Category Archives: Humor

My Zoom Opinion: To Say or Not? Dr. Sue Positive Entertainment

My Zoom Opinion: To Say or Not? Dr. Sue Positive Entertainment: (How I Got Kicked Out of Zoom Class)

This Blog Post needs my short personal bio, so here goes. I’ve been an English/Theater Professor/Writer for over thirty years. (I stopped teaching about the time the pandemic hit in early 2020.) I have close relationships with some of my former students and a connection with my former college. I also have opinions.

Anyone who wants to keep a job (as I certainly did) knows that you sometimes
swim in shark-infested waters. You learn to keep some of your opinions to yourself – especially in group meetings. This is especially true if you don’t have job security (which in academia means tenure).

But if you never say what you truly feel, your calculated, tactful silence tends
to chip away at your self-esteem. Over time, those little bits of your true self get lost. Instead of the smart, vibrant, outspoken, fully alive person you used to be, you wind up as a weak, sad, timid ghost.

As any English/Theater Teacher, Actor, Theater Pro, or Amateur Nerd knows, the subject of ghosts brings us to… William Shakespeare! My main go-to ghost is Hamlet’s dead dad – Hamlet Senior, who gets the action (and non-action) into high gear. 

Prince Hamlet, the hero of Shakespeare’s famous tragedy, has a spooky, but motivational conversation with King Hamlet (the ghost). Ghost Hamlet tells Live Hamlet that his Uncle Claudius, the dead king’s brother, murdered him, married his widow (Queen Gertrude –Hamlet’s mom), and is now King of Denmark. Ghost Hamlet tells Hamlet to seek Revenge!  Our hero Hamlet immediately… thinks about it!

What does this have to do with my getting kicked out of Zoom Class?

Like me, Hamlet talks to people (ghosts) who aren’t physically there. In my case, it’s Zoom Chats (the sidebars on Zoom classes and meetings where you type your thoughts to people who are somewhere in cyberspace. After Zoom, they vanish, like ghosts).

In Shakespeare’s play, old King Hamlet’s Ghost issues a call to action: kill your uncle!  Hamlet decides that  Ghost is right, and he should kill King Claudius – but on the other hand…. What if the ghost is wrong – or a fake ghost ? Instead of springing into action, Hamlet springs into depression. People think he’s mad (and maybe he is – or not). After several murders and suicides (Hamlet’s girlfriend, her father, her brother, Hamlet’s friends, his mother, Claudius, and, finally, Hamlet himself), the stage is littered with bodies, and the show is over.  Denmark has a new King, and I’m ready for a coffee break (preferably with a Danish pastry because Shakespearean tragedy gives me an appetite).

How did a Shakespeare semi-scholar (me) get kicked out of Zoom class?  

My Zoom class was not actually about Shakespeare, it was a series about musical theater, which tends to be less tragic (except for investors when the show closes on opening night).  Our Teacher showed video clips from Broadway shows, led discussions in the Chat feature (where we post comments), and called himself an “Expert”. I didn’t bother looking up his academic credentials or affiliation, because I didn’t care. I already have a Ph.D. in Theater, so I don’t need academic credit. I was interested in the subject matter and what seemed to be an entertaining, informative experience. As long as I was enjoying the class, I didn’t need to know his professional history. I paid for an “All-Access Pass” which gave me full admission to his series of Zoom classes and videos. (Scroll down for my own Video –  wearing my Shakespeare Hat and talking to Teddly Bear Puppet).

So there we were, several classes into the series, watching video clips and posting comments in the Chat.  Most of the comments were posted to “Everyone” – which means everyone can read them.  The other option is “Private” – which means only you and your chosen Zoom attendee reads your post. The “Expert” controlled the Chat. I usually posted supportive comments, but if I disagreed, I said so briefly without negative personal remarks. 

I never posted political comments until… Cabaret.  The musical Cabaret is set in Germany during Hitler’s rise to power. The in-cabaret performances echo the real-world events happening off-stage – including the growing threat of the anti-Semitic, violent Nazi regime.  During the class, the teacher said that the Nazi idea of the German “folk” (ancient Germanic tribes) excluded all non-Aryans (like Jews). 

TrumpI thought there was a parallel between the myth of the German “folk” and the Trumpian idea of the United States as an Anglo-Saxon country. (The Anglo-Saxons were Germanic tribes.)

I started posting a brief comment in the Chat about “Trump notion of the USA as an Anglo…” Then I accidentally pushed “Enter” which posted my half-sentence.

