Here's the part where I put away all snark & smarm for a minute. Ted Kennedy was an American treasure who could have lived his life as a privileged playboy, but instead, after some very human missteps early in his life, he chose to become a statesman who fought tirelessly for the poor, the disenfranchised, the powerless, the disabled, women, minorities -- in short, everyone else who lived a life harder than he would ever know.   The good he accomplished for countless people is immeasurable.

He was truly a personal hero and inspiration to me, so much so that, when I got to work this morning, everyone said they didn't expect me to come in, because they knew how broken up I'd be over Senator Kennedy.

Here's to living a life of service and truly trying to make life better for others. May we all carry on your legacy. You'll be missed, Uncle Teddy.