FIRST KAYAKING ADVENTURE

Today Jack and I finally got out in my new inflatable kayak. We went to the nearby Keller Lake. Fortunately, two young canoists helped me inflate the craft. And this charming lady held the craft in place as Jack and I boarded. I wish to thank these Good Samaritans. And we were off! And it was good - I had not paddled in more than a decade. The boat is amazingly stable. Jack is amazing. He is fearless. He will do whatever I want to do without any objections. I look forward to a few more outings before winter arrives.

LOYOLA CLASSMATES

On Oct. 2 Jack and I went to Mankato to have lunch with Patty Postels, Rosale, and Jane Hall. (or so I thought) To my delight, half the class was there. I had a wonderful time catching up with friends whom I hadn't talked to for many years.

WILD RIVER STATE PARK

We spent three nights (Sept. 24-27, 2008) at
Wild River State Park, my first camping trip in over a decade.

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/wild_river/index.html

Living in St. Paul, there is always the noise of traffic. I needed to experience the quiet of the Boundrey Waters, or of my annual canoe trips down a river, where the only sounds heard are the sounds of Nature. Upon our arrival on Wednesday, we got site A-14. It was quiet. I was the only camper in the A loop.http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/state_parks/spk00254_camp.pdf There were only two other campers in the park! It was heaven.

We had two exciting experiences. First, during the second evening while I was reading and Jack was laying nearby, suddenly near our campsite, a preditor got his prey. The death scream was loud and scary. I was startled. Jack immediately got up and growled loudly, the first time I've heard him growl. I like to think that Jack saved me from also being attacked by a bear, a pack of wolves, or some other beast. Second, as the above photo shows, while biking I noticed a snake crossing the bike path. Jack, wasn't very interested in a petty garter snake, but I was.

We explored the park by bike, but next time I'll bring my bike with the pet carrier so Jack doesn't get too much exercise and we can travel farther.

Now I'm busy planning our next trip. I want some fall colors.

NATURE

I eagerly await the fall colors, one of the the wonders of God's Creation:

"Man is but a reed, the feeblest one in nature; but he is a thinking reed. The entire universe need not arm itself to crush him—a vapor, a drop of water suffices to kill him. But if the universe were to crush him, man would still be nobler than that which killed him, because he knows that he dies and the advantage which the universe has over him; the universe knows nothing of this."
(Blaise Pascal (1623-1662), French scientist, philosopher. repr. Encyclopedia Britannica, Chicago (1952). Pensées, no. 347 (1670), trans. J.M. Dent & Sons, London (1931).)

THE PERFECTIBILITY OF MAN - JOHN PASSMORE

Thus far today, I drafted and posted a book review. http://forum.philosophynow.org/viewtopic.php?p=11739#11739

Then we went to the dog park. I talked to Janelle: J: "Were you offended yesterday by the woman who was breast-feeding? Me: "What woman?" J: "You were sitting next to her. You talked to her." Me: "She was breast-feeding?" J. "Yes" Me: "I thought the boy was asleep." J: "We disagreed about her breast-feeding, and we wondered what you thought." Me: "You should call my ex-wife and kids and assure them that I still don't notice what women and kids are doing around me!"

Monday, September 15:

Today I met mother & child (above), told her of my obliviousness, and my conversation with J, and she laughed and laughed. Then we talked sbout Sarah Palin.

JACK'S SHERPA CARRIER

This Sherpa carrier came today. Now we can bike and bus. Jack crawls in the end, turns around, and lays down - ready to go wherever I go.

Now I have two days to plan a bus and bike outing. Todays newspaper lists two possibilities. There is the Selby Avenue Jazz Fest. http://www.selbyavejazzfest.com/ or an Animal-rescue benefit (Music for Animals") at O'Gear's Bar and

Grill. http://www.secondchancerescue.org/events.aspx .

Or we can stay home and watch the Michigan at Notre Dame game, a game that Catholics have a duty to watch..

Or someone could send us one plane ticket to Switzerland.

http://www.sherpapet.com/airlines/airline.php?air_type=U.S.

Lets see, Jack needs shots and some paperwork and I need a passport.

A DUTIFUL SON

My son recently bought me an Amazon gift certificate for $100. Remembering what I used to say to my kids, the gift certificate stated:

"To: Dad
From: Books are your friends!
Thanks so much for all your help with Charlie. He's getting lots of walks and even more tablefood from Geno."

Today I redeemed my gift certificate. Here is what I ordered from Amazon:

Items shipping soon: Delivery estimate: September 15, 2008

1 of: How to Read Wittgenstein Sold by: Amazon.com, LLC
http://www.amazon.com/How-Read-Wittgenstein-Ray-Monk/dp/0393328201/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1220929303&sr=8-1

1 of: Ludwig Wittgenstein: The Duty of GeniusSold by: Amazon.com, LLC
http://www.amazon.com/Ludwig-Wittgenstein-Genius-Ray-Monk/dp/0140159959/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1220933744&sr=8-1

1 of: Liberty of Conscience: In Defense of America's Tradition Of Religious Equality Sold by: Amazon.com, LLC
http://www.amazon.com/Liberty-Conscience-Americas-Tradition-Religious/dp/0465051642/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1220960657&sr=8-1

1 of: In Praise of Prejudice: The Necessity of Preconceived IdeasSold by: Amazon.com, LLC
http://www.amazon.com/Praise-Prejudice-Necessity-Preconceived-Ideas/dp/1594032025/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1220961432&sr=8-1

1 of: A Secular AgeSold by: Amazon.com, LLC Items shipping soon: Delivery estimate: September 15, 2008
http://www.amazon.com/Secular-Age-Charles-Taylor/dp/0674026764/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1220962208&sr=8-2

1 of: On the Unseriousness of Human Affairs: Teaching, Writing, Playing, Believing, Lecturing, Philosophizing, Singing, DancingSold by: Amazon.com, LLC
http://www.amazon.com/Unseriousness-Human-Affairs-Believing-Philosophizing/dp/1882926633/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1220964039&sr=1-7

I'm in heaven! THANKS NICK

Watching Annie, the movie

I love this movie, especially the music. I watched it on the Hallmark channel last night, with Jack on my lap.

