MODERN IFIGENIA

There is much discussion about federal funds for a Women's History Museum to be located on the Washington Mall. In a surprising move, Michelle Bachman has become one of the most outspoken opponents of these plans. When I first saw the initial headline, I assumed that since she was a Republican her concern was purely a fiscal one. As it turns out, her concern is really that the only women in a women's history museum would be women who made history, and since more-often-than-not, history-making women are feminists, she would loathe to support such people. Many have mocked Michelle Bachman for this "concern." I don't know how I feel about this. I have often run into men who have no intellect, skills or heart who feel perfectly suited to make comments on subjects they have no knowledge about. So in some ways, I feel that Michelle Bachman might have been the accidental result of the feminist movement. We did ask for equality, not necessarily substance.

One of my fondest memories of Snohomish County in Washington State is the annual Tulip Festival. It takes place during the spring when Tulips bloom, but right before they are cut to take to market. You see acres and acres of Tulips, one of the most beautiful views I've experienced. Unlike other vistas, this experience makes you feel like a flower yourself. As a visitor, you feel beautiful simply because you somehow become part of the landscape; at once you are touching one simple flower, and one massive field. Unlike viewing a gorgeous skyline or horizon, you can actually reach out to and touch this massive source of beauty. As the news of mudslides continue, and as the story turns increasingly sour, my heart goes out to Snohomish County residents and I wish them a blooming and hopeful life to come.

Today I ran across this article from The Huffington Post which helps you figure out whether your car is your soul mate. I didn't even have to think about it because I LOVE my car, so the answer is a definitive yes. As the nerd that I am, I wondered if I am more in love with my car than most, I really enjoy being in my car (and it's not because  it's clean), sometimes my car is the only place I can cry and the only place I can dance, but maybe everyone does that. So to answer this question more objectively, I went to the Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration and found that I am more in love with my car than the average American. According to DOT's website, I drive about 15600 more miles per year than the average American woman my age and about 12000 more miles than the average American my age...ahhh  that is love. To be clear, my car has been my house while waiting to be un-booted, it has been my office, my classroom, my supply of electricity...