Who would believe that I could survive an entire year writing these little ditties? Well I have and I kind of enjoy it, as well as the folks who comment on and offline.

This week I want to talk about Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World.

But before we get started let me remind you that I hate these lists because they are always so subjective. But hey, maybe that’s why Time and all sorts of other publications do it: to create discussion or controversy. Here are the names at first glance that I would question as being Top 100 material. Andre Agassi…yes, he was a great tennis player in his day, but now? George Clooney…his last two movies bombed and he wants to help the folks in Darfur–who the hell doesn’t these days? Kaka…he is a soccer player from the Brazilian National Team, what am I missing? Radiohead…right, just what we need is another English band. And they made the list why? Miley Cyrus…okay I give up. A 15-year old with a semi-famous dad, a successful first album and a hot movie. She’s 15!

Okay here are a few names they’ve missed. Tiger Woods, only the greatest golfer in the world presently and soon in history. He is also changing the world with his Foundation. How about Don and Deidre Imus, their Imus Ranch has raised awareness and money for cancer patients. Even Rush Limbaugh deserves a mention. Personally I cannot stand the man. But to say, with his audience, that he’s not one of the Top 100 Most Influential?

Okay that’s enough for the day. You get my point and I’m sure you all have an opinion on who should or should not be on the list. Let me know, I’d like to hear it.

Since last week’s blog (Self Fulfilling Prophecy) created more stir than normal, I decided to go with another controversial subject today, one about the self indulgent, don’t get it, egg heads who run PETA. If you missed the news this weekend regarding the Kentucky Derby and the terrible accident resulting in euthanization, here is the background.

Eight Belles, a filly, collapsed 1/4 mile after crossing the finish line (after finishing second). The horse broke both front ankles and had to be put down. I’m not a big racing fan but I have been and wagered before so I do understand racing. More importantly, I own a horse (well technically I own it, but don’t tell my 17 year old daughter that I said it’s my horse).

PETA sent a fax to the Kentucky Derby people saying the filly was “doubtlessly injured before the finish.” Well that might be one of the most stupid comments I have ever heard. Apparently the folks who run the organization have never galloped on a horse or they would’ve realized it would be highly unlikely that any horse could go a quarter mile on two broken ankles, as this horse is supposed to have done. This was a tragic accident and to imply that the owner and jockey were so callous is unfair.

To cover up it’s obvious lack of knowledge and demonstrate their real agenda, PETA goes on to say, “What we really want to know, did he (the Jockey) feel anything along the way? If he didn’t then we can probably blame the fact that they’re allowed to whip the horses mercilessly.”

Okay, I get it. You PETA folks don’t like horse racing…why not just admit it?