Happy... Um... Merry... Er...

Happy Holidays to all readers of Touch 'Em All.

Don't be offended. My declaration to you is not meant to exclude anyone or anything from your particular holiday.

If anything, it is to include everyone in this time of joy and happiness.

This season, more and more people are actually offended by that simple greeting. From the Christian Conservatives who are upset with the White House holiday card to simple interactions at your local mega-mart.

Those on one side cry because "Happy Holidays" takes Christ out of Christmas. What they fail to take into account are the number of holidays that occur at this time of year and the fact that not everyone celebrates Christmas -- and that it is likely Jesus was not born on Dec. 25.

Several sources indicate that the actual Christmas holiday is of pagan origin -- a celebration of the winter feast. A declaration by Pope Julius I in 350 A.D. that Christ's birth would be celebrated on Dec. 25 was done to be able to convert as many of the pagans to Christianity as possible -- since they wouldn't lose their winter holiday.

Indeed, many of the features associated with Christmas (exchanging of gifts, burning of the Yule log, decorating trees) were rooted in pagan festivals. "Back in the day," early Christians would appropriate many pagan holidays and convert them in an effort to stamp out their ancient traditions.

These days, there are other holidays that fall towards the end of the year -- the Winter Solstice, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, Boxing Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

And among Western cultures, Christmas itself has divided into two nearly separate holidays -- one to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and one to celebrate joy and happiness with Santa Claus. Is it commercialism or Christianity?

Why can't it be both and more?

There are those who say that political correctness has gone too far and fails to recognize their own individual beliefs about the holiday season. However, if I choose to say, "Happy Holidays" to you, am I not recognizing that your beliefs are just as important as mine and I recognize our individual differences?

Let us all celebrate the holiday season together and our own holidays individually. There is nothing wrong with coming together with our beliefs -- no matter how varied -- as long as we respect each other's beliefs -- whatever they may be.

And right now, I believe I will have another cup of hot chocolate.

Peace, love, joy and happiness to each and all of you. I think we can all agree on that.

Good News? Your Choice

There is a new Web site that is concentrating solely on producing "good news" and nothing else.

While this is an outstanding endeavor, it is hardly the first time that someone has concentrated on good news. Indeed, good news stories in this column have generated outstanding responses.

Back in the 1990s, a few television stations around the country heard the complaints about local news -- too much murder, too much crime, and too much bad news. They decided that they would not do those stories anymore and focus more on positive news and good news.

In the beginning, it appeared it was a good idea. People watched and the accolades came in.

As time wore on, the audiences dwindled and eventually got to the point where the newsrooms had to go back to reporting the old way. It was not without some hand wringing, but it had to be done.

"Good news" stories are a welcome break from the constant stream of death, mayhem and destruction. However, people don't want to be fed a steady diet of good news.

Good news is the distraction -- a cleansing of the information palate. But many of the stories that do well on my work Web site usually involve death, sex or controversy. It is what people want to read, while maintaining an air of superiority by insisting that stations produce too much "bad news."

That's the great thing about news on the Internet. If you click on a link to a headline, you chose to read that story.

So fill up on all the bad news you want. Just remember, you asked for it.

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And while I'm on the news rant, can we please get some context in our stories? Recently, it was reported that a boy died from avian flu in China -- the first such death in the region. It was widely reported and led some news reports.

In the 2003-2004 flu season, the deaths of 93 children younger than 18 in the United States was reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They died from traditional flu and not the dreaded avian flu that seems to get all the press.

All I'm asking for is context.

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"Evacuate? In our moment of triumph? I think you overestimate their chances!"

Touch 'em all with me, whether you agree with me or criticize me. I like the way you think! Tell me your opinion. Add a comment below and tell me what you think or write to me if you want to join the ever-growing e-mail list to have my column delivered right to your inbox.

Could You Repeat The Question?

Imagine working your way through a government questionnaire and coming across this question.

Are you a member of any foreign or domestic organization, association, movement, group, or combination of persons which is totalitarian, fascist, communist, or subversive, or which has adopted, or shows a policy of advocating or approving the commission of acts of force or violence to deny other persons their rights under the Constitution of the United States, or which seeks to alter the form of Government of the U.S. by unconstitutional means?

Ignoring the obvious run-on sentence, what is the point?

If I am a member of such a group, do they honestly believe I'm going to answer yes? Or by answering no, am I under suspicion that I am lying about my response?

And what if I answer yes? Do they believe I really am a member of such a group, or do they think I'm just being a smart aleck?

Either way, I somehow feel this is just another sheet of paper in my ever-growing file in a cabinet somewhere. I had a high school friend who applied for a job with the federal government and listed me as a reference many years ago.

While I was flattered that he thought that much of me, I was a bit concerned when, while at work, I was visited by two people who flashed badges and documents showing they worked for the FBI.

Over the next couple of hours, they asked me many questions about my friend, our relationship, and what I thought he would do in the future. I guess I was supposed to psychoanalyze him, but our friendship didn't work that way.

We hung out, played in the band, enjoyed video games and lived about 3 miles from each other. Was I qualified to determine his future in the government? Could I somehow tip off the FBI that he was a subversive who was destined to become one of those people who answers 'yes' to the question?

In this age of high security and high alarm, is it even necessary to ask the question at all? Either answer probably gets your investigated.

And so does this column.

"Is this some sort of funhouse, Wonka?" "Why? Are you having fun?"

Touch 'em all with me, whether you agree with me or criticize me. I like the way you think! Tell me your opinion. Add a comment below and tell me what you think or write to me if you want to join the ever-growing e-mail list to have my column delivered right to your inbox.

Wallets, Wars and Wonder

The holiday season tends to wear on people's nerves and their wallets.

I have vowed not to enter any store or mall to purchase Christmas gifts. Everything will be done online or via magazines.

The hassle of parking, the hostility of angry shoppers and the uncertainty of actually finding what I want/need fuels my boycott. I've come close in previous years, but this will be the season for 100% compliance.

I'm not going and you can't make me. Besides, think of the money I'm saving.

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Speaking of money, I heard a report this week that the United States is now spending $5 billion a month on the war in Iraq. Yes, that is billion with a B.

And that doesn't even take into account the untold costs in human life.

I'm not getting into whether we belong there or not, but I am going to get into the wisdom of spending that much money on a conflict that appears to have no end in the very near future. Some experts said the U.S. may be needed in Iraq for another 5 to 10 years and the final bill could reach $1 trillion.

Thomas Jefferson said, "The price of freedom is eternal vigilance." It is also apparently requires very deep pockets.

________________________________________________

The television station I work at recently did a story about how a local volunteer fire department was in need of financial help and how the "Katrina Effect" had dampened the giving efforts.

Now, I have read how other fire departments want to know why they weren't highlighted because they need money too.

Forgive me if I'm missing something, but this sounds just a tad like envy. Since there are many volunteer fire companies around the state (and probably all in need of donations), does that mean we need to do a story about each one?

Or perhaps we should just ignore the story all together since we can't do a story on them all?

Or perhaps people should be donating to their local volunteer fire departments without us doing any story at all because these are the guys that will be coming to your house at 1 a.m. to rescue you and your loved ones -- and they do it because of their large hearts and dedication.

Don't forget these guys and gals in your annual gift giving. They'll be there when you need them.

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Snow is in the forecast. Let the hoarding of milk, bread and toilet paper begin. And please shovel and salt your walkways in front of your homes. Just because it "isn't my job" doesn't mean you can't help out. Remember, the back you save may just be your own.

"So you fell in a vat of acid, got your skin bleached, and decided to become a super-villain. What, you couldn't get work as a rodeo clown?" -- Batman

Touch 'em all with me, whether you agree with me or criticize me. I like the way you think! Tell me your opinion. Add a comment below and tell me what you think or write to me if you want to join the ever-growing e-mail list to have my column delivered right to your inbox.

Group Effort

It is over. I'm sorry for missing last week, but the planning and pre-planning for this Thanksgiving was way over the mark.

This was my first attempt at a real turkey -- not some turkey roll or turkey breast. Why an actual bird this year? Families from both sides of the aisle were planning to attend, including my parents and Kim's father.

Now before you think it was some Hallmark moment with 20 people and 6 more at the kids' table, it was a much smaller affair than that. My immediate family consists of my mom and dad and one younger brother. Kim's nearby family is her dad and her younger brother.

Be that as it may, the pressure was on.

I decided since I was going to be adventurous, it was time to really go all out. I decided to smoke my turkey.

When I planned this, the temperatures were in the 60s and being outside with the grill didn't seem like a bad idea. However when Thanksgiving rolled around, snow was still present on the deck and the wind was biting.

My biggest fear -- okay, second biggest fear -- came true though. Things were getting done at different times and warming concerns became the focus of the meal.

All the good chefs use assistants -- or soux chefs. I had two that really helped me out with slicing and mixing and dealing with things I missed/didn't have time for/didn't want to deal with.

Smells and sounds drifted out into the living room and those who weren't cooking would make their way through the kitchen to observe, comment, taste and move on. At one point, I stopped and wedged myself into a corner to take it all in.

The holidays have always been about togetherness and making a meal -- this meal -- gave us all the chance to talk, laugh, argue and just be with one another. In a way, it is sad that it doesn't happen more often, but distance, schedules and plans have a nasty habit of getting in the way.

I hope all of you had the chance to spend the holidays with someone important or someone you just wanted to share the day with. It doesn't matter if your portion of the day is to sit, watch football and eat -- it matters that you were there when it all happened.

