But let's start it out on a positive notes. The M's swept the A's in a battle the last two places in the AL West. You have to give the M's credit though. Now five games over .500 and battling despite injuries and trades all over the place. This really could be a good baseball team in 2010.

Back to what can't be ignored, however. On the ride in this morning I read a lot more coverage on Ted Kennedy. The main news now is that he will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery, next to his two brothers. One person yesterday was quoted as saying the Kennedy's were, "America's first Royal Family."

There is some truth to that. Consider that every one of them ran for President, almost in succession. Consider that Robert probably would have won and had it worked right it would've been right after his brother, John, had finished his two terms. Then consider that save for an accident that he ran away from Ted may have been in the White House as well. But it wasn't just those three. One of the greatest accomplishments of any of the siblings had to be Eunice, who created the Special Olympics. This family were not just giants in American politics; for a while, they were American politics. They were exactly what American families strive to be. Good family with successful children who make a difference working for Americans. The disgusting irony of Ted dying during the most bitter healthcare battle in 20 years is not lost.

But even as someone who grew up long after the hey day of the Kennedy's, I can tell there is a void. America identifies with the name Kennedy. His Saturday morning service which will see the likes of President Obama, President Carter (who beat Kennedy in 1980), President Clinton, both Bush presidents and Senator McCain, while not quite the spectacle of Princess Diana's in England, will have that same feel as if the country has lost a son. A void that once was just filled with the next brother in such a great line of a great family, cannot be filled again.

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The country goes on, however, and news pours in. First, I've just decided to use the blog for some serious sports analysis starting next week. Look for football updates and such as the season goes on. Some of you know that I tend to only answer questions pertaining to analysis of teams when I am asked them, but hey, I don't work in an athletic department anymore. And no, UW is not going to win 10 games. If you think that you should probably be the football coach at Garfield High School. Anyway, I am excited for it. Maybe, if they can be convinced, the sportswriter Jesse and rabid sports fan Jim and I can all join together and do some sort of blog. Ideas just flowing. Stay tuned.

On to the links:

The teachers in Kent, Wash voted to strike. Unofficially this has to be the fifth or sixth in the last 15 years in Western Washington.

Not sure what the word is for this move by Ohio State. Classy certainly comes to mind. One of my favorite parts of Washington National's games is the recognition of the military at every game.



And apologies, but due to the fact that just about the entire Homeland Security department just rolled up outside my office - at least 25 SUV's, motorcycles, etc, we're going to postpone further link sharing.

Later.