Trying to decynicize for Spring

Times are changing...we're about to get a new Pope, there a revitalization of the culture of life (wink, wink). But you still only have to read to the second sentence of an Ann Coulter column to laugh:

Liberals enjoy claiming that they are intellectuals, thrilled to engage in a battle of wits. This, they believe, distinguishes them from conservatives, who are religious fanatics who react with impotent rage to opposing ideas.

Yes, those wacky liberals thinking some conservatives are religious nuts, why whatever could give them that idea?

We should invade their countries, kill their leaders and convert them to Christianity.

You have to love a philosophy with the kind of flexibility to not only be used by us, but also by any sufficiently insane enemy we have in the world, who need only take that quote and substitute their own religion.

But perhaps I am too quick to what seem to be bad ideas. In searching for things to write and think about, pointing out the insanity/inanity of Ann Coulter may be as endless a task as trying to find America's funniest home video (I must will all due regard nominate the weakest attempt to eat a biscuit in one bite, as performed by my brother-in-law found here).

Perhaps I have played the role of the Cynic too long, and need to both think more locally and more positively. For example, there is a program here in Cleveland to show up late to work if they spend time at a cultural even the night before. This makes so much sense I'm surprised it has not spread across the country like a productivity venereal disease. I'm sure the one thing keeping the cubicle drones away from the theatre is the fact they feel so sleepy the morning after. I know after a good ripping night at the orchestra that I wished I had a couple more hours to sit munching cereal the next day. Beethoven really makes one want to stay bathrobed the next day. Think of the possibilities of expanding on the idea this program...you could have a "Show up to work Drunk" promotion with the local pubs, "Show up to work Wanting to Kiss Everyone" sponsored by Ecstasy dealers, "Show up for Work talking about Scantily Clad Elves" sponsored by World of Warcraft, ad naseum.

My spirits were lifted this weekend by a trip to Chicago, taking in Navy Pier, the Art Institute of Chicago, and Frank Lloyd's Wright's houses. I was armed with information on what to see from M_ and a friend from work, S_. I will only be armed with something other than information after I become a citizen - say, sometime in 2006. Aside from an amazingly busy downtown (that made me feel sad for Cleveland) they also have a beautiful, accessible, and busy Lakefront (that made me feel angry at Cleveland by comparison). Instead of having what few workers we have show up late for work, I might suggest we open up the lakefront and see what happens.