Frodo, Keeper of the Ring

Wednesday, January 11, 2006

Yes It's True, I'm Happy to be Stuck With You
Mood:

sharp
Topic: "Dogs Rule"
Frodo once examined a resume' as part of a test. The resume' was on two pages, the first of which was a chronology and a brief explanation of the education and work experience of the individual. The second page was a brief narrative which included specific responsibilities, accomplishments, and future goals. Frodo was asked if this "marketing presentation" was an effective vehicle for achieving the author's goal of a personal interview by a prospective employer?

Frodo studied the document in depth, actually reading every word, searching for nuance. For the most part, it was very well done, but then Frodo happened to notice the infamous "gap in employment." In fact, the first page totally omitted a 10-year period of time in the work history of the author.

Frodo was puzzled and turned to the second page for a possible explanation. Frodo realized that already the author had achieved the desired result of making the reader pay complete attention instead of merely glossing over the high points. What Frodo found however, made him laugh out loud. The author noted that he had an interruption to his work history for 10 years while he resided in Kansas, Leavenworth to be exact. It seems that he had been a "bank robber, and a poor one at that." Although Frodo did not feel that the individual warranted a personal interview, he has never forgotten how well the circumstances were presented.

The BBC has reported that the Chinese firm Jilin Jiangshan Human Resources Development Company has decided that in the future it will only employ people born during the astrological Year of the Dog. The company contends that "dog-types" show great loyalty and other valuable qualities.

In light of this decision by a representative of the world's great emerging superpower, it may well behoove future resume' writers to adjust their documents to reflect such specificity. Frodo envisions an employment candidate who tactfully avoids the fact that he was born during the Year of the Rat. To further emphasize the qualities of the Dog it might be in the best interest of the applicant to point out that he enjoys sticking his head out of the window of a moving motorcar, has a particular fondness for dried cat poop, and that he enjoys sleeping on his back. Appropriately, he may convince some prospective interviewer that he has also learned to turn around at least three times before he lays down.

Frodo regretfully notes that the theory of the world going to the dogs seems just a little less theoretical. There has to be a role for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in all of this, and there is certainly an attorney somewhere practicing the art of scratching his ear with his leg. Rats of the World, Unite!

Posted by loveysdaddyga at 8:43 PM EST

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Tuesday, January 10, 2006

Volare', Nel Blu di Pinto di Blu
Mood:

accident prone
Topic: "It's Just Business"
Senator Frodo was visibly nervous, after all this was his first confirmation hearing as a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Appointed to the vacant seat by Gandalf, Frodo not only would represent the Hobbits of the Shire, but he would be questioning Sauron's second choice, after the unfortunate Ms. Miers, for the Supreme Court seat vacated by Sandra Day O'Connor. Symbolizing the importance of the nomination, Sauron himself was seated before the en banc Committee in order to introduce the nominee.

"Senators, it is my high honor and privilege," began the President in this unparalleled appearance in the Senate Chamber, "to introduce to this Committee my nominee for the Supreme Court of the United States."

"This gentleman," he smirked, "was a highly decorated Veteran of the Great War. Although he is hesitant to speak of it, his bravery under fire was recognized by this grateful nation with numerous medals." Frodo glanced down at the dark-haired unassuming man and tried to imagine him charging into an enemy machine gun nest. His dark eyes revealed little about the inside of the man.

"This devoted family man regularly attends Mass, and upholds the strictest interpretations of propriety according to his faith." Frodo knew that the question of Choice was not something even to be discussed with this man. His position was the position of his faith, and it would not be negotiable under any circumstances.

"He has been a good and loyal supporter of this Administration, and generously contributes to those with whom he shares values." Frodo believed very strongly in reforming the campaign process, and the man sitting in front of him was one of the reasons why. Frodo knew that more than half of the members in this room received money from the nominee, or from organizations controlled by him. He was able to purchase anything or anybody whom he wanted.

