The New Year has Begun

Yes, I realize that the calendar year begins on January 1, and Lunar new year is in late January or early February, but does that really matter? No, it does not. What matters is that hockey season started yesterday. I watched part of the first game, but not the whole thing, and it looks like I missed some real excitement. Ah, well, such is life. I can't watch everything. I also didn't re-up for partial season tickets this year with the Blues as I didn't like any of the packages they were offering. I'm sure I'll make it to a few games, though. I'll probably do 5 or 6, that is about the right frequency for me.

Is What You are Doing Important?

The ever insightful Seth Godin had a great post today, about how busy we all are and how meaningless it can get. I suffer from this malady, myself, as I believe most people do. Yes, I have a lot of stuff to do today, but how much of it is really important in the long run, and how much of it just seems important at the time? And how much do I let my illusion of busyness keep me from really connecting with people around me? Probably a lot, to be honest with you, and that likely isn't a good thing. When I find out how to counter all of the busyness, I'll let you know. :)

(Not) Reaping What you Sow

So the Washington Post is reporting that farms and orchards in California are not able to harvest all of their crops due to a shortage of labor. Specifically, of immigrant labor, often times non-documented and illegal. I can't say that I am too upset over all of it, as I see it as a maturing of the labor market, as many of the people that formerly did agricultural work part time during harvest season are now getting full-time jobs in construction or hospitality that pays more overall. This is pretty basic economics, where people are assumed to take jobs where they can make the most money. I agree with the farmers that there should be some sort of ability for non-residents to come to the USA part time and legally work at various jobs, but it is also true that if you can't find people to do the work, you must raise your wages to attract people to actually do the work. Yes, this might mean you have to raise prices on your customers, to cover your costs. Yes, this might mean that your fruit isn't really cost-competitive against fruit from, say, Chile. OK, deal with it. Tell me why I would want to buy your fruit, anyway. What makes it better? Is it? If not, then your choice is clear, you just don't want to face it. Historically, food in the US these days is really inexpensive, as a portion of total expenses we have. Maybe this historical aberration is getting ready to end?

Pledge Drive Season Again

Yes, folks, it is once again time for the KDHX pledge drive. I volunteered again yesterday, answering phones from 8 AM to Noon. A good time was had by all, and I got to meet a couple more show hosts that I didn't meet in the spring. After that I went to my folks house and celebrated my brother's 29th birthday. His birthday was actually 7 weeks ago, but this was the first time he was back in town, so there you go. I got him a soundtrack CD from a Japanese animated TV show (look for the review soon on Anime Dream!) and a reproduction of an ancient Greek painted plate, with some god or something on it, as you can see below. Mark likes that kind of thing usually, so I figured it was worth a shot. Anyway, Happy Birthday, bro!

New Comic Reviews

New comic reviews (yes, I know it's been like 2 months) are up at my website.