SolitaryRoamer

Responsibility

Responsibility. I don’t know what’s with me lately but I’m acting more responsible than usual.

About a month ago I was all set to drive to Las Vegas to see one of my favorite bands — Wilco — live in concert. I had tried to see them twice last year and I was determined not to miss an opportunity so close and so relatively inexpensive ($40). Then I checked the checking account …

So Wilco was out (and the Wilco DVD I’m watching as I type this isn’t helping) but a campout with my friends was in. Even then I did the responsible thing yet again and decided not to actually spend the night at the campout so I could get a good night’s sleep and some packing done before I took off for a two-week vacation the next day.

I traveled through Salina, Utah, where I visited my cousin Zach; his wife, Katie; and their sons, Quinn and Max. It’s always a grounding experience for me to visit Zach’s family. They are the kind of family I want someday. And they are just fun people too. Making this visit even better was the presence of hot air balloons in town (yay).

I made it home to Rexburg in time for dinner with Dad on Fathers Day. Becca and her pup, Khloe, arrived the next day and we had some great times all together, including a trip to Sun Valley. Becca’s husband, Ben, eventually flew west and they traveled south to Utah with my mom and I on their tail the next day.

After spending a few days staying at my Aunt Kris’ house in Cedar City, Becca and Ben continued on to Las Vegas then parted ways again, Becca heading to California and Ben returning home to Missouri. Meanwhile, I decided to responsible once more and spend two of my last three vacation days cleaning my condo. It’s a mess that’s been building in my home office for a few years and I’m finally working through it.

And once more, with layoffs on the horizon, I’m renewing my focus on Twitter and blogging for work, knowing that our online presence is the future of journalism. So, as you know, my updates on this blog are not often but I still write fairly regularly on my work blog. Please check it out here.

The future of news in 140 characters or fewer

So … blogging. It now seems so … ancient. I’ve been blogging for more than four years now. I first heard the term about five years ago. It’s still new to some people but in the technological evolution it’s already antiquated.

Even social networking sites like MySpace are washed up (or as Drew Barrymore’s character in “He’s Just Not That Into You” says, it’s the “new booty call”) and Facebook is transforming into a hybrid of its former self and Twitter.

Yes, Twitter. It’s all the buzz. I’ve been hearing it for months now but I figured it was just the latest technical fad to come and go. Then President Obama gave his first address to Congress and we began to hear the reports about members of Congress embarrassing themselves with tweets from their Blackberrys during the address.

Wait, did I catch that right? Members of Congress are using Twitter?

Then I heard something that scared me even more. John McCain was giving an interview via Twitter. Was this the same John McCain who told us only a few months ago during his presidential campaign that his staff was teaching him how to go online? That same guy? The one who made the previous president’s comments about “the Internets” seem almost intelligent when it comes to technology.

That did it. I had to Twitter.

I actually signed up for a Twitter account back in January before I attempted to go to the president’s inauguration. But I didn’t see the mystique. It was basically a Facebook update and I was already doing that.

But if John McCain was twittering, I had to twitter.

So I downloaded a new Twitter app for my iPhone that gave me a few more features than the free app I had been using. I was pleasantly surprised to see a function that allowed me to see all the tweets within my immediate area. And the function that showed trends — popular tweet subjects — was even more fascinating.

I was able to follow the nation’s reaction to Jon Stewart verbally slaying CNBC’s Jim Cramer on “The Daily Show,” which was almost as entertaining as — and slightly less awkward than — watching the interview itself.

When I heard a few editors at work were considering implementing Twitter like a few other Gannett papers I started to take it more seriously. When the Seattle P.I. announced its conversion to a digital-only product Monday I knew it was an absolute necessity for me to follow this technological revolution as closely as possible.

My industry is dying. The P.I. is the largest paper yet to quit printing a physical product and switch to a digital-only format. I have a feeling more newspapers are headed that way more quickly than I would like. I’ve been nervous about a career in journalism since college — not knowing how the Internet would change journalism. I’ve even more nervous now.

