Zeitgeist

Nine eleven. Is there any other date in the 21st century that has been so world-changing as that day in 2001? Everyone that knows me knows that my memory is terrible, and yet I distinctly remember where I was, what I was doing, and can recall to this day watching all of it on TV in disbelief.

We just started talking about Zeitgeist in my class, which is a fancy German word for the 'Spirit of the age.' An example of Zeitgeist in the US would be the 'Sexual Revolution' of the 60s, the 'Red Scare' of the 40-50s, etc. There's been some other blogging about 9.11 by Nick Norelli and Brian LePort here, and I guess my attempt to add to that discussion is: how has that day altered the Zeitgeist of our world? Your country? Your life?

We will never forget.

New season begins with a pop... sort of.

College football season is back! Hoping my alma mater UCLA can do a little better this year and not be completely overshadowed by our crosstown rival. I know every year has its highlights and drama, but I've never seen a season begin with such a bang:



After Boise State romped Univ of Oregon 19-8, running back LeGarrette Blount, who in August claimed that his team "owe[d] that team an ___ whuppin'" gave in to his emotions, punching Byron Hout right in the jaw. Just about a day later, Oregon suspended Blount for the remainder of the season (bowl games included) which effectively ends his college football career.


If this is any indication of the level of intensity this year is going to bring, count me in! (minus the unsportsmanlike conduct.)

California dreamin'

When I talk to people outside of Southern California, they think sunny skies, palm trees, amazing weather, and the beaches. My friends from LA who move elsewhere always get the, "Why did you ever move out of there? It's so nice!" Oh, and they especially think earthquakes. Be that as it may, I think they forget, SoCal is basically a urbanized desert with a whole bunch of trees/shrubs that are ready to burn.

While the Florida Panhandle has the hurricane season, the Midwest has the tornado season, we got the fire season:

Not so dreamy now is it?

HT: Boston.com