Hi, Big Al here. Wow, what a neat experience I had this past Saturday in Ann Arbor as I joined an intimate gathering of 80,000 people to hear President Obama deliver the commencement address to the 2010 University of Michigan graduating class. I had a ticket to get into the event but I stood ready to put on my dead-on costume of Nancy Pelosi if all else failed. (I didn’t have to add any padding to my chest either)
No matter what your political persuasion, it’s quite something to witness the arrival of the President of the United States. The two helicopters with the words “United States of America” emblazoned on them, landing just outside the Big House, was impressive. Plus, the playing of “Hail to the Chief” – well, it made an emotional and patriotic sap like me get the chills. (It was either that or the fact that I had to go to the bathroom really bad)
Yes, it was a memorable ceremony that I know every University of Michigan grad will cherish for a lifetime. In hindsight though, I guess I shouldn’t have stood up at the end and yelled: “GO GREEN!” (I’m kidding, I’m kidding) P.S. I was disappointed that I didn’t make it back in time Saturday to hear Sarah Palin’s speech in Clarkston. Oh well, I’ll just have to keep staring at her pictures on the Internet. (But hey, I’m no stalker, okay?)
A couple other quick notes…
During my recent vacation I got a chance to catch comedian/impressionist Frank Caliendo in Las Vegas. Frank was a regular guest on Dick’s show and he’s signed a big time deal with the Monte Carlo Hotel in Vegas. Frank was great as usual, serving up a ton of incredible impersonations including his amazing John Madden and President Bush. I was with a group of seven of my closest buddies; we go back together all the way to 4th grade! An added bonus was going backstage to chat with Frank. As you can see from the picture below, Frank and I are BFF’s. Make sure you catch Frank’s show when you’re in Sin City and tell him Big Al sent ya. Oh, by the way, what happened in Vegas, stayed in Vegas. (Okay, I’ll admit it. I overate at several all-you-can-eat buffets)
Finally, I have to concur with Dick’s feelings on his Facebook page Monday when he admitted that he was disappointed to hear that Geoffrey Fieger wouldn’t run for governor. Dick said, and I quote:
“Just think of all the punch-lines we could have had!”
Yes, it was a sad day for sure, but something tells me that GF isn’t going anywhere. And if the feeling is right, I just may dust off my Super Fieger costume and take a whirl around the city for old times sake…Just don’t look up!
Gotta go now…I ‘m leaving town again. This time to celebrate Cinco de Mayo Day in Arizona! What do ya think? Good idea, huh?
Be well everybody! Yours Truly – Big Al