Ed's World/Chip's World

Flights to California

Holiday time again - although, we never seem to take a holiday at any consistent time of year so I'm not sure saying it's time again is really apt.  However...

We had a flight to Amsterdam at 6am, which meant getting up at 4am, to get dressed and out to the airport in time to check-in. There was a lot left to take care of before we took off, so I was up late... getting to be bed just after 2am.  Needless to say, I was pretty knackered when my wife attempted to wake me up.  I think I was dreaming at the time, something about trying to find my class in secondary school - so when she tapped my shoulder I rather flailed about, startling her as well.  It was a good couple of hours before I was really cognizant exactly what was going on.  As the flight out of Edinburgh was at 6am, this meant I was pretty much a zombie until sometime after we took off. 

I can't really remember what took place at the airport.  I do remember falling asleep before the plane actually headed down the run way.  The plane staff woke me up for breakfast about 15 mins after we took off, which was good as I was starving.   Unfortunately, this meant I had just enough sleep to not feel sleepy again for a while.  The flight to Amsterdam is only an hour, and then there was a two hour layover and off to Minnesota.

Minneapolis/St Paul Airport is a pretty cool place.  It has a fairly large number of shops and restaurants, so there's a lot to do (during the four hour layover).  We found a number of things I was tempted to pick up, everything from t-shirts with moose on them (they really like moose in Minnesota) to cowgirl and cowboy chocolate bars.  I'm not really sure what cowgirl/cowboy chocolate bars are, but they sounded interesting.    There was also a really lovely American Indian leather jacket, which was only several hundred pounds. 

The last leg of the trip was to San Francisco.  The flight was overbooked so they were asking for voluntary bumping, which we opted to do as it would mean the next flight to the states would be $300 less (thanks to the voucher for bumping from the flight).  They didn't end up needing us, so we boarded last.  This resulted in our carry-on bags having to be put under the seat, making no room my feet.  It was not the most enjoyable four hours I've ever spent. 

Once to San Fran, we had to pick up a car (mini van as for most of the holiday we'll be transporting myself, my wife, my daughter, my son, my daughter-in-law, and my two grandsons).  And drove the two hours up to San Anselmo (near San Rafael) where my son lives.  It was 9pm when we drove away from the airport (5am on Friday morning UK time) and I was beyond exhausted.  We made it, but it was difficult.  Normally, I don't find it any problem to switch from driving on the left side to driving on the right, but the drive north was a struggle.

The grandkids were already asleep when we arrived, so after some quick pleasantries we collapsed in our beds.  It was just after midnight and the boys get up at 7am.  So, a short night of sleep. 

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The following morning poor Curran (the wee-est boy, only 15 months old) doesn't really know us, so he was a bit shy to start.  But later that morning he and I went for a walk in the hills (about an hour up through the redwood trees and very expensive homes in the area).  It was a good walk, but it's been a while since I've held a wee-un for so long and my arms were pretty sore by the time I got back.  However, it did the trick.  From that point forward, Curran and I have been pretty insuperable. 

Eddie, and my daughters took a trip down south for a friends birthday, and my son had to work, so I ended up with baby sitting duty - tough job for a grandparent.  It was a wonderful day, but kids are exhausting.  I marvel at people who have young children.  I couldn't do it again.  Once is a while is wonderful, but to actually go through the process of raising a pair from start to finish... nope, not for me.   Been their, done that!    I love kids, but it's a lot of work.

My parents arrived mid day, so they were there to help take care of the grandkids.  We didn't get much of a chance to chat as the grandkids took a fair amount of attention.  Still, it was a good afternoon.

After my son, grandkids and parents went out for dinner, the kids headed to bed.  My son and I tried to hold a conversation, but I was beyond the point of exhaustion.  I kept falling asleep on him.   So, I headed to bed, with Eddie getting home at around midnight.  I don't know how she survived driving back late at night, but then again, she did sleep on the flight more than I had. 

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It's now Saturday and I've had yet another walk with the grandkids (another hour long walk up a hill).  It's getting easier to carry the wee-un, so I'm getting a work out every morning.  No real schedule today, but likely go to shopping as we have a wedding to attend next weekend and still don't have a gift yet.

