New term, new term paper. Stayed up all night last night working wrapping it up (finally finished it at 5:01, then went out for a very cold run). Today staying awake should be an adventure and a half.
Anyway, I worked so hard on it, my hordes of listeners might appreciate a glimpse, so I present to you....MY ABSTRACT:
An In-Between Census Year Study of Human Migration Using Geographic Information Science(GIS)
Abstract
In this project, I intend to develop a population dataset from in-between Census years, and use it to investigate whether inter-and intra-state migration patterns are as expected, according to previous US Census estimates.
My first literature consideration was to look for other instances in which mid-Census period data sets had been incorporated into human population GIS. Second, I was interested in what other methods researchers have used to investigate these "off-years." Third, I was curious as to how one could integrate such data seamlessly into an existing Census data set. And finally, I investigated the more general notions of population migration geography data and methods.
Upon completing my review of literature, is my determination that sufficient methodology exists to create the data set in which I am interested, and integrate that data with an existing GIS. As state agencies take a greater interest in control over "out-migration," knowledge of residential preferences of workers and consumers will become increasingly more important. An atypical approach, such as the one I propose, may serve to uncover valuable information heretofore hidden in the nebulous muddle that is the period in between Census years.
Wednesday, December 01, 2004
Tuesday, November 30, 2004
Nightmare Before Christmas
The ghost of Fremont Ave has struck again.
Perhaps a little background. I think everyone remembers the deal about six months ago, when I heard Sharon come down the stairs, saw her (out of the corner of my eye) go into the back room, and queried her as to why she wasn't turning the lights on back there, only to get no response. Moments later, the real Sharon came through the door at the bottom of the stairs. My heart leapt to my throat and a set of goodbumps arose on me that would have made a plucked chicken blush.
So we're dealing with a ghost, that much we know.
Here's the situation tonight: I'm working at the computer. Planning on pulling a near-all-nighter, actually, in an attempt to get a term paper done. This is freaking me out a bit, but about half an hour ago, I heard the closet door (which I can see out of the computer room door by looking back over my shoulder) click open. Understand, I realize there is that state a door can be in when it's not fully latched and friction just kind of gives way. It wasn't quite that. Though I do not recall hearing a door knob turn, I distinctly hear two "clicks" in succession. The click of the latch lifting over the strikeplate, and the click of it snapping back into place as the door swung open. If it was any sort of a natural sound, I don't think my blood would have froze like it did. I looked back. The hallway is somewhat darkened, and I could see nothing. A few minutes later, I went out into the hall and noticed a towel on the ground right on the floor at the base of the inner side of the open door. Not only would the the door have had to unlatch and swing open, but apparently a towel would have had to have been stacked so badly that it fell off the stack and down onto the floor.
Merry Christmas
Perhaps a little background. I think everyone remembers the deal about six months ago, when I heard Sharon come down the stairs, saw her (out of the corner of my eye) go into the back room, and queried her as to why she wasn't turning the lights on back there, only to get no response. Moments later, the real Sharon came through the door at the bottom of the stairs. My heart leapt to my throat and a set of goodbumps arose on me that would have made a plucked chicken blush.
So we're dealing with a ghost, that much we know.
Here's the situation tonight: I'm working at the computer. Planning on pulling a near-all-nighter, actually, in an attempt to get a term paper done. This is freaking me out a bit, but about half an hour ago, I heard the closet door (which I can see out of the computer room door by looking back over my shoulder) click open. Understand, I realize there is that state a door can be in when it's not fully latched and friction just kind of gives way. It wasn't quite that. Though I do not recall hearing a door knob turn, I distinctly hear two "clicks" in succession. The click of the latch lifting over the strikeplate, and the click of it snapping back into place as the door swung open. If it was any sort of a natural sound, I don't think my blood would have froze like it did. I looked back. The hallway is somewhat darkened, and I could see nothing. A few minutes later, I went out into the hall and noticed a towel on the ground right on the floor at the base of the inner side of the open door. Not only would the the door have had to unlatch and swing open, but apparently a towel would have had to have been stacked so badly that it fell off the stack and down onto the floor.
