Essay: "In Mediocrity We Trust, In Debt We Die", Part 5

Essay: "In Mediocrity We Trust... In Debt We Die", Part 5 of 5

       Unfortunately, as is the case every four years, the Democratic field is just about as mediocre and/or unqualified as the Republicans tend to be. At least they help the Common Man, most of the time. However, there is an unofficial candidate, but he is on many but not all state ballots. I like him as a candidate because a: He's not per se a career politician, so he isn't likely going to BS or lie to you like George Bush, for instance, regularly does. b: He has over twenty years of experience looking out for the consumer and the Common Man. c: He has proven his leadership qualities with his successful battles to demand automobile safety etc, and he also founded the Public Interest Research Groups (PIRGs) to advocate on behalf of the average citizen rather than the corporation(s). Also, I'm sure there are a lot more reasons that we'd be better off with someone like Ralph Nader in the White House than a Spawn of Nepotism like George Bush.

       Another reason bozos keep getting elected is that not enough young people register to vote or even bother to cast ballots once they're registered. Besides, the well-to-do, like George Bush, have a very good incentive to make it a hassle for young people and others to register to vote. Citizens of legal age should be able to register at the DMV, their school, or even a movie theater if they so choose. If that happened, perhaps Reagan and Bush never would have had been given the opportunity to screw up our country beyond recognition.

       Whether you vote or not, don't settle for mediocrity in politicians, your choice of profession, or your life in general. If we all strived to be the best we could be for a change, the results would likely be amazing. One last thing, don't let George Bush nude-Bungee-Cord Jump the economy and the environment, with a 10,000 foot drop and a 15,000 foot Bungee Cord, into the Sea of Despair.  [As the joke goes, See You Next Year, perhaps tomorrow] Have a Happy New Year!

       Although this essay was written about sixteen years ago, it is still relevant to today, with a mediocre George W. Bush administration ruining things for most citizens to satisfy his so-called base of wealthy right-wingers and religious zealots.

    [Originally published in Eastern Connecticut State University's Campus Lantern student newspaper and part of my unpublished manuscript "In Mediocrity We Trust... In Debt We Die And Other Essays.].

Essay: "In Mediocrity We Trust, In Debt We Die", Part 4

Essay: "In Mediocrity We Trust, In Debt We Die", Part 4 of Several

       Read his mediocrity--: No new progress. Few new jobs. No better health care for those who have none. No new domestic programs, and no new money. All rights reversed (as opposed to reserved) by the Reagan Rehnquist court. Never forget Bush's broken promises: "No new taxes." Who would ever guess that a leader who promised to be "the Environmental President" would turn out to be such an environmental saboteur?: [Making 50% of wetlands vulnerable to development; doing little or nothing about Oil Spills; requiring "further study" on the Greenhouse Effect (Global Warming); No Energy Policy whatsoever, etc.] In the next election, remember George Bush's innumerable blunders and follies. In the upcoming Presidential election, remember to: Never trust any Republican over thirty. And, the only good Republican is an unelected Republican. (to be cont'd)

Essay: "In Mediocrity We Trust, In Debt We Die", Part 3

Essay: "In Mediocrity We Trust, In Debt We Die", Part 3 of Several

       To use a sports analogy, America is like the long-time heavyweight champion who has been number one for so long that he gets fat and lazy and stops training. Before long, a young upstart cleans his clock. For years, our government and industry have let higher quality and lower-priced imports enter the American marketplace without adapting the quality or price of American goods. If our government and industry were truly committed to make education, job/career training, quality control, and innovation top priorities, we could compete a hell of a lot better with recent powers such as Japan and China. For instance, there is no reason why American companies can't start making VCRs, Compact Disk players, computers, and other products primarily made overseas to save money. 

       George Bush likes to say, "Read my lips...". The problem is, whenever he opens his mouth, very little of style or substance ever comes out, other than perhaps his Point of Light Foundation and his incomplete victory against Saddam Hussein. (to be cont'd)

[Originally published in Eastern Connecticut State University's Campus Lantern student newspaper and part of my unpublished manuscript "In Mediocrity We Trust... In Debt We Die And Other Essays".]

