it's opening day...do you know who your starter is?

the snow has melted below the high altitudes, the lifts at taos are winding down, and the second greatest day of the year has arrived...it's opening day...and it couldn't have come at a better time to distract from the disaster that has become this nation.

so at 1:10 p.m. central time alfonso soriano will dig in to face aaron harang at the great american ballpark in cincinnati. and for the next few months, I will officially believe that world peace is possible, that true liberalism is a viable alternative in this country, that the conservatives are finished, that hunger and poverty can be eradicated, and that carlos zambrano and $300 million can push the cubs to the promised land before the sign on sheffield needs another digit.

and of course my hopes will inevitably be crushed...but at least the tribune company has agreed to sell the cubs...

but its opening day, the one day a year when hope springs eternal and anything is possible...so grab your cap, grab a pencil and scorecard, grab some peanuts, grab a mitt and get somewhere that sells cheap beer to see the game and believe that all will be well.

AC 046299. Eamus Catuli.