WASHINGTON (AP) — Barack Obama will inherit two wars and the worst economic conditions in three generations when he takes the oath of office on Jan. 20. Ironically, that challenge might be a blessing for the president-elect — unemployment is so high and consumer confidence so low that even modest improvements will let him claim progress.

Obama also brings extraordinary assets to the task.

The president-elect enjoys high approval ratings, well-regarded Cabinet appointees and a smooth running transition operation that grew almost seamlessly from his successful campaign team. Fellow Democrats will hold solid House and Senate majorities to help move his agenda through Congress.

Nancy Sutley ’84 has a passion for the environment honed far above Cayuga’s waters. Now, the current deputy mayor of Los Angeles for energy and the environment is bringing her political acumen and progressive mindset to the executive office as President-elect Barack Obama’s choice for chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality.

Barack Obama’s official announcement of his National Security team on Monday provides much needed depth to the hope and change that he has promised the American people. For many Americans, Obama’s grassroots campaign, inspirational speeches, and personable character were enough to seal the deal on Nov. 4. But, for the 47 percent of Americans who did not to buy into the Obamania, I suggest you take another look at our President-elect.

There’s been a great deal of self-congratulation going around since Barack Obama was elected president a month ago today. As the story goes, his election was a triumph for America and a sign that our country had turned over a new leaf, and we all deserve credit for this history-defying event (my own column on Nov. 6 said as much). The sentiment is, to some extent, justified: Obama didn’t win without us, and his ascension is surely a sign of a more open and fair society.

I’ve never understood the victim-complex gun owners inflict on themselves. Politicians of both parties pander to them shamelessly, assuring them in the condescending tone of a mother to her toddler that the big bad government would never take away their guns. We celebrate hunting as a fundamental American tradition on par with setting off 4th of July fireworks or mumbling the Pledge of Allegiance everyday before class. It’s as if shooting, skinning and bloodletting an animal for sport and going out in the backyard to throw the old baseball around with dad are qualitatively equivalent. There are over 200 million guns in this country. Gun ownership is roundly accepted.

Last night, over 20 Cornell students gathered around a dinner table to participate in a conversation that extended beyond typical dining hall chatter. Art Purcell Ph.D ’66, an environmental policy and sustainability expert, hosted the dialogue “What an Obama Administration Might Mean for Environmental Policy and Sustainability,” provoking many students to think about the importance of the integration of environmental and economic policy.

“We’re in an era where there’s hope again,” Purcell began. He continued to say that it is a matter of “timing and an efficient use of resources” to push the country towards a more sustainable and green future.

“Hello, my name is Carolyn and I am a BlackBerry addict.”

If you are one of the millions of Americans who suffer from BlackBerry addiction, also known as “CrackBerry-itis,” I empathize with you. So, incidentally, does the President-Elect of the United States. According to a story in this weekend’s New York Times, Barack Obama is literally tethered (via belt-holster) to his device.

Only one year ago, I visited Cornell as a pre-frosh and was overwhelmed by the mini-computer-like devices glued to seemingly every student’s hand. After witnessing conversation after conversation about BBMs, I finally got up the courage to ask my host, “What exactly is a BBM?” With a priceless are-you-serious look on her face, she responded, “Oh ... a BlackBerry Message [obviously].”