If you haven't already hit the maximum possible level of hatred for the Bush administration, this one may do it.

The Union of Concerned Scientists says that "the administration is distorting and censoring scientific findings that contradict its policies; manipulating the underlying science to align results with predetermined political decisions; and undermining the independence of science advisory panels by subjecting panel nominees to political litmus tests that have little or no bearing on their expertise; nominating non-experts or underqualified individuals from outside the scientific mainstream or with industry ties; as well as disbanding science advisory committees altogether."

The UCS has issued a report - "Restoring Scientific Integrity: An Investigation into the Bush Administration's Misuse of Science" in which they document some of their concerns. The Administration has allowed partisan politics to alter scientific findings in several fields, including HIV research, air quality, and global warming. You can read the report "An Investigation into the Bush Administration's Misuse of Science" at .

Reading everyone's journals made me realize that that time of the year has arrived. The time when winter weather really gets under your skin. When you just can't take it anymore. Even though there are still months left. And that makes it all more depressing. Well, it's good to know that I'm not the only one.

This year I've decided that I'm going to do whatever I can to minimize the Buffalo Winter Depression. These are my suggestions for all of us (as obvious as they may be):

1. Vitamin D - trick your body into thinking it has been exposed to sunlight

2. Exercise - something fun, preferably outside

3. Get out and socialize!!!!

We all go into semi-hibernation mode in the winter. Let's encourage each other to get out and make the most of our time.

I haven't written in so long. I need a star.

I have to agree with Matthew about this word count thing. It turns journal writing into a competition, and since my writing style is straight and to the point, I would lose. And I don't like losing. So I'm glad there's no more word count.

I found out last night that my ex-boyfriend is getting married. Don't get me wrong. Breaking up was definitely for the best, and I'm not exactly upset. But it feels a little weird. After all, it's only been six months. I guess life goes on.. no matter how strange.

While talking to a Canadian at a club in Toronto last weekend, my friends and I were told that we were responsible for bombing an innocent country. Since all three of us were anti-war, it kind of bothered me. I believe that we have some responsibility for what our government does, but if you vote, protest, and participate in the political process in other ways, I think that you are doing what you can. Here's the kicker though: the guy told us that he would have voted for Bush. EXCUSE ME? AND THIS IS ALL MY FAULT?

After the three of us calmed down from that experience, we met another Canadian that made a similar comment. This young man appeared to have an Arab background, so I was very tempted to make a similar generalization, but I really didn't want to continue the discussion.