The two towers

David Brin on The Lord of the Rings

"The very shape of society changed from the once-universal pyramid toward a diamond configuration, wherein a comfortable and well-educated middle class actually outnumbers the poor. For the very first time. Anywhere.

We can argue endlessly about the accuracy and implications of this "diamond" analogy -- and its vast remaining imperfections -- but not over the fact that a profound shift has occurred, driven by a genuine scientific-technical-educational revolution."

Some other good points are made. But his point that although simpler times are easy to romantasize in times of terrorism and economic hardship our lives today are really much, much better.

Not that I don't wanna see the movie!

Daily Errata

Met up with Martin today and did some shopping at Limeridge Mall (yeah, malls in the suburbs have the funniest names...). Saw a few products that I would say I'm definitely interested in. I wish I owned my own DVD player as the Barenaked Ladies have their first DVD out. I'll write more about them later (Steven Page is really my own identifiable celebrity role model). Sadly I could not make many purchases as my check hadn't cleared and because I am young and therefore unreliable my over-draft is a measely $100. I know exactly what to buy though, and there isn't much shopping left to do.

Today's bad news is that my Mom has come down with a vicious case of pneumonia. Even before this diagnosis I've been noticing my Mom is really getting older. Or at least that is I'm noticing her age now. Some things are quite cute and adorable in their own right. Some... not so cute or adorable. An example:

After 20 minutes of furious searching...
"Hey Mom, did you see my wallet? I left it on my dresser but now it's gone."
"Oh, I put it downstairs with your hat and scarf so you wouldn't forget to wear them."

She's such a Mom sometimes it's infuriating.

Look forward to the new year and already resolving what i'm gonna change. First of all is the stand-by of any fat guy: go to the gym! It's somewhat imparitive because, well, that's what I'm getting for x-mas this year! I also have the time and motivation to do it these days. Infact I've wanted to since about this time last year but haven't had (or made) the funds available to do so. I also plan to detoxify my body in the comming months. Significantly reduce my alcohol intake... I'm not usre about the specifics yet. I'd like to be able to find a median that works for me. Avoiding second hand smoke would be nice too. I wanna get out on the dance floor more in the coming year too. I love dancing. I look like an idiot. I dance like Elaine from Seinfield.. but I don't care! I have a great time doing it and the endorphine high is the best thing ever.

Ya know, I'm sure entropy will win in the end. So if I go out and improve my quality of life just 1/4 as much as I set out I'll be a much happier guy in 2003. I'll be very relieved when I finish classes about a year from now. I'll finally feel like the adult I know I am. It's the cross that I bear for the time being, not having my diploma. To shed that weight will be so relieving.