"I am so very pleased to offer his name into nomination," and I invite each member of this Committee to consider carefully the 'up' or 'down' decision you make in your upcoming vote." With that, President Sauron rose from the table, smiled for the TV cameras, and exited from the rear. The appropriate staff member walked over to the nominee, and held a Bible on which he was to swear that he would testify truthfully to the best of his ability.

Raising his right hand he began, "I, Michael Corleone. . ."

Posted by loveysdaddyga at 8:34 PM EST

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Monday, January 9, 2006

Two Lovers And I Ain't Ashamed, Two Lovers And I Love Them Both The Same
Mood:

a-ok
Topic: "Better Than Pong"
Two years ago the Mars Rovers commenced their ramblings on the surface of the Red Planet, that which is the fourth satellite in our solar system. Dubbed "Spirit" and "Opportunity," the remote-controlled cameras on wheels had sufficient battery power to operate for 90 days on the surface of Mars. Yet, two years later, they continue to operate at the command of the scientists at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

Frodo was watching the scientists operate the "joy stick" guiding the movements of the respective rovers. It was if a huge, long-distance video game were occupying their complete attention.

"Watch out, if you fall in that crater, you lose 10 points," said Frodo. Undeterred the pimply-faced PhD from Cal Tech explained that the frequent "dust devils" on the Martian surface evidently cleanse the solar panels on the rovers, thereby extending the solar batteries far beyond estimates, perhaps indefinitely.

"Well, if that's true, then how come the batteries on my digital camera don't even make it for 30 days?," queried Frodo. Professor "Generation Z" (whom we'll refer to as GENZ henceforth) added that the rovers have sent back "hundreds of thousands" of pictures, so many in fact that it will take a decade or longer to examine them utilizing our current technology. GENZ gave the "joy stick" a lunge to the right, and the rover ("Opportunity") did a "wheelie." "Cool," said Frodo.

GENZ grinned and said, "Watch this Mr. Frodo." Suddenly "Spirit" popped from behind a small boulder and accelerated. "Opportunity" was shifted into overdrive, and the very first NASCAR event in outer space was underway.

"Can I?," said Frodo. With that, Frodo took control of "Opportunity" and gave that sucker every inch of her solar batteries. "What a hoot, now eat some dust," shouted Frodo thoughtlessly, and the rover rumbled, bumbled, and stumbled toward an imaginary finish line. Just as GENZ wheeled "Spirit" from far behind to an almost parallel position, in walked his supervisor. In spite of himself, Frodo always seems to get kids in trouble.

As Frodo was escorted from the building, he couldn't help but think of Dr. Carl Sagan the over-sexed and charismatic voice of "Cosmos," and Professor of Astronomy at Cornell. Frodo has often said that had he walked into a Freshman Survey Course in Astronomy at Cornell, and had Carl Sagan as his Instructor, then Frodo would have become an astronomer. Good teachers do that to young minds.

"Roving Mars" is the next IMAX film, and it is currently in production. Frodo will watch "Opportunity" streak across the Bonneville Salt Flats of the Stratosphere once more, and you'll know it's him in the theater because he'll be the one making noises that sound like "VROOM, VROOM." Some things never change, do they Sam?

Posted by loveysdaddyga at 8:47 PM EST

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Sunday, January 8, 2006

You Hold My Life Within Your Hands
Mood:

don't ask
Topic: "Atlanta Times Three"
Frodo has longed to some day walk the Great Rift Valley in Ethiopia, and to perhaps shake hands with someone, anyone, named Leakey. The discovery of so many fragments of the first hominids in that now arid land has fascinated Frodo from his earliest days. The scientific discipline of the Leakey family, and their devotion to the preservation of life in that region is something with which Frodo would be proud to associate.

