Christopher Hitchens says "Vote for Obama"

So I stumbled upon this article the other day and found it remarkable:

http://slate.com/id/2202163/

Perhaps a little background information would be appropriate ... It's by Christopher Hitchens for Slate.com. Although Hitchens was apparently associated with some more liberal causes in his early career (late 1980s), I know him more for his militant atheism, his vehement distaste for Bill and (more recently) Hillary Clinton, and for his unequivocal embrace of the Neo-Conservative foreign policy myth (in essence, that we can democratize the world at gunpoint, that we are locked in an ideological struggle with Islamofascists who want to subvert our very way of life and impose shariah on the Western world, and that overwhelming military superiority and willingness/eagerness to use it is the only hope for the future).

As a rule, I try to avoid reading anything written by him since when he's not insulting persons of faith he's generally advocating bombing someone for something. Since my faith has led me to renounce the myth of redemptive violence, there's not a whole lot that Christopher and I see eye to eye on.

With these worldview parameters firmly in place, he nevertheless arrives at the conclusion that McCain is unfit for the presidency and excorciates him thusly: "McCain lacks the character and temperment to be president. And Palin is simply a disgrace." That's just the subtitle of the article. It's not pretty when prominent conservatives turn on Republicans. Who knew?

movie review

Hey everyone. I just wanted to put in a quick plug for all of my budding-therapist (as well as my psychologically-astute non-therapist type) friends: go see Rachel Getting Married. If you took family systems theory and turned it into a movie it would look just like this. Seriously. For those of you who are fortunate enough to live in or near Pasadena, it's conveniently playing at the Laemmle on Colorado.

It's truly a stunning movie. The wife and I watched it Saturday afternoon and I still can't stop thinking about it this morning. It's directed by Jonathan Demme, but I saw one review that described it as "Altmanesque" and I thought: "Yeah, sure, that sounds good in a review but how much can it really look (and sound) like an Altman picture?" Answer: very much. Demme really knocked it out of the park and delivered an exceptionally well-crafted (albeit emotionally raw) movie. The characters were well-rounded and three dimensional, and the actors' performances were utterly realistic (the early Oscar buzz for Anne Hathaway is legit, by the way).

A caveat: I wouldn't recommend going to see this movie if you're feeling especially depressed. You might hurl yourself in front of a bus on the way home. And I wouldn't want that on my conscience. Wait until you're feeling a little more stable and then go see the film.

everyone...

I'm just saying is all...

This seems especially appropriate right about now and I couldn't resist sharing it. You can get the graphic on a shirt here (womens shirts are on sale for $12 now).

Stay skeptical, my friends. At least until November 5.

A big stack of busy

So here's a picture of the books we're supposed to read this quarter. Darcy's registered for 2 classes, I've got 4. Fun stuff! I for one can't wait to get this party started.

If you don't see us for the next ten weeks this stack is the likely culprit. Either that or we don't live close to you.

Cabo

Well, we're home now. I thought I'd take a few moments to share some of my experiences over the past week with you, my friends. And possibly you, my enemies, as well (not really sure who all reads this).

Some reflections: 1) The flyaway shuttle from Union Station to LAX is convenient and cheap - I recommend it. 2) No matter what you may read on the Internet, never - ever - take a public bus in Mexico unless you speak fluent Spanish and have at least a rudimentary understanding of the area. We had neither. Not worth it. 3) All the Pretty Horses was un muy excelente choice to read while in Mexico for the first time. 4) Don't write anything on your travelers checks until someone tells you what to write. No matter what they tell you at the bank when you buy them. 5) One enterprising young fellow offered to get me a taxi while I was waiting to cross the street with my wife. Then he offered me marijuana, cocaine, extacy, and/or hookers. Talk about your renaissance man, right? I know. I was impressed too.

Here are a few of my favorite pictures:

This is the beach near our hotel. The beach was so clean and the water so blue. I'm not used to that.

Here is Darcy in her fancy Cabo dress.

This is us with El Arco in the background - the farthest tip of Baja.

Here's me on the balcony.

Did I have a good time in Mexico? Perhaps the best indication is that the day after we arrived home (which would be yesterday) I began researching what it would take to put together a weekend trip to Rosarito or Ensenada by car. I guess I can't wait to get back.

How to tell when your spouse is up too late:

Quote from Darcy regarding Lil' Wayne's SNL performance last night:

"I like his hair but I hate those pants."

(long pause. Perhaps a verse and chorus or so.)

"Seriously, why would anyone wear those pants?"

Things to look forward to

OSU @ USC (tonight)

Pittsburgh @ Cleveland (tomorrow)

But, since my team will probably lose in both instances, what I'm really stoked about is:

Less than 48 hours until we're in the air bound for Cabo San Lucas!

This is where we'll be staying: Hotel Finisterra

This is the one of the pools at Hotel Finisterra

And this is what Darcy is looking forward to the most (beach palapas with hammocks). Viva La Cabo!