Prius Politics

Mr. Samuelson never fails to sour the mood. He must be the single worst dinner guest ever.

In today's Post, he (once again) stated his less-than-peachy view of greenhouse gas cutting measures -- this time through slightly more pedestrian means. He dropped truth bombs via the Toyota Prius, which, he writes, "is...a parable for the broader politics of global warming. Prius politics is mostly about showing off, not curbing greenhouse gas emissions." He continues, arguing that "Politicians pander to 'green' constituents who want to feel good about themselves. Grandiose goals are declared. But measures to achieve them are deferred -- or don't exist."

Stated simply, Mr. Samuelson says we are crap outta luck.

And I, for one, believe him. I can't imagine that changing every light bulb in my house will patch the ozone, put ice on both poles, and keep those cuddly polar bears alive. It just doesn't seem feasible given our current path. But I don't have a good answer. I bought my carbon offset and recycle, but I also wear synthetic fibers, drive 30 miles everyday, and find Greenpeace reps annoying. The Government probably won't do the job, and, given the global nature of greenhouse gas emissions, private industry won't butter the bread either.

So, I guess, we should burn up all the oil before the Chinese get to it. Vrooom!

In His Own Words

Andrew: For the record, I have never seen those broads in my life.
Me: I have no doubt - they are kinda cute.
Andrew: Yea, exactly. I have done much worse.
Me: I would give them a [edited for content].
Andrew: I would give them a hug.
Me: That's the rumor floating around. Any insight into 1:30 to 6:30 am?
Andrew: None.

Andrew Leonard: Floosie Slayer

Great Falls

Do what you do

Status Report

It's been a while. Here is what's news in my life:

1. Andrew Leonard, who is currently our ambassador to Spain, is good at what he does. And he does everything he needs to do.

2. Went to San Francisco two weeks ago. I caught up with a lot of good friends, backpacked through Yosemite, and, I think, pressed my metaphorical reset button. A fantastic trip.

3. I purchased my first pair of designer (read: pricey) sunglasses. I am quite proud of my purchase, but I am still feeling kinda foolish.

4. Kobes and I have been living parallel lives, only with a slight time delay. When it started, I was about a month ahead, but, recently, she has caught up. I am concerned, though, that she has actually passed me, and if I talk to her, I will find out about my life before it happens. Do I wait and find out, or skip ahead?

5. I bought a khaki suit for my buddy's wedding, and, I must say, what a brilliant purchase. I am looking for excuses to wear it, so, dear friends, feel free to throw upscale dinner parties in my honor.

6. Summer is beautiful.

Leonard Travels Abroad

"here you are boys... me makin the state of maryland, university, and commonwealth proud while overseas. also your funny story of the day from pamplona and the running of the bulls. im chatting with these random dudes and they mention how theyre like from kind of near maryland so whatever were talking. and then i like hear this noise and turn to this one pudgy kid and im like ARE YOU REALLY JUST PISSING YOURSELF...IS THAT PISS JUST RUNNING DOWN YOUR LEG?!?! and he looks at me as casually as can be and is like yea its whatever. then his friends basically indicate that hes been doing it all day. thank you and goodnight."

"And In Other News..."

It's news, but I still can't help but say "That's what she said."

And, as always, our good friend Mr. Samuelson is depressing. He asks us to "ponder now the happiness gap", which, he argues, has not shrunk despite our increased national prosperity. Apparently, we Americans live in an "inherently stressful" society, a "rat race" amidst anxiety. Oh well -- I will drink it off.

Monday Funday

Happy Birthday Allison