Michael Barone’s “Hard America, Soft America” defines the war in Iraq as a Hard war because its mission is victory rather than merely avoiding defeat (i.e., the Soft Vietnam War). Tomorrow, President Bush will reinforce the Hard Iraq War by making an “impassioned defense of his leadership in the war on terror and to remind Americans of the importance of staying the course in Iraq.” Yet, the indifferent Softies of the American public probably won’t notice. Only one State of the Union address is listed in the Top 100 American Speeches of the 20th century.

Future UT President Bill Powers on Texas Monthly Talks

This afternoon the next president of the University of Texas, Bill Powers, was interviewed by the editor of Texas Monthly, Evan Smith, for an upcoming show of Texas Monthly Talks which will air on KLRU February 2.



Powers, who assumes responsibilites as president on February 1, expressed his love for the university and his passion for promoting higher education as a whole.

Powers expressed his major goals for his presidential reign: to take the message of higher education to the entire state, to bring each individual to its highest level, to emphasize diversity on campus, and to make the undergraduate experience "absolutely fabulous."

You can see the full show on February 2 on KLRU.

After the taping, which lasted only about half an hour, Powers answered a few questions from the audience, in which he was very gracious and personable.

Texas Monthly Talks

Tonight I will be attending a taping of Texas Monthly Talks, the local television show where writers for the Texas Monthly Magazine interview Texans of note. This afternoon they will be interviewing the next University of Texas President, Bill Powers. Whether they will allow my laptop and typing is yet to be seen; either way, I will probably post something about my experience.

Pope John Paul II's would-be assassin re-arrested

Mehmet Ali Agca, the would-be assassin of the late Pope John Paul II, was arrested again after the Turkish appeals court found they had miscalculated his parole date, realizing that he should have been jailed four more years. John Paul II, known for his extreme love for Christ as well as for humanity, forgave Agca for his actions in 1983 when Agca was imprisoned. Agca, who claims to be Jesus Christ reincarnated, shouted "I'm the Messiah! I proclaim the apocalypse!" when he was re-arrested Friday.

School's back in session!

Today, I began my last semester as an undergrad at the University of Texas.

I'm taking Leader/Follower in American Politics (which is really a review of the Bush presidency, should be a fun one), Journalism and Religion, Weather and Climate (I know, it doesn't quite fit, but I've always been fascinated by weather), and Editorial Column Writing.

I really think that that first class and that last class should assist me in my blogging significantly. I'm excited to get started again.

Until then, I need to go to work, watch American Idol, and do some readings for Thursday. Adios!