I've been pretty serious for the last few posts, but now it's time to turn briefly to the lighter side.

Agnes and I spent the day yesterday as spectators at the Virginia State DanceSport Championships, and had a grand time. If you're one of those who thinks ballroom dance is a pastime for sissies and dilettantes, you might try watching an hour of true championship competition...or even better, try to keep up yourself. Make no mistake: tuxedos, ball gowns, and fancy costumes aside, these are real athletes giving it everything they've got.

Of course, for someone like me who loves to dance, enjoys photography, and has an eye for beautiful ladies in beautiful clothes, it doesn't get much better than this. Watching "Dancing with the Stars," "So You Think You Can Dance," and "Ballroom Bootcamp" on television doesn't come anywhere close to the action and excitement of watching it live in the ballroom, where the music flows through you and you can see the sweat and smell the perfume and feel the energy. If you have to spend a sticky, rainy day indoors, this is how to do it.

On the more serious side (you didn't expect me to be totally lighthearted, did you?), you might consider that in much of the Islamic world, such a contest would be considered the very height of sinful behavior, with narrow-minded clerics urging that the participants be beaten, jailed, or worse. Never forget for a minute that there are those out there who would impose this seventh-century standard of behavior and perceived morality on you if they could.

But for now, let's dance!

Enjoy your Sunday. More thoughts tomorrow.

Bilbo