This and that

Dinosaurs are at the top of my agenda today, but I have a few misc thoughts/comments/observations to get us all through this beautiful Friday afternoon.


1. I love me a good protest. I went to the ANSWR protest last weekend, and left with a bad taste in my mouth. No one was particularly motivated or excited; it seemed like an exercise in adolescent rebellion. However, crazy props to the Myanmarian Monks and the Jena 6 crowd: they know how to throw a protest. [Check out the NYT photograph in the link - it's pretty awesome]. I also love the coverage both stories are getting (especially the Jena 6). I think (feel free to flame me) it's relatively in depth, balanced, and insightful. Both protests also show the connection that's possible between online activism and real world action. In short, hero of the day status is awarded to the kick ass monks and civil rights activists.

2. I've been pursuing polling numbers. What I find most interesting: In the ABC/WP poll, only 68% of Republicans describe themselves as "very satisfied" or "somewhat satisfied" with the pool of Republican candidates, (they got Fred - what else could they possibly want?) compared with 78% of Democrats (other than getting Gore, I actually think we have all that we could possibly want. I like our field, and our campaign strategy, more and more). That's a pretty big number of Republican swing voters.

3. Still looking at the polls, I'm always struck by the "never heard of" option to favorability questions. Who are the 1% of Americans who have never heard of Hillary Clinton, but clearly have access to phones (or else they couldn't be polled)? I think it would be sort of cool to be that person, or at least watch how they live their lives for a day. In 2003, we had 217.8 million people age 18 and over - which I suppose means that over 2 million adults have never heard of Hillary. Completely fascinating.

4. Bought my plane ticket home! I'll be in Austin from Oct 5-Oct 9. Yay!!!! Get ready!

5. Registered for the GREs. November 3rd it is. After super-awesome-fun weekend, my life will spiral into "I have three jobs, I'm volunteering, I have to study for the GRES, apply to grad school, and I hate everything" mode. So be warned.

6. Finally, on a happy note, my future husband Keith Olbermann returned to Countdown last night in fine form. I thank all of you for your well wishes and concern during this time of tribulation. Everything's going to be alright.