But if I’m on board with Twitter and the groundwork that led to it and whatever will come next I’ll have a better chance of successfully making my way through this emerging digital news industry.

The future of the news industry is here and it’s being delivered in 140 characters or fewer. Look for me under username BrianPassey at Twitter.com.

Pointing that sinking boat home

I decided I needed to have a new post at the top of my blog rather than that downer one below. Things are better now and I’m moving on.

Thankfully it’s Oscar Season so that’s been keeping me busy as I watch the nominated films in the theater and at home. My favorite so far is “Man on Wire,” a brilliant documentary about the guy who walked a tightrope between the Twin Towers. It’s up for best documentary this year but it’s probably the best film I’ve seen since “Finding Neverland.”

Also I think “The Dark Knight” and “The Visitor” were both robbed of more nominations. At least they got nods for acting.

I’m also working on another story for USA TODAY. This one is about the LDS Church’s welfare/self-reliance program and how it brings comfort to members of the church during trying economic times. Apparently the editors liked the idea because they sent out a note to all the other correspondents saying they wanted at least one story like mine that offers a different take on the economy every month.

I’ve also decided that maybe I won’t write about my relationships on here anymore. Maybe that jinxed me.

The problem is that now that Barack Obama is president, I don’t have nearly as much steam to blow off as I did before. I once got so angry at the state of our nation and the direction W. was taking it that I had to let it out. And because of my job I couldn’t do it publicly.

Oh well, I’m sure I’ll find something to write about soon enough. For now, a happier me is back.

Worst. Vacation. Ever.

So the DC trip wasn’t all that great. In fact, it was the worst vacation I’ve ever had.

Not only did I not make it into the inauguration (read about the experience here in Backyard Ramblings) but things ended with the girl as well. Some people have joked that I need to quit taking girls to political events since my previous relationship ended on the car ride back from seeing Obama speak in Henderson, Nevada, a few days before Election Day. This one — which never technically made it to the status of “relationship” (at least in her definition) — began it’s dissolution on the Metro ride from DC back to her sister’s place in Virginia. I’m all about Obama bringing change but this is not the kind of change I need.

I still entertained her 8-year-old and took care of her 14-month-old on the plane ride home while she slept for a bit. She said we would be “great friends” and that someday she would kick herself for “walking away from the nicest guy I’ve ever known.” And then she dropped me as a friend on Facebook and barely responded to any attempts at communication as friends.

So life hasn’t been so great lately. I’ve been trying to focus instead on the things I loved before I started changing poopy diapers and putting kids to bed. We had so many differences and her kids took up so much of the time that I didn’t get much of a chance to revel in my indie rock, my liberal politics and movies deeper than “Mall Cop.”

I’ve been rocking out to Andrew Bird, laughing at Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert and examining the brilliant direction and writing in “Frost/Nixon.” And I’ve been realizing that I started to lose some of myself when I was with her. All we had in common was a common love of journalism, Taylor Swift and Dr. Pepper. It still sucks and I miss her, but I didn’t realize how much I had started to miss myself.

Wow. This is a lot more introspective than my blog posts usually are. Oh well; it’s late.

Now that Stewart and Colbert are over it’s time to finish up an indie film so I can get up and rock out to Bruce Springsteen on the way to work. Besides, Barack Obama is president. Just thinking about that makes life a little brighter.

Inauguration blogging

If all goes well within a few hours I will be blogging live from the inauguration of Barack H. Obama as the 44th president of the United States of America. I'm so glad I get to see this event in person. However, my blogs will be on my work blog, Backyard Ramblings, which you can find at the top of the column to your left or by clicking on this link.

Goin' down to DC town

I never thought I would attend a presidential inauguration, let alone the inauguration of a president I enthusiastically supported during the election. And I really didn’t think I would ever attend the inauguration of the first black president of the United States of America.

Yet on Jan. 20 this will all happen.

