The war has started. It's a shame that we are in the twenty-first century, but we are still acting like we're in the dark ages. As long as there are dictators who don't care about their own people, the world isn't going to change. I think that the American way is worth fighting for. The United States is far from perfect, but it is much better than anywhere else that I've seen.
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I started reading 'A Raisin in the Sun'. It's a stage play about a Black family on the south side of Chicago during the late 50's. The title is from a Langston Hughes poem that begins "What becomes of a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun.". I've only read the first 30 pages, but it is captivating, so far. I think that the book was chosen as book of the year by the Chicago city councill, similar to 'To Kill a Mockingbird' last year. Sometimes I get so involved with newly published novels, that I forget that there are a lot of classic books that I've never read. I recently reread 'The Old Man and the Sea'. It's as good as the first time I read it.

The Illini were made the fourth seed in the Western division. They're in the toughest division with four teams that were in the top 10 during the year. They'll be lucky to just make it past Notre Dame. Of course with a war looming, the entire tournament might be in jeopardy of being postponed or canceled. I don't see how they could postpone it easily. People make reservations a year in advance for the finals, hosted by New Orleans this year. I went to New Orleans in 1993 to watch the games at the Superdome. It was a great time. I'm not sure that it would be much fun with a war going on, though. If they cancel it, you have to feel sorry for all the players. Most of them will never get another a chance.
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The 75th Academy Awards might be canceled as well. I don't feel as sorry for those people, though. They seem to have award shows every other week and many of them make millions. They could just announce the winners and ship them their Oscars. I don't care to watch a bunch of actors give their political opinions about a war. If they don't like it, they should run for office like Ronald Reagan.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

The Illini won the Big Ten basketball tournament! It's nice to see them win something for a change. I thought that they were going to blow it on Saturday. They were leading Indiana for most of the game, but just barely held on by 1 point at the end. Today they had no problems against Ohio State. Things are looking good for the upcoming NCAA tournament. It would be nice if they could make it to the Final Four. There are so many good teams playing, though. It will be a stretch. Go, Fighting Illini!