Politics are different this year

I've noticed this difference between Democrats and Republicans, at least this year. In 1980, it was thought among the Dems that it was Walter Mondale's "turn" to run for president. In 1996 it was Bob Dole's "turn". In 2000 it was Gore's "turn". By this I mean that when there seems a generally accepted party consensus that the senior or otherwise perceived most experienced party member's turn to run for President, there seemed to be little opposition. Not so this year. By all accounts it was Hillary's "turn". If this race followed the pattern of previous races, then she should have coasted. Instead, Obama is stealing all of the thunder. What an interesting change in public politics and political race perception among the public.

Dies the Fire/We'll miss you Cloudy.

I've been reading a new book my brother recommended. It is by S.M.Stirling and it is called "Dies the Fire". The plot is that suddenly and without warning, all higher technology, engines, electricity, explosives and firearms stops working. Modern day America is, for all intents and purposes, thrown back to the middle ages. The story follows a bush pilot ferrying a family over Idaho who crashes when "the change" (what the characters call the incident) occurs; a bohemian/wiccan singer and musician in Oregon; and a professor of history in Portland who fancies himself as a king of sorts and recruits all sorts of former gangs, thugs, etc., to establish his own little fiefdom. It is interesting reading how these people tap into the history of mankind and starting living with horses, bows, chain-mail, swords and the like. I guess you have to overlook the little things. For instance, electricity doesn't work. Does this mean nothing happens when you spin a magnet inside a coil of wire? For that matter, do magnets and magnetism work anymore? What about your bodies' electrical impulses? Why do they work? In this new world, steam pressure doesn't work to operate a steam engine. But, air pressure works to keep bicycle tires inflated. There are many questions and problems, but it is like me to ignore them and enjoy they story. And it is a good story.

Just learned Roy Scheider died. How sad. He was one of my favorite actors. Most people remember him from Jaws, but my favorite roles were The French Connection and Marathon Man. A classy professional and will be missed. Goodbye, Cloudy.