Today's Tune: "You Don't Fool Me" By Queen

1996 single "You Don't Fool Me" first appeared on 1995 album 'Made In Heaven'.

The jurors of the theft trial for Baltimore, Maryland's Mayor Sheila Dixon announced their verdict on the charges against her today. Dixon was accused of stealing from the poor, via gift cards that were supposedly meant to go to the needy.

Although they did find her guilty on one count of fraudulent misappropriation, she got off lucky, I think. At first, I believe she denied using the cards. When proof that she spent them was dug up, the possibly soon to be former mayor said she thought the gift cards were a gift for her. I don't think Ms. Dixon lied about that part. I was sure from the start, they were meant for her, as a part of a much larger payoff.

It's a damn shame. Sheila Dixon seemed like she was willing to work hard for the city of Baltimore. But then, at first anyway, so did the last pratt to hold the office, Martin O'Malley. Next in line is current City Council President Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, who will be interim mayor during Dixon's suspension while waiting for an official decision on her fate. Let's hope she can hold her corruption to a minimum.

Don't worry, I'm done my little rant. Now comes the good part. To pick an appropriate song (sort of close, anyway) for this December 1st 'Today's Tune', I didn't have to think very hard. Let's all get into the intoxicating and rhythmic beat of the oh so sexy jam, "You Don't Fool Me" by Queen.

Queen - "You Don't Fool Me"

Today's Tune: "I Hear You Knocking" By Dave Edmunds

Sometimes life is hard for communists, whether you are the free spirit and let's share everything kind, or if you're the single party and completely unsympathetic governmental dictatorship kind. People that aren't into Communism hate you and don't want you around. They're afraid that the seeds or spores of your beliefs and ways will somehow leap out of your brain and spread amongst the innocent and the pure, like some deadly and contagious disease.

I'm sure glad I'm not a communist, but apparently English comedic actor and filmmaker Charlie Chaplin (April 16, 1889 - December 25, 1977) was, and former First Secretary (1953 - 1964) of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union - Nikita Khrushchev (April 15, 1894 - September 11, 1971) definitely was. This led to both of them having a little trouble at the border during the 1950s.

On September 19, 1952, Chaplin wasn't allowed back into the United States after a brief visit to England. He had made some controversial political statements from time to time, and his airing out of feelings didn't exactly put him in a favorable light.

Khrushchev, had spent several years working with and advising the murderous leader Joseph Stalin, before pushing for reform later on. The damage, and summary executions, had already been done. On September 19, 1959, Khrushchev was not allowed to go to Disneyland while visiting the US.

Hard to believe now I know, but all this rambling is leading up to something. That something is our 'Today's Tune'. In light of the happenings discussed above, I'm thinking an uptempo version of American musician Smiley Lewis' song "I Hear You Knocking" is in order. Welsh guitarist, singer and record producer Dave Edmunds (Love Sculpture, Rockpile) came up with an excellent arrangement, giving him his biggest hit ever, back in 1970. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Dave Edmunds - "I Hear You Knocking" London, Eng. April 17, 1990

Happy 57th Birthday Alexei Sayle

Recent photo of Alexei Sayle from his web site.

I know I mentioned that Alexei Sayle was born on August 7, 1952 in the previous post, but I felt like doin' it more proper like. A post totally about Mr. Sayle. So, Happy Birthday Alexei!

My favorite Communist funnyman is a comedian, an actor (both humorous and serious) and an author. Sayle's comedy has been described as physical, surreal, alternative and in the same vein as the popular comedy group Monty Python. I suppose these are pretty good descriptions. As far as appearance, for many years he sported a shaved head with stubby whiskers, while dressed in a suit that was well undersized for his frame. Recently though, he's let some hair grow on his head along with a decent beard.

Alexei Sayle has done radio, television, movies and records. He's written screenplays and books. Even if you don't care for his political and social views, there's no denying that he is a very intelligent man, and funny as hell.

