From the Midwest and Around the World

   Well, I am finally in Japan! My plane ride was long, but it was fun to meet different people as well as watch movies and the "moving map" that shows what country (or ocean) the plane is flying over. I was in the middle of a three-chair row in economy comfort (so I had a little more foot room). Next to me, in the aisle seat, was someone who (I think) was French (based on his language choices on the screen). He seemed perpetually angry/impatient and was not too friendly...so maybe he was affected by the blizzard at some point as well and was just trying to get to his location, or maybe this attitude is just a French thing...In the window seat, there was a Filipino (who was very friendly and nice...but I suspect a little flirtatious as well). They kept us really well fed! We got three different "meals" (and all three of them were very generously sized). The first was "dinner" which consisted of Miso Yaki Beef, rice, a roll, shrimp cocktail (basically three...

      People are rude. I understand that it is just a fact of life, but it always surprises me how rude people can be. This habit of rudeness is concentrated on the Internet. People believe that they can say rude and unnecessarily sarcastic things from the safety of their keyboard. I have certainly been guilty of being sarcastic on the Internet. However, I always attempt civility and rational thought when posting my opinions. I do recognize that many people bristle or consider it an affront to their intelligence when someone posits a reasonable and balanced opinion on the many forums of opinion. For example, the other day I commented on an acquaintance's Facebook status where she derisively shared an article written by a pair of conservative young women. Of course the usual liberal comments of "ew" and "lol" and even a link to an open letter written insultingly to these women. In my opinion, both the original article and the open letter article both had very g...