Military
Kevin Drum points to a post by Matthew Yglesias about the stereotype that Arabs understand only violence and compulsion. Sad to say, it is an old stereotype… [A] host of preconceived inherited notions about the Algerian were accepted uncritically [by the French settlers of the 1950s], without examining either their
Politics
Key elements of the Bush administration's plan for the aftermath of the Second Gulf War have now been publicly questioned by the man I voted for in the 1996 primaries and the man I voted for in the 2000 primaries. If only anyone else in the GOP would
Food
I strongly recommend the Cuban sandwich at El Rey Taqueria (we went to the one at Main and Congress, but they have other Houston locations). And if you can buy it take-out, and go to a nearby pub to wash it down with a glass of Shiraz, then all
Politics
As I listened to the President tonight on the radio, I was struck by the laziness of his performance; how unprepared he was to answer the most predictable questions with anything more than a rambling string of platitudes. I agree with most of the President's platitudes. I'
Sports
As a former resident of Ohio, I can tell you that Cleveland Browns fans deserve their reputation for pitiless fanaticism (however much the continued survival of Art Modell might seem to belie it). But I have to say that, though it looks daft to outsiders, the Browns are doing the
Music
I usually bring a CD along when I take a long walk (I used to bring a paperback, until I realized that that was why my hands were so cramped when I got home). Depending on my mood, I bring one of three kinds of music: folky pop (like mid-
Politics
Since February 3, John Kerry has collected $100,420 in the Amazon primary, while George W. Bush has collected $24,248. Since March 23, the Kerry advantage has been $23,678 to $4,027.
History
To my regret, this doubt has turned out to be prescient. Living in the wake of Ronald Reagan, we forget that conservatism is not an unwavering optimism in an ideology; rather, it is a regrettable prescience—a sense of tragedy—about what people will and will not do, and about
Houston
I finally saw the new Toyota Center, Houston's new downtown basketball/hockey arena. I went to my first Houston Aeros hockey game, with Thomas and Lori Gray, and Thomas' brother David. The Aeros beat the San Antonio Rampage 3-2, with all of the goals scored in
Houston
I went to a John Kerry Meetup at Cafe Brasil last night. Cafe Brasil is a relaxing hangout in my neighborhood, about three-quarters of a mile from my apartment. It's best known for its coffee (hence the name), but the wine and food are worth trying as
Houston
HPD officer Frank Cantu, Jr. was killed by a drunk driver while on duty earlier today. The accident happened three blocks from my apartment. As I was walking down West Dallas this morning, I was passed by the flatbed trailer carrying away Cantu's wrecked patrol car. To my
Politics
Since February 3, John Kerry has collected $76,742 in the Amazon primary, while George W. Bush has collected $20,221. Since March 13, the Kerry advantage has been $21,441 to $2,013.