Sunday, February 10

Brilliance


General Tom Thumb, born Charles Sherwood Stratton, began touring with circus pioneer P.T. Barnum in 1843 at the tender age of five. Stratton's short stature—he was a mere 3 feet, 4 inches (102 cm) tall when he died—and his comedic impersonations quickly made him an international success. Laughter is beautiful. In 1863 on this day, Stratton married Lavinia Warren, another performer in Barnum's show. Their marriage was front-page news, and thousands joined them at their wedding reception.

Other notable Toms:
-Brady. Where did Tom Brady get that great idea? He's so lucky to have met Homer (see above).
-Anderson. OK, who else but a genius would come up with such a brilliant winner like myspace?
-Touko Laaksonen (of Finland), in four decades created more than 3,500 illustrations, all of which I adore
-Ford and Hilfigier (Fashion) and Tom's Couture (there has to be more there than meets the eye)
-Hanks (1985 - mom literally runs into Tom, filming Nothing in Common, outside her office and he gives her the evil eye. It takes Philadelphia for her to finally forgive him, though she never forgets).
-Life Among the Lowly (ok, that's a stretch, even for me!)


I also know a guy by the name of Tom.
I've seen him around, last socially on a pier on the Hudson here in NYC during an old favorite summer shindig toasting the season's endless sunsets. 2007 was when he and I finally did more that peek, we spoke. Gorgeous smile, great look, sensual attitude, sexy daddy, smart head on a set of hard-earned shoulders, recent workout partner, hopeful friend - Tom's a cool guy.

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