Riding outside in February

Crazy that it was 64 degrees today. I brought my bike to school and went for a ride outside, first one of 2011. It felt awesome. So awesome. It still blows my mind that I can ride outside in shorts and a tank top in February. Oh, Denver.

Time for lots 'o work. I need to be researching more for my bilateral trade agreement work. I'm also planning some lectures on civil society, democratization, and anti-corruption. Then there's the regular homework for, among other classes, evidence.

But who can do work when it's so nice outside!?

Symphony

Last night I heard Mozart's Requiem and the Oboe Concerto. So good! I loved it. I had a seat as far and high as I've ever been, but I kind of liked the bird's eye view and anonymity of it all. Before the piece, there was this long pause and this maintenance type guy came out to fix the microphone. When he came out people started clapping, maybe thinking he was the conductor? Anyway, he leaned down to fix the cord and everyone started clapping again. He stops what he's doing and looks up at the audience. Basically, he's saying, You people are crazy clapping for me. I didn't even do anything!" Clapping dies down. He finishes fixing and starts to walk off stage. Everyone claps. He just calmly, slowly walks off stage and doesn't look back. Brilliant non-verbal communication and humor. I loved it and thought it was hilarious!

Off to go running.

Denver weather: we had 65 degree weather all weekend. Monday and Tuesday are snow with lows of (actual temperature) -15. Yikes! Glad I played outside instead of doing work... tee hee hee!

Hurried tidbits

I've been wanting to post about a few things. Rather than individual posts, I suppose I'll put them all here. Rushing off for the afternoon to Boulder, so this has to be quick.

RTD Scramble
I saw the best thing when I was riding light rail this week. As I mentioned, I've committed to taking the light rail and bus (public transit and/or walking) as much as possible. It takes more time, but I really want to support and use public transit. Better for me, my community, the environment, etc. Anyway, picture this: three tracks, A - B - C. I'm on train B. Train C is waiting next to me with doors open. Train A pulls up and people rush off to get onto train C. However, my train, B is smack in the way. So, all of a sudden, tons of people scramble up the steps on the left side of B run through my train, scramble down then steps on the right side of B and run straight into train C. The B train shortcut? Tee hee hee. Everyone sort of raised an eyebrow when the stampede passed through our train. The doors closed and we went on our way.

Squeak Carnwath
My new favorite artist. I keep picking up boxes of cards and then realize they are the same artist, Squeak Carnwath. Besides the uber-cool name, she is an America artist (1947), still living, and teaching art in California. Check her out here.



Weather
Crazy Denver -- highs in the 60s today! Are you jealous east coast cold & snow people?

A few other topics that I can't tackle right now... what on earth is going on in the middle east with quasi-soon-to-be-revolution? It's amazing. Tunisia, Egypt, Lebanon? Another topic: State of the Union Address. Nerdy me listened to the whole thing. And Paul Ryan's response (baaaaad).

Shabbat Shalom!