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization has reported the deaths of 30 people in the "Horn of Africa" nations of Somalia, Kenya, Djibouti, and Ethiopia due to famine. Frodo should amend that statement to include the words "so far," because the same organization is predicting that as many as ELEVEN MILLION people will die from starvation. Severe drought and war in the midst of the regional dry season already underway, and the rains forecast for March and April are not expected to be significant. Food, water, livestock, and seeds are critical needs to avoid what would be the worst preventable loss of life in the entire history of creatures who walk upright.

Frodo found the one paragraph article on Page 8 of the Sunday edition of the Atlanta Journal and Constitution.

In the place that human life first appeared, humanity is absent. Is it because all of these people are black? Is it because they are all poor? Is it because they are not members of our church? Is it because they have nothing to offer to our political party? Is it because it is happening again?

What happened to Michael Jackson and all those artists who sang "We Are the World?"

Why, you wonder, does one see "Osama bin Laden" on Tee Shirts and Baseball Caps in East Africa?

Frodo fears that his dream of walking the Great Rift Valley will never come to pass. Mount Doom is all too real, and apparently of little interest. Page 8, page 8, right before the obituaries.

Posted by loveysdaddyga at 9:18 PM EST

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Thursday, January 5, 2006

You Ain't Goin' Out With Your Hoodlum Friends Friday Night
Mood:

vegas lucky
Topic: "A Patriotic Act"
Special Agent Frodo Baggins parked his motorcar on "K" Street so that he could maintain surveilance on the parties entering the Supper Club. SA Baggins noted in his memo book that several of the individuals carried, and were using, cellular telephones. The location was less than a quarter mile from the Syrian Embassy.

Approximately three hours later the gaggle of individuals emerged from the Supper Club and departed in different vehicles. Each one was being followed, surreptitiously, by one of the team of SA's working with Baggins on surveilance.

When the team assembled early the next morning to review their findings, it was noted that each of the individuals in question had visited an ATM while on their way home after departing the Supper Club. Surveilance cameras at each ATM were subpoenaed to verify the individual observations.

SA Baggins visited the Supper Club later that day with photographs of several of the individuals in question. He queried the Manager of the Supper Club as to the identities, and requested information regarding the payment of their bill from the previous evening. He obtained a photocopy of the Credit Card payment and the identifying information of the cardholder. The Manager of the Supper Club denied any knowledge of the identity of any of the subject individuals.

When he returned to his motorcar SA Baggins noted in his memo book that the Credit Card was issued by the Cedars of Lebanon National Bank.

The surveilance revealed on the following day that each of the individuals were at home the entire day, Sunday, and that none attended services at nearby houses of worship. Continuing surveilance throughout the week revealed that each of the individuals went to their respective places of employment daily, and that no effort was made by any to meet as a complete or partial group.

Frodo noted the well-groomed Hispanic gentleman passing by his cubicle on the way into the walled office of the Director of Agents, Frodo's boss. The door slammed shut, but the loudness of the voices inside, although indistinguishable, was easily overheard. Frodo knew that this did not bode well for his plans with his family during the upcoming weekend. When the visitor departed, Frodo was summarily ushered into the office by his boss.

Frodo completed the Warrant and took it to the FISA Judge for signature. The Judge asked Frodo a few procedural questions and signed the document. Frodo walked outside and dialed his office from his cellular telephone. Immediate communication to, and coordination with, SA's located at the residences of each of the individuals in question resulted in entry and search of each of the premises. No one was at home at any of the locations, and no notice was left at any location of the authorization for entry.

Police reports were filed from every location by the residents when they returned and found forcible entry into their property. No information was shared with the local authorities relative to the actions by the SA's.

That evening Frodo again found himself parked on "K" Street, across from the same Supper Club, as the group of subjects gathered once again. Approximately three hours later they again exited the Supper Club and headed in their respective motorcars toward their individual residences. Again, each one stopped at the same ATM on the way home, and each one was observed by one of the members of Frodo's team. Frodo, this time, went into the Supper Club immediately after the group departed and confronted the Manager about the activities of the individuals. The Manager was very ill at ease and admitted to Frodo that he was acquainted with the group of individuals, and that he knew the identity of each. He had lied, he explained, to protect "regular customers." He swore that he had neither warned nor done anything which might make the group aware of Frodo's interest in them.