Essay: "In Mediocrity We Trust, In Debt We Die", Part 2

Essay: "In Mediocrity We Trust, In Debt We Die", Part 2 of Several

       As Louise Sawyer (Susan Sarandon) said in the movie "Thelma and Louise": "You get what you settle for." In settling for Reagan, Bush, and other assorted avaricious incompetents, we have gotten exactly what too many of us have settled for. For instance, the trend toward excessive deregulation led to a $500 billion + Savings and Loan scandal, which we are all paying for one in one way or another. Similarly, there is a recession and a great deal of unemployment, largely due to so-called Junk Bonds, hostile corporate raiders, the party that the rich had at the expense of the poor and the future during the eighties and nineties, etc. Graft and power-hunger led to the Iran-Contra scandal, and perhaps the so-called October Surprise. An inherently unfair stacking of the Supreme Court with ultra-conservative justices is eroding your  individual and civil rights and liberties, even as you read this. In short, we are in the mess we are currently are in because we arguably haven't had a halfway-decent President since November 23, 1963. (to be cont'd)

    [Originally published  in Feb. 1992 in Eastern Connecticut State University's Campus Lantern student newspaper and part of my unpublished manuscript "In Mediocrity We Trust... In Debt We Die" and Other Essays] 

Essay: "In Mediocrity We Trust, In Debt We Die", Part 1

Essay: "In Mediocrity We Trust, In Debt We Die", Part 1 of Several

    [Originally published Feb. 1992 in Eastern Connecticut State University's  Campus Lantern student newspaper and part of my unpublished manuscript: "In Mediocrity We Trust... In Debt We Die and other Essays]

       Welcome to the Age of Mediocrity. Jobs are scarce. Money is very tight. Opportunity is almost nowhere to be found. Even true compassion and humanitarianism have largely flown out the window since the Reagan and post-Reagan Dystopias. The only thing that seems to be in abundance these days is mediocrity. So, as George Bush might say: "Never fear, there's plenty of Mediocrity to go around for everybody." Mediocrity is everywhere to be found, and is sometimes the only thing to be found.

       Speaking of Mediocrity, George Bush wears it like a badge. He wallows and languishes in his mediocrity; and he even seems to take a great deal of pride in his mediocre, dubious accomplishments as President, and he expects us to do the same. If there were an annual or once a decade or so prominent example of mediocrity, George Bush would win the Yoko Ono box-set hands down (She's not named Oh No for nothing.). Bush is a first-rate liar, a seventh-rate President and a second-rate human being. (to be cont'd)  

Books Worth Reading, Movies Worth Watching

Books Worth Reading & Movies Worth Watching

       I have recently read the following books in 1998 that may be of interest to others:

       Perfectly Legal: The Covert Campaign To Rig Our Tax System To Benefit The Super Rich--And Cheat Everyone Else  This 2003 book by David Cay Johnston is sure to outrage and anger you, unless you are a beneficiary of this unjust system.

       A Declaration of Energy Independence: How Freedom from Foreign Oil Can Improve National Security, Our Economy, and the Environment by Jay Hakes  This somewhat technical 2008 book includes the history of our oil dependence and crises plus a number of potentially feasible and workable solutions to end our oil addiction once and for all, if only our elected officials, corporations and citizens have the courage and will to implement them.

        Fruitless Fall: The Collapse of The Honey Bee & the Coming Agricultural Crisis by Rowen Jacobsen  This somewhat technical 2008 book is a celebration of food and nature which surmises the cause(s) of the recent worldwide prevalence of  "Colony Collapse Disorder" and speculates what agriculture would be like without honeybees and other important pollinators.

     I'm currently reading:  Thieves In High Places:They've Stolen Our Country And It's Time To Take It Back by Jim Hightower.  This 2003 book chronicles how George Dubya Bush and the extreme right-wing of the Republican Party has run roughshod over our rights, shredded the Constitution and changed government for the worse for most citizens.

     

Movies Worth Watching or Renting:

  "Traitor" Don Cheadle plays a devout Moslem who both helps and stops terrorists.

