ANONYMOUS BUT FOR REAL

Ah yes! The Super Bowl is upon us. Who are you lookin for? Brady, Moss, Eli, Wes Welker,
Amani Toomer, Maroney? Not me! I'll probably know after about a quarter which team is ready to capture the prize. While the Patriots are 12-13 point favorites and should win, watch the men who really determine a game's results up front. I'm talkin about the OFFENSIVE LINE.

Its no secret the second mosthighly payed player in NFL football is the offensive left tackle! They make big bucks as do their fellow o linemen and rightfully so! The names I'm most interested in are:Matt Light, Logan Mankins and Dan Koppen along with Kareem McKenzie, Chris Snee and Shaun O'Hara. Seek out one or two of these dudes and watch em closely!

No doubt about it, while so called sport's authorities in the news media regail you with the exloits of pencil neck backs and splinter like receivers, its those massive hunks up front, in the caseof this year's Super Bowlers, not quite as big, but so quick and alert mentally.

Harvardites, Yalees, Cal Polies, and Stanforites in the news media like to make fun of the would be less than educated stout men who give the big push up front, but to play offensive line and be
successful you have to use your noodle and with the offensive lineman unable to use his hands, must be able to control your entire system to gain leveridge on your opponent who may be playing you head up, in the inside or outside gap and you must be able to memorize and execute your specific play. Being an offensive lineman demands total concentration to the snap count of the center, who usually calls the defense to the rest of the line and of course snaps the ball to the QB either from the traditional T formation, under center exchange, which takes hours and hours of work (Your author feels not enough time is devoted to this technique in the NFL) or in some cases from
the "shotgun" where the QB stands some distance behind the center and receives the ball on the
fly. The offensive lineman must be ready to thrust forward or in some cases pull behind the line and move to a designated area to block or trap your opponent. You bet they have to be talented, strong, and smart!

So Sunday, when your watching the Patriots defeat the NY Giants quietly mention to the person next to you. "Did you see that Nick Kaczur (right tackle of the Patriots) pancake (put him flat on his ass) that defensive end playing him head up? Watch the expression on your partner's face, especially if you are a woman and he is Bud guzzling male! He probably will be watching the ball and not the major battles taking place between the two lines. Then really wow him by saying: "Look at those white arms on those guys up front!" "Say what?" Or, look at Steve Neal (guard). " He really sealed off that Giant linebacker to give us the corner."

Yep, the OFFENSIVE LINE is where it takes place in any football game! When I want to put together a good team, I'll always strive to have the very best and brightest on our offensive line.
So says the Bear, preparing for the big game on Sunday which will be won by the Patriots by 17!

ANONYMOUS BUT FOR REAL

TIME TO GET OFF THE POT!

Tuesday's huge primary elections in 22 states is upon us and many questions will be answered about the various Demos and Repubs in this year's race for the President.

Events of yesterday and today indicate two major figures in both parties will drop out of the race:
Senator John Edwards Demo of North Carolina has a press conference today and the former mayor of NY city Rudy Giuliani is expected to throw his support to John McCain.

As a strong Hillary Clinton supporter, the Bear has watched this brilliant former first lady and two time elected US Senator from NY fashion a first rate race in her bid for the top prize. For that and many other reasons, the Bear salutes Sentor Hillary Clinton.

Barack Obama has thrilled all Americans with his prose, his charisma, his life story and as a first term effective Senator. He was a leader as a State Senator in the great state of Illinois for several years. He has picked up some impressive endorsements, most recently from one of my favorite US Senators, Ted Kennedy. OprahWinfrey's foray into South Carolina to campaign for and with Barack was stimulating and earthshaking! She's for real and gave the Senator a great boost when he really needed it.

I am going to cast my MO presidential primary vote for Barack Obama, a voice for the future of this country and a leader for all seasons. While his resume may not be as great as some of the other candidates, he brings a fresh and engaging personality to the political scene which is badly needed in this country. His all out opposition to the original resolution of the Congress to give your President the power to go into Iraq has weighed heavily on my opinion to support him. His ability to bring thousands of supporters to the table has strengthened the Democratic Party and its candidates up and down the ladder as we shall see in November and huge turnouts have been the result. His election would put an end to the disdain so many of the countries of the world, both pro and con America, have felt due to the "my way or the highway" attitude of the "evil one."

Yes, I will join Claire McCaskill, Teddy Kennedy, Russ Carnahan, Oprah and the great mayor of
the city of Chicago and support the next President of the United States, Barack Obama of Illinois.
Duly recorded in the war room of the Bear in St. Louis County MO.

LATE BREAKING NEWS

We have just received a communication from our good friend in California, Maxine Waters, that she is supporting Hillary. Maxine is one of the most liberal black leaders in the US House and has been a fierce opponent of this trumped up war in Iraq. An ardent civil rights leader from way back, she is a tenacious campaigner and while she is no Ted Kennedy, you know the great former first lady and present outstanding Senator from NY welcomes her support. Gutsy move by Maxine! They love Hillary and Bill in California where my former union AFTRA and of course the writer's guild are fighting for a just wage and better working conditions. Hail to Walter Reuther, Jimmy wherever he is and people like Dick Gephardt and Dick Dailey, crusaders for the right to bargain collectively.
Remember all you Repub sympathizers and we definitely send you our sympathy, the Repub Party opposed the Wagner Act of the mid 1930's which gave us the right to collectively bargain and moved the middle class of this country forward economically and many of our forefathers were able to truly become middle class and upper middle class because of this act. Oh by the way, they opposed Social Security too! Wait till some of you yung uns start getting those checks: We thank you meanwhile and remember: "Numnuts tried to do away with it while he ignoring my many friends in New Orleans!" What did he say: "Brownie's doin a great job!"

Just in and immediately brought to the "War Room": Gregory Christian (son 1) and Danny Christian (son 3) are staying with John Edwards. John has been moving slightly upward in the race in the past two weeks. That leaves only Slater Christian (named after the great Slater Martin,
former St. Louis Hawk great and Hall of Famer in the NBA) and Jimmy Christian(son 5), who could be an anarchist and may be heading for Spain to join the great Javier Barden.

All of these fine young men marched in the famous parade in the Webster area in 1972 along side their father (the Bear) when he rode in his then black Chevy convert and waved at the massive Crowd on July 4th, mostly Repubs, who gave him the finger and jeered lustily! The Bear went on to become the Democratic Committeeman of Gravois Township and won two more four year terms before retiring from the political battles in 1984. Those were the good old days but they can't compare with this year's exciting battles in both parties. I say again: LETS TAKE IT TO THE CONVENTION. I can see it now: No winner for 14 ballots and then a shout from the rafters:
"WE WANT GORE!" Demonstration, environmentalists go crazy, Floridians begin to adjust their ballot boxes, the UN calls for a holiday to celebrate, Swiss Nobelists are exstatic! Oh baby!
Its not going to happen but even next Tuesday will not determine the winner in either party, maybe in the Repubs!