Being together.

Now, somebody tell me what to do with this turkey carcass? Mom won't let me throw it away.

And holy guacamole, could the shopping season get started any sooner? My friends at Starbucks have been decorated for Christmas since mid-November, but they at least refrained from holiday music. Now that we are past Turkey Day, I guess it starts in earnest. Let the elbowing begin.

"This song is called "Alice's Restaurant." It's about Alice, and the restaurant, but "Alice's Restaurant" is not the name of the restaurant, that's just the name of the song. That's why I call the song "Alice's Restaurant."" -- Arlo Guthrie

Touch 'em all with me, whether you agree with me or criticize me. I like the way you think! Tell me your opinion. Add a comment below and tell me what you think or write to me if you want to join the ever-growing e-mail list to have my column delivered right to your inbox.

Just Call Me Reverse Radio Shack

Time to play Q&A. Just some random musings I've had this past week.

1. Which would you rather do: eat anything you want and never gain a pound, but you have to sleep at least 12 hours a day OR sleep only 4 hours a day and feel fully refreshed, but immediately gain 25 pounds.


2. Would you classify politics as reactionary or visionary? And do you like it that way?


3. Is it still art even if you don't like it?


4. If groups want to ban video games for creating violence, why don't they want to ban automobiles for creating accidents?


5. Am I immature or childlike?


6. Which is more important: getting Christmas shopping done or exercising?


7. Is it that thought that REALLY counts?


8. What if the hokey pokey is REALLY what it is all about?


9. Can animals be evil?


10. Is it possible to watch the news and not think they aren't slanting it?

Ah, the musings of a madman. Now it is your turn.

Click on the comments link below and give me your answers -- or ask questions of your own. But I'm really interested to see what you think.

"I find your lack of faith -- disturbing" -- Darth Vader

Touch 'em all with me, whether you agree with me or criticize me. I like the way you think! Tell me your opinion. Add a comment below and tell me what you think or write to me if you want to join the ever-growing e-mail list to have my column delivered right to your inbox.

Reset The Alarm

I've been playing adult hockey for a couple of years now. And I still can't get into the swing of rest/non-rest times.

Games are held at 9:45 p.m., last a couple of hours and are really fun. By the time I get out of all the gear and pads, it is 11:15 p.m. We then talk about different issues

I get out of the rink and head for home around midnight. On a normal day, I'm up around 4 a.m. to head to work (and my keyboard), so 4 hours of sleep isn't so bad.
Or so I thought.

After a while, the four hours of planned sleep became 2 1/2 to 3 hours of actual sleep because I didn't account for the adrenaline rush and general excitement. I figured that would improve -- it didn't.

I knew I was in trouble when the word I hate to be called came out of my wife's mouth -- "grouchy" -- and so sleep has become a priority. And I'm not alone in my lack of drowsiness.

Difficulty falling or staying asleep is a common problem. About half of Americans report sleep difficulty at least occasionally, according to National Sleep Foundation surveys. These woes - called insomnia by doctors - have far-reaching effects: a negative impact on concentration, productivity and mood.

Researchers have found that people with chronic insomnia are more likely than others to develop several kinds of psychiatric problems, and are also likely to make greater use of healthcare services, according to the NSP. People suffering from sleep apnea are likely to have higher blood pressure while they sleep and suffer from excessive daytime sleepiness.

And I was just worried about being grouchy.

In the NSF survey, those who said they had trouble getting enough sleep reported a greater difficulty concentrating, accomplishing required tasks and handling minor irritations. Overall, sleep loss has been found to impair the ability to perform tasks involving memory, learning, and logical reasoning. This may contribute to mistakes or unfulfilled potential at school or on the job and strained relationships at home. In fact, sleeplessness has been found to be a significant predictor of absenteeism.

Forewarned is forearmed, or so it has been said. Now that I know, I'm making changes. I don't think so much after a game (I was usually replaying portions in my mind on the way home) and I make sure I get some sleep before the game. I cut back on caffeine and try to keep to a normal schedule as much as possible.

Shakespeare in Hamlet's soliloquy: "To sleep: perchance to dream: ay, there's the rub; / For in that sleep of death what dreams may come, / When we have shuffled off this mortal coil, / Must give us pause." I am not prepared to sleep the "final sleep" anytime soon, because I still dream. (Not some dumb jock after all, eh Amy?) However, it does give me pause (as opposed to my cats, which give me paws).

So, how do I know how much sleep I truly need? The NSF says if you have trouble staying alert during boring or monotonous situations when fatigue is often "unmasked" you probably aren't getting enough good-quality sleep.

Hockey rocks and I'm going to give everything I can. I want my teammates to be able to count on me as their captain and the games. But I know other people count on me too and I'm going to get my rest so everyone can count on me for anything.

And I can stop being grouchy! Maybe.

"I'm so tired/I haven't slept a wink/I'm so tired/My mind is on the blink" -- The Beatles.

Boo!

Massive headache today, but once I get better, I've got a nice holiday article. I just can't complete it right now.

Check back tomorrow.

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Not so long ago, a group of people was accused of being different.

It didn't matter whether they were or weren't. A vocal minority pointed them out, rouse the rabble and attacked those people.

Some members of the accused group were killed, others were forced to flee or turn on others of their kind to save their lives. It didn't matter that there was no evidence of wrongdoing or even that some harm had come to the accusers.

It took some time, but finally, sanity and reason prevailed. However, a scar was left on our collective memories.

If you are trying to figure out what I'm referring to, your guesses are probably correct even though they may be different. This scene has played out many times throughout history.

While those of African, Jewish, Arabic or some other background can all claim this history as part of its own, I'm going deep into the way-back machine and, in the spirit of the season, going back to Massachusetts and the year 1692.

The Salem witch trials were well under way because of the hysteria of several young girls. Nineteen men and women were hanged after being "convicted" of witchcraft, one man was pressed to death for not cooperating with the court and 17 others died while in prison.

No single shred of physical evidence was presented and those who were persecuted were done so only on the word of tormented young girls. More than 150 men and women were jailed during this time.

From June to October, the "accused" were paraded in front of a special court and their sentences were carried out quickly. Only the actions of the governor prevented more people from being killed.

My point is this: this was not the first nor definitely the last time something like this has happened. It seems to occur quite regularly throughout our history -- and may be going on even today.

It seems whenever times of stress and confusion reign, our sense and sensibilities are the first casualties. We strive toward singularity of ideas and ideals rather than taking the time to embrace the plurality of it all. Bring closer those of like minds and reject or blast those who are different is the rule and should be the exception.

If we don't understand or can't comprehend, we should take the time to do so. It isn't right to shun those who aren't like us and certainly don't accept those who claim violence is the right way.

But in the spirit of Halloween, it is time to remember the old ghosts and don't let them become future ones.

And all you people who think Halloween is a demonic holiday need to do a little research and open up your minds. Geez!

Homer: "Marge, you being a cop makes you the man! Which makes me the woman - and I have no interest in that, besides occasionally wearing the underwear, which as we discussed, is strictly a comfort thing."

Touch 'em all with me, whether you agree with me or criticize me. I like the way you think! Tell me your opinion. Add a comment below and tell me what you think or write to me if you want to join the ever-growing e-mail list to have my column delivered right to your inbox.

The Envelope

Nerves, trepidation, butterflies.

Is it the measure of a person to know their limitations, touch the edge of the envelope and excel within those confines?

Or it is better to push harder, try again and strive to achieve beyond your means -- even though failure is more likely than not?

History is sprinkled with those men and women who have gone beyond the barriers and achieved greatness. It is also littered with those souls who reached farther than they could grasp and went down in flames.

To paraphrase: is it better to have tried and lost than to never have tried at all?

Individual judgment is the only referee to settle this conflict. We each must make the decision to press on in our personal battlefields or hold on to the gains we've made with an eye toward the greater goal.

Those who decide that there are goals that can and should be reached are often called dreamers, fools, risk-takers and sometimes, just foolish. However, they are also known as leaders, pioneers, and sometimes, visionaries.

What is the guide? Where is the dividing line between fool and pioneer?

And what is lost when we can't see the line at all? Risk and reward are ethereal entities that only history can dole out.

Red lever, blue lever or no lever at all.

Choices are made and lives go on. But in the multitude of parallel universes, one world's dreamer is another world's leader.

Only history can make that determination. However, we can make the choices.

For me, I choose to take the risks. Nothing ventured and nothing gained. I'm never satisfied with what I have accomplished, but I am happy with the choices I've made.

Where do you fall? And what are you going to do about it?

"We can pave new roads with the cold creed stones, wind them through the pines" -- Foo Fighters

Touch 'em all with me, whether you agree with me or criticize me. I like the way you think! Tell me your opinion. Add a comment below and tell me what you think or write to me if you want to join the ever-growing e-mail list to have my column delivered right to your inbox.

Making Sense Of The Argument

There is a book that -- under normal circumstances -- would have generated more controversy and angst that it would make "The Satanic Verses" look like a comic book.

But because of who the author is and the almost dismissive way he frames his own book, it is barely a blip on the radar. However, that does not make it any less interesting or provocative.

What if I told you that God is dead? What if I said that we -- and everything around us -- are all made up of God's debris?

That simple, yet outstanding, notion is the basis for a book written by the creator of the Dilbert comics, Scott Adams. Adams wrote the book as a thought experiment and targeted a very specific audience.

In the introduction, Adams wrote, "The story contains no violence, no sexual content, and no offensive language. But the ideas expressed by the characters are inappropriate for young minds. People under the age of 14 should not read it."

