Weapons of Self Destruction

Tonight we're heading downtown to the Morris to see Robin Williams on his Weapons of Self Destruction tour. This show was originally scheduled for April, but he "called in sick" due to some silly little heart problem. What a wimp. (Seriously, I'm very glad he's okay and back in action!)

It actually worked out better, because our original seats were in the third balcony. When the new date was announced, I got online right away and managed to get seats on the floor--I think we're in the ninth row, or something like that--and we returned the other ones. Score! I'll take my camera and maybe I'll get a couple of good shots. We're both looking forward to it. Neither of us have seen him live, but always enjoyed his stand-up specials. I cracked up when I found this clip in which Robin talks about how golf was invented. [Language warning]

Heeheee! I don't know if he'll do that bit tonight, but it's hilarious!

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The President is in Copenhagen today to make his case for the 2016 Olympics in Sweet Home Chicago. Good luck, Mr. President, and Mrs. Obama, too. We're pulling for Chicago, because we hope to get tickets for a couple of events (we've already started an Olympics fund). It comes as no surprise to hear that his haters think he shouldn't be doing this (despite the fact that it's not unusual for heads of state to lobby for their country's bids, as both Tony Blair and Vladimir Putin did), that he should stay here and focus on our problems (he's flying in today, making his pitch, and leaving...he's not even staying for the announcement tomorrow), and what's the big deal about getting the Olympics, anyway? One word: JOBS. One idiot (I think it was the Imbecile Beck) said something about how that's no big deal--we need jobs now, not in 2016. Just like Rome, you boob, Olympic facilities aren't built in a day. If we get the bid for the 2016 Olympics, they'll get to work almost immediately with plans, logistics, construction bids, and contracts. Everyone from engineers to lawyers will benefit, and once construction starts, there will be plenty of those kinds of jobs for thousands of out-of-work Chicagoans.

Not to mention the incredible amount of tourist dollars that would flow into the city and the state of Illinois. We might even get a little bit of "fallout" here in South Bend, as we have some excellent practice facilities. I read on Route 66 News today that towns all along Route 66 in Illinois would benefit from tourist dollars, from Chicago itself (the start of the Road) to small towns like Litchfield (home of the Ariston Cafe) to the capital city Springfield, with its historical sites including the Abraham Lincoln home and library. People from overseas love Route 66, and you can bet that plenty of them would find time to take in a few sites along its Illinois length.

This is what makes me crazy about short-sighted people like the Imbecile Beck. I'm not a supergenius by any means, but even I can see the long term and ripple effects of bringing the Olympics to Chicago. (Yes, many are good, but some are bad. It can be a hassle for those who live there, with all the construction going on, and there is always the question of what to do with the facilities after the Olympics are gone...Chicago's Olympic Stadium would be temporary, negating that problem.) These people who can only see issues and the world from within their own narrow point of view like to state things in simplistic terms, without bothering to go outside their limited field of vision and see beyond the here and now. I don't know if it's an inability to process complex ideas or thoughts, but they just can't seem to figure out how various actions can come together and have consequences other than the immediate. They have no vision.

Anyhoo, as I've said before, Obama could find a cure for cancer and certain people would find fault with him for doing so. So bring it home to Chicago, O-Team!

Speaking of the Obamas, did you all see this picture of their meeting with Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi? Berlusconi has a reputation as a...well, apparently he's kind of a lech, and he kept trying to get Michelle Obama to give him a hug, making that "c'mere...c'mon!" gesture with his hands. (I'm picturing Dr. Evil chasing Scott Evil around the conference table in his Evil Lair, trying to get a hug.) I tell ya, Michelle can straight-arm a lecherous Prime Minister better than any NFL player pushing off a defender! Nicely done, Mrs. Obama. I love all the expressions in this picture. The Prime Minister's look of innocence--"Come to Papa!" The President's look of "Don't even think about it, Silvio." And Michelle's diplomatic smile and arm held straight out, saying, "This is as close as you're getting, Signore." Isn't it amazing how a photograph can capture a moment?

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Happy October, and rabbit rabbit rabbit! Evil spirits begone from Nutwood!