Mars vs. Venus

I have never been one to call myself an expert on women. My most recent confusion involves the movie Sex and the City 2. Despite awful reviews, I think every young woman I know has seen the movie. Most of them coming out of theater and telling me, "I really enjoyed it. It was fun. It was an escape." This "escape" is what puzzles me. There are lots of shows that bore me. SATC is in a different world... at times it infuriates me, insults me, and offends me. And yet, every woman I know loves it. Yes, I realize that I have nothing in common with four middle aged women and their struggles with maternity and sexuality. Or, that growing up in the Midwest, I don't have such a fine appreciation for Manhattan. Whatever the reason, I am just baffled at the joy my female friends get from this group. I guess I just shake my head and agree to disagree - a men are from mars, women are from venus kind of thing. After all, how many women do you know think watching Jackass or a Sylvester Stallone movie is their idea of a good time. The thing is, in general, with those kinds of movies, I would agree with the women. Jackass is incredibly stupid. And Stallone needed to retire after Rocky. I just hope that SATC popularity fades after this weekend's hype... quickly.

1. I am hardly considered hawkish when it comes to the military. I believe war is sometimes necessary, but has to be the last option possible. If there is one thing that bothered me the most about W. it was his incredible arrogance and hard-ass approach he took with other countries. Proudly bringing Machiavelli's famous quote "It is better to be feared than loved" to life. However, other country leaders did fear him and sometimes that benefited the United States. I think it is pretty safe that most of the world leaders like Obama but view him as a weak push-over. Little more than one year as president. Russia, Turkey, and Brazil openly trade with Iran - driving the Obama administration. China could care less that the United States needs their help in Pakistan and South Korea. The problem is I am being contradictory. I don't want America to revert back to arrogance, but I also don't like how important, rising countries are openly meeting and doing business with our adversaries. It's getting more and more troubling.

2. Now I know most of you are not following the Colombian presidential race like I am, but I am hoping that might change. Remember the name Antanas Mockus. He is leading in the polls to be the new president of Columbia. Why is that name important? Because Mockus is the kookiest candidate for a top thirty economy I have ever seen. It's not like Mockus does not have the credentials on paper. He studied philosophy and mathematics at some of the finest institutions in the world. He was the mayor of Bogota - Columbia's capital city. None of this seems that strange. However, he also was known to dress up as a superhero to inspire Bogotans to unleash their inner superheroes. He sent out a mini army of mimes to calm down unruly drivers. While working at at university, he once mooned student protesters. He's crazy but he is also brilliant. While mayor, crime was reduced, the welfare system was erected, and the environment has stronger protection. Needless to say, I will be cheering for him.