  "Slumdog Millionaire"  Director Danny Boyle (Director of  "Trainspotting", "28 Days Later", etc.) tells the story of Jamal a basically uneducated, poor orphan in India who grows up to overcome much tragedy and adversity to win over one million rupees (Indian currency) in the Indian version of  "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire", all for the love of his boyhood friend Latika, who has her own share of adversity. What's interesting is not so much that he won, but how he won. I wouldn't be surprised if this film isn't at least nominated for Best Foreign Film. 

(to be cont'd?)

Essay: "Xmas or Stressmas?, Part 2

Essay: "Xmas or Stressmas? or "A Cynical Curmudgeon's Commentary on Christmas", Part 2

       Stressmas also reminds me of the injustices one experiences year-round. For instance, at least 433 turkeys (in Congress) escaped Thanksgiving slaughter, and that doesn't include the fowls in the Judicial and Executive branches of government, plus politicians in general.

       Stressmas also reminds me of the inevitability of: being screwed by the IRS; lied to by politicians; deceived by religious conmen and the government; constantly subjected to eternal bureaucracy and red tape; and regardless of what the so-called investigators have concluded, been gouged by the oil companies,etc.

       Luckily, the inevitability of misery, misfortune and injustice can be offset in at least 1001 ways. I also must admit, no matter how bad things get there will always be some things to be grateful for.

       If justice exists in this world, Jesse Helms and his ilk will either get voted out of office or (we can only hope) will oneday die a slow and painful death; Generic products still cost much less than name brands...

       The most thankful event on Thanksgiving was the recent resignation of Margaret Thatcher. At least it calmed the IRA down...

       Best of all, there's no law saying that one can't buy Xmas presents as if running a business. Here's how: The object is to spend as little as possible and to get as high a return as possible. For instance, I have bought recent hardcover books worth around $17.00 for only 50 cents. I could spend around $1.oo per person and get as much as a hundred-fold profit in return. That's one way I should survive the coming bad years.

       One more thing: Merry Stressmas and May the Stress not be with you.

      [Originally written for Eastern Connecticut State University's Campus Lantern    student newspaper in December 1990 or 1991. Also part of my unpublished manuscript: "In Meciocrity We Trust... In Debt We Die: and other Essays.] 

Essay: "Xmas or Stressmas?", Part 1

Essay: "Xmas or Stressmas?" or "A Cynical Curmudgeon's Commentary on Christmas" Part 1

 [Originally published in December 1990 or 1991 in Eastern Connecticut State University's Campus Lantern student newspaper and part of unpublished manuscript "In Mediocrity We Trust... In Debt We Die and other Essays]

       I have just recently recovered from the trauma of Thanksgiving, or more cynically, 'Thanks-For-Nothing-Worth-Giving Day. Anyway, it seems that the Animals were right when they sang: "It's a hard world to get a break in. All the good things are taken..." At times it seems that there's less to show gratitude for every year. To make matters worse, Christmas decorations and sales go up the day after Thanks-For-Nothing-Worth-Giving Day. Sometimes even earlier. To add insult to injury, at least two Boston area radio stations play all Christmas music starting around Hallowe'en.

       I lost the so-called Christmas Spirit eons ago. Even when I was once actually excited about Christmas, I was a Scrooge and I expect I will continue to be one far into the future. Come to think of it, I no longer even refer to Xmas as Christmas. On every gift and Xmas card I reluctantly buy or send I write Merry Stressmas." For me, it is a second annual tradition that will likely last until I die.

       Stressmas season reminds one in oh so many ways that the only guarantees in life are misery and misfortune (Death and Taxes belong to both categories). Bills are just about due. Tuition tends to go up. My boss typically gives either nothing or worthless trinkets instead of an Xmas raise or bonus.

       Just about any potential Xmas gift has an artificially inflated price-tag to add to other aggravations. It's also cold out and the car always seems to break down at the most inopportune times.

