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Perhaps the easiest way to illustrate the engaging (and sometimes enraging) point-counterpoint between Jonathan and Elle is to show you the results from their participation in the Pew Research Center’s Political Typology survey. Jonathan, who identified himself as a progressive thinker, scored amongst the Liberals, and Elle, who was, until very recently, a registered Republican, was classified as one of the Upbeats. Though they tend to clash during election years, the two continue to find that they have surprisingly much in common with each other. Over the years, they have become the best of friends—negotiating a cross-country move together, racking up frequent-flyer miles with their many trips around the world, and looking after their three cats.
Their choice in operating systems is also reminiscent of their counterplay. While Jonathan has faithfully bought Apple computers time and time again, Elle sticks with Microsoft Windows and puts together her own PCs. Elle relearned how to drive a stickshift under Jonathan’s patient tutelage and now dons the occasional pair of Maharishi snopants for work and play. Much to Elle’s Texan chagrin, Jonathan has become a great fan of South Carolina- and Memphis-style barbecue, but does humour Elle in her attempt to decorate their home with Damien Hirst art. They have lived all over the world, but they are currently ensconced in a hundred-year-old rowhouse in the Bloomingdale neighborhood of Washington, DC. There, surrounded by mid-century modern furniture, contemporary art, and the latest in technology, they make their home.
They even work in completely disparate fields: Jonathan is a science policy analyst with the National Human Genome Research Institute, and Elle manages her e-learning and training consultancy. In addition to his day job, Jonathan also contributes to Ars Technica, where Jonathan writes for Nobel Intent. Their evenings and weekends are spent grilling outside on the deck, catching up on their TV shows with their beloved TiVos, and keeping up with their various discussion forums and RSS feeds. They frequently share underground hip-hop tracks between their iPods and Zune, and Jonathan even lets Elle put on her a cappella tunes in the car from time to time. They are both avid listeners and supporters of their local National Public Radio affiliates, WAMU and WETA, and BBC’s Radio 4.
One day, they may return to London and set up residence there, although Elle will be taking advantage of the UK’s longer holiday leaves to return to Chattanooga and Texas for frequent visits. Jonathan plans to use their shared love of Formula 1 and travel as an excuse to vacation all around the world. And, as always, they look forward to being home with the cats.