The Roosevelts

I watched (so you wouldn't have to) all 250 parts of the PBS documentary The Roosevelts and it contained many interesting things.

For example, as covered in episodes 177-188, I was totally unaware of the significant contributions of FDR's longtime political advisor Louis Howe.  He helped Roosevelt navigate the treacherous waters of Thanksgiving dinner.  He advised on important questions, such as, stuffing, potatoes, or both?

Here is Mr. Howe (On the left.  You must be really stupid if you can't identify FDR.)  Roosevelt didn't make a move without running it past Howe.  This was especially evident after Howe's death in 1936.

Without Howe's input FDR began making questionable appointments to his cabinet.  He named his mentally impaired, half-brother Erwin to the post of Secretary of War.

But the most egregious examples were the appointments of dogs to cabinet level positions.  Here, FDR confers with Skippy, the administrator of the NRA.  (National Rifle Association)

Originally, the NRA was to be called, 'Woof Woof.'  Roosevelt thought this was slightly crazy and the dog, Skippy, relented.

Here, FDR is seen with his Secretary of State, Jack.  They liked to go for long drives outside the beltway and discuss Hitler, who was the newly elected dictator of Germany at this point.  He was threatening the dog population (except German Shepherds) of Poland.

Above, FDR consults with Skippy.  Roosevelt (On the left.  You are really stupid aren't you?) was concerned that a protracted war with Germany could result in a bloody stalemate, and countless American dogs would die needlessly.

But everything turned out just fine.

California governor's debate

This is my review of the California gubernatorial debate.  The most obvious question you're probably asking yourself is, what the hell is a gubernatorial?  It's a boxed candy (chocolate covered peanut) usually eaten at a movie theater.  I don't know why they call it a gubernatorial.

It's Neel Kashkari versus the ABC 10 logo versus Jerry Brown. 

Jerry Brown tries to blow up Neel Kashkari's head with his thoughts. 

Neel Kashkari explains the unusual spelling of his first name.  "My mother named me after one of the truck drivers whom she suspected was the father.  Oh, by the way, her great grandfather was from Europe or something.  We grew up dirt poor.  We ate dirt sandwiches.  Does that help?" 

He continues, "I don't shave my head because I'm going bald.  I shave my head to keep germs to a minimum.  Oh, by the way, Federal Reserve notes are just like women.  They're unsanitary and should only be handled by the corners." 

The current governor, Jerry Brown, explains, "... the ankle bracelets really aren't that uncomfortable.   I should think that the people of our great state would want to wear one.  Anyway, I don't see what the fuss is about.  Oh, by the way, I fucked Linda Ronstadt. " 

Brad McBeardman asks Governor Brown, "Governor Brown, tell us about your plan for California residents."

"I propose that all residents of California get lobotomies.   Additionally, I propose that the speed limit be lowered to 1 MPH and the drinking age be raised to 99.  This will save countless lives and my lobotomy law will create thousands of jobs at the DMV.  Oh, by the way, I fucked Linda Ronstadt. "

I hit stop and erase so I don't know how it turned out.   Channel 1602 looked more interesting.