       Holidays also give a cold reminder of the cruelties of fate since relatives are often what makes Stressmas (and other holidays) most stressful. Certain relatives I would give up up a substantial amount of my pay to never have met. Some of them continue to treat me like I'm eight years old to this day: "Wear a suit. Sit where we say. No TV.  It's rude to look at the paper when all of your kin are together. Maybe we won't invite you back..." (What a dubious tragedy that would be!)

       Certain relatives I have to deal with around the holidays are: an elderly spinster with a Marie Antoinette-like Superiority Complex, with no convenient guillotine in sight; and a loudmouth uncle who is darn lucky we don't all gang up on him and do him in. (to be cont'd)

 

Essay: "American Mediocrity", Part 7 of 7

Essay: "American Mediocrity", Part 7

       As a last resort, you could always go on a tax strike. Of course, there would likely be unpleasant consequences if you did. Two hundred plus years ago, people used to complain about "Taxation without Representation". Now, taxation is often out of control, in spite of or because of representation. If enough people dared to refuse to pay taxes as a protest, they could bring the government to a virtual standstill. Unfortunately, the politicians and the wealthy would hardly be affected at all.

       We should get rid of politicians who are overly concerned with pleasing the wealthy. Vote them right out of office. Make sure that education doesn't become exorbitant for the less-fortunate and the middle-class alike. We should all do more to save and preserve the environment, and on and on. People with common interests should come together to promote their interests for a better world. And we should all try harder to strive to be the best we can possibly be in all areas of society. Otherwise, if we settle for mediocrity, especially in our choice(s) of leaders, life in America will likely continue to get worse and worse. Perhaps to the point where the sign in Dante's Inferno: " Abandon All Hope Ye Who Enter Here" may apply to our once great nation. 

Essay: "American Mediocrity", Part 6

Essay: "American Mediocrity", Part 6

       Apathetic or not, if you have any complaints or any sense of dissatisfaction with the way that politicians and others lead this nation, register to vote, get involved; or do whatever it takes to ensure that you do not get screwed by the System or society itself. Politicians would like us to forget that the Declaration of Independence states: "We have such inalienable rights as Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness... When the government no longer serves in the peoples best interest (i.e. the Reagan-appointed Rehnquist Court), "the people have the right to alter or abolish it." I don't necessarily believe that this should entail sedition, but if, for instance, more people registered to vote and cast ballots; we would not continue to get the disservice of a Republican administration which typically puts the whims of the wealthy above the needs of the poor. (to be cont'd) 

Essay: "American Mediocrity", Part 5

Essay: "American Mediocrity", Part 5

       Graduating seniors, hoping to land a dream job in your chosen field? A handful of lucky ones will, but most of you will either be in for a long search; or you may have to settle for flipping burgers; or worse mediocre, low-paying dead-end jobs you don't even need education for.

       New students, hoping to get a substantial scholarship? In many cases, thanks to career politicians, you'll be lucky to receive a student loan. As if you need to start out with a huge debt once you graduate.

       What can be done about American mediocrity?: Should we dump most or all of the long-time, fat-cat career politicians?: More often than not, yes. Perhaps it is time to limit the term of most officeholders to no more than ten or twelve years in any elected position, if that.

       People with political aspirations could then run for a different position though, such as a mayor running for governor, governor running for Congress or President, or a senator running for representative, or vice versa. In my opinion though, politicians should be barred from becoming lobbyists in the same chamber they once served as politicians. That way, we can hopefully all benefit from the leadership experience of our elected leaders without them giving too much power and influence to those special-interest groups; who all-too often end up being counterproductive to the interests of the electorate.  (to be cont'd)  

Essay: "American Mediocrity", Part 4

Essay: "American Mediocrity", Part 4        [Originally published in the "Midnight Rambler" column of Eastern Connecticut State University's Campus Lantern newspaper in 1992 and part of unpublished manuscript "In Mediocrity We Trust... In Debt We Die"]

        What has happened to our country and its people?: Nothing is pristine anymore. Greed usually comes before what is right or makes sense. Apathy is all-pervading, and too many of us are complacent about the way things are; or the way things the Reagan/Bush administrations want things to be. It is easy to conclude that Americans evidently don't care enough to make this nation be the best it can possibly be, or at least live up to its lofty ideals.

