Call me Ted

The Mouth of the South turns 75 today.

I've always like Ted, especially in his early Captain Courageous days.  My twin cousin was a congressional lobbyist for him at the time. She was/is young and cute and declared him the most odious man on the planet.  I refused to believe.

Not long after Turner's boat won the America's Cup I asked if she would have Ted sign a copy of the photo below for me. I've never known Smith girls to talk like that.

I still like Ted.  For whatever his faults his legacy will live on through his children and his philanthropy.  Guided by their old man's generosity, his children have become stewards of the finest farm and ranch land in the U.S..  

We finally met several years ago.  A client of mine has a bison (buffalo) ranch, Ted came to call, and I got to stay. After our introduction he paused and said "I used to have a girl working for me in Washington with that name."   Just call me Ted.

Happy birthday sir.

Toad

Book Report Day

With little to do and much time to do it this past week, I spent many a pre and post nap hour with a book in my hand. In an effort to provide timely advice I offer my picks and pans.


CALL ME TED, an autobiography of Ted Turner

I have mixed emotions about Ted. I've had the honor of meeting him twice in circumstances that were very enjoyable. He is larger than life, and one of the world's great salesmen. My twin cousin was a lobbyist for Turner Broadcasting in the early days and has very little good to say about him. Let's say the jury is out.

Call me Ted is a hymn to the converted. Ted sees himself as a hard working guy who has done his best for his company and country. This is undeniable. That he is an honest, straight shooter in business I cannot say. His friends like him, his children have come to like him and all his many wives and girlfriends are still in touch. Self praise at the highest level.

GEORGE BECOMING GEORGE (PLIMPTON)

For the life of me I cannot understand why I spend the time I do reading autobiographies and biographies of recently dead celebrities. I have yet to read an autobiography that proclaims the subject to be a sniveling ass who hates children and should be arrested and locked away for his crimes against humanity. (Hope springs eternal since I will read W's book in hope of the truth).

Mr Plimpton's life is told in fragments by his many friends and enemies. If the subject interests you at all, you may know many of the more famous stories, his interests in sports and fireworks, his wide interests and many friends among the beau monde of the literary universe. If you are unfamiliar with Mr. Plimpton you could give this pass and live to tell the tale.

I though he came off an insufferable ass.