Don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to play Mr. Wardell for a fool. I do recognize good commentary in the making, however, after reading "15 Common Facts Debated on the Internet". I am torn. I don't recognize how one person can simply state his or her opinion as fact on such grandiose opinions and topics. I do recognize the frustration that can be felt by watching some people debate and horribly butcher history or popular public opinion, or even the 'standard national view'. I myself am hopelessly ignorant in comparison to some, and to others I am the new Einstein (like the neigbor's 4-year-old). That is the wonder of life! So, at the risk of making myself be seem ignorant to many, I have constructed my 15 Top Common OPINIONS Debated in the United States.

1) BETA is a better platform than VHS. It's true, BetaMax was a better platform, but due to good guerilla marketing, advertising ploys, and the failure to catch on, Beta has been doomed to collect dust in my father's 'hall of tech fame' closet, where it sits atop a laserdisc player, a Sega Genesis, a Tandy TRS-80 color computer, and an old box of OS/2.

2) Speaking of OS/2, nah, I won't even go there, because I'm liable to have some old COBOL-coding, UNIX-using freakazoid start telling me how operating platforms really work.

3) Smoking is bad for you, and nicotene is addictive. I don't care what all those huge powerhouse tobacco conglomerates say, cigarettes are really harmful for your body, and the companies try to get you hooked on their chemical compounds added into the final product. Next thing you know, people will be saying McDonald's makes them fat.

4) The Cincinatti Bengals are the worst team in football. I've personally watched a few dozen games since the days of Boomer Esiason (did I spell that correctly?), and I haven't seen them win yet with my own eyes. And they throw tantrums when they lose. I think they should move to Montreal in order to compliment the Expos during the rest of the year.

5) George W. Bush loves the environment. Juuuuuuuust kidding. He probably said that as he rode his diesel-powered snowmobile through an Alaskan wildlife sanctuary, deciding where the oil wells will be dug. He probably would have clubbed a fur seal with his Crawford Ranch walking stick if he could have found one of the little barking bastards. But he's pro-economy, that's for sure. Just don't ask him to name the officials he'll be trading with, even if they are the Prime Minister of their own country. But God Bless him for having turkey with the troops on Thanksgiving. He shot it himself, y'know. And this New Year, the NYFD is going to have a surprise quail dinner.

6) If two people are in an argument, usually one person is definitely wrong and the other is right, and so I say I'm right, and you're wrong. Boy, that was easy.

7) It's a good thing that intellectual property can be ripped off by others, otherwise how would we ever develop business espionage? And there is no way somebody should be allowed to expand upon my good idea to make it better or safer. Wait, maybe I shouldn't have expounded upon Mr. Wardell's article without his permission. (sorry, had to do it).

8) Capitalism isn't perfect, but it sure beats the hell out of Communism and Despotism. Except we need to lose 80% of the lawyers, MTV, and fat million-dollar-siphoning CEOs.

9) New Coke was a failure, and joined the ranks of Crystal Pepsi, Jolt Cola, RC Cola, and Tab. Coke Classic reigns!

10) Combining the Atkins Diet, South Beach Diet, Ephedra, Celery Soda, and Methamphetamines will not cure you of being fat and lazy. You know what will? Burn as many calories as you eat, while balancing out your diet and exercising. Whoa. Who ever thought of THAT one?

11) Michael - it doesn't matter if you love children and see them as little versions of God, if you don't want to be labeled as a weird eccentric pedophile, then don't let unfamiliar children sleep in your bed.

12) The youth of our nation determines pop culture. I remind myself of that everytime I bump into names like P. Diddy, Christina Aguilera, Brittany Spears, Justin Timberlake, and the Insane Clown Posse. Talent is overrated. Just ask American Idol.

13) If you (sex) want it to (sex) sell, then (sex) use something that (sex) every adult and young adult (sex) is intrigued by.

14) You can make millions if you can catch a football and run fast, but you can make hundreds if you teach children, fight fires, catch criminals, protect our wildlands, and serve in the military.

15) Things just aren't the same since the 'Far Side' and 'Calvin and Hobbes' have disappeared.

I'm sure there are many more pressing issues to be concerned with, but these were my top 15 off of the top of my head. And, in seriousness, I am using this as a disclaimer to thank Mr. Wardell for his insight and article, and to prove also that there are many ways at looking at opinions. That's why I like it here. I hope you all have a good day!