Enjablog

The Dumbing Of America:

The problem is not just the things we do not know (consider the one in five American adults who, according to the National Science Foundation, thinks the sun revolves around the Earth); it’s the alarming number of Americans who have smugly concluded that they do not need to know such things in the first place. Call this anti-rationalism — a syndrome that is particularly dangerous to our public institutions and discourse. Not knowing a foreign language or the location of an important country is a manifestation of ignorance; denying that such knowledge matters is pure anti-rationalism.

Is it bad that the fact that they’re talking only about Americans here gives me hope for the rest of the human race? Or is it just because Americans are so narcissistic that they only want to hear about themselves (bad or good), even if it applies to everyone else too? In any case, most of the people who read this blog are Americans, so this message is to you: don’t be dumb. kthxbye!

Man, I’ve been so unmotivated to blog lately. I’ve started reading Getting Things Done and have implemented a new system for my to do lists and have made plans to implement a new filing system and get an office set up in the nursery. In the meantime, I’ve been procrastinating on studying for the PE by working on my Transformers messenger bag design. I think I might be ready to make the pattern soon.

In other news, winter started. I missed my trip to San Francisco for Chinese New Year because of snow in Chicago. Rescheduled though, so I’ll still be able to catch up with NewGirl. Unfortunately, I missed Squidgey’s trip. :(

Anyway, the Potomac Primary is tomorrow. And for once, not everything’s decided before I get to vote. Very exciting! So, go do your civic duty. :)

P.S. If you’re still wavering between Clinton and Obama, allow me to offer you this.

On my way home tonight, feeling sad for the Patriots… I was driving the speed limit. And thank goodness for that.

On each side of me was a speeding car. They both tried to change into my lane just in front of me at the same time. The one on the right swerved back just in time. The one from the left moved back over to the left after passing a car, and again when it caught up to a truck. The one of the right went across all the lanes to cut that car off… Just barely squeezing between the other speeder and the truck. Except for the part where he turned too quickly, hit the guard rail, and did a 630. There were sparks and car parts flying around. The truck got away unscathed, but I’m not sure about the other speeder. As soon as the first car had spun out of control out of his lane, the second car was off. The other cars back where I was had plenty of time to slow down as we passed and drive around the pieces of car.

So, uh, I hope everyone had a safe drive home after the Super Bowl tonight.

So… I should be studying right now, but I needed to get some files I had emailed myself from work and saw the reminder email I had gotten to send in my donation to Barack Obama.

After Edwards dropped out last week, it actually hit me that this year’s election will have a non-white male as a contender for President of the United States. I honestly didn’t think that was going to happen in the near future. I expected it in my lifetime, but I also expect to live a long time… ;)

Between Clinton and Obama, their records are pretty similar, but I have to say that I haven’t actually been inspired to be active in the political process since AP Gov in high school. And by inspired, I mean required. You know, I do the requisite research the week before primaries and general elections so I know what I’m voting for, but that’s about it.

Until now, that is.

The more speeches I hear of Obama’s the more optimistic I get that I no longer have to be ashamed of living in this country. (Iowa victory speech, Atlanta, GA, Dem Debate) And every time I read another endorsement for him, (from regular people/blogs, not political bigwigs) I find it refreshing that people have positive things to say about him and not negative things to say about the other person.

I think Obama is doing an amazing job reaching diverse demographics and bringing in people who have never bothered to vote before. Not only are these people voting now, but they’re out there campaigning and inspiring more people. While Obama is clear on where he stands, he makes the effort to find common ground on difficult issues and is willing to listen to disagreeing opinions. That, to me, is what makes him stand out from all the other presidential hopefuls this year.

So, if you haven’t done your research yet, please do so. The big primaries are coming up in the next week or so. Go check when yours is and make sure you vote. (For the people I know read this blog: Cali - Feb 5, Nebraska - Feb 9, VA/MD/DC - Feb 12)

Dear Citibank,

Please stop calling me with 15-digit reference numbers and multiple 800 numbers where I need to call you back. And then, when I do call you back, pretending like you didn’t actually want anything.

I know what it’s like. You just want someone to talk to, anyone. You’re probably lonely and have no friends. You want to know why? Because you’re freakin’ annoying and incompetent at your job.

If you want something, have the person who wants that information call me. Otherwise, leave me alone.

Much love,
Enjanerd

Dear RoomStore,

Please stop delivering broken sofas to me. Please stop calling Ian about the sofas. Please stop pretending to take down my phone number and not actually updating my account and then calling me Ian.

Butterflies and sprinkles,
Enjanerd