A 22-nation survey by the BBC found that voters abroad preferred Mr. Obama to Mr. McCain in every single country — by four to one over all. Nearly half of those in the BBC poll said that the election of Mr. Obama, an African-American, would “fundamentally change” their perceptions of the United States.

I don't feel bad I watch Colbert...

The Pew Research Center tested the public's political knowledge earlier this year. I thought these findings were quite interesting. By the way, the best-informed news audiences crossed the ideological spectrum. (click on the image to read it)

school

So I have just finished my second week of my Masters program at the University of Chicago. I am loving the school. The caliber of faculty, beauty of the buildings, and the rigor of thought has really inspired me. But the debates have thus far been very theoretical, and at times I like this, but at other time I wish for a more applicable focus. I have a hard time choosing classes because that ones I wanted conflicted with each other, so I petitioned a faulty member to oversee a course that will allow be to begin research for my thesis. I was approved and am so happy to have the opportunity to have one-on-one instruction with a man who is an authority in the field, and to be able to get a head start on my thesis. It will put me months ahead of the others in my program.

I've met some really great people but have been struggling to make any real connections. I always have  a hard time making friends. But there are plenty of people to chat with in class so I can't complain. I'm happy to be there- and I just hope I work hard enough to make it all worth it.