(His name is the same as mine) over at aviation" - "Yeah Joe, how you doing?" - "Fine, you all been busy?" - "A little more than usual, we've had all this stuff they have been selling out of the governor's house to deal with - can you believe some nut actually bought the commode out of the governor's mansion? Anyway, what can I do for you today, Joe?" Long pause - "Well, my dad's the nut who bought that commode and I need to come get it."

When most people hear my fine piece of porcelain sculpture is a commode, they laugh. But take a minute and let me tell you just a bit of history that was made on that commode which was installed in 1974.

Gov. Winfield Dunn probably sat on it and pondered whether or not he should have remained in his dental practice instead of becoming governor.

Gov. Ray Blanton probably had diarrhea in it after getting the call telling him he had been indicted.

Gov. Lamar Alexander probably came up with his "better schools" plan while sitting on it (I know most teachers thought his plan should have been put back in the commode).

Sen. Fred Thompson probably sat on it, which is not a big deal. However, he and Lorrie Morgan dated for a while so there is a good chance she did sit on it, which is a big deal.

Gov. Don Sunquist HAD to be sitting on it when he hatched his failed state income tax plan.

Our own Clevelander, former Miss Tennessee and Miss Tennessee USA Beth Hood most likely blessed my commode as well.

So, what's my point? Go ahead and waste your $5 at the museum if you want - but for only $5, I can offer you so much more! For $5, you will get 5 minutes on the governor's commode, unlimited use of premium Charmin toilet paper, plus, a souvenir picture of yourself on the throne. Now, does that make the museum's deal seem lame or what?

As proof of the ideas my commode will give you, I was inspired while sitting on it to write this article - need I say more??
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