Adams said the target audience for the book is people who enjoy having their brains spun around in their skulls.

The premise of the book is the effective -- and often wrong -- use of Occam's Razor. Given two equally predictive theories, choose the simpler.

Adams' protagonist is a man who literally knows everything, but uses Occam's Razor to explain the great mysteries of the universe, including the existence of God.

God, as stated in the book, is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent. Since God already knows everything throughout time and space, there is really only one question remaining to keep his interest.

What happens when God dies?

The details of this proposition are what make the book worth reading. The simplistic and absurdly basic discussion about this premise between the two main characters will make you smirk, but tug at the edges of your logic centers.

And that's when Adams springs the experiment on you -- find out what's wrong with the explanation of reality.

It is a fabulous read if you like to be challenged, like challenging normalcy or just like reading something different. Adams suggests sharing the book with your smart friends, then discuss it later while enjoying a beverage.

Anyone want to join me?

"I'm not afraid/Of anything in this world/There's nothing you can throw at me/That I haven't already heard"

Touch 'em all with me, whether you agree with me or criticize me. I like the way you think! Tell me your opinion. Add a comment below and tell me what you think or write to me if you want to join the ever-growing e-mail list to have my column delivered right to your inbox.

Blah, Blah, Blah

Yes, I have been slacking.

The amount of inertia and empathy I have been experiencing is only balanced out by the total disregard of my surroundings. There isn't enough nothingness to express how much I have been paying attention to anything at all.

Get the idea?

That said, I am feeling a very tiny bit of regret for not updating the site. Okay, maybe regret isn't the right word, but you get this today.

I have been more involved in music -- listening, not making -- and that seems to help pass the time. There are some bright spots along the way, but for some reason, I'm focusing on the negative.

I'm not normally that way. When the darkness hits, I can usually embrace it and twist it into my own origami for my amusement.

Lately, the waves have been crashing and I'm without a surfboard -- and I don't care.

That's it. No epiphany, no deep meaning, no secret message.

As a matter of fact, I originally decided to stop writing Touch Em All, because I didn't know if anyone cared or read it anymore. But I find myself in front of the keyboard once again and just rambling.

I need a reset button. I need a broom. And I need a holiday.

Do I need to upset the cart to rearrange the contents? Or do I have the patience and skill to selectively remove the bad apples without spoiling the lot?

And how does the real world do it without television as their guide?

"It's in my best interest to be open-minded and have open ears." -- B.J.Ryan, Orioles pitcher

Touch 'em all with me, whether you agree with me or criticize me. I like the way you think! Tell me your opinion. Add a comment below and tell me what you think or write to me if you want to join the ever-growing e-mail list to have my column delivered right to your inbox.

Cover Story Tells All

Despite more than 30 years of getting to know the female persuasion, the different aspects that develop constantly amaze me.

Take magazines. I subscribe to three different mags -- one for my health and fitness, one for the latest trends and one for toys.

On the cover of my health publication, it talks about articles that will grow muscle fast, the best abs exercise, 139 quick health fixes and how to look better than ever. There is one mention of how to find her hottest spots.

My trendy magazine talks about the clothing I should be wearing, protecting my identity, how to get ahead at work and ten blue-ribbon bourbons from the Bluegrass State.

My toys magazine -- well, we'll just skip by that one.

All of these covers speak to articles that impact me directly. Whether it is how I can look my best, how I can get ahead at work, or what toys will work best for me -- it is all about me.

When I was at the doctor's office recently, I took a look at some of the magazine covers that were there. Granted, they were several months old, but what I saw was pretty amazing.

Cosmopolitan -- which I gather is the gold standard for women's magazines -- had several articles on how a woman can keep her man happy. Articles like 101 sex tips, the ego stroke that keeps guys faithful, 8 sex truths you don't know about yourself, and the male brain explained all pointed towards a strange and weirdly twisted conclusion -- it really is all about the guy.

I've always thought that women held all the power when it came to relationships. Men (and I'm including myself in this) are generally easily manipulated by a pouty lip, the scent of a wonderful perfume or the intense focus when you finally catch that woman's eye.

There really isn't much science to it all. And honestly, we are pretty easy.

However, as certain female friends of mine are quick to point out, good guys are much more difficult to find -- and women will do just about anything to hang on to them. Perhaps this is the impetus for the articles in women's magazines -- keeping what you have and like.

Speaking as one of the good guys, we are trying to do the same thing. Good relationships -- whether with a significant other, a good friend or someone you just met - takes effort on both sides. The magazine covers out there make it seem really one-sided.

Maybe gals feel like they have to work on it more than guys. But we guys work on it -- we just never read the directions.

I'm really interested in hearing the female point of view about this one. Do you really read those magazines to find out how to make life better for guys? What is really going on? Or is this all some twisted plot to make guys think you worry about what we want -- while all the time secretly maneuver us into thinking that what we want is what you are already giving us? Arrrrgh!!! "I'm disinclined to acquiesce to your request. Means no."

Touch 'em all with me, whether you agree with me or criticize me. I like the way you think! Tell me your opinion. Add a comment below and tell me what you think or write to me if you want to join the ever-growing e-mail list to have my column delivered right to your inbox.

Blowin In The Wind

With all the names (at last check, we are up to O) we are using up, everyone wants to know when they will get to be a hurricane.

My friend Amy was upset that she could no longer be a hurricane. It isn't that she was a deadly storm -- hurricanes that are so deadly or costly that the future use of its name on a different storm would be inappropriate for obvious reasons of sensitivity. Amy was last used in 1973 and not put on any of the current naming lists.

My wife is disappointed that her name isn't on the list of storm names put out by an international committee of the World Meteorological Organization. She is included on the list of storm names for Australia though, so I told her she was just twisted in a different direction than me.

I'm on the list for 2009.

It is odd how people will gravitate to things that have or resemble their own names. Storms were named in 1953 just for ease of identification, but people have a tendency to name things right away before truly understanding them -- labeling them, if you will.

I was sent a Web site that allows people to answer a series of questions to find out what religion you are practicing ... or ought to be practicing.

It was interesting to get my "religion" since I really don't practice one anyway. Apparently, there is a religion for that too.

It certainly doesn't mean I'm going to run out and join the church for my "selected" religion. Heck, I don't even know if they have one, but I have no interest.

What is interesting is that this is another attempt to label people. Nearly every time you meet a new person, one of the first questions they ask is "where do you work?" as if your job defines you. There is a need to "label" someone so you can fit him or her into your world.

I am as guilty as anyone in doing this, although I try not to. It is a bit more difficult to allow a person's actions to define them, but often it is worth the effort.

People are much more complex than simple labels that can be attached to them. In my world, there are no labels.

Except the one that says, "You are here. Have a nice day."

The need to pigeonhole and categorize everything is basic. Scientists do it every time they discover something new. I guess you can't talk about something (or someone) until you name them. It just doesn't necessarily make it right. "It's three o'clock in the morning, and I'm hungry so let's eat."

Touch 'em all with me, whether you agree with me or criticize me. I like the way you think! Tell me your opinion. Add a comment below and tell me what you think or write to me if you want to join the ever-growing e-mail list to have my column delivered right to your inbox.

Simplistic Reaction Time

How much can I one person take? How much before the system overloads?

The full impact and fury of hurricane Katrina still has yet to be felt, but so many people -- good, decent people -- are filled with such a rage.

Citizens all over Maryland -- and probably the entire nation -- want to help those people whose lives have been utterly destroyed by the storm. The first reaction is one of a helping hand -- to contribute money, clothing, food, whatever they have to spare -- in hopes of restoring some sort of faith in those victims that they are not alone.

However, despite what people believe, support groups and supply convoys simply do not spring up like magic. They take time, logistical support and careful planning. Otherwise, in trying to aid and bring comfort, the efforts end up adding to the chaos.

So people waited.

Yet, the images and stories of the people crushed by the hurricane continue to pour in.

So the waiting turns to frustration.

Here is where the finger pointing and blame game starts. Someone must be responsible for this, they believe. Some group or leader must be held accountable.

But, natural forces of our planet created this situation. People wrote in asking why a nuclear device couldn't be dropped in the middle of the hurricane to disperse it. Why can't we stop a storm or, at the very least, deflect it?

You may as well ask the sun to stop rising. But no one or no group is to blame for the monumental and daunting task of helping those who need it.

People wanted to know why the military couldn't be airdropped in, or why food and water couldn't come from supply packages that were dropped. In that type of environment, only the strongest would survive and those who needed it most wouldn't get it.

This confluence of events -- a powerful storm striking an area that is not only below sea level, but also flattening the most impoverished areas of those cities -- could not have been planned for. Despite all the warnings and "mandatory" evacuations, there were thousands of people who -- for what ever reason -- could not or did not flee.

It is easy to sit in the comfort of our homes hundreds of miles away and armchair quarterback. It is not easy to sit in those same homes and see the images and stories of what is happening down to our brothers and sisters to the south.

And to those of you who try to play the race card, I feel sorry for you -- and more is the pity that those thoughts would cross your minds in this time when togetherness is sometimes the only hope for those people who need it most.

How much can I one person take? How much before the system overloads?

Hopefully, you'll never know.

