1. The higher gas prices that have resulted have encouraged people to drive less and consider alternative energy.
2. The war rhetoric of "support the troops" as the same administration de-funds VA hospitals has made acceptable to offer patriotic dissent.
3. People have been brought together to oppose this war. We are still a deeply divided nation in many ways, but there is a 7 in 10 chance any American is against the war. Who would have ever thought that Pat Buchanan and Ralph Nader could agree on so much!
4. The war has led people to see that the concept of "faith and values" extends WAY beyond abortion and gay marriage. Peace and Justice voters are voting their religious values, too.
5. Withdrawal is likely to begin in 2008.
6. This should get more people to vote and bring us closer to becoming a Democracy again.
7. It has become easier to win political arguments with my conservative parents.
8. I don't think we'll try "pre-emptive" war for a long time after this one.
9. No draft, yet.
10. All of my friends who served (some WAY beyond what they should have) have come home safely.
That was tough. Next: 10 things I like about the planet (should be easier)
2. Characters of surprising depth, considering how many there are.
3. Nobody's perfect, but nobody is beyond redemption, either. (Lisa and Mr. Burns both come close, respectively, but not quite)
4. A perfect balance of reality/fantasy (i.e. basic rules of earth are followed, but it doesn't seem to matter how many side jobs Homer takes).
5. It bites the hand that feeds it occasionally (FOX).
6. They are one of the few tv families that regularly prays/attends church.
7. The jokes are packed densely, and often layered.
8. They consistently reference the classics, and are still funny even when 90% of the audience misses the reference.
9. The leap to film worked.
10. The humor stands the test of time.
Coming soon: 10 things I like about my wife, and then some more challenging posts (maybe 10 things I like about the Iraq War?). If you have any requests, let me know!
1. Eating. Buffalo knows how to eat. Wings, Pirogies, Fish fries, pizza--it's all good.
2. Cheap houses. We couldn't live in a house like ours in a neighborhood like the Elmwood Strip in Pittsburgh. And Pittsburgh is cheap. Buffalo is uber-cheap.
3. Summer fun. There was so much to do, and much of it is cheap/free.
4. Personality. I like rust-belt friendliness.
5. Entrepreneurship. People start their own businesses/movements/whatever here. They get stuff done.
6. Nearby stuff. Lakes, skiing, falls, hiking, etc. It's all good.
7. Online media. Holla back estrip!
8. Walka-bikability. You can get around here without a car.
9. Elmwood Ave. Another candidate for a 10 things within 10 things list. Much to like about this part of town.
10. It's trivia. We birthed a super-freak and killed a president. We invented a bar food and were the first wired for electricity. And what other city hates the St. Lawrence Seaway like we do?
A new series. I will list 10 things I like about different stuff. Today its the Steelers, then comes Buffalo. Then some more personal ones than who knows what. Here it goes (in no order, I'm just going to list until I get 10.)
1. No Cheerleaders. It's not that we don't like girls, its just that they get in the way of what we come to games for: football.
2. History. We can always compare our team with the teams of the 70's, that won 4 superbowls.
3. Toughness. Sure, most players are tough, but the past three coaches have also been guys that the devil himself wouldn't mess with.
4. Coaches. Speaking of Coaches--the Steelers stick with thiers. That's an unusual, and good thing.
5. The Rooney's. The owners of the team aren't perfect, but they love their city, and their neighborhood, and would never leave. They also believe in justice (see, "the Rooney Rule.")
6. The fans. Almost every man, woman, and child in Pittsburgh can tell you why the Steelers play the 3-4, and how that requires different types of linemen/linebackers.
7. The 3-4. Truly a supierior defence.
8. The players. Polamalu, Casey Hampton, Big Ben, Fast Willie, and Hines Ward. I could come up with 10 things I like about each of these guys. #1 on Polamalu's list? He drives a Kia.
9. The uniform. We only put the logo on one side. Why? Because when they tried them the first time, they didn't have enough.
10. The colors. Black and Gold just looks good.
Tomorrow I will get local again and share what I like abou this town!