When I think about Alexei, I remember his television shows Alexei Sayle's Stuff (1988 - 1991), The Young Ones (1982 - 1984), and his appearance in the Doctor Who episode "Revelation Of The Daleks" (1985). It's all good stuff. If you haven't experienced his work, you ought to as soon as possible. To get you started if you're unfamiliar, or maybe to help you remember if it's been a while, I've included some videos below.

Alexei Sayle as DJ in Doctor Who: "Revalation Of The Daleks" (1985)



Alexei Sayle's Stuff (1988 - 1991) - Opening Sequence



Alexei Sayle's Stuff - "Interfering With The Audience"


Alexei Sayle's Stuff - "God Sketch"



The Young Ones - Alexei Sayle as Reggie Balowski in "The Bomb" (Series 1 - Episode 4)

What If? - Presidential Dance-Off 2008

When I came across the following video, I wondered what would've happened if the McCain / Palin ticket had been as popular with voters as Obama / Biden in the last election. I mean ... What if there had been a tie? What would have been done to decide who went to the White House? The producers of 'Dancing With The Stars' would have loved to have settled it with a dance-off.

John McCain Vs Barack Obama Dance-Off

Thankfully, it never came to that. McCain probably wouldn't have been up for that either.

Obama Becomes US President - Take 2

Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr. administers the oath of office a second time
to President Obama in the Map Room of the White House on Jan. 21, 2009.
Photo by Pete Souza / White House

Barack Obama was originally sworn in as President of the United States of America on Tuesday January 20, 2009. However, since some of the wording was messed up during his taking the oath, it was decided to do it a second time on Wednesday January 21st. The wording was done exactly right on the second take, making sure that Obama is officially the president.

Barack Obama Retakes Oath - ITN Video

Change Has Come ... Hopefully

Barack and Michelle go to the new Obama House.
January 20, 2009 Photo by Associated Press.

Barack Obama II was sworn in as President and Joseph Biden, Jr. as Vice President of the United States Of America today, January 20, 2009. I am very hopeful that change has finally come, and that it will be change that proves to be good for the country and it's deserving people.

Of course, there is immediate change that is very obvious. Obama became the very first black man to to take such a high office, and I see that in itself as a great event in America's history. This paves the way for other firsts. It is now believable that anyone of any race can be elected. Surely this means a woman has a better chance of winning the presidency in the not too distant future. With these barriers down, we can concentrate on who we think would do the best job. We can forget about the worries of whether or not the person we want in office even has a chance of being taken seriously, because of some trivial and stupid fact, such as race or sex.

There are many changes we need to have happen during the new administration. We should not expect these changes to happen overnight. It's going to take time to fix our ailing economy. We want to see our military personnel return home as soon as possible, but there will likely only be a shift in the geographical concentration of troops over the next few years. There are lots of hopes and wishes for change in the hearts and minds of we Americans. I pray along with you, that "that change started today".

Inauguration: Barack Obama Sworn in As 44th President.
Coverage by the Associated Press.


January 20, 2009 Inaugaration Day - AP Video

Barack Obama's Inaugural Speech - AP Video

If You Don't Like The Top Two, Pick Another One

I know, I know, you don't care for the Republicans or the Democrats that are on the ballot. So what? Yes, you can say that not going to the polls is a vote against both. Believe me, I've been there. You'd still have a right to complain afterwards in my book, if that's honestly your reasoning. However, it will be more effective if large numbers of people go out and pick a write in candidate. Vote for any of them, it doesn't matter which. You know they won't win, but at least that way you'll show the others that you're disgusted with them, and not just plain lazy. If large numbers of otherwise non-voting citizens chose to do this, both the main parties would take notice. They might start getting a little more picky about who they choose to represent them.

Rush performing "Free Will"

Do You Need Help Deciding Who To Vote For?

I know a lot of people had their mind made up long ago, but many are still undecided as they head out to the polls today. Well, let someone who earned a bachelor's degree in Comparative Politics help you decide before you vote. Richard Jeni gave us a lot of laughs during his time in this world, something we can all use on such an important and serious day. We miss you Richard. Now get out and vote, people!

Richard Jeni from 'A Big Steaming Pile Of Me'