Tiger... I'm Lovin' It.

This week, we watched a 20/20 special in class featuring Mr. Stryker's man-crush, John Stossel. (Don't deny it, Stryker, you adore the man and his robust 'stache.) Throughout this special, Stossel discussed things that are considered by many people to be so politically incorrect, they're not even talked about by most people. One of the points he brought up was the fact that allowing the trade of rare animals, such as tiger, would actually help the creatures be saved much like the bison in North America.

I agree with Stossel. I think that any time the free market can solve the problem as opposed to government regulation, that is the preferable route. In this case, he cites several facts and figures which lead to my support. I personally love the idea of a free market approach to this issue because it keeps the government as small as possible and typically is much more effective than a ban.

Guess who's back......

Over the weekend, Helio Castroneves- two-time Indy 500 Champion, fresh out of criminal charges of tax evasion that would have sunk his career forever- got the pole for the 2009 Indianapolis 500. After dealing with all of the struggles he has had to deal with over the past year, Helio sounded relieved when he said he was treating today like "day number one," saying later that today was the first day of his life.

Give me a moment to collect my thoughts.......


THANK GOD!

Helio Castroneves has embodied everything that is Indy since the first time he won the race in 2001. Ever since the first time he climbed that fence, he has become immortal, untouchable, indescribable. To those here in Indianapolis, he is among the greats. His face is in the same tier as Reggie Miller's, Peyton Manning's, and Larry Bird's, and it's not just because he's a great racer. We love watching him roar around the first turn, but more than that we love his completely candid interviews. We love how he, and his entire racing team, climb the fence. He's our own milk-drinking, wreath-wearing, engine-starting, and yes, even tax-evading Spiderman. He is a demigod here, and there is not one Hoosier out there who can honestly say they weren't praying for his innocence, even if they don't realize it. So thank you, Helio. We know Indianapolis is your favorite place in the world, but you need to realize that you're one of our favorite heroes as well.

Say it...

The United Nations is currently demanding compensation from Israel for the destruction of a military campaign they launched near several U.N. schools, reportedly killing forty people. Israel contends that they did not take such action, but if they did it was because there were Palestinian militants using the buildings and other civilian areas in order to take cover from the Israelis.

All I have to say is that I am shocked and appalled that it took this long for someone to finally say something to the Israelis who isn't anti-semitic. Israel has held the single largest and longest military occupation in history and I have no idea why America has let it continue. For too long we've sided with the Israelis in a battle that was not theirs to win. The occupation of the Gaza Strip and the other Occupied Territories is illegal and our promoting it has done nothing but hurt us in the region. Finally we said something, we just didn't say enough.