Meet part of the problem: ME

Robert Kennedy, Jr., likes to say that "We are the best-entertained and the worst-informed people in the world." He means that while our 24 hour news cycle should be keeping us up to date on the important issues of the day, instead it feeds our appetite for scandal and gossip.

There have been hour specials on Anna Nicole Smith's death. Shrinks have appeared on talk shows to discuss Britney's shaved head. The Dem-dominated Senate was unable to pass a non-binding resolution against the President's plan for Iraq, but I'll bet more people have read more about "Britney Shears."

I'm better informed than many, I suppose, but nowhere near as informed as I should be. Yes, I can explain what separates Hillary's plan for Iraq from Barack Obama's, but I also know Virgie is Anna Nicole's mom and Lynne is Britney's. I have multiple weeks' worth of Time and Newsweek waiting beside my bed, but People and US are devoured as soon as they come out of my mailbox.

I developed a craving for mental junk food after 11/2/04. I worked hard for Senator Kerry, a man I still genuinely admire. I knew the issues because I wanted to be able to explain to undecideds why my guy was on the right side. Every morning, my first thought when I swung my legs out of bed and my feet hit the carpet was, "How can I help the Senator today?" I spent countless hours writing letters, polling and begging for funds. I knew in my heart what we were doing was important, that it mattered to my country. I literally cried every morning, in the privacy of my own shower, for months. The guilt was enormous because I used to think I let my country down. But now, I'm sorry to say, I realize my country disappointed me.

It's a hard thing to get past.

Why I Dig Greg Maddux

My beloved, future Hall of Famer Padre #30, Greg Maddux, was interviewed by the San Diego press. When asked where he keeps the amazing 14 Gold Glove awards he has amassed, he said they were in his "dig me room."

Of course I wish he was still #31 and pitching in Wrigley Field. But I'm just grateful he's still pitching at all. I don't want to consider what a season without him would feel like. Not only is he funny, controlled, dedicated and simply one of the best there ever was, he's also one of the few players I can lust after without feeling like Mary Kay LeTourneau.

Happy President's Day

I am celebrating President's Day in highly meaningful ways.

Went to AMERICAN Mattress to buy a new Serta. What could be more patriotic? While on sale, it was still more than I had hoped to spend. But I'm not young anymore, and my old back will feel better once this new mattress is delivered.

Went to the bank and bought $10 in quarters so I can do load after load after f-ing load of laundry. Oh joy, oh rapture! Bet you don't think I can tie this back to President's Day. Well, I bet you're wrong. Let's just say I did this in honor of Abigail Adams, who hung the President's wash in the East Room.

And now I am waiting for Peapod to delivery groceries. And having been a school girl in Illinois, The Land of Lincoln, I knew that Abe had once been a grocer. Hah!