The hypothetical probability that the spirits of Elvis, Mother Teresa and Socrates would take a road trip together in a candy apple red 1963 Lincoln Continental convertible to a popular ‘toxic’ theme park that needed a Super Fund political clean-up were very slim indeed.
That’s until Socrates approached Mother Teresa at a popular Southern California All Souls Health Foods store where she was shopping for organic grapes for Elvis.
Socrates quipped, “Beware the barrenness of a busy life.”
Mother Teresa responded, “Loneliness and the feeling of being unwanted is the worst poverty.”
Their conversation quickly morphed from the profound to the mundane.
Socrates said, “Hey, how about those Dodgers?”
“What do you say that we go to a ‘toxic theme park?’” Mother Teresa suggested.
“You mean the new Hollywood Hills theme park?’’ added
Socrates? He questioned; "What is the nature of a theme park?
Why does it exist? How does it function?” What makes it toxic?”
Mother Teresa shared some good news, “Edith Head, who won eight Academy Awards for costume design in films, has designed the protective gear we can wear in the theme park!
The outfits are Googie-style meets Mad Max costumes.”
(The trio hopped into the convertible and Socrates navigated to the highway and sped out of town.)
Socrates remarked, “I ask, are we not barking up the wrong tree? And what does it mean to be toxic?
One definition is it is poisonous. Another is it is harmful in some other insidious way. Is that not what we should be focusing on? How is this theme park toxic to the mind and spirit of an individual? Especially to the souls of the dearly departed.”
Elvis said, “I want to hear some of Elton’s Yellow Brick Road.”
Following a 55-minute drive in the High Occupancy Vehicle Lane, Socrates deftly maneuvered the car alongside the entrance to the crass, commercialized and overpriced theme park that was virulent in that it discriminated against, what many say are spirits, souls or ‘dead people.’
Elvis asked, “This is all giving me a big headache. Put on some tunes. How about Dark Side of the Moon?”
Socrates obliged, “You’ve got it Elvis. And after that, how about some Neil Young.”
Elvis yelps.
Mother Teresa awakens from her power nap. She says calmly, “Here’s our plan. We’ll begin by asking two of Socrates’ questions:
“What is the nature of this theme park?”
Elvis responds, “To make money.”
“Why does the theme park discriminate?”
Mother Teresa says, “The individuals involved are ignorant.”
Elvis bellows, “Well look who is here. It’s none other than Helen Keller, Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr.”
Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “I’m not surprised to see you guys here today.”
Mother Teresa said, “It was kind of a last-minute thing, really.
Alright, does everybody have a ticket booth they are going to go to? Don’t forget to ask for the ‘I’m Dead’ discount. Don’t forget to record their response.”
Mother Teresa and her contingent await a Supreme Court Decision.
That’s until Socrates approached Mother Teresa at a popular Southern California All Souls Health Foods store where she was shopping for organic grapes for Elvis.
Socrates quipped, “Beware the barrenness of a busy life.”
Mother Teresa responded, “Loneliness and the feeling of being unwanted is the worst poverty.”
Their conversation quickly morphed from the profound to the mundane.
Socrates said, “Hey, how about those Dodgers?”
“What do you say that we go to a ‘toxic theme park?’” Mother Teresa suggested.
“You mean the new Hollywood Hills theme park?’’ added
Socrates? He questioned; "What is the nature of a theme park?
Why does it exist? How does it function?” What makes it toxic?”
Mother Teresa shared some good news, “Edith Head, who won eight Academy Awards for costume design in films, has designed the protective gear we can wear in the theme park!
The outfits are Googie-style meets Mad Max costumes.”
(The trio hopped into the convertible and Socrates navigated to the highway and sped out of town.)
Socrates remarked, “I ask, are we not barking up the wrong tree? And what does it mean to be toxic?
One definition is it is poisonous. Another is it is harmful in some other insidious way. Is that not what we should be focusing on? How is this theme park toxic to the mind and spirit of an individual? Especially to the souls of the dearly departed.”
Elvis said, “I want to hear some of Elton’s Yellow Brick Road.”
Following a 55-minute drive in the High Occupancy Vehicle Lane, Socrates deftly maneuvered the car alongside the entrance to the crass, commercialized and overpriced theme park that was virulent in that it discriminated against, what many say are spirits, souls or ‘dead people.’
Elvis asked, “This is all giving me a big headache. Put on some tunes. How about Dark Side of the Moon?”
Socrates obliged, “You’ve got it Elvis. And after that, how about some Neil Young.”
Elvis yelps.
Mother Teresa awakens from her power nap. She says calmly, “Here’s our plan. We’ll begin by asking two of Socrates’ questions:
“What is the nature of this theme park?”
Elvis responds, “To make money.”
“Why does the theme park discriminate?”
Mother Teresa says, “The individuals involved are ignorant.”
Elvis bellows, “Well look who is here. It’s none other than Helen Keller, Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr.”
Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “I’m not surprised to see you guys here today.”
Mother Teresa said, “It was kind of a last-minute thing, really.
Alright, does everybody have a ticket booth they are going to go to? Don’t forget to ask for the ‘I’m Dead’ discount. Don’t forget to record their response.”
Mother Teresa and her contingent await a Supreme Court Decision.
