Kudos to the NFL - Were you watching MLB?

Well done, NFL. I'm not a big football fan, but since it's the Patriots are playing, I had to watch. And more importantly, kids could watch, too. Not only was the half time show exciting, and rated G, but, and this is the part I would like Bud Selig to remember, the game started and ended at a reasonable time!

Sports are a part of American culture. So is capitalism. Wouldn't it be nice if they could always play nice together? It's bad enough that our kids are increasingly assaulted with commercialism. But when one aspect of our culture denies our children the opportunity to enjoy another, it's just wrong.

Major sporting events like this should be timed so they finish well before the end of the day on which they started, regardless of on which coast they are played.

Have I made myself clear, Mr. Selig????

I Remember Reagan

I remember January 20, 1981 like it was yesterday. I was fifteen, sitting in Geometry class in 10th grade. It was right after lunch and an announcement came over the school intercom: “Ronald Reagan was just sworn in as the 40th president of the United States and the hostages have just taken off from Tehran!�

In one breath, the tone for the next eight years was set. Because of him, the world took the United States seriously again. I was glad that Ronald Reagan was my president. Even with no end to the cold war in sight and terrorism on the rise, I felt safe. Someone was really looking out for our best interests. I was proud that my first presidential vote went to him in 1984.

Some people say there will never be another president like Ronald Reagan, that he was one of a kind. I hope they are wrong. I would like to see politics full of people like Ronald Reagan, whether I agree with them or not. It would be refreshing to hear intelligent debates about important issues and ideas instead of the the usual political sniping.

People of Reagan's character are not as rare as people think. But, the path to politics leaves a trail of battered bodies. The media is quick to elevate people and relentless in its desire to tear them back down. As a result, those most qualified rarely seek office. The best way to honor Reagan's legacy is to attract people to politics who can restore its honor and integrity. We the citizens can help in that effort by insisting upon a responsible and accountable media.

Happy Birthday Mr. President!

Action Figure Abducted in Iraq

Can you believe this one? It appears the terrorists in Iraq are actually holding an action figure hostage, and threatening to behead it. Admittedly, it is good news that it's not a real soldier in this photo. But some poor child, somewhere in the Middle East, is probably crying and wondering what happened to his/her action figure. The best comment I heard on this was from a co-worker:

"I think Barbie should hop in the Corvette and mount a rescue mission. Ken probably wouldn't be much help, though"

I'm waiting for them to claim they shot down an aircraft, only to have it turn out to be a plastic model (the raised letters and flashing will probably still be visible).

Too much...