What is history but a fable that is agreed upon?

One of my highest hopes for the Obama administration was his ability to restore the way other countries look at the United States. Hopefully, America's reputation slowly changes for the better. Too long have we been thrusted in the role as the crooked chief of police. While reading the recent Newsweek, there was a great article about how India has slowly been changing their outlook on America. According to the article, India's leadership in the past has not only not wanted to work with the United States, but has gone out of their way to work against America on issues like global warming, war, and economic turmoil. India's basic stance was that they did not have the money to do anything. How could they be expected to work on climate change when their people were starving? However, Prime Minister Singh has been working hard, and not quietly, to embrace the West. "The shift is occurring because India's government knows that with rising wealth and power comes greater responsibility," says Newsweek reporter, Jeremy Kahn. A couple of months ago, India voluntarily declared it would curtail future rises in carbon emissions - something prior prime ministers would not do without financial incentives from the West. Just this past week alone, the Indian government, when discussing a new climate treaty in Denmark said India would "be a dealmaker, not a deal breaker." How much of this is a result of Obama being elected president and how much of it is on Prime Minister Singh? Of course it is a mixture of both. The bottom line is that the second most populous country is making huge improvements in terms of economy and global warming. I could care less who gets the credit. And with Singh's party, the Congress Party, winning huge in the last Indian election, I see only great things for the future relationship of India and America.

1. Last night I rented the movie, Night at the Museum 2. I give like a C. It had its moments of funny, but mostly I just thought it was ridiculous.

2. This weekend was an absolute blast for me. Friday night, our friends from college, Anay's Allie, Aaron and Lauren came to visit. Friday, we went to a local bar, Wrightwood, and met about a dozen of our friends out for a little relaxing, dancing, and just in all out good time. Saturday afternoon we all went downtown to Daley Plaza to see the Chicago Christmas market, eat good food, see the giant tree, and show the Iowans downtown. Saturday night, my apartment had their first party. We welcomed 50 of our closest friends and acquaintances for an ugly sweater party. (Go to Facebook if you are unsure what that means.) It is hard not to be in a good mood when everyone at the party looked so hideous. It was just a really nice weekend.

3. I can't get that damn "party in the usa" song by Miley Cyrus out of my head. AAAAGGHH!!!!