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Playlist: Yoga for Former Appointees of a Certain Someone

Compiled By: Susan J. Cook

Buffalo too have moved on. Credit: Susan Cook
Image by: Susan Cook 
Buffalo too have moved on.
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Watch Your 500 Pound Gorilla Very Carefully: A Citizen's Guide

From Susan J. Cook | Part of the The River Is Wide series | 04:35


Not too long ago, I watched a program about a 500 pound gorilla whose owner taught him to sign.   That gorilla, all grown up, would move his finger an inch off his massive thigh and the owner  immediately recognized it. “Oh, that’s his sign when he’s whispering- kind of like at a cocktail party when you tell someone something from across the room so no one else will know.“ I will acknowledge here that I implied the owner was reading a lot into what the gorilla did. I said, "I would prefer a gorilla- any day- his place or mine- who was more straight forward. After the Republican Tax Overhaul bill passage, I am reminded: watch the Gorilla carefully.

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Watch Your 500 Pound Gorilla Very Carefully-
A Citizen’s Guide
-Susan Cook-

Not too long ago, I watched a program about a 500 pound gorilla whose owner taught him to sign.   That gorilla, all grown up, would move his finger an inch off his massive thigh and the owner  immediately recognized it. “Oh, that’s his sign when he’s whispering- kind of like at a cocktail party when you tell someone something from across the room so no one else will know.“ I will acknowledge here that I implied the owner was reading alot into what the gorilla did. I said, "I would prefer a gorilla- any day- his place or mine- who was more straightforward."
I am now thinking it is important to watch the gorilla very, very carefully, especially in the political realm. These days there are many, many in the political realm who are not straightforward, if not downright cagey.
Let's take Senator Susan Collins (Maine) and her role in passing the Republican sponsored Tax Overhaul. "You put your right foot in, you take your right foot out, you put your right foot in and you shake it all about! You do the hokey-pokey then you turn it all around. Let's what it's all about."
Gorillas also can do the Hokey-pokey. You just have to watch closely, as they may do it in slow-motion, like Senator Collins did.
Here's what she did. She wasn't sure if she'd support the bill in its initial form unless they included a property tax deduction for people who own property, like many working class people don't own. (Gorilla puts right foot in.)
Then she said she would support it if she got promises (Gorilla bends backward as if laughing uncontrollably) from the Republican dominated Senators that they would pass legislation "soon" to "stabilize" the Affordable Care Act. Senator Collins you may remember had withheld her vote on prior Republican-sponsored measures to completely decimate health insurance coverage for millions of Americans and thousands of Mainers. (Gorilla takes right foot out.)
Then after much hemming and hawing and purely deceptive communication (much like the ambiguity of Gorillas using sign language),  she (Gorilla puts left foot in and shakes it all around) again ambiguously waited. After all, the county Ms. Collins hails from has the lowest median income in Maine. So a tax bill that slams the middle class and then does nothing for the working class who will see Mainecare -Medicaid- and Medicare slashed to cover the enormous tax breaks this bill gives the top 1% of income earners, is not exactly designed for those living in Maine.  (Gorilla takes left foot out.)


But just before the song ends, the Senator votes "Yes" on a whisper and a tap on the thigh- Gorilla sign language after all.  And she steps and turns around and does the Hokey-pokey and that's what's it's all about.
Moral of the story? Forget what I said about my 500 Pound Gorilla. Keep a close eye on your gorilla- locally, state-wide and nationally.  

My 500 Pound Gorilla: A Citizen's Guide

From Susan J. Cook | Part of the The River Is Wide series | 04:11

I watched a program the other night about a 500 pound gorilla, or maybe it was a monkey whose owner taught him sign language. Whatever. I am beginning to think that maybe it was the gorilla who taught the owner to sign. That gorilla, all grown up- would move his finger an inch off his massive thigh- and that owner would coo and delight with immediate recognition. “Oh, that’s his sign when he’s whispering- kind of like at a cocktail party when you tell someone something from across the room so no one else will know.“ I would prefer a gorilla- any day- his place or mine- who was more straightforward. Or maybe- since I don’t know any gorillas personally- people who are straightforward.

This reminds of many things in life, but since the political season is upon us let’s start there. We have become a populace that will fill in the rest of the sentence, thought, public policy and legislative document for any gorilla. The gorilla gestures “gun control”, we fill in the sentence. The gorilla says “pro-life”, we fill in the rest. The gorilla says “fiscal irresponsibility”, we know what he means. I take this opportunity to remind you, we don’t know what the gorilla actually thinks. This is worse than sound bites. This is human beings reading gorilla’s minds.

