What does this man do that you probably don't?

A constant mystery to me is why Americans don't or can't pronounce their T's. Everyone says innanet, innaview, innastate, Atlannic, Atlanna, fannasy, authennic, inneresting, and Sanna Clause which are just some of the hundred of words with interior  T's that go unpronounced. I can accept that ordinary American might fall into this bad habit, but it's epidemic. Even television reporters and anchor persons fail to pronounce their T's. Why? Did a dictate come down from Washington or Harvard that I don't know about, telling everyone it is no longer necessary to pronounce words correctly? "Just say it the way you feel comfortable." It probably doesn't bother anyone reading this. Or maybe you haven't even noticed. But it drives me mad. You would think television personalities who make a more than a million dollars a year would spend some time and effort working on their diction. But since nobody cares, nobody bothers. And if you want to hear how nice correct diction sounds, tune into Forensic Files. Their announcer, Peter Thomas, always pronounces his T's, and it sounds great.

DADDY DEAREST.

Rafael Cruz has once again proven his is not qualified to be president or maybe even a father.  In a recent speech he said, "Voters should spank Hillary Clinton like I spank my 5-year-old." In that moronic statement he revealed a lot about his lousy character. One, and most offensive, is that he spanks a 5-year-old child. He says he does it when she doesn't tell the truth. This from a veteran liar. We have already seen his young daughters used as pawns in a TV commercial, so we can imagine the control he exerts in his household. Two. By suggesting that Hillary be spanked, he is reducing a woman with an incredible resume to a naughty girl, which is probably how he sees all successful women. I'm sure he would not advise spanking for a man. Hopefully the media will give this story wide coverage, so all of Cruz's gullible fans can see what a nasty man Rafael really is.

SIGNED, AN ANGRY CONSUMER.

There was a time I didn't believe in anonymous letters. To write one seemed dishonest, cowardly, deceitful. But I don't feel that way anymore. Why? Because people and companies no longer respond to letters. If you're lucky you might get an e-mail, but mostly not even that. I write a lot of letters. Among those who didn't answer when there was my return address were Starbucks, Amtrak, Reader's Digest, Time Magazine, and every major TV network. Which is odd since the letters were not always complaints, but often compliments or suggestions. So now those same recipients get anonymous letters since they don't reply anyway. That way I don't feel bad about not getting the impossible reply. Over the past decades I have gotten nice replies from polite people like Stephen Sondheim, Mary Rodgers, Lucie Arnaz, Marcia Davenport, Leona Helmsley, and others. It would seem like companies and celebrities are not interested in constructive criticism, or even being located considering how well hidden their addresses are. What a pity. There was a time when the public's feedback had a lot to do with a company's policies or a celebrity's image. But since they no longer respond, I think I'll just start venting any complaints I have here.

For instance: My Medica Healthcare Plan seemed wonderful a year ago when I enrolled. Few copays, no referrals, easy to reach. Now, only a year later outrageous co-pays, referrals, and trying to reach them on the phone could increase anyone's blood pressure. Hmm. This should work out fine.

MR. CELLOPHANE

Poor Jeb! Bush. He's such a loser in every way. He's awkward, goofy, and so naive he doesn't even realize how hated his brother really is. Today in New Hampshire when asked to compare himself to Chris Christie, his first comment was, "Well I think I'm much better looking." Sadly even that isn't true. Christie isn't handsome, but he has presence, which Jeb doesn't have. If he is able to pull himself out of the also-running category, I will be very surprised. Like I say, poor Jeb!

THE GREAT PANTS MYSTERY.

I'm not ashamed to admit it. My leg length is 28". In department stores I often ask other men what their leg length is, and it's often 28" or 29" and sometimes less. When I lived in L.A. I noticed that many of the Mexicans were short in stature and often their feet didn't touch the floor on the city busses. Now none of this would be terribly interesting except for the fact that no clothing manufacturer makes 28" pants. Dockers and Wranglers finally caved in and sell 29" slacks and jeans. But still no 28". Why? They can't insist it's too rare size a to risk manufacturing. There's no good reason. And not having that choice means we of the shorter legs not only have to pay for the pants, but pay extra to have them shortened. This might have changed if I weren't the only person in America complaining. At least that's how it seems to be. Now I suppose I could find some suitable pants on the Internet, but I hate buying anything on the Internet.

ANOTHER SIGN OF HIS GREATNESS.

How low will the Republicans sink in their effort to vilify President Obama. During his recent speech on stricter gun controls, he began to tear up when referring to the Newtown massacre. In the past he has shown the same kind of passion for the 20 children who were murdered at Sandy Hook. It was a moving moment.  But not for many conservatives who are not touched by tragedy and, like robots, cannot understand those who are. Among the many conservatives seeing his tears as a weakness or  accusing him of being false in his sadness were Meghan McCain and Fox News witch Andrea Tantaros, two despicable harridans. No wonder Republicans have constantly fought against greater gun controls. Apparently when innocent people are slaughtered it doesn't affect them.

Note: When she first appeared Meghan McCain showed signs of being an admirable person. Sadly she is becoming another Liz Cheney.

Note: Thank you Trevor Noah for pointing out to Andrea Tantaros and other members of the Fox News crew just how creepy and shameful they are.

"Give me the simple life."

Today on the Internet is an article titled "Look at Wayne Gretzky's $8.2M Estate." I guess such articles are designed to inspire envy and admiration. But I always find them kind of sad. I wonder is that really what this person needs to be happy? They have fame and fortune, of course, but I feel like they haven't found the core of their contentment, not if they need a palatial home and endless luxuries to experience a sense of achievement. How much of it is for the resident, and how much is designed to impress visitors and guests, or readers of such articles on the Internet? Or worse how often is a lavish display of wealth designed to prove to oneself that he or she is successful and worthy. I say do it if it makes you happy, but does it? One is reminded of Warren Buffet, "The Wizard of Omaha" the most successful investor in the world and one of the world's richest men. Buffet, despite his fabulous wealth, still lives in the five-bedroom stucco home he bought in 1957 for $31,500. And every time I see him, he's smiling.