"Every Step Forward Can Be A Step Upward..."

Recently discovered video footage shows that legendary Match Game panelist Charles Nelson Reilly won the Tour de France with two flat tires and a missing chain. He had his very own line at the DMV. He's even been seen swimming upstream with the salmon to spawn.

I was really excited to see that Weird Al chose this potent pop-culture figurehead as the subject of his latest musical tribute -- even more so than when I laid eyes on the velvet CNR painting seen above! Riffing on the trend of attributing action stars like Chuck Norris with ridiculous and godlike powers, Al has singled out the devastatingly witty actor, director, and TV personality as a god among men. And rightly so!

I think the key word to define both Reilly and the Nine of Wands is "irrepressible". Your initial dream or plan has endured ups and downs, pushing through times of adversity and controversy and has emerging intact on the other side. It's a testament to your strength and flexibility that you've reached this peak -- but you can't defend it forever! If you're smart, you'll leave on a high note and pole-vault to the next challenge, channeling the energy of this success into new enterprises. If you wait until your star is sinking and your confidence is waning, you might chicken out.

Reilly perfected this art in his career, jumping from role to role as seasons changed, working as a teacher here and a director there. His final project was a one-man show about his life in show business, which he performed up until the time of his death. So instead of bogging down in your previous notions of accomplishment, keep moving -- with a little imagination and courage, every step forward can be a step upward. [Via]

Previously On Arcanalogue: The Nine Of Wands