Politics of mis-truth

Steve Schmidt is a campaign specilist who uses mis-truth to gain ground.  Not surprising, he was used in the Bush Campaign to keep the election from being about issues and more focued on half truths.  The result: Bush won, not because people really believed in the issues he supported (statisics of the election showed 65% supported the issue of John Kerry rather than George Bush - and yet more people voted for Bush). 

In the current election when they issues are presented (and not the candidates) a surprising 68% of the US voters tend to side with Obama rather than McCain - and yet, Schmidt is at it again and McCain is gaining ground. 

If McCain wins this election it will not be because he is the right man for the job, or even the one that the American people really want - but because Schmidt has been able to confuse people about what they think is important and vote with their heart rather than their head.

President Palin

Michael Smerconish on Philly.com writes an interesting article about Sarah Palin and the question that ought to be on voters minds.  He feels we should be asking "Can she grow into becoming President?" because no one is every really ready on day one.

The interesting answer to this question is Yes, I believe she has all the character traits to be President, a President with more authority and will to rule than George Bush, more willingness to play the "either you're with me or against me, and if you're against me, I'll ruin you" card, which is a hallmark of Mr Bushes political career (ref: the Bush biography).  I feel that Sarah Palin will make friends and elevate them to high places and make enemies and relagate them to Siberia (she is, after all, willing to go to war with Russia). 

The point I guess I am making with this is not "is Sarah Palin capable of being President", but "is she the kind of President I would want? " Absolutely Not.  If there is any reason why I would revoke my American citizenship, President Sarah Palin would top of my list. 

Recalling the Recall

I am not a Schwarzenegger fan (at least not for him as Governor - "Conan" is still one of my favourite films) - but I'm not a fan of the recall vote either.

It seems there is a group of prison guards which are asking for a recall of Gov Schwarzenegger.

Several years ago, Gov Gray Davis was put to the recall and Schwarzenegger was the winner.  The prime reason for the recall was that Davis had put the state in a budget crisis.  Since then, Schwarzenegger's budgets have had little difference from the ones Mr Davis put forward and the state is still in a crisis.

So, why aren't I calling for Schwarzenegger's recall?  Because I don't think it will solve anything.  We can't keep recalling the Governor just because the situation isn't right.  And it isn't all the Governers fault (although, I am perfectly willing to put the deficit problems in the US entirely onto Bushes shoulders...) 

There is a lot of talk about bi-partisan efforts (both in California and the in the US) - but the Republicans still hold Republican only meetings and strategize on how to defeat the Democrates - all the while the Democrates are doing the same thing.  It's to the point the powers that be in each party feel the success of their party is more important than the people. 

Cut the crap!  Stop trying to recall the governor and figure out how to solve the problem. 

Good days ...

I didn't get much sleep last night.  Not sure if it was the brain on overdrive or the sugar I had late in the evening (ice cream covered in chocolate... so there was caffine in there too).  But, whatever the case, I was falling asleep on the film Eddie and I were watching so we headed to bed at half 10 and by the time I laid my head down on the pillow at 11 I was wide awake. 

Several events happened yesterday which got my brain in gear.  My trombone trio (Canongate) was sent off to one of Juilliard's instructors with a reasonable chance he will get his trombone group to play it.  They may not perform it, but, if I can even get them to do a workshop recording of it, I'll be well pleased.

Another blogger, one who writes a really popular blog on Opera (OperaChic) sent me a very nice compliment in email yesterday about one of my reviews (on the other blog).  Then proceeded to read several other posts and commented that she really like my other blog and will come back on a regular basis. (Yes!!!)

I'm also in the midst of writing a Violin Concerto.  This isn't new (although I may not have mentioned on this blog); I've been working on this piece for a month now.  However, yesterday I received a note from the violinist I'd like to write this for that he's interested.  With him on board I can apply for a grant and may actually get my first serious commissioned work.  That may have been a factor in my sleepless night. 

