Random Notes, August 2012

With all the TV.com drama past us, maybe it's time to catch up on current events big and small:

+ Even though Chick-Fil-A has been promoting family values for years --which is perfectly fine in the right context-- I think Mr. Cathy's comments were a humongous mistake. It's one thing to be a social conservative, it's another to let your beliefs stand in the way of business. This is why Chick-Fil-A will never run with the big dogs (McDonald's, Burger King, etc.). If anyone from those companies are against gay marriage, and I'm sure there are, they would do better than make a formal statement that A) has nothing to do with the company and its wares and B) alienates a substantial percentage of their potential customers. This is not a question of first amendment rights, but a lesser case of foot-in-mouth disease.

+ On one hand, I'm curious to know why Mitt Romney hasn't released any of his pre-2009 tax returns. On the other hand, speculation is building into a witch hunt, a marginally more substantial conspiracy than the Obama/birther absurdity of yore. On one hand, this demonstrates the lack of transparency that hinders the people's faith in government. On the other hand, we already know Romney is filthy rich, and he likely has nothing to hide.

+ Finally this week, I have a "mom update" of sorts. For the last few weeks, her hands had been trembling and we weren't sure why. She already has osteoporosis, but that's really a symptom. After going to a specialist late last week, my mom learned that she has early-onset Parkinson's Disease. The disease is very much treatable, and she's not treating it like a big deal, but regardless please keep  my mom in your thoughts.

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