So we shall see what will happen: One other note: Little Lord Faultleroy decided he would not run for Governor. The Repubs should be happy. He was a disaster! He can go back to Springfield and cry come November with his old man, the Repub whip in the US House, also inept!

So yes, their is joy in the ranks of Demo land but here's a warning: Campaign like there is no tomorrow (Don't be a Rudy or Fred and sit on your butt). Hit every nook and cranny! As Howard Dean says: "Campaign in every state, city, hamlet, igloo, county and take nothing for granted."
There will be no easy win in November but we know by the numbers turning out in the primary season that the Democratic Party of Harry Truman (we lost a great writer and singer today with the death of Margaret, one of my favorites), FDR (genuflect), JFK (thanks Teddy), Lyndon Baines Johnson (a great civil rights president), Grover Cleveland (He won, then lost, then won!) and Teddy Roosevelt (He ran as a Repub but they never accepted him. He was really a closet Demo) and finally our founder, rough and tough Old Hickory, who opened the White House to the masses,
Andrew "he fought some great duals, one with our MO Senator Thomas Hart Benton" Jackson!
What a list of greats: Of course we must give deference to the elephant leaders: Warren G. Harding, US Grant, Silent Cal Coolidge, Richard Nixon and of course "the evil one!"

Tonight its Florida and tomorrow I will most likely head for Maplewood to cast my absentee ballot:
Many think I'm absent minded! Then the family, the neighborhood, friends, enemies and politicos will know: The Bear has spoken!

REVOLUTION IN THE CHRISTIAN CLAN

The Bear only recently blogged that a decision would be made this week concerning his endorsement of the Democratic candidate for President of these United States.

A comment made during this blog indicated that Barbara Christian was supporting Hillary Clinton.
We learned today that Ms Christian has changed her view on this race and inspired by Senator Barack Obama's recent speeches and buoyed by the backing of Senator Ted Kennedy and his family, announced she would come out for Barack Obama. Ms Christian indicated she was not happy with the tenor of the campaigning of the former President Bill Clinton in South Carolina.

More was to come. Last night while watching the SAG Awards show. (Great job Javier Bardem and the cast of No Country For Old Men), Mr. Timothy Christian (son four) called to make an announcement he was leaving the Edwards camp and will support Barack Obama, stating that the South Carolina speech,following his victory was sensational. It was. Whatever is happening with this campaign, there is no doubt the Obama charisma is affecting thousands of Democrats and Independents from coast to coast. We will learn more in next week.

The Bear welcomes this excitement. He was quoted as saying just today: "Hell, I hope it goes to the Convention before we get a candidate." Just like the old days. Who besides the press, trying to influence the "now generation" likes these early victories by the candidates. Wasn't it great when the candidates were chosen by their faithful with compromises, deals, promises and trades being made in the so called "evil smoke filled rooms" That was drama!

Ok, so you say the Bear is playing the waiting game! "You are 100% right. We must in the Democratic Party come up with a candidate who will inspire the masses and lead us to a major victory in November, which will bring a stronger Democratic Congress so important legislation can be fashioned with the support of our President.

That being the case, the announcement of my candidate will be coming most probably Wednesday or Thursday of this week and if the Fenton news gets upset or the Riverfront Times calls me a "pussy" so be it.

How about the Bear family making these major changes. Something is in the wind! Now you may ask: Why no discussion of the GOP? Easily explained: "This is a Democratic Family and any son who might support the fine Republicans, who are competing to replace "the evil one", would be drummed out of the family and disinherited immediately. While we believe in "free speech, free assembly, free choice of candidates" in this household the party of my beloved FDR (genuflect) reigns supreme. So says the Bear!

IN THE BEDROOM

The Bear still cannot understand why Bill Richardson, the talented Governor of the state of New Mexico, former UN Ambassador, former US Representative and negotiator par excellence, did not even make a dent in the race for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States.
The Bear felt he was the most talented of those being considered.

With this in mind and with the Missouri Presidential Primary scheduled for super Tuesday, February 5, mindful that three fine Demos are working their cans off to win this nomination, a decision of the utmost importance will be made this week.

There will be no press conference! This announcement will probably take place in the solitary confines of my bedroom, either before seeking some shuteye or more probably when waking, which is always an exciting moment these days.

Various members of the Christian clan have already made up their minds. Barbara Christian will support Hillary Clinton. Timothy and Gregory Christian are leaning strongly to John Edwards.
Others, like me are undecided.

Whoever is endorsed and voted for, it appears a Democratic year is on the horizon. I have no qualms in stating I will vote for whoever is nominated proudly. Both parties candidates have worked long and hard in the various early states to secure a strategic position and with Florida, an important Republican primary (Demos are not competing because of a numnuts decision by the Democratic National Committee to punish them for moving their primary up to February), the first Tuesday in February will have 22 states holding their primary, all with huge amounts of delegates and it should be a very interesting evening.

The following have received the unofficial and totally subjective standings based only on their qualifications for this office and their political brilliance:

1. Hillary Clinton 2. Ron Paul 3. Mitt Romney 4. Barack Obama 5. John McCain 6. Mike Huckabee (Should the great mayor of the city of New York, Mike Bloomberg throw his hat in the ring,ratings would change drastically. These ratings are in no way endorsements by the old Bear, just subjective thoughts. One candidate, who has not been mentioned because of his very low low ranking is also a resident of NY! He has been campaigning in Florida for many months, bypassing the earlier primaries and already has some votes as Floridians are able to vote early.

The Bear's announcement could come as early as Wednesday this week as he is losing too much sleep, worrying about making the right choice. (WE ALL LOVE FRONT RUNNERS!)

One question, which has plagued my choice is the continual comments made by friends, both Demo and Repub, concerning the former first lady. These people don't like her but can't tell me why other than you know what! There have been many books and articles written about Hillary over the years and none can deny her brilliance all through an interesting life. But, when close to 50% of the people find her unlikable, thats an issue!
I find her just the opposite and besides that she is a loyal mate to the former President.
She has been a solid US Senator, twice elected in the state of NY with good margins, great margin in 2006. Her collegues respect and like her in the Senate and she has worked both sides of the aisle to provide legislation. She has always been a leader going all the way back to her collegiate days. Whats not to like?

Well, long about 11 PM, after the SAG awards the old Bear will probably say his night prayers for guidance in upcoming endorsement and of course unlike the 1948 Boston Braves whose motto was: "Sphan and Sain and pray for rain" withtheir pitching selections, I'll be hoping for some sun tomorrow, here in the Mound City, and perhaps the golf clubs will receive their first workout of the year over at Elmwood, just northwest of Millstadt, IL. Fore!

COLE PORTER IS DELOVELY

It's a beautiful 40 degree morning and after a rather cold and windy day yesterday, it was just plain luck to have tickets to see a young singer and his accompanist perform the works of the great Cole Porter at one of my favorite St. Louis venues, the Sheldon Music Hall. I'm talkin about a guy by the name of Tim Schall and his piano man and music director Joe Dwyer.