I have stayed away from the pictures as much as I can. It is probably a comfort that I've been out of it for the past week. I know where my limit is and this is not a time to find out if I can push it. And whatever contributions you can or cannot make to the relief effort, know this -- there is no need for guilt if you know you have done all you can. Every bit helps and everyone -- whether with money, goods, time, effort, or just thoughts -- should help. "Instant Karma's gonna get you/Gonna knock you off your feet/Better recognize your brothers/Ev'ryone you meet/Why in the world are we here/Surely not to live in pain and fear/Why on earth are you there/When you're ev'rywhere/Come and get your share"

Touch 'em all with me, whether you agree with me or criticize me. I like the way you think! Tell me your opinion. Add a comment below and tell me what you think or write to me if you want to join the ever-growing e-mail list to have my column delivered right to your inbox.

Robot Wars

Update: 8/30 at 8:09 a.m.

The surgery went well, according to the doctor. He cleaned some stuff (technical term) out of my knee and said the tendons along the side of the knee were stretched to the point of tearing, but didn't come loose. All the ligaments (ACL, MCL) looked good.

I was totally wacked out all day Monday. I don't think I've slept that much in a long time. I'll be wrapped and on crutches for a while -- likely start physical therapy sometime next week. There is no timetable yet on when I'll be able to be active again, but I will be working hard towards 100%.

I appreciate all the well-wishes and e-cards I've received. I am truly touch by your outpouring of kind thoughts. I promise to respond to all of you who have written directly to me, but please be patient. The medication tends to make me sluggish -- so awake time is limited to short bursts of consciousness. :)

Next week, no more talk about me. We'll move on to more interesting things.

=======================================================================

I'm heading for surgery in a few hours, so this will be very short now and hopefully I will be conscious enough later to add some more stuff in.

It is amazing how the fear of someone cutting into your body can make you feel oh-so-much better. While I still ache, I would rather just hurt than have surgery.

But then, I try to move and the knives stab into my knee and we're back to square one. Ugh.

I'll be back later -- unless I am under the spell of chemicals for the rest of the day.

Bad Comments

You may have noticed (if you read the comments) that someone submitted spam as a comment. I was able to delete it fairly quickly, but it still got posted on the site for a while.

Automated systems, or bots, scan blog sites like this one and post "comments", which are nothing more than trashing my site and my Internet (possessive, aren't I?) Blogger now has a way to block bots from posting spam, but it requires a little work from you if you want to post a comment.

People leaving comments on the blog will be required to complete a word verification step -- in other words, enter a computer generated word to get their comments posted. Fighting fire with fire.

I like reading the comments. I think you guys are a great bunch and are very thoughtful about what you read here and what you write at the bottom. I want to encourage discussion and a free exchange of ideas. I don't want to make it harder or inconvenient to post comments.

However, if the spam becomes more of an issue, I may have to seriously think about it. Would that stop you from posting a comment if you had to take one extra step?

Imagination is a curious thing. It killed the cat and it is 98% of invention. Albert Einstein once wrote, "Imagination is more important than knowledge -- knowledge is limited, but imagination encircles the world." Have you used your imagination today? It needs exercise, too! "Down with tyranny! up with ... non-tyranny!"

Touch 'em all with me, whether you agree with me or criticize me. I like the way you think! Tell me your opinion. Add a comment below and tell me what you think or write to me if you want to join the ever-growing e-mail list to have my column delivered right to your inbox

Memory Dump

I have been totally swamped the past couple of weeks. I know. How dare work get in the way with my personal web life?

I apologize for not posting last week, but I promise to give you a heads-up the next time. Unfortunately, this week will just have to be a memory dump -- too much in my mind.

Work

My work site is changing to this. We hope it will be a cleaner site with more available at the user's fingertips.

This is a big project. We are the fourth site to be changed and probably the most contentious so far. Lots of personalization and lots of work on the backend.

I hope to be out of this soon.

Distractions

If you haven't figured out, I am a lover of cartoons. I grew up with Bugs, Daffy, the Road Runner, Taz and all the Warner Brothers gang.

I also watched lots of Spider-Man and Ultra Man (great Japanese show with monsters).

These days, Cartoon Network has got me hooked on Foster's Home For Imaginary Friends. Honestly, if you like cartoons, you have to check this one out. It is great for kids and has enough adult humor to make it good for the rest of us.

Medicos

And if work weren't enough, I have a tear in a ligament in my knee.

Yes, it happened in hockey. Yes, I'm seeing a doctor (and he has seen me).

And yes, I'm driving those close to me nuts. I don't do well with sitting still or not being involved in sports.

My mom has suggested a heavy (or heavier) dose of video games to keep me occupied. My co-workers have been very diligent in reminding me that I need to be on my crutches.

Their only hope is that I'm unconscious while the healing process continues.

But on the other hand, you guys might get more of me. How does that sound?

Did that sound like a threat? :) Don't worry. You'll get warned in plenty of time before that happens. And if you have any good stories to throw my way, I'd be glad to read them. Also, feel free to drop me a line if you get e-mails that sound like hoaxes. I consider it a community service to stop those @#%ing e-mails from clogging up everyone else's inbox. "In an interstellar burst, I am back to save the universe."

Touch 'em all with me, whether you agree with me or criticize me. I like the way you think! Tell me your opinion. Add a comment below and tell me what you think or write to me if you want to join the ever-growing e-mail list to have my column delivered right to your inbox

Random Act Of Kindness

The past few weeks have put baseball and the steroids issue in the spotlight -- much to the dismay of the Baltimore Orioles.

First baseman Rafael Palmeiro failed a steroid test, months after testifying before Congress that he never took steroids in his career. In a statement after the failed, Palmeiro said he never intentionally took steroids.

Let the parsing begin.

Many fans and non-fans have jumped up and down on Palmeiro and other sluggers for allegedly drugging up throughout their career. Baseball itself has suffered yet another black eye as congressional leaders possibly move to clean up the game.

And yet, for all the publicity that this has created, there was an even bigger story that didn't get nearly the same play.

Last Wednesday, a 6 year-old boy and his grandfather went to a ballgame in Cincinnati to watch the Reds play the Atlanta Braves. Sometime during the game, the grandfather collapsed in the stands and died.

While emergency crews worked to save the man, a security guard took the boy to the Reds bullpen. The boy sat with the players for the rest of the game while his parents were summoned to the ballpark.

When the game ended, outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. went and got him. The boy took part as players exchanged high-fives to celebrate their 8-5 win over Atlanta. Then he then joined them in the clubhouse, where the players showered him with gifts and entertained him until his parents arrived.

“We just tried to make a bad situation a little better,” outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. told the Cincinnati Enquirer. “We play a game. What he was going through doesn’t compare. It was important that the little guy not be by himself.”

So many times, random acts of kindness catch us off guard so badly that we don't realize how magnificent they really are until much later. The Reds didn't have to do anything, yet they reached out to the youngster with so much compassion and understanding that it boggles the mind.

It wasn't about a scheduled activity or a public relations ploy to win over fans. It was about reacting to the situation and having the understanding of the moment.

Baseball isn't about hits, runs, steroids or over-inflated salaries. It is about players and families coming together to enjoy a game.

As Griffey said, "We play a game. What he was going through doesn’t compare."

We could do with more stories of compassion, coming together and understanding.

One more time: just because the tornado isn't directly aimed at your house doesn't mean you get to blast the television station because we are warning those people in the path.

A tornado warning, which means a tornado has actually been sighted or is indicated by radar, was issued this weekend and my television station did what it is supposed to -- break into programming to warn those people who might get hit by the tornado to get out of the way.

It is a station's community responsibility to alert residents to get out of the way of tornadoes to prevent loss of life. Stations don't break into programming just for fun or just to upset your daily routine.

So to the people who decided to swear, belittle and flame the station for the decision to warn people about a tornado that was spotted by the National Weather Service -- the next time a storm comes, don't turn on your television or radio. Let's see if you want to find out about the storm then.

"I am Bloo! And you are my minions!!!"

Touch 'em all with me, whether you agree with me or criticize me. I like the way you think! Tell me your opinion. Add a comment below and tell me what you think or write to me if you want to join the ever-growing e-mail list to have my column delivered right to your inbox.

We Are Such Prudes

Hue and cry!

Fear! Fire! Foes!

Sound the alarm!

Oh... wait... *sigh*... it is just another case of overreaction.

You've probably heard about the controversy over a modification available for Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. This "hot coffee" mod supposedly allows explicit scenes of sex to be unlocked on the video game.

The maker of the game -- Rockstar -- at first said they didn't create the objectionable content. Then, they said, ok, yes we did, but you weren't supposed to see it. In fairness, the creator of the modification apparently doesn't work for Rockstar, so maybe they can be forgiven for that (but then how did the modder know the code was there -- hmmmm...)

In any event, the typical reaction of "ban all games", "games are evil", "video playing is the bane of our future" quickly emanated from all the usual suspects. The critics demanded blood and the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) reacted. They changed the voluntary rating of the game from M for mature to AO for adults only.

A bold move to be sure.

A closer look shows that this is a marshmallow move. According to the ESRB site, titles rated M (Mature) have content that may be suitable for persons ages 17 and older. Titles in this category may contain intense violence, blood and gore, sexual content, and/or strong language.

On the other hand, the site said titles rated AO (Adults Only) have content that should only be played by persons 18 years and older. Titles in this category may include prolonged scenes of intense violence and/or graphic sexual content and nudity.

Note the ages: 17 for M and 18 for AO. I guess that one year makes all the difference in the world -- NOT.

I don't know what they are thinking, but I guess they felt they had to do something. More and more people are "banning" the game because of the extra content so someone had to react -- and react poorly.