Frodo's boss had the door open and was waiting for Frodo when he walked into the office. It was well after Midnight. Piled on the top of the desk of the Director of Agents were books, some paperback but mostly hardbacks. Frodo glanced at titles and opened the rear cover of several, revealing library stamps and card packets in each. The books, obviously, taken from the residences of the subject individuals,or garnered from the shelves of local public libraries when returned by one or more of the subjects. The titles included "The House of Saud," "Islam and American Foreign Policy," "Operation Desert Storm," and "The Ugly American."

It would be many years later when the true story of the "New Americans Friday Night Book and Supper Club" found its' way into files no longer encumbered from Freedom of Information Act requests. Special Agent Frodo and each of his comrades had gone on to productive careers, and most were retired. The Attorney General remained a public figure. The members of the club, however, never fully recovered their enthusiasm for the land which offered them such hope, but treated them with so little respect.

Special Agent Frodo felt like it would be a good idea to remind, dear reader, that fiction, like truth itself, offers a warning about how the best of intentions often cause the greatest harm.

Posted by loveysdaddyga at 9:26 PM EST

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Wednesday, January 4, 2006

Chantilly Lace And a Pretty Face
Mood:

energetic
Topic: "Qualified? Yeah Right!"
Frodo is in hysterics. It was announced today that a former University of Southern California football player, drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers, who has been shilling as a "Sideline Sports Announcer" (evidently not good enough to make it to the "booth") because he wasn't qualified to do anything else, is running for the Republican nomination to be Governor of Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania, one of America's most populous states, to be governed by a guy with less relevant experience than that of Michael Brown, formerly of FEMA.

How appropriate, thought Frodo, that Lynn Swann announced his intentions on the day that Jack Abramoff's contributions to politicians were publicly listed for all to see. Who among any of the citizens of Middle Earth truly believes that he is prepared for the task at hand?

Jesse Ventura did a great job in Minnesota, didn't he? How about the high effectiveness of Steve Largent in the Congress? Who'll ever forget the service of Arnold Schwarzenegger in California?

Frodo thinks we have been overlooking the tremendous untapped potential of athletes in guiding our nation. O.J. Simpson, Dexter Manley, Michael Irvin, Kobe Bryant, Ron Artest, Rafael Palmiero, John Rocker, Barry Bonds--the list is endless. These are all examples of "America's Best."

Frodo wonders how many of them graduated? Surely, Swann got a degree from Southern Cal, didn't he?

Frodo wonders how many served in the Military? Surely, Swann at least joined the National Guard while he slaved at the wide receiver spot for the Steelers?

Frodo wonders how many have voted? Surely, Swann has cast his personal vote on Diebold machinery as well as on a punchcard?

America needs another unqualified politician almost as much as she needs nuclear weaponry in Iran. Stay home Swannee, and polish your Lamborghini.

Posted by loveysdaddyga at 8:50 PM EST

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Monday, January 2, 2006

When The Rain Beats Against My Window Pane, I Think of Summer Days Again
Mood:

chatty
Topic: "Balancing the Budget"
Experiencing two Sundays in a row, which is how it seems due to the fact that the New Year's Holiday is celebrated this year on a Monday, Frodo has had an opportunity to run a few numbers. Mick, the Wonder Dog, and Princess Fiona are asleep at his feet since the Shire is also undergoing an all-day rainfall. Although they are not impressed by Frodo's calculations, they remain watchful.

George W. Bush receives an annual salary of $400,000 as President of the United States. With five years in position this means that the taxpayers of the United States have paid him $2,000,000 for his service so far. During this period of time he has failed to capture Osama bin Laden, he has alienated nearly the entire Muslim World, he has transformed a budget surplus into the most grotesque and endless deficit in the history of mankind, and he nominated Michael Brown to be Director of FEMA. This is obviously not an all-inclusive list of "accomplishments."

