5 Wishes for 2008

Some serious and trivial wishes for 2008 ...

1. With the presidential elections in November, my wish is that the US moves into a more progressive, intelligent space where they work with their allies to build a better world, use technology and science to advance the human condition, and to leave religion where it belongs - to the individual and to the communities. I'd like to see America take the lead in the environment and help move to a healthier, hopeful place for our children. Furthermore, I hope the next president breaks the "rich white man" mold that has dominated US politics since it's inception. In short, my wish is that the US emerges from the dark ages into a 21st century, leadership role where it belong, leading us all to the light of tomorrow.

2. Fix Television. Where are the terrific, smartly-written shows I used to watch? Where are the TV series like Hill Street Blues or Columbo or Murphy Brown or West Wing or Star Trek NG or Newsradio or Barney Miller or Taxi or Newhart or Cheers or Night Court or MASH or Seinfeld? Jesus, just how many CSIs and L&Os do we need? The only shows on TV today that fit my criteria are perhaps Monk and '24'. The rest is a bunch of recycled crap like these overly dramatic primetime game shows, tons of reality junk (my god is there nothing unique any more??), a million Simpson clone-toons doing the exact same joke adnauseam, etc...

Is it too much to ask for some intelligent, well written, fresh character-driven material back on the mainstream airwaves?

3. Toronto Maple Leafs. It's been 41 years since the last Stanley Cup and I'm fed up. Here's what needs to happen:

• The MLSE board need to get on the same damn page, look to the same damn direction and have same damn vision. Forget the politics, power struggles and backstabbing. You guys are actually making the Harold Ballard years look good - ENOUGH!
• Hire a highly esteemed VP-type, who can handle this market, these fans, this media and the balls to handle this board. Give him a truckload of money and a long term contract, and of course - full control of all hockey operations.
• His mandate: To change the culture of this organization into a winning and proud one once again. The Toronto Maples Leafs are one of the top organizations in the world and it's about time it become the cornerstone of the NHL, and return back to the spirit of the great Conn Smythe.

4. Personal: More spirituality and clarity in my life. More risks, more guts, more conviction and more boldness.

5. And finally to some of my relatives and friends - who have been having a challenging time of late: A prayer of good health.