Happy 60^th Birthday to Israel. As our president pushes for a peace treaty between Israel and the Palestinians, this tiny country, surrounded by enemies, continues to move forward, as it has done since its creation in 1948.

From a swamp-infested and desert landscape, it has grown into a vibrant and democratic country, embracing the old with the new. I have to admit my bias towards this country of only 5-million-plus people, having visited Israel eight times in the past 15 years and receiving an award from the late Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, only weeks before his assassination.

I’m embarrassed to be a Cowboys fan. … It seems the great Emmitt Smith needs something to do between interviews and checking out the next hip party here in Phoenix, so the Hall of Fame running back has decided to try breaking the Guinness world record for washing the largest dish.

Smith will be over at former NBA player Dan Majerle’s downtown restaurant to challenge the record. Apparently, consumer eating begins at 4:30 p.m. and Smith gets his hands wet at 4:45. No one can tell us what the previous record is or the size of the greasy dish Smith will attempt washing.