We take pride in our football, but we’ve got some of the best musical talent around. It will be neat to watch them Thursday, beginning at 11 a.m. on ABC.

Other high school bands marching include: DuPont, Del.; Bainbridge, Ga.; Centennial, Tenn.; Christopher Newport, Va.; Lake Weir, Fla.; Maryville, Tenn.; North Augusta, S.C.; Ocoee, Fla.; Peachtree, Ga.; Pennsbury, Penn.; Petal, Miss.; St. Mary’s, Ohio; Tippecanoe, Ohio; and Trinity Valley, Texas.

The parade’s official Web site is http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/feature?section=resources/lifestyle_community/community/events&id=6477119

Mood song for today: Toy Soldiers by Martyka

Remember the great flood? The one that spewed from beneath my water water (though it was previously believed to be a washing machine issue)? The one that sent waves of floodwaters crashing into the corners of my house? The one that kept me up all night mopping like an idiot? The one that wrecked my living room and a month of my life? Yes, that one.

Well, it’s all dry now. In fact, I’ve got carpet installed in two rooms and laminate floors ready to be placed in others. I even tried my hand at painting. See my living room below? Big green walls. My paint job was so bad I had to call in the pros from TNT. The great thing about my living room is despite the great flood, I still had my TV and recliner. You know, the important things in life.

Things are almost normal now. I better not say that. Don’t want to jinx myself. I couldn’t have made it through this without sushi.

This week’s primary pits recent Republicans Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Reagan and the Bushes. Next week’s primary pits Lyndon B. Johnson against Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter. I’d make Clinton the fave here.

Other primary winners thus far include George Washington, John Quincy Adams, Abe Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower and, yes, Andrew Johnson, the first president to be impeached. Go figure.

Why is president-elect Barack Obama not included on the ballot? Last I checked, Bush was still in the White House.

Mood music for this evening: Elvis’ Return to sender

I was railed in another letter this week by a reader for my perceived conservative views. Rampant conservatism I believe it was.

Last week I was ultra liberal. Now I’m rampantly conservative.

People make me laugh. Maybe I have little taste for either political view because the far left and far right are among the most closed-minded people on earth.

And to those writers: Yes ... you are both right

Mood song for the day: Fire and Rain

It stunned me early Sunday to learn Starks suddenly died Saturday night. He was 46. It was more bizarre because I’d spotted him from so far away and made the mental note, “hey, that’s Virgil Starks.”

People remember Virgil as a fun guy. One thing I remember most about Virgil is the time he openly cheered in the Sanford Stadium press box during the 2003 Auburn-Georgia game. Cheering is prohibited in such venues and Starks was quickly embarrassed for his momentary gaffe. Hey, the man was happy. Let him cheer.

But Gibbs wasn’t the only local on the presidential campaign trail. Kimmie Lipscomb, a 2001 graduate of Auburn High, was press spokesperson and campaign spokesperson for John McCain. Two AHS grads dueling for the White House. Pretty cool.

Today’s mood music: Rain, rain, go away

Mood song for the day: Crystal Ball by Styx

Instead of spending millions on campaigns, perhaps we can find a simpler means to choose a president in 2012. Yeah, let’s run the candidates through a series of contests.

First, they must appear on American Idol and sing The Star Spangled Banner and their choice of any Depeche Mode selection.

After the talent portion of the contest, the candidates must compete in a physical event, either tug-of-war or catch the greasy pig. The winner here will go over big with the Kansas constituents.

Finally, the candidates must go head-to-head in Monopoly, a game that displays their economic prowess. Pennsylvania Avenue will be worth an arm and a leg.

I’m not saying which candidate is the best choice for our nation, but I do wonder ... in four years will today’s winner be glad he won?

Today’s mood music: Jingle Bells. Why not?

So here it is: http://www.meridianmagazine.com/ideas/081017light.html

U.S. President: Recent polls indicate Democratic nominee Barack Obama to have nearly a 10-point leader over GOP candidate John McCain. I would guess there may be some substance to these polls, but I believe they may be a little bit closer. Still, I think Obama will have the presidency won before midnight Tuesday, but you never know. As for Alabama, McCain is a lock.

Senate: Haven’t seen anything that has led me to believe Democrat Vivian Figures would unseat Republican Jeff Sessions, so I’d think Sessions is a clear favorite to remain in Washington.

House Third Congressional District: What an ugly contest this has become. Meeting both candidates and listening to their points of view was fantastic. Watching the commercials made me want to puke. The Jay Love-Bobby Bright race gave me similar feelings, but I don’t have to vote in that race. I believe Rogers will win because Alabama traditionally goes Republican, but Segall has made the Rogers campaign folks work overtime.

Alabama PSC President: Again, Alabama has gone with GOP candidates of late, and former state GOP chair Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh should ride that wave with a win over former Lieutenant Governor Lucy Baxley.

Lee County Revenue Commissioner: I get the impression that Oline Price’s campaign is better-financed than challenger Bettye King judging by the number of signs I’ve seen. People are sometimes resistant to change, so I wouldn’t think they would vote against status quo at the court house. That said, I believe Price will win.

As for the judges ... I really don’t know so there’s no point of even getting into it.