Hey, look! Another post less than a week after the last one! Not exactly the same as when I’d post ten times each day while getting an editorial page out, but I do what I can.
Which hasn’t been much, this week. Just before going to the lake last weekend, I picked up a new laptop at Best Buy. It’s a beauty, and I know I’m going to love it — already do, in some ways. But for the moment it presents a bit of a challenge. For more than three decades, I was a rather intensive user of Microsoft machines, for a wide variety of purposes: writing, editing, paginating the newspaper, processing photos, creating videos, and so forth. Writing a blog. Building a family tree that now has almost 10,000 people on it.
And my new machine is a MacBook Pro.
So now, a simple thing like writing a press release for ADCO and getting it to the right place presents a bit of a challenge. Different keyboard, different file structure, different assumptions about the way to do the simplest things, things my fingers used to do without being told to do them…
I’m getting the hang of it, though. Now, late on a Friday, I thought I’d create a space for folks to discuss the political convention that I haven’t had time to follow. But I’m going to try to get through moderating those waiting comments before posting this. I understand that you’ll hardly be tempted to “discuss” a thing when your thoughts don’t get posted.
I still intend, at first opportunity, to watch Joe’s address from Monday night. I expect it to be a rather emotional experience. I’ve watched a minute or two of the speech Walz gave, and he seems to have done quite well, aside from the usual things people say at party conventions that drive me nuts. He appears to have been a very good choice. I need to see the rest of it.
And then I must listen to Kamala’s speech, when I’m up to experiencing all that, from what I hear, youthful exuberance. I figure she did pretty well, too. Or I’d have heard otherwise. Stuff — stuff, that is, in the realm of political news — generally filters through to my consciousness even when I’m not paying attention. Or deliberately ignoring from across the ocean.
I haven’t heard anything bad, so she must have done OK. After all, I saw a notification this morning from The Wall Street Journal saying that “In a bracingly normal address, Kamala Harris delivered a triumphant capstone for the Democrats and defined their new reality.” Here’s that full story, in case you have access.
I liked that: “bracingly normal.” In this political environment, we all could use some bracingly normal rhetoric and behavior. That’s what Joe has been giving us since 2020, and it’s been wonderful. If some of that has rubbed off on Kamala, good on her. And good for us all.
Anyway, everything seems to have gone far better than the last time the Democrats met in Chicago. But as I say, I suspect most of y’all followed this better than I did. Thoughts?…
This one went WAY better than the last one. More orderly, anyway…
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Y’all may now congratulate me on having written my first post on my new Mac. It actually went rather well, compared to most things I’ve tried to do this week.
It’s a beautiful little machine, and I look forward to mastering it…
The recent buzz around Kamala Harris’s speech and President Obama’s continued engagement is truly energizing. Their impact on the younger generation is inspiring, reflecting a dynamic shift towards enthusiasm and active participation in shaping our future. This excitement aligns with my personal decision to embrace the role of Peter Pan rather than the Pied Piper of Hamelin. As Peter Pan, I focus on the spirit of eternal youth, adventure, and wonder, channeling my energy into a positive and playful outlook on life. This choice represents a commitment to leading with creativity and optimism, much like the way Obama and Harris inspire and engage young people…
Is this post evidence of a new Mac attack?
Looks like there was a technical problem with transmission.
Uh-oh. Describe the problem…
Reread Bob’s post. The same text is repeated throughout the post.
Well, that was odd. I guess I didn’t read far enough when I approved it.
Thanks for pointing it out! I’ve fixed it…
I didn’t watch it.
I did catch about 5 mins of President Obama’s speech. Agree with him or not, he’s the best political speaker in the country. He’s ultra talented in giving a speech. He puts to shame every other politician behind the podium. He also reveals how poor Trump, Biden, Bush were in that role.
Speaking of Macs. On Saturday I asked my son how his $under $300 Chromebook was working for him in college. He said it was working fine. (It’s a few years old now). He said most students were using Macs though in class to take notes. He said he doesn’t need one to do his work and take notes. He’s happy with a Chromebook. We did buy my oldest a Mac when he was in college. We got a little bit of a deal as they offer student discounts. But, for now, that’s the only one we’ve bought.
I thought the convention went well, especially considering the organizers had to change course on such short notice. The attendees did give President Biden the respect and admiration he is due for his excellent leadership and continued grace under pressure. By stepping aside, he once again did the right thing for his country and showed astute timing in the bargain by waiting until after the GOP convention was over to withdraw. Still, it was dispiriting to think of this good man, always under-appreciated, ending his political career that way.
Kamala Harris handled this whole thing gracefully and skillfully; she has remained respectful of her boss, while launching a stunningly effective campaign. The convention was energetic, bright and joyous; she picked a great running mate and fired up a despondent party. We need to win this thing. President Biden couldn’t do it; Harris and Walz can.
That roll call set the mood; a boisterous, entertaining, lively look at a truly diverse party that reflects America. Compare that to the dour Politburo production of a few weeks earlier — no wonder Democrats are upbeat. I’ve no idea who Lil Jon is, but touches like that that made this party rock.
Lots of great speeches, too. Michelle and Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Hakeem Jeffries, Rafael Warnock and Doug Emhoff stood out for me. I was disappointed that Biden didn’t get to speak until very late on Monday night because of all that speechifying.
Harris gave an excellent acceptance speech as did Walz.
So now the country has to choose between sane, competent, decent leaders and the other guys. That it’s a close contest is beyond my comprehension.