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I haven't received a lot of feedback on our discussion of talents. I think I have fixed the problems with adding comments (though they still go to a review queue so I can filter out any obscene or communist rantings), so please feel free to let me know what you think your best talents are.

I really do think the happiest people are the ones who figure out what their one thing is, and then are able to pursue it with passion. My problem is that I'm scattered; I can't seem to stay focused on any one thing. The only element that is always a part of me is swimming, and I know it will as my central balance point. Perhaps my one thing is to try to spread the word about what a great sport swimming is.

But no discussion of talents and gifts would be complete without a discussion of my son Tanner. I know that every parent thinks their kids are geniuses, so I'm probably no different than everyone else when I go off and start bragging about the dude. But how the heck such an amazingly talented person arose from my genetic material is destined to remain a mystery.

All I'll say for now is that I'm supposed to receive a copy of his new band's latest album later this week. I can't wait. Some of Tanner's music isn't exactly in line with my tastes, but it's always innovative. Listening to him play has been one of the greatest joys in my life.

Unfortunately for me, he moved to Seattle about 6 months ago. God, I miss him.

Oh, I talk to him on the phone regularly, but it's not the same as actually being in the same room with him. I'll go to Washington for a visit sometime soon, and will be sure to blog about it when I return.

Anyway, the point I'm trying to make is that in addition to different skills, we each have different tastes, as well.

Some things are universally loved, like s'mores and Heather Locklear. But other things may appeal to a more limited group. For example, some people actually seem to enjoy the hideous cacophony of gangsta rap or U2, while others prefer Huey Lewis and the News.

Here's an example: I have included links to a few different versions of the same song. The one in the YouTube window here is by a world-renowned vocal artist, and is universally acclaimed as a work of genius. The second version is the one Tanner recorded when he was in high school. Click here to listen. And then if you're a complete drug-addled hippie (like Peter Frampton), well, you'd probably prefer this rendition.

The point I'm really trying to make is that all of the actors in the panel at the top of the page consistently make really crappy movies. I'm not saying they can't act; I'm just saying that if I'm going to pay good money to go to a show, I'd much rather invest in "Snakes on a Plane" than in some Oprah-endorsed snooze-fest that gets nominated for Academy Awards.

I would never assert that every movie has to have nonstop action to be good. I enjoyed the dialog in Princess Bride, for example, and there's plenty of witty banter in every single Three Stooges short. But seriously, what has Jerard Deppardoo ever done that was the least bit entertaining? That's all I'm asking.

In the meantime, I'll leave you with a clip that I would choose as a prime example of Oscar-worthiness. Writing, acting, costuming, and deep philosophical thought: It's all right here. Enjoy it, and have a great day!