I found out a few weeks ago that I had received two tickets for the inauguration. I was immediately excited and disappointed. The first was obvious. The second was because I really didn’t think I could afford to go, especially when I found out that work would not pay for my plane ticket, even though I planned to write a few stories while I was there.

However, I knew that if I turned down this opportunity I would regret it.

The next problem was deciding on who to take with me. My first choice did not seem like a viable option. Jen, the girl currently occupying nearly every thought I have was trying to get a job that would bring her back to the St. George area (from Salt Lake City) so I figured she would be plenty busy with that … especially if she got the job. Then there was the part about her two kids. I just didn’t think it would happen. Then I mentioned it to her and got an entirely different response. Her sister lived in Virginia and wanted to see the kids. And she could likely get a reduced rate for our flight.

It was on. And today we got the plane tickets. I’m unbelievably excited, not only for the inauguration itself but for the chance to spend that time with Jen. We’ve actually only spent three days together since we got to know each other. Otherwise we’ve built up our friendship via our iPhones. However, that will change Sunday. She got the job and she’s moving back. She’ll be in town Sunday night. And once again I’m unbelievably excited. Things seem to be falling into place.

Unfortunately there will still be some costs for the trip without sponsorship from the paper. At least I won’t have to spend money on gas for trips to Salt Lake City to see Jen. I just worry because of the increased costs associated with the girl my family, friends and I are putting through school in the Philippines. Although the bulk of those costs are covered by others, I’m still the one organizing the funding and it ultimately falls on me to find the money.

But I would always regret missing this opportunity. It will be an historic occasion — one that I will tell my grandchildren about. And to top it off, a wonderful girl will be there with me. It will also be a good chance to get to know her two kids, who will be with us everywhere but the inauguration itself.

Life is good. And it’s about to get much better come Sunday evening.

Waxing romantic

Once again this blog has been neglected as I’ve focused on my work blog.  However, with the public nature of that blog, I can’t always write about whatever is on my mind.

For much of November all that was on my mind was wondering if I would still have a job come December. We had corporate-mandated layoffs that took 12 jobs from our paper, including three in the editorial department. I spent the month looking at other options in case the unthinkable happened. I was terrified I would lose my job. Not only was I nervous about making a living and paying the bills, I was scared to go into anything else. There just were not journalism jobs out there and that is all I really know. I’ve only ever had one job that was not linked to journalism in some way, and it was one day a week for a summer.

I was also nervous to lose my job because I love my job so much. I don’t have one of those jobs that just pays the bills. I really, really like what I do. I get to write about the things I love: travel, music, art, religion, diversity.

And I wasn’t so sure about moving away from St. George. I’ve come to like the area, much to my surprise, except during the summer. I still hate the summers. But the rest of the year makes up for it I guess.

December has been a different story. Once I found out I still had a job I began to relax more. Since a previous relationship ended at the first of November, I started dating again. After spending some time with a few girls I stumbled on a real jewel. Although this is my personal blog, I still don’t go into relationship details very much. However, I have to say there is something very special about this girl. I can’t get her out of my head.

Team of Rivals

Jon Stewart was on again tonight. And by “on” I don’t mean “showing.” It was another classic show, highlighted by a suspense thriller starring British correspondent John Oliver. He was pursued through the streets of New York City by none other than CNN’s John King, armed with the power of his network’s giant touch screen. The thriller ended with King trapping Oliver inside the giant touch screen as King proceeded to throw Oliver around on the screen, even making him dance.

Yet the hilarity continued. Moving on to President-Elect Obama’s cabinet-building efforts, Stewart showed clips of various news shows comparing Obama to Lincoln in his desire to surround himself with advisers taken from among former rivals. The best clip was from Sam Donaldson who said: “It’s better to have them inside the tent pissing out rather than outside the tent pissing in.”