       Do we have bad taste or lousy judgment? Perhaps it is more than a coincidence that the parents of the children who adore the wretched New Kids On the Block overwhelmingly voted for such less-than exemplary leaders as Ronald Reagan (twice!), Jimmy Carter, George Bush, and Jesse Helms, among other lousy politicians over the last decade or more.

       As a result of bad decisions, apathy, and inaction, we are currently undergoing a national, state, and local recession all over the nation. Thinking of finding a decent job in the near-future? Chances are good that many of us will be fortunate to get any job we can, never mind a dream job in your chosen field. (to be cont'd)

Essay: "American Mediocrity", Part 3

Essay: "American Mediocrity", Part 3

       There are, of course, plenty of so-called popular entertainers who are mediocre minor-talents. Peewee (aka Paul Reubens) Herman's eternal child act never was very funny, and even PeeWee/Reuben's alleged antics in an adult theatre in his hometown of Sarasota, Florida did not change his status as a minor-talent. Other minor-talents and has-beens in the entertainment industry include: Barry Manilow, Mr. T, Bobcat Goldthwait, most of the aliased so-called rap musicians, and a whole galaxy of other short-lived stars.

       Politics is, of course, the major stronghold of American mediocrity. Ronald Reagan is, as I see it, the Patriarch of American mediocrity, since this country has gone so far downhill after his eight years in office. Dan Quayle is likewise the epitome of American mediocrity for obvious reasons.

       Congress is a major country club, fraternity, and indeed a menagerie of mediocrity, and as a result, career politicians have transformed this nation from something to be proud of (home of the free... land of opportunity... etc.) to a place where mediocrity and poor quality has become the rule rather than the exception. If things continue as they are or get worse, I can perhaps foresee this country changing from a place where the American Dream truly exists to an abattoir (slaughterhouse) of nearly everyone's hopes, dreams, and ambitions. (to be cont'd) 

Essay: "American Mediocrity", Part 2

Essay: "American Mediocrity", Part 2

      There is very little originality in the movie business these days. An unfortunate trend is sequelitis. If a movie does well, it is inevitable that at least one sequel will be made, even if the original movie sucked. To make matters worse, these days a lot of movies are remakes of old television series, even the bad ones.

       Likewise, much of the MTV-inspired drivel is mediocre at best. It is amazing to me how much adoration and adulation many of us have for such inconsequential no-talents as: the New Kids with a Talent-Deficiency, Vanilla Ice, Milli Vanilli (the 'Pet Rocks' of the music industry), Madonna, and many others. Only time will tell if any of them last beyond this decade. Many of these acts are more style than substance. If not for music videos, not one of these alleged musicians would sell many records or CDs. The unfortunate flip-side of this new fact of the music business is that bands or soloists with more substance (talent) than style (image) have ever-increasing trouble making it in the music industry these days. (to be cont'd) [I apologize to Madonna for survivng two plus decades as a performer; I must admit she has improved over time; This was obviously written more than a decade ago but is still relevant] 

Essay: "American Mediocrity" , Part 1

Essay: "American Mediocrity" Part 1 of Several  [Originally published in Eastern Connecticut State University's  "Campus Lantern" student newspaper and part of the unpublished manuscript "In Mediocrity We Trust... In Debt We Die", a collection of Essays written in 1992]

       Could this be our last hurrah as a major power? If things continue as they currently are, will the United States continue to be one of the most desirable places for anyone to live?

       After at least two decades of awful to mediocre Presidents, we have inherited a legacy of mediocrity, spanning from Maine to California and beyond. Mediocrity is nearly everywhere to be found these days, and is indeed one of the few things in overabundance.

       The entertainment industry is a prime example of all-pervading mediocrity or 'media-ocrity'.

