Ghost dance

Hope

I'm counting the days to the election, and I'm hoping. Hoping...

It's not my habit to jump into politics in my writing, but I find I need to. We need change here, big change. We need an individual running this country who has integrity, who shows respect for others, who is in tune with the reality of the need for change, for peace.

It's time to stop talking, time to do, time to vote for change, time for a new administration. Let's put this country back in touch with reality.

Let's vote for Barak Obama.

Choochy roams Logan Airport

This morning an article just jumped off of the Metro section of the Boston Globe at me. Choochy, a toy poodle, escaped from her carrier aboard a flight to Logan Airport on Saturday night. According to the article she had seventeen hours of what must have been scarey (and lonely) freedom.

I wonder how the airlines accounted for their late departures... flights delayed as airport personnel chased a little white dog across the runways! The story did have a happy ending, with Choochy reunited with her family.

Curious? Read the article - 8 flights at Logan delayed as poodle toys with freedom.

Reds & yellows

Through a door

Seeking food

I'm heading home tomorrow morning, and I opted to stay at a hotel near Heathrow tonight for an easy morning trip to find my flight. I considered finding transportation into London, but it was windy and starting to spit (light) rain, so I figured I'd stay in and pick up a light meal at the hotel. Unsurprisingly, that thought didn't last too long.

I saw a menu for an Indian restaurant in the lobby, asked for directions, and started walking. I didn't find that (named) restaurant, but after a brisk walk the entrance to Achari beckoned. A spicy vegetable dish accompanied by nan made my stomach happy, and I was delighted to find relatively quiet streets for walking so close to the airport.

Tomorrow? It's a flying kind of day...

Word smiles

I work in an industry that insists on making up words. Many are acronyms (and I'm terrible at remembering what those funny letters mean), but others are just odd words.

Today I used the word discombobulated. I got a very funny look from the individual I was talking with; he thought I made up the word. Nope, that's a real one: discombobulate: to confuse or disconcert; upset; frustrate.

Words can be funny, can't they?

Well, that was dumb!

I had an unexpected quiet (as in non-working) evening last night. I headed out to walk at the end of my work day. I walked, stopped for dinner, then walked some more.

And then... I thought I'd log on and clean up a few work items. I started my computer and tried to connect. My computer refused to behave. It told me exactly what was wrong, but somehow I misinterpreted the message. I rebooted, I jumped into the bios settings. Nope, still no wireless. I guess it was time for a quiet non-working evening, a chance to read and relax.

You probably already know what the problem was, don't you? The message indicated there was a bios setting or a hardware switch that had disabled the wireless capabilities. Yup, it was a hardware switch - one that is in plain view on the front edge of my laptop. When I saw the message, I assumed that the hardware switch was inside of the computer. I suppose it's a good thing I didn't have a screwdriver with me because I might have starting taking the computer apart last night. Who knows what a mess I would have created!

Wireless? In perfect working order...

Luminous Motion

A walk with a colleague through the center of Winchester, England led to the view of a very interesting light sculpture. On first glance it is a simple column of stainless steel decorated by flashing lights. The magic? A text message from a mobile phone can be used to change the color and patterns of the lights.

Curious? You can find a couple of photos and the thoughts behind the sculpture on the Peter Freeman Luminous - Motion Winchester - 2002 site. I was also fascinated by some of the projects shown on the artist's home page. I'd love to have the opportunity to see more of them in person. Do you suppose that is a good reason to plan a return trip to England? (Oh, you're right. I don't need a reason, and I will be back.)

Saturday smiles

A weekend day, sunshine, blue skies, fall chill in the air...