Blog of Bling #14- Asking the right questions

I normally try to keep my writings as light and entertaining as possible. Blogs aren't the best places to voice disagreements; it's easy to make judgements about politics or religion when there's nobody talking back at you. However, I am SO riled up after reading the comments page on Courier-Journal online, that I hope you'll allow my indulgence.



I once asked my father what the definition of a republican and democrat was. What he said, rather the paraphrased version of what he said, has stuck with me for a very long time. He said that Democrats wanted to help the poor by taking more money from the rich, and spending it directly on the poor, while republicans think the government should take less taxes from everyone, so that people have more money to spend on companies, which causes the prices of "stuff" to go down and creates more jobs for the poor without. I don't remember how old I was at the time, but I remember thinking that there could be a disagreement even when the final goal was the same was a cool concept.

Should those more fortunate be forced to pay for quality health care, education, and infrastructure for everyone? I don't know, I really don't.

But considering the US is THE richest country in the world, I do know that every American DESERVES these things as the right to a quality existence. How could they best be provided? That's the question Republicans and Democrats SHOULD be discussing.

Here is good luck to the new executive branch and the population that elected them! May the quality of life for all people in the USA and world be better in four years than it ever has been!

Blog of Bling #13- A year's end reflection

While its always difficult to recognize change in oneself, it seems as if I've come a long way in the four or five months I've been in London. And although the "pretentious-barrier" was crossed long, long ago, I thought it would be entertaining to share some of the little lessons I've learned during the past year.

1.) Wear clothes that fit. Shopping exclusively on the clearance racks at Target just isn't going to cut it anymore...

2.) Dancing is easy. All you have to do is put one hand up in the air and bob up and down. Hold up one finger for emphasis which can be turned into a point when inevitably people want to start taking pictures with you.

3.) It's impossible to take a good serious photo after 4 liquor drinks. Instead of attempting to smile and look sober, own you're awkwardness! Intentional idiocracy is much funnier than accidental idiocracy.

4.) The Peacock Rule. When trying to meet new people, its easier to attract through appearance than by personality. The male peacocks with the most "game" are the ones that look the most ridiculous. This can be applied to bar attire. Colored shirts, being overdressed, and apparently hideous sweaters are all applications of this rule.

5.) Great friends are hard to come by. Ultimately the most important lesson I've learned, is that while its (relatively) easy to meet new people and form acquaintances and contacts, it's infinitely harder to develop the true friendships I have here in Louisville.

What a holiday! It's been a fantastic and well-needed break from the London adventure and I don't think this trip home could have gone any better. I'm sad to leave, but I look forward to being back in The 'Ville during the end of March. Cheers for a great holiday season!