We've Been on the Run, Driving in the Sun

Congratulations to Micah for correctly naming "Psycho Killer" by the Talking Heads as the Monday Song of the Day.

Part XXIX (Luke's Response)

Yeah, there is this awareness renaissance for most collegians that is seemingly always tied to literature. My answer has got to be the most common one you'll hear: Ayn Rand. Atlas Shrugged was the first book I was able to unequivocally call my favorite.

It was my favorite not necessarily because the ideas therein resonated with my own, but because the book made me think like no other one had.

As is the case, the book was added to my life stew just after the right mix of ingredients had already been combined. Consider the following ingredients: Born in Texas to parents who attended a private, faith-based university. Raised in Boulder, CO among millionaire hippies. One side of the family prone to sign over their entire paycheck to a homeless guy; the other side of the family near-militant capitalists. Add the dynamic Bring all those ingredients to a simmer then top with a dollop of Atlas during sophomore year, and you'll have a memorable experience.

Funny you brought this up. Recently I was thinking about the book and it's affect on me. I wondered how the book would strike me now, so I started to read it again. I'll let you know what I think when I finish it in 2011.

What you got?

Be Sure to Leave All the Lights On

Congratulations to Obi Wan Richtobi for correctly naming "Crosseyed and Painless" by the Talking Heads as the Saturday Song of the Day. Of course, I'm partial to Phish's cover of the song, so that's what I'm giving to you, the dear reader.

Last night I gave you my favorite shirt that I saw in Mexico, but tonight I'm giving you my favorite road sign. As we were driving through the Metroplex, I noticed the following sign along one of the interstates:

REPORT HOV VIOLATIONS
817-312-HERO

Really, TXDOT?

I hate to besmirch the good name of my father's former employer, but you're going to use the same word to classify those who report HOV violations that people through the years have used for people like, oh say, Sully Sullenberger, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Martin Luther King, Susan B. Anthony, and Gandhi?

"What's that, vigilant citizen? You saw a single guy driving in the HOV lane? And he was trying to trick the good people of Texas by using a blow-up doll in the front passenger seat? You, vigilant citizen, are only one thing: A HERO."