"Our choice wasn't between a benign status quo and the bloodshed of war. It was between war and a graver threat. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Not our critics abroad. Not our political opponents. And certainly not a disingenuous filmmaker."

--John McCain

Since a few people have asked my opinion, here are my ridiculously early presidential predictions:

Bush locks:
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Georgia
Idaho
Indiana
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Mississippi
Montana
Nebraska
North Carolina
North Dakota
Oklahoma
South Carolina
South Dakota
Texas
Utah
Wyoming

Total Electoral Points: 167

Kerry Locks:
California
Connecticut
Deleware
DC
Hawaii
Illinois
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
New Jersey
New York
Rhode Island
Vermont
Washington

Total Electoral Points: 183

Likely Bush States:
Arkansas
Colorado
Tennessee
Virginia
West Virginia

Total Electoral Points: 211

Likely Kerry States:
Michigan
Minnesota
New Hampshire
New Mexico
Oregon

Total Electoral Points: 226

States Leaning Bush:
Missouri
Nevada

Total Electoral Points: 227

States Leaning Kerry:
Iowa
Pennsylvania

Total Electoral Points: 254

Tossups:
Florida (27 Electoral Points)
Ohio (20)
Wisconsin (10)

I see the election coming down to these three states. For Bush to win, he would need to carry at least Florida and Ohio. Kerry will need to win either Florida or Ohio. Ultimately, I think with a fairly decent economy, Bush will carry both needed states, Kerry will pick up Wisconsin, and the final electoral tally will be Bush 274 - Kerry 264. Interestingly, the only state that changes parties from the previous election in this analysis is New Hampshire. For better or worse, our nation is becoming increasingly polarized in its politics. Comments and critiques are always welcome.

My first day of econ class was pretty awesome. Sweet, sweet supply and demand, oh how I've missed your tender caress!

My first day of "Introduction to European Romanticism in Art and Music," on the other hand was not so awesome. My professor's rambling discussion of the French Revolution does not bode well for an entire semester of 75 minute lectures. Plus, I hate interpreting art. If I only hadn't dropped Film freshman year, I'd already have the requirement filled.

Classes start on Tuesday! Woo! Actually, I have a really sweet schedule this semester with no classes on Friday, no classes before 11, and no classes after 2:45. So I'm pretty pumped about all of this.

In other news, people who have the tolerance of 10-year-olds rule! Walk the line! Tif File has no compression!

I thought this was pretty funny:


The Brothel

The madam opened the brothel door to see a rather
dignified, well-dressed good looking man in his late 40s or early 50s.

"May I help you?" she asked.

"I want to see Natalie," the man replied.

"Sir, Natalie is one of our most expensive ladies. Perhaps
you would prefer someone else," said the madam .

"No. I must see Natalie," was the man's reply.

Just then, Natalie appeared and announced to the man that
she charged $1,000 a visit. Without hesitation, the man pulled out ten
one-hundred dollar bills, gave them to Natalie, and they went upstairs.
After an hour, the man calmly left.

The next night, the same man appeared again, demanding to see Natalie.
Natalie explained that none had ever come back two nights in a row--too
expensive--and there were no discounts. The price was still $1,000.

Again the man pulled out the money, gave it to Natalie and they went
upstairs. After an hour, he left.

The following night the man was there again. Everyone was astounded that
he had come for the third consecutive night, but he paid Natalie and they went
upstairs. After their session, Natalie questioned the man.
"No one has ever used me three nights in a row. Where are you from?" she
asked.

The man replied, "South Carolina."
"Really" she said. "I have family in South Carolina."

"I know," the man said. "Your father died and I am your
sister's attorney. She asked me to give you your $3,000
inheritance."

The moral of the story is that three things in life are
certain:
1. Death
2. Taxes
3. Being screwed by a lawyer.

Well, I think I've finally worked out the technical kinks with the blog. It hasn't been letting me in since I've been back to school (about a week now). Everything is good in my wonderful world. I'm just starting to realize how much I'm going to miss this place when I don't have the opportunity to live here. Notre Dame truly is a special place, and anyone who has been here knows what I'm talking about. Thus, I'm going to enjoy this year as much as possible and appreciate everything ND has to offer.

As for my summer, most people reading this probably already know that Lauren and I got engaged on July 15th. However, I can't tell you enough how amazing everything has been. Our relationship has grown and grown, and I'm really excited about this next step. For those of you who don't know, I proposed to Lauren in front of the fountains at the Bellagio. It was a great night, and everything has been equally wonderful since then.

There's not too much else going on for me at the moment. I can't watch the US Olympic basketball team because they're so awful and frustrating to watch. I've just been spending the last few days getting my dorm's section ready for the freshmen to move in. I can't wait for the first ND football game (September 4th at BYU). It's gonna be awesome. Holla at me.