I don't often write in French or Spanish, but their influence is very appreciated when I write formal emails to elected officials. I feel compelled to make it warm AND formulaic, and I guess it somehow works.

Filed my taxes and owe something for the first time ever. Not a surprise though, just annoying the compromises one has to make to ensure family has health care in this country.

I took apart my six-year-old laptop yesterday, carefully brushed off all the lint and dog hair, gently cleaned and vacuumed the fans, wiped down the case, and put it back together. It's so quiet now!

I meant to migrate my last domain name from Gandi to Porkbun this past weekend but totally spaced out and then because I waited last minute, it expired for a few hours. Downtime is very annoying.

I watched the half time show on YouTube and I understood maybe 10%. Bad Bunny's Spanish is effectively inaccessible to the majority of Spanish speakers. The show itself was good, but the music, rhythm, and vibe has much more in common with US traditions. A Spanish settler-colonial base with a sprinkling of African flavor. Entertaining, but very distant from my Mesoamerican perspective.

With all the sad news coming out of Minneapolis, I had missed that the Westfield Mall had closed for good after such a long agony. I worked next door for years and have fond memories. I was a fan of the Loving Hut and spent many breaks walking around its rooftop POPO. It was an anchor for downtown, so its strange its gone for good.

I'm absolutely floored by the videos coming out from Minnesota. What seem to be door to door, (judicial) warrantless raids.

Great song with a nice, simple video. A walkman, a bike and a park. Olive Jones - End of Time.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=pjjhyMvrbRM

I'm heartened and inspired by the incredible acts of bravery by otherwise unexceptional individuals. They redeem this country. May they persevere.

I got some amazing Christmas gifts. I feel so fortunate. Particularly happy about some amazing Japanese frankincense. One of my favorite smells.

I randomly bought some silver coins from Costco in the middle of last year and then saw prices have gone crazy a couple of weeks back so sold them today. A little unexpected Christmas gift.