Everybody wants to be a dot

The wandering dot is alive and well in the form of a Guinness commercial. If my likeness must be used, I can think of worse brands! =)

Chapulines...they're what's for lunch

Go to Central America and you'll find lots of unique things to eat everywhere you turn. Finding similar foods in the US is a little more complicated. So, when I found Chapulines on the menu in a D.C. restaurant, I had to try them. Grasshoppers on a taco...I was intrigued. And not disappointed.

A Mexican delicacy, Chapulines are tiny, marinated fried grasshopper carcases. Delivered in handmade corn tortillas on a bed of avocado, they are slightly spicy, slightly sweet, very crunchy, and really wonderful! I highly recommend them, especially since there is no longer concern of lead poisoning from consumption. At the very least, it is good to know that I will never go hungry!

The Great Potomac Primary

Today, I voted in my first Presidential primary - an event dubbed "The Potomac Primary" by the media. I love voting. I always leave the precinct walking a little taller, feeling like I have performed my civic duty and contributed a bit to the betterment of our world. I feel no different this morning, but it was a long road here. I have friends who have firmly supported Barack Obama since the beginning. I have friends who supported Hillary all along. I know even more people who have struggled with their decision for the past 18 months. I fall into the latter category.

Many people, especially women and African Americans, feel pressure to vote for one candidate or the other simply because they are female or black. That is absurd, though I admit I felt the pressure to support Hill for that very reason. Ultimately, we have to look beyond this as we cast our votes. Aren't we teaching our children that color doesn't matter? And - if girls can do anything boys can do, they should earn it and not be handed it by default, simply because of their gender.

In the end, I am proud of my Democratic party for presenting two minorities for Presidential Candidate. Either of them is a far better choice for the future of our country than any of the Republican candidates. In November, I will vote for whichever Democrat is on the ballot. Today - and without hesitation - I cast my vote for Barack Obama based on the changes I believe he can make for our country and for the rights I believe he will protect. Visit www.barackobama.com for specifics.