I often wonder if the founding fathers are rolling over in their graves from time to time when they see what’s going on in the world of politics these days. First off I believe much of the nation is simply not only tired of what’s going on in politics, but I also think many just don’t care because it seems we’ve been this Presidential election cycle for about the past 5 years.

But, even after saying that, there are times when the political arena just gets silly. What are these people thinking of? They’re supposed to be addressing issues, not trying to be stand-up comedians. Leave that for the late night talk show circuit hosts.

So, just what ranks up there as a ‘real’ political issue these days? In Senator Barack Obama’s world, it’s former Governor Mitt Romney’s hair. While in Charles City, Iowa someone asked Senator Obama what he thinks of the former Governor. His response — quote — “He’s accomplished, he’s very wealthy, he’s a good looking guy, and he’s got nice hair.”

What!? He’s got nice hair! Give me a break Senator Obama. Is that the best you can do? He’s got nice hair.

Ahhh yes, there’s the big issue at the forefront of everyone’s mind, good looking hair.

Now, for the real astute, the Senator’s comment does open the door for a big political issue when he said Mitt Romney is “very wealthy.” What does wealth have to do with politics? Oh wait a minute, that’s right, politics is no longer for the common-person. Now it’s made up of political professionals with lots of money who can afford to buy their place in the political world.

Just my two cents,
Dr. Rus

From the this is really strange file comes a shopping story.

Canadian shoppers taking advantage of the parity between the U.S. and the Canadian dollar are leaving behind more than just cash when they head for home. They’re also leaving behind their old clothes. Some Canadian shoppers wear their new clothes home to avoid paying a duty when they cross back into Canada. The old clothes get left behind in parking lots, dressing rooms and restrooms at malls and shopping plazas.

With this becoming much more than a trend at some shopping centers, some store managers have started collecting the clothes to give away to non-profit organizations during this Christmas season. While this is a wonderful idea, it leads me to wonder if the old trick of wearing the new clothes really works when Canadians cross back into Canada. I’m sure when the border agents see someone wearing three pairs of pants, four shirts and two coats, they know something is going on.

But then again, this does bring a whole new meaning to the every-popular phrase Don’t Look Ethel!

Just my two cents,
Dr. Rus

We’ve been in the midst of a Presidential election for what seems like years. It almost seemed as soon as President Bush was elected to his second term, people started jockeying for position to make a run for the office of President instantly. For the most part, people are politics weary and some polls suggest people simply don’t care what’s going on right now. Let’s just get through the nominations so someone rises to the top to make a run for President before getting too excited about what’s going on right now.

But alas, if it weren’t for the election talk, some talk show pundits would have nothing to say. I’ve been amazed at how some talk show hosts change their “favorite” nominee for President like I change socks. One in particular seems to change almost weekly. However, for the past few weeks she’s been jumping all over Governor Huckabee at almost every turn, while holding up her favorite of the hour, Governor Romney. For Laura Ingraham, Governor Romney became the cats meow when he said he believes in Jesus Christ just like everyone else. As a matter of fact, Ingraham compared the former Governor’s politics, and religion, to that of former President Ronald Reagan.

Now here’s the big rub…

Former President Reagan was a Christian. Former Governor Mitch Romney is a Mormon. There is a huge difference.

Today Laura had Governor Romney on her show, and she really showed her ignorance. Now, before everyone gets a flap that I just called Laura “ignorant” let me point out I’m using the word in the context of what Paul wrote when he said; “I don’t want you to be ignorant of these things.” In the Bible when Paul said that, he was merely stating that he did not want his readers to be uneducated about the topic he was about to discuss.

Well Laura, I write this so that you won’t be “ignorant of these things.”

On today’s show, just like always, Laura decided to ask her question about Christmas trees. “Do you go for a real tree, or a fake tree?” she likes to ask all of her guests. Governor Romney quickly, and I might add rather quietly said, “We don’t have a Christmas tree in the Romney house.”

Just why is that Governor Romney? (Should have been the next question out of Laura Ingraham’s mouth.) But, that was not a follow up question. She glossed over it and pretty much ignored the response. (Possibly showing her ignorance of such things.)

