Quitline Iowa Quits

Smokers, it looks like you are own your own. For the most part, that is. The Iowa Department of Public Health announced today money problems mean some of the freebies for smokers will go away. Quitline Iowa will still offer counseling. But after the end of the month, it won't provide the patch or the gum. I know it's tough to quit. I've watched my dad blow through three packs a day for years. Yes, three packs. But even without taxpayers paying for the stop smoking aids, isn't it still cheaper to buy your own gum or patch or whatever, instead of paying the crazy expensive prices for cigarettes? I'm just saying.

A couple of surprises today both involving the number 40... Al and Tipper Gore are splitting up? Apparently, no recount on this one. Who saw that coming? What about that awkwardly long kiss during the 2000 Democratic National Convention? And they were married 40 years. 40 years! What makes a couple split up after that long?

And Ted Koppel's son, Andrew, was found dead after what's reported as an all-day drinking binge. He was just 40 years old. Sad. Very sad.

For the Love of the Game...
I'm not saying my Cardinals are cured. But it is nice to see them swinging the bats well again. What took so long, boys? Albert Pujols and Matt Holliday were due to start hitting like the dynamic duo they are paid to be. Now, keep it up!