are you ready? Not for the new President, for digital TV?


(it seems to be a bit out of sync, but that really doesn't matter)

didn't have a camera with me when I went out for a stroll on the Mall at lunch---but i did notice they were starting work around the Capitol, getting ready for the inauguration. *I've been to a couple, and it really isn't something I'd recommend, unless you know someone. The actual space around the Capitol Steps is small and ticketed, and security is tight. "The People" are usually a block away, watching on big screen tv. The parade isn't much better. If you're still thinking about going, make plans soon ---everyone triples prices, at least. I'm going to be away ---didn't realize it at the time I made plans. I was just trying to take advantage of the MLK holiday, which turns out to be the day before. We'll be shut down for the day, everything is such a mess in the city with roads being closed and security, etc that it's a wise move.

They've also roped off parts of the Mall, hoping to keep people off the new turf until the big day. There's plenty of path to walk on, so don't go thinking it's a plot to keep people away. They always do this---the Mall gets used to death, and if it doesn't look good on Inauguration day the whole world knows.

In answer to the early question: I waited almost 90 minutes to vote. While in line, we had a pretty good view of people going in and out of the polling place. I was a bit concerned by the fact that many of the younger voters (under 30) were in and out very quickly....to fall back on an old cliche used by reporters everywhere "only time will tell" if they voted for anything other than the President. We had several important ballot questions and a Congressional race, and i'd hate to think they really didn't care about any local issues.

I was very happy to see so many younger voters---I hope they don't become disillusioned when things don't change overnight. I actually had an intern who didn't seem to really get it when we tried to explain that bills will still take a while to get passed, and their are no magic wands. Glad to hear the President-elect reinforce that in his speech last night.

And good on Sen McCain for a classy concession speech. His booing supporters could take a cue. What boors! That wasn't your usual boo of "no, I don't want to believe it, don't go." These were hostile. But then again, most people don't understand that liking a candidate or idea doesn't mean you have to attack the opposition. Or that it really is bipartisan efforts are the way to get things done if all are to benefit, not just one.

it's the day of decision ----i'm a bit worried. Haven't voted yet---will go around 1030 in hopes that the early lines are gone, and everything is under control. It's a mild day, so i think i'll walk. the polls are only about a mile from my house, but there is no straight way to get there, so it'll be about a half hour walk each way.

I've been busy since my last post. Had to scramble to find a new garage, as mine closed suddenly. Forced out of their lease after 53 years in the same location. Most likely to make room for a chain restaurant or shop....just like all the others that've sprung up around it. I feel for the men who worked there (all male employees, as far as I can recall) ---it's a horrible time to be out of work. They've searched for a new location, but so far....nothing. I'll selfishly add that it'll be hard to find something as convenient as this ---- a five minute walk from a subway station. I ended up going out to the dealer, about 15 mile from my house. It's a pain, as I've got to drive out there (which is against traffic), but then get a loaner and drive back in to home, or the office, or, most often, a subway station. That is always with traffic, so the trip doubles in time. It takes about 25 minutes from my house to their door, perhaps a bit less if there is no one on the highway and I choose that route. This time I waited, which seemed a better use of time. Turns out they had free wifi, so I could at least log onto my office email and take care of a few things. I also took advantage of their hospitality in the form of a donut, of the dunkin' variety. There were several choices in the box, including one with pink "for the cure" icing. I'm "for the cure" as much as anything, but left that one alone, opting for something a bit cake-y and glazed. My first donut in at least a year, and I made a wise choice, thinking of Homer Price and his wonderful machine all the while. I was debating (with myself) whether child labor laws or an over-protective parent would keep him from working on the donut machine at his Uncle's lunch counter. I doubt he'd have a pet skunk, either. My conclusion? a donut doesn't solve anything, but it did help make a 488 dollar bill go down a bit easier.

Saturday was a gorgeous day, top down weather, tempered by the fact that I was driving with the top down on my way to a funeral. The wife of a new colleague, a few years younger than I am. She left three children: 10, 4, 2. It was a bit unsettling to hear the Fr. talk about her reuniting with another child in heaven, and to see much of the congregation nodding in agreement. we joined the procession (top up out of respect) to the cemetery, which turned out to be multi-faith. I noticed Korean, Protestant, Baptist and Catholic sections, along with one that didn't appear to be denominational. There was also an "intermarriage section," which was described as " ideally located in close proximity" to the Jewish memorial garden.