Four More Years

My anxiety about the election was well founded.  I did not share the great expectations of many of the Conservative radio hosts to which I listened.  And now, after the election, I hear no change in the rhetoric and demands on either side.  President Obama uses the words "balanced approach" to mean a specific thing, insisting upon increased taxes on the wealthy, despite the mathematical reality that this financially well-off minority cannot contribute enough to even dent the nation's debt problems.  And he thereby will weaken the entrepreneurs and business owners who are so needed as conduits for recovery.  Their response is likely to be increased layoffs — and a quick slide back into recession.  The changes to the "death tax" alone will devastate farms and family small businesses. 

He is Orwellian in his use of language.  But he won.  And we will have four more years to see if he will moderate the direction he is leading the U.S., or move us further down a Socialist path
— and get in many more rounds of golf while he does so.   (Obama won with 332 electoral votes to Romney's 206.)

One More Time in the Holy Land

Every time terrorist organizations like Hamas (Sunni in Gaza) or Hezbollah (Shia in Lebanon) renew their sending of rockets into Israel, the Israelis strike back and the Palestinians invariably get the worst of it.  But this month the fallout of the "Arab Spring" of 2011 is hot war raging in Syria and a new  government in Egypt that favors the Palestinians.  The Islamists never stockpile missiles for defensive purposes.  This day was bound to come.

Yet, at the end of the month however, a cease fire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, brokered by Egypt, seems to be holding.  Don't hold your breath.

Shopping Therapy

The Cross Country parents gave me a $75 Amazon.com gift card.  I spent it on a basic $69 Kindle ereader.  I earlier purchased a Kindle copy of the NASB version of the Bible.  So I loaded it as my first eBook.  My bus rides have become more fun and productive and my briefcase is much lighter.

I also bought myself a 27" LG E2711PY-BN monitor for my SPU office.  I had to rearrange my workstation because of arthritis in my right knee, so this was not completely selfish.  What does it say about me that I need the biggest monitor around?  I love the 24" Dell monitors I use at work and home.  Price: $329.

Finally, I hope I learned my lesson about buying cheaper non-Nikon brand camera equipment when the Tokina AT-X 28-70mm f/2.8 AF I bought for just over $300 in July failed in its first big test in September.  I've been watching eBay for a Nikkor 28-70mm f/2.8D IF-ED AF and most have been selling for $1000 to $1300.  So when I saw a "Buy It Now" one online for $850, I put PayPal to work again.  The newer and more expensive 24-70mm f2.8 VR  ($1889 at Amazon) was way out of my price range.  And since I generally shoot action (in this case Wrestling up next on December 8), I do not need the VR feature.  But this 28-70mm lens was Nikon's top professional mid-range zoom (1999-2007), and like my 70-200mm f2.8, it's a tank, 77mm wide and heavy.  What pushed me over the line was a request by the Association of Washington Business to shoot the invited speaker, the Alaska Airlines CEO, at the November 28th Distinguished Speaker Series luncheon at SPU.  They want images for their website and magazine.  I still lacked a fast lens that could shoot indoors without a flash.   Someday the government will find a way to tax online purchases.  Now, as long as I don't take up Birding or landscape photography, I can cover 28mm to 200mm with Nikon's best glass.

Cross Country Wrap Up

Provost Jeffrey B. Van Duzer

He's only my dean until December 31st.  It was only two weeks before the announcement came, that I realized my boss of the past twelve years was a candidate to become SPU's chief academic officer.  The President is the outward face of the university, while the Provost is over all that touches the educational experience of the students.  Alas (for me), Jeff is the perfect choice for Provost.  I can't believe that I didn't see this coming sooner.  Jeff had been a candidate for President.  But his gifts are as a speaker and administrator.

Two weeks week before the announcement, I was asked about Jeff's candidacy by Dr. Kenman Wong in my school.  The following day, I was asked the same thing by my friend and Greek teacher, Dr. Owen Ewald.  I went home and asked Nancy, "Which would be worse for the School of Business and Economics, if Jeff left or if I left?" Her answer was, "You!"  And I believe she was right.  I had a meeting already scheduled with Jeff where I shared her response.  He did not admit to anything — which, of course, confirmed he was at least a candidate.  I had twelve days to wait to hear the formal announcement on the 26th.

(Jeff's email to me the day after the announcement.)  Thanks, Dick.  I really meant what I said in my first email.  I have so many mixed emotions.  I am excited, sad and scared all at the same time.  I will particularly miss the chance to work as closely with you.  I have really appreciated your support and kindness over the years.   Jeff

Grandma Ginger

Ginger seemed to take it easy on Thanksgiving this year, letting the rest of us put on the feast.  Nathan H., Georgia K, brother Randy, and Dr. Naji all joined Susan, Ginger, Nathanael, Jean, Nancy and myself at Susan's.  Nancy cooked the 20 lb. turkey I bought at QFC ($0.49/lb. if you spend $30).  We used the, "350 degrees for one hour then 12 hours at 200 degrees" method.  Nancy does not "cook," in that she does not add anything to the recipe.  The bird cooks in its own juices and comes out fine.

Just as we were finishing our dessert, Ginger had another of her now more common dizzy spells.  That was the end of the party for her.  She laid down briefly across some chairs in the dining room, then went to bed.

She had had other bouts of fainting, and felt poorly again on the 24th.  A visit with her doctor was scheduled for the 26th.  (Earlier in the month, she and Susan and Nancy had met with her lawyer to review her will.)