So if the economy doesn't pickup soon maybe I ought to go Baghdad. Heaven knows there'll be plenty of work there. And the number of single women available should be outstanding!

What if Bush and company turn out to be correct? What will the enlightened and caring bunch have to say;

"Half Empty" I suppose.

I know it's downright annoying to have a president that embarrassing to listen too. His enthusiasm and its awkward expression are almost creepy. Those pronouncements about the imminent liberation of the Iraqi people are a bit much too, especially with the "God's on our side" tone to it.

But still, what if he's right?

Joseph Stalin would maintain that 2+2 equals 4. Just because he's a despicable person, doesn't warrant a serious reconsideration of mathematics.

I don't think I'd have much fun hanging out with George, but he doesn't strike as a bad sort either. We never quite get what we want eh?

THIS IS AN ANXIETY ATTACK: Drink 10 cups of good strong coffee in about an hour, then have a very confused, trembling, wild-eyed psychopath point a gun in your face and ask in a most desperate tone whether life has any meaning.

I think that kinda describes it.

"Life always has unexplainable circumstances which are often used by God to accomplish His work."
-from the "Left Behind" website.

This begs the question; which circumstances God pays no attention too; like for instance Nazi Death camps.

This is rich, and reminds of a famous Monty Python bit regarding Eric ...

"Fifteen years after the dog licence was abolished, the Labour-led Scottish government is planning a licensing system for exotic fish such as the rosy red minnow, the black bullhead catfish and the sterlet.

Anyone who owns exotic fish without a licence will face fines of up to £2,500. Health and safety officials will also be given special powers to enter people's homes to confiscate and destroy unlicensed fish.

The move has enraged the usually passive community of aquaria and pond owners, who face no such legislation in England.

Ian Botham, the former England cricketer who owns aquaria and fishing lakes in Scotland, said: "It is ridiculous that politicians need to dictate who can and cannot keep fish.

'Anyone should be able to keep their own pond or fish tank without seeking permission from the law. Is this the best way that Scottish politicians have found to fill their time?'"
©Telegraph Group Limited

From last evening until early this morning, I've been pleasantly inebriated, although the memory of my activities is as surreal and fading as a dream.

I'd taken my last ten-spot and gone to the Circle Bar. In order to save money, I drank a good deal of Sake before I left. This isn't I know, a productive coping strategy, but well ... I pride myself on consistency. Still, I suspect at some point I'd fallen to the level of "rat-bastard".

I know I wrote something like a love poem on a napkin and handed it to a woman who knows I'm interested in her. There was a band playing very loudly so a verbal approach wasn't practical. I watched her read it, but when finished, she didn't look around to see where I might be. Nor could I gauge her reaction to it. She didn't throw it away either but, she may have decided that I'm a stalking psychopath and she'd better hang on to some solid evidence.

I smoked three cigarettes. I flirted with some guy's girlfriend.

I ordered water from the bar and then refilled the glass with whiskey from my own concealed flask.

I think I drove home with an illegal blood/alcohol level?

I am a bad citizen. I take unfair advantage of liberal return policies. I pretend to be concerned about the homeless. I wish ill fortune on my neighbors.

If life's progress is likened to a train, then I've fallen off somewhere in a wilderness between stops.
----

I was finally able to view the photo of a woman I'd reached the fourth stage with on eHarmony. It was a deal-breaker.

I really can't understand why they waste time concealing their looks. Why not just put it up front? Then at least they'd know that a major factor is already a given when the responses come.

I know how important intelligence and personality are, but it's simply unrealistic to think love and romance don't involve basic physical attraction. Why else would so many beauties leave me alone? I stopped the process, sending her the optional message that "I'm pursuing another relationship."

Unfortunately, it's with a bottle and a keyboard.