Before I could continue, the Teacher cut me off, and announced to “Everyone” in the Chat that if I posted political comments, I would be thrown out of class!

At first I thought: is this a mistake? He can’t mean me! Throw me out of class for one, brief remark?  In my long career as an educator, students have said and done much more shocking things! I don’t throw them out of class. I usually ask to speak with them privately so we can solve the problem without a public confrontation.  When this Zoom teacher threatened me and posted it to “Everyone” in the Chat, I felt embarrassed and attacked.  I did not want to escalate the situation, so I didn’t post anything in reply.   After a while, the class was over, with the Teacher soliciting and getting compliments about his class from some of my fellow students.

After class, I felt conflicted. Saying nothing would avoid immediate conflict. But keeping silent made me feel powerless and depressed.  Why should this Zoom “expert” feel enttitled to embarrass me in front to the class – and for what – one half-sentence of a political opinion that he did not want to hear?

I decided to write an E-Mail to the Teacher and CC my E-mail it to his “Staff “– which probably meant his Assistant. Based on his class behavior, I figured that he might distort what actually happened.  If I CC’d his Assistant, who seemed reasonable, she would have my written record. I also figured that since the Assistant was an African-American woman, she was more likely to understand my feelings than the White, male teacher.  Here is my E-mail to the Teacher – CC’d to the Assistant.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uG66DsrQGLA

Be Your True Self – Dr. Sue Positive Entertainment

Be Your True Self – Dr. Sue Positive Entertainment

I recently posted my latest YouTube video about my original musical “SssWitch” www.SssWitch.net

The video story-song includes two songs from “SssWitch” www.SssWitch.net I share some of the story and a brief explanation of the themes and ideas. In my explanation, I say, “Being yourself is True Magic.”

Dr. Sue Sings “SssWitch” songs, tells story, and gives positive advice!

I always invite comments on my YouTube videos, and this time I got one that really touched and inspired me. I’d like to share the comment – with my reaction.

“Yes being yourself is True Magic. So many people living lives of lies… It’s nothing like experiencing the magic of living your truth. That’s what you do Dr. Sue. 💕” –

– source is private (until I receive permission to share)

I was touched to read a comment that showed that the viewer really paid attention and understood what I was trying to say. “SssWitch” is a fantasy musical – a modern twist on Cinderella, with entertaining elements like a funny Witch. It’s also about real human issues – especially the challenge of living an authentic life based on your true feelings and talents.

Sometimes our true feelings are about gender, sexuality, or relationships (past or present). Sometimes our true feelings are about religion or family values – how we were raised and what we really believe and want. Sometimes our true feelings involve telling a friend, relative, co-worker or boss how we really feel.

Sharing our true feelings can be hard, and we sometimes pick and choose what to say and how to say it. But if we don’t share our personal truth with someone we want to be close to, then we can’t have intimacy. (I’ll talk more about this when we get to another song from “SssWitch” called “Won’t You Let Me Love You?”)

My viewer also said,

“So many people living lives of lies… It’s nothing like experiencing the magic of living your truth.That’s what you do Dr. Sue. 💕” –

“Living lives of lies” is unfulfilling and frustrating. It also damages our self-esteem. If we hide our true feelings, then no matter how much external success we may have, we alway know that we are not being valued for our true selves – only for the false mask that we put on to please someone else – someone or something that we imagine as all-powerful and much more important that we are.

I hope that this Blog will offer some helpful ways to look at our lives – plus some entertainment. Just like a caterpillar turns into a butterfly, we can become our beautiful, true selves!

SssWitch Logo
SssWitch Logo

Learning to Love Yourself is the True Magic!

Please write to me by posting comments on my Blog or YouTube video Channel:

Here’s my YouTube Channel: www.YouTube.com/drsuecomedian

Here is the link to my SssWitch Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2lEhcg1yq8

Here is Positive Advice for Your Day!

The real Magic is Transforming Your Life! – SssWitch!

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Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D.
Entertaining Motivational Speaker-Author-Educator-Singer/Songwriter.