This was the steal of the year as tickets went for $10.00 and seating was "first come first served."
And they came. I'm an early arrival and in case you never heard of this place, the Sheldon features not just music, but a magnifent museum of top notch art surrounding the hall which is available for viewing before and after the show. It is located just west of the Fox Theater off Grand on Washington and its been there for a long time, a cathedral to good music. A St. Louis relic!

They started coming early about 10:15 A.M. for the eleven o'clock performance, senior citizens by the busloads (at least five busses out front). Since it was general admission you had to be there and early to get preferred seating. I took my seat about 10 rows from the small and intimate stage and watched the theater fill! Seniors, hobbling up and down the aisles, bad knees creaking, my bad right knee tingling, but ready for some stimulation, sore backs, a few coughs and amidst this group of 60 70 80 yea probably 90 year old veterans, in came a young lass with a baby attached to her and took her seat just about five rows from the stage right of center.

And then it happened, out popped Tim Schall and Joe Dwyer from the two doors, one on each side of the stage and Mr. Dwyer introduced Tim and he was off to the races with the famous repotoire of
the great Porter music book. He started with "Your the Top"and finished with It's Delovely and in between about 25 sounds from "Night and Day", "From This Moment On", "I've Got You Under My Skin", "I Love Paris" on and on and on, one better than the next and then the fine piano player Dwyer and Tim did a few duets, notably "Lets Fall In Love" with such memorable lines as:
"Birds Do It, Bees Do It, Even Educated Fleas Do It." and these seniors blistered their paws with applause.

As always when I see a show like this I want to race up to the stage and cheer but being respectful of my older breatheran, we slowly shuffled out of this landmark of great music, grinning from ear to ear. My Saturday was almost complete!

I have two song writers and lyricists who have influenced not just these inners, but have been loved by people all over the globe: Cole Porter and Richard Rodgers. What Mr. Schall pointed out about Cole Porter was that he not only wrote the music, but added the catchy smart words to his songs which have been sung and danced to by the likes of Fred Astaire, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Ella Fitzgerald and so many of our greats and of course his Broadway Shows such as "Kiss Me Kate", "Anything Goes" and many others always make for a evening or in this case a morning of sheer delight!

My artistic juices totally orgasized (is this a word), I now sought comfort for my appetite. It was 12:45 when I hit one of the really neat eateries in the West End of town, the Majestic Bar and Grill on Laclede and Euclid, where I don't need to order as my favorite Greeks immediately prepare my "fruit cup" and "bacon and eggs" with hashbrowns and an order of Wheat Toast (I've never been able to figure out why I ask for Wheat Toast since I never eat Wheat Bread at home!) and some fresh and very hot coffee with a water chaser!

Since I had my "Forest Park Forever Hat" onand after a slow and precise drive thru one of the greatest parks in the world, by the St. Louis Zoo (Home of that sex fiend Rajah, my favorite animal), past the "Boat House" restaurant, around the beautiful Forest Park Golf Course and on to Highway 44 for my western trek.

However, I was fired up big time and singing along with Ethal Merman's "Everythings Coming Up Roses" from my "Gypsy" collection, I swerved into the right lane and over Lindbergh to my beloved Borders. Cole Porter had done it again! From his vast storehouse of CDs, I pulled out two nice
works, It's Delovely, the authentic Cole Porter Collection and "Fred Astaire Steppin Out", which features many of the Cole Porter songs he danced and sang to in his movies with his dancing partner extraordinaire, Ginger Rogers. "Oh Baby!" For the lady of the Premio House, in order to make her a slight part of this exciting day, I purchased "Mama Mia", a rollicking show, which she loves so much. She is of a different generation!

I am home now blogging my brains out to you, my public (bless you) and I must confess St. Michael the Archangel, who watches over me constantly and guides me, strengthens me, and sometimes
slows me down a bit, went overboard today and had to be dancing to the sounds of Tim Schall and Joe Dwyer and hopefully his wings were not damaged. To quote from the famous Dali Lama:
"Zowie!"

COACHING THIRD DOWN AND 1!

Forgive the old Bear for a little second guessing but after watching the Divisional Championship Games yesterday, January 20th (1 year until the end of the Bush Presidency), and enjoying both games (always better than the Super Bowl which is nothing more than a patty party day), its time to wonder why NFL teams continue to employ less than secure, wishy washer, unprepared head coaches and a non-stop interchange of assistants in the "good old boy" club.

Yesterday, the San Diego Chargers played the New England Patriots to a standstill and were defeated and outcoached by the master Bill Belichick but it should not have happened. Late in the game with the San Diego team driving for what would put them ahead and deep in Patriot territory, third down and one in the Red Zone, Norb Turner and the Chargers called a time out to discuss just what play would be appropriate to put the team in a scoring position, not a field goal position, but a TD scoring opportunity.

The important question is this: WHY? So many times this Ram fan has had to watch the likes of Scott Linehan calling time outs when a team is on the march. What this does is give the defense a rest and yes, the offense a rest, when they are functioning at their best. In football, momentum is all important and repitition is essential! Offensive Coordinators and Head Coaches must must must have a series of plays that they can use for all situations and Third and One is no issue: YOU TAKE THE BALL AS BELICHICK DID TWICE SUNDAY and ram it right down their throat. A word to the wise: Don't get cute! If you don't make the first down, you go for it on fourth down! Many of the NFL coaches coach from fear rather than be fearless in their coaching.

If I was hiring coaches for my NFL staff, I would look to the college ranks for my leaders but especially for Offensive Coordinators. The college coaching scene right now is filled with interesting and innovative young coaches who put their NFL breatheran to shame!

Yesterday's time out with third and one in Patriot territory was a loser! While coach Norb Turner should be congratulated for bringing the Chargers back after a rough start and keeping them functioning with some major injuries as we near the end of the season, yesterday he missed a golden opportunity to shake up the football world!

3:10 To Yuma

The Bear has just finished watching a great movie, one which will get little attention as we enter the Oscar Season: 3:10 TO YUMA. Starring Russell Crowe and Christian Bale, this action packed remake of an old 1950's flick with Glenn Ford, is one of the finest westerns since The UNFORGIVEN.

The scenery, action and panarama of the southwest could match just about any I've seen in any era and with Bale and Crowe, along with a polyglot of supporting actors, well oh yea!

What I really loved was the very end of the picture which I will not relate but has to be one of the
most "feel good" endings of all time.

So if you want a pleasurable evening or morning or nooner, (I've now seen it three times) head for Blockbuster and treat yourself to the best. By the way, some dames don't like Westerns and lambast the likes of the Duke, Alan Ladd, Jimmie Stewart, Clint, Roy Rogers, Trigger, Lash LaRue and the great Tom Mix (As Tom would say in his famous radio spots: "Take a tip from Tom, go and tell your mom, Shredded Ralston can't be beat!" If this is so, don't take no for an answer: Tie em down or draw on them, so they watch this flick. If the sight of blood makes them psychosomatic, maybe you better not take my advice.