Merry Christmas
Monday, November 29, 2004
Daycares & Worries
We're discontent with our current daycare. Nothing serious to the point of being concerned for safety or anything, but just an environment that has slowly been fostering a growing discontentment of Sharon's & mine over the last number of months since we've started.
The circumstances of our daycare search, if anyone recalls, were not ideal to begin with. After spending the first three months of her life with Momma and the next three with Grandma, Lucy was in a situation where we went through two home daycares (both of which were really, really good situations for her) in the next seven months, as the proprietor of each moved out of town. In the end, the whole experience was more traumatic for Sharon than for Lucy, but nevertheless, consistency is one of the most important things for an infants (and toddlers), and the changes were certainly not what we envisioned for her first year. We were facing a desperate 11th hour search last May before we came up with the place at which we are currently.
There are simply not open lines of communication between us and the providers, which leads to us not getting the information about what's going on day-in and day-out that we want to and, as a result, putting us in what has become an awkward position of prying around, trying to get information every night. We get the idea that other people who use the daycare (none of them really peers) have never really had an expectation that is on par with ours, and it has led to this culture that is really not conducive to parents being involved in and informed on the caregiving. There's other minor little things that we'll notice from time to time that don't sit quite right; none of them very big, individually, but adding up to be a problem, overall.
Anyway, this morning, we had a couple of interviews with new possibilities. The first, a followup visit from a very fortunate reference, was a woman who was really passionate about caring for kids, has been doing it for 20 years, has a really neat set up in and around her house, and is just a lot more generally great than the place we've been (in addition, a little closer and cheaper, which doesn't hurt). After that, we checked out this Montessori school for toddlers and preschoolers that was amazingly cool; the Montessori philosophy is definitely in line with our values (respecting children as thinking people, no TV, lots of construtive, wooden toys, etc.), but not quite in line with our budget. As in, over twice as expensive as the home day care. Montessori is definitely something we'll consider as Lucy approaches school age, but for now it looks like we're going to switch her over to this other lady.
Perhaps more later, but man....such a big, BIG deal, the day care. Needless to say, I'm very excited about the prospect of her being in a better environment.
The circumstances of our daycare search, if anyone recalls, were not ideal to begin with. After spending the first three months of her life with Momma and the next three with Grandma, Lucy was in a situation where we went through two home daycares (both of which were really, really good situations for her) in the next seven months, as the proprietor of each moved out of town. In the end, the whole experience was more traumatic for Sharon than for Lucy, but nevertheless, consistency is one of the most important things for an infants (and toddlers), and the changes were certainly not what we envisioned for her first year. We were facing a desperate 11th hour search last May before we came up with the place at which we are currently.
There are simply not open lines of communication between us and the providers, which leads to us not getting the information about what's going on day-in and day-out that we want to and, as a result, putting us in what has become an awkward position of prying around, trying to get information every night. We get the idea that other people who use the daycare (none of them really peers) have never really had an expectation that is on par with ours, and it has led to this culture that is really not conducive to parents being involved in and informed on the caregiving. There's other minor little things that we'll notice from time to time that don't sit quite right; none of them very big, individually, but adding up to be a problem, overall.
Anyway, this morning, we had a couple of interviews with new possibilities. The first, a followup visit from a very fortunate reference, was a woman who was really passionate about caring for kids, has been doing it for 20 years, has a really neat set up in and around her house, and is just a lot more generally great than the place we've been (in addition, a little closer and cheaper, which doesn't hurt). After that, we checked out this Montessori school for toddlers and preschoolers that was amazingly cool; the Montessori philosophy is definitely in line with our values (respecting children as thinking people, no TV, lots of construtive, wooden toys, etc.), but not quite in line with our budget. As in, over twice as expensive as the home day care. Montessori is definitely something we'll consider as Lucy approaches school age, but for now it looks like we're going to switch her over to this other lady.
Perhaps more later, but man....such a big, BIG deal, the day care. Needless to say, I'm very excited about the prospect of her being in a better environment.
