Cell phones have replaced cigarettes

We've all experienced those awkward moments. When you are alone at the bar. When you are alone at the airport long distance bus stop. When you are waiting for your order at a restaurant. In the past, to avoid looking weird at these moments you would light up a cigarette. Now you aren't some man sitting by himself doing nothing. You are smoking.

Today smoking in public places has largely been outlawed. Smoking has been replaced by looking at your cell phone. Today while you are waiting for the bartender to fill up the beer case you can't smoke but you can look busy by playing with your cell phone. Cell phones give an idle person something to do. 

Good bye Simone

In junior high school Mitchell Easton was president of the class. He seemed  destined to bring his leadership to the high school the next year. However, he surprised everyone by leaving public school altogether for a fancy prep school. This made it possible for other students to try their hands at being student council president, editor of the newspaper,  president of the honor society and other positions. All now within reach because the presumptive leader of the class was now gone to Chilton. 

And so it is with the departure of Simone Biles. For weeks she has been advanced as the name we will see again and again at the Olympics. The sportscasters at NBC Universal have been building her up all week. The greatest athlete in Olympics history. The legend upon which all women will now be judged.   And now the fall. Mitchell Easton is gone. 

Now is the chance for other women gymnasts to shine. Mostly they will be Russian and Asian. 

Editor's note: So great to see Steve Kornacki in the Olympics coverage. I don't really understand everything he says but it's still great having him there.