closed for repairs

Rumor mill had it that The Majestic was closed for temporary upgrades. I had to inspect and the diagnosis is verdad. The neon is still blazing, but all you'll find inside are a bunch of contractors. No word on a reopen date.

copilot

I enjoy dashboard mascots. With this set up, you have a whole army to choose from.

exercise

beltline pickup

the horror

Krispy Kreme is a guilty pleasure. God knows if I had a little less restraint I'd eat there three times a day and still find a way to justify it as a balanced meal. Sugar is a food group, right?

They have holiday flavors out and I select a pumpkin spice while waiting for a person at the diner stools. It's a quiet and cold morning. Even though the sun is out, you can see your breath. Not to be deterred, I'm wearing shorts while others are bundled up in three layers. Somehow the midwest insulation isn't out of me yet.

Then I hear it. It's unmistakeable, though I realize it's not the familiar voice of those 1940's crooners. Christmas music. Just over a week into November and the stores have already steadied themselves for the two-month onslaught of holiday madness. Suddenly my donut tastes like fruitcake and I'm picturing tinsel on every object standing more than two feet off the ground.

The thought of Christmas reminds me that I'm now more than two years into my project. Two years and I'm still only happy with a handful of images. Luckily, I still have all the opportunity in the world. No editors breathing down my neck, no ADs asking me about images sizes. Of course, no money or free time either.

Audio projects were on hold briefly as my recorder suffered an unfortunate mishap at sea. After administering CPR, I managed to save it, though it is even less reliable than before. Had it completely died, then I probably would have shelled out the cash for a decent digital recorder. Of course, our wonderful economy is keeping me using duct tape to squeeze extra mileage out of my gear.

An editor at a certain, well-known newspaper promised to kick me extra money if I would upgrade to a nicer recorder. When the check came the bonus was gone and emails to them went unanswered. I'm no longer accepting assignments from them, even though it's easy, reliable money. I cannot work with anyone I don't trust.

I'm trying to complete my first slideshow in a long time. With any luck it'll be up and I can prepare for Saturday. In response to the gay marriage ban in California, there will be a protest at City Hall East. I don't know how many will show but passionate activists make for good pictures.

election day

wickerman