Fat Tuesday....

....now, I know it really isn't Fat Tuesday, not THAT Fat Tuesday, the one that kicks off Mardi Gras, but today really is kind of a Fat Tuesday of a sorts, the Mets having restored their lead in the NL East to a full two games over the Phillies by virtue of some nice long weekend ball, so I'm really pretty fat and happy today, as I'm sure is Carlos Delgado.

You all know that I have little love for the guy, let's be honest here. I've been down on him since Opening Day, 2007. And even with his recent surge and exploits, I've been this way/that way about heaping too many accolades on him, wanting to see more, not trusting the short-term success he's had. And you know what? I STILL want to see more, but the more I see, the more I think he really HAS turned some kind of personal corner. He seems more determined and focused than I've ever seen him as a Met, and even seems to be relishing his positive leadership role on the team, something I've not seen in him as a Met.

I'd be lying if I said I still didn't have doubts. But slowly, they are being assuaged by Carlos' success at the plate, defensive performance, attitude and team leadership. And if these continue, well.... we'll see about next year, and bringing him back.

Another reason I'm feeling fat and happy this Tuesday is, well, you guess! That's right, folks, the season-long misfortunes, misplays, miscues, and misdeeds of none other than the New York Yankees. As of this writing, they're seven games behind the Red Sox for the wild card spot in the AL, and it is looking more and more as if we will not be seeing the Yankee pinstripes in the postseason this year. You can just about stick the proverbial fork in 'em.... kinda like the one pictured, just for you Yankee fans.

I've been hoping for this turn of events for many, many years now....and it appears to finally be close to becoming a reality.

And finally, how about that McCain VP pick, huh? Will the Republicans never learn? People who live in glass, or in this case, ice houses, should never, ever, throw stones. And I loved Mr. and Mrs. Palin's statement upon disclosing the five-month
pregnancy of their 17-year-old unmarried daughter, Bristol, which in part, says that they are proud of "her decision" to have the baby.

That's right, "her decision." She had a CHOICE. Something the Republicans want to take away from you, me, and everyone. You see, Bristol Palin CHOSE to have her baby. Which, think about it, is the whole point. The right to CHOOSE. She chose to give life, which is an admirable choice, and one of which she should be proud. But she had the choice.

Food for thought.