I have played Grand Theft Auto and GTA: Vice City. In the game, you are allowed to pay for services rendered by a prostitute. She climbs in the car; you go to a "private" spot; the car shakes and shimmies while moans come from the vehicle (and your money gets depleted); and then she gets out. Some people (mentioning no names here) then shoot the prostitute and regain their money.

That's the basis of the game. Kill for cash -- whether it is mob hits, police officers or prostitutes.

So, by critics standing up and lamenting about the "hot coffee" mod, in effect they are saying it is ok for my 17 year old to learn about killing, but not sex. And if you are letting your child who is under 17 play the game, you have no one to blame but yourself.

On a lighter note, I have a new grill and I've been putting flame to just about every meal. This is a real grill -- not a George Foreman grill -- and this is the first time I've ever owned this metal goddess. Now, I need to find good grilling recipes. I've done the basics, but I'm ready to experiment. You know about my love for ribs. I want to experience meat on bone over flame for myself. It is time for a party. "Ah! What is that? Get it away! It will steal my soul!" -- Eduardo

Touch 'em all with me, whether you agree with me or criticize me. I like the way you think! Tell me your opinion. Add a comment below and tell me what you think or write to me if you want to join the ever-growing e-mail list to have my column delivered right to your inbox.

Oh, To Be A Kid

If I were a kid (physically, not mentally), this would have been a great weekend.

When I was a kid, I used to read quite a bit. I remember a time I actually missed getting off the bus because I was so engrossed in a book.

The new Harry Potter book came out this weekend. I made the "mistake" of stopping in a local Barnes and Noble for another reason and was overrun by ... fans.

I've never read the books -- any of them -- and I'm not passing judgment on the books or the fans. But I did read the Tolkien trilogy and so I understand their passion.

I wouldn't know a Muggle from a warhog. What I do know about the Potter world I know from bits of conversation and movie clips on television.

However, even without any knowledge of the books, I wonder what the heck some ministers were thinking when they claimed the writings promoted Satanism and witchcraft. This sounds like somebody trying to jump on the publicity bandwagon.

Anything that can get kids to read in these times should be applauded -- not skewered. And any group that uses a book to further their own agenda needs to take a "chill pill."

Books, much like television, video games, friends, etc., should fall under the jurisdiction of the parents. Given how many adults are fans of Potter, I think the grown-ups know what it is all about.

Get out of the spotlight (and out of the way) and let the kids have some fun and imagination. And me, too.

Also, those people who said they wouldn't go see 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' because they love 'Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory' -- get over it. The movie is great. Johnny Depp makes a good Wonka. Gene Wilder made a good Wonka. There can be two. And the scenes are out loud laughable. You will be missing a good family movie and a good time. It is a great movie for kids, too. What a weekend. "There is no Dana -- only Zool."

Touch 'em all with me, whether you agree with me or criticize me. I like the way you think! Tell me your opinion. Add a comment below and tell me what you think or write to me if you want to join the ever-growing e-mail list to have my column delivered right to your inbox.

Too Much Support?

This past weekend, I ran only the second race ever in my adult life -- and I didn't even run it because I wanted to.

My wife, Kim, is in training for a marathon -- her first. This is the same woman who has recovered from knee surgery -- three of them.

She has been very good about doing things the right way. She got new running shoes. She's been talking to runners for tips and reading books for insight.

Her training has been going well. Over the past few weeks, she's been doing her long runs along a trail that I can rollerblade so it can be a joint venture.

Up front: I hate running for running's sake. I get bored too easily with the thought of running without chasing a ball or someone. I can do 90 feet or 100 yards or 94 feet (baseball, football, basketball) without any trouble.

I just can't mentally do it. I'm weak.

However, I will support her efforts to run a marathon in any way possible. And this time, I decided I would run with her in her first race -- a 5K race in Gettysburg, Pa.

Five kilometers translates to about 3.1 miles. I can do that. I've done it before, which is where I found out how boring running really is to me.

But for Kim, I can converse and encourage. She set out to run a 12-minute mile and her final pace ended up being 11:57 per mile.

I was very proud of her to overcome not only three knee surgeries, but her own doubts as well. She's well on her way to running in her marathon.

Now, she wants to run in a 10K race in about 4 months. And now, I'm torn.

Part of me wants to get myself ready to run with her. Physically, I think I can do it, but then again, I'm not sure if this isn't something she wants -- and should -- tackle on her own.

This is her glory and her time. In wanting to be the support team, do I do what she does or do I just stand on the sidelines and let her have the spotlight?

Even if I was to run at her side, this is her conquest. I'm just glad to be the sidekick. She is doing something very special and something I would never consider.

I just don't know what to do now.

I did marathon support for a very good friend of mine several years ago. As part of her support team, I joined her on the course around the 10-mile mark and stayed with her until the end. But I was on a bike carrying liquids and medications -- she was running on bad wheels. And she did it. As she wrote to me later, she said I was her "guardian angel on the course, never passing judgment, but knowing I would never let her fail." Failure is only if you don't try. I like strong women, can you tell? "'Stay away,' meaning do not approach the vicinity of. 'Do not enter,' meaning stay out, which should not arise if you saw 'stay away.'"

Touch 'em all with me, whether you agree with me or criticize me. I like the way you think! Tell me your opinion. Add a comment below and tell me what you think or write to me if you want to join the ever-growing e-mail list to have my column delivered right to your inbox.

Separation Anxiety or Choose Your Pleasure

Hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday weekend. And for those of you who aren't Americans, sorry you had to work on Monday.

The 4th of July weekend means so many things to so many people -- fireworks, hot dogs, independence, freedom. It also means the release of this year's "summer blockbuster" movie.

And if you didn't know, this year's movie is "War of the Worlds" -- Steven Spielberg's remake of the classic. The basic concept is Mars invades Earth with the purpose of wiping us all out.

The story is supposed to be pretty close to the original screenplay with updated effects and background. However, the biggest talk to this movie has been the star of the flick, Tom Cruise.

I'm not going to recount every bit of Cruise's ... publicity. And I use that term lightly.

His actions leading up to the release of the movie had some people questioning his intentions and sanity. I guess we'll see how long he and Katie stay together after the movie to find out whether this is true love or not.

The big thing has been the reaction of the public. While most accept it for what they think it is, some have voiced their displeasure with his (antics, politics, religion -- choose 1).

I asked a friend if an actor's stance on any particular topic makes you more or less willing to attend their performance. There was a quick and unequivocal "yes" and a lengthy explanation about supporting such an actor's stance if you pay to see them.

That's a bit shortsighted.

There have been many performers that I never wanted to see perform, but I shelled out the dough to hear their recordings. When I go to watch a movie, I don't analyze the actors voting records. I want to figure out if there is a good story to be watched.

Am I being naive? Or ignorant? Nah. I just think I'm willing to separate a person's actions from their (antics, politics, religion -- choose 1) without judging either. That isn't to say that people who choose to base their entertainment on an actor's (antics, politics, religion -- choose 1) that they are making a mistake.

They are just exercising their right to choose. We should all exercise as much as possible.

Yes, I do plan to see War of the Worlds, but the one I'm really looking forward to is Fantastic Four. I'm a comics geek from way back. I even have some comics from the 70s and 80s. And no, you can't have them. I'm saving them for my children to show them the true Golden Age of superheros. Flash was my favorite and still is. "At least the bunnies are on fire."

Touch 'em all with me, whether you agree with me or criticize me. I like the way you think! Tell me your opinion. Add a comment below and tell me what you think or write to me if you want to join the ever-growing e-mail list to have my column delivered right to your inbox.

Blame Game

The logic escapes me. Not surprising, but some days are worse than others.

I read a recent news article in my local neighborhood paper (yes, an actual newspaper) with the headline, "Dog bites woman, and is euthanized." Since this is my neighborhood paper, I decide to read further to find out if there was a dog on the loose and I didn't know about it.

It turns out the 2-year-old, 91-pound Akita had to be put down because it bit a woman in the nose and lips when she bent down to pet the dog.. The woman was treated for several days at Shock Trauma for her injuries.

The report said the dog had to be euthanized to check for rabies. Fortunately, the test came back negative.

In reading the story further, it turns out the woman who was injured was repeatedly warned not to pet the dog. Let me repeat: the woman who was injured was repeatedly warned not to pet the dog.

So, the woman gets bit and the dog gets killed -- all because the woman did something she was repeatedly told not to do. You can't see it, but my hackles are rising at the lunacy of the woman's actions.

In a small sense, I also think some of the blame for the dog's death has to fall on the owner's shoulders. Perhaps if the dog was up-to-date on its rabies shots, the animal wouldn't have to be destroyed to find out if the pet had the disease.

The onus and majority of the responsibility of this death lies in the lap of the injured woman. I feel bad that she got hurt, but I feel worse that her actions caused the euthanization of a family pet.

To me, this is akin to someone picking up a bottle of cleaner with the words, "POISON. Do Not Ingest," and then suing the cleaner company because the person drank it.

As I said, the logic escapes me. Unfortunately, a dog's life was lost in the process.

I can't stop shaking my head over this. Grrrr. And since I'm in a bad mood, why does a container of pure orange juice cost more than the same size container of some soft drink? Is the cost of growing something naturally more than mixing up a bunch of chemical to create a caramel-colored goo? In this day and age of healthy eating, how screwed up is this? "'Sowwy' doesn't make up for the fact that we had to reside in the unicorn stables for 36 days!"

