2016-09-11

Fifteen years ago today, Sarah and I were in the midst of a move to Burlington, Vermont.  Sarah had already driven out 2+ weeks prior (with power of attorney to sign for me) in order to close on the house.  I was remaining in Chicago through September 25 in order to finish up work on the latest version of SPSS.

On the day in question, a few of us were already in the Pubs Warren when Chantal arrived and announced that "all these business types in suits were on their cell phones in the lobby talking about a plane that crashed in New York."

So we immediately checked the CNN site, which wouldn't load because of too much traffic.  Same with the NYT site.  Finally, success on the Chicago Tribune page.  After 20 minutes of reading everything available on what looked like a horrible accident, the image on the page refreshed and the South Tower had been hit.  Suddenly, getting out of the Sears Tower seemed like a good idea.  As everyone gathered their things, they announced over the speakers that everyone should leave the building.  

I went to the Metra station and asked if there would be extra trains heading out of the city that morning.  "Why?"  (In 2001, there hadn't been enough time for news to spread -- no twitter.)  I walked to the El and took the Purple Line back to my nearly-empty apartment, called Sarah, and then read books from the Evanston Public Library for the rest of the day.  

(note: published 12/31/25; backdated to when I wrote it)

2016 Colchester triathlon

The 2016 Colchester Triathlon has come and gone.  Many thanks to the volunteers and Colchester PD for staging another successful event.

The results are in, and at least I haven't gotten any slower overall.  Still need to work on the swim time.  

Once again vtsportsimages took pictures, and for the first time, I don't look terrible on the run (pictured below). 

I'm still face down in the water.  It's very shallow there, but I'm faster swimming than those guys are wading.  Look at the beautiful form on that arm!  

Not visible are the worried looks on the faces of the
people watching the race, because I breathe so
loudly while running

Amusement park rules that were meant to be ignored

Local primaries

Phil Scott wants me to vote for him in the primary on August 9.  Former Governor Jim Douglas agrees, though nowhere on the big, glossy postcard does it say which ballot he'll appear on.  In fact, nowhere on either side of the postcard does the word "Republican" appear.

EDIT: A friend points out that closer reading of the postcard reveals that Scott's party affiliation is there, if you only read between the lines, and provides the following, clearer view:

This view also makes me realize that the postcard includes a pokeball in the upper right corner.  Given the absence of any words that might describe Scott's positions on any policy ("if you won't take a stand, Scott, what'll you fall for?"), I will take this to mean that Scott has a favorable attitude towards Pokemon Go. #VoteForEmAll  

Never mess with a mathematician