Frodo believes that numbers do not lie. Frodo opposes everything until he has an opportunity to see what the numbers say. Frodo thinks the "flat tax" is unacceptable for example, and that will be his opinion until somebody presents some figures to show that the collection of revenue can be done for less cost than the present methodology. In any event, Frodo presents the following, dear reader, for your consideration in properly assessing the Bush Administration.

Since George W. Bush, per Mrs. Bush, is always in bed by 9PM, Frodo can safely assume that Bush sleeps approximately 8 hours every night. This represents one-third of his total presidency, so far. In addition, per news reports, the total amount of vacation time that Bush has spent at either Camp David, the Bush family compound in Maine, or at the Crawford ranch now totals 365 days, or one-fifth of his entire time in office. Further, per his own statements, Frodo knows that Bush "works out" two hours every day, often on a mountain bike. This represents one-twelfth of his available workday. Finally, Frodo feels that at least one hour of every day is lost to everyone for personal hygiene and miscellaneous activities, this obviously is another one-twentyfourth of time available.

Converting the fractions to percentages is not too complicated, even for a Hobbit. "Let's see, one-third equals 33%, one-fifth is 20%, one-twelfth is about 8%, and one-twentyfourth is about 4%," said Frodo. "That means that President Bush is unaccounted for, hence available, for official business, about one-third of the time," he added. "What this means is that in five years as President of the United States, George W. Bush has shown up for work for almost one year and seven months," grinned the mathematical wizard.

Frodo is examining the greetings he has just received from the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service. Frodo is also comparing the amounts paid for gasoline in the year before George W. Bush became President, and what he has paid in the year just past. Frodo recognizes that Bush doesn't whip out his VISA card and run it through the pump when he fills up one of his SUV's. Frodo also notes that Bush has a slightly different health plan from most Americans, so he may not be totally aware of that cost as it effects his subjects either.

As Frodo said earlier, numbers don't lie. Frodo remembers the words of David Stockman (Director of OMB under Reagan), "Nobody here understands these numbers." Maybe if we paid the President by the hour, he might have a little more appreciation for what Karl Rove isn't telling him.

Posted by loveysdaddyga at 12:05 PM EST

Updated: Monday, January 2, 2006 12:11 PM EST

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Thursday, December 29, 2005

People Say I'm The Life of The Party 'Cause I Tell a Joke or Two
Mood:

celebratory
Topic: "Frodo's Revenge"
Faramir was born 100 years too late. He had absolutely no interest in the evolving technological world. He was as gifted with wood as with leather, indicating that his skills would have been at a premium on the American frontier. He was determined that studying was not going to interfere with his college education. He did not do drugs or alcohol, rather he concentrated on always being in top-flight physical condition. Faramir and Frodo shared a room when they both attended the College of the Shire.

Although they arrived in that place at the same time, Faramir was still there a year after Frodo. In fact, Faramir returned for a sixth year, found an empty room and bed and moved in as if he belonged there. After six weeks or so, somebody finally figured out that he no longer belonged there, and they ran him off. Faramir did not care, he loved that place, and its' Hobbits.

Frodo and Faramir were equally appreciative of practical jokes. Faramir knew that Frodo refused to attend courses taught before 10 AM, and that when he did have a class that early, he never got out of bed with more than 10 minutes to spare. Setting Frodo's alarm clock an hour early was bad enough, but when Frodo returned to the room to find the door locked and his roomie gone for the weekend, revenge was mandated.

During that year when Faramir was still a legal resident of the Shire, one of their cohorts fell in the battle of Pelenor Fields. Frodo was many miles away, but Faramir was able to carry the bier to rest. Together they pledged to mark the passing by gathering gifts which would be used to educate future generations about the true cost of War. The effort was not only noble, it was difficult. Progress slowed after a few years, almost as if it, too, would be marked on a black wall of granite. Faramir was inspirational in his efforts.

