I've noticed I haven't updated my blog for a couple of weeks now. No particular reason...I have been busy with other things including practicing with my new camera, working on a new blog which I hope to launch very soon, and following closely the Presidential campaign. Speaking of the campaign...Did you happen to catch Obama's speech on race yesterday?...Just amazing, both in terms of content and ability to deliver a nuanced message which simultaneously addresses the legitimate concerns of both white and black Americans and empathizes and humanizes controversial figures like Pastor Wright...and...in my lifetime, I have not witnessed a politician or any other nationally know public figure who has been able to pull off what Obama has been able to do regarding such an explosive issue. Obama appears to be the real deal and is a fresh of breathe air to the political landscape which imo has been on the decline for most of my adult life....other news...went up to see my mom who is currently in a rest home. She is now 93 years old and is still hanging in there. Each time I see her I wonder if it will be for the last time but both myself and other relatives have written her off many times before and she just keeps making a comeback...She is no longer able to walk and is confined to a bed, probably for the rest of her life and it is my hope and prayer that she die a quiet peaceful death in her sleep when the Good Lord decides to take her home. In the meantime, I try to see her whenever I can and remember all the sacrifices she has made for me...On the sports front...There is currently a lull in the action for me until the basketball play-offs start. I am a huge Laker fan and I am excited that the Lakers are back near the top of heap but have no assurances how far that Lakers will go this year considering the Western Conference from top to bottom is the strongest in history...in fact...I don't remember, ever, in any sport where you literally have the top eight teams that are pretty much on equal footing...which...I hope translates to an exciting play-off run...March Madness starts on Thursday which will give me something to watch. I don't have a favorite college Basketball team so I will probably root for the west coast teams. I have always really enjoyed the College Basketball tournament because it provides one of the rare opportunities in sports where the little guy and the unknown are allowed to play on the big stage with the big guys...and...every year there are some big surprises....Well, that' it for now, I need to get out and get some exercise and get some work done....