I really needed to apologize for my absence last week. I had some work stuff that came up, and then I caught a mean batch of strep throat.

The good news is I'm back all this week; the bad news is I leave Sunday for a 12-day shoot that should finish off my commitment to this TV show.

I appreciate you listening and being part of what we're trying to build, and I promise when this TV thing is over it's going to be back to normal schedule.

Today the big news is the mass shooting in Vegas. I'll give you what thoughts I have on the killings, and I'll open things up for you to comment as well. Frankly, I'm not sure what to make of our new society. Statistically, it's not a gun problem, but something has changed in the mentality of our citizens. We're almost a year removed from the Pulse shooting, and it seems like these events are getting closer and closer together.

I'll also update you on Venezuela. It's not as much an update as it is a story that illustrates what socialism does to any nation that peddles in its ideas.

Finally, we'll talk a little identity politics and the value of self. Not a bad day considering Darren is gone.

Enjoy!!