It is always nice to get an unexpected telephone call from an old friend, and with no sense of anxiety the shock of the message is a moment marked in time. This Man of Gondor was calling to tell Frodo that Faramir was gravely ill, and that he was hiding the pain from all of his fellows in the Ring. Frodo found from Faramir that he had cancer, cancer of the thymus gland. Frodo did not know where, much less what, a thymus gland was or what purpose it served. Frodo told his friend that he was coming to be with him, but Faramir denied him. He told Frodo that his time was short, and that he no longer resembled the Faramir known by Frodo. Faramir denied all of those in the Ring the final visit. He wanted to be remembered as he had been.

Frodo was there when Faramir returned to the earth. Faramir's mother was burying her son, as she had buried her husband, of the same illness. She told Frodo that Faramir was proud of the work they had done on the memorial to their fallen friend, and Frodo asked if she would mind if the memorial be expanded to include her son.

Frodo worked tirelessly, steadily, cajoling old friends and lovers, accumulating small coins and bills.

In the Year 2005 the sum reached $100,000.00, allowing the award of two self-sustaining scholarships on an annual basis. The awards will grow with additional gifts over time, but as for now almost $5,000.00 is awarded to a Hobbit from Virginia, and a similar amount to a Hobbit from Tennessee.

Frodo never got to mail a box of dead fish to Faramir, nor did he have the opportunity to put analgesic balm in Faramir's jockstrap. Sometimes revenge is nobler. Sometimes it is called compassion.

Posted by loveysdaddyga at 10:35 PM EST

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Wednesday, December 28, 2005

I'm About to Lose Control And I Think I Like It
Mood:

silly
George Santayana wrote "Those who cannot remember the past are, like, stupid." Frodo has selected the following seven vignettes from the year soon to be history to properly chronicle life on a small planet dumb enough to re-elect George W. Bush. Forgetting that one piece of tragedy for a moment, Frodo swears that each of the following actually took place in 2005.

1. NEW SCIENTIST magazine reported that the Pentagon has considered developing an aphrodisiac chemical weapon that could be sprayed on enemy troops. The chemical would provoke homosexual longing, and would provide a "distasteful, but completely nonlethal blow to morale." Frodo supposes the Department of Homeland Obscurity would declare a "pink" level of threat should the wind change.
2. After winning $1 Million on the TV show "Survivor," watched by millions of viewers, Mr. Richard Hatch neglected to include the income on his Federal Income Tax Return. "Judge Judy" is not likely to hear the indictment, but Harriet Miers may.
3. Two young British fans of "Star Wars" decided to create their own light sabres and suffered very serious burns. It seems they filled two fluorescent light tubes with gasoline and dishwashing liquid and lit them. After the explosion, police were able to re-create what happened because the Jedi wannabes videotaped it all. Now Frodo knows the derivation of the name "Luke Skywalker." Frodo bets they will long remember the power of the Force.
4. Frodo laments the passing of Mr. Thomas Rogers, age 87, of Virginia. Mr. Rogers is best remembered as the adman who created the character, "Charlie the Tuna." Mr. Rogers succumbed while swimming. Frodo will carefully examine the next several cans of Star-Kist packed in water.
5. The widow of Mr. Huey Newton, along with several surviving members of the Black Panther Party, have applied for a trademark on the phrase "Burn Baby, Burn." It seems they intend to market a newly-developed hot sauce. Frodo wonders how it goes with tuna?
6. Two Michigan parents have brought suit against a Christian Summer Camp that had advertised itself as "a Bible-centered program used to develop camper spirituality." The suit alleges that their 11-year-old son was kicked in the privates, dunked headfirst into a toilet, and tied to a tetherball pole. Frodo is sure that this was merely a rite of full-immersion baptism performed by graduates of "The" Ohio State University.
7. Memphis police have arrested an 18-year-old woman for attempting to hire a "hit man" to kill four men. It seems she had been visiting the men's residence and noticed a huge block of pure cocaine. She devised a plan to steal the cocaine once the rightful owners were eliminated. The undercover officer who posed as a "hit man" testified at her trial that the cocaine actually turned out to be a chunk of white cheese. Frodo has this vision of thousands of junkies pasting cheese on Ritz Crackers. You have to admit, it would be pretty tough to snort.