Talking about the great ones, I happened to come upon TCM (Thanks Ted) the other night and low and behold, there it was: THE BRIDGE OVER THE RIVER KWAI', one of my TOP TEN! What was interesting is the great Alec Guinness did not get top billing although he won the Oscar. Two of Hollywood and London's best, Jack Hawkins and William Holden took the honors but it was Alex Guinness who was so brilliant along with the British "whistlers" in the Jap prison camp. I have many great Japanese friends but I still will never forgive them for December 7, 1941 when they scared the crap out me and we kept our blinds closed at all times waiting for the nip Zero attacks we were sure were coming. Now I know when I'm blogging a lot of you yungins don't remember this war but you should never allow yourself to miss some of the great ones in movie history about WWII. e.g. TORA TORA TORA!

Enough nostalgia, this writer is very sad about the Golden Globes being blotted out last night and what I missed most was Joan Rivers and Millissa on the Red Carpet interviewing the stars and especially their review of the fashion of the evening. Joan once told us prior to the start of the show: "If I blink my left eye, I really don't like what she's wearing!" This show is always a dandy with many of our favorites imbibing and winners sloshing over their acceptance speeches. Hats off to Jon Hamm of John Burroughs in St. Louis, who won a Globe for top actor in a dramatic series which I have never seen!

You know St. Louis has many great actors either in Hollywood or on Broadway and probably best known is Kevin Kleine who graduated from The Priory and was taught by my former teammate of yesteryear and former head basketball coach, Marty McCabe. I recently asked Marty about Kevin and he said: "Massive hands and could really play the piano" The great Kevin Kleine is in the lead on Broadway of Cyrano DeBourgerac (I'm sure I blew that spelling!). He is getting rave reviews in the New York Times and considered by many to be one of the premier actors of our time.

OK you guys enough is enough, the old Bear has to catch the 3:10 to Yuma and I'm running late!

MOVIE TIME!

Their coming: "THE GOLDEN GLOBES", "THE OSCARS", "SAG AWARDS" ETC ETC ETC. So its time to hit your favorite movie houses around town and get it on! The Bear is on his usual January kick, at least one and probably two movies a week plus Blockbuster activity! I made a special novena this morning that the writers will go back to work soon, very soon!

Just yesterday viewed one of my favorite movies of 2007 and a popular flick of many of the people who are making their picks for this year's awards: 3:10 TO YUMA. This is one of the better westerns in recent years feturing Russell Crowe and Christian Bale and about Bale, he is coming on strong as one of the top actors in Hollywood today! He does not disappoint in 3:10! Action is plentiful and a guy by the name of Steve Foster does a great job as the bad guy! Russell Crowe is Russell Crowe, always semi smiling, and at the same time staring you down ominously. Head for your local DVD outlet and get this film now! The ending is one of my all time favorites!

Yes, I'm a Phil Seymour Hoffman fan! (I get away calling him Phil
because I'm such a fan of his). The most recent adventure links him with one of my favorite actresses, Laura Linney in a somewhat glum, but entertaining and even funny in spots, film about well, "Nursing Homes, THE SAVAGES. Then there is the really enterprising movie directed by Sydney Lumet, BEFORE THE DEVIL KNOWS YOUR DEAD. I love pictures with themes which are a bit off the wall and this one has it all. I also like Marisa Tomei, who is just a neat actress. I'm not going t review all the happenings, but trust me you won't want to miss this one! A robbery gone wrong! And then there is my favorite of all: CHARLIE WILSON'S WAR. Hoffman, as a disgruntled CIA agent, working with Tom Hanks (Charlie Wilson, US Representative, is light hearted, a true story, and a great venue for the talent of Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Julia Roberts and Tom Hanks, who by the way is a well proportioned gas in this one.

I do not subscribe to the casual comments made by many of my male counerparts, who label movies: "chick flicks." ATONEMENT will probably cop most of the awards this year. Set in the late thirties, pre WWII, and with one of the greatest scenes in movie history, the evacuation of Dunkirk, there is no doubt this is a "love story!" But what acting by James McAvoy and Keira Knightley! They are awsome but K needs to put on some weight. What a beauty she is! This chickie is a hot cookie! Scenery: Wow!
Great direction by Joe Wright and I'm going out and pick up: PRIDE AND PREDJUDICE, which I haven't seen but know must be good if this guy directed it! A good friend of mine from San Francisco, where they eat kisch at football games, told me: "Aw this is a chick flick!
I'm going to see this again! (Like seeing moview once, twice, three times and in the case of the great ones, fifty times, e.g. LAWRENCE, WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION, SCHINDLER'S LIST, SHARON IN BASIC INSTICT (Oh baby!), CARY AND EVA MARIE SAINT IN NORTH BY NORTHWEST!

Finally, for a fun night or day, day or night, go see Nick Cage in installment two of the National Treasure movies and a fun and neat story: NATIONAL TREASURE BOOK OF SECRETS. This guy Cage is one of the most entertaining stars today and is so versatile.

So head for your favorite theater and don't forget NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN when you do! THE BEAR HAS NO COUNTRY??????

WHO IS JACK FINDLEY?

While viewing the Rose Bowl last week, my mind wondered a bit as the Trojans "kicked butt" and their band blasted out the famous "fight song" which signified victory.

The parade and the game reminds me of two of my favorite people. "The late John Findley and his son Jack"

John was a coaching collegue of mine during the Sixties at the well regarded CBC High School in Clayton MO at that time. Now they have a beautiful edifice on the outer drive of Highway Forty. John was one of the most scholarly and special educators I have ever known, so professional, not bombastic like the Bear, and a real gentleman. He was also a great influence on my philosophy of coaching.

I watched young Jack grow from a puppie into a fine young teenager, who was a part of our football program. Jack was short, not too fast and had to work hard to maintain a competition as a QB in our system. Later he was to move to the defensive side and was a creditable defensive player for the Cadets.

Jack graduated from high school and if I remember right, attended Westminster College in Fulton,Missouri and I lost track of him. Westminster, you might remember, is where Winston Churchill gave his famous "Iron Curtain" speech in the "Cold War" era.

Jack was to find his way to the West Coast, via Houston, as a reporter and later when I met up with him at a CBC reunion, the CEO of the Long Beach, California Newpaper. What an achievement!
I was so proud of him! His dad died many years ago and I'll always remember that they took his ashes out to the West Coast and I believe spread them in the magnificent state of Oregon.

And then it came to me: "Jack, do you have any pull with your Pasadena friends so as I might be able to land a few tickets to the Rose Parade. I did not ask about the game! Every New Year's Day, the Rose Parade is on the Bear's agenda: the bands, the flowers, that special warmth (its really not that warm when your there), the horses, the celebs, the spirit! It wows me! Jack indicated not only did he have pull, but his newspaper sponsored breakfast and lunch just two blocks from the parade route and yes, he could and would expect me the Bear, to be his guest.

Little did I know what was to come. As a result of a delay in our flight, we were treated by TWA to "first class" seats for the flight out there. Two nights before the game, Jack and his lovely wife Lynne, hosted us on the Queen Mary: It was delightful, delovely and so delicious!