Friday, November 26, 2004
Sorry, Wrong Number! And Standing Above Where You Lay
Saw "Sorry, Wrong Number!" (1948, starring Barbara Stanwyck and Burt Lancaster) over the last couple of nights. I was really tired during the first half of the movie and had a lot of trouble following what was a pretty complex plot, but the filmmaking was so spectacular that near the end of the movie I was drawn completely in, even not knowing exactly what was going on. One of the most thrilling and suspenseful ends to a movie I have EVER SEEN, bar none. So much so that I just got Gibb's "sprinkles" as I typed the previous sentence. I WHOLEHEARTEDLY recommend this film. Simply incredible. First movie where Sharon has ever had to cling to my arm and bury her head during the climax.
ALSO--landmark day at work. No, not because it's retail's "Black Friday" (1st shopping day after Thanksgiving), but because I (being pretty much the only guy around in my area) took a big honking long coffee break and finally FINALLY finished my first set of lyrics for the insurgent-country SECRET OF HIM. Song about my departed grandparents called "Standing Above Where You Lay." Question though, Mixdorf. Is that correct grammar? Or should it be "Standing Above Where You Lie?" If it's that, I might have to change the title, since it wouldn't work quite so well for me, artistically, the latter way. Perhaps I should just not care, though. After all, this is rock n roll (or, more specifically, rock-country). And grammar really shouldn't matter all that much.
Anyway, I would post the lyrics (and still might), but I'm a little hesitant, not knowing if they stand completely on their own merit, as happy with them as I currently am. Perhaps an .mpeg version will be emailed out or posted to my geocities page if I get a recorded version done in the next few weeks.
ALSO--landmark day at work. No, not because it's retail's "Black Friday" (1st shopping day after Thanksgiving), but because I (being pretty much the only guy around in my area) took a big honking long coffee break and finally FINALLY finished my first set of lyrics for the insurgent-country SECRET OF HIM. Song about my departed grandparents called "Standing Above Where You Lay." Question though, Mixdorf. Is that correct grammar? Or should it be "Standing Above Where You Lie?" If it's that, I might have to change the title, since it wouldn't work quite so well for me, artistically, the latter way. Perhaps I should just not care, though. After all, this is rock n roll (or, more specifically, rock-country). And grammar really shouldn't matter all that much.
Anyway, I would post the lyrics (and still might), but I'm a little hesitant, not knowing if they stand completely on their own merit, as happy with them as I currently am. Perhaps an .mpeg version will be emailed out or posted to my geocities page if I get a recorded version done in the next few weeks.
Thursday, November 25, 2004
...And the whole extended clan of Jack & Lois. From L-R: Lindon's boy (Cody), Lindon, Taylor, Amy (who's lost a TON of weight), Me, Sharon, Lucy, John (Laurie's husband), Sean, my Mom, Jared (who's gained a ton of weight), my Dad, Natalie (Laurie's girl), Laurie, and Neil (Laurie's boy who's gained some).
Tuesday, November 23, 2004
Hangmen Also Die!
Saw a movie by that title in only two sessions (which is not bad), finishing last night. About the WWII German occupation of Czechoslovakia and this amazing underground unity of the Prague citizens not to give up an assassin of this high-ranking Nazi, even at the expense of their lives, or the lives of loved ones. Totally film noir; great with shadows, and lots of intrigue, suspense, etc. Also a very powerful story; one that puts minor problems (like, say, a little girl that doesn't seem to want to go to sleep these days) in perspective. Also wild: the movie was made in 1943, during WWII. Kind of crazy, since that that time, even though people knew all about the Nazis and what they were doing, no one was quite sure how things would shake out.
Monday, November 22, 2004
O Brother, There Wast Thou! And Lagers, Malts, and Stouts!
Just a couple of more ruminations on my brother. I ended up getting to spend last Wednesday afternoon with him & his son. Got to show him around downtown Minneapolis, & did a drive through the U of M West Bank, East Lake Street. & Uptown. One might say we went uptown, downtown and all around.