For example, "Home Alone" was a pretty mediocre film, but it had about the biggest box office receipts for several weeks. Not only that, but it was even nominated for both a Golden Globe and an Academy Award, no doubt due to its popularity at the box office. It was also, I believe, the number one film for several months. Similarly, the pathetically stupid "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" movies were so popular that several sequels were filmed. (to be cont'd)

Poetry: "Lady Fair, Lady Plain"

Poetry: "Lady Fair/ Lady Plain"  [a work in progress]

         My Lady Fair, she once was plain

          Fashion and makeup are all that's in her brain

         My Lady Plain, she once was fair

         Lost interest in tending to her hair

           My Lady Fair, she once was plain

            Got cosmetic surgery all the way to Spain

           My Lady Plain, she once was fair

            Guys still liked her derriere

             My Lady Fair, she once was plain

              Fretted at every ounce she gained

              My Lady Plain, she once was fair

               Broke her neck on the bottom stair... (tbc?)

Satire: "Surviving the Reagan/Bush Repression", Part 3

Satire: "How to Survive the Reagan/Bush Repression", Part 3

       You could always sponge off of friends, relatives, strangers, and acquaintances, and if you are good enough at it you may have a long, successful future ahead of you as a political candidate.

       Sell your neighbor'(s) trash as a stranger's treasure. Perhaps you could even sell it back to the very people who threw it out in the first place. Just hope P.T. Barnum was right about there being a  "sucker born every minute".  After all, both Reagan and Bush owe their elections to the Presidency to legions of these suckers. In other words, perhaps you and I.

       After eight years of Reagan and four years of Bush, it is easy to believe that no quality political candidates truly exist, but perhaps someday a decent candidate may clamber out of the slime that Reagan, Bush, and other politicians or alleged leaders tend to slither in. Until that day comes, pray (if your so inclined), forget your hopes, dreams and ambitions, or head North, East, South or West of our border, like our Fortune 500 companies have already started doing.

[This was written about sixteen years ago, but is still relevant to what is going on with the economy right now.]

Satire: "Surviving the Reagan/Bush Repression", Part 2

Satire: "How to Survive the Reagan/Bush Re/Pression", Part 2

       Mint your lint: Save, buy, sell, beg, borrow or steal all the multi-purpose lint you can get your hands on. That's right, lowly but versatile lint, the residue that remains when your laundry is done or that sometimes clings to one's belly button. Lint can be woven into blankets, clothing, tents, textiles, etc. It can even conceivably be used to trap small oft overlooked game, such as squirrels, essential to the diet of anyone whose unemployment benefits have been severed by overpaid Congressmen. Lint can also be used as tinder, or while ablaze can conceivably keep one warm on cold nights, while the government does the same with their uncleared checks after they foreclose on public housing. Finally, lint can perhaps be sewn into a noose for all the fallen politicians.

                                             How do you like your Roadkill?

       Start thinking up recipes for roadkill. Up to now, freshly killed Street Pizza has been largely overlooked for its tangible nutritional value. With George Herbert Walker Bush still in office beyond 1992, look forward to BBQ'd roadkill, roadkill soup, roadkill stew, and even roadkill pie a la mode. Perhaps the next big business will be Freeze-dried Roadkill. I'm also sure that Street Pizza could be very marketable on the Black Market. Man am I getting hungry. If you say yes to George Bush in November, you may be saying yes to years of eating roadkill, or perhaps for your neighbors and friends having to eat Street Pizza for the length of his time in office. After all, with his policies your pretty much on your own... (to be cont'd)

       

Satire: "How to Survive the Reagan/Bush Re/Pression"

Satire: "How to Survive the Reagan/Bush Repression" Part 1   [Originally published in Eastern Connecticut State University's April Fool's edition of  "The Campus Lantern"  April 1, 1992 as 'Snide Remarks'; also part of the unpublished manuscript "In Mediocrity We Trust, In Debt We Die"]

       In 1988, Bruce Springsteen said, during concerts: "Don't you vote for that F#^*in' George Bush". You didn't listen. I apologize for those of you who did not vote for Bush back then, but plenty of folks fooled by Ronald Reagan for eight years were equally fooled by George Bush. Now, it appears possible that Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dim [Bush and Quayle; Reagan was Tweedle Dum] may very well get re-elected... Thus, we all better start preparing for the next  Great Re/Pression (Recession/Depression).

