Well, we are recently back from vacation in Europe, and all I can say is, God Bless America.  To any of you who are disenchanted with life in America, and have contemplated moving somewhere else … I think not.  It’s not bad, mind you, it’s a nice place to visit, but not as a steady diet.  We had access to CNN International for the news.  You will interested to know that from May 12 to May 24 the world heard about only 4 stories.  Ireland was voting on gay marriage.  The CNN reporter was pleased to find that even such a religious country “is finally evolving on social issues.”  Whew!  Second story – an oil spill in America that did not reach the water.  Damn industry!  Number Three – McDonald’s employees want $15 an hour.  “You want fries with your $10 Big Mac?  And finally, mass murder in Washington D.C.  Violence in America is always rampant.  To summarize, America – BAD.  Ireland – Improving.  Europe?  Well, they only picked my pocket once in Paris.