not once, but two years running. And these innocent memories will be accompanied kindly by a depth of convictions, experience, and reality…convictions of faith and service to my God, family, and country… experience of seeing what the lack of hope and freedom does to people, and the reality that each person can and must make a difference. Being free is a daily commitment, whether home, on the road, or in some foreign country. I didn’t choose to be free – I was born free, and I am committed to die that way. I will be surrounded by Soldiers who wrote a blank check to the American people, a check payable with their lives, who are living JFK’s aged yet appropriate appeal to the public: “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country”. With these men on the 4th of July, I will be hopeful for a free Iraq, and more importantly, a continued freedom within the United States, and we’ll pretend there’s a lake, Uncle Joe’s false teeth, and beer on the other side of the berm.

Al Fracker
COL, IN
16th Iraqi MITT
Team Chief

LANCE CORPORAL JOHN BIVONA

For me, the Fourth of July is not just about sparklers (but man, they’re fun) and corn on the cob (no one can eat just one.). Nor is it about hot dogs, although tofu pops and smart dogs make delicious meat free ones. Please look for them at your local retail food store. I like Whole Foods. It’s my source for all the vegan organic goodness that plumps the 140 pound community of cells I call moi.

Having served as a marine in Operation Desert Storm/Shield, Independence Day takes on an even greater symbolism, as is the case for most U.S. servicemen and women. Pride, honor, tradition, heritage, corn on the cob (Sorry, I guess I am hungry)…The tenacious and bold spirit that was necessary to overcome our old world oppressors is still very much alive today. The fireworks serve as a visual reminder of the beauty in finding independence from those who put unnecessary burdens on us.

The universe rewards bold action coupled with intelligence. We had a plan. We put it into effect. Fast forward 200 years. Wal-Marts and America Idol. It sure beats Little House on the Prairie. Well, not really. Laura Ingalls, you go girl!

My mission this 4th…my plan…seek and destroy all organic corn on their cobs. Eliminate all kernels from their oppressive cobs. I will provide them independence. Fear not America. Meat free hot dogs eaten with an independent spirit my newly straightened chompers. Oohrah! Hey, where’s the relish? Go vegan. Break your chains. See what lies beyond.

LEE SORENSEN

The 4th of July always means to me one thing: The Flag.

We all know the history of our founders and their role in building our country. We even know the history of our flag. But when I see our Flag, I stop and give thanks to all the things this country has given me and done for me. It makes me want to give back to America all I can in the spirit of the last line of our Declaration of Independence,

“we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor”.

Most of us can not even begin to imagine the horrors our Military saw in Vietnam, World War 2 or the U.S. Civil War. The only thing I can do is honor those who fought for the people that could not help themselves, is by serving my country in the Military. To a lot of us it makes no matter if the war is in Iraq or Iowa, we just give to our country. Sometimes with our life.

One day in the far future I hope, a Flag will drape my coffin. It will be the proudest day of my life and wish all who see that flag know, it is the same exact flag that draped my father’s coffin as a WW2 vet, and my grandfathers as a WW1 vet. Although I will be there I wish I could see it, but you can bet I will be smiling.

So when you see Our Flag anywhere think of all the people that would defend you with their life, just because you are an American.

Lee S.

Balad, Iraq

As for me, I love the music. From Bruce Springsteen singing about Glory Days to John Mellencamp offering a story about Pink Houses, the music stays with me. John Fogerty reminds us that not everybody is a Fortunate Son.

Lee Greenwood singing God Bless the USA never fails to make me well up with emotion.

