All posts by Jonathan

First bike ride of 2003

Yesterday I went on my first bike ride of 2003 (and it’s still officially winter here in Wisconsin). Temperatures this weekend were in the balmy mid-60’s which forced me to dust off my bike and head outside. I rode for about an hour yesterday and about an hour and a half today. I’m sure my leg muscles will be feeling it tomorrow — not to mention my bum.

As I was riding along the Milwaukee County Parks Oak Leaf Bike Trail I was thinking about how fortunate I was to live close to such a nice trail. I hear a lot of people complain about paying property taxes, but what about the benefits that come from tax revenue? I’m happy to pay my share in taxes if I also have access to a beautiful parks system and other things that enhance the quality of life in my community. That’s money well spent in this biker’s opinion.

Big Ten Champs!

Wow, what a basketball game! Last night the Wisconsin Badgers defeated Illinois and became champions of the Big Ten this year. With 0.4 seconds remaining, Devon Harris sank the second of two free throws (he missed the first) to give the Badgers a 1 point lead and the victory. After the game I had so much adrenaline in my system that getting to sleep last night was not an easy task.

For my money, there is nothing like college basketball. The intensity of the players, the passion and loyalty of the fans and just overall excitement is unmatched in any other sport. I was fortunate enough to see the Big Ten Champion Badgers play three games in Madison this year and each time was a blast. Just thinking about what it must have been like to be in the Kohl Center last night gives me goose bumps.

First sign of Spring

I saw one of the first signs of Spring today. I opened up my mailbox to see the L.L. Bean outdoor gear catalog waiting for me. Unfortunately it was accompanied by a big sign of winter — a snowstorm. Right now there’s about two inches on the ground and we’re supposed to get another four inches. I guess I won’t be camping anytime soon. At least looking at all that cool stuff and daydreaming about the outdoors will make the winter night seem a little warmer.

Sigurd Olson

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Yesterday I got an email from someone who enjoys the wilderness as much as I do. After reading some of the things I have here, he thought I might be interested in the web sites of Sigurd Olson (a nature writer and conservationist) and the Listening Point Foundation which strives to promote Sigurd’s philosophy and build upon his wilderness education legacy.

Those sites are definitely worth a visit if the wilderness and conservation are as important to you as they are to me.

Duct tape and plastic

The Department of Homeland Security is recommending that everyone buy plastic sheets and duct tape, to seal a room where you can be safe in the event of a bio-terrorist attack.

Am I the only one who finds this a bit ridiculous? Yes, duct tape has to be one of the most useful inventions ever created, but I seriously doubt it has the ability to repel biological agents. Part of me wonders if the current administration is getting the public all hyped up, just so that more of us will be in favor of war with Iraq. Unless their plan is to boost the struggling economy with massive sales of plastic and duct tape…

One link at a time

So there I was at home with cabin fever, day dreaming of summer camping and biking. As I was silently wishing it was spring and all of this bitter cold weather was well behind me, I clicked on a web page and saw the following quote:

It is a mistake to try to look too far ahead. The chain of destiny can only be grasped one link at a time.

– Sir Winston Churchill

Space Shuttle Columbia

Tragic news today when the Columbia space shuttle broke apart and all of those aboard perished. In a time when war, terrorism and other negative aspects of humanity can be all too prevalent, those 7 astronauts died while on a peaceful quest to expand our scientific knowledge. May that noble quest never perish.

My thoughts and prayers are with all those who were close to the astronauts.

The hounds of winter

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I am definitely behind in my blogging. I blame it on the winter. It certainly isn’t MY fault. [grin]

Short days and long nights in bitter cold temperatures bring out the hibernator in me. I find I sleep more in the wintertime and I spend more time curled up on the couch with a good book (and maybe a blanket). Of course the lack of snow doesn’t help. Looking out the window and seeing a winter wonderland of brown can be a bit depressing.

I’m as dark as December.
I’m as cold as the man in the moon.
All I hear is that lonesome sound.
The hounds of winter, they follow me down.

– Sting, The Hounds Of Winter

Goobye Joe Strummer

A few weeks ago the musical world lost a legend when Joe Strummer passed away. Formerly of the Clash, Joe and his band mates revolutionized music in the late 1970’s with their blend of punk rock and reggae music.

I never got the chance to see The Clash live, but I was lucky enough to see Joe Strummer perform a few summers ago. It was my favorite show at Summerfest that year. Along with songs from his latest album, he also played some classic Clash songs with all the raw energy that I imagine he used when he played with his old band.

If you don’t own the Clash’s classic album London Calling do yourself a favor and go out and get it. If you’ve got that one, my next pick would be Joe’s solo record Rock Art and the X-Ray Style from a few years ago. His newer releases stand up well next to the albums he made with the Clash.

Goodbye Joe, and thank you.

Favorite albums of 2002

I honestly don’t know how I could get through life without music. It really does a lot to feed my soul. Here are my favorite albums of 2002, which I know helped me get through the year. They’re in alphabetical order, because I’m a librarian and that’s how we do things.

Beck – Sea Change
One of the best breakup albums ever made, this CD’s bittersweet lyrics and lush sounds have almost a comforting quality. Beck puts all of his emotions into this one and the end result is beautiful.

Coldplay – A Rush Of Blood To The Head
This sophomore release by Coldplay really shows their maturity. The haunting melodies, introspective lyrics and riveting guitar sound get better every time I listen to it.

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