Well Laura, your so-called wonderful Christian man, who is a Mormon, does not have a Christmas tree because Mormons do not believe in Christmas. That’s right, the biggest holiday on the Christian calendar, is not believed in by Governor Romney, nor the Mormons. You see, the Mormons believe the Angel Moroni dropped down out of heaven with a the big book of Mormon, which overshadows and supersedes the Bible. For that reason, even though he says he’s a Christian, and he may indeed be one, his Mormon faith makes Jesus a little lower than the Angel Moroni.

For that reason, Governor Romney will not have a Christmas tree in his house, because not only does he not believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior, he, along with his faith, ignore the day His birth is celebrated.

Hmmm…Laura, I wonder if you’d like to do a follow-up on that question now? I wonder if you might change your mind as to just who the cats meow is for the Presidential candidate now too.

Just my two cents,
Dr. Rus

In case you haven’t heard, Led Zeppelin got together Monday night at London’s 02 Arena for what was billed as a one-time only performance to honor the late Atlantic Records founder, Ahmet Ertegun. What an amazing show it was. Or at least that’s what we’re hearing.

On our morning show today we spoke live with ABC’s London correspondent Tom “Bonzo” Rivers who was at the concert. He said the 20,000 people in attendance certainly got their money’s worth. Just how much did the tickets cost? Tom said the cheapest price was $250! From there it just went up and up and up depending on how you got your ticket. Some bid on them at auction, others paid the scalper fee. Just how old were the people in attendance? Well, Tom told us he’s 51, and he said for the most part, the 20,000 people in attendance were all boomers who could really appreciate the sounds of Zep.

All in all, as they honored Ertegun, Led Zeppelin also proved once again that they were, and are, one of the premiere concert bands. That’s something artists today need to learn. It’s not just about playing songs, it’s about putting on a concert showing your musical talent and skill.

That’s what Led Zeppelin did last night in London, showing for fans that the Song does indeed “still” Remains the Same.

And, just in case you missed it, or simply couldn’t afford the price of admission, stay tuned for the soon to be released DVD of the one-night at the 02 Arena.

Just my two cents,
Dr. Rus

It’s long been said many politicians get paid for doing absolutely nothing. Of course many times it’s merely said in jest. However, there’s a Conesus, New York Town Board member who definitely falls into the category of getting paid for doing nothing.

Conesus Town Board member Michael Witkousky, who hasn’t shown up for a meeting for more than a year, requested his annual $2,000 salary last month. Earlier this week he received notice of payment. Wait a minute, he hasn’t shown up for a meeting, which also means he’s probably not showing up for work, is getting paid for doing nothing!? When asked what was going on, Witkousky said he stopped going to the meetings because he disagreed with the way the board was being run.

This is outrageous! But you know what’s even more outrageous? Conesus Town Board members are not required to perform any duties in order to be paid.

I think they may want to change that law real soon.

Just my two cents;
Dr. Rus

The continuing saga of bad moves and poor decisions by Rochester, New York government officials continue to pile up.

In the fall it was announced that the first mall in the nation, Midtown Mall, is coming down to make way for the new headquarters of an area business, PaeTec Communication. While the announcement came as a surprise to many people, the move does seem to have many benefits to help revitalize downtown Rochester.

But, now poor decisions and bully tactics could cast the whole project in a bad light leaving many with a sour taste in their mouth.

First off, as already mentioned, the announcement caught many people by surprise, including the tenants of the mall and many Rochester governmental officials. Then, New York State Governor Eliot Spitzer shows up on the scene and tosses 50 million dollars at the project to help tear the building down. His announcement caught many New York State legislators by surprise who knew nothing about the so-called grant. Of course the big question is, where will the Governor get the money from. The man can’t even balance the State budget! Where is the money coming from in a budget that’s already billions of dollars in the red.

Now it appears the Rochester City Council could turn into thieves. At the annual lighting of the Christmas Tree in Midtown Plaza over the weekend Mayor Bob Duffy said this is probably the last year for Christmas at the mall. When asked what the time-line was, he could give no answer as the city of Rochester doesn’t even own the Mall yet. The Mayor did say they’re currently in negotiations with the owner to buy the Mall. However, not to worry says Mayor Duffy, if the owner doesn’t sell, the city will simply condemn the building, and then take it.

Huh? Someone needs to take a Dale Carnage class and figure out that’s not the way to “Win friends and influence people.”

Just my two cents,
Dr. Rus