Yet for those that want to see the glory of America, I take you back in time. The place is Coney Island in Brooklyn. The year is 2007. (Update: Joey Chestnut has done it again, winning in 2009 for his third straight victory.)

http://sports.yahoo.com/top/news?slug=hotdogeatingcontest070409&prov=ap&type=lgns

On July 4th, American supremacy continues, especially in Brooklyn
“Lady Liberty is shining her beacon of freedom all over the world today, but primarily in the greatest city in the world, Brooklyn, New York.
The rest seems unimportant.
What is relevant is the real story in the news today coming out of Brooklyn, in a small area called Coney Island. Coney Island is the home of the Brooklyn Cyclones, the Boardwalk, and the original Nathans hot dog stand from 1916. Nathans hot dogs are not only the greatest hot dogs in the world, but also the home of the world famous hot dog eating contest. For the last 6 years, Japanese winner Takeru Kobayashi reigned like the Lance Armstrong of competitive eating. Not today! Not in 2007.
“NEW YORK — American Joey Chestnut broke the world hot-dog eating record Wednesday at the annual Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest, downing 66 franks to beat six-time defending champ Takeru Kobayashi.” (story courtesy of Fox News)
In the 1980s, there was a growing fear that America was no longer number one, that the Japanese were replacing us. They bought Rockefeller Center. The American decline was premature, until the 21st century. Six straight Japanese wins at Coney Island left Americans questioning their greatness. Were we becoming a nation of tofu vegetarians, unable to compete? Not since the disastrous 1983 America’s Cup sailing loss have we been so low. Today, supremacy has returned. Joey Chestnut has brought the yellow hot dog belt back to the USA.
“The two gustatory gladiators quickly distanced themselves from the rest of the 17 competitors, processing more beef than a slaughterhouse within the first few minutes. The two had each downed 60 hot dogs with 60 seconds to go when Chestnut — the veins on his forehead extended — put away the final franks to end Kobayashi’s reign.”
First the British thought that they were better than us. Yet if memory serves, it was Pete Sampras that kept winning the British open in Tennis. Tiger Woods does the same in golf. The Germans? Please. Did Detlef Schrempf win anything? What about Dirk Nowitzki? The Russians have not been the same since the 1980 Olympic hockey game, which led to the the Berlin Wall crashing down. Canada? Are you kidding me. The Mighty Ducks brought the might of America another victory.
The Japanese were not going to defeat us in World War II, which lasted six years. Their domination of the Nathans Hot Dog Eating Contest lasted six years. This is no coincidence.
Yes, there are ultra serious issues concerning July 4th. It is a day about freedom, liberty, democracy, and all things red, white and blue. This column has repeatedly emphasized the pride I feel being American, and how I wish I could shake every soldier’s hand for allowing me to focus on hot dog eating contests while they handle trivial matters such as saving my life. I well up when I hear Lee Greenwood sing “God Bless the USA.” I get fired up when Toby Keith sings about putting a “boot up the @ss” of the bad guys who wish America harm. Bruce Springsteen does sing about “Born in the USA,” but I think “Glory Days,” is a great metaphor. Ours are continuing. I even find solace in the American dream expressed in John Mellencamp’s “Pink Houses,” although not everyone gets that pink house. At least they have a shot.
Some will try to paint today as a day for fat, lazy, stupid American slobs to overindulge in food. Yet if we are such awful people, why does everybody worldwide want to live here? Americans are good people, and we have been blessed. Our indulgences are our way of expressing our blessing. We give generously to other nations, and we are generous with ourselves. As we should be.
I am not Joey Chestnut. I will not be eating 63 hot dogs today, although if I could, I would. I vacation twice a year in Coney Island, where my grandparents reside, along with other family members. When I see my friends, we take that magical trip to the Boardwalk, where the Fireworks go off every weekend during the summer, and the Nathans hot dogs taste fantastic.
So whether it be sports heroes, such as Michael Jordan, Babe Ruth or Joey Chestnut, captains of industry such as Jack Welch or Donald Trump, or the fine heroes of our military, just remember what America truly is. We are high achievers. We strive to be the best. We work hard, play by the rules, and truly believe in the noble greatness of the individual. America is sometimes down, but we have repeatedly been counted out, and those counters have been repeatedly wrong.
To explain American success, I turn to one of my favorite Brooklyn people, Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis. In 1983, after winning another Superbowl, as he held the Lombardi Trophy, he was asked about what it took to achieve success. “First, you start out with great coaches. Then you get great players. Then you have a great organization. You go out and tell them one thing…Just Win Baby!”
Americans are winners. Other nations trash talk. We go about our business. When you are the best, the results speak for themselves.
July 4th is a celebration of b*tchslapping those who tried to harm us. So while I pray for the safety of our soldiers, I also pray that they b*tchslap some terrorists off the face of the Earth. They do that job brilliantly.
So as we light Roman Candles tonight, and wave those American flags sky high, let’s be thankful and grateful that we truly do live in the land of the free, and the home of the brave.
May God bless America, Brooklyn, and soldiers everywhere defending our freedoms.
Nice job Joey Chestnut. Way to bring home the yellow belt.”

