Recently, on the SFF mailing lists, there's been a discussion of emotional religious conversion, specifically in the context of people pushing other people emotionally until they break down, have an emotional release, and during that period of emotional vulnerability, them embrace the 'true faith'. The emotional release may even be partly from emotional buildup caused by the emotional pressing done by the performer of the act. A thought -- is confessional like a smaller version of this? I've never had one, but it seems to me that it could fill this role.

On to the topic I hinted at in my last journal (but never had time to write). Israel/Palestine. I have been, until recently, convinced that peace would be impossible in that area unless one side were wiped out, largely because of the degree of nationalism/religion on each side. I realize, however, that perhaps this degree is overstated -- I haven't had sufficient data regarding the fervor of the masses. All I've been doing is paying attention to the leaders and other sufficiently loud folk. I came across a report that might suggest that there are significant numbers of Palestinians and Israelis that are not of the 'all the land is ours, other races must be swept off it' variety. If this is true, then there may be a chance for peace, and the weakening of the national/racial agendas over there. I still need more data, but if I am convinced that peace is possible, then it might change my position on what should happen in the region. Perhaps only the hawks need be shot down.

As for flight, well, it's not literal. But I'm now fairly prepared for my move to Pittsburgh. I have a place lined up (that I need to check on today or tomorrow), I'm getting further nibbles on jobs, and I'm beginning to close my business here. It looks like Debb shall be leaving before I shall be (by, at most, about 2 weeks). Hopefully visiting often will be feasable.

Bleh, work is keeping me very busy these last few weeks.