Author Archives: hro50ta1

My valvectomy

Posted on December 12, 2011 by hro50ta1

By Joel Thurtell I underwent my valvectomy some years ago. The operation went very well. I was on my feet throughout, though there was a point during the procedure when my wind pipe was cut off. But once we spliced … Continue reading →

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How serious is my bid for President?

Posted on December 11, 2011 by hro50ta1

By Joel Thurtell The question has been raised whether I’m truly serious about running for President, given that my name is not on the ballot of a single state. To political strategists, this may seem like a huge liability. It … Continue reading →

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My run for President

Posted on December 10, 2011 by hro50ta1

By Joel Thurtell For too long, a veil of secrecy had shrouded my Presidential candidacy. My ambition to govern these United States, to solve all our problems, economic, social, spiritual and yes, even musical, knows no bounds. But I had … Continue reading →

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Deceit and animal rights

Posted on December 9, 2011 by hro50ta1

By Joel Thurtell A New York Times article about animal rights activists trying to shut down the horse-drawn carriage trade in Manhattan reminded me that little has changed in the choice of tactics used by self-appointed guardians of animals. They … Continue reading →

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Surviving Pearl Harbor

Posted on December 8, 2011 by hro50ta1

Russell Davenport died in 2001, according to switchboard.com. Davenport was one of many heroes who survived the Dec. 7, 1941 Japanese attack on the US naval base at Pearl Harbor in the Hawaiian islands. My interview with Davenport in his … Continue reading →

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Grant and Sherman: The social network that won the Civil War: VIII

Posted on December 8, 2011 by hro50ta1

By Joel Thurtell General Grant’s sentry continues to wow us with exclusive stories about Civil War life. Cautionary note: Parts of the sentry’s account may be offensive to some persons due to references to voluntary flatus. If that is the … Continue reading →

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Ann Arbor cemetery welcomes all, except…

Posted on December 4, 2011 by hro50ta1

By Joel Thurtell From its website, you’d think the people who run Ann Arbor’s Forest Hill Cemetery must be an open, caring and warmhearted crew dedicated to inspiring lots of people to visit the city’s historic graveyard alongside the University … Continue reading →

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Luke Warm: how to save Social Security

Posted on December 4, 2011 by hro50ta1

By Luke Warm Professor of Mendacity University of Munchausen Students! Please be seated and listen up.  According to the course catalog, this class in Public Relations is called Mendacity 101. I had planned to lecture on “Deceit, Deception, Duplicity and … Continue reading →

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‘Luke Warm’: as real as the ‘Big Ten’

Posted on December 3, 2011 by hro50ta1

By Luke Warm Professor of Mendacity University of Munchausen Okay, kids, listen up! The Big Lie is afoot! There is a rumor out there that I, Professor Luke Warm, first and foremost holder of the John Hope Despair Chair of … Continue reading →

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Grant and Sherman: The social network that won the Civil War: VII

Posted on November 28, 2011 by hro50ta1

By Joel Thurtell We continue the saga of the Civil War seen through the eyes of General Grant’s sentry: Time and again, I’m asked to settle the question, “Was Lee drunk at Appomattox?” My response is always the same: “When … Continue reading →

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