Frodo notes that some people actually did vote for George W. Bush, twice.

Posted by loveysdaddyga at 7:35 PM EST

Updated: Wednesday, December 28, 2005 8:22 PM EST

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Tuesday, December 27, 2005

You May Say That I'm a Dreamer, But I'm Not The Only One
Mood:

bright
Topic: "A-Train"
In July of 1944, Lt. Col Charles W. Dryden was court martialed and dismissed from the United States Air Force. The dismissal of a trained and experienced pilot from active duty during wartime had to reflect some pretty serious offense, wouldn't you think? In truth, Frodo learned, Lt. Col. Dryden had led a flight of his fellow pilots on a low-level "buzz" of the military base at Walterboro, South Carolina, in May of that year.

"Say what?," Frodo asked, "You were court martialed for buzzing the base? Was somebody injured or was there property damage because of what you did?"
"No, none at all," said Lt. Col. Charles W. Dryden, Retired.

"Well I have to ask, were you drunk, or just stupid for doing something serious enough in somebody's mind to get yourself court martialed?," said Frodo. "No Mr. Frodo, I knew exactly what I was doing, and I deserved punishment, although the punishment was considerably more severe at that moment than I had anticipated," added Frodo's luncheon guest.

"Mr. Frodo, when I volunteered to serve my country and to fly against the enemy, I was told that people like me were not capable of such responsibility. Even today, Mr. Frodo," as tears welled in his eyes, "it hurts so very much," and he began to cry. Frodo put his hand on the gentleman's shoulder and told him what he already knew.

"Chuck" Dryden was one of those group of men now known as the "Tuskegee Airmen." Among his peers he was dubbed with the moniker "A Train," for his fondness for a certain song of the time. In later years Denzel Washington would play the part of "A Train" in the movie about the first Americans who happened to be black that were trained to fly in defense of the Shire.

He suffered a stroke some time ago and this 89 year-old doesn't get much use out of his right arm anymore. He laughed with Frodo when Frodo told him that his eldest son and Frodo shared the same birth date, and that it might be possible that they were switched in the delivery room.

"I owe you an answer to your question Mr. Frodo," he said. "I can tell you that I organized my squadron to buzz the field in protest of the fact that as black men we were required to sit in the balcony, separate from all those with white skin, at the camp movie theatre. Mr. Frodo, that included the German Prisoners."

Frodo was aghast, "You mean to tell me that the Nazi prisoners were given preferred seating over American officers, who happened to be black?"

Frodo has thought often of the man he met that day, and how he smiled when he heard Frodo say, "Sir, I don't even know where Walterboro South Carolina is, but I am sure that it isn't too far removed from the Shire. It is likely that some day Frodo will pass through that community. When that happens, I trust you will not be surprised to hear about a middle-aged Hobbit who stopped his motorcar alongside the roadsign welcoming travelers to that community, who unzipped his zipper and unceremoniously pissed all over that roadsign. It will be as close as I can come to buzzing that airfield with you."

Inside his copy of Lt. Col. Dryden's autobiography the following is handwritten, "To my friend Mr. Frodo, God Bless America, Always."

Lt. Col. Dryden was pardoned on appeal, and continued to fly in defense of his native land. Used mostly as escorts for bombers flying over European targets, the "Tuskegee Airmen" did not lose a single bomber to enemy fire.

Walterboro, South Carolina, is near Hilton Head, and there is a moistness to the welcome sign on the road just outside town.

Posted by loveysdaddyga at 9:08 PM EST

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