Christmas Thanks

This Christmas, I am thankful for so many things.
First of all, I'm thankful to get the chance to celebrate it with my fiancee.
I'm so glad that I was both able to receive a package from my family and call them.
I have new clothes, chex mix, cookies, candy, and beer.
I'm thankful for the time I've been able to spend with others this week, celebrating, eating, worshiping, playing, and eating.
Also, that my work situation has allowed me to visit Xi'an for an extended period of time.
Jesus came to dwell among us, to experience our lives, and ultimately, to save us, and I'm thankful for that.

Mmm Hmm

Beyond words, so many things must be translated between cultures: body language, table manner, and even non-verbal noises. When I first arrived in China I remember being surprised to people often saying "nigga" in the way English speakers say "um".

A couple of weeks ago I was in a bakery buying bread. The cashier told me how much my bill was, and I understood, so I said, "mmm hmm" like I have countless times in other countries. She repeated the total and I repeated my "mmm hmm." By the third repetition of this I realized that non verbal must not mean the same thing here! (If any of you know what it means in China, please comment.)

Can you think of other noises that must be translated?

Sunday Ten: December 11, 2011

I'm thankful to God for:

1. great people to celebrate Thanksgiving with
2. fun games to play (like Risk and Uno)
3. people to play them with
4. having been wished a "travel mood" on the train
5. November snow
6. good books to read (River Town and The Pillars of the Earth)
7. cookies baked by my fiancee
8. Christmas music and the legitimacy now to listen to it
9. a great party with my students
10. His provision in my life

Is Mitt Romney Presidential?

It hasn't been clear to me who among the those running for president best deserves my support, is most likely to win the general election, or would make the best president (three separate considerations).

This article by Robert Draper of The New York Times Magazine on Mitt Romney and his campaign, and Scott Johnson's commentary on it, provide some insight that leave me unsure about all three.

I have a new found appreciation for Romeny's strengths. First of all, he comes across as a very intelligent man. He is well read, writes his own books, and seems to know quite a bit. Also, he seeks out divergent viewpoints. Not only does this speak to his humility that he thinks he's not always right, but it also helps him to craft better solutions, based upon more options.

However, this is also a weakness of his. How will he know what decisions to make after being presented with these many viewpoints? Doug Gross, Romney's former Iowa chairman says that Romney's flexibility is a good thing that helps him make pragmatic choices, however, "I don’t know if he's got the gut instinct to make the right call at the right time."

Another weakness is in his willingness to say whatever the voters want to hear. His conversation on ethanol this article presents is one example. Perhaps this is his pragmatism coming through, but he seems to shift his positions on issues in order to get elected.

I also wonder if he is likely to campaign well enough to win the election. Draper brings up some good points about his campaign's weaknesses, such as the opportunity for his opponents to frame his personal narrative. Also, if he doesn't do very well is simple interviews because he's been shielded, how will he fare in future interviews and debates with President Obama?

It is not clear to me what makes a good president. Ultimately, I like the idea of someone who listens to those divergent views, but also has solid enough judgement to choose well. I like the idea of someone who professes positions on issues not based on getting elected, but rather because he believes them and they make sense.

At this point, I will continue looking at Romney and hope I like enough of what I see. I really want to like him.