Touch 'em all with me, whether you agree with me or criticize me. I like the way you think! Tell me your opinion. Add a comment below and tell me what you think or write to me if you want to join the ever-growing e-mail list to have my column delivered right to your inbox.

Meat On Bone

Ok. I didn't mean to, but apparently I am not alone in my search for good ribs.

I will say that what is good for me may not be good for you. There are so many different flavors, spices and sauces out there to cater to each and every set of taste buds.

Having said that, dive into the BBQ sauce with me!

I will not speak of ribs from "family restaurants" like Chili's, Applebee's, Ruby Tuesday's and others of their ilk. It isn't that their ribs are terrible -- it is just that they don't really barbecue with smoke and flame in their own establishment. If they do, then they really are pathetic.

In the Baltimore-Washington area, there are four legitimate restaurants that call themselves rib places where I have partaken of charred meat on bone. Each has its own quality, but there is delineation between each.

The Corner Stable in Cockeysville only gets 1 "bone" out of 4 from me. The ribs lack a certain uniqueness in their flavor. They aren't bad -- they just don't fill me with longing to come back for more. I visited a couple of times and there was no continuity of flavor with the meat or their sauces. Call me weird (and many do), but I like knowing what I'm going to get when I go to a specialty restaurant.

Red, Hot and Blue in Laurel gets 2 1/2 "bones" in a fine effort. The meat is good, flavorful and abundant. I like the spices they use on the rack and they do a fairly good job of charring up the meat on the bone. My biggest gripe with them is the sauces. None of them really light up my taste buds and they all taste about the same. Am I a "sauce snob?" Probably.

Famous Dave's is new to my culinary party. I've been there twice and will probably go back for more. I'm going to give them 3 "bones," but they are conditional because the sample is small. The baby back ribs were okay, but the full ribs were so much better. Good char on the meat and lots of spice in the rub. And the sauces -- wow! Five different sauces and each had their own characteristic flavor. My favorite was the Devil's Spit sauce -- a nice spicy sauce with just a bit of heat. If you like "side dishes with your frozen waffles" (sorry, South Park reference), the baked beans were very tasty, but the cornbread lacked sweetness that I prefer in my cornbread.

My winner with 3 1/2 "bones" is Andy Nelson's in Hunt Valley. It looks like a little shack along the side of York Road, but it actually is housed in two separate buildings -- just follow your nose. The meat is plentiful and just falls off the bone -- a good test for a rib place. The sauce is very flavorful, but they just put too much on sometimes (my only drawback). And the ribs are fresh, because you can smell them constantly as the turnover is quick. The service is great and the atmosphere is what you expect from rib place. I can polish off a full rack and feel quite satisfied for several hours. A real winner in my opinion (your mileage may vary).

Two other quick mentions: Wayne's Bar-B-Que had the best cornbread -- other than my mom's -- that I've ever had. Wayne sold his place and quit the business. There is also a place in Georgetown (I can't think of the name -- help me!) that specialized in meat on bone. I went there once and it was pretty good. They had, I think, 8 or 9 different sauces, so the selection was good. But like I said, I only went there once. ROAD TRIP!!!

These are my choices. They are based solely on my impressions and taste buds. It is not my intention to diss anyone's favorite restaurant, but I would love to hear who you think makes the best ribs in the area. Not only will we pass along our favs, but hopefully, we'll all find new places to eat.

And if by chance we do come to a consensus, we should all get together for a rib feast. Who can bring the wet-naps?

Food is the great divider, but also brings people together. Ribs are like chili -- everyone has an opinion and everyone's opinion varies. There is plenty to go around, so don't hog (bad pun) all the good ribs for yourself. And if you find another "specialty" restaurant -- one that emphasizes a certain food or style -- be sure to share with your TEA friends. "Turn your insides out to the outside/Turn the outside in to the inside/Trade your outside in for the inside."

Touch 'em all with me, whether you agree with me or criticize me. I like the way you think! Tell me your opinion. Add a comment below and tell me what you think or write to me if you want to join the ever-growing e-mail list to have my column delivered right to your inbox.

To Do Or To Just Think?

Is it better to want to do good, or perform the act of doing good?

Can you do good without meaning to? And does it count as much unless the intent is there?

Intent plays such a big part in many aspects of life. Parents are encouraging their children to "do your best." Athletes are lauded for giving 110 percent even if they don't win.

In our court system, intent is key in doling out punishment, and even charges are decided by what the alleged criminal's intent was. For example, if I intend to hit someone with my car, it is completely different than if I didn't intend to, but accidentally, create the same injury.

Conversely, if I try to help someone who is down and out by giving them money, but they use it to buy drugs or alcohol, am I really doing good -- even though my intent was to help them? So many different paths and how can we tell which to take?

Irish writer and playwright Oscar Wilde once said, "It's always with the best intentions that the worst work is done." Does that mean that unless I actually perform the act that I'm not doing good?

Another quote that makes the rounds often is "The smallest good deed is better than the grandest intention." By this, good actions are always more important than any plan to do good, but can you do one without the other?

I feel like you can do either or both. Karma, in my view, is a fluid river, and to keep it going in the right direction, good intentions and actions are needed. There shouldn't be one exclusively, but you can't do enough to put you on the plus side on the ledger of life.

Show Me

A quick aside, we were discussing concealed weapons and I questioned the intelligence of having a concealed weapon.

I mean, if I want to carry a gun for protection and I have it concealed, a mugger will still try to assault me. But if I'm carrying it out in the open, he knows what I have and will probably shy away.

Make all concealed weapons illegal and start handing out holsters. I'm not saying we need to go back to the Wild West, but we don't hide our nuclear weapons, which are supposed to be deterrents from other countries attacking us.

I don't like guns, so I'm not carrying one -- even if it is legal. And I'm certainly not moving to Texas where carrying one unconcealed is legal. Nothing against Texas -- I love BBQ! Speaking of BBQ, I'm on a mission to find the best restaurant ribs. What a yummy quest -- anyone want to join me? "You can see the shadows wandering off somewhere/They won't make it home/But they don't really care."

Touch 'em all with me, whether you agree with me or criticize me. I like the way you think! Tell me your opinion. Add a comment below and tell me what you think or write to me if you want to join the ever-growing e-mail list to have my column delivered right to your inbox.

Youngsters Have It So Good

If you are a fan of my writings, you are well aware of where I work. Part of their morning show involves what is known as the Watercooler Question of the Day.

A recent question asked viewers about a plan for the government to ban spanking. While I won't go into that insane prospect (it reminds me of a "plan" to abolish all laws except for the 10 Commandments -- how do you enforce "Honor your father and your mother"?), some of the answers received talked about how they got spanked as children and they turned out as good, law-abiding citizens.

It reminded me of an e-mail I received about why people over 30 should all be dead anyway. And since some of my friends are soon to reach that age -- or whizzing past it -- I thought I would share it with you.

This is the e-mail:

People over 30 should be dead and here's why:

Our baby cribs were covered with bright colored lead-based paint.

We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets. (Not to mention the risks we took hitchhiking.)

As children, we would ride in cars with no seatbelts or air bags.

Riding in the back of a pickup truck on a warm day was always a special treat.

We drank water from the garden hose and not from a bottle.

We ate cupcakes, bread and butter, and drank soda pop with sugar in it, but we were never overweight because we were always outside playing.

We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle, and no one actually died from this.

We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then rode down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes.

After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem.

We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the street lights came on. No one was able to reach us all day -- NO CELL PHONES!!!!!

We had friends! We went outside and found them.

We played dodge ball, and sometimes, the ball would really hurt. We fell out of trees, got cut and broke bones and teeth, and there were no lawsuits from these accidents because they were just accidents.

No one was to blame but us.

We had fights and punched each other and got black and blue and learned to get over it.

We made up games with sticks and tennis balls and ate worms, and although we were told it would happen, we did not put out very many eyes, nor did the worms live inside us forever.

We rode bikes or walked to a friend's home and knocked on the door, or rang the bell or just walked in and talked to them.

Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment.

Some students weren't as smart as others, so they failed a grade and were held back to repeat the same grade.

Our actions were our own. Consequences were expected.

The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke a law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law.

This generation has produced some of the best risk-takers and problem solvers and inventors, ever. The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas. We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned how to deal with it all.

People under 30 are WIMPS !

Thus endeth the e-mail.

I can honestly say I did most of those things when I was a kid. I didn't eat the worms though and I'm glad that some of those things will never happen to children again.

It was a different world back then … better in some ways, but today is just as great. You just have to be able to adapt.

I told my wife that I'm a 42-year-old guy with the mileage of an 85-year-old man.. and the mentality of a 12-year-old. She agreed with me. I was trying to be sarcastic! Oh, boy. Do I need to take better care of my body or "age" my personality? Nah. I think I'll continue to push the envelope and giggle as I do it. And how many grown men do you know that will admit to giggling? I'm not normal! "The girl on the seesaw is laughing/4 love is the color/This place imparts"

Touch 'em all with me, whether you agree with me or criticize me. I like the way you think! Tell me your opinion. Add a comment below and tell me what you think or write to me if you want to join the ever-growing e-mail list to have my column delivered right to your inbox.

The Force Is Strong With This One

I know this is a day late, but I had to wait to write about today's topic.

I was 14 years old when it first appeared on the big screen. I saw it then.

I am 42 when it appeared on the big screen for the final (?) time. And I saw it now.

In between, I always believed that the original "Star Wars" was the best -- without equal to the others. Now, I think "Revenge of the Sith" is right on par with the original.

