Yesterday I received an e-mail from a travel website I frequently use that contained the official list of what can and can't be included in carry-on luggage.

It's RIDICULOUS! You can take a cigar cutter, but not a cigar. You can take cuticle scissors and nail files, but don't try to give yourself a manicure or pedicure because nail polish isn't allowed. One of my favorites is personal lubricant. I suppose it's for if you're intending to have sex in that tiny lavatory. But don't try to take along hand lotion if you wash your hands.

Thank heaven they allow breast milk, otherwise breastfeeding mothers would have to "evacuate" their breasts at the security check point.

Oh, and don't try to sneak Jell-o, pudding or yogurt aboard--except by the method shown below. Passengers, after all, love to listen to hungry, screaming children! But you're free to pack it in your checked luggage. Wouldn't you love to see the condition of your new underwear covered with chocolate pudding when you unpack?

Come to think of it, they cite Jell-o by its trademark name. So I suppose gelatin snacks made by other companies is allowed. Ya think?

What about tools? If they're not more than 7 inches, you can carry on screwdrivers, pliers and the like. How large is a box cutter? Also toy weapons are allowed but, of course, no ammunition. People with a prosthesis may also bring on board drills and tools needed to take off and put on the devices. (Who does that on a plane?) Oh, and knitting needles are allowed. But don't plan to drink your Frappacino while knitting because it's not allowed. You can take on your umbrella and cane. But no toothpaste. Which is more prone to be used as a weapon?

Another of my personal favorites is gel-filled bras. They're allowed. Obviously, the TSA leadership doesn't know how easy it would be be smuggle liquids, creams or gels in them. One side could be used for storing your Jell-o snack, and the other side could contain your shampoo. Come to think of it, what's going to happen to that TV commercial where the woman washes her in the plane's bathroom ?!

And, if you follow another link, you will get the whole explanation of the shoes issue. You may wear little footies from the point in which you place your shoes in the box, but don't try to wear them through the security screening device. Why? Well, apparently feet are also suspect. Since I happen to think peoples' feet are gross (what made the creator think of such ugly things?) I can't imagine spending my whole workday staring at bunions, crooked toes, dirty toenails and, worse of all, nail fungus.

What idiot thinks up these things?

"I was so happy to vote for Obama in 2004. What a letdown to see his dismal performance in the Senate... Obama's constituent services are awful. I've contacted to his office multiple times (email, snail mail, phone calls), and have yet to receive any repsonse. I regularly receive fund-raising letters, however. Perhaps he could use some of the money he raises to hire effective office staff instead of looking ahead to 2008 (when he will NOT have my vote)."

These comments by another writer reflect mine exactly! As an Illinoisan who supported Barack Obama and expected just a bit more than what he's giving to Illinois--and to the country's progressive community---my disappointment grows by the day. So it amazes me that some top politicos in Illinois are suggesting he run for president in '08. The man isn't anywhere near being ready for the top job! (George W. Bush being an example to NOT follow.) Until he proves that he will untiringly work for the people in Illinois, he won't be able to prove that he will work much at all for the citizens of the United States. Until he's covered the length and breadth of Illinois, how can be even consider commiting to a campaign where he has to travel the entire United States?

His staff is too atuned to the national scene and, as a result, ignores the local one. They're so busy accepting invitations to speak at major events that they snub local ones. While they're promoting him as the all-American answer to democracy, Illinois' minorities remember that he ran as an African American and should be more sensitive to their needs.

So, before people consider recruiting, contributing to, and/or voting for Obama for President, they should speak to the people of Illinois first to see what kind of a job he's done as this state's junior senator. Until he matures, learns the ropes, figures out how to balance his time properly between his constituents and his national audience, and provides guidence and good management of his staff, he won't be ready for any bigger position in government. Maybe he'll be ready in 2016 or 2020.

In the meantime, if anyone is thinking about recruiting anyone from Illinois for President in '08, our senior Senator Richard Durbin has all of the qualities that Obama lacks---AND is even a better speaker, and has better liberal/progressive credentials.