The trouble with blogging

I have a few issues that are top of mind, but I am shy about sharing my opinions. Being in business for myself and dependent upon others for business, I don't want to drive away people with my personal political, social or religious views. By the same token, those are the most interesting things one can talk about in a journal like this.

So I suppose the compromise is that I could share some of the opinions that I know everyone agrees with. I am pro-Freedom.

That is to say, that while I have pretty strong opinions about what is best in life, society and politics, I believe even more strongly, that the individual, within certain very broad limits, should have the freedom to make his own choices. In my opinion, your human rights should extend to the point that you can do anything you want, so long as you do not damage others or the property of others.

Freedom is a bit repulsive to some. Freedom can be a little scary. But freedom, free will, it what makes us feel alive and what makes us feel human.

The riddle of life is wrapped around two opposing truths. Every human being yearns for freedom and for the freedom to experiment. On the other hand, we often find happiness when we subjugate our desires and obey the wisdom of elders. Happiness often lies in a compromise between total freedom and obedience to tradition of some sort.

Are the Redskins going to break my heart again?

Well, after swearing that I was done with the Redskins, I had to watch the preseason game, at least the first half. The defense looked shoddy, but I'm not worried about the defense. I have a feeling that the defense will pull it together. They have a stable coaching staff and I like the personnel that have been brought in this year.

The offense---well, the offense looked sharp. Jim Zorn looked like a natural on the sidelines and the play of the first team was top flight. Jason Campbell didn't throw an incompletion, much less an interception. Once again, the Redskins have dragged me into believing in them. But my excitement is tempered by memories of Steve Spurrier. His offense looked All-World in the preseason and was horrid during regular season.

I think they'll finish 7-9. I think Zorn will get whomped on early by the difficulties of the NFC, but will show glimmers of hope through the mid-season. Next year they might finally be on the way.

It ain't easy being in the green ...

I might be wrong but I think the bottom in the real estate market is behind us. The last two offers I submitted faced competing offers.

Trek for fun

Yesterday we played my Star Trek game. It was the third time we've played the game and each time I've added a few tweaks. I found it quite enjoyable and we managed to get in two "episodes."

Stuart & Wyatt

My son Stuart is about the same age as my cousin Wyatt. Because of the age difference between me and Wyatt, he's been more a nephew to me. Years ago, when Stuart and Wyatt were about 10 or 11 I coached their basketball team. We won a championship that year, and it was truly a lot of fun. In fact, that championship is what caused me to coach basketball for many years after.

Now, Stuart and Wyatt are grown men, making their way in life. This morning they game over because our house needed basic landscaping. They are trimming hedges, pulling weeds and getting the place generally in shape. I looked out the window a minute ago and Wyatt had just finished cutting down all my Hydrangeas ... oh well, at least it looks a little cleaner than before.