05.09.07 - 5:54 pm

taken from the may national geographic about the mexican/american border. i really enjoyed this opening paragraph of the article.

borders everywhere attract violence, violence prompts fences, and eventually fences can mutate into walls. then everyone pays attention because a wall turns a legal distinction into a visual slap in the face. we seem to love walls, but are embarrassed by them because they say something unpleasant about the neighbors - and us. they flow from two sources: fear and the desire for control. just as our houses have doors and locks, so do borders call forth garrisons, customs officials, and now and then, big walls. they give us divided feelings because we do not like to admit we need them.

a conversation with the brain in regards to the shape of my body, and its similarities to a particularly attractive girl he knows:

9:38 PM
me: so what exactly is a cylindrical torso?
brain: ...
me: its what you said i have.
brain: i think it's exactly as it sounds
me: as in lacking any sort of curves?
brain: um. pigeon chest. not flat. but rounded.
me: ha. gross.
brain: not gross....unique.
me: thanks. so youre saying i have a chance...with her?
brain: im saying you share a physical torso structure, which may lead to a mutual attraction...and eventual sub species of man.