Okay, Chris

My dear friend, Lefty Brown, has called me out on the carpet. I shall be brewing up a mixed bag disc of what's been in my cd player lately. Ought to be weird; I'm so busy that really, the music I listen to is what I play in my Rock History course. Lotta jazz as well. First, this:

Will Scooter Libby walk? Five bucks says he will but not before he reveals the house of cards that the Iraq War plans were. Now, he's so stressed that he claims his memory's suffered. Maybe had he eaten a couple of twinkies, he could have maybe killed Valerie Plame and gotten away with it.

Howard Hunt died this past week at the age of 88. Ol' Howard Hunt; I learned about him like most people my generation: the voice on the other end of the phone held by Robert Redford. Howard wrote spy novels, worked for the CIA, hatched the DNC break-in and then was bent out of shape that Nixon hung him out to dry. This is a loyal American; helping rig the '72 election is what God wants from his leaders' minions. Just think, the GOP helps hijack an election so its candidate can escalate a war in the name of leaving; claim victory when the loss is more than apparent. Thank G-d history doesn't repeat itself.

Why else did John McCain fall asleep in the SOTU? So as to not hear Bush claim that he fathered an illegitimate black child, like he did in 2000. John fell asleep because he knows that if he looked like he cared what Bush said, people would dig up the photo in two years. Smart call, Johnny boy. Just leave your pecker in your pants, even if that young black girl was your adopted daughter. G-d bless Karl Rove and Bob Jones U.

Of course, this: what's the point, anyway. We all know that if anyone in the last generation of presidents should have been sent to Gitmo, it's our Georgie. I dunno, though. I think the Katrina probe will rip Bush a new one right when he needs it the least. Regardless of Michael Brown's mea culpas, the video of Bush being briefed on how the levees would break with the impending hurricane shows that his "surprise" was another smoke and mirrors act. Could the president be nailed for putting politics over policy? Let's let the historians run with that one.

What the hell, I doubt anyone in my city reads this blog, so here goes. Here's an e-mail sent to my colleague from an irate parent. You'll love this:

Mr Smith: Let me introduce myself and let you know that I am [student]'s mother. [student] is in your 9th grade World Culture class.

I have 2 questions for you that I think need immediate attention and I think it is important for you to understand that our family is Republican and "Very" much against the idea of anything liberal being taught in the classroom. In fact a teacher's politics or views on politics should not be imposed upon our children, do you not agree????

[student] told me last night that Al Gore's Global Warming movie was shown in the classroom yesterday, by you. That is something that I feel should be taught in a Science class and it does nnot belong in a World Culture classroom, for any reason, at all. What was your purpose of showing this garbage to the class and forcing them to view it simply because they are your students and are obligated to sit in your class or get a bad grade should they leave during a production like this???

Our family supports President Bush, the war in Iraq and everything he does - regardless of the Liberal media and all of their hogwash and brainwashing. You have also made rude remarks about "you do not have to watch President Bush's speech - I would not put any of you through that" and remarks about sending more troops to Iraq. Maybe they do not seem rude to you but our family finds them to be inappropriate, offensive, and a form of liberal brainwashing and it really infuriates me. Shouldn't you be teaching about CULTURES of our country and other countries and leave the President, your political views and Global Warming to each child to make their own decisions as to how they feel about all of this. I find global warming to be a huge joke and a plitical left wing movement to brainwash Americans - another slam to be used against President Bush - and it is a joke.

Should you ever get [student]'s brother [removed]in your classroom (he is presently a 7th grader) he would debate you on every thing you say and challlenge you because he gets very protective of his country and his President and his politics.

[student]likes you and she says your class is fun and this is good to hear. But we as a family will protect our children from listening to teachers voice their political views in underhanded ways in a classroom. Perhaps this is not your intention but I cannot understand what Al Gore's Global Warming views have to do with World Cultures. And your views on the President should be respectful - not opinionated or joked about. Some children find this offensive and you need to keep that in mind, if you are in fact trying to sway their views. It is frustrating for tham at this age to have to have liberal views crammed down their throats becasue they have been taught to respect teachers and need to never dispaly rudeness in a classroom. But as a parent I am very upset about Al Gore being present in the classroom with his views on Global Warming. This is not necessary.

Sincerely,

[parent]


Picked up Paul Motian's most recent album. Heard a marvelous interview on Terri Gross' Fresh Air several weeks back and just recently decided to get the album. It's incredible. Modern jazz small combo with a couple of saxes, guitar, bass and the 73 year old drummer leading the way. Amazing to think where musicians of talent can still drive music in new directions at a period of their lives that most people don't live through. Stellar playing; modern in composition, accessible in sound. Pure, driven modern jazz. Excellent.

I'm missing Kenny Garrett right now and am terribly disappointed. His new album, "Great Wall of China" (or something close) is supposed to kick butt. I love his previous release, Standards of Language, which the altoist soars through nine incredible tracks with some of the most wicked acoustic bass playing by Charnett Moffett I've ever heard.

Tomorrow - Minimum day. Stupid, useless meetings. School talent show. Sushi and beer before talent show. Fun talent show!