On game day, we rose at 4:30 or so in the morning and drove from one of my favorite communities Seal Beach up to Pasadena and linked up with Jack. Sure enough, there was the tent and there was a breakfast and then it happened. A two block walk was to take us to VIP, I mean VIP seats which were located just down apiece from the first turn onto Colorado Boulivard, just in front of the TV people covering this world wide event. When it was time for the first participants to strut their stuff, the Marine Band turned the corner and headed our way playing "From the Halls of Montezuma To the Shores of Tripoli" and I thought I had died and gone to heaven! Then the floats from all over the United States, including our own St. Louis float (We have special ties to the parade), proudly passed in review, as the warmth of the mid morning began to take hold. Yes, both the Purdue Boilermaker and Washington Huskie bands rah rah rahed their way down the Boulevard. I remember Tom Brocaw of NBC News being the Grand Master and multi cultured persona of the day. I didn't want it to end but it did! It was back to the tent and to the accompaniment of a fine musical aggregation, lunch was served. Wow! Then it was a long and exciting walk to the "Grand Daddy" of Bowl games where the Washington Huskies took it to the Purdue Boilermakers admist a crowd of over 100,000 fans. To quote from the Koran: "God is great!"

And what about Jack Findley: When you pick up your Sunday paper and turn the front page, you'll find him listed among the credits in Parade Magazine. We will never forget the trip to Pasadena and the kindness and hospitality of the Findley family! Thanks again Jack!

THANK YOU HILLARY CLINTON

What a blast last night, Tuesday, January 8, 2008. About 7 PM results from the New Hampshire Primary began to trickle in and underdog Hillary Clinton was leading and it started. Chris Matthews, Wulf Blitzer analysis. Which precincts were reporting. Then a little later the Repub candidate John McCain was annointed the winner of their primary, another comeback story going back to this summer. "There's something in the air" said Barack Obama but the night was still young and Hillary was still ahead after about 40% of the vote was counted. "Well, wait for the precincts in the university towns to come in!"

About 10:30 PM St. Louis time, the "shot heard round the world took place." In one of the greatest political turnarounds since Harry Truman defeated Dewey in 1948, in a days time, a dishearted, dowcast, even slightly weepy (she did not cry), especially talented lady from New York by way of
Arkansas and Chicago was crowned the winner and no one could explain it. But it was just plain "neat."

So many of my close friends and others have reaped scorn on this bright and aggressive first lady since she hit the political scene, one often asks: "Why bother?" But the Hillary Clinton code, going back to her school days has always been: "I want to serve!" This former Goldwater girl and a lawyer on the famous Watergate Committee has always been out front in every endeavor.

What the Bear really felt good about, given his candidate Bill Richardson, was taking another beating and probably won't be around much longer, was that the so called "politcal pundits and pollsters" took it in the shorts. As a political junkie I love the campaigning, the speeches, the spin, the thrill of victory and the hurt of defeat. I think most politicians are not only honorable but in some cases heroic in their zeal to "do the right thing" for their contituents. There are some "scumbags", mostly these days to be found among the Repubs but in fairness we have them too! Hillary Clinton
is a good politician and even better, an effective Senator. Ask any US Senator if she is not hard working and they will generally give her high marks. Yes, even her GOP collegues work with her and respect her. But she had taken a severe beating in the press as well as the caucuses in Iowa and many were beginning to "jump ship!"

Should she be President? If you've read the Carl Bernstein biography which is a fair assessment of her rise to power, her first lady days, and now here work as a Senator, you come to realize: This dame is smart and classy too! She's not the most "folksy wolksy" person you'll ever meet but "she cares" about the country and has given much. And when she is in small groups she can be downright charming and has a "cackle" and "rip roaring" deep laugh which lights up the room.

So as the great Mike Hucklebee pointed out yesterday: "Give her some slack!" She's been working hard for months in this never ending campaign. Mike didn't know what was going to happen on this night and regardless, being a super neat guy as well as prescient candidate for President, he would have said it anyway.

After the final results came in last night and she appeared before supporters even the "hard nosed Bear" took out his hanky and gave a great "honk!"

Now tie this in with what was going in the infamous Bear "reading room", that is Kelly Chase and Chris Gerber at the Scot Trade Center (Kiel Auditorium) broadcasting the battle between the St. Louis Blues and Columbus on the ice, and emotions were running high, especially when Andy MacDonald and Eric Johnson were making magic with the puck and Manny Legace, continuing his mastery in the nets as the Blues skated to a 6-1 victory and Blues fans prepared for today's TACO Feast!

Naturally all these events made for a tough night, trying to get to catch a few zzzzzzz's. But you "have to pay the piper" for special nights like this! So says the "cross eyed" Bear on Wednesday, January 9!

TURNER CLASSIC MOVIES: SO GREAT!

You bet my Sunday night was not spent watching Fox New's debate: Fox News is outlawed in the Christian household except for the first half-hour on Fox News Sunday when Chris Wallace is presiding! After which there is a quick change at 9:30 AM to Bob Schieffer of CBS for Face the Nation, followed by George Stepanapolis on ABC. George, by the way has a St. Louis connection. When the Bear presided over Gravois Township, little George was an aide to the great Dick Gephardt, and often visited our meetings which were often held at the then Slays on Gravois!
How this young man has risen!

Sunday night, following the two NFL Playoff games, it came to my attention that one of the greatest actors of all time was appearing in two of his early day movies with the buxom, not so well known
Gail Russell. The bear is referring to: THE WAKE OF THE RED WITCH AND ANGEL AND THE BADMAN!

What makes Duke's movies special is the vast array of characters each movie attracts, people like Chill Wills, Andy Devine, Harry Carey and so many different bad guys. The Wake of the Red Witch is one of those movies, sad to say, where John Wayne bites the dust in the end. I can think of a few others but this one is about fury on the high seas and Wayne is so great. Remember all you USC guys. He was a great football player and when I visited the USC athletic complex during the 1990's the busts of the great ones in USC history greeted me in the great hall, stars like OJ Simpson (he didn't do it), Frank Gifford, and of course the Duke. What a tradition! During the Rose Bowl Game and Parade when the USC band played their fight song the Bear's TV volume was as high as it could be, guaranteed to bring out the wrath of you know who! If you really want to get them pissed, turn on NASCAR and when the segment for sounding off by the cars takes place or after "Gentlemen and Lady, Start Your Engines" takes place turn that volume up big time!
I challenge any Marriage Counselor to Analyze This!

Turner Classic Movies takes me back to the days when my mother (She's definitely in heaven and sitting at the right hand of the Big Guy) each Friday tidied me up and away we good go via streetcar and bus to downtown St. Louis either to the Loew's State, Loew's Orpheum or the Ambassador, all within two or three blocks from one another, and see the movie of the week!
Yep, she liked those love stories with Betty Davis, Olivia DeHavland, Frederic March, Melvin Douglas and my old girl friend Virginia Mayo from Benton School on St. Louis and Kingshiway!
But we did occasionally, once every three months, see an action packed movie.