Then, in a reference to presidential historian and author of “Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln” Doris Kearns Goodwin, Stewart invited Aasif Kearns Goodwin Mandvi to talk about the historic significance of Obama’s cabinet building efforts. Mandvi showed a photo of what Obama’s cabinet could look like. Alongside former political rivals like Vice President-Elect Joe Biden and possible Secretary of State Hillary Clinton were a few other interesting faces, including Sarah Palin, Dubya, Sean Hannity, Osama bin Laden, Lex Luthor and “Knocked Up” star Seth Rogan. Stewart questioned the wisdom of including bin Laden in the cabinet but Mandvi responded that bin Laden would be director of Homeland Security: “Who best to get inside the mind of Al Qaeda than the mind of Al Qaeda?” He also said the reason for including Lex Luthor was to keep bin Laden in check. And what about Seth Rogan? “He’s in everything,” Mandvi responded.

I heart Rachel Maddow

It’s been a few days but I still get goosebumps when I hear the words “President-Elect Obama.” When I see him on TV and realize he’s actually going to be president come January 20, I still can’t believe it. Part of me thought it was too good to be true, that he’d never be elected. But I guess I believe in miracles.

And from reports around the world, I’m not the only one excited about an Obama Administration. Apparently the rest of world is hopeful that America may once again retake its place as a beacon of peace, democracy and freedom in the world instead of the bull-headed, war-mongering, freedom-trashing actions of the Bush administration.

The problem is, as MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow (my new hero, shown above) noted on her Friday evening program: Obama is not president yet. Dubya still has 2 1/2 months to screw us even more. And heaven knows he’s doing his darnedest. The latest is the uranium mining he’s trying to push through between my condo and the Grand Canyon. The Kaibab Plateau is a beautiful area and mining like that would destroy it. But the real danger is radioactive tailings near such an important water source. As Rachel said: “How much better would it be if January 20th were, like, tomorrow?”

Then she mentioned that a senior Iraqi official is hopeful to begin working with President Obama on resolving the situation in his country. Apparently this guy (and probably most of his countrymen) don’t trust Dubya or any Republicans to do the right thing (he did mention “Republicans” specifically). Once again, as Rachel said: “Anyone else looking at the calendar these days, like you look at the clock on a Friday afternoon?”

She also noted something interesting on her show last night (Thursday). She showed pictures of the three Democratic leaders, Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid, and remarked: “The Democratic Party is now a big tent, led by an African-American, a woman and a Mormon.”

Sure, the Republicans keep trying, but their past choices to fit these demographics are all a little kooky (Alan Keyes, Sarah Palin, Mitt Romney). Granted, Romney’s not terribly kooky, that is until you hear him singing “Who Let the Dogs Out?” in an embarrassingly desperate attempt to win some of the “urban” vote — or until you hear him try to explain why he won’t say waterboarding is torture. And, granted, Colin Powell and Condi Rice are both good examples of strong, diverse Republican leaders, but we stole Powell and he helped Obama take the big cake — the presidency. And I keep waiting for Rice to write a tell-all about just how scary Bush/Cheney/Rumsfeld/Rove really are.

Palin v. Olbermann and Sharks v. Cheney v. Laura

In the wake of Barack Obama’s glorious victory Tuesday, MSNBC’s Keith Olbermann was in a good mood for the first time in a few months. He especially enjoyed gloating over Sarah Palin’s dramatic rise and fall, from unknown governor to GOP star to pop culture caricature.

Imagining what John McCain might have said when Palin asked if she could address the nation after McCain’s Tuesday night concession speech, Olbermann said, “Lose your own damn presidential election.”

Of course Olbermann also mentioned complaints of Palin reportedly showing up to a campaign briefing in her hotel room dressed in nothing but a towel. "I thought that was why she was on the ticket!" he yelped with glee.

But then he realized … If Palin is gone, who will be the target of all his jokes and gloating. In that light he pondered, “I may have to donate to her campaign to keep her in the news.”

And then, in an odd bit of news, we found out that someone in the Bush Administration is finally standing up to Dick Cheney. Apparently First Lady Laura Bush is trying to save some sharks in the Caribbean, but Cheney (surprise, surprise) wants the shark hunting to remain legal. Go Laura!