Book: “Queens of Comedy”
(Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, and more!)
smashwords.com/books/view/219367

“SWitch!” Original Play & Musical www.switchthemusical.com

Dr. Sue YouTube Channel
youtube.com/user/drsuecomedian/videos

Queens of Comedy by Susan Horowitz

Dr. Sue Queens of Comedy Book by Susan Horowitz Funny Women Positive Entertainment

Dr. Sue “Queens of Comedy” Book by Susan Horowitz Funny Women Positive Entertainment

“Queens of Comedy” – Book by Susan Horowitz (Dr. Sue) – is based on her personal interviews with Comedy Legends Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Phyllis Diller, Joan Rivers, Dolly Parton, Whoopi Goldberg and More – Plus a Witty History of Funny Women!

Hard Cover or Paperback Signed by Susan Horowitz (Author,
Entertaining Speaker) E-Mail: drsue at drsue dot com. (Or use Contact Form on Website) Also on Amazon (and More) for more money and no author’s signature.

Queens of Comedy by Susan Horowitz
“Queens of Comedy” Book by Susan Horowitz
"Queens of Comedy" - Book by Susan Horowitz
“Queens of Comedy” – Book by Susan Horowitz

Buy from Amazon (Paperback, Hardcover, and Kindle)

Buy from Smashwords (Digital) Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/219367

A Perfect Gift for Holidays or Any Time! Ideal for Courses in Women’s Studies and Popular Entertainment!

Dr. Sue’s Entertaining Talk – Diversity & Dolly Parton!

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Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D.
Entertaining Motivational Speaker-Author-Educator-Singer/Songwriter.

Book: “Queens of Comedy”
(Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, and more!)
smashwords.com/books/view/219367

“SWitch!” Original Play & Musical www.switchthemusical.com

Dr. Sue YouTube Channel
youtube.com/user/drsuecomedian/videos

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Queens+of+Comedy+Susan+Horowitz&i=stripbooks&ref=nb_sb_noss

Rudy the Red-Nosed Reindeer & Dr. Sue

Dr. Sue Sings Funny Parody “Rudy the Red-Nosed Lawyer” Positive Entertainment

Dr. Sue Sings Funny Parody “Rudy the Red-Nosed Lawyer” Positive Entertainment

You’re invited to Sing Along to “Rudy the Red-Nosed Lawyer” – a funny parody for the 2020 holiday – and political season! The tune (and part of the title) are based on a favorite holiday song: “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” by songwriter Johnny Marks based on a 1939 story by Robert L. May.

Here’s my Song-Video – Scroll down for Lyrics!

Rudy The Red-Nosed Lawyer
Has a client known as Trump
Rudy was once a mayor
Now he runs the city dump

Rudy, he loves his garbage
And he thinks collection's sweet
But he forgot one detail
You can't collect from a deadbeat! 

On a bright November night
Kamala and Joe 
Turned most of the country blue
And said, "Trump, you gotta go!"

Donny said, "I'm gonna sue ya.
Rudy is my legal brain."
Rudy the Red-Nosed Lawyer
And Trump are going down the drain! 

"Rudy the Red-Nosed Lawyer" 
Parody Lyrics by Susan "Dr. Sue" Horowitz
Copyright 2020
Please ask permission to use or share.

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Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D.
Entertaining Motivational Speaker-Author-Educator-Singer/Songwriter.

Book: “Queens of Comedy”
(Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, and more!)
smashwords.com/books/view/219367

“SWitch!” Original Play & Musical www.switchthemusical.com

Dr. Sue YouTube Channel
youtube.com/user/drsuecomedian/videos

Dr. Sue Sings Funny Thanksgiving Song

Dr. Sue Sings Funny Original Thanksgiving Song! Positive Entertainment

Dr. Sue Sings Original Funny Song about Voting & Thanksgiving Turkey!
Positive Entertainment

Every Thanksgiving, I give thanks that I am not a turkey!

This popular holiday celebrates the arrival (and survival) of European immigrants on the North American continent with a Thanksgiving feast. Virginia and Massachusetts boast about hosting the first Thanksgiving. You don’t hear as much from the Native Americans, who were already here. Turkeys are prominently featured on most American Thanksgiving tables and greatly admired – but they are not available for comment.

Why not? What wisdom can we glean from the fate of turkeys? Surely we should learn something after hundreds of years… or at least four years after the 2016 election!

If you think that someone who looks rich and claims to be a “real American” because his ancestors got here a few generations ago, will Make America Great for You, consider the fate of the foolish turkey…who gets plucked!

Enjoy my Song Video “Life is Just a Bowl of Gravy!”
Scroll down for song lyrics.

"Life is Just a Bowl of Gravy"

This is a tale of a turkey bird who went to a turkey trot
When anyone asked her "Will you dance?" She answered, "I will not" 
I'll only dance with a gentleman who makes my country great
If he's got money I'll call him my honey, and he will be my date.

