Election Day 2010

What is so special about Election Day 2010 for me Patrick Kelly? This is the first opportunity in 17 years for me to vote as a resident of the United States. A chance to do my civic duty, one that many native born U.S. citizens take for granted or do not to exercise, I hear. I became a U.S. citizen in March 2009 at a simple ceremony in Fairfax Virginia. I can replicate that proud moment here in Maine where I have lived since June 2009. I am excited by the prospect of going to the polls to find out what happens inside the voting room, to produce my ID and to discover the mechanics of voting in the Land of the Free.

Now who shall I vote for? For Elliott Cutler or Libby Mitchell for Governor? GOC candidate Paul LePage is a non starter in my book. For Democrat Shelli Pingree or GOP candidate Dean Scontras for the U.S. House. Or for state Senate hopeful Joe Palmieri or his opponent, Democrat Larry Bliss, and in the state House Amy Fern Volk or Democrat incumbent Sean Flaherty?

Frankly, as a newcomer to Maine and as a first-timer at the voting booth, I feel it is less important for whom I vote; but more important that I exercise my right to vote

After all, for the better part of 16 years I was a "green card" holder who paid his taxes to Uncle Sam but who could not vote for those making decisions on how to spend my taxes.

Now didn't the issue of Taxation without Representation spark the American Revolution?

Ho Hum

Music Night at Higgins Beach

I had occasion to go to a concert Tuesday night at the Higgins Beach community center and saw a jazz trio hosted by Tony Boffa - he is a fine guitarist and a warm and funny speaker.

For some inexplicable reason, my mind went back to the winter of 1980 and to the Fulmer Village Hall, England, where a friend of mine, Martin and his band were "strutting their stuff" before an audience of high rollers from the Gerrards Cross and Fulmer areas. The occasion was Karen and my UK wedding reception and the band up on stage was playing all sorts of rock-n-roll - I also remember the band's performance being, in a sense, controversial. Appreciation for Martin and his chum's musical abilities and choice of material they played divided the audience along generational fault lines. The "oldies" as represented by my parents and their friends found the music noisesome, whereas our friends thoroughly enjoyed themselves, so it seemed.

I cannot recall how many times a friend or other of my parents would sidle up to me among the guests saying: "Can't you get the band to turn the music down." Of course I would then have to pass on the message to Martin and his chums, knowing full well that there is only so much "turning down" that a live rock-n-roll band accustomed to full amplification, can do.

So the band played on!

After the food was eaten and the floor cleared for dancing, the older generation repaired to the Black Horse for a few scotches or whatever and some opportunity for chit chat in a more peaceful environment, and the kids (30 years and younger) danced to the bands loud music.

Meanwhile, 30 years later.....

Ah well twas ever thus! Tony Boffa played music from every era from the 40's, to Taylor Swift an American Idol winner and recording artiste. It was great. He was educated at the Berklee School of Music in Boston, Ma and has a fine appreciation for three or more part harmonies as practised by the likes of the Eagles, Beatles, Beach Boys, Zombies and others. He does not, it seems, care much for contemporary music and says that musicians these days are into writing and performing their own stuff only; whereas earlier generations of musical performers drew deeply from the well of songs from musicians gone by. He has a point.

Well that is it. I think I may start a blog of my adventures in Maine. Karen and I are having a wonderful time up here - when we are not working that is!

A Rainy Morning In Maine

Well rainy here in the Great State o'Maine. And not so happy this morning because our beloved (daughter) Caitlin and Mr A have flown back to San Jose, California. Boo hoo! Anyways, we had a great visit and loved having them to stay.

Today, first the electricity in our apartment building goes out, so Karen is unable to dry her hair. Then she goes off to work. My plan is to go to an Internet cafe (as is my wont) and file my boring freelance article and then go and watch footy somewhere, England vs Slovenia, Slobonia, or Transyslvania. Frankly, my dear I don't give a damn!

Then just as I am going off for breakfast and go to pick up my car keys - guess what I cannot find them? So methinks Karen has gone off with them (always looking for a villain is my MO) and so I call her on her cell, leave a voice mail, send her a text, and wait for the response. None comes.

Then, methinks,what did I do last thing last night? I went down to the car park where said Mazda (1997 year) is parked, with my car and house keys to close the drivers side window. Guess what? Yes, I done did it. I locked the window alright and all the doors and in the process left my keys IN THE IGNITION. What a dumb ass?

So what next? I call AAA (US equivalent of AA) and ask for help. My membership card clearly states that my card is valid through Jun 15, 2011. So I call the 1-800 number; someone answers, I give them my membership # and then she starts asking for my address, phone zip code etc... she looks and looks and comes back and says can you hold for a minute, I need to ask someone something about your membership.

Three minutes later she comes back with a "sorry to keep you holding" but your membership has expired. What the? I say. Turns out that a) though my AAA card clearly says "valid thru Jun 15, 2011," I am in fact only paid up until June 15, 2010, which as you may correctly observe, is a date that is disappearing fast in the rear view mirror, plus b) Since I have left Virginia I am the property of AAA New England and have to take out a fresh membership of AAA at the cost of $63 a year basic and $76 a year for basic plus (whatever that means?)

o I call Geico (Gekko) our car insurance company. Get through to them (always good customer service) and find out that my policy covers roadside assistance up to $100. So next question I ask is: "Can you send me a locksmith with a Slim Jim to lever open my driver's side window, unlock the car door so I can get and rescue my keys."

Very nice customer service lady in Macon, Georgia puts me on hold for a few minutes, comes back and says yes indeed roadside service covered up to $100 and some local Maine towing company is sending along a driver with some gismo or other to rescue me and my keys.

I like Geico and their mascot the Gekko who is, yes a green creature with an Engish accent that advertises their product on TV.

So there you have it....all this activity before 9am...I'm exhausted and think I'll go back to bed.

...but wait a minute...the electricity is back on so I can make coffee, toast some bread, send emails...all while I waiting for the Gekko to turn up! Ain't life grand?