Not able to sleep, I ended up writing until just passed 3 o'clock (in the morning).  Needless to say, I woke up this morning (at 7am... not willing to budge at the typical 6am to go workout) feeling exhausted and ready for a nap.  I made it to work and preceeded to read the daily news.

The Denver Broncos (my hometown football team - I grew up in Denver, so they're as close as a hometown team as I can get.  El Dorado Kansas doesn't have a football team) kick the stuffing out of their rivals the Oakland Raiders - 41 to 14 - and they did this on Monday Night, in Oakland!!!

For those that know me I often said, "Sleep is highly over-rated."  Well, lacking sleep doesn't make it a great day, certainly, and all the events of yesterday may have contributed to my sleepless night.  But waking up to a Broncos win gives me the feeling, a good day only leads on to a better one.

A Personal Update from Eddie

Dearest Friends and Family;

I know I have been rather incommunicado as of late.. I apologize. Really, I'm not sure why I haven't written.  There has been lots going on in my life, but there is always lots going on.  I have had adequate access to the Internet, logging on almost every day.  Mostly, I seem to have been going through an introspective period.  I spend hours thinking about the person I want to be, rather than just being the person I want to be. So... new leaf time!

I started a new temporary job this week.  I am working for the Scottish Arts Council as a Drama Administrator.  It looks to be a really good job and VERY interesting.

My young adult novel is progressing nicely (I write a minimum of 200 words each morning - which is not alot daily, but it adds up!) and I have learned alot about Pirates and how they talk thanks to the wonderful Pirate Primer that was a gift from Aric and Stacia.

I have spent alot of time with our good friend John Wilson this summer.  First helping with a big event in July for the Edinburgh San Diego Twin Cities Association. We also spent a delightful day at the National Archives researching his family.  We found an older half-brother he had never known, and the names of his two older half sisters on his Mother's side.  We just have a few loose ends from this research to fit into his book.  I also spent time just providing support and love as he had to take the decision to put down his beloved dog Jazz. John truly has been a dear, dear friend to me here in Scotland and I value the times I get to spend with him.

I have job hunted.  Nearly 100 CV's sent for a total of 6 interviews so far. *Sigh* I hate job hunting.  I don't like talking about myself.  I know, I know some of you are clutching your chests in disbelief.  What I mean is I don't like talking about myself when I'm not allowed to turn it into a story.  I find it very difficult to be serious about myself so invariably end up sounding too boastful or too self depreciating.  The older I get, the more difficulty I have with this.  I'd far rather be funny, and able to exaggerate at will in order to entertain!  Hopefully the job at SAC will turn permanent and I won't have to face this dreaded job hunt again for awhile.

I am studying TV writing - not to write for TV, but to help in the writing of the Opera Libretto. I have watched the complete seasons of Desperate Housewives, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Bones, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, Firefly and am currently buried in West Wing.  I watch for pacing, plotting, themes, and dialog.  I am noticing many similarities in the shows I like/think work well.  These are the techniques I will be stealing to help make our libretto snappy, modern and fun.

I have been reading.  LOTS! Mostly young adult novels.  I highly recommend the Ugly series by Scott Westerfeld. I also really enjoyed American Gods and Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman.

I permed my hair.  Here in Scotland the humid weather wreaks havoc on my half-wavy hair resulting in endless frizz.  Perming it has helped.  I can still blow dry it straight, but most of the time I wear it curly.  Chip really likes it so that is the most important.

We are still keeping students.  But this year has been strange because we have only had three students so far.  A Frenchman for 2 weeks, then a Spanish girl that stayed for 6 months, and now a Japanese man who has stayed for 6 weeks.  With Gretta and Yuzo it has been nice to really get to know them but I kinda miss the variety of experience we had the past two summers.  Not that I am complaining... the students go a long way to paying our rent and we have met some lovely people!  We will keep hosting students for as long as we live in Edinburgh I think.

My sister's German exchange daughter Inga and her boyfriend Benedikt have been here for the past week.  They are both studying to be doctors.  We have had a really lovely visit and Chip and I hope we can get to Leipzig to visit them soon - maybe during the Christmas Holidays this year.

