OK, I didn’t see the season premiere of Jon & Kate, but I guess everyone is talking about or rather what’s go on prior to the shows start. I don’t get it.

I’ve seen the show – I’m not a regular by any means – and I get that this couple has allowed cameras into their “reality” and made themselves public figures, but why do so many people care about their extra curricular life outside of what is on TV. I don’t want that to sound bad, but no one knows what truly goes on inside a marriage and none of us should pass judgment on anyone else. I think the worst is how cable news programs designate 30 minutes to talking about this couple’s marital problems, etc.

There is actual news out there that I think is more noteworthy today than what happened on TLC today.
Here are a few headlines:
President Obama picks first Hispanic (and female) Supreme Court Justice
California Couples Await Gay Marriage Ruling
Mother who took boy with cancer to prevent treatment returns home

I believe each one of these stories is more noteworthy to talk about. So if you want to start some dialogue then lets talk. Tell what you think so long as it’s not about Jon & Kate

I want to wish everyone a nice Memorial Day. As you enjoy your holiday and perhaps a BBQ or two, please take some time out to remember all the men and women who’ve sacrificed their lives for your freedoms.

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation’s service. The official birthplace of Memorial Day is Waterloo, N. Y., which took place on May 5, 1866. Following the end of the Civil War, many communities set aside a day to mark the end of the war or as a memorial to those who had died.

Decoration Day was declared on May 30, 1868 by Gen. John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, a veteran’s organization. The alternative name of “Memorial Day” was first used in 1882, but did not become more common until after World War II. The majority of Southern states refused to celebrate Decoration Day.

First enacted to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War, it was expanded after World War I to include casualties of any war or military action.

So remember all those wonderful people out there who sacrificed their freedom so that you can have yours.

I want to say that Alton High School’s Concert and Symphonic Orchestra gave a wonderful performance last night. Senior Abbie Cash gave a wonderful solo performance on the cello as well.

Even though I could not see my son in the brass section of the symphonic orchestra, I could hear him, but moreso I enjoyed the show.

Kudos to the orchestra for another wonderful year.

Detention Slip. Every now and then I run across a Web site I find fascinating. Most recently I found the this one and it’s devoted to all the crazy things that happen in our nations schools.

As both a parent and a reporter I find it a unique tool to learn about what is going on in other school districts across the country. Everything from the silly to the serious is posted on this site. If you get a chance, check it out because where else can you find news about a girl hand-cuffed for wearing a skimpy prom dress, a mother who refused to return a comic book her child checked out The Book of Bunny Suicides because she deemed the material inappropriate for children to a cheerleading coach getting fired for posing in playboy.

Do you ever get exited about getting mail? I do.

Today we receive fewer pieces of handwritten material because most people send it electronically. Let’s face it sending something via our computer, cell phone or PDA may be faster and easier, but it’s not the same. Often times is short and not like the information that is sent to us in a letter.

When I was in the military, especially basic training, I would be thrilled to get a letter from home. My mother mailed two to three pieces of mail per week and it really made me feel good and I missed home less. She even sent my a tiny Christmas tree (I still have it too) and my platoon put it up so we could enjoy the holidays because we were unable to leave. I was serving when the United States entered Desert Storm. Anyway I enjoyed getting mail. There is something about receiving a letter or card from someone that brightens your day.

Anyway since I live in the technological age I check my e-mail (rather two accounts) multiple times a day and every now and again I’m thrilled to get something from someone that is not junk, spam or forwarded.

I guess because I’m in the media I actually like communicating with people. I like the interpersonal communication you get from mail, either electronic or messaging on Facebook and Twitter. Even though I get fewer letters these days I still have people send me notes to let me know what’s going on and it’s nice. It feels good when someone sends you something they actually took the time out to write and put some thought into.

Can you imagine if your child took off and you had to spend days in hell wondering what happened? I’m so glad to see that the parents of 3-year-old southeast Missouri boy no longer have to live there and are able to rejoice in the fact that there son is alive.

Joshua Childers

was found alive on Wednesday in a creek bottom nearly five miles from his home and more than 50 hours after disappearing. He is one lucky little boy, but more so his parents are thankful their prayers were answered.

As a parent I could not imagine what I would do if my son disappeared. All I know is that I bet Joshua’s mother will not let her son out of her sight for some time and she will thoroughly enjoying her Mother’s Day.

have to live the true terror of losing a child.

oshua Childer’s

oshua Childers was found in remarkably good condition by a volunteer searcher Wednesday afternoon three miles from his home. A hospital in Crystal City where he is recuperating lists him in fair condition.

then the terror setting in because you don’t know where he or she is at. I can only imagine what the parents of

I ran across this story today on CNN and thought I would share it with others. While I don’t condone drug trafficking I do feel the punishment is a bit harsh.

What’s even more concerning is that if the Laos government decided to execute her they might not be taking just one life, but two. I understand why they feel the need to punish people for drugs, but the woman got pregnant while in custody, which is even more concerning. The Laos government has rules for drugs, but it doesn’t seem to care about the rape of prisoners. Then again there is a lot of that mentality out there in other countries.

I’m so glad that I live in America, where I have the Constitution to protect my rights. At least here were are innocent until proven guilty. I might not like how things are done all the time, but I know I will be treated more fairly by the justice system here than one in southeast Asia.