Prodding His Way to the Top

Today's number is 59. As in there are 59 days left until the 2006 World Cup in Germany. This year all 64 games are broadcast in HD, and I can't wait.....

The results of the Italian elections are in, it looks like Romano Prodi edged out Berlusconi by a very tight margin. The official count is not yet tallied, but victory by Prodi is assured winning 4 of 6 seats necessary for victory in the Italian chamber. Let's hope that Prodi and his men can do what they did for the European Union and help strengthen the national economy of Italy which has been in a bit of a fiscal crisis recently.....

In the Middle East yesterday Israel declared that Ariel Sharon is officially incapacitated now, and is no longer fit to run the country. Sharon suffered a stroke in the beginning of January, and ever since he has been in a coma, under Israeli law after 100 days if the prime minister is no longer able to run the country then he must forfeit his seat and is not longer able to have a temporary prime minister. Last week's election saw Sharon's successor Ehud Olmert winning the vote for prime minster, Olmert was second in command behind Sharon, and he won largely due to the legacy and the nation's love of Sharon. Many around the world are praying that Olmert can come to some type of a border agreement with the PLO and hopefully create two seperate nations in this hotbed of violence and opposition in the Holy Land.....

In our own nation, thousands took to the street yesterday in U.S. cities all over the country to protest Bush's new immigration policy. Immigrants from Boston to Alaska rallied throughout the streets banging drums, chanting, and flew Mexican and American flags to show their allegiance to both countries. The talk show lines are buzzing with controversy with proponents and opponents to this new act of legislation. All I can say is that this plan needs to be reworked. On one hand American taxpayers should not have to bear all the burden of health care for illegal immigrants, but by the same token a kid born to immigrants in the U.S. that has never been to Central America should not be considered a felon, this is the only land he knows. Either way this immigration debate will continue to press on before a resolution is reached......

In sports yesterday, the Tigers lost a tough one to the White Sox in their home opener at Comerica Park. The teams get a day off today, and hopefully Detroit can take a day off, bounce back and get them Wednesday. The MLB also decided to fine and suspend Nationals manager Frank Robinson and pitcher Felix Rodriguez for hitting Paul Lo Duca in the 8th inning of last Thursday's Mets v. Nationals game. In all, seven batters were hit, but only one Met was hit and since it was after both benches were warned the Nationals will pay fines and serve suspensions. This to me is outrageous because Pedro clearly threw at Guillen twice, and this was his third day being hit in the series. For Pedro to get away with out a fine or suspension is outragous especially given the fact that he has hit Guillen many times throughout his career. This is just one of many examples of bad policy and control that MLB has had under the tutelage of Bud Selig, and its about time for a new commisioner that can restore dignity back to this great game.