The Girl Sailor

I suppose it was inevitable. The judgement of Abby Sunderland's parents is being questioned for allowing, and possibly encouraging, their 16 year-old daughter to attempt to circumnavigate the globe in a forty-foot sailboat. She was equipped with the best equipment, the finest survival and communication gear, top-notch training, and she apparently possesses the highest degree of confidence, maturity, and conviction than most people far older than she is. Their family seems to be made up of courageous adventurers - people who make up their minds to do something and then do it.

As for circumnavigating the globe, it seems to me to be far safer than going to Aruba, Cozumel, Daytona Beach, and countless other exotic (and very dangerous) destinations on Spring Break - something thousands of parents don't think twice about when their young daughters ask to be allowed to go unchaperoned. Abby Sunderland probably doesn't even have a driver license, yet she set out to sail around the World by herself - a feat that would have taken over 200 days.

To parents who are questioning Abby's parents' judgement, take a look at your own couch potatoes and try to imagine them even WALKING to the store - maybe even doing it without their iPods.

This country, and much of the rest of the World, is what it is because of people like Abby Sunderland and her parents. These are people with vision, guts, determination, and apparently a lot of disposable income. We should all strive to be as courageous and independent. Just my opinion, your mileage may vary.

For a glimpse into the mind of this truly remarkable young woman, read her June 12 blog entry here:

http://soloround.blogspot.com/

A Good Stogie

I recommend this stogie - Luis Martinez Dominican Pride Maduro. Very nice ceeeeegar! There's nothing like a good cigar, some fine Scotch, surgery in the morning, and the Elvis Channel on satellite radio.

Satellite Radio

Today I finally took the leap and subscribed to satellite radio. I have known for a long time that satellite radio is cool, but it took borrowing my buddy's car for a few hours to really appreciate it. He is a founding member, and I really enjoyed the time I spent in his Mustang. Especially, All Elvis All the Time. So today, I went to my local Best Buy and bought the in-car setup and a docking/boombox shit thing for my garage at home. As they say in New England, it is "Wicked Cool."