I promise not to give away important details to the movie. I just want to chat about how this grand series impressed legions of fans -- including myself.

George Lucas had a vision and the final (no. 3) installment fulfills the dream completely. For me, the series indeed has come full circle and now I wait for all of it on DVD.

"Sith" hit all my emotions -- anger, amusement, fear, joy, -- and that is the mark of a good movie. I did notice some women were crying by the end and some children were scared.

It was not the greatest movie ever (that title goes to Monty Python and the Holy Grail), but it ranks in my top 10 of all time.

Everyone knows how it ends -- Anakin becomes Darth Vadar, Luke and Leia are born, Yoda and Obi-Wan go off to their respective planets -- but how it got to that point is better than any ending.

It was nearly 30 years in the making, but it was worth it. All the remaining mysteries were solved and questions were answered.

Can I gush anymore? Probably, but I've erased several sentences already because I promised no spoilers. Darn my sense of fair play!

I knew this summer was going to be full of movies. There are too many out there that I want to see. I've already seen "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" and "Sith". "Batman Begins", "Mr. and Mrs. Smith", "Fantastic Four", and "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" all are beckoning to me.

I can't remember a time when so many good flicks were hitting the screen at the same time. But topping "Sith" will be very difficult indeed.

Ok. One spoiler: C3PO gets the final word in "Sith". He also got the first word in "Star Wars". A bit of geek trivia for you. Has this series jumped the shark? Or does it continue as another addition to a cultural icon that will endure? And where do we go from here? "I have a bad feeling about this."

Touch 'em all with me, whether you agree with me or criticize me. I like the way you think! Tell me your opinion. Add a comment below and tell me what you think or write to me if you want to join the ever-growing e-mail list to have my column delivered right to your inbox.

It Doesn't Have To Be An Idiot Box

I like my job in news. I like knowing what's going on before anyone else.

I also like taking on the responsibility of passing along that information as accurately and quickly as possible to the general public. So, it pains me greatly when others in my business take liberties and erode the trust that I've worked so hard to build up.

Because, just like politicians, the all members of the press get painted with the same brush when something goes wrong.

Two separate stories this week brought the media fully into the spotlight.

In Los Angeles (land of the highway chase), helicopters are routinely used to follow high-speed -- and sometimes, high drama -- police chases live as they happen. Yes, the number of viewers rises and, most of the time, it makes for interesting television.

This time, the bad guy pulled into a parking lot and jumped out of his vehicle with a weapon in his hand. Surrounded by police, the suspect stumbled, dropped his weapon -- then reached in his pocket and pulled out another weapon.

With cameras zoomed in on the suspect, police opened fire and killed the man -- on live television.

Recently, Newsweek magazine published an article claiming that interrogators at Guantanamo Bay flushed a Quran down the toilet to get inmates to talk. The story allegedly triggered riots in Afghanistan that ended in the deaths of 15 people.

In their explanation of the article, Newsweek said they used one source for the accusation and did not get confirmation on the flushing aspect of the story. But they published anyway "because a U.S. official said government investigators turned up this evidence."

Later, a Pentagon spokesman said they investigated the desecration charges and found them "not credible." Newsweek's original source also began backtracking about the alleged Quran incident.

It all comes down to the weighty responsibility we in the media have to provide accurate information and not sensationalize the news that is out there. I can't tell you how many e-mails from viewers I see about how the media is liberal, conservative, bias, slanted, you name it.

Everyone has an opinion and as long as people continue to accuse us of being on both ends of the spectrum, I guess we are doing a good job. I just wish others in my business would take the same tact as I do -- investigate, discover, verify, analyze and report.

Not every man in a speeding car needs to be on the air. And the need to be first doesn't have to take precedent.

Yeah, I wear a "J" on my chest -- and proud of it. I'm not saying I'm better at it that others. But I do think people in the news should reflect on the history -- and history makers -- of our industry. It would be a very intersting lesson indeed. Speaking of history, the "last" Star Wars opens this week. If anyone has a spare ticket...? "Yeah, and they'll probably kill it to death." (Thanks, Amy)

Touch 'em all with me, whether you agree with me or criticize me. I like the way you think! Tell me your opinion. Add a comment below and tell me what you think or write to me if you want to join the ever-growing e-mail list to have my column delivered right to your inbox.

Time Out

I'm taking a break this week. It is my birthday this week and there has been quite a lot going on.

I hope you don't mind. I promise to be back next week with more, but I just need to take some time off.

Do not despair. I leave you this week with this:

"The dark side of the Force is a pathway to many abilities some consider to be ... unnatural"

I can't wait!!!

Touch 'em all with me, whether you agree with me or criticize me. I like the way you think! Tell me your opinion. Add a comment below and tell me what you think or write to me if you want to join the ever-growing e-mail list to have my column delivered right to your inbox.

Stick Out Your Thumb

Never let someone else tell you what you should like.

For the past couple of weeks, I have been reading all these reviews of the new movie, "The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy". Nearly every critic was luke warm to downright frigid in their take on the film.

For the record, I own 1st printings of the Hitchhiker's trilogy. I also have recordings from the BBC radio program and a long time ago, I had a video game based on the books.

To say I'm a fan would be reasonable. So if anyone were going to blast the movie, you would think I would be first in line.

I'm here to tell the critics to bugger off.

Most of their problem was that the movie didn't follow along directly with the books. Some of the reviews also said the jokes were too subtle.

Bollocks, I say.

Sure, the movie wasn't a direct adaptation of the books, but the story was there and the additions and subtractions didn't detract from a very good movie. The screenplay was started by Douglas Adams, author of the trilogy, and admirably continued after his death.

The dialog was funny and the bits were hilarious. One of the funniest involved a sperm whale and its brief moments of existence -- much more comedic in movie form than in the books. Watch the movie and you'll see what I mean.

Every one is entitled to their own opinion. Mine is usually right here -- or you can just ask me and I'll give it to you. Remember, though, if you ask me a question, be sure you really want an answer.

The broader point here is don't let others tell you what to watch, what to do or what to say. Choose your own way and be responsible for the choices you make.

There are many instances in life when the path forks. Pick the path that is best for you and your future -- whether it be taking a new job or watching a new movie.

And above all, don't panic.

Doing The Heavy Lifting

Since you asked, I did have a stress test this past week.

And according to the cardiologist, I have "the heart of someone in their 20s" and no cardio problems whatsoever. Hurray for me!

Of course, this still doesn't answer the question of why I'm having chest pains, but at least I know it doesn't have anything to do with my heart. But I do know one answer -- 42 -- and I also know the question!

Speaking of movies, there are so many out this summer that if you can't reach me, I'm probably in a theater somewhere. The new Star Wars, Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, Fantastic Four -- it is a veritable plethora of cinematic fun. Don't let me tell you what to watch. Your tastes may be different than mine and probably don't have the expressed, written consent of Major League Baseball. "Mostly harmless."

Touch 'em all with me, whether you agree with me or criticize me. I like the way you think! Tell me your opinion. Add a comment below and tell me what you think or write to me if you want to join the ever-growing e-mail list to have my column delivered right to your inbox.

Worthy/Unworthy Additions

My long and painful nightmare is now over. I am a homeowner.

The paperwork is complete, the signature has been signed (over and over and over and ...), and now the moving begins. To all of you who wrote in with your own horror stories about bidding for a new home, you will always have my sympathies. I now know there are kindred spirits out there.

And Now For Something Completely Different

Longtime readers know about my loathing for "reality" programs. They aren't real and they certainly aren't interesting to me. I know they are immensely popular, but I just can't watch them -- and yes, I've tried.

However, even fans of "reality" shows were bemoaning the news reports about Britney Spears' pregnancy. Talk about irrelevancy!

Mrs. Federline has been out of circulation since releasing a new album in 2003. A greatest hits compilation came out in 2004, but honestly, how much work does that take?

And it isn't that I'm against her becoming a mother, but does it really require a press release, a media tour and magazine covers all over the shelves?

There are plenty of women who become mothers without the fanfare and bells and whistles. There are some who even lose their children with no mention on the news. I know not everything makes news -- it is allegedly what the public wants to see.

It is just very disappointing if an entertainer's pregnancy is considered worthy of the designation "news." One line is fine -- not half-hour programs.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go find stories about Lindsey Lohan's blonde hair.

Find The Kitty

Now this is news!

A litter of four cheetahs was born at the National Zoo on April 14. This is the second litter of cheetahs ever born at the National Zoo.

I'm a cat person, so I have an affinity toward the feline persuasion. But these little fuzz balls are adorable.

Cheetahs are fast becoming an endangered species in their homeland. Conservation and breeding programs around the world are hoping to stem the loss.

This pregnancy got less play than Spears, but it is so much more important.

And much cuter too. I just keep saying, "Awwww!" when looking at the pictures.

I'm a sucker for kitty-cats. I've even "wrestled" a tiger cub before.

Purr!

Nothing against canines! I like puppies too, but I have been and always will be a cat person. And I've transformed my wife (an avowed cat-hater) to love my two fur balls. I think she wouldn't mind if we adopted one or two of the cheetah cubs. However, I made sure to neuter my "kids" and everyone should as well. There are plenty of unwanted cats and dogs that need homes. "Thundercats -- ho!"

Touch 'em all with me, whether you agree with me or criticize me. I like the way you think! Tell me your opinion. Add a comment below and tell me what you think or write to me if you want to join the ever-growing e-mail list to have my column delivered right to your inbox.

Evolution Of Communication

In the world of communication, faster is better.

Information flow has never been quicker in our world's history and technology continues to push the speed envelope even faster as the demands of business hold the throttle down. "Time is money" as the old saying goes.

But what have we sacrificed in the name of speed?

Personal information -- communication between two people -- has also evolved into something akin to the Road Runner. Instant messaging and two-way pagers are now the norm when just a few years ago (that's right -- a FEW years ago), only a select number could use them.

Now, kids are communicating with their friends via IM or pager. And the information flow is nonstop, but with the feel of cold robotics no matter how many emoticons are in the message.

One step down on the speed chain (but a very small step) is the e-mail. Think Road Runner just after he wakes up in the morning -- quick and speedy, but just a tad sluggish when compared to his IM counterpart.

And sluggish is a relative term. I, myself, have engaged in full-fledged conversations via e-mails and replies.

But e-mails to me offer the shield of impersonality as well. Someone can write a "flame" e-mail to another person and never (if they want) have to deal with the response or reactions to the e-mail.

I'm reminded of a Dilbert cartoon several years ago. Dilbert is typing an e-mail on his computer to Wally and insults him with several comments about his work, his "simian heritage" and his smell. Wally peers over the cubicle wall and says, "You're pretty brave in cyberspace, flame boy" -- to which Dilbert invited Wally to "Step inside."

In my job as managing editor of TheWBALChannel.com, hundreds of e-mails make their way through my inbox. Most are spam, a majority are harmless, but some are outright nasty. People write things in e-mails they wouldn't say to someone's face because the writers feel they can "get away with it." Fire it off and never have to deal with the anger or repercussions.

And we lose the personality and the person because the receiver then focuses on the messenger and delivery rather than the message. Phones used to be our communication device of choice -- and I'm not talking about those cell phones that have text messaging and e-mails and photo downloads and Internet browsers (and yes, I have one exactly like that). I'm talking about that thing hanging on your kitchen wall -- whether it has a cord or not.

Those phones at least keep us anchored to one spot and, even though we try to cook dinner while we're talking, at least we hear the inflection in the voice and the manner in which words are intended. When you call someone, you are saying to him or her, "I'd like to spend part of my day conversing with you and invest part of myself in you."

It is more personal than e-mail or IM and just as quick. However, we have seemed to lose touch with that bit of persona in the face of efficiency. But there is still hope.

Once upon a time, in a land not so far away, ink and paper ruled the land. The written letter was king and queen and the people rejoiced.

How many of you don't enjoy getting a written letter or card from a friend or loved one? Do you remember running to the mailbox as a kid to see if someone had written you?

For me, the thrill is still there. (But then again, I'm a Toys "R" Us kid)

It means so much more when I get a written letter because that is just about as personal as it gets without pressing flesh. To sit down and take pen in hand means the recipient is the only thing on the writer's mind. It means using their valuable time to craft a work of art and sharing it with the person for which it was intended.

It means creating a tear or a laugh or a feeling of warmth that only seems to come from a letter.

I know some will say (and feel free to e-mail or write) that letters are old-fashioned and outdated. Why wait days to get a response when I can send an e-mail and get it quicker?

Because waiting is part of the thrill.

My job is, and probably always will be in the future, part of the electronic communication field (BEEP, BEEP, ZOOM!). I use every tech means possible to get my job done quicker, faster and more accurately than ever before. That is the impersonal side of my life.

However, nothing should stop any of us from taking the time to show someone we are thinking only of them at a particular moment. Whether it is to shower someone with love, to share a thought or incident, or to "flame," it always means more when it comes in a letter.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to take pen and paper in hand and write a couple dozen people.

And now my music is getting the same way. Between my iPod and satellite radio, I can't remember the last time I actually listened to music. Is that bad? Am I geeking out way too much? Nah. I just like what I like and I don't want/need all the chatter -- unless it is ESPN Radio. "When I left you I was but a learner. Now I am the master."

Touch 'em all with me, whether you agree with me or criticize me. I like the way you think! Tell me your opinion. Add a comment below and tell me what you think or write to me if you want to join the ever-growing e-mail list to have my column delivered right to your inbox.

Chocolate Chip Are Best

C is for cookie.

That's about as basic as it ever gets. However, the Cookie Monster of Sesame Street now has to learn that C is for cookie -- sometimes.

The creative crew behind the world famous show is launching a Healthy Habits For Life initiative, and other characters are taking part, too. Show producers said with the rise in childhood obesity, Sesame Street is focusing on teaching children about healthy foods and physical activity.

Cookie Monster gets a new song, Big Bird and Elmo start exercising and we get talking vegetables on the show.

Forget, for the moment, that I'm not very comfortable with talking vegetables. How is that going to get children to eat them if they see them talking to the kids?

Oh, the horror! Oh, the humanity -- or vegetable-ity!

Some critics are already jumping on Sesame Street for doing the parenting for the adults. If childhood obesity is such a problem, how is a kid show going to be the catalyst to correct the behavior?

I'm not sure that teaching children about good food and getting out to play is such a bad thing. As a matter of fact, what's wrong with a little positive reinforcement from television to a message that parents should be delivering anyway?

I don't have children, so I may be out of line here. But I see overweight children with overweight parents and I wonder if we adults realize what a powerful influence we have over our offspring.

Television should never replace life lessons. Adults, parents and non-parents alike, can make all the difference in every child's life.

But please, give the Cookie Monster his cookies. After all, Green Bean Monster doesn't sound as fun.

So, I'm driving along late one night and for some reason, dark poetry leaps into my head. For the want of a keyboard! However, I do get most of it down, but I don't think you guys would appreciate it -- or even expect it out of me. Then I started wondering what you did want from Touch 'Em All -- comedy, political seriousness, random thoughts of unconsciousness? Maybe you do want poetry. Heck, sometimes I don't even know what I'm going to write until I sit down at the keyboard. That's part of the fun for me -- what is fun for you? "Beealzebub has a devil put aside for me."

Touch 'em all with me, whether you agree with me or criticize me. I like the way you think! Tell me your opinion. Write to me or add a comment below and tell me what you think or if you want to join the ever-growing e-mail list to have my column delivered right to your inbox.

Floating Down Stream

BREAKING NEWS -- 4/4/05 @ 10 p.m.
Our 11th bid for a home is apparently successful. Our agent called us and said our bid was accepted.

Yes, we are beside ourselves and excited beyond imagining. I'll let you in on more details as they become available. There is still some negotiating to do, but it looks like we are going to become homeowners.

Back to our regularly scheduled column...

Spring Cleaning

April is a signal to me that spring is here. Yes, I know it officially began last month, but it doesn't feel like spring in March.

Spring is a time of renewal, rebirth and hot dogs (but that's another column). It is also a time to clean out the old and make room for the new. So, I'm going to do a partial memory dump and get some of the lingering thoughts out of my head so I can cram some new ones in.

How Old?

For the record, I'm on the wrong side of 40 years old. (For an exact age after this year, answer the question to Life, The Universe and Everything.)

However, after a rather vigorous game of ice hockey last Saturday, I stopped off at my local purveyor of brewed beverages (beer) and made a purchase. I'm a beer snob, so I won't bore you with the exact details.

After bringing my purchase to the counter, the clerk said, "$13.38, please. May I see your ID?"

"Excuse me?" I stammered.

"I need to see your ID," he said.

I honestly laughed out loud and said, "Thank you so much" as I handed over my license.

I have been told that I do have a youthful look. And I try to make sure that I don't project age. But I haven't been carded in ... well, I can't even remember the last time I got carded.

As long as they don't card me at the video game store when I try to buy those "M" games, I'll be fine. And seriously amused.

Obey The Sign

Speaking of stores, I was at the Towson Town Center recently and parked in their parking deck. If you have ever parked there, there are signs on the inner row of parking spaces that read "Small Cars Only."

For the record, if you own a minivan, SUV or full-sized pickup truck, you are NOT a small car. As I was walking into the mall, a very large SUV was attempting to pull into one of the space marked for small cars -- right in front of the sign.

As I left, I noticed the same SUV had backed into the space. I guess the driver didn't want to read the sign.

Play Ball!

Spring is also baseball season. The Orioles start the season with lots of optimism, very little starting pitching, more power and a bullpen that could be one of the best in the league.

They also start the season with some new neighbors to the south -- the Washington Nationals.

There was a lot of hubbub made about the Nationals and their impact on the Orioles' fan base. I will probably go to a few games (my wife is excited about a team in D.C.), but I'm still an O's fan at heart.

Plus, if they start winning, more people will show up at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. That gets fans in the seats more than a Sammy Sosa t-shirt giveaway.

Farewell

I'm not a man of religion. However, I felt moved when Pope John Paul II passed away this weekend.

It is hard not to be moved when a man who was a part of such monumental changes in the world passes on. Pope John Paul II also impressed me as he reached out to all people -- no matter what faith.

Farewell and thank you.

This was more a stream of consciousness than a rant of any sort. Thanks for indulging me. Sometimes, you just have to sweep it all out. And thank you for all those who wrote in about my recent "episode" concerning house hunting. I'm doing fine and I'm trying to take it easy. I know it will come around. But instant gratification just isn't fast enough. "Stuck inside a wheel, inside a wheel/Wondering everyday is it all for real."

Touch 'em all with me, whether you agree with me or criticize me. I like the way you think! Tell me your opinion. Write to me or add a comment below and tell me what you think or if you want to join the ever-growing e-mail list to have my column delivered right to your inbox.