But Turner Classic Movies brings them back each day, always with a new star of the month such as Jimmy Cagny, Ida Lupino, Gregory Peck, Duke, Kirk Douglas, Humphrey Bogart, the great Katherine Hepburn and of course Specer Tracy, Clark Gable, Dame May Whitty, Charles Laughton, Tyrone Power, Ava, Frank, Esther Williams, Jimmy Durante, so many greats!

What did the old bear do on New Year's Eve? Chase Hotel for merrymaking?
Casa Loma for Ballroom Dancing? St. Louis's non alcoholic Grand Avenue Festivities?
St. Louis Symphony? The Answer is a resounding: NO! Instead, it was down to the "War Room" and Turner Classic Movies, all night featuring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers dancing their way thru comedy after comedy and never missing a step. Astaire could have been one great athlete and I'm sure with his swift hips, he was a super golfer. His genius is classy style! The bear particularly enjoys Astaire singing those magnificent Cole Porter songs like: "Lets Fall In Love",
"You Can't Take That Away From Me" and Ginger Rogers, well no one, just no one could follow Fred's deft movements and look sensational doing it! When my eyelids finally gave out about 4 AM, it was to "Dancing In the Dark." Yes, I love the modern movie and the new actors and good looking honies but give me a good 1930's 1940's bombastic musical with Busby Berkeley doing the choriography or a Bogie, Cagney murder mystery or the great and witty Thin Man flicks, with perfect naration by the brilliant Robert Osborne on Turner and "I'm In Heaven."

By the way followers of the bear will want to know that one of my top ten of all time: "Bridge Over the River Kwai" is coming in a week or two. Alec Guinness, one of the all time greats and I know I'll butcher this spelling Sessu Hiawaka are magnifico in this exciting WW2 masterpiece.

Thanks Duke for so many special moments, "High and the Mighty", "Hondo", "Rooster Cogburn"
"In Harm's Way", "True Grit", "Big Ed McClain", maybe the greatest "The Searchers." I'm the luckiest person alive for having had the opportunity to view this great All American on the silver screen! So says the Bear!

WHAT A SPECIAL DAY TODAY JANUARY 5 2008

This is dedicated to those of you who have reached a certain age when you might be entitled to be called "Senior Citizens", "old farts", "old timer", or whatever moniker the newest generation hangs on us "Social Security" kids.

By the way, thanks to all of you younger folks who continue to put money into the program which since the mid thirties, has been a life saver for many Americans, thanks to the great FDR (genuflect) and the Democratic Congress which fought off the GOP to give the country this super program! Sure its underfunded since "the evil one" took office and built up the massive deficit that our kids and grandkids will challenge our younger generation and their kids for years.

If your contimplating reitrement soon the question you will be asked by your peers is always:
WHAT DO YOU DO TO KEEP BUSY? WHAT DO YOU DO WITH ALL THAT TIME?

The simple answer: "I DON'T KNOW HOW I EVER HAD TIME TO WORK!" Today is a brilliant day in St. Louis, not too cold and heading upward to around 60 degrees. Yes! After an early rise and a set of excercises: 50 Push Ups, 50 crunches, and 50 Bicycles plus a new set of workouts, given me this week by my physical therapist, its off to Mass at St. Pauls down the road apiece.
This mass was my kind of mass, no pontificating but more story telling about a really neat guy, a US guy St. John Neumann, who was one of the earliest of modern Catholic educational leaders.
Hats off to John on his feastday. The priest celebrating the mass even had a relic of this saint which he held on high as he gave us our blessing. MAN I FEEL HOLY TODAY!

Following Mass it was over to Mac's for a pancake breakfast and some really hot coffee (No I didn't spill it and there will be no lawsuit!" Then to the Bank to get some dough as I was operating on empty! A quick drive to the Fenton, MO Post Office sent a spectacular new book written by
Greg Marecek to my old buddy Vince Ventimiglia who is suffering in Bradenton FL (it was cold down there this week!) I love Florida greatly even though it is presently a Republican state!
Marececk St. Louis Hawks Gallery of Images & Memorabillia brings a glistening to my eyes, as I remember some of my greatest St. Louis sports thrills, attending their games. Following a my
postal visit, it was home and I needed energy so I gulped down some of my Malted Meal, a new and tasty cereal, oh yes represented here in St. Louis by the lovable Tracy Ohl, who is like a daughter to the old bear. Tracy is right: This is good chow and my energy level rose quickly.

Finally, after taking a George Bush, I headed to the far reaches of St. Louis City, down by beautiful Carondelet Park to finally deliver the Christmas goods to son Timmy, I'm happy to say, an unabashed liberal Democrat, (sometimes I have to reign him in) and his lovely wife Cassie, along with my three little angels Chance, Wheeler, and Bella (Wheeler and Bella) are twins! Timmy was a free spirited bachelor until Cassie tamed him and shortly thereafter, it was wedding bells and then within two years, three little Christians were belched out! Timmy is now a spectacular father
but you know what, he talks more than me. New store neighbor Fitz, a former Pittsburgh citizen,
and a huge Steeler and Penguin fan was out front and I naturally yelled "the Steelers suck" to get his attention! After a great visit watching these gremlins racing through the house, it was back home
and now it is close to Game Time (NFL PLAYOFFS), (THE DEMOCRATIC AND REPUB DEBATE) (I USE THE WORD REPUB SINCE THOSE ELEPHANTS ALWAYS CALL US DEMOCRAT PARTY) (I WILL TEVO THIS) and of course my beloved St. Louis Blues are on tap for a match with the Carolina Hurricanes. (We need to win some home games.)

So, bottom line: I DON'T WANT TO HEAR: "HOW DO YOU KEEP BUSY?" ARE YOU KIDDING? So says the Bear!

HATS OF TO JOHN JOHNSTON

Bill: What a surprise when you bring up the great senator from the 15th Senatorial District in St. Louis County, who I was priviledged to support and know. The good Senator was a stalwart in the MO Senate and great representative for his district. Its great to know that you are still a strong Democrat and greatly appreciate hearing from you! To quote the wonderful song: "Those Were the Good Old Days" however I live for today and the future is looking brighter and brighter for the party of the people! Its exciting out there!

WHAT A GREAT STORY BY BILL!

Thanks to Bill for his wonderful story about meeting President Carter. So many Carter stories indicate what a very decent and thoughtful person he must be. Who can challenge that of all the past Presidents, upon leaving office, he has been a force in elections throughout the world monitoring and when you look at the "Habitat For Humanity", well he is to be saluted.

Your story Bill reminded me of Carter's running for the office of President, not being very well known. In 1975 he hadn't won a primary, hadn't won a caucus, and was just starting to campaign around the country, operating on a shoestring. I was at that time Democratic Committeeman of Gravois Township, a political entity in South County St. Louis. I was also coaching football at one of the great institutions of learning in St. Louis, DeSmet Jesuit High School. It was I believe late August, the toughest month for football players and coaches when one of my managers came out on the field and gave me a message. "Could you attend a reception for Governor Carter at the Cheshire Inn in St. Louis tonight?" Governor Carter wants to meet with as many politicos as possible. Needless to say, it wasn't the best time for me and the note had asked me to bring some others along because it was going to be a sparse crowd. Having a "good old boy" on my staff, a bachelor, always in need of some good chow, I approached Tennessee's finest Tim Clepper and asked "if he was was interested in meeting former Governor of Georgia Jimmy Carter , now running for President. Tim was game and we both headed for the Cheshire immediately following our PM practice. I'm guessing there were about 15 people on hand to greet Governor Carter and yep, there he was but what was really neat, we spent some quality time with the candidate, just like they do in Iowa and New Hampshire and then he talked to the group and we will never forget one of his stock lines: "If I ever lie to you or deceive you, I want you to leave me!"