Life is just a bowl of gravy - saucy and surprising
Life is just a bowl of gravy - and very appetizing! 

Suddenly somebody stepped on in who came from pilgrim stock
He said "I'll be candid, my boat has just landed nearby on Plymouth Rock
I sail the Mayflower and I got the power and you look mighty fine
Please do not stall my sweet Butterball and come with me to dine

Life is just a bowl of gravy - saucy and surprising
Life is just a bowl of gravy - and very appetizing! 

They went to a fabulous restaurant, she was his dinner date
But when they got there, the table was bare except for an empty plate
The rest of the story is terribly gory - her fate we still recall
If you didn't get here by the Mayflower dear
We're in the same boat - so get out and Vote!
And dance at your own Turkey Ball! 

Life is just a bowl of gravy - saucy and surprising
Life is just a bowl of gravy - and very appetizing! 

Copyright 2020 Susan "Dr. Sue" Horowitz (Words and Music)
Written Music is Available on Request
Susan "Dr. Sue" Horowitz is available as an 
Entertaining, Motivational Speaker, Educator, Singer-Songwriter,
and Teaching Artist. Please Use Contact Form on Website
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Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D.
Entertaining Motivational Speaker-Author-Educator-Singer/Songwriter.

Book: “Queens of Comedy”
(Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, and more!)
smashwords.com/books/view/219367

“SWitch!” Original Play & Musical www.switchthemusical.com

Dr. Sue YouTube Channel
youtube.com/user/drsuecomedian/videos

Captain's Hat Dr. Sue

Dr. Sue Original Funny Cuomosexual Song “Governor Cuomo, Donald Trump, Republican Cruise” Positive Entertainment

Dr. Sue Original Funny Cuomosexual Song “Governor Cuomo Donald Trump Republican Cruise” Positive Entertainment

Dear Governor Cuomo, I notice that when your brother Chris was sick with Covid-19, he had a fever dream – and you were in it!

Well, you give me fever!

And last night I had this fever dream about you, the Republican National Convention, and Donald Trump!

I heard on the news that North Carolina does not want to host the convention, but Florida does!

Guess what’s in Florida?
Miami!

Yes, Miami. When I think of Miami, I think of…Cruise Ships!

I think the Republicans should have their convention on a cruise ship. After all, most cruise ships sail under foreign flags and don’t pay US taxes – just like Donald Trump!

If Trump can cruise, why can’t I? So I wrote this song about our cruise –
just Andy, me… and the Republican National Convention!

Last night I had the strangest dream
– a feverish invention
I dreamed that I was on a cruise
The Republican National Convention!

Republicans held their Bibles
upside down at the buffet
They all got triple helpings –
and used the Bible as a tray!

They sat in crowded hot tubs,
which the virus did pollute
Trump joined in the action –
with no mask and no swimsuit!

His spray tan started melting, and his hair dye bleached his brain
Suddenly he saw me and yelled, “Get the anchor chain!”

They got the chain to lynch me, which is legal according to Republican Senator Paul
Then who show up in a speed boat? The Greatest Hero of Them All!”

– Parody Lyric by Susan “Dr. Sue” Horowitz –
inspired by the song “Last Night I Had the Strangest Dream” (by Ed McCurdy)

Dear Governor Cuomo, you showed up just in time to rescue me!
Yes, I have a dream. And with your help and the help of all good-hearted people, we can rescue the American dream!

Dr. Sue’s YouTube Channel www.youtube.com/drsuecomedian


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Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D.
Entertaining Motivational Speaker-Author-Educator-Singer/Songwriter.

Book: “Queens of Comedy”
(Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, and more!)
smashwords.com/books/view/219367

“SWitch!” Original Play & Musical www.switchthemusical.com

Dr. Sue YouTube Channel
youtube.com/user/drsuecomedian/videos

Dr. Sue Plant Governor Cuomo

Dr. Sue Sings Original Funny Cuomosexual Plant Song Positive Entertainment

Dr. Sue Sings Original Funny Song “Governor Cuomo and My Plant” Positive Entertainment

Dr. Sue sings her original, funny song: “Governor Andrew Cuomo and Plants!”

Dr. Sue: “I recently saw a photograph of
Governor Andrew Cuomo
with a plant in the background.

I realized that Andrew and have a lot in common. As a matter of fact,
I have big plant in my living room.

