I know – I promised to cut back on blogging – and I did. Addictions, however, are difficult to shake off. Besides, look at all the interesting folks in Petaluma who have stepped up to the plate and entered the world of blogging. The Argus-Courier is getting into the 21st Century. There are some great viewpoints being shared. If you remember Blog #4, you’ll recall that the word “GLOB” represents a little bit of my blog topics. Here we go.
Our Petaluma – June 6th was Election Day. The primary campaign signs are down and I haven’t heard many people talking about the results. As we have done for several years, my wife and I served as Election Clerks at our local precinct polling place. It was a long day, but it provided time to reflect upon the significance of public elections as part of our democratic process. Approximately 50% of the 875 registered voters in our precinct were listed as “Absentee Voters.” It was great to greet those neighbors, who still cast their ballots the old-fashioned way, face-to-face. It made me feel a little more “connected” to my community. Don’t forget, we’re still waiting for the official results of one of those races. (What are your thoughts about the election?)
Our Cyberplace – Although the headline announcing “Bill Gates quitting day job” was in a larger font, did you catch the one at the bottom the Press Democrat’s Business Section (6-16-06) – Bodega Bay Navigator to publish on Web only? It is actually happening in our own backyard – a newspaper switching over to an Internet-only publication. We have been reading for months that printed newspaper subscriptions have been dropping; but to hear that one nearby publication is changing its ways after nearly 20 years is a shock. (Do you think that Bill Gates is connected to this development in some way.) After all, we’re talking about information that will now be communicated via electronic technology. Times are changing, for sure; but will it be for the better? Will citizens be as well informed as before this change in format? I wonder which newspaper publications will make the same decision soon? Only time will tell. FYI, although I read lots of messages, reports, surveys, etc. online; I end up printing them out for easier reading. Old habits are hard to break, just like my blogging addiction. (Any comments?)
Our Web of Life – At this week’s SIRS luncheon (Sons in Retirement), the speaker was explaining the city’s program to conserve water. It’s a very ambitious program to help residents to cut down on the amount of water they use in their homes. In fact, right after the program, I phoned the 800 telephone number and scheduled a home inspection and analysis visit for tomorrow. Stay tuned for the results. One question that is still lingering in my mind, however, is whether of not the major reason for this initiative is to make it possible for additional developments to be build. What then? What will be the water supply situation in another five, ten or fifteen years? (Any comments?)
On Our Radar Screen – Did you see my subtle hints (Any comments?) Some bloggers want to stimulate further discussion, as well as share their own personal thoughts. The strength of our democracy and our sense of community are dependent on sharing opinions and viewpoints. Computer technology and telecommunication have certainly made it easier for anyone in the world to be their own publisher. (Bill Gates agrees.)