I normally don’t talk openly about my political and religious beliefs (unless it’s about China), but I thought I’d make an exception for once.  I was talking to Stephan today about the upcoming election and reflected back to 2004, the first time we could vote.  Back then, it was Kerry-Bush and even when another Republican victory looked certain, we thought “Well, at least we know what we’re in for.”  I remember thinking “That sucks, but oh well.”  Now, I’m not so sure I can be so nonchalant about it.

For the first time I can remember, I am afraid, geniuinely afraid, of an election outcome.  I feel like the country has lost touch with secularism and this road is one we can only travel down further should there be a McCain-Palin administration.  I am afraid of the religious right (in all honesty, any branch of religious politics) taking over our government, basing life and lifestyle changing decisions on their supposed morals.  I am afraid of our country reverting back to a Them-vs-Us mentality when it comes to the rest of the world.  I am afraid of John McCain dying of old age in office (Dear Mr. Secret Service man, please note I said dying of old age) leaving behind President Palin.  Let me repeat: Leaving behind President Palin.  I am afraid that in 8 years, all the progress that has been made on gay/lesbian rights, abortion, and all those other issues deemed “wrong” by this current administration will be further undone.  I am afraid that my family in 8 years will be in a worse off place than they are now.  That’s what I’m going to be thinking when I vote next week, what about you?

I got tired of the “new” gallery layout that I was using before and upgraded to something a bit more flashy.  Using the Simple Viewer, the gallery now uses flash and has less html pages for maintenance.  Downside would be, of course, that you now need Flash 8+ to view the galleries, but it is worth the upgrade ;)  Enjoy

Went to see the Red Bull Soap Box races this weekend in Dolores Park, will upload those pictures later. In the meantime, let me show you the area around the trash can.

I go through one of these every two weeks…sometimes less. Help me.

I am still alive.  Sorry there hasn’t been an update for a while, been busy with work and play.

In the meantime,  check out this story about a bank robbery.  If you ever wanted to be the first robber to hire decoys to unwittingly aid in your escape on craigslist, consider yourself too late.  Unbelievable that someone tried this and it worked.

Finally uploaded the pictures from China.  It was a lot of fun to be there with friends and family.  We were treated to meal after meal, each of which would have the most food we’d ever seen in our lives (even for me).  Now it’s time to get back to work, detox, and get back in shape.

China 08