History
I am inclined to think that history pays its way largely in the personal satisfaction of sitting on the fence and enjoying vicariously the trials and tribulations of men and times now ended; of enjoying the rare privilege of taking sides in their quarrels without in the least bearing responsibility;
Houston
It snowed earlier today in Houston. Yes, you read that right. It was great—I'm only sorry that none of it stuck. And that the snow came today and won't be back tomorrow.
Music
CNN gives Echo & the Bunnymen the respect they deserve.
Intellect
I own and respect several of the books on this list, but…"moan with intellectual pleasure"? Talk about a cheap date…
Politics
472,320—number of votes John Kerry received in Harris County, Texas (Houston's county, where Bush 41 lives and Bush 43 lived). 467,746—number of votes John Kerry received in the City and County of San Francisco and Multnomah County, Oregon (Portland) combined. 1,188,006—number
Politics
The Holy Spirit speaks through the good Reverend Hasty. And Dan Conley makes a welcome return. Update: Yes. And yes.
Politics
I love America. And it's sad to see something you love try to commit suicide. We will probably survive four more years of Bush. But why run the risk?
Politics
Kerry 278, Bush 260. Update: I overrated the role the Libertarians would play in the Western states. I should have known better. I agree with Matt Welch that libertarians are screwed now.
Politics
From a sign at the University of Houston - Downtown campus: UHD College Democrats Endorse John Kerry and John Edwards in 2004
History
The states of Mississippi and Alabama have both had voting rights in 44 federal elections (Alabama had voting rights a 45th time, in 1868, while Mississippi was still under a Reconstruction government). The two states have cast their electoral votes for the same presidential candidate in 42 of those 44
TV / Film / Radio
Two parts thought-provoking; one part hippy-dippy silly. 2 > 1. Go see it. (Towards the end of the movie, "Someone Somewhere in Summertime" by Simple Minds looped insistently through my mind; but that's probably an idiosyncracy.)
Sports
It will get me killed here in Houston, but I want to see a Cardinals-Yankees World Series. Think about it: The greatest franchise in the history of the National League playing the greatest franchise in the history of the American League in the World Series, for the first time