We had a really good, long talk during that time. Looking back at my earlier post, I can't specifically say I would say the points I made were wrong, but maybe I'd say they were unnecessary. Besides my departed grandfather, here I finally find a member of my family with whom I have a real connection, and I had to go and find fault. Shame on me. Consider me a big Lindon fan. Very glad he's my brother.
On a side note; I have a craving for lagers, malts, and stouts. Lagers, malts, and stouts. I wish to visit and be visited by long-time friends. Welcoming one another through the door, sitting on creaky shares by fireplaces in dusty libraries; or out on a patio listening to night sounds and watching the last few sparks of the sun as we reminisce & drink beers so thick we could swaddle them 'round a newborn's ass.
We had a really good, long talk during that time. Looking back at my earlier post, I can't specifically say I would say the points I made were wrong, but maybe I'd say they were unnecessary. Besides my departed grandfather, here I finally find a member of my family with whom I have a real connection, and I had to go and find fault. Shame on me. Consider me a big Lindon fan. Very glad he's my brother.
On a side note; I have a craving for lagers, malts, and stouts. Lagers, malts, and stouts. I wish to visit and be visited by long-time friends. Welcoming one another through the door, sitting on creaky shares by fireplaces in dusty libraries; or out on a patio listening to night sounds and watching the last few sparks of the sun as we reminisce & drink beers so thick we could swaddle them 'round a newborn's ass.
Tuesday, November 16, 2004
The Promised Post on The "Cultural Elitification of Dan Hylton" (good points and bad points)
I will try to do this in a way that simply opens it for discussion
Both my politics and my preferences have gone further left of center, the older I've gotten. I'm listening to Garrison Keillor, watching independent movies, hanging out in the local coffee shop, and listening to Americana music. Folks, this is the "Cultural Elitification of Dan Hylton."
Mixdorf, in a comment to my "Sideways" post, said he was surprised that I went to see a movie about wine-tasting. I submit to you, friends, that the only surprise is that I don't like wine these days.
So, what's the deal?
Has my experience of this world turned me off from that which is considered "mainstream?" Am I simply finding myself more comfortable amongst the crowd that has those preferences? Or are all my new leanings & interests more or less unrelated, but coincidental and just a function of who I am, & what I've been exposed to at this point in time?
Feel free to use percentages in your response.
Both my politics and my preferences have gone further left of center, the older I've gotten. I'm listening to Garrison Keillor, watching independent movies, hanging out in the local coffee shop, and listening to Americana music. Folks, this is the "Cultural Elitification of Dan Hylton."
Mixdorf, in a comment to my "Sideways" post, said he was surprised that I went to see a movie about wine-tasting. I submit to you, friends, that the only surprise is that I don't like wine these days.
So, what's the deal?
Has my experience of this world turned me off from that which is considered "mainstream?" Am I simply finding myself more comfortable amongst the crowd that has those preferences? Or are all my new leanings & interests more or less unrelated, but coincidental and just a function of who I am, & what I've been exposed to at this point in time?
Feel free to use percentages in your response.
Monday, November 15, 2004
A Long-Awaited Reunion
Saw my brother, Lindon, this last weekend. It was the first time since my wedding (and, of course, I had so much going on then I didn't really see much of him there). I've always been told I was very much like him, and I was definitely able to tell some similarities, as I had a good chance to talk with him at length this weekend. Politically and pretty much artistically, there are a lot of ways in which we are very much on at least a similar wavelength; certainly as opposed to others in my household. And he definitely has the Hylton gift of gab. Halfway through our early Thanksgiving in Cedar Rapids, I was thinking "poor Sharon!" Someone once said about our family (honest to God), "You know it's the Grooms (my mom's side, but it runs in all our blood) when everybody is talking at once and no one is listening." I would like to think that, though I talk loud and often, I have some degree of self-consciousness on the matter.