When we left that evening I turned to Tim and succinctly predicted: "He might be considered for VP. This guy is pretty sharp!
Thanks again Bill for taking time out to relate a great visit with Jimmy Carter!

THE BEAR STRIKES OUT WITH JILL

The old Bear really stepped on it when he blogged recently that he had seen Jill Hayworth in "Chicago". WRONG! Son Gregory Christian, St. Louis's premier architect, who is rumored to be considering offers to develop another "Bridge To Nowhere" in Fairbanks, Alaska tells me that my mind must be muddled because of all this blogging. It turns out we saw that flashy dancer Gwynn Verdon in Chicago along with Chita, not Jill Hayworth. The Bear admits to being wrong but all is not lost! It turns out Jill Hayworth sighting took place in the famous Broadway show "Cabaret!" Yes, she was in it and sultry as all get out. Also in this really neat story was the magnificent Joel Grey, who was outstanding. What the Bear will never forget is the intermission when some very old fluzzy ladies came out and played some wonderful tunes while patrons of the arts mingled, drank and relieved themselves. Their garb, to put it mildly, was Twenties with bizazz! And could they play, wow! Thanks to the Jimmy Fiddler of Broadway, Gregory Christian, for reminding the Bear he does make mistakes from time to time!

What a great display of democracy last night as the good folks of Iowa trecked to their respective caucuses, some large, others minute and made their choices for their respective candidates.
The Bear likes both candidates and they are already in New Hampshire with snow up to their gonads, wooing the hardy residents up there. This guy Hucklebee has a good idea concerning the "Fair Tax". Could he sell it? Well Hucklebee is a true huckster and so cool, who knows.
The Income Tax, meant to be progressive and fair way back in the days of Woodrow Wilson, has become mutilated by so many special interests that it might be time to say bye bye but this would require major Constitutional action to amend and this is very difficult. Barak Hussein Obama gave a magnificent speech to his strong following and no doubt about it, he's the real thing and reminds one of the days of the Kennedy phenomenal 1960 run! It is truly exciting and skeptics of our system should "get over it" and join in the fun. MOST SIGNIFICANT ABOUT LAST NIGHT IN IOWA: THE DEMOCRATS VOTED TWO TO ONE TO THE REPUBLICANS! The Bear, watching the late action in his snuggy Simmons, said a prayer of thanks that the party of the common man, Andrew Jackson, the great FDR (genuflect) and our own Harry Truman will soon be coming to Washington. Sorry Joe and Chris. You are both great Americans and great Democrats and we will miss you both on the 150th debate of the year but not to fear, Dennis C and his star studded wife, with her diamond on her tongure, will be chirping. And how about double figures for Ron Paul! For you real nutcases of politics like me, Saturday there will be special debates on CNN with both parties participating. Hope they don't conflict with NFL Football Playoffs. Oh well, we TVO guys will get to watch both. Who'd of thunk? There is definitely more to come not only in New Hampshire, but South Carolina and the big February primaries in the large states. Its time to get back to my C-Span 1 and 2, (but not 3 because Charter Communications will not add this fact filled channel to their package) Yes, the Bear needs therapy!

ON BEING THERE

There's nothing better than being there! I'm not just talking about a sporting event, maybe a good movie, much better in person than on video, even with High Definition, a good parade (Rose Parade), a riveting book which captures you and keeps you awake in the wee small hours of the morning, just being there makes it special. Here are a few of the Bear's thrills, recorded in person
not on Cable, not on the radio, but wow, being there.

Lets take the great and scientfic game of Hockey! Being there you feel the electriciy only a Hockey crowd can provide. Lets talk old days, I mean at the "Old Barn", the St. Louis Arena, when smoking was allowed and rowdies and drunks were beaten with billy clubs by the men in blue (police). Sure your lungs were bruised by the 2nd Hand Smoke rising to the rafters but once the puck was dropped all hell broke loose as our Blues and the bad guys barely skimmed the ice with their so sharp blades and meticulously shaved sticks! The beauty of the duo of Hull and Oates passing and scoring was comparable to a love scene between the great Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman. But being there allowed for you to inhale the force of the bounty offered by the sold out stadium. So great! I'll never forget when Hullie scored his 500th goal:
It was "Blues Cup Night" and thousands of White Cups were heaved onto the ice in celebration of the "Golden Brett's achievement! Men and women embraced, women and little bitty babies cried,
(Yes, the little ones are always in evidence at these games. But being there: Priceless!

Yes, the old old Bear was at Kiel Auditorium (now Scott Trade Center Ugh!) in 1958 when the great and gifted Bob Pettit, playing against the masterful defensive center of the Boston Celtics,
put in 51 Points to lead the St. Louis Hawks to the World Championship. So many greats on the court: Bob Cousy, the long armed multi talented guard, whipping floor length passes to "Jungle Jim Lusticoff" driving for two, Bill Sharman, one of the all time free throw shooters and great jump shot entrepeneur driving us Hawk fans to yet another cold one to calm our nerves. Then the majestic hook shot of the Hawks Cliff Hagan, former Kentucky U great, barely puffed the nets and little Slater Martin took charge from his guard spot, dribbling dribbling dribbling all over the place to set up a new charge to the basket. All the while the St. Louis crowd, always a full house, roared while owner Ben Kerner, always operating on a shoestring with this franchise, chain smoked at mid court fanned by the rotund Marty Blake, his General Manager and baby sitter! What drama! Who will ever forget St. Louis's own, Ed McCauley throwing the ball to the rafters as the final gun sent the
defending champion Celtics through the crowd at the North End of the Kiel, up the stairs to the stage and behind the curtains to mourn while St. Louis Hawk fans barely left as they were afraid to erase the moment!

OK you youngsters, while you sit around worrying about needles in the butt these days, one of the greatest events ever in the Mound City took place in late September in 1944, yes 1944. I was around then, a nine year old, who knew every player by face, without uniform in the American League (8 teams then) and most of the National League. Yes, we were at war and many of the greatest players of their day were serving our country: Bob Feller, Joltin Joe DiMaggio, Ted Williams, probably the greatest natural hitter ever and so many more. The St. Louis Browns were going for their first pennant ever and on this day with the Brownie fans filling Sportsman's Park,. and the scoreboard featuring the game between the Washington Senators and Detroit Tigers, which would help determine who won the pennant, a part time Brownie, working in a defense job, Chet Laabs, became an instant St. Louis folklore hero delivering two homers which led to a victory asthe Tigers went down to Washington. This led to the all St. Louis World Series won by the Cardinals(Sorry to report) four games to two. Where was the Bear? Upper deck right behind the plate!
Winning pitcher Sig Jackucki, known for his robust behavior, pitched a gem and Vern Stephens, a hard hitting shortstop bashed a homer for the 5-2 win. Brownie stockholders and oft disappointed fans raced to the Rock Church, just down the road to give thanks and light candles!

