I may have been too hasty in condemning the lifestyles of our Islamic brethren to the east. (Kabul, not Roanoke)

While it's true I had found fault with their historic statue preservation policies and their tendency to prove their macho dedication in such matters by fearlessly slaughtering herds of cattle, I have recently read their divorce doctrines and feel that we may have been harsh in our criticism.

I find that an Islamic husband need only say "We are divorced" three times and it's a done deal. If that wasn't sweet enough all by itself, he has the option of saying it only twice, thereby reserving his right to change his mind within three months on the off chance that the Mrs. cleans up her act within that time.

What's that madam? Do the ladies have the same option? Of course not. What's your point?

*****

I've never been much of a golfer but I think I've finally figured out the attraction. Despite the ridiculous clothes, astronomical greens fees and gargantuan bunkers, the game has one saving grace.

Every once in awhile even the most hopeless duffer will hit a shot that no one could have hit better. He will sink a 60 foot putt or chip in from the rough and in that instant he will realize that even the great Tiger Woods had missed such shots and, at certain times, would have paid a million dollars to be able to duplicate that duffer's successful effort.

*****

Was anyone else amazed at the lack of perception in Birmingham Baron's president and general manager, Tony Ensor last week? He fired an 80 year old usher, Lawton Dean, for the heinous crime of retrieving and attempting to return the home run ball of a young hopeful with that organization.

The "non recovery" rule was instituted a few years back when basketballer Michael Jordan did a brief stint with the Barons in an attempt to launch a pro baseball career. Even foul balls of Jordans were highly sought after as valuable souvenirs and something had to be done to quell the burgeoning market, apparently.

But the venerable Mr. Dean was not trying to profit from his efforts. He just thought the young man might like the ball he'd hit for a home run.

Not only did Ensor fire the old gentleman, his interview with the press afterward included the following: "The ball did not belong to him (Dean) or the hitter. It was and is the property of the Birmingham Barons. He broke the rules. End of story."

I suspect that is not the "end of the story" but the beginning of the end for the good Mr. Ensor, if the ownership of the Barons has any snap at all. A man in his position should not be entrusted with an organization whose success depends so largely on positive public relations.

If Jim Welch offered an Idiot's Award among his annual honorifics, this bozo should be considered as a prime candidate.