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Whether or not there’s some sort of higher intelligence directly or indirectly responsible for some or all of the following, I cannot say. But I can still be thankful! For, among other things:
- This amazing planet, just the right Goldilocks-distance from our kick-ass Sun, and oozing water and life!
- The moon because it’s very cool.
- The awesome chemical processes that led to life here.
- The diversity of organisms on Earth; of rocks, of plant life, of animals, and of people with their various races, languages and cultures.
- The human body with its endless marvels. Especially how it recovers from hangovers and other maladies.
- The human brain with all its twists and turns.
- The inexhaustible universe of language!
- The divine miracle of humor! (ROTFLMAO)
- The indispensable treasure of human sexuality!
- Skepticism, and also faith.
- Shakespeare, and Gabriel Garcia Marquez.
- Bach, Beethoven and Bartok, John Coltrane and Thelonious Monk, Cri Cri and Silvio Rodriguez, the Beatles and the Butthole Surfers.
- The American Revolution and our bold Founding Fathers.
- The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, especially the Bill of Rights!
- Our brave forefathers and foremothers who ended slavery, fought for equality and justice over these American centuries, and defended our nation’s freedoms way back when that was in question.
- Chorizo, and tamarindo juice. And good coffee. (E.g., Peet’s.)
- MSNBC, Comedy Central and HBO.
- My trippy family, especially my three brilliant sons, and certain other special people who know who they are!
- Elizabeth Warren and Alan Grayson.
- Jonas Salk. “The cure for polio belongs no more to me than the sun does.”
- The Orange Juice Blog. And also actual orange juice. And the internets in general! Where would we be without them?
- Democracy For America, Orange County chapter – my posse!
- Cell phones. How the hell did we survive before those?
- Friends who share their Vicodin.
- I’ll probably think of more as the day goes on. And what are you thankful for?
(Me and my sons in 2002)
Good Job Vern! You are just getting started with the thankfuls. Your sons are very handsome. As for me – just happy to be here.
I must admit, I never thought to mix chorizo with tamarindo juice!
I am thankful to have you as a friend Vern and that you are our Editor here at the Orange Juice.
A peaceful day to you and yours…
No, you mix chorizo with eggs, beans and cheese, and wrap it in a tortilla. Then you WASH IT DOWN with a bunch of tamarindo juice, which they should start having at Gringo restaurants too.
I’ll be thankful when the stoopid lawsuits against you are over. I think we’re over the worst of it…
I am thankful for people in general! Some are A@@ Holes, some are sweet! But we all have a story and there is nothing like a good story!
Happy thanks giving to all; A&^ holes included:)
You’re son’s are lovely Vern!!!!
“We all have a story and there is nothing like a good story” – one of the few wise things you’ve said, Quinn. Props.
I am thankful for many things, but among them is the part you have played in my life this year, Vern. Thank you for your efforts and words and wisdom and humor.
Thanks, but just to be clear – aren’t you someone involved with the Capo Recall? I’ve never met you, have I?
Very good start, my friend…
I’m thankful I have my very own script for the vic’s…thankful also for having lived long enough to where I’m needing the damn prescription( decrepitude)!
Your boys are indeed brilliant, just like their pappy.
Also truly thankful to have you as my pal.
I came, I saw, and I was pleased to see no hate – at least not yet. Hope it lasts.
Given that the photo is 8 years old, how are the boys doing these days? Hope they are doing well and you remain the proud papa.
Julian’s going thru a gangsta phase up in the Bay Area, recording lotsa hip hop.
Dorian’s in his last year at UCLA, majoring in history and animation.
Gabriel’s still living with his mom in San Diego and studying music at Palomar.
Thanks for asking!
Burp.
Amen!! I hope you had a great holiday Tony.
Nicely done, Vern.