The Grade

I just watched the first presidential debate between Barack Obama and John McCain. I was impressed by both of them. When I say "impressed," I mean I was not blown away by either of them. They both did adequately on a variety of issues, but nothing really blew me away. Now, I know that both men practiced for weeks preparing for this debate. It showed. What I wanted to see was some serious emotion and candor from the future leaders of the free world. (Especially from Obama.) I was hoping for some serious sparring between the two, but all that was there was some "I didn't say that" or "That really didn't happen" bullshit. I wanted Obama to call out McCain. I wanted Obama to put McCain through the ringer and hold him accountable to his voting record and his public speeches.

Unfortunately, they both really didn't shine. There really wasn't any stand-out moment from either of them. Perhaps there will be in the next two debates. In all honesty, if Obama got a grade of "B," McCain got a grade of "B-". In other words, this debate was a draw.

If Obama is serious about being the next president he will have to be on the offensive, which he really didn't do tonight. In fact, I would say that he was on the defensive more than. Now, what gave Obama the better grade was the fact that McCain did come off old-timey and grandfatherly. However, Americans might just be looking for that considering these are dangerous times we live in. McCain may just win on that.

So...we'll see who "won" this debate as people digest what they saw and heard. Like I just said, neither one of them really shone brightly.

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Another Mantis Adventure

Earlier this afternoon, Kevin and I went to the gym, and then we did some light grocery shopping. When we were pulling into our driveway, Kevin noticed a delightful praying mantis camping out next to the door. Realizing that nothing happens unless there are pictures, I quickly grabbed my sweet hot 7 megapixel camera and began shooting.

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A very close-up picture of the praying mantis. Just look at those barbs on her legs! She looks dangerous.

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I realized that the mantis wouldn't last long camping on the side of the house. So I attempted to relocate her to a safer area. Then I dropped her. This picture above is the poor mantis after I carelessly dropped her on the ground. She even looks confused. It almost seems like it is saying to herself, "Where am I?" Poor thing.

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That is the mantis on my arm as I relocate it to the back yard. Isn't she adorable? I think so.

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Checking out the new house. I apologise for the camera flash wash-out.

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Time to look pretty.

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Still checking out the new house.

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It was so strange. I would get close to her, and she would extend her front legs. Confused, I edged closer, and she hopped onto my hand. Perhaps she just wanted another ride? Who knows.

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Another shot.

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She certainly loves to clean herself. It was fascinating watching those little mouth parts working to clean her other parts of her body. I wish my camera could remain focused once I get in really, really close.

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Our new neighbor...living in our bean stocks. Hopefully she has a hay day feasting on those bastard Japanese beetles that love to eat our vegetables.

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on the bus

I begrudgingly rode the bus today to get to Parkland College. Yes, I do wish I still could drive, but it is simply too expensive for me right now to insure my car and keep it fueled and maintained. Anyway, I am on the bus and a pregnant lady gets on near the hospital. I see her protruding stomach and I think to myself, "Oh, preggers." Yes, I actually thought of the word "preggers" inside my head. I laughed at myself a little bit.

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