The Corner Booth

Here's a story glistening with plot devices of sex, religion, ancient history, mystery and contemporary controversy. And note: I proved myself wrong on a religious note, however that leads to a larger inquiry that warrants intellectual exploration... Recently, a conversation (without coffee) arose over homosexuality and the Bible. Those of you know I've never much embraced church or religion, let alone the practice of Scripture in my life. While that is gradually changing with age and marriage and the eventual start of a family, I remain a skeptic at heart - the journalist inside. Anyhow, a friend made the comment about not wanting any homosexual males near her son. Rational: the Bible forbids this type of activity; it's wrong. I disagreed, and we debated the issue for a good hour or so, but in doing so my curiosity intensified. So, research ensued. A Google search of words "homosexuality," "Bible," and "forbid" revealed 353,000 results. After ...

Two Greenwood police officers were shot - one seriously - during a minor traffic stop late Wednesday. Here's the story from the Indy Star. Apparently, one clocked a speeding car and attempted to stop the driver, who pulled into a McD's parking lot. Shots were fired, and it looks like one was shot about four times, including once in the abdomen about an inch below his vest. He's in serious but stable condition at the hospital after surgery overnight. The other officer was treated and released for a bullet to the upper leg. The 18-year-man was shot and killed at the scene. All they were doing was pulling over a speeding car before 11 p.m., and this is what happens. People complain about police pulling them over for these violations, and not going after "real criminals." Others whine on similar notes about how officers shouldn't waste time at night pulling people over for these types of violations, that not everyone out at this hour (or later) is doing something ...

In the legal world, Tuesday was a busy, blockbuster-worthy day at the Supreme Court of the United States. Their decisions: Libby final arguments that bring up the differences of blogging and journalism; Guantanamo detainees’ rights; Court throws out $80 million verdict against Big Tobacco and with it makes a crucial ruling on punitive damages; issues a predatory selling decision; and another on the federal habeas standard for review before the High Court. Wednesday was yielding decisions, too. Clincher: many are coming out 5-4, signaling a divided court and even some mixing between conservatives and liberal-like justices. Interesting days in the legal world. Of course, this all comes as the world continues gushing over Ana's body, Britney's new bald look and rehab entrance, and now Britian and Denmark withdrawing from Iraq. News-hounds should be going wild, from courts to entertainment and foreign affairs coverage. All's at play - and it's only Wednesday!

Spring hasn't sprung. Sinatra is playing on my iPod as this blog begins -the irony piles on heavy like the snow this past week, as the song on selection is: You Make Me Feel So Young. Ah, spring. Wouldn't that be nice. Hey, "Fairy tales do come true, it can happen to you..." After a week in Indiana where a foot of snow has fallen, and we're still digging out and dealing with the aftermath, this song is the ultimate irony. Snow-stuck trucks, buried newspapers, pantcuffs full of snow (thanks, Suz), and missed work has made this one heck of a week. I'm ready for spring-time weather. What did that groundhog say again? Anyhow, today was a day of massive indoor, spring-cleaning type cleaning of the house. Organizing, dusting, vacuuming, and all that good stuff. Nice. At least it looks good inside, whatever the ice and snow images are outside. After a long day of doing this, we treated ourselves to a dinner at Texas Roadhouse, using a holiday gift card from Suzi'...

TUESDAY UPDATE: The snow has arrived. Apparently, the forecasters were partially right: it's historic, in relation to the past two years. We have about 6 inches on the ground, along with layers of ice. Essentially: more north of Indy you go, more snow. Farther south, more ice. As the vening sets in, they are calling for more snow. About 3 more inches, they say. I enjoy how police tell everyone to stay home, and during these snow emergencies, they'll arrest you for being out unless it's some pre-determined authorized reason (emergency, food, medical, work). Most didn't go into the office today- we worked from home. Spent the early morning shoveling the driveway, then came inside to work. Looked outside, and the shoveled driveway was a sheet of ice. The snow ended about 7 a.m. with about 6 inches here, and freezing rain began about the same time and hasn't stopped; it's expected to go until more snow after sundown and into tomorrow. All schools are closed. Busine...

Yet another example (or two) of a society being way-too sensative. Two groups each objecting to a pair of ads aired during the Super Bowl. Apparently, one GM ad about a suicide-dreaming robot spurred outrage from a suicide-prevention group while another Snicker's commercial showed two guys sharing a candy bar so much they join in a kiss - only to be shocked what they're doing after the sweet is gone and jumping back, doing something "manly" by ripping out some chest hair. This one drew fire from a gay advocacy group claiming it promotes homophobic behavior. Can't say I see or agree with that point, but can't say I even cared for the commercial. Oversensitivity never ceases to amaze. First, it's banning the Pledge because some kids and parents got all bent out shape. Then, it became banning schoolyard games like tag and kickball because some parents felt their child "might get hurt." Now this. C'mon people. I fear for the next generation. Per...

Common sense tells us drivers that we should take caution when approaching a railroad crossing. Mom used to say, "Stop, and look both ways." Easy to do. But, most don't. Here in Indianapolis, especially in more rural and now-urbanizing once rural areas, crossings are unmarked with flashing lights and many do not have blocking arms, bells, or everything I'm used to living up in Southeast Michigan. Sadly, it's taken the tragic death of two young boys to put some attention on this issue. Granted, the driver in a family SUV apparently didn't stop or look, and jetted out in front of a train - resulting in the boys' death, but not the driver or other person in the gas guzzler. Yes, that driver should have stopped. But, maybe something else could be done to help ensure or encourage more safety and caution at these dangerous crossings. Critics are already complaining that bad drivers will still be bad drivers, even with added safety measures. It's not the guv...