And I guess therein lies what I think is related to maybe the biggest separation between my brother and me: I am self-aware. My brother seems to have managed to spend the last 30 years living this idealized quintessential alternative/artists' lifestyle (though with an almost uncanny ability to end up with hard luck). In many ways it sounds really cool; as though he's really lived life on his own terms and sort of brought into his world that which sort of goes through this filter that which is in concert with this ideal. But somehow, I feel like after a certain amount of time living life like that I would become claustrophobic, almost like Jim Kirk in the Nexus, feeling like I was no longer attatched to that part of pop or normalcy which helps keep me who I am.
My brother has this utter level of comfort with this world of his. I'm a little more self-conscious than that. So, my brother can just start going on about this guy he works with that wears a dress and knits in front of my dad, who mind is suddenly on the verge of being blown. I know not to go there. Kind of makes it look like my brother is just more comfortable with himself and that it is only a good thing; but what if his thing was not wearing any pants? Sometimes this connectedness to those parts of the world that aren't in your own armpit (in this case, the boundaries such people), is what helps us thrive in this world. Is this sort of wide-eyed naivte one of the reasons my brother has also had so many crazy setbacks in his life?
Who knows? But I'm glad to know him; glad he is my brother; and glad I am not him.
In other news, got a (brief) opportunity to toss the lighted rock around with Cory, who unfortunately had to attend to a twice-vomiting Jonah I did get to see the poor little guy, which was nice. Starting to lengthen out a bit (or so it appeared), and looking almost like Cory L in his early brown-pants days. Sounds like the beer-in-Waterloo ban has been lifted, which in turn lifts my spirit. I look forward to having a beer with Cory in the Cedarloo area next time I am in town and toasting all that is true and good in the world.
And I guess therein lies what I think is related to maybe the biggest separation between my brother and me: I am self-aware. My brother seems to have managed to spend the last 30 years living this idealized quintessential alternative/artists' lifestyle (though with an almost uncanny ability to end up with hard luck). In many ways it sounds really cool; as though he's really lived life on his own terms and sort of brought into his world that which sort of goes through this filter that which is in concert with this ideal. But somehow, I feel like after a certain amount of time living life like that I would become claustrophobic, almost like Jim Kirk in the Nexus, feeling like I was no longer attatched to that part of pop or normalcy which helps keep me who I am.
My brother has this utter level of comfort with this world of his. I'm a little more self-conscious than that. So, my brother can just start going on about this guy he works with that wears a dress and knits in front of my dad, who mind is suddenly on the verge of being blown. I know not to go there. Kind of makes it look like my brother is just more comfortable with himself and that it is only a good thing; but what if his thing was not wearing any pants? Sometimes this connectedness to those parts of the world that aren't in your own armpit (in this case, the boundaries such people), is what helps us thrive in this world. Is this sort of wide-eyed naivte one of the reasons my brother has also had so many crazy setbacks in his life?
Who knows? But I'm glad to know him; glad he is my brother; and glad I am not him.
In other news, got a (brief) opportunity to toss the lighted rock around with Cory, who unfortunately had to attend to a twice-vomiting Jonah I did get to see the poor little guy, which was nice. Starting to lengthen out a bit (or so it appeared), and looking almost like Cory L in his early brown-pants days. Sounds like the beer-in-Waterloo ban has been lifted, which in turn lifts my spirit. I look forward to having a beer with Cory in the Cedarloo area next time I am in town and toasting all that is true and good in the world.
Friday, November 12, 2004
Alt-Country (& some credit to Accuradio)
This started out as a post called "While on the Subject of Recommendations...," but quickly became a big essay on me & alt-country. We'll start with the recommendation:
www.accuradio.com (specifically, the Twang channel)
I have gotten into internet radio in the last couple of years. For anyone (which should include everyone) who has ever felt their local radio offerings were too limiting, a near-limitless smorgasboard of genres and styles. I have been wildly debating with myself on which style to pursue for my next album; alt-country or rock n roll, and I credit accuradio's "Twang" station specifically for pushing me over the top in the direction of country. A whole new sub-genre of alt-country (or "insurgent country") that I was not even aware of a year or two ago. Paying honest homage to the sound and style of tradtional country western, but challenging a lot of the traditional themes, lyrically. I grew up with the sound. It was dormant for years and years with only a little occasional foray into Patsy Cline, Willie, Marty Robbins, and some of the old standards. But I have been introduced to a whole new set of wonderful musicians, including Mike Ireland & Hollar, Greg Buckner, Junior Brown (more of a "new traditionalist" than true "insurgent"), and just a slue of artists of the Bloodshot Records label (to which I plan to submit my work in about a year and a half, by the way). For me, it has been a true musical awakening, and a call I cannot resist. To sing about heartbreak is what I want to do!!!
