smudgy computers are gross

It's bizarre sitting in the patron internet area using public computers. There is a distinct fingerprint on the left side of the screen. Just an overeager ebay customer? Or, as I'm on the unfiltered computers, some other substance I really have no interest in thinking too much about. It makes me feel like I should go home and take another shower.

I officially hit over 20 million points on Star Wars pinball. Despite having spent too much money getting to this point, I'm still proud. It's all about remaining calm. Getting into the zen of it. And playing with someone who has played SO much and realizes I'm not a threat to his high score that he's willing to coach me.

As it's Saturday, not much news going on. I failed to mention the renewing of the Patriot Act for another 5 weeks because this is just a waiting game until the midterm elections. With the GOP in control of both Houses of Congress, there's very little chance of it being overturned. If the Democrats don't screw it up, I'm optimistic that will be one of the first things to go. An empty space suit is orbiting the Earth. That's pretty unusual. Looks like GWB is hoping to cut $35 billion from medicare. Good luck getting Congress to pass that in an election year. A more interesting number is that medicare spending is expected to hit $447 billion by 2007. Now, let's take a looksee at how much we're spending on a few "conflicts" throughout the globe. Huh. You think maybe that money could have been spent more efficiently? Maybe help fix our little health care/baby boomer crisis?

As usual, my timing isn't great. So this one's cut a little short. I've definitely got an opinion on this, but it's just going to have to wait until tomorrow.