I also feel that Governor Cuomo (the Love-Gov) can find true happiness in the arms of the right older woman – Me!

To stay safe from any possible contagion (except for love), I promise to wear gardening gloves!”

Here is my original funny love song video to Governor Cuomo – and my plant!

Stay Healthy, Stay Happy, Stay Safe
Keep Up Your Spirits, and… Keep Your Sense of Humor!

Dr. Sue’s YouTube Channel www.youtube.com/drsuecomedian

Dr. Sue Logo


Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D.
Entertaining Motivational Speaker-Author-Educator-Singer/Songwriter.

Book: “Queens of Comedy”
(Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, and more!)
smashwords.com/books/view/219367

“SWitch!” Original Play & Musical www.switchthemusical.com

Dr. Sue YouTube Channel
youtube.com/user/drsuecomedian/videos

Dr. Sue sings "Go Governor Cuomo!"

Dr. Sue sings her original song “Go Governor Cuomo!” Positive Entertainment

Dr. Sue sings her original song “Go Governor Cuomo!”

Dr. Sue sings her original song
“Go Governor Como” –
Inspired by the Andrew Cuomo Fan Club!

Please watch my video
for positive entertainment…
and for good advice
that will keep us all safe!

Stay Healthy
Stay Happy
Stay Connected

Keep Up Your Spirits, and…
Keep Your Sense of Humor!

Dr. Sue sings her original song “Go Governor Cuomo!”

Dr. Sue Logo


Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D.
Entertaining Motivational Speaker-Author-Educator-Singer/Songwriter.

Book: “Queens of Comedy”
(Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, and more!)
smashwords.com/books/view/219367

“SWitch!” Original Play & Musical www.switchthemusical.com

Dr. Sue YouTube Channel
youtube.com/user/drsuecomedian/videos

Dr. Sue West Point Comedy

Dr. Sue sings funny Covid-19 song! Positive Entertainment

Dr. Sue sings funny West Point Covid-19 song! Positive Entertainment

Hi, I’m Dr. Sue.

Hope you enjoy my original funny song. It’s called : “Covid-19”

My song is based on real (not fake) news about President Trump giving an in-person commencement speech at West Point Academy.

The young cadets have been away since early March.
But now, they have to travel back and forth to West Point
– fifty miles from New York City – the epicenter of a pandemic!

Dr. Sue imagines herself as a young cadet who’s getting nervous… 🙂

Please Like, Comment, Share, and/or Subscribe to my Blog and/or YouTube Video! 
You’ll be notified when I post something new – and we can stay connected!

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Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D.
Entertaining Motivational Speaker-Author-Educator-Singer/Songwriter.

Book: “Queens of Comedy”
(Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, and more!)
smashwords.com/books/view/219367

“SWitch!” Original Play & Musical www.switchthemusical.com

Dr. Sue YouTube Channel
youtube.com/user/drsuecomedian/videos

Dr. Sue Ten Commandments

Dr. Sue Happy Passover, Easter & Spring Positive Entertainment

Dr. Sue Ten Commandments
Dr. Sue Ten Commandments

Happy Passover, Easter, Spring… and whatever you celebrate!

I hope this photograph makes you think of all we have in common:

We all need something to believe in.

We all need just laws that serve the greater good.

We all need sunshine  (above the 10 commandments in the photo)

We all need generosity – open arms and open heart.

We all need to believe in Spring – symbolized by the green color of my dress and the flowers in my shawl.

We all need to feel part of a community.

When we cannot be physically close, when it’s not wise to physically touch, we can still feel close in many ways.

We can talk on the phone, we can connect on social media, we can send emails, and texts.

We can contact someone who would appreciate our reaching out.

We can give, and we can help… we can lift our own spirits – and the spirits of others.

We can forgive, we can give a kind word, a sincere compliment, and tangible gifts of money, food and supplies.

We can appreciate those who give so much more!

And no matter what you believe – we believe in you!

In case you need the gift of song and laughter, here’s my song:

Dr. Sue sings her original song “Matzoh Ball Romance”   

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Susan (“Dr. Sue”) Horowitz, Ph.D.
Entertaining Motivational Speaker-Author-Educator-Singer/Songwriter.

Book: “Queens of Comedy”
(Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Joan Rivers, Phyllis Diller, and more!)
smashwords.com/books/view/219367

“SWitch!” Original Play & Musical www.switchthemusical.com

Dr. Sue YouTube Channel
youtube.com/user/drsuecomedian/videos