www.accuradio.com (specifically, the Twang channel)
I have gotten into internet radio in the last couple of years. For anyone (which should include everyone) who has ever felt their local radio offerings were too limiting, a near-limitless smorgasboard of genres and styles. I have been wildly debating with myself on which style to pursue for my next album; alt-country or rock n roll, and I credit accuradio's "Twang" station specifically for pushing me over the top in the direction of country. A whole new sub-genre of alt-country (or "insurgent country") that I was not even aware of a year or two ago. Paying honest homage to the sound and style of tradtional country western, but challenging a lot of the traditional themes, lyrically. I grew up with the sound. It was dormant for years and years with only a little occasional foray into Patsy Cline, Willie, Marty Robbins, and some of the old standards. But I have been introduced to a whole new set of wonderful musicians, including Mike Ireland & Hollar, Greg Buckner, Junior Brown (more of a "new traditionalist" than true "insurgent"), and just a slue of artists of the Bloodshot Records label (to which I plan to submit my work in about a year and a half, by the way). For me, it has been a true musical awakening, and a call I cannot resist. To sing about heartbreak is what I want to do!!!
Thursday, November 11, 2004
Sideways
We went out to dinner & a movie last night; the movie being "Sideways," a buddy flick that is quite funny and extremely well written & acted. I would recommend it highly.
Tuesday, November 09, 2004
McCarpilation Vol 1
With the recent purchase of London Town and the self-titled McCartney, my Paul McCartney collection is complete. Or at least as complete as I really have been wanting it to be (I'm in no hurry to get Pipes of Peace or some of his post-Flaming Pie stuff). Last night, then, I assembled the long-awaited McCarpilation Vol 1. With no more than two songs off any one album, I chronilogically spanned the albums I do have and created a CD of 20 songs that are kind of my "closet favorites." I love the songs but don't think they ever achieved much notoriety or chart success. Very excited to share McCarpilation Vol 1 with all!
Thursday, November 04, 2004
Wednesday, November 03, 2004
The Day After
Seems like there's a lot more depressing elections than encouraging ones in recent years. After investing so much of my time & energy over the last number of months, it's a very unreal feeling when it doesn't turn out the way I'd hoped.
You know, our paths really do need to lead us home.
It would be really great to celebrate festive times together (with a round of drinks), and to share down times together (by downing a few drinks).
You know, our paths really do need to lead us home.
It would be really great to celebrate festive times together (with a round of drinks), and to share down times together (by downing a few drinks).
Tuesday, November 02, 2004
An Early Christmas!
I have a $50 Galyans gift certificate, but am totally stymied on what to get. I don't want to get something I absolutely need (like a work shirt), since that wouldn't be any fun. And I don't want to get something that is part of a pair (like an inflatable camp mattress), since that would involve me spending an additional $50 (to get one for Sharon), which would defeat the whole "something for nothing" part of the equation that's got me so excited:
Any ideas of something that would be indulgent and fun and cost 49.99?
Any ideas of something that would be indulgent and fun and cost 49.99?
Civic-MInded!
Starting last night on my drive home, I became more at peace with the vitality of our election process than I had been for months. Maybe it was Mixdorf's optimism, or maybe just kind of the sigh of relief following months and months of attention and focus, knowing that (aside from casting the actual ballot) my role in the whole pre-election process was pretty much over.
Maybe this will change if the election does not return the result I am hoping, but I had a certain peace last night, even with the Bush supporters. On all overpasses in my commute home last night (and my commute in this morning) supporters of one camp or another were waving their signs, and just plain waving. Nothing seemed contentious, even when sharing the space with the opposing camp--everyone, for whatever reason, believed strongly in their guy and were resolute enough to stand out in the cold rain and give one last show of support.
