I don't smoke

quick rant: Why do I have to watch those horrible smoking commercials? Yes, I look away when it comes on, but it is too late. I want a warning before they come on. Just a two second warning that this is going to be disturbing and if you don't smoke, this doesn't apply to you. They are disgusting. I get it; smoking is disgusting. That's why I don't smoke. I've never smoked, why do those of us who have never smoked have to watch these vial commercials? Food falling out of your throat from your stomach if you bend over?! The hole in the throat? Dear God, this is horrible.

Great Expectations for Obama

I was too young to get swept up in the Clinton election of '92 or what that meant after three terms of Republican presidents. This euphoria that has captured me seems to have intoxicated the nation and world with hope as well. Obama's got a lot of pressure on him and his aides are trying to slowly lower expectations (which I think is pretty funny: you spend two years building him up and then need two intense months of breaking those expectations down so he won't disappoint).

But I think Obama will be great. And not because he is the first African American President or what his presidency means, but because out of bleak times comes an opportunity for greatness. I believe he will make the presidency his own and find his own definition of greatness that will begin the long process of rebuilding our fractured hope.

Obama Wins: A note to my friends abroad

While abroad I was often sadden at how America and Americans were perceived and that the disconnect between the American people and the Bush Administration was often hard to make. There were many, many times during 2004-2006, in which I was pulled to the side after someone found out that I was American and was told some variance of the fact that "After 9/11 we completely supported you–we stood right behind you and would do anything for you, anything for America. But then ..." after which would follow a litany of reasons why they didn't/couldn't support America's foreign diplomacy (lack there of), the war, Bush, Cheney, Rumsfield (I was always impressed by how many non-Americans could name the Bush Cabinet) and so on–all of which was said in earnest.

But all of this changes because we've got another chance. I have never felt that patriotism or kinship that nationalism is supposed to inspire. Yet, last night, for the first time, I did. As I watched the results come in with hundreds of other Obama volunteers, the sense of change and hope that was in the air was overwhelming. It might not seem like a huge deal, just one more election, but to me it's the mark of possibility: of what may be–of how great America can be when it has a great leader.

But mostly, I am thankful to President Obama and this election for making me realize that just when you think you don't even recognize the place you call home, something can surprise you, inspire you and bring you back to hope.

Shining Moment 10/29

At the Bowling Green stop off of Battery Park, I jumped on a 4 just about to leave the station happy as could be for my timing. Going to Brooklyn. I was trying to get to work. In Manhattan. Under the water, over a walkway, down to the 5 and I was back to where I started.

Burn After Reading- Just Burn The Movie

Worst. Movie. Ever. Okay, probably not, but it is one of the worst movies I've ever seen with such a cast that could have done so much more. Frances McDormand, George Clooney, Brad Pitt. Just a word about Brad Pitt, and Brad, this is for you, either commit to a character or don't take the role. Last night, you sucked so bad it was hard to believe. You were half committed to convincing the audience that you were this dorky character–and the other half you were just detached the character. Man Up. It was a bad character, but either you play it all the way, or you don't at all. Don't be afraid to be not cool–look at what it did for that kid from Napolean Dynamite or the kid from Super Bad, it works.

Palin, Seriously?

I feel like I'm in a bad sitcom/Lifetime movie. Palin is not qualified to be Vice President or President of the United States nor is she qualified to be Governor of Alaska. And I am not a sexist for saying that, I'm a realist. Are we really buying this? I am just shocked, absolutely shocked that America, or rather the media that is spoon feeding it to America is buying this BS. But I don't think we really are buying–not all of us for that matter. I believe strongly in an America in which people are not so easily swayed by political rhetoric at a time when we have need an administration/party change more than ever.

She's Not Qualified. Say it with me.

Offering Up Your Seat

Everyone gives up their seat for a pregnant lady. That's just the way it goes. This is not even in question (and for those of you who don't give it up, and you know who you are, well you are just low, low, low).

But what if you're not sure that the woman you want to offer your seat to is actually pregnant? What if you make that terrible mistake of offending and embarrassing a woman in front of a subway car full of gawkers?

That was my dilemma this morning on my ride to work. I spotted a woman, who, at first look, I thought had a bun in the oven as they say, and as I was about to get up to offer her my seat, I stopped. I wasn't sure.

As a friend pointed out, I could have just gotten up and offered her the seat anyways, but the problem was she was about eight to ten feet away with about six people in between- all hungry for a seat.

So if I just got up to give her the seat- I couldn't just point to her and say please sit here and all those seat-hawks would have jumped the second I got up from my precious little spot. And tapping her was out of the question–she was too far away to do the light tap and face of concern, which means hey I want this seat, but you look like you need it more look.


So I just sat there and felt a little guilty, but very comfortable.