About a month ago I fell down Alice’s rabbit hole. I’m still residing there…a world where nightmare is an understatement.  It’s a place I’m still trying to find my way in and out of.  The address can’t be determined other than to be described as a location that is a way of life for all those out there cursed with poor health and chronic physical disability.

Yet..even this realm of existence can be said to have its laugh track. I offer some quality of this “humor” inspired by a young woman who was my physical therapist and who in the course of my treatment provided me with a real “belly laugh.” Ouch!

I had a book on my table, a recently published work relating the final years of Leon Trotsky who due to the influence of the artist Diego Rivera and his wife Frieda Kahlo, was provided a sanctuary of sorts… exile in Mexico.  He spent his final years there before an agent of his arch enemy Joseph Stalin was able to insert an assassin into the Trotsky “safe house,” enabling said hired killer to plant an ax into Trotsky’s skull.

My physical therapy Miss saw the book and casually inquired whether it was a work of fiction or non-fiction. I answered briefly that it was non-fiction, Leon Trotsky was a communist leader murdered by order of Joseph Stalin.

She paused thoughtfully at this and said, “Stalin…I think I’ve heard of him.”

Henceforth I present a quiz, which I’ve titled: “Did You Deserve Your High School Diploma?”…alternatively titled: “I’m Not As Smart as a High School Senior, class of 1966.”

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QUESTION:

Who is Joseph Stalin?

A. Jon and Kate Gosselin’s family pediatrician

B. Britney Spears choreographer

C. Kanye West’s new public relations representative

D. New guest judge on “Project Runway”

E. Notorious, sadistic dictator of the former Soviet Union

F. Chris Rock’s hairdresser

G. None of the above 

Go for it America! Your educational system is a credit to the advancement of human civilization.