Category: human condition

Juneteenth

On By JohnIn human conditionLeave a comment

It took longer (156 years) for the US government to recognize and mark Juneteenth as a holiday than it took for Texas (two years) to acknowledge the emancipation of a people.

I don’t know whether to be pleased that it’s now, finally, officially recognized… or further saddened and insulted that it took a century and a half to do so.

So, permit me to say:

It’s about fucking time.

Randomness is Random

On By JohnIn human condition, tbiLeave a comment

Rather random, as I do…

I once dabbled a bit in calligraphy. Enjoyed it as a boy. Okay, honestly, that was about 35 years ago.

I discontinued it because other things drew my interest. I rediscovered it a few years ago. My scratchings were, then, as poor as one might assume they were, but I did enjoy picking up a quill every now and again and scrawling out a few words in a notebook while on a conference call:

Fast forward another two years or so and, well, gravity struck… hard… and secondary to the trauma from impact came this wonderfully enjoyable experience: agraphia.

After I’d overcome that oh-so-enjoyable, year-long, inability to write, followed by another year of slow, no… effing ponderous proprioception-induced chicken-scratch and then forcing myself every day for three months to write notes for several hours per day, I now find myself pondering picking up a nib again.

I have collected a number of statements, quotes, quips, and one-liners that I could dash off, but I haven’t anywhere in The Burrow that I’d write apart from perhaps in my Poäng.

So, when I assemble my desk, I’ll see that I can readily move the keyboard and track-pad aside leaving enough room to explore a few different writing styles.

And, of course, homeschooling the kids as we do, I’ll see that I create enough space to teach the kids some D’Nealian or similar.

Pondering, Still

On By JohnIn human conditionLeave a comment

Here we are in the midst of something of an unknown for the future of society, and yet I find that I’m pondering, again, buying another bicycle.

My list has evolved a bit from what it was. Previously, I had considered:

  • Salsa Journeyman Apex
  • Aventon Pace 500
  • Rad Runner

I’ve disregarded two of them because one was somewhat impractical for my current locale and lifestyle. I’d end up adding racks and baskets front and rear and likely go as far as to attach a pair of my ammo cans. Yes, it would look cool — but it’s just not going to be meaningful for me presently.

Another wasn’t quite what I’d prefer. Sure, I could swap out the Café bars for flat or drops, but the cost would become somewhat limiting. Off they’d go.

A straightforward and seemingly obvious answer: Salsa Journeyman Apex — to which I’d upgrade to tubeless, add pedals of choice and Bob’s your uncle.

Seemingly.

But I find that I rather like the idea of an eBike.

Why?

Because I’m not going to live forever. And having a bit of extra power for the lengthy uphill climbs seems like it could be quite helpful.

A gravel bike, yes. I mean, I already have a touring-class bike. Quite heavy for casual riding and rather purpose-made for carrying substantial loads long distances.

Right, so I removed two, then added two alternates. Both additions are eBikes. Of course, one holdover from the previous list. So, now it’s changed to:

*Why the holdover? Alternative question: won’t an eBike just make you lazy?

For my needs, a 650B is more agreeable — not “balloon” tires, so to speak, but certainly more comfortable.

…