On Sunday, the most stringent water use restrictions in memory will take effect in Midland. The city’s “Drought Contingency Plan” is detailed here under the heading of “Stage 2 – Moderate Water Shortage Conditions.” Earlier this week we received a letter from the city showing how our monthly water bill will increase if we use… Continue reading Water Musings
Category: Society & Culture
A Trip to the Bookstore
Note: What follows is an entirely accurate account. It’s not my fault if “accurate” equates to “boring.” We went out for dinner tonight, not wanting to be the only people in Midland who didn’t do so. If there’s a restaurant in our fair city that’s not making money, it’s because the owners want a tax… Continue reading A Trip to the Bookstore
A Cultural Historical Moment
I’m no historian, but the following scene may have been a turning moment in culture. This unassuming scene comes at approximately 8:12 into the movie Heathers, a dark comedy starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater, filmed in 1988. One second earlier, this group of obvious high school losers was referred to by a female character… Continue reading A Cultural Historical Moment
Surfing the web? Uh, what’s that?
When’s the last time you surfed the web? (OK, when’s the last time you even heard that term?) My guess is that it’s been a long while, and that you’re now fidgeting on Facebook or whatever the operative phrase might be for wasting time online. I know I’ve blogged about the effect Facebook has had… Continue reading Surfing the web? Uh, what’s that?
A Modest Rationale for Ending “Economic Diversification” Efforts
If you live in Midland, you’re familiar with the Midland Development Corporation (MDC), the quasi-governmental agency that uses some of our taxes to bribe entice companies to either locate in Midland County or expand their operations if they’re already here. The special sales tax that funds these efforts has been in place for a decade,… Continue reading A Modest Rationale for Ending “Economic Diversification” Efforts
Honoring a Veteran – My Dad
Seven years ago, at the urging of one of my cousins, my Dad sat down with my Mother and dictated the story of his experiences in World War II. Dad served in the Army as a machine gunner in the European Theater – he and his outfit landed at Normandy Beach shortly after D-Day –… Continue reading Honoring a Veteran – My Dad
“Occupy Wall Street” has local impact
Our financial advisor is a fellow named Jim Cosner. Jim has impressed us over the years with his business acumen (our portfolio has done almost embarrassingly well during these, um, difficult times), integrity, and unflagging optimism. We meet about once a quarter to talk things over, get his take on what might be on the… Continue reading “Occupy Wall Street” has local impact
Drilling boom in Midland County? That’s an understatement…
The city of Midland is an island surrounded by a sea of oil and gas wells.
I, Cartographer
Two months ago, I couldn’t spell “cartographer,” and now I am [on my way to becoming] one. As a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) specialist, my duties include generating and editing maps, and I’ve found the learning curve to be challenging. There are actually two different challenges. One involves learning the systems we use for mapping. Most of our… Continue reading I, Cartographer
Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs died today at age 56, and the world lost a creative visionary. Apple enthusiasts will freely admit the significance of the loss, while even those who rejected or denigrated his contributions will nevertheless continue to enjoy for years to come the benefits of the technologies he championed. I didn’t know Jobs, but I… Continue reading Steve Jobs