Now that the baseball strike has been averted -- "averted," as if it would have been some kind of major national catastrophe -- can we please talk about something else? Preferably something with the slightest degree of importance. At least we no longer need worry about the welfare of those poor destitute ballplayers, many of whom struggle with high self-esteem on a daily basis.

It could be interesting to see how the Jerry Lewis telethon fares this Labor Day. Charities all over the country are reported to be hurting in the bad economy. On top of that, I have a feeling that after the gut-wrenching ordeal of the last year or so, viewers may be in an unreceptive mood for Jerry's brand of well-intentioned melodrama. Support from the local TV affiliates may be a bit less forthcoming, too, if our nearby station is any indication. Although the telethon begins earlier in the evening, they won't begin to carry it until 11:00 p.m., preferring to squeeze in one last Married with Children rerun (or whatever syndicated late-night cash cow they're milking these days) and its accompanying local ads.

The anniversary of 9/11 has me thinking of more personal inconveniences: I've been called to jury duty on that very day. Nerves will be tightly strung that day, and mine will be tuned as high as anybody's. Will I be safer going about my daily routine, or waiting out jury selection in a comparatively well-fortified county courthouse?