signalnoise

Interesting. I'm sure you have far more experience reading historical texts at this point, but one of my favorite things about history are the stories of how and why. I imagine you're spending a lot more time with the dry, statsical-based histories and I'm thinking more of the andecdotal ones. Plus, there is a level of science involved in the way you're approaching this and that is surely beyond my personal experience with history as a whole. Nonetheless, you've made (or are making) something that could be construed as pretty boring stuff (numbers) interesting.

And everyone loves colorful maps.

Hear you loud and clear, on all fronts. That's why you do what you do and historians do what they do. Two different things.

So, how many people ask you if you're becoming a master of Social Studies? Do you remember that class?

I see. Good to know. I'll just wait until they stop putting out new products to but any of them then.

I *used* to think I hated history. But, when written properly, it's *all about* how large-scale structures have evolved.... or so says my armchair bullshit. I'm a philosopher. We're suspicious of history.

How are waffles and ice cream working out for you?

mmmm ... waffles.

your paper topic sounds vaguely medieval ...

Mmmmmmm............ice cream waffles..............Too bad you can't take it on the plane.

glad to hear you're still trucking along.

West coast is just dandy. I've been having a really good time with it lately. I spend my first year here rushing home from lab to call the girlfriend who was two hours ahead, time-zone-wise and go to bed. After we broke up (which really was unfortunate), I've been working later, hanging out with friends here and being more positive about everything. 2007 is a good year, from what I can tell. I've been singing karaoke, seeing concerts and discovering Dance Dance Revolution.

God, when she sings . . . .

Volver is an excellent film. Cruz is astounding in it, both as an actress and as a thing of raw beauty. I think Pedro decided to make Volver as a towering cinematic tribute to Penelope's cleavage. One could easily make a drinking game out of the movie: every time Almodovar's camera lingers a bit too long on Cruz's "womanly assets", take a shot. You'll be more blotto than Bukowski within the first 45 minutes.

Interesting take on it.

Yeah, those same people who confuse cynicism with sophistication are probably the losers who go out and vote. Like it means anything.

I like Richards a lot. I like what Obama has to say but, frankly, it's not just his inexperience that bothers me, it's that I haven't seen him do much with the experience he *does* have *but* talk. Wake me up when he pulls for some major legislation or something (unless I just missed it, in which case mea culpa).

Anyway, on the diss: GO!

I don't like playing by the rules.

So I think I'm back. You still holding down the HP for me?

midwest represent indeed. i will always be a midwesterner at heart.

Indeed those are. We kicked some serious ass at that aspect of it.

To be Goldberg's nemesis, you would have to be a Libertarian,

If youwrite him, he is pretty good at getting back.

http://www.nationalreview.com

congrats!