       Keep in mind, there are some exquisite diamonds, gold and gems, among other things, but there are few or no exquisite politicians or leaders, especially in the Reagan/Bush administrations. 

       There are three main rules for surviving the Reagan/Bush Re/Pression:

                     I: If it's free it's for me

                     II: If it costs then get lost!

                   III: If it's cheap it's to keep.     [To be cont'd]

Poetry: "Buy, Buy. Buy"

Poetry: "Buy, Buy, Buy"

            Buy, Buy, Buy and Yuletide's nigh

            For some people the limit's the sky

            Credit cards are all maxed out

             Solvency is now in doubt

                Buy, Buy, Buy

                For home equity I did apply

                At Stress-mas time your brain is fried

                 Hoping for a bargain-sale

                  Just before my credit fails

                  Get more Heads, Go home Tails

               Buy, Buy, Buy, Get yourself a Pie

                When your bills come due you want to cry

                 Or if in dire straits you want to die, or sigh or fly... (tbc?)

Poetry: "Smitten with a Kitten"

Poetry: "Smitten with a Kitten" [a work in progress]

                Dedicated to cat-lovers I know

              Smitten with a kitten

              It's tawny fluffy fur

              By the feline bug been bitten

              It's no dependent cur

              A ball of yarn it's hittin'

              With paws that look like mittens... (tbc?)

               

Poetry: Bits and Pieces

Poetry: Bits and Pieces

           Untitled [a work in progress]

          You never know until you try

           At least you know you're gonna die

           With tissues you can dry your eyes

            You needn't waste time by getting high... (tbc?)

            Untitled [a work in progress]

           Wait one hour ere ye swim

            Wait 'til later to go in... (tbc?)

           Untitled [a work in progress]

           Suckin' on a tailpipe

            Hopin' for the worst

            Before he knew it his sole ambition burst... (tbc?)

            Untitled [a work in progress]

           I never met a book I couldn't put down

           I'd rather spend my night on the town

           But when I'm home just leave me be

            I'd rather spend my time watching tv... (tbc?) 

Some Poetry Fragments

Some Poetry Fragments:

                          "3rd Rail"

           Joey hit the third-rail but survived

           I don't know how he survived

           Seems that he will thrive

           If not he can always take a dive

           Then perhaps in Hell he'll writhe...

                   "Baseball Cards"

         The baseball cards you had

          Your mom she threw them out

          If you had them now

          You'd be rich no doubt... (tbc?)

           "Dine and Whine"

             Dine and whine

              A child's design

              You start to cringe

              When they [a kid] scream: "It's mine!"

               Keep him or her out of your peaceful shrine... (tbc?)

              

Poetry: "K-9s"

Poetry: "K-9s"

               Canines prefer people- food

                They'll settle for some kibble

                If you withhold doggie-treats

                They're not about to quibble

                 They'll still slobber with delight 

                 With good old-fashioned spittle... (tbc?)

Poetry Fragments

Some Poetry Fragments: 

                          

                 "Nothing's Fine in Columbine" [a work in progress]

                   Nothing's fine in Columbine

                   And Bush is still in office

                   The government likes to screw the poor in each and every orifice.

                    Nothing's fine in Columbine

                    The shooters had some guns

                     Their victims failed to run

                    Thanks to all the copy-cats the story isn't done. (tbc?)

                   "Rage Against the Bush Regime"

                   The Bill of Rights is endangered

                   By Right-Wingers full of anger

                   That's what happens when decisions are made by unelected strangers... (tbc?)

                    "Poison of the Mind"

                     Porn is poison of the mind

                     Rewind right to her bare behind... (tbc?)

                     "The Dog"

                      The dog dropped its bone, ran out into the road

                      Got hit by a truck

                       Was squashed like a toad... (tbc?)

                     "Smog"

            

                       Smog may kill you over time

                       It won't make you cry

                       But you'll be sad

                        You're gonna die... (tbc?)

                       "I've Gotta Go"

                        I've got to go.

                        Can't miss my show.

                         The day's elapsing too damned slow

                         I earn some dough

                         Move to and fro

                          Hope my bankroll starts to grow... (tbc?)