Clarice has moved into a flat literally just around the corner.  She has a fascinating flatmate from Finland, and is currently looking for two more (one will be a French girl who is moving in next week).  They are hoping to make it a truly international flat.  She is doing really well and enjoying her jobs as Tour Guide, Drama Coach, Singing Teacher and Dance Tutor.  Yes, she is still an overachiever, but we love her!

Life is good.  Chip and I continue to work towards the day we can write for a living, but in the meantime we write to write.  We will have much to share when we visit California at the end of the month.

I don't say it often enough, but I love you all and think of you every day! Be well and give each other hugs from me!

Love,
Eddie

A Party in trouble

Reading the news today I came across an alarming trend... a large number of Republican Senators and Representatives under investigation for everything from bribery to fraud, misuse of funds, homosexuality and the list goes on.  I didn't really research anything, but according to www.electoral-vote.com/ I counted at least 10 and these investigations were causing problems with their campaigns (in some cases the reason they aren't running for re-election).

I grew up in the Nixon years with the Watergate scandel.  I thought (at the time) the Republican party would never survive, but they did - owning the White House 5 of the 8 terms since. 

During Clinton's years there was lots of talk about how criminal Bill was, and yet the only thing they could get on him was sexual mis-conduct with an aid (a female one at that). 

Now, we're in another election year - looking for a new President.  There doesn't seem to be any skeletons in the closet for either of these candidates (so far) and although there is some controversy around Palin's family, she herself seems to be safe (although her morality toward government spending seems to blow with the wind, so how does the wind blow on other issues???).  I guess what I'm trying to say is.... in a world where we should not only look ahead, but look behind...

A party tends toward the criminal wouldn't seem like a good idea. 

A party that cries against big government, but has (since 2001) created the largest government intrusion into the lives of Americans in history.  The Department of Homeland Security (George's contribution to the White House staff) is the second largest department behind the Department of Defense and in many respects controls what the Department of Defence can do - and that (to me) is really scary. 

A party that calls Russia's act of putting forces into South Ossetia as criminal yet defends it's presense in Iraq as necessary for US interest is two-faced.

A party that has created the largest debt of any country ever in history probably ought not be allowed to continue.  McCain says the Economy is not an issue and the budget isn't a problem is burying his head in the sand.

Election Progress

Here is a map as to how the polls are shaping up around the country and how the vote may turned out come November....

While I am following the political process with great interest I am frustrated (yet again) by the process - mostly the lies, half truths, intentional mis-directions and outright hypocracy on BOTH sides of the fence.

Political Hypocricy - how typically Republican...

It seems Sarah Palin's 17 year old daughter Bristol Palin is pregnant, and unmarried.  Yes, Bristol is having the baby, so they aren't going against the abortion issue - and yes, Bristol plans to marry the father. 

The hypocrisy comes when the Republican Party suggests teenagers should abstain from sex.  In an article by the Boston Globeit seems 1/3 of the women under 20 get pregnant in the US.  This is the highest rate of teenage pregnancy in the industrialized world and we have the worst sex education - a focus on abstinence.

It isn't working... McCain voted against a bill by Hilary Clinton which would have provided $100 to fight teen pregnancy. 

Why does this irritate me so much, especially since my own situation 28 years ago (Aric was conceived prior to Eddie and I getting married)?  Getting married, having children at an early age is difficult.  We lived through it, but it wasn't easy.  We were extremely fortunate to have support of our parents (as is Bristol).  But many teenage mothers don't - and societies ostracizing of these women (because of their low moral conduct) doesn't help.

Teenagers are goingto have sex. Trying to teach them abstinence doesn't work.  Teach them about contraceptives does along with an in-depth approach to the hows and whys of sex.  Norway has the most robust sex education program in the industrialized world (starting at age 7 in most schools) and they have both the lowest teenage pregnancy rate and the lowest rate of STD's. 

OH... and they have socialized medicine.  They got it right.  It's not just the parents role, but the role of the entire society to help the youth grow up to be healthy and happy - and make the right decisions.