That's all folks!

I would like to take this moment to extend my gratitude to Warner Bros for their Looney Tunes series that introduced me to classical music. See now and then, I listen to classical radio stations and notice the sensation of a beaming smile adorning my face as I recognize tune after tune. I may not know them all by name and composer, but I am loosely familiar with them. Also, I have jovial animated moments associated with them so it's not only entertaining, it's nostalgic. Thus as I said, I'd like to send a sincere "Thank You" to Warner Bros for their use of classical music in their cartoons. In fact, I learned a lot glued to those animated shorts. For instance:

• There is nothing wrong with cross dressers. They are just doing they're thing, having fun and being themselves. If a bunny wants to wear ladies clothing and seduce a man, that's his/her prerogative.

• Don't get too excited over gifts you didn't expect. They may not be all that they appear to be. Granted they might not be filled with dynamite but still one shouldn't get too attached.

• Remaining cool and calm while someone is angry is a great way to piss them off even more. Not only is it easier on your health, it is wonderfully entertaining.

• Persistence pays off. (Eventually the Wile E. Coyote caught the roadrunner.)

When you think about it, there were a lot of life lessons in those cartoons. Meanwhile I can't say I learned anything of significance from the Hanna-Barbera cartoons. Tom and Jerry, for instance, stereotypes galore! Any time side characters spoke they were always... well, Black. Which could have been alright, but unfortunately they were the 1940s and 1950s idea of Black. Not to mention, the maid. Whether she was being portrayed as a jive-talker, a West Indian or as Mammy, there was never a proud moment from her. The closest Tom and Jerry came to cool was when they soundtracked the shorts with jazz and/or performed jazz interpolations; their rendition of "Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby" is my jam. Great bass solo. But beyond that, it's definitely a time capsule of sentiments in that era. Not that there weren't stereotypes in Looney Tunes (we're looking at you Speedy Gonzales) but at they weren't as horrible. Speedy was at least smart...ish. On the other hand, Michigan J Frog was cooning like a mofo. Dave Chappelle summed up the underlying message from the WB frog best. So while both have their flaws, at least one gave me classical music. I sho' is grateful, boss!