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My 500 pound Gorilla- A Citizen’s Guide
-Susan Cook-
I watched a program the other night about a 500 pound gorilla, or maybe it was a  monkey whose owner taught him sign language. Whatever. I am beginning to think that maybe it was the gorilla who taught the owner to sign.  That gorilla, all grown up- would move his finger an inch off his massive thigh- and that owner would coo and delight with immediate recognition. “Oh, that’s his sign when he’s whispering- kind of like at a cocktail party when you tell someone something from across the room so no one else will know.“ I would prefer a gorilla- any day- his place or mine- who was more straightforward. 
Or maybe- since I don’t know any gorillas personally-  people who are straightforward. 
This reminds of many things in life, but since the political season is upon us let’s start there.  We have become a populace that will fill in the rest of the sentence, thought, public policy and legislative document for any gorilla. The gorilla gestures “gun control”, we fill in the sentence. The gorilla says “pro-life”, we fill in the rest. The gorilla says “fiscal irresponsibility”, we know what he means. I take this opportunity to remind you, we don’t know what the gorilla actually thinks. This is worse than  sound bites. This is human beings reading gorilla’s minds. Cooing excitedly when the 500 pound gorilla tosses out a small gesture is mind reading.  It is not a “sign” of anything  other than that the gorilla tapped his thigh. I don’t mean to be cynical but clear communication does not rely on mind reading, channeling or crossed fingers.


I’d love to know what it means when the 500 pound gorilla crosses his fingers.  It’s one good thing you can say about the legal profession has over  the rest of the world- at least they require details. 
What is it with 500 pound gorillas  who have managed to captivate our belief systems with one gesture that we seize upon as a sign of- what- liberal, conservative, pro-, con-, NRA, non-NRA, Obama care disaster, Obama care miracle? And remember this gorilla throwing out signs never wrote for the New York Times, Fox news or PBS  or made a movie. But he’s got people thinking he just might- and this 
500 pound gorilla keeps on keeping on- a little sign here, one little  tap on the thigh there. I am not calling the gorilla a liar. But let is return to whatever more the highly evolved actions - the moral imperative to keep the lawn mowed-  and demand from the gorilla such that if there comes a day when it’s just me and the Gorilla  who have to fill in the blanks or the legislative policy or the contract , I’ll know what I was thinking even if the gorilla comes up blank. And I’ll leave the meeting knowing what I know and the gorilla can go back to tapping his thigh and I am not going to be there reading  the “signs”  as indicative of anything other than that I have been watching a 500 pound gorilla-  a very nice, genial well-funded gorilla with deep deep pockets- but it’s still a gorilla tapping- hey- maybe it was a mosquito.  

In the Dept of Poetic Justice! Bannon's New Mic Technique with Lyrics for the Great American Wrongbook!

From Susan J. Cook | Part of the The River Is Wide series | 02:05

Bannon's free yoga, Pranayama and no more stuffy nose!

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In the Dept of Poetic Justice,
Bannon's New Mic Technique
(To the tune from “I'll Be Seeing You")
 
I’ve been working on it.
I mean my Mic technique.
I know you haven’t heard it
But I'll be out in about 10 weeks.
Whereas now where I'm working  
The yoga class is free,
Ojai breathing, pranayama helps enormously.
 
Thinking back, I sounded stuffy.  
My allergies were tweaked.
The medications didn’t help.
No, I was not smoking weed.
You know the name of my program  
needs a General's bark.
When my nose was all stuffed up,
That usually was hard.
 
Speaking of My General,
Of course I’m still with him.
I watch his rallies when I can.
Yes, crowd numbers seem they’re still
Smaller than they were
When my program was on the air.
If that's because I’m now Off-air
More guilt than I can bear.
 
When I am at yoga
And they have us meditate,
I’ve  got to tell you God is better
Than that really lame technique.
My thoughts are worth big money
Which is why I gave my all
And deserved a cut from
  those donations to build the Wall.
 
So when I hit the airwaves,
To inspire all of you. My Mike
Technique upgraded,  
Admiral Bannon on his toes!
It may be the pranayama
Which I’m going to emphasize
Makes My General levitate  
Or at least he tries.  
 
 
 
 

Bannon, Santa Claus and all that in The Dept. of Poetic Justice

From Susan J. Cook | Part of the The River Is Wide series | 05:00

A lyrical tribute from one Special Viewer observing the 2020 Republican National Convention and a certain Pardon being given by You Know Who!

