Living in USA/Europe-cable-free zone can really change one's priorities concerning television. Do I watch the Man U.-Liverpool match or Dubya addressing the UN? As it's a case of my future safety, I end up watching W on the BBC. He looks dapper, I'll admit, wearing a royal blue tie. He's not at all in his "bring it on" mode. In fact, I think he's addressing AIDS and "human dignity." Kudos.

But, forgive me if I go on a little political tirade for a moment.

Homeland Security is one thing. In fact, I was more than ready to leave the States, thanks to daily Orange alerts and whatnot. Historically speaking, Washington and New York are the center of the bullseye in many ways. But, when you're living abroad and the only news that's filtering through is from Christiane Amanpour, you start to worry about your safety as an American, no matter if you're in Istanbul or Ile de France.

Certainly, there are more Americans in America than are living abroad. But I can't help but think that the Americans that are most at risk are those who are living abroad. I'm working on my absentee ballot right now and I hope it goes through - in favor of Kerry (why mince words, you know?) - because I feel that a Bush win could put Americans abroad at peril. Just an opinion. Still, I think that more countries will be apt to strike at the U.S. because of a "perceived threat" (i.e., lots of fingers on the button), than willl be towards an America that works through its fears and problems diplomatically. Hey...Americans aren't the first to think up the "preemptive strike."

So, when you vote, why not think of lil ol' me out here - a sore thumb amongst many unsore ones, who'd like to remain friends with people who haven't the same background as me but have the same values.

Can't we all just get along and take out our grudges in soccer/cricket matches?

Oooh..oooh! One more political thing before I go. Please read the Ny Times article on genetically modified grass! This is the kind of crap that people in Chapel Hill, NC have been screaming about for years, and it's just now in the Times. People...this has enormous environmental and political implications.

My two cents....