The civilized man has built a coach, but has lost the use of his feet. - R. W. Emerson
Steppin' out with my baby...
Sunday, February 25, 2007
This weekend we took a trip out to L.A. to visit my brother in law. I was slightly apprehensive about the trip, but solely based on my preconceptions about what L.A. is. To some degree, I was right, but also very surprised.
I am not really a big city person. I live in one of the bigger metropolitan areas of the country, but it has never really felt like it. I don't know if it is the abundance of trees and lakes or that the people (at least in St. Paul) don't act like big city people. Regardless, going even to Chicago feels like stepping into an alien landscape to me.
L.A. pretty much felt that way as we flew in. The city lights stretched out forever out the window of the plane and at such a prefect grid. Later, as we skirted the Pacific Palisades, the smog over Long Beach looked as if the city was on fire.
But we spent most of our time in Rodondo Beach, Venice Beach, Laguna Beach and all the sunny beaches in between, mang. The weather was great, the ocean was the Ocean (which is always awe inspiring), and it was marvelous to smell the salt and hear the birds, feel the sand and stare at the sea creatures... and to drink really good beer.
Yes, I finally rediscovered my Fantome-original, got to drink Gulden Draak on tap, and Emily had a tap Lindeman's Lambic as well, all at this little barnacle of a bar clinging to the pier in Rodondo Beach.
Well, here are a few more shots (I left out Emily's family for their privacy, but there are some good shots. 95% of them are of our nephew):
I have been skeptical of Sen. Obama even running in this election. After seeing him speak at the Democratic National Convention in '04 (here and here), I was so glad to see someone who seems to represent a bigger majority of the people than anyone else I have even known in politics, and to hear him speak with such power and rightness.
But aside from his relative "inexperience" in politics in the eyes of the voters, I didn't think he would get anywhere because I think that this nation is still (though not outwardly) very racist. For the same reason, I even doubted whether being a vice presidential candidate would be a boon for the presidential running mate.
But now that he has officially announced his candidacy, I am glad. I guess I am most glad that he may have disregarded the same feelings I may have of the futility in the hopes that he is wrong in this regard.
And though our local twin cities FOX "news" team seems to be highlighting either their ineptitude, or their motives:
As well as his:
What a bunch of douche bags.
Well, regardless, I am prepared to stand with his candidacy and support him and his run how I can.
I have found this site helpful in finding out where people stand. Take a look.
Volunteering at the radio station has already had immense benefit.
Last night I volunteered at the La Musgana show and was therefore able to see the show plus a guest. Jim was kind enough to join me out there and hang out while I held down the display counter before, after, and at intermission. But the whole show we got to sit back and relax like the audience.
The show was good, as both shows I have seen at the Cedar have been. The acts coming through there really like to talk about the origin of their music and instruments and I come away with an even greater respect for the places from which they come, the history of music, and in this particular case, how the melding of cultures in Spain produced some wonderful results. I have seen it in Spanish complexion, in the architecture, and now heard it more fully in the music.
I am truly thankful.
...but even more, I am heading back to the studio today to start my board training. They are going to teach me how to do production work, simply because I volunteer there. So, in six weeks or so, I will be able to engineer programs, then eventually, maybe create or produce my own show. Crazy stuff.
