JOURNAL 08/06/06

Hm. Perhaps journals are a thing of the past, the way I have not been going
this summer.

This week I have been preoccupied by attempting to read all 566 pages of
_The World is Flat_, by Thomas Friedman, for my book group on Monday. I'll
probably only make it halfway there by deadline, and frankly, I find it a
rather discouraging book, even though the author is clearly exulting in the
potential for individual, rather than corporate, supremacy in this new flat
Earth. But then, I don't own a cell phone, which is obviously the key to all
future riches.

So I haven't bothered to report that we won't be meeting this weekend, due
to the conjunction of planets and other assorted events.

I think the only item we'll miss a deadline on is Cheryl Coffey's request
for lunch volunteers, which I believe she was wanting before Aug. 11. Our
status so far: we don't believe we have enough volunteers to cover a week,
although we did wonder about the possibility of serving as substitutes on
single days. Concerns were also voiced about the nutritional content of fast
food, the packaging waste, and objections to taking responsibility for what
ought to be a school-district-provided service. However, those who have
already participated as members of other groups spoke highly of their
experiences.

Thus, it's still under discussion, but no answer is available if one is
needed by Aug. 11.

But congratulations to Cheryl and Brad for their incorporation of solar
energy into their car wash business. I hope to be among those businesspeople
joining the solar ranks within a couple of months, as I am looking into a
grid-tied electrical system for my shop.

And, while reading our local paper, I also enjoyed what I thought was a very
fine feature on the GVCA booth farmers' market. My compliments to journalist
Cat Hausler for a well-done story.

The paper also had most of the news about potential replacements for Ken
Medina on city council, but according to the agenda I received from the city
last night, Jonathan Houck has tossed his hat into the ring alongside Jim
Gelwicks and Marla Larson. Interviews will take place Tuesday, with a
decision made the following week.

I'm sure I have much more news to report, being as how it's been weeks if
not months that I have failed to check in with, but Mr. Friedman is calling,
and I must answer the global doorbell, even if I don't want to.

TL