"If I were invited to a dinner party with my characters, I wouldn't show up."

It's Dr. Seuss' 100th brithday next month. The Jean Stephens gallery in downtown Minneapolis is displaying his work as an editorial cartoonist, advertising artist, and children's author. His art is a cross-breed of heffalumps and oompa loompas stamped with sassy limericks. His commentaries could be quite biting.


"Economic Situation Clarified"

Here's a cute story I learned from the exhibit. He was asked to come to Chicago to receive an honorary degree, only to find out he was the speaker at the commencement ceremonies. With little time to put together a speech, he quickly penned one up called "My Uncle Terwilliger on the Art of Eating Popovers." It lasted 75 seconds.

My uncle ordered popovers
from the restaurant's bill of fare.
And when there were served,
he regarded them
with a penetrating stare...
Then he spoke great Words of Wisdom
as he sat there in that chair!
"To eat these things,"
Said my uncle,
"You must exercise great care.
You may swallow down what's solid...
BUT...
You must spit out the air!"

And...
As you partake of the world's bill of fare,
That's darned good advice to follow.
Do a lot of spitting out the hot air
And be careful what you swallow.

Sound advice, even though it makes me think of Monica Lewinsky, or rather "be careful what you don't swallow." I know. Ick.