2003 NFL KICKOFF
Over the years, the National mall in DC--which stretches from the US Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial--has been the scene of such historic moments as civil rights marches, anti-war rallies, the Million Man March, and a full display of the AIDS quilt. Now we can add to this proud list tonight's "NFL Kickoff Live 2003, Presented by Pepsi Vanilla."
While a number of interactive events have been taking place all week, it all culminates with tonight's concert featuring Britney Spears, Mary K. Blige, Aerosmith, and Aretha Franklin. Following the concert, the NFL's 2003 season will officially kickoff at FedEx field with the NY Jets' slaughter of the Washington Redskins (You read it here first).
This stomach turning display of crass commercialism on what many consider near-sacred ground prompts me to ask, why doesn't someone come out with a chocolate fudge brownie flavored cola?


IS THAT A GUN IN YOUR POCKET
OR ARE YOU JUST HAPPY TO SEE ME?
And in other news, John Hinckley, who has been in St. Elizabeth's Loony Bin since 1983, is again seeking permission to make periodic, unsupervised visits to his parents home.
As you may recall, Hinckley shot President Reagan in 1981 in an effort to impress Jodie Foster. While he never did get a date with the actress, Hinckley did succeed in scoring free room and board for the last 21 years. The wacko's lawyer and attending doctors all say that he has improved immensely over the years, and has since gotten over his unhealthy obsession with Foster.
In addition to previous, supervised outings to movies, bowling alleys, and restaurants, Hinckley has been a model patient. He has even begun a DVD collection, which includes such diverse titles as Contact, Panic Room, The Silence of the Lambs, The Accused, Maverick, and Taxi Driver.