Yet July 4th is about even more than the glory of that Brooklyn day. July 4th is about America the Beautiful, and nobody sings that better than the late Ray Charles.

“America…I’m talkin’ ’bout America…God done shed grace on thee…”

I would end this by saying God Bless the USA, but based on the last 233 years, he already has.

A happy and peaceful July 4th to you all. May your fireworks shine bright, your flags wave sky high, and your loved ones be close, happy, and safe.

eric

Posted in MILITARY, MUSIC, POLITICS, SPORTS, Uncategorized | 3 Comments »

Ideological Bigotry–My book is now available

Sunday, April 5th, 2009

All,

My book, Ideological Bigotry, is now in stores and available for purchase.

Ideological Bigotry is the hatred of people based on their political views. It is just as harmful as racial or ethnic bigotry, but gets less attention.

The book can be purchased through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or through iUniverse.

http://www.iuniverse.com/Bookstore/BookDetail.aspx?BookId=SKU-000119573 freechatrooms

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Ideological-Bigotry/Eric-Aka-The-Tygrrrr-Express/e/9781440133909/?itm=2

http://www.amazon.com/Ideological-Bigotry-Politically-Conservative-Left-Wing/dp/1440133905/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1238917332&sr=8-2

Below is the picture of the hard cover copy.

For legal reasons, I had to use a picture different than the one on my blog. Simply put, after much searching, I cannot find out who owns the rights to that picture.

Below are a couple of testimonials that will be found on the back cover.

“Many will find this reading highly charged, and most controversial. But hey, that’s what we have come to expect from Eric aka The Tygrrrr Express!”

Radio Host Armstrong Williams

“You don’t have to be a political ‘conservative’ or agree with every word in this book to appreciate Ideological Bigotry. In a society that professes to value tolerance and dissent, America has become infested with bigots who taunt, intimidate and even hate those who dare to disagree with them.  Eric exposes this evil in a witty and insightful manner that makes for very delightful reading.  Unlike many who beat you over the head about this problem, his wit and sense of ridicule are a welcome relief.  A great read!”

Ward Connerly—Chairman, American Civil Rights Institute

I am described as “politically conservative, morally liberal, and completely off kilter.”

If you would like me to come to your city to do a book signing, then invite me! I am arranging a book tour as we speak.

I am also available for television and radio interviews.

I had no say in the price of the book. As for free copies, please understand that if I gave the book away, this would not be a successful business venture!

I will be autographing copies of the hard cover version.

My goal is to visit all 50 states, so at some point, your hard cover book WILL be autographed.

If I left you out of the acknowledgments, again, don’t resort to verbal violence. Every person that I have ever corresponded with through the Tygrrrr Express has made it a special place.

After you have purchased the book, please let me know that you did so.

Lastly, just know that while I am the person who wrote the book, and writes the blog, every single one of you is what makes it worth while.

Thank you very much.

Now please go buy my book!

eric aka the Tygrrrr Express

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