Flat panel TV A couple of nights ago, while driving home, I was listening to another democratic debate on NPR. Not that exciting, but the exchanges were in parts interesting to a degree.

Some of the main themes related to Iran and to fiscal responsibility. Some good points were made here and there.

Anyway, although I do not do it often, decided to stop at a nearby sports bar to gobble a large hamburger and wash it down with a beer.

Pulled out my MP3 player – which, by the way, is not an iPod, as my 20 GB Apple wonder has given up the ghost a few months ago, requiring banging it on the side of the desk, in order to make the hard drive work – turned on the FM radio in the player (the iPod didn’t have that neat feature), plugged in the earplugs, tuned it the local NPR station and walked into the eating/drinking establishment. Not surprisingly, nobody was watching the debate, as it was broadcast only on the radio. The twenty-plus flat panel television sets were tuned it to some NBA game and everyone seemed to be totally entranced by a bunch of guys, wearing oversized shorts trying ever so hard to dunk the ball.

The hostess seemed like she was about 16, or so. What the heck was she doing in a watering hole? Maybe she was related to the owner? Who knows? She seated me alone in a nice, secluded booth, with green vinyl-upholstered seats and an impressive collection of condiments, including the seemingly required Ball Park Mustard and one of those little peg games, that diners seem to be so fond of. All of this, while listening to the debate through my MP3 player radio’s earplugs.

The waitress was a bit older. Probably around 25, or so and had that look of experience about her. Blond hair, tied in the back with something, pretty, but tired face, nice body. I removed one of the earplugs, so I could hear her. “What would you like”, she asked. “A draft Sam Adams…let me see,” I said, while scanning the menu placed in front of me by the hostess. The Angus beef and mushroom burger looked good and I asked for it.

Popped the earplug back in my ear, just in time, to hear Obama saying and I paraphrase:” There is a building in the Cayman Islands, housing the headquarters of 14,000 American companies.” Wow! That was a catchy sound bite. I’m glad I brought the radio along.

“Are you listening to music?” I looked up and the waitress was standing to my left. How long was she there? I removed one the earplugs again. “No, actually, I’m listening to the democratic debate on NPR”. “Really?” she smiled. “Most people just come here to watch games, to talk and to pinch my butt”. I looked down, towards the above-mentioned part of her anatomy. “I can’t say I blame them”. She smiled again. “Do you need another beer to do that?” she asked. “Sure, but I am perfectly ready to do that even now.” I admitted. Some of the debate was coming through my other earplug. Heard Hillary Clinton talking about family, exercise, and campaigning that Democrats can be proud of. I agree that exercise is good, but wonder if she practices what she preaches…

The waitress was back with another stein of Sam Adams. “I’m Jenny, by the way. Haven’t seen you here lately”. “That’s because I haven’t been here in a couple of years”, I responded. “Like to see you come around more often. I’m getting a little fed up with all those jerks sitting around for hours, getting drunk and watching those dumb games”. Sounded like a nice invitation. “I’ll make a point of coming back soon” I confirmed. “By the way, who do you think is going to win the election?”I inquired. ” Hard to say” she said. “Hillary seemed pretty strong, until recently.” “So you do follow the news. “I asked. “Sure, it seems kinda important. I can’t stand that Rudy guy. Seems like a nasty person.” “But Clinton, Obama and Giuliani seem to have some pretty heavy duty political machines at their disposal and Mike Huckabee, the pastor is coming on strong lately.”I said. “I generally don’t vote republican. Hate what Bush has done to our country. Was thinking of Romney, but now he seems to come across like a pretty shifty person. Really like some the things that Ron Paul has been saying too,” she responded.

“It’s a loooong way until the election. A lot could happen ‘till then,” I said. ” I don’t get off until after midnight. You probably don’t want to hang around that long…” I smiled. “There’s always next time”. “Hope that’s before the election,” she said. “You bet! Nice to have met you.” I plopped a twenty and two fives on the table. “Hope this takes care of the bill”. “It sure does. Your next one’s on the house, hon”.

The drive home took less time than usual. I was also hoping that I wouldn’t become addicted to sports bar hamburgers in the near future.

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