And then there was that very first playoff game with the Minnesota Vikings in town to take on our St. Louis Rams back in Ninety Nine! St. Louisans had been used to our new team taking it on the chin and even Dick Vermeil's emotional coaching had not produced results, but with the acquisition of the greatest ever Marshall Faulk and the emergence of an unheard of QB, the Rams made it happen. This day was the test. Could these upstart Rams really be for real? The first drive said it all as the Rams took the ball down the field hearalded by the sell out, standing room only crowd, well greased with every concoction ever invented, was threatening to blow the roof off of the domed stadium that was so criticized when we were losing, but now was "our house!" It was Bruuuuuce, Faulk, Warner, Pace, London Fletcher, rookie Holt, the steady and heady Timmerman leading the Rams to stupendous rout of the Vikings. Later the team was to bring home the coveted Super Bowl Trophy but that first playoff win was breathtaking!

Who will ever forget their first trip to New York City, just about the most exciting city on the map.
Do you want to go to Yankee Stadium? Do you want to climb the Empire State Building? What about the ferry to the Statue of Liberty! No way! Take me to a Broadway Show! Sure you bet!
How about seeing Yul Brenner doing his dance in the King and I? One of the greatest eveings of my life was having dinner at the Four Seasons, courtesy of my old collegue John Faust, drama teacher par excellence and developer of some of Broadway's finest. What a restaurant,oft seen in movies! The food was well delicious! From thereby limo over to the Shubert Theater (I naturally had on my shades) and then The Greatest Little Whorehouse in Texas! Small theaters with great stars, choreography, and electricity exuding thru every pore! I'll never forget seeing "Chicago with the great Jerry Orbach (Law and Order) and Jill Hayworth and world cup dancer Chita Rivera. But what made it even more special was the still glamorous Ginger Rogers, marching down the aisle to much applause and sitting only two rows in front of us and son Gregory mooning over Bonnie Franklin during the intermission. (My question was: Who's She?) One of the most prolific shows I ever saw was "Ain't Misbehavin!" and sure enough our own Ken Page was in one of the leads.I almost ran down the aisle with glee after some of the "Fats" Waller songs were blasted out by Ken and the wonderful late Nel Carter. I haven't been to New York for many years but I'll guarantee you I'll be on Broadway if I ever get back there!

What do you say to a President? In 1980, my President, Jimmy Carter, was down in the dumps.
Good Americans were being held hostage by upstart Iranian radicals and we couldn't get them out of there. A failed attempt at rescue led to disaster. Jimmy was in trouble and eventually would lose the election. Around September of that year, I received a rather wierd call at my home from someone indicating they "were calling from the White House" to invite me to a "day at the White House" for briefing and and a session with the President. I thought this must be one of my Republican friends (some of my best friends are Republicans) pranking me! I called back the number given and sure enough, little old me and about fifty other St. Louisans were heading for the Big House! When the day came, we flew to Washington and immediately were ushered out to the White House where for most of the day, we were briefed by members of the President's cabinet.
I'll never forget the reception at noon when we were treated to some really good "stand up" food but what I'll never forget was the flavor of the tea, the best I have ever tasted. No kidding! It was so good. About 3:30 while the Secretary of Defense spoke, he appeared, President Carter was on his way to the East Room! Immediately the Secretary left the podium and the Presidential Seal
was affixed. But then came the bombastic announcement: THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES!" We (all Democrats) rose to attention and the President strode to the platform and for
forty five minutes we received a minor briefing which made us all feel like, well very super patriotic.
Following a question session, we were all given the honor of shaking hands with the Commander-In-Chief and when it was my turn to go by the Pres, I whispered to him: "Mr President, your doing a hellova job!" (Too many of my fellow Americans didn't agree in November) He smiled and in his usual very humble way replied: "Thank You!" What a day and guess what it didn't end in the White House! Flying back to St. Louis my day continued on its mysterious journey. Seated on my left was none other than the Attorney General of MO and later Governor, Senator and more lately the
US Attorney General, John Ashcroft. I forgave him for being a Republican and we talked mostly sports all the way back to St. Louie! For a lover of politics, our government and our Constitution, this was too too much!

Yes, being there, the smells, the cheers, the music, the words, the crowd and most of all ferocious
interaction of we humans is more than the old Bear can take. I'm out of here!

WHY I'M A DEMOCRAT AND ALWAYS WILL REMAIN THE SAME

Thursday of this week should be a fun day for all political nuts like me because it is the real start of the Presidential cycle. In Iowa we will have the Caucuses in the small hamlets, cities, farms, schools etc of this great midwest state! Ever been to a caucus? Well for you non politicos, it means you are giving up an evening of TV etc to make your choice for Pres known within your political party.

I invite you to tune in to C-Span 1 and 2 to see how these caucuses function. One word to the wise to all Iowans who might be reading this editorial: Make sure you get there early: If it says 7:30 definitely be there by 7. They can close the doors on you if you are not on time and they will!

If you want to be elected as a delegate make sure you are heard although chances are the political
entities will have already a slate of would be delegates to the next level supporting your candidate.
A bit of strategy: I might say I'm for Biden and if he doesn't get the necessary majority to be viable in the caucus (15%) you will have one chance to move to a stronger caucus: This is the time to weigh what it would take say to move to Hillary's or Barak's group. This whole process normally will take about 2 to 3 hours depending on the number of people at your caucus. In some small communities there might only be 15 people on hand while in the cities usually you would find around 100 or so, maybe even more!

WHO IN THEIR RIGHT MIND WOULD COME OUT IN JANUARY IN IOWA? Good question and it will be the job of the organizations to get their people out there to take their stand.

Some primary lovers (I'm not one) feel the caucus is undemocratic. I say atttending and participating in a caucus is the ultimate in your loyalty to your particular candidate and in 1980 I had the privilege of representing Jimmy Carter to the State of Mo Democratic Caucus and then was selected at large as an alternate to the Democratic Convention in New York. (Bring your credit cards!) I also was selected as one of the Democratic Electors for Mo in 1980. Guess what: I didn't get to cast my electoral vote because Ronnie Reagan (Bonzo goes to College) won the Presidency and the Republican electors cast the vote for Mo. Awwwwww!

I will have more to say on why on should affiliate with a party and why the Independent voter is not really independent.

One bloggy blogger accused the Bear of voting for Nixon! I must admit to never having voted for a
candidate of the Republican Party ever!!!!!! Many of my best friends however voted for the pretender who occupies the White House today, "He's not my President!"

Enough already the Bear recommends you watch the C-Span network to enhance your knowledge on how the would be President of the United States starts the process in Iowa on Thursday and then next week its off to New Hampshire for round two, time well spent! So says the Bear!