What Caught My Eye Today

Senate - Better late than never I suppose. Minnesota finally has its second senator, and it only took, what, 8 months? Al Franken became a senator today. The Minnesota Democrat's swearing-in marked the end of an eight-month political and legal struggle and drew thunderous applause and a standing ovation in the Senate chamber. His presence gives Democrats 60 votes, enough to thwart possible Republican filibusters. If you follow U.S. politics, this is only somewhat the case. Two Democrats are out with health issues Last week the Minnesota Supreme Court unanimously ruled in Franken's favor after a protracted recount battle. His opponent, former Republican Sen. Norm Coleman, conceded shortly after the ruling. Democrats said Franken will assume seats on the Senate Select Committee on Aging, the Committee on Indian Affairs, the Judiciary Committee and the Committee on Health Education Labor and Pensions. Plum assignments to be sure. Ah well, I guess the new guy has to start some place. Should you be wondering what the Select Committee on Aging does--I obviously was--it has no legislative authority, but it studies issues related to older Americans, particularly Medicare and Social Security. They need a committee to study the fact that entitlement for the aging population are completely hosed???

Sarah Palin - It's the headline that gets me. Girlfriend has a flare for the dramatic. Sarah Palin says she's not a quitter, she's a fighter, but adds that, politically speaking, "if I die, I die. So be it." I'm a bit slow. Maybe someone could explain to me how is resigning mid-term not considered to be quitting? There has been speculation that she has some legal issue that is not yet known to the public. But her lawyer said that she has no legal problems whatsoever, and simply is tired of the hostile political climate, legal bills and other distractions. I can't say that I'm completely unsympathetic to Palin's plight. But seriously, if she's going to contemplate a run for higher office at some point--Lord help us--Palin is going to have to develop a thicker skin. Politics is nasty business.

Michael Jackson - Michael Jackson fans came from near and far to say last goodbyes to their pop music hero, some traveling from across the U.S. and Europe for his public memorial at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. "I just wanted to say ... ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine. And I just wanted to say I love him — so much," said Jackson's 11-year-old daughter, Paris-Michael. It was a deeply emotional moment, the most profound part of a memorial that accomplished what Jackson could not in life: humanizing a man who for so long had seemed like a caricature. Depending on your perspective, I suppose you could argue one side or the other that this caricature was of his own doing or a product of unrelenting publicity. I prefer to remember the man for his music and offer up my heartfelt sympathies to a daughter who has lost her father.

Cycling - Stage 4 of the Tour de France was the Team Time Trial. Not surprisingly, Lance Armstrong's team Astana won. With the likes of Levi Leipheimer, Alberto Contador, Armstrong and Andreas Kloden all riding for the same team, this was pretty much a foregone conclusion. Coupled with his rather impressive third stage ride, Lance is in a dead heat with current race leader Fabian Cancellara, who retains the yellow leaders jersey, because that's how the rules go. The first mountain stage comes in a few days, and perhaps with it, another yellow jersey for the man. Game on, my fellow cycling enthusiasts.

Cricket - And by this I mean the sport not the insect. A friend of mine in the UK told me that The Ashes starts tomorrow, matching Australia against England and is one of international cricket's most celebrated rivalries and dates back to 1882. I liken it to the America's Cup in yachting, but that's just me. Sadly, I don't expect there to be much television coverage here in the states, but I'll do my best to keep you posted on this epic event. I know what you are thinking, but seriously, there is no need to thank me.