Interesting developments....

First, yay for its_a_ghost. My digits are crossed for you.

Second, it looks like I may have a new thesis topic. I enjoyed the old one, but there were definitely some limitations involved. Plus, someone at OSU actually did hers on the same subject recently so that's also a factor. So my new topic, if I'm approved, is "Women in the Intelligence Community during World War II." There is surprisingly little done on the subject. As in one book, one videotaped lecture, and a few websites. Pleeeeenty of room for me in that. And I'd be looking at a different angle than any of those. As hard as it is to find a niche in academia, this is really freaking huge for me.

Just read my horoscope too. It says "Believe it: You have all the ingredients for success well within your grasp. It's time to reevaluate your goals and what you can do to reach them. You're about to embark on a whole new cycle of success."

Third, I was recently complaining about the workload in one of the classes. Well, it turns out that there's a better option. If I wait until spring to take "The Fall of Communism in Eastern Europe" instead of taking "End of Enpire" now, I can 1)have this semester to get my research and readings done, and 2) take the class with the prof I'm grading papers for this semester. So, someone I know. Which gives me a much better courseload as I'm getting readjusted to things and plenty of time to catch up on the new thesis topic.

So, yay me. Now, if I could just sleep....

Sign me up for organized religion!

from http://www.beliefnet.com/blogs/idolchatter/2006/08/is-jon-stewart-god.html:

Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Is Jon Stewart God?
This past weekend, I was sitting in New York City's Union Square, waiting to meet a friend, when a group of people caught my eye. They were all wearing long, white, flowing robes. Their leader was strumming a guitar. And they were all holding up signs reading, "Jon Stewart is God." They sat in a ring, singing together, and waiting for curious bystanders to approach them. A camera guy tried to look blasé and hid behind a tree, taping the whole thing. I couldn't tell whether he was with the group or was just following them around for his own purposes.

I went home that night and Googled the group. Their website explains the basic principles of "Jonism," including the faith's theological foundations. Why is Jon Stewart a God? According to the "Jonsons," it's because, "He is not a man because no man can be consistently that funny. He is not an animal because he is way too articulate. He is not a plant because... well... he moves too fast. He is neither an idol nor is He a statue of any kind although his exquisitely times pauses make us wonder sometimes."

The Jonsons are releasing their single "Jon Stewart is God," on iTunes in September. Here are some sample lyrics:

Jon Stewart is God
No minor deity
Jon Stewart is God
More than you and me
Before Buddha and Allah
Cast their cosmic dice
They seek Jon's advice

J-O-N-S-T-E-W-A-R-T-I-S-G-O-D
B-E-L-I-E-V-E-I-N-H-I-M-O-R-D-I-E

Thanks to the internet, the Jonsons have a way to proselytize and convert the masses. They even manage to get in a dig at TV pundit Tucker Carlson, whom Jon famously insulted on CNN's now-cancelled show Crossfire. According to the Jonsons, "The extent of sin is so great that its effects continue to this very day in the form of cruelty, sickness, suffering, death, taxes, bad movies, fast food, and politcal pundits who wear bow ties."

Whether it's a gang of true believers or just an elaborate joke is yet to be determined. What's for sure, though, is that their song is pretty catchy. (Click http://www.jonstewartisgod.com/images/Jon_Stewart_is_God_Master_Dave_Vocals.mp3 to listen to it.)