It's appalling to see so many reports in the news of parents leaving their babies in their cars. How in the world do you forget to get your own kid? In the most heartbreaking cases, the kids are left in cars so hot that they end up dying. Parents who do this should undoubtedly be charged for murder and remain behind bars for the rest of their lives. Such utter carelessness is unacceptable. If people are not ready to shoulder the immense responsibilities of parenthood, they should not have children. I am on the fence about having kids, but I know that should I choose to become a father, I will never let my child out of my sight. A child is not a sweater, wallet, or some other object that you can get away with accidentally leaving behind. Such a careless mistake places the child's safety -- and life -- in grave danger. Not only might heat, a lack of oxygen, and no access to food adversely affect the child, but someone might break into the car and kidnap the infant...

On this day in 1933, Franklin Delano Roosevelt was inaugurated as the 32nd president of the United States. His inaugural address included what arguably became his most famous words: "Let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself." He had defeated Republican candidate Herbert Hoover, whom many blamed for the Great Depression, handily. It would be the first of an unprecedented four terms in office for the charismatic Roosevelt. (He died before he could complete his fourth.) No president before him served more than two terms, and none would do so afterward following passage of the 22nd amendment to the Constitution. With his wide-ranging spate of "New Deal" legislation, Roosevelt guided the country through the worst economic downturn in the country's history. His leadership also helped the United States and the Allies achieve victory over the Axis powers in World War II. Franklin Roosevelt was the fifth cousin of Theodore Roo...

Today's quote comes from Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919), who served as the 26th President of the United States. Not only was he an accomplished politician, but also a staunch conservationist, historian, and author. Most people may know that it was this venerable Rough Rider who uttered the famous line, "Speak softly and carry a big stick." Here's a quote that's not as well known but, in my view, equally resonant: "Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." - Theodore Roosevelt  The exuberant Roosevelt not only published three books in his lifetime, but was an avid reader of history, poetry, and other subjects about which he was passionate. As I've noted in prior posts, I myself am passionate about writing and reading, just as Roosevelt was. When I sit down and put words down on paper, the hours just fly by. I feel completely in my element. I know that writing is my calling, and there'...