Saint Patrick Probably would not pick the Fightin' Irish.

Yesterday was Saint Patrick's Day, a day to celebrate all things Irish.  Except for Saint Patrick, it seems, from some preliminary research, he was not born in Ireland.  He was born in Roman Britain, kidnapped and sold into slavery in Ireland, and after escaping to a Monastery in Gaul (France) he returned to Ireland.

He made the Druids stop practicing their religion, claiming it was paganistic, and not his religion.  Since this was such a bigoted, narrow minded act they made him a bishop, and then a saint.  It is unclear why Saint Patrick's Day strikes such a chord.  It seems most saints have a day, and looking into the days, it seems most of them have a saint, but, this one really gets all the press.

Green clothes, green derbies, green beer, green is everywhere.  Maybe that is why this one is so important, it has a color.  What color would you ascribe to Saint David of Wales (March 1st) or Saint Leander of Seville (March 13th)?  Nobody would know what to wear.  Saint Patrick, put on some green, find a parade, and things are rolling.

So, we move on, another Saint Patrick's Day, come and gone, the world returns to normal.  Which is no picnic, either.  Maybe nobody noticed through the green haze enveloping the world yesterday, but life still defies explanation.

If it weren't for the NCAA tournament I am not sure there would be any point at all.  Thank goodness for college basketball.  To make a point, I plan to post my bracket picks right here, for all the world to see. And, if you can find a way to choose teams in a pattern of diametric opposition you will probably do pretty well, kind of a public service from the good people at Life Explained.

In fact, if you send me your bracket as a JPG file I will post it here, as well.  And then complete strangers can question your sanity, loyalties and ability to pick a decent bracket.  Whoever wins, and by wins I mean has the appearance of the most correct choices, as judged by me, probably, (unless I can convince someone else to do it) will get a bit part in the movie, based on the best seller "Life Explained, a Primer in the Explanation of Life," after I figure out how to explain life, write the book, sell the movie rights, and find a way to influence the agency in charge of casting.  It should not be a problem, though.

So, email your bracket to me, at tweettweetjohn@yahoo.com.  Anytime before the end of the tournament. Submissions received after the tournament will not be accepted, unless they are accompanied by a $5.00 bill.

Thank you, and good luck,

Management,

Grammys for Everybody

Last night was the annual presentation of the grammys.  It is a show that lasts a long time, and is filled with song and dance, and awards being given.  Apparently the awards are given based on..., they are given to people who..., they are earned by...  Honestly, I am not sure how they are awarded, and honestly I don't even know who won these awards.  I didn't watch.

It does seem that some people are upset about who won certain awards.  But, it would be difficult to choose an award winner without some quantifiable standards.  And music, really art of any type would fall into that category.  How do you judge Artist of the Year?  It has to be personal taste, and everybody knows how fickle that can be.

Obviously, there is no way to choose that one album, song, singer, or band to be "album, song, singer, or band of the year" without making somebody unhappy.  Of course, no matter what tastes you have, or opinion you hold about a type of music, or a particular singer, or band, anybody who has following enough to qualify for inclusion deserves something.

In these times, with the tension, and turmoil, coursing through society we should look more at a participation trophy.  "We would like to start this years show with the Artist of the Year," and everybody in the audience would walk single file up to the stage, and collect their artist of the year trophy.

Nobody would get their feelings hurt, nobody would feel left out, and we could eliminate a lot of speeches.  Speeches that can be a little tiring, maybe a little preachy, and sometimes can be freighted and irritating.  Everybody wins, everybody  is happy, and some lucky trophy maker makes some serious dinero.

Sponsors could offset the cost of trophies.  "The Arby's Reuben Artist of the Year Trophy, bought to you by Arby's Reuben Sandwich, with a side of potato cakes, and a cold drink all for $5.99*"

Imagine how happy the viewers will be, watching from home, a big bowl of potato chips, a glass of iced tea, and the television remote, when they can leap to their feet, screaming with joy "I knew (insert favorite singer here) would win!"  Snacks and drinks flying everywhere.  A scene repeated across the country, as one happy person follows another celebrating the righteous triumph of artistic endeavor.

You know, this is such a good idea, we should start thinking about foreign policy.  Imagine the potential.



*Not the Real Price, well, it might be the real price, we aren't sure,if it is right please
let us know, we have no plans for lunch.