Inauguration Day 2017

  Today, Inauguration Day 2017, I did my bit to support artistic expression and local beer. Artistic expression is constitutionally protected speech. Art can express compassion, empathy, inclusiveness, but it can be annoying, uncomfortable, nihilistic. A crucifix immersed in the artist’s urine is not my go-to artistic experience, but neither is mind-numbing kitsch. Many of…… Continue reading Inauguration Day 2017

How to Dispose of Unwanted Money

Tomorrow I’ll be stopping at the post office to drop off a box filled with foreign coins and banknotes. Last year, at Newcastle International Airport, I showed my nephews an easier way to dispose of foreign currency. I led them to a big, bubble-shaped currency donation bin, then handed them some UK coins. As you…… Continue reading How to Dispose of Unwanted Money

A Red Solo Cup

This morning I read that the developer of the red Solo cup, Robert Hulseman, had died. The cup was first produced in the 1970’s and is known to generations of students as the cup of choice for keggers. It’s also the preferred growing container for cannabis. I took the photograph at the top of this post…… Continue reading A Red Solo Cup

Eclairs

Bought eclairs for my better half’s birthday. In June we devoured a box of eclairs with our nephews, seated on the steps of York Minster.

Categorized as Family

Clinging To Decency

Spotted these on my walk through Uptown and around Lake Calhoun. LEGO, chalk, and Post-Its may be transitory, but the messages are enduring.

Categorized as Resist

My Post-Election Microblog

https://twitter.com/TomPhase3/status/795997055781105668 In 1960, in a school playground in Northern England, boys were grabbing younger boys and demanding: “Nixon or Kennedy?” If you answered “Nixon” you got roughed up. All the boys were answering “Kennedy” so I answered “Nixon.” I was nine. My nephews are eight and nine. I wonder if last week’s election has inspired…… Continue reading My Post-Election Microblog