It's been nearly two weeks since school ended. We're hitting our summer routine after the madness of Late Spring, and it feels great.
The month of July generally marks the highlight of the season. We're fortunate enough to be able to take two weeks of vacation in July. This year will be our 17th year in a row at the same camp alongside a sleepy lake in Maine. Two weeks of no cellphones or email, just swimsuits and waterskiing. And because there is usually being a long weekend in July because of Independence Day, July means more time off than almost any other month in the year.
As a result of this time off, the mind drifts. Casual thoughts dominate. The big ideas and concerns get put on a shelf, ready to be taken up at a later date. For now, it's time to focus on some really important, low-key questions.
Like....
1) How good are the Red Sox?
Right now, they have the best record in baseball and are 10+ plus games in first place in the American League East. The Yankees look like the national Republican Party -- completely out of gas in terms of players or strategy -- and by all accounts, it does not seem likely that anyone is going to catch the Sox in their division.
That said, some concerns exist for the Fenway Faithful. Schilling is gone until at least the All Star Break, and I won't feel like the Red Sox can contend for the World Series until we have him back in fine form or a similarly strong pitcher in place. This year's success has as much to do with pitching as anything else. Even if Dice-K has not been the runaway success we expected, the Red Sox have fielded a strong pitching lineup night after night, inning after inning. That kind of consistency will need to exist for us to win the World Series. John Lester can't return soon enough.
2) Which is the best summer movie of the year?
My early vote, hands-down, is Ratatouille. We saw it last night along with what seemed like half the parents of the Upper Valley at the Nugget in Hanover. What a film! There are times when you despair about film-making and wonder if every multiplex in America is going to be filled with nothing but movies based comic book sequels or sit-coms. And then a movie like Ratatouille arrives. It's funny, unpredictable in its narrative, icky, a visual feast for the eyes, and that kind of rare film that delights everyone with its simplicity and complexity.
Ratatouille is an animated film like a Bugatti is a car. The details and quality of the images go beyond anything I've seen on the screen before. Add to this wonderful characters and stories and you have a real classic that can be watched again and again. Anyone can like Ratatouille.
3) How goes the triathlon season?
Pretty good. I've done two races so far this year, both sprints (which I think is my best category). I started with the Vermont Sun race, which was once again incredibly well organized and took place on a beautiful race day (warm but no wind). I also did the Eastman Splash Mash Dash. Alas, the weather that day was not too great. Lots of wind and cool temps (55 degrees), which made for a rough swim.
I'm doing a bit better overall in these races. Instead of finishing mid-pack, I'm now consistently in the top third of the pack and in the middle of my age (40-44). The swim leg is a lot stronger these days, largely because a winter of practice in the pool has made me much more confident and capable in the water. Run times are a still strong, and even improving a bit, but the bike times remain flat.
It did not help at the Eastman race that the shifter on my bike broke halfway thru the race. I really had to macgyver it to finish the race, and actually lost three minutes compared to the last time I did the race. Frustrating! The good news is, I'm getting a new bike. It's a stepup in terms of quality, and I'm hoping the new equipment plus some better training this month will lead to some improved bike times in my next races.
July's calendar is full, so it looks like I won't be racing again until August. Look for more details then!
4) Will you buy an iPhone?
Yes. No. I don't know.
Do I think it's cool and awesome, and worthy of the hype and attention? Yes.
Do you have $500+ laying around to pay for one? No (especially not after buying a new bike!).
Still, they are pretty cool; shouldn't you get one? I don't know.
I do need to buy a personal "smart" phone (more on why later), and certainly the iPhone meets most of my needs. For now, I will wait and see if I can my hands on one to demo, and then make a decision. Let's just say I am incredible tempted to make the purchase.
5) Have you endorsed anyone for the New Hampshire Democratic Primary yet?
No. It's time to make a decision, and right now it's between Obama and Dodd. I will make a decision soon, I hope, and look forward to sharing some observations about the rest of the field, too. It's an incredibly strong lineup for the Democrats, and there is a lot of time and opportunity for the current dynamics in the race to change. Look for more on this subject in future posts.
Peter,
I came across your blog concerning the NH Democratic Presidential Primary, and I am very glad to see you have an eye on Senator Dodd. If I may be so bold, I would encourage you to come on board as a supporter!
Senator Dodd has spent a lifetime as an advocate for working families, children, first responders, and all Americans. He alone among the current candidates has the experienc to be ready to lead this country on day one.
And his leadership and experience are reflected in a very strong grass roots campaign team right here in New Hampshire. He has run a New Hampshire style campaign, visiting small groups and spending real time with actual voters. As a result, he continues to gain support among active democrats, and his poll numbers are starting to reflect that.
Having watched Senator Dodd campaign in person several times this summer (I've been to all the other candidates' events as well), I am absolutely convinced Senator Dodd is the only one with the personal touch needed to not only do well in New Hampshire, but perhaps to top the race.
Please join me in supporting this fine American.
Regards,
Rep. Mike Farley, Manchester
Posted by: Rep. Mike Farley | July 05, 2007 at 04:24 PM