Today is the birthday of Al Hirschfeld, the legendary Broadway caractiture artist who's art work for years and years graced the programs of Broadway plays and musicals on the covers of Playbill Magazine. He drew these character drawings of every major theatrical star, composer, and Hollywood comedian over a life span of over ninety years. A Broadway theatre now bears his name in NYC. Sometimes an artist contributes things in a totally different and wonderful way. This was the case with Al Hirschfeld. He ahd drawn caractictures of Charlie Chaplin, Laurel and Hardy and the great Harold Lloyd, but what made him equally famous was his renderings of Lloyd Webber, Cole Porter, Rodgers and Hammerstein and Cy Coleman. Too many of these great artists are simply memories. But thanks to Al Hirschfeld we can remember them over and over again. Well, that's about it for today. My thoughts are with my friend Jerry who returns to court today. Hopefully all will go well for him. And oh yes, let's hear it for the Beagle who believe it or not dialed "911" the other day and that "paw" action saved his owner's life. That precious dog is getting a medal today! How wonderful are our pets. I have a cat named Simon that is just the sweetest cat that I have ever owned. He talks to you like crazy and I swear he understands what you are saying to him. He's a Maine Coon and an amazing animal! But more about this unique feline in another diary entry. Bye for now!