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Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off?

Hey! It’s Lyndon Johnson’s 100th birthday!

Who can resist round, and somewhat large numbers? The Johnson Centennial folks hope you can’t.

To the extent there is a unified theme it appears to be a version of get ‘er done-ish hymns to his domestic labors. Recent events may have made competence in execution a hot selling point, but they are conspicuously silent on Vietnam.

Johnson is but the beginning of what we can only hope becomes known as the Centennial Century.

First up is Lincoln, technically coming back for seconds at his bicentenary in 2009. Reagan looms in 2011, and by golly maybe they’ll get him slapped on Rushmore by then.

The Nixon Library is already marking his 95th birthday, so look out in 2013. I’ve been unable to detect any Kennedy 2017 activity, but a boy can dream.

The Press of Time

The Abraham Lincoln Observer keeps us current on Lincoln cents and the fans who squish them. Blogger Mike Kienzler reports on The Penny Collector, a central depository of all things in flattened coins.

The Collector’s review of the Springfield Lincoln Museum gets to the point quickly:

“There are two 4-die machines: one outside the gift shop, near the entrance/exit, and the other near the entrance to the cafe, around 5 yards from the women’s restroom. You can access the machine outside the gift shop without paying admission.”

You may be among the first,* or even the only to crack wise, smear, insinuate and smirk about the Prairie Colossus of Our Present Day, Springfield Illinois’s Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library And Museum, in a blog devoted solely to this topic.

Touch the Void

And yes, you may pseudonym-asize your self!

Your anonymous blogger, “Bill,” leads off.

*As of midnight EST Saturday, two comments recorded on the first, er, slim, blog entry

Strapped for Funds?

The budget struggle between Congress and the President may impact next year’s Lincoln Bicentennial.

Congressman Ray LaHood represents much of Lincoln’s old House district, and he’s been counting on an earmark he secured as an Appropriations Committee member. It may be a casualty of a Congressional tactic, knocking out earmarks to overcome an anticipated Bush veto:

“There are a lot of people who were very disappointed last year when nobody got any earmarks. If they do it again for the second year in a row, it will be a very bitter pill to swallow,” said Rep. Ray LaHood (R-Ill.), an appropriator who complained that he could lose $400,000 he needs for the Abraham Lincoln bicentennial celebration, slated to begin Feb. 12.

The Bicentennial Commission looks like it could use some help. Their web page’s most “recent news” is from July, and they appear so starved for material that they repeat a quiz about Lincoln’s dog twice.

Festiva!

 

Christmas is a special season at the White House. Won’t you join the search for America’s best Presidential gifts?

 

 

 

 

 

Most Wonderful Time!

 

 

 

 

1.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For only $150.00 you can get this handsome Baccarat paperweight. It features Woodrow Wilson looking for all the world like the President-For-Life of a former Soviet republic.

 

2.

 

Often mocked, never bettered, the Nixon birthplace birdhouse. A classic at $45.00

3.

 

Vice Presidents before Dick Cheney often felt slighted and ignored, and were forced to find themselves something to do. In tribute to those dark days, the United States Vice Presidential Museum offers this Dan Quayle shot glass. $3.77.

4.

He may belong now to the ages, but he can still help tuck you in at night. The Lincoln Nightlight, $27.50.

5.

A sly dig at Betty Ford’s addictions? On offer for $24.95 in the Reagan Library’s “Nancy Reagan’s favorites” gift section, the First Lady Purse Pill Box. “It can be a headache to be first lady. This silver pill box helps you find the right remedy ever-so-elegantly“

6.

Because repeating “um, you lost,” won’t silence Confederate apologists, $12.00 gets you ten Christmas cards and envelopes with this touching Christmas scene of the Jeff Davis family from the “Confederate White House.”

7.

An undistinguished presidency yields endearingly odd sports apparel from Bridgeport Connecticut’s Warren Harding High School. $21.99 or multiple variations at similar prices.

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8.

For $40.00, a talking Nixon doll with some explaining to do.

9.

“No Nickname”? Because “America’s Fattest President” couldn’t fit on a patch? Yours for only $4.27.
10.

You’ll accept no substitute for victory over sleeplessness with this 18″ square Commander in Chief throw pillow! President Bush has never looked so butch, and you’ll never feel more comfortable. For $18.99 you can take your pillow with you on trips like El Jefe does!

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