So I just passed through the checkout line at my local supermarket where the checker, after taking a look at my collection of items, remarked: “Let me guess. You’re having the guys over to watch the game tonight?”

Actually, it’s my anniversary.

Translation: Great, great lady.

My wife’s company has come up with their own version of a handheld device.

It’s pretty low tech. Well, really low tech. Yet functional.

Introducing SPLENDORA HANDHELD, Splendora’s third and most comprehensive city guide. It’s a tremendous New York city guide, San Francisco city guide and L.A. city guide.

Check it out… I even made the acknowledgements (though the font is pretty small in that section).

A funny thing happened during the French Open last weekend. It was awesome. The men’s final (and the related and ongoing rivalry) between Roger Federer and the clay marvel Rafa Nadal was excellent.

Let’s put it this way. The French did the wave.

Why is tennis dying in terms of viewer interest while other sports like golf are succeeding?

There are a few reasons. One of them is the equipment.

As golf equipment gets better, the sport becomes more interesting (at least it doesn’t get less so). But the improved equipment in tennis has gradually taken the thrill out of the game.

Watch Wimbledon lately? Probably not. But if you had, you’d likely have noticed that a rally that goes beyond two power shots is relatively rare.

The one place where the equipment has not ruined the men’s game is on the delightfully slow, red clay courts. The clay of the courts at places like French Open brings rallys and in turn, personality and drama back into the game.

We can rest assured that the tennis equipment will only get better. And that means that the big money game will only get worse.

What if all the majors were held on clay? It would never happen, but I bet tennis would be the better for it.

The waiting for Herschel is finally over.

And he was well worth the wait. His mom did a great job. Even her hair was perfect.

First song. Jungleland by Springsteen.

First rule. You can be whatever you want to be as long as you agree not to have an internet startup.

First lesson. Sharing is caring, so let the cats use your stuff once in awhile, they were here first.

How does one know if they’ve been infected by the disease that is overly partisan politics?

Well, today’s events in Iraq provide a nice opportunity for self-diagnosis.

If your initial reaction to the news that Insurgent Leader Al-Zarqawi had been Killed in Iraq was either:

“Uh oh, that could be good for Bush especially with the midterm elections around the corner…”

or

“That oughta teach those left wing naysayers. We never would’ve got him if they were in power…”

Then you’ve got the disease.

Unfortunately, there is only one cure for this particular affliction: Critical thought.

So needless to say, the prognosis is not good.