E-Month: The Wrap

Well, if this month's experiment with a biking-only existence were real science, the data would be...inconclusive. I went three full weeks sticking to the plan. Then I got a flat tire. And then the rains came. And then certain errands (for which a car was considerably more convenient) beckoned. None of these obstacles was insurmountable, but - taken together - they vanquished my enthusiasm.

Ironically, I feel healthier since I broke down and used my car. I'm going to the gym more often now that it's easier for me to do so. So let's grade this lab, shall we?

Performance - C-
Mission Accomplished? - F
Fun (when it wasn't raining) - B+
Fitness (due to my lack of ambition) - C
Better Understanding of the Effect of Local Infrastructure on Lifestyle - A-

I feel a modicum of lameness for not following through, but I did get a taste for it, which was the point all along.

Anyway, speaking of potentially unattainable goals, I'm trying to raise $527 on my Obama fundraising site. Please give a few dollars if you're willing and able.

Straight Talk on Gay Adoption

I've corrected student essays from lower-level classes that don't mince words as badly as this:

STEPHANOPOULOS: What is your position on gay adoption? You told the “New York Times" you were against it, even in cases where the children couldn’t find another home. But then your staff backtracked a bit. What is your position?

MCCAIN: My position is, it’s not the reason why I’m running for president of the United States. And I think that two parent families are best for America.

STEPHANOPOULOS: Well, what do you mean by that, it’s not the reason you’re running for president of the United States?

MCCAIN: Because I think — well, I think that it’s — it is important for us to emphasize family values. But I think it’s very important that we understand that we have other challenges, too. I’m running for president of the United States, because I want to help with family values. And I think that family values are important, when we have two parent — families that are of parents that are the traditional family.

STEPHANOPOULOS: But there are several hundred thousand children in the country who don’t have a home. And if a gay couple wants to adopt them, what’s wrong with that?

MCCAIN: I am for the values that two parent families, the traditional family represents.

STEPHANOPOULOS: So, you’re against gay adoption.

MCCAIN: I am for the values and principles that two parent families represent. And I also do point out that many of these decisions are made by the states, as we all know. And I will do everything I can to encourage adoption, to encourage all of the things that keeps families together, including educational opportunities, including a better economy, job creation. And I’m running for president, because I want to help families in America. And one of my positions is that I believe that family values and family traditions are preserved.

Huh? Get some sleep, Senator. It's a looong way 'til November.