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Dept. of Poetic Justice! "Fix Me Partner" 
to the tune from "Here Comes Santa Claus"
 Lyrics for the Great American Wrongbook!
Miss me Partner? Miss me Partner?
I'm stuck in this cell.
Fix me Partner!
Fix me Partner!
Clemency might well
Clarify I took my cut
That software cost so much!
Raising money for the wall
I thought you said " Go Dutch!"

I was watching on my TV
Back inside my cell.
Didn't think I'd feel too good
When you came on the screen!
Suddenly it turned around
Then I began to feel
The last thing on Planet Earth
I want is a plea deal!


Hey there Partner! Hey there Partner!
I'm a savvy guy!
Have been cleaning up my act,
No stuffy nose, red eyes!
I know right from wrong!
I have not lost my strategy.
This time there's a little twist.
No long jail term for me!


I thought you were on your game
I noticed right away
You were smiling broadly
Making that felon's day!
Little episodes like that
strike at the viewer's heart.
When you're re-elected I know
you'll make sure I get my part!


You know I've had lots of time
to pray to Jesus Christ
or to one who's always caught
my eye . His name is God.
There is room in the Bible,
you know your favorite Book!
I know that you don't memorize.
Hey, give this part a try!


Matthew, Mark, Luke, then there's John 
have sections where they say,
"Let's let bygones be bygones
on Re-election Day!
I know that I am paraphrasing! I'm so good at that!
I used to own some media
where we'd make up the Facts!


Moses said some things I think
will certainly apply. 
How about the one where he says
"Do not use my name in vain!"
One thing, Donald, you know 
that I never would deny.
I do not use swear words
and No, I've never gotten high.


I can't help it if my allergies
are acting up!
One thing in the jail cell
No flowers or trees to smell!
The left-wing media has tried 
to say my stuffy nose
is from using weed or alcohol.
No, never, one of those.


I'll remind you once again
what your special book says.
Do not renege on promises
you made to me back then.
Jesus offered clemency to
those who found their way,
Specifically, he said
"No plea deals
with A.G.s or D.A.s."


I hope you haven't started reading.
You're not one of those.
Kristi Noem said they're elite
so-called experts. So!
You like to watch TV instead of reading.
I get that.
So trust me when I fill you in on
new Biblical facts!


I will not blow it for you! I will not blow my horn!
Cohen Sschmoen! Boltin' Bolton
book deals! Now you know!
I was making sure Temptation
would not come my way.
Simon-Schuster pocket booster
Big bucks? I did it  my way!


Here comes Santa Claus!
Here comes Santa Claus!
Evangelicals
believe in him. And so do I!
That's why I often chose
to act on your agenda so when "24" is here
You'll generously pardon me
We'll both have a better year!


Bannon's Farewell: An Addendum "I Was Seeing Him"

From Susan J. Cook | Part of the The River Is Wide series | 02:47

Great American Wrong Book lyrics for Mr. Bannon, now that Roger Stone, one of 6 of his former campaign colleagues indicted, is one of 3 now convicted.

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Addendum to Bannon's Farewell. "I Was Seeing Him..."

to the tune from "I'll Be Seeing You.."
-Susan Cook-

 

I was seeing him, yes

it was a minor whim

I probably should have stayed home

watching re-runs of

a certain Cosa Nostra film .

I had no idea

it was a favorite of his too.

I was hard at work helping You-Know-Who.

 

So I guess I'll change my pattern.

Try to get back to the gym.

Do a lot more yoga.

See if my PC could possibly fit in

The next space launch they're having

maybe Elon Musk could try

get it out there- headed straight

for Mars, hey, maybe for Saturn.

 

Actually, I barely knew him.

Roger Boulder, was that him?

The other thing I do not do

is send out emails

on a whim.

I hope you understand emails

easily are faked.

The important things- I say, face-to-face.

 

That was why I saw him briefly,

usually at yoga class.

He is a big tanner.

Not my style. Burns my nose too fast.

I spend enough time dealing

with my allergies to dust.

How I got by with no yoga,

Let's just say, it's now a must.

 

Now I won't be seeing him

at yoga anymore.

It may be a little while before

a class offered near him. But more

and more, federal prisons opt

to have it. Keeps the prisoners calm.

No more tanning booths.

Just downward facing dog.

 

I will not be seeing him.

I got my computer cleaned up.

Gee, I'm sorry that he's hit

a road bump. Sort of a hiccup.

I don't think back to those days,

I secretly admired

Mr. Mueller. Those head stand shoulders,

shout out, Yoga something he has tried.

 

AND DON'T FORGET!
THE ORIGINAL!

