My question is, is that pain or bliss on her face?

So I'm in "class" reading Orientalism by Edward Said. Very nice chick next to me, actually 50ish, talkative, and utterly boring, says to me, whacha readin'? I show her the cover.

"What's that, some science fiction?"

"Errr...not so much...more like sociology or history, you know, political stuff."

Blank look ensues, "ohhhh, uh-huh."

"Well um it kinda talks about the word orientalism, you know, where it comes from and stuff. And, how we all react to the word, and the image that it evokes in our minds...yadda-yadda."

"Well, you know," with perplexed intensity, "I don't think they meant to do so much damage."

Questioning look on my face brings,

"You know, how the whole building came down. I think they only thought they would take out the one floor when they crashed into it."

"Oh! You mean 9/11?!"

"Yeah, I don't think they thought the whole building would come down and kill so many people."

Here I try to muffle my utter astonishment, "well, you know that's kinda the whole point of the book actually. It wasn't so much the oriental world that made that happen. That was a distinct group of people within the larger oriental society. Just like it wasn't America or Americans that bombed the federal building in Oklahoma. It was a single person who happened to be an American."

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[the next day]
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"What's that you're reading terrster (i kid you not)?" An 'instructor' for the day, she likes to give me nicknames, like I'm the cute dog who does neat tricks.

"Oh just a book," I show her the cover.

"Ori-en-ta-lism, eh?"

I nod.

"Sounds pretty good. You ever read the Davinci Code?"...

I guess without the pretension of college (or any other 'elite' setting) it is impossible to be recognized for your scholarly achievements. Where were my oohs and aahhs for reading up on such a pertinent topic surrounding our present day society? They just realize I'm kinda boring, but at the same time are rather impressed that I read at all, let alone something without a plot. But there is never a recognition that I could possibly be taking something of value from these books. Ideas mean very little. Unless you can phrase them in harmless jokes. Yet, I grasp America through my workmates. I hear/see what it is like to be your so-called normal American. It is a useful experience. How can you belittle what you don't know? :) ;0

today was kinda like summer (okay, you had to pretend just a little bit). Walking was nice. Saw the oldest tree on Franklin, it's big.

The Fermi Solution's purdy good. Most of the things I've read about before, but not from this perspective. Chop the problem up into managable bits, solve those, and put'em back together. No prob. Especially if you're Einstein or the like.

Tsunami Terror mix is playing now. I'm drowning.

Happy birthday (e:Springfaerie), though I'm sure I'll get in trouble for posting you a good wish and not (e:matthew). Oh well. I'll wish in person perhaps too!

On Non-Fiscal Issues, you rank as a Strong Liberal (5)
On Fiscal Issues, you rank as a Strong Liberal (5)

Wonder where I missed those 5 point at?

All of a audden about two months ago I remembered this song. I remember traveling down ill-lit roads, staring at the desert night sky. Dad's at the wheel, mom's humming next to him, and my brother and I stare out the window. But all the while, we're listening, we're steppin out. We're dreaming...

::DOWNLOAD MEDIA::

Now -
The mist across the window hides the lines
But nothing hides the colour of the lights that shine
Electricity so fine
Look and dry your eyes

We -
So tired of all the darkness in our lives
With no more angry words to say
Can come alive
Get into a car and drive
To the other side

Me babe - steppin out
Into the night
Into the light
You babe - steppin out
Into the night
Into the light

We -
Are young but getting old before our time
We'll leave the T.V. and the radio behind
Don't you wonder what we'll find
Steppin out tonight

You -
Can dress in pink and blue just like a child
And in a yellow taxi turn to me and smile
We'll be there in just a while
If you follow me

Me babe - steppin out
Into the night
Into the light
You babe - steppin out
Into the night
Into the light