Politics
I'm not sure what to think about the current presidential primaries. I think I like Barack Obama. I don't like Hillary Clinton. I'm not sure what to think about John McCain. This marks the first time in my life since I've been a voter (a whopping 6 years), if someone were to ask if I sided more with the Democrats or the GOP, I'd have to say the Democrats. Maybe it's because I'm tired of George W. Bush, despite the fact that I voted for him in 2004. Maybe it's because the Republicans haven't produced any candidate who really moved me in any way. I think it's probably a combination of the latter and this statement written to Andrew Sullivan, a political blogger I enjoy reading:
"The reason Obama is winning and will win is so simple. Americans want to believe in themselves again."
When I read that, it seemed to resound in me. Not because I'm extremely patriotic. I'm not. I simply think people ought to be able to be proud of being Americans and have hope (I must be channeling Barack here) that America can make a positive impact on the world. George Bush hasn't done much to help us there. And McCain and Hillary Clinton don't seem to be doing much inspiring right now. Sullivan goes on to comment:
"And that's why, I think, the criticism of Obama as a messiah figure is misplaced. It's not about believing in him. It's about believing in our own capacity to act as newly reasonable democratic participants in an age of extreme danger. I don't think of him as a messiah. Mine has already come. I don't believe this world will ever be heaven on earth. I don't need or want another person to give my life meaning.
But I have been deeply, deeply demoralized about this country for the past few years.
McCain goes part of the way - these primaries have ensured that the U.S. will not be torturing after the Bush-Cheney years. His election is a defeat for the insular, toxic forces that have taken over conservatism. But Obama is a deeper solvent for the Bush stain. His election would be a statement not about him, but about Americans themselves. About how they do not recognize themselves any more. And want to again."
Good words. I think Obama is dynamic and inspirational and has, at least, in his rhetoric thus far, made a concerted effort to restore people's hope in government and politics in America.
Here's a couple of videos I thought were insightful and helpful: 1, 2.
Sin City(s)
Forbes put out a study this week that gives the top 10 cities in the US for each of the seven deadly sins. Texas has a representative on 5 out of the 7 sins. We missed on pride and wrath which seems somewhat odd given that Texans are known for thinking we're the best in the union and possibly one of the most gun friendly states in the union. But, don't worry, we're still fat, lazy, jealous, greedy, and lustful. Houston pulled a 2nd place finish in the lust competition, a fact, which will come as no surprise to anyone who's ever been there and noticed the token sex shop on 1 of every 3 blocks or so. San Antonio showed up three times, which is impressive when you have Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, and Houston to contend with. You can check out the study here: America's Most Sinful Cities.
Birds
I was working in a lab on the first floor of the Ag Building Tuesday. There was no one else in the lab, but at one point I thought I heard someone moving around in there. Since I knew there was no one in the room, I just assumed it was outside the door. Then, about an hour later I looked to my right and noticed something in a box on the counter. It was a bird. And then there was another one. How they got inside, I'm not sure. I kindly opened a couple of doors and herded them back into the wild. But for a few moments, I wondered if I had wandered into a Hitchcock film.
Basketball
It's hard to be an Aggie some days. Especially days like Monday.
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