‘Bannon's Pose' 
A Poetic Tribute to the Departure of Mr. Bannon’
To the Tune from ‘I’ll Be Seeing You’

 

https://exchange.prx.org/pieces/213090-in-the-department-of-poetic-justice-bannon-s-fa
Susan Cook-

 

Scaramucci didn’t
read between the fine lines,
called reporters back,
still read things in The New York Times,
I didn’t ever bother,
I never used words like suck or cock.
I’m a journalist.
You know I just like to talk.

 


I am kind of Presidential.
I think that came through.
Yes I’m allergic to
Certain foods, mold, cat dander too.
That’s why my nose looked stuffy
Kind of red, yes, my eyes too,
never got a chance to Photoshop
my best side for you.

 

Then there’s Sean Spicer, Reince Pribus ,
they both do
A certain kind of yoga pose,
I’ll tell you just between us too,
I think yoga is liberal ,
Mahatma Gandhi had his version too
Who’d do that kind of thing?
Alt-left wingers ok Melania, too.

 


There might be a yoga version
made with alt-right guys in mind,
Politically on target
Where you keep your ammo by your side
I won’t have that much time,
I am not planning to retire
I’ll be back at Breitbart,
White guys only need apply!

 

Scaramucci may be
starting his own studio,
Sean Spicer, Reince, maybe even
Mitch McConnell  might decide to go
And when the class is over
Lying in Shavasana,
They will all be chanting
Three times,
What happened,
Ohm, Ohm, Ohm, Ohm.

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''Bannon's Farewell Pose'' to the tune of ''I'll Be Seeing You''! Lyrics for the Great American Wrongbook!

From Susan J. Cook | Part of the The River Is Wide series | 02:18

In the Department of Poetic Justice, to the tune from 'I'll Be Seeing You', an Ohm for Mr. Bannon, updated now that he refuses an Insurrection Day subpoena.

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In the Department of Poetic Justice:
"Bannon's Farewell Pose"
A Poetic Tribute to the Departure of Mr. Bannon’
To the Tune from ‘I’ll Be Seeing You’
-Susan Cook-
Scaramucci didn’t read between the fine lines,
called reporters back, still read things in The New York Times,
I didn’t ever bother,
I never used words like suck or cock.
I’m a journalist.
You know I just like to talk.

I am Presidential. I think that came through.
Yes I’m allergic to
Certain foods, mold, cat dander too.
That’s why my nose looked stuffy
Kind of red, yes, my eyes too,
never got a chance to Photoshop my best side for you.

Then there’s Sean Spicer, Reince Pribus , they both do
A certain kind of yoga pose,
I’ll tell you just between us too,
I think yoga is liberal , Mahatma Gandhi had his version too
Who’d do that kind of thing?
Alt-left wingers ok Melania, too.

There might be a version made for alt-right guys
Politically on target
Where you keep your ammo by your side
I won’t have that much time,
I am not planning to retire
I’ll be back at Breitbart,
White guys only need apply.



Scaramucci may be starting his own studio,
Sean Spicer, Reince, maybe even
Mitch McConnell  might decide to go
And when the class is over
Lying in Shavasana,
They will all be chanting
Three times,
What happened,
Ohm, Ohm, Ohm, Ohm.


UPDATED!! For the Insurrection Committee Subpoena Refusal!

 

 

Addendum to Bannon's Farewell Pose

 

Now that there's been progress re-electing You-Know-Who.

Not much time for yoga, An update on just what I do

day-to-day to keep busy, besides yoga, there's something new:

doing lots of favors those with repayments due!

 

As you know my allergies keep me on my toes.

It turns out using shaving cream, reeks havoc with my nose.

Yes it is a trade-off, 5 days' stubble keeps down the rose-

colored nose liberals said caused by something that rhymes with “So”.

 

I've maintained my regimen with someone I advise.

It's just my personality, “My Leader Do-or-Die”.

It hasn't made me famous. The liberal press think I would lie

about things like if You-Know-Who had gotten me re-hired.

 

No, the White House had not yet, given me a call

on January fifth or sixth. At least, I don't recall

if my direct deposit shows my paychecks still legal

right on time to see if I was still working there after all.

 

No, I won't go testify. My phone messages are off

limits. Details of my day-to-day are really all I've got

to build up my retirement. There's a book deal I might sign.

Want to know what he said? Find my book on Amazon!

Bringing The Truck To Yoga

From Susan J. Cook | Part of the The River Is Wide series | 01:00

I am trying to care for the health of someone special by bringing him to my yoga class and his insurance is required!!..

