so i recognize that yesterday's post could be seen by some as pessimistic, or cynical, or a good combination of the two. i didn't necessarily mean it in that way. i just think that sometime we, as americans, need to step back and take a better look at how the rest of the world sees us, and how we usually play into that stereotype. although, we are not first in number of medals, or in quality of medals this year (so far) and some of the biggest stories are of us faltering (i.e. US Basketball team and Michael Phelps). so i don't mean to offend hard-core olympics fans - just a different way to think about it.

on a lighter note - last night was the pinnacle of my DC experience. I saw Mr. Smith Goes to Washington on a large screen with hundreds of people on the National Mall, underneath the beautiful dome of the Capitol. There is something very special about sitting out on the Mall on a beautiful night and watching Jefferson Smith break down corruption while starring up at the symbol for democracy. So for all my cynicism and time spent in the beltway, this stuff still gets to me. All of the people surrounding me only added to the fact. I could never line up any of my friends back home to watch this movie - and yet, in DC, there were hundreds of people, like me, who felt compelled to be a part of it. I guess i'm still a sap.

tonight i'm off to camden yards to watch the o's get their asses handed to them on a platter by my a's. here's hoping the only oakland fan there makes it out without a fist fight . . .