The reality is that there are loads of good-hearted people out there voting for Bush. I may think they're uninformed, and in some cases actually not that bright. But the fact is they are voting in good faith (the good-hearted people, that is), having simply interpreted the various messages they've received differently than have I. Americans may have an issue with misinformation or lack of information, but a lot of that has to do with our campaign laws and the forces that drive our media. People still can care. People still can be active, and on this day I do have hope for our country (again, that'll be tested if Bush wins or "wins").
This morning, getting ready for the 4-block drive to my polling place (I drove cause I was going straight on to work and, after all, it WAS raining), a sudden surge of civic-duty feeling motivated me to make sure I was buckled up even for that short little trip. It also encouraged me to adhere totally to the 55 mph limit (maybe just for this one day). I was very proud to be taking part in this most fundamental tradition of our democracy, and wanted to show my respect by following her laws.
Maybe this will change if the election does not return the result I am hoping, but I had a certain peace last night, even with the Bush supporters. On all overpasses in my commute home last night (and my commute in this morning) supporters of one camp or another were waving their signs, and just plain waving. Nothing seemed contentious, even when sharing the space with the opposing camp--everyone, for whatever reason, believed strongly in their guy and were resolute enough to stand out in the cold rain and give one last show of support.
The reality is that there are loads of good-hearted people out there voting for Bush. I may think they're uninformed, and in some cases actually not that bright. But the fact is they are voting in good faith (the good-hearted people, that is), having simply interpreted the various messages they've received differently than have I. Americans may have an issue with misinformation or lack of information, but a lot of that has to do with our campaign laws and the forces that drive our media. People still can care. People still can be active, and on this day I do have hope for our country (again, that'll be tested if Bush wins or "wins").
This morning, getting ready for the 4-block drive to my polling place (I drove cause I was going straight on to work and, after all, it WAS raining), a sudden surge of civic-duty feeling motivated me to make sure I was buckled up even for that short little trip. It also encouraged me to adhere totally to the 55 mph limit (maybe just for this one day). I was very proud to be taking part in this most fundamental tradition of our democracy, and wanted to show my respect by following her laws.
Monday, November 01, 2004
Post-Halloween Monday Blues
Morning, gentlemen. When I came in this morning, I realized that I had left my electric coaster on over the weekend. Whenever I do that, the bottom of the cup gives me about the closest look to the surface of the sun-facing side of Mercury I'll ever see. Coffee or tea long-since dried up, burnt on, cracked and ancient on the bottom of the mug. A bit of a chore to clean up & prepare for a fresh cup.
The Halloweed Party was a success from the kids' point of view, and exhausting from ours. My stress level was sky high all night long, but we did manage to pull off pizza eating, a viewing of the Charlie Brown Halloween special, a trip through a "haunted house" (to see a ghost), some time spent around a backyard fire, and hallway trick or treating, as well as a few other assorted minor party activities. Donning the old Schlitz cardigan with a dress shirt and black tie underneath and combing my hair all the way over my head from just above the ear, I went as a Schlitz spokesman (from 1956).
Other hilight of the weekend was that I finally got a CD player for my car. Long, long, long overdue. Men at Work: Business as Usual and Level 42: World Machine tapes' days may be numbered.
The Halloweed Party was a success from the kids' point of view, and exhausting from ours. My stress level was sky high all night long, but we did manage to pull off pizza eating, a viewing of the Charlie Brown Halloween special, a trip through a "haunted house" (to see a ghost), some time spent around a backyard fire, and hallway trick or treating, as well as a few other assorted minor party activities. Donning the old Schlitz cardigan with a dress shirt and black tie underneath and combing my hair all the way over my head from just above the ear, I went as a Schlitz spokesman (from 1956).
Other hilight of the weekend was that I finally got a CD player for my car. Long, long, long overdue. Men at Work: Business as Usual and Level 42: World Machine tapes' days may be numbered.
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