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I have been bringing a special part of my life to yoga class.  I bring him to yoga for flexibility  and strength as  he ages . He gets a little winded when he does VINyasa.  I don't want him in an early grave. What yoga won't help is covered by his required insurance.  There's a hefty fine if he gets caught in a catastrophic situation without it. Yes, he gets some  funny looks at yoga class. Noone  else  brings their truck to yoga. Even the government thinks my truck's health is worth it. Why else would they make me pay a penalty without truck insurance and not even let me take him on the road without it? I don't know where they got the  idea but my truck thanks them  whenever he skids on ice. Maybe they'll do the same for that other special part of my live, my body. 

Human Resource Guy Scarramouchi on Bannon's Farewell: Department of Poetic Justice

From Susan J. Cook | Part of the The River Is Wide series | 02:29

Turning to the Department of Poetic Justice and the tune from "I'll Be Seeing You", a poetic tribute to Scarramouchi's recent observation about why Mr. Bannon left the White House staff.

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In the Department of Poetic Justice: Human Resource Guy Scarramouchi Weighs In on Bannon's Farewell
(To the tune from "I'll Be Seeing You" from The Great American Wrongbook)
Scarramouchi used to be an H.R. Rep
before his career took off.
You all know  the job he left.
He used to hand out check-lists.
"Do you work best by your self?
When you're on a team
are you at your best?"

He called on those H.R. talents
when his country asked him to
step up to do public service
for a special "You know who."
He had his checklists with him
mentally completed them.
Myers-Briggs profiles
can predict success.


Of course Bannon's would have helped
the country know ahead of time,
Presidential spokesperson
not the best use of Bannon's time.
Scarramouchi knew this
which is why he later said,
"Bannon's problem is he was a bad hire."
Introverted, extroverted
makes a world of difference.
Intuition better left behind
when the country faces a crisis,
Thinking qualitatively
leaves feeling far behind.
Bannon, soon would show,
constant judging his gift.
EIFJ Scarramouchi
knew that was Bannon's profile.
Extrovert, intuitive,
feeling, judging all the time.
Alas, Joint Chiefs of Staff
all come up as introverts.
Sensing, thinking,
perceiver on the Myers-Briggs.
Scarramouchi knew this,
Myers-Briggs work from his HR days.
Tried to tell the President
Bannon will not last, not with his profile this way.
HR skills may be what
Scarramouchi  brought with him.
His Legacy knowing Bannon
was not a good hire.....

A Citizen's Guide to Acupuncture

From Susan J. Cook | Part of the The River Is Wide series | 02:54

Acupuncture is an ancient intervention for helping
raise "chi"- pronounced "GEE" in English. For those for whom acupuncture treatments have enhanced the "Gee", whose pain is freed, who feel better when their energy finally runs true, what a discovery! Well, re-discovery because it's been around 5000 years. But, once they try it, reality seems clearer! And who is not made better by a genuine, legitimate, valid check with reality?

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A Citizen's Guide to Acupuncture
-Susan Cook-
I love acupuncture. It's not one of those topics that show up in an online newspaper survey of  public opinion but acupuncture has been around for 5000 years. 
 
What is acupuncture?  It is an ancient Chinese medicine practice in which thin, thin, thin needles are inserted at points in the human body called "acupuncture points".  No, these very, very, very thin needles with razor-sharp points are not inserted deeply. Rather, they  reach only the special point which, with the provocation of the tiny needle's point,  smoothes the flow  of - I'll spell it out- "c-h-i". The English pronunciation of "c-h-i" is like the word "Gee" but the actual spelling is "c-h-i". 
When "chi" is stimulated by the tiny, very sharp points of the acupuncture needles, an invisible roadway that stretches from the northernmost part of the body all they way to the south, and from the farthest eastern points to the west, lights up.   What was once blocked, becomes  a river of insights, as the energy that was stuck and clogged up begins to run true. And this all because of a tiny, thin, thin needle inserted at the right place. Imagine! People become more clear-headed,  snapping back to reality. Insomniacs sleep. Back pain  lessens and the dizzy and unbalanced find their footing.
Now, some acupuncture treatment is covered by health insurance, for those who have it, because its healing benefits are well researched  for some illnesses.  But westerners are slow to accept the unknown- so not everybody is ready to try acupuncture - relying on pharmaceuticals and surgery. But for those for whom acupuncture treatments  have enhanced the "Gee", whose pain is freed,  who feel better when their energy finally runs true, what a discovery! Well, re-discovery because it's been around  5000 years.  But, once they try it,  reality seems clearer! And who is not made better by a genuine, legitimate, valid check with reality?