NEW ORLEANS RISING

       The stadium is packed. The sweat gleams of the pitcher's brow and he looks for the sign. He leans in, winds up, and hurls the ball towards the plate. The batter squints his eyes and focuses on the bat meeting the ball. It's with the crack of the bat; the whole stadium holds their collective breath as the ball sails toward the outfield wall. The fan's cheers reaches a crescendo as the ball finally comes down into a fan's awaiting outstretched hand. The ball hits that one lucky fan's hand and then is fumbled down out sight only to rest in the abyss of no man's land or they are engulfed in a sea of people. It's the dream of every fan, casual or fanatical to catch a ball at a Major League Baseball game.        The advent of the new millennium has brought us a new sword in the stone. The home run ball, the foul ball, and the occasional gift from a Major Leaguer's hand. How much is it worth? For some it's worth climbing over oth

            Casey Anthony is in court and  NFL players are too.  The NBA is locked out and who knows when they will gain momentum on their deal. There are wars raging in the Middle East.  Mexico's citizens are held hostage by drug cartels. Civil wars around the world rage on. Gaddafi still kills his own countrymen and women. The bad news goes on and on. The end some days feels and seems like it is closing in on us.  There is hope yet,  the greatest nation in the world still stands.               It's a testament to our nation and us that after 235 years America still is a beacon of freedom in the world. You will get thrown in jail for criticizing the leader of the Communist party in China. In America you may find yourself at the center of a campaign or supporting one if you do. Whether you take your freedoms for granted or not, the fact remains that you have the ability to do just that. In those 235 years blood has been spilled on this land and others to ensure that you can