nyt news

Holy crap I just saw this article in the NY Times about a speech given by president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran. He was kind of an unknown at first, right? Hard core Islamic but generally viewed as not corrupt, maybe not as scary as could be? Nope, it turns out, pretty scary. He said that the issue of a Palestinian state would be resolved only when Palestinians took control of all their lands. "The establishment of Zionist regime was a move by the world oppressor against the Islamic world," he said, and added, "As the imam said, Israel must be wiped off the map." All this to a crowd of angry young students. Such a great way to inspire the youth of a nation...

On a lighter note, White House counsel wrote a letter to The Onion admonishing that the presidential seal "is not to be used in connection with commercial ventures or products in any way that suggests presidential support or endorsement." The Onion's lawyer wrote back, "It is inconceivable that anyone would think that, by using the seal, The Onion intends to 'convey... sponsorship or approval' by the president," and went on to note that a headline in the current issue made the point: "Bush to Appoint Someone to Be in Charge of Country." Check it out.

status

A couple of people have mentioned that I'm not updating this very often, and you're right (obviously). I think it's pretty safe to say that I'll have nothing interesting to post until I leave the cozy confines of San Leandro, so I won't be offended if you don't check this site religiously or anything. I'll send out an email when/if I get the opportunity to post in Guinea. But do look at the new picture link I put in the sidebar, there's some cool stuff there showing how beautiful/grungy guinea is. Really beautiful. Pretty grungy.

On a sidenote, I got to see this professional surfing competition in Santa Cruz today, and for anyone who's seen Blue Crush, it was totally like that! So score Hollywood for getting one right.

justice roberts

Anyone else following the goings-on of Mr. Chief Justice Roberts? He seems to be trying to make a strong impression in his new role. Sadly he's making a strongly conservative impression. Latest move: deciding, for the first time in Supreme Court history, to hear some cases concerning the powers granted to the federal government under the Clean Water Act to regulate private wetlands. In charge of arguing the case for the environmental conservation side: Bush's solicitor general. Cue the slasher movie music.

no pets

I was reading this girl's website from her time in Guinea and she had a dog, and there were all these happy pictures of her and the dog, so cute! And then later on she wrote about how the dog ate the kitten she had gotten as a mouser. And then at the end of the trip she had the dog killed because there was no one to take care of it--but said it was his own fault because he had "broken the agreement," so obviously she is nutters but still! no pets for me. I have to keep that in mind. When it comes down to it, no matter how cute and sweet they are I'd pretty much have to leave them behind. So I'll stick to the chickens.