Now that the conventions are over, I have few suggestions for 2012.

1. The flag is our nations symbol. The party with the most flags is not automatically the most patriotic.. Perhaps, it even cheapens it.  What do12 flags on the stage, plus the one on the green screen, plus the 20,000 little ones held by each person in attendance say what one tasteful flag doesn't?

2. Pick one patriotic expression at a time.  The most cringe-worthy moment in either convention was that country western Mod Squad doing a Simon and Garfunkle Silent Night / 7 o'clock News type thing to The National Anthem/Pledge of Allegiance.  Oh, and when singing the National Anthem, remember that not singing the same notes is not the same as harmonizing.

3.  If  someone is at the convention or watching it on TV, there is an excellent chance that they know which party is which.  It is redundant to put a stuffed elephant or donkey on top of your Star-Pangled head.  No need for the occasional moose or lei either.

Unless there is some real possibility that the nomination may be contested, there really is no need for each and every person to hold up the sign displaying their ticket.  It's a bit oppressive.  They belong in same scrap heap as those "D" and cardboard fence signs at every football game.

4.  Whoever is in charge of the music may want to avoid being too on the nose.  This may have been extra annoying to me bacause I checked in with the football game while the convention was playing Heart's Barracuda just in time to here them playing Benny and the Jets while discuussing Favre's new team.

5.  Know your newspeople.  And if you've thrown back a few too many, do NOT talk to Andrea Mitchell.

6.  About 18 months before the 2012 conventions, go on that diet and exercise plan you've been putting off.  The world will be watching.