I think that a wonderful assembly for middle school students would be a glimpse into the life and times of a one Mr. Ludwig Van Beethoven. Said assembly would star an up and coming 50something actor who is clearly from the New Jersey area. He would come in costume which includes, but is not limited to a crazy wig and a purple vest. He would stand on the brand new stage in the brand new auditorium in the brand new school. Even though the school costs millions, it is like Wal-Mart quality compared to the Ritz that is the rival middle school that has survived the test of time like a bridge that was built by dinosaurs. I digress.
He would walk us through Beethoven's life in the first person, describing in detail just graphic enough to make 5th and 8th graders pay attention. He would play the piano on stage, and play CD's with a wave of his hand that made it look like magic. It would be a delight.

His grand finale would be the "Ode to Joy" of Symphony #9, and the tears would stream down the audience members' eyes as they screamed, "Brava!" until they were hoarse and threw rose petals and bouquets of carnations (because let's face it, these kids do not have jobs) on the stage. Monseiur Beethoven, as he would be aptly nicknamed would be out of breath, after putting all of his energies into this one performance. He would bow madly as the audience rose from their seats and clapped thunderous applause. He would get a bit misty eyed, but remain composed, because he was, after all, acting.

And then, when the appreciation died down and the children left the auditorium, it would happen all over again for a new crowd.

An ideal assembly? Or a real experience. You decide.

Maybe it's not the best show on earth, but it certainly is one of the greatest. I am, of course, speaking about a little ditty called, "Perfect Strangers" starring Cousin (prounounced: coo-seeen) Larry and Bailky, an average Joe from Mepos.
The daily debacle and guaranteed hilarity that this particular situation comedy brought to it's audience still remains unsurpassed in this cynical, cynical world.
Two guys in Chicago, who knew that this premise would be so delightfully whimsical? I did, that's who. And probably the producers and network executives that gave it the green light.
And that's what I'm talking about when I'm talking about a boat going over a river during the introduction to the show. And the song, does it get any better?

The answer is, "no." Unless, of course, you want to talk about my year long obsession with "Magnum, P.I." But it's still early.