Miscellaneous Rambling
Great weekend. We were jammed with football games and cross-country meets, but Alex and Abbie were home from UM for Fall Break. It's great to spend time with them. I've always enjoyed being with my kids, even when they were little (though, admittedly, I often retreated to my study for some peace), but now that they're older, it's one of my favorite things to do.
And this is the last time I'll see them. We're flying to Rome next month for our 20th wedding anniversary. I'm a nervous flyer with a vivid imagination, so doomsday scenarios keep playing through my head. I fight to keep them out (a worthwhile effort that works, as explained in Winifred Gallagher's excellent Rapt), but they're pretty persistent. It made me value the weekend even more. * * * * * * *
I keep meaning to mention the Grand Rapids Art Prize that takes place every fall. I went two weeks ago and really enjoyed it. I don't know much about art, but most of the Art Prize stuff is geared toward the fine art vulgarian (the winners of the impressive cash prizes are chosen by popular vote that visitors submit via smart phone app), so I was at home. My favorite entry was "Earth Giant," which we stumbled across while walking along the river. It's pictured here and described here. * * * * * * *
On a somber note, my UM Wolverines are terrible. Absolutely terrible. They lost to Pedophile State University Saturday night. Although PSU's quarterback is amazing and is pretty much single-handedly going to carry PSU through the Great Shame, there's no way another Big Ten team should lose to them this year without great shame (small caps). * * * * * * *
On a better note, I read this weekend that 60% of Americans want a third party candidate in 2016. That's a good sign, but I'm not optimistic. Every four years, pretty much everyone falls for the old trick: "If you vote for anyone besides a Repuglican or Demoshat, you're throwing your vote away." Of course, it's a self-fulfilling prophecy, and it gives the Master Class a stranglehold on America. The only hope is for Rand Paul to take control of the Republican Party or a third party to arise. I'm optimistic about neither.
