We get invited to church quite a lot, but no one talks about politics, tho' someone at work today said they thought GW Bush was a strong leader because he didn't care what others thought, he just got on with his program for the country. I said that could be the sign of a weak leader. End of conversation.
I think I must simply look like a liberal. Local lingo for devil. Its not exactly that people fall quiet when I walk in, more that certain conversations just don't get had. That's OK with me, as I don't really know what's going on in the world anyway. We haven't had television since we got here, but are relying on internet and local newspapers which is fine except I don't get round to those much. I spend such a large part of the day in front of computers at work that spending half the evening looking at a screen is not terribly appealing. The newspapers are pretty parochial, tho we get the NY Times now and then. Not being plugged into the world is more interesting than I thought it would be!

The images are from the last Game Day here at the campus. The football stadium is in the middle of the campus, and 2 days before a game people from far and wide start gathering. They mark out their territories right throughout the campus and put up their tents, unload the BBQs and grillers. They also unload satellite dishes and wide screen TVs. From friday morning these 'Tiger Fans' begin to watch all the college football games that are being played around the country, right through to saturday at 6pm when the file into the stadium (87,000 of them) to watch the Auburn Tigers play Ole Miss, or Louisiana Tech, or Mississippi State. 'Our' team is on a roll, having won every game so far this season, tho these have all been at home. Now they face hostile home crowds elsewhere (for the next 2 games) and the atmosphere is tense.

Its a lot of fun. As you can see from the photos the Auburn colors (note spelling) are orange and blue. I will probably succumb and get the obligatory orange T shirt. Will stop at that, however. Many of the local dowagers wear very expensive designer blouses with Auburn colors and insignia. Tucked-in waists, shoulder pads, silk and satin. $400 dollar Auburn supporter string back shoes.

The close up shot of blue and white players is of Boris' team (he's in there somewhere). They go hard out, and there are always tears.

One of our team's mum said " I'm gwanna get my boyah out theyer, he too small to play in this shit!" Her Dad said "He gotta toughen up Keesha, you keep 'im in the team or ayelse!"