It’s been nearly a month since my illness began. It feels much longer than that as all I can do right now is rest. I’m pleased to report that there’s been no more bleeding leading to passing out and whacking my head. I still have some aches and pain from my falls but I’m treating them with cannabis, which is also good for boredom. Presumably, Cheech and Chong are never bored…

I’ve come to the conclusion that I have to rest for the remainder of March. I tire too easily to go anywhere I cannot sit or lie down immediately if I feel the need. No St. Patrick’s Day parades for me. The last thing I need is to be whacked in the head by flying vegetables.

In national news, nobody should be surprised that President Biden nailed the SOTU. Jamie O quite correctly called it The Dark Brandon SOTU. Biden regards Congress as his home away from home, so he’s always risen to the occasion in speeches to joint sessions of Congress as I noted in a 2021 post, Long Time Gone.

The GOP’s plan for recent SOTU responses is as follows: present a rising star and watch them flame out a la Bobby Jindal and Marco Rubio. Katie Britt’s kitchen table speech was as bad as the symbolism of having her deliver it from a kitchen. Oy just oy.

Speaking of PBJ’s 2009 response, here’s the late, great Greg Peters’ take on it:

Greg was a cartoonist, writer, and collage artist. One could even call him the Gret Stet of Louisiana’s answer to Max Ernst. I, for one, did.

Greg’s comedic vehicle was called Suspect Device. It was a moveable satirical feast at which I dined many times. Satire has always been my jam. Mmm, jam.

This week’s theme song was composed by Billy Strayhorn in 1967. It was the last song he ever wrote. Duke Ellington often featured it in concert as a tribute to his fallen musical partner.

We have two versions of Blood Count for your listening pleasure: The Ellington original and a pianistic version by Marian McPartland.

We begin our second act by skipping it altogether.

We begin our third act with our favorite stolen feature.

Separated At Birth Casting Edition: I’ve had Tracey Ullman on my mind after watching the latest episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm. I love Tracey, especially her take on former German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

I have no idea if either Angela or Tracey has ever heard the Wilco song Impossible Germany, but I dig it, especially live:

Your Weekly Oscar: I need something light and snappy today. This Harold Arlen tune will do nicely:

Have I told you lately how much I love Oscar Peterson?

Richard Lewis, R.I.P. The acerbic comedian from hell died late last month at the age of 76. I first saw Lewis’ shtick on the OG Letterman show. Here’s a compilation of some of his appearances with Dave.

Richard Lewis and Larry David bickering about the former’s will:

Thanks for all the laughs, sir.

Saturday GIF Horse: Richard Lewis as Prince John in Mel Brooks’ Robin Hood: Men In Tights.

Let’s close down this virtual honky tonk with some more music.

Saturday Closer: I’ve had the Traffic tune (Sometimes I Feel So) Uninspired in my head this week. It aptly describes how I feel after a burst of energy fades away. Ladies and germs, Mr. Steve Winwood:

That’s all for this week. I hope to restore our second act to its former glory sometime soon. The last word goes to John Ritter, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Richard Lewis in Anything But Love: