Tim Russert Must Be Spinning in His Grave

I miss Tim Russert, the late host of NBC's "Meet the Press," whose untimely death in June 2008 opened the door to a free-for-all in the political commentary arena.  Russert's tough but fair interviews, coupled with his insightful analysis of the political events of the day, made politics accessible for the average "Joe."  Always respectful, Russert was  the consummate professional who loved his country and his family ... especially his father "Big Russ" and son, Luke.  He was also a cheerleader for his hometown of  Buffalo, New York.  (And no one ever cheers for Buffalo.)

In watching the events of the 2012 election season, I can only surmise that Tim Russert must be spinning in his grave, as today's so-called journalists and quasi-journalists sink to new lows as they try to destroy the opposing party -- regardless of whether their information is true or fallacious.  The mudslinging is on both sides of the aisle.  It is hard to imagine that intelligent and educated professionals are engaged in this type of behavior.

Tim Russert was one of a kind.  I miss him and the high standards he set for political reporting and commentary.   RIP Tim ... if you can.

A Perspective on the Olympics

It's been years since I've been even moderately excited about watching the Olympics.  Although I am in awe of the athletic prowess of these young competitors, I am also suspicious that some of the amazing feats they perform may be aided by some form of banned substances (i.e. performance-enhancing drugs).  However, I still enjoy watching the gymnastics, even though the networks manage to ruin the continuity by cutting back and forth between unrelated events, therefore extending the amount of time I have to spend in front of the TV.

Although the men's gymnastic team did not get the results they wanted, the women's team has done phenomenally well. Kudos to Virginia's own Gabrielle Douglas, who is an amazing powerhouse of strength, athleticism and beauty.  And at only 16 years old!  She has a bright career ahead.

I really miss the "old" Olympics, though, when the judges held up scorecards and the announcers would boom the numbers over the venue loudspeaker.  It was less complicated and a more "pure" event.  Today's scoring system needs the analytical mind of a mathematician to understand all the subtle nuances.

Regardless of the medal count, none of the legitimate athletes that perform in good faith are losers.  They should be proud to be part of the elite representing their countries. I just wish the news media would realize that, too, and stop calling anything less than a gold medal a "disgrace."   Their commentary is a disgrace -- NOT the loss of a first place prize.

Wake Me When It's Over

I am not a very political person, but I am fiercely interested in the direction that our country is heading.  I look at the two candidates that our political parties are putting up in front of the American people this year, and shake my head ruefully.  Is this the best that we can find?  Surely there are better qualified people somewhere.  It is only mid-July, and I am already sick of the negative ads, scare tactics and outright lies that are being perpetrated on t he American public.

Why are we putting up with this, election after election?  Why can't we have dignified elections where we can judge a candidate on his or her record, experience and plan for the future?  When was the last time we had an election that felt good?


Please wake me when the election is over.  I can't take much more of the games that each side is playing.

What's So Hard About Identifying Your Product?

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The above mess of AC adapters is not mine, but it reminds me of something that gets me extremely frustrated.  Recently, while cleaning out some boxes containing assorted electronic paraphernalia, I came across three or four AC adapters.  I have no clue to which piece of equipment they may belong, nor do I even know the manufacturer.  (For example, is an adapter for one of three HP printers I have, or is it left over from the HP laptop?  Which brings me to my pressing question:

Why can't manufacturers put their name or the name of the piece of equipment to which they belong, on the AC adapter?  

Most AC adapters are manufactured by third parties and bundled with the product.  But it would sure be nice if they were required to identify which piece of equipment they belong with.  Of course, I could also label the AC adapter when I take it out of the box.   Which I think I will start doing.