I used to watch it when I baby-sat. We'd have popcorn and ice cream. Alas, they now live in Switzerland. We miss them.

JACK'S NEW COLLAPSIBLE KENNEL

Today we spent a couple of hours at the dog park. We then went to Petco to check out collapsible carriers. When I asked the price for this product, the clerk said that he would check. He returned and said: "Your in luck; its $10.00!"

At the cashier, I said that I was embarrassed to give her a "10% off" coupon. She took it and I ended up paying $9:00 + tax on the product that had listed for $119.00. I can now bike and bus and take my pal.

REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION

On Wednesday in Rice Park, I asked this 9/11 protester if he knew James Fetzer, my former friend. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FETZERclaimsDEBUNK/ He said 'yes', that Fetzer spoke to the group before their march, and that Fetzer had led the protest march of the conspiracy theorists.

The number and variety of activists obsessed with an enthusiasm is truly amazing.

MICHAEL GARFIELD on PHILOSOPHISING

Two blocks from our home is a wooded, hilly five-acre off-leash dog park. We love the park and go there daily.

As Jack and I arrived this morning, our friends Michael, Lucy, and Ethel were arriving.

As Michael and I walked and the dogs played, I complained that I was disappointed that no other member of the Philosophy Now discussion forum
http://forum.philosophynow.org/viewforum.php?f=13 had bought and read Richard Baron"s book PROJECTS & VALUES - An Ethic for Today (http://www.projectsandvalues.com ) Baron is an active member of the forum so I have the opportunity to engage him regarding his philosophical thought.

To my complaint, my friend Michael Garfield replied:

"Most people are not interested in philosophy unless it is their philosophy."

A profound insight?

I'll close now. Its time for Jack and I to get downtown for today's RNC action in the streets.

REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION

Other than meeting these charming Obama-supporting sisters from Mankato (where I grew up and graduated from college), today was uneventful. I got a late start, arriving at Rice Park at about 4:00 p.m. I had intended to take the "north walking tour" to the vacinity of the Excel. But, when I discovered the length of the walk, in view of the late hour, I just went to Rice Park to relax and watch people.

The anarchists were violent today - breaking windows and other property, and assaulting some delegates. As I write this, the evening news reports that there were 283 people arrested, 119 on felony charges.

I don't know what I'll do tomorrow. It is supposed to rain.

REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION

Yesterday we left at noon and drove to the police department to park the car. But there was a security perimeter, so we had to park 20 feet from the security guys. They promised to guard my car from any anarchists and nihilists.

We then biked to Mears Park to have lunch. Leaving Mears, we ran into s couple and their dog whom we know from the dog park. My Reagan t-shirt draws attention and is a hit (But, I think, though, that I got a few dirty looks from some liberal types) They were en route to RNC protest rally at the Black Dog Cafe!

At Rice Park I sat and watched people and then walked south-east to where the the "South walking detour" begins on Kellogue Blvd. We then biked to the car and arrived home at 5:00 p.m.

Today we'll take the "North walking detour" starting at W. 10th Street and walk the bike to the "sidewalk access areas" near the Excel. The public speakers stage and Fox News are there.

Today, starting at 11:00a.m., is the big protest march from the State Capitol to the Excel. From what I saw yesterday, I'm certain that the protesters will be outnumbered by the police and other security personnel. I hope to be there on time!

PhilosophyNow Magazine

An excellent magazine, Philosophy Now is published in London. I have enjoyed participating in its discussion forum for several years. In an effort to coordinate this blog with the discussion forum, I've posted a "REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION" topic under the "Political Philosophy" section of the forum. http://forum.philosophynow.org/viewforum.php?f=13 .

I expect that there will be some lively discussions in the forum about the Republican National Convention (and about the Presidential campaign which will end with the election in November).

REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION

The city will operate a "free speech stage" located across the street from the Excel Energy Center. Here is the list of speakers who have signed up: http://www.stpaul.gov/DocumentView.asp?DID=5782

I'm interested in the following speakers:

September 1

Wendell Anderson - The former Democratic governor of Minnesota; an honorable man.
A Dissertation on Dissent.

September 2

Peace Island Picnic - The newspaper description: "former FBI whistleblower Coleen Rowley, who trying to drum up excitement for her "Peace Island" event Sept. 4 on Harriet Island." Rowley unsuccessfully sought a Congressional seat in 2004. Watching several interviews with her, my impression was that she gave canned answers, and didn't display any intellectual depth.

September 3

Liberty Discussion Group

September 4

CODEPINK: Women for Peace - A real whacko group that I'm familiar with.

Finally, I'm pleased at today's selection of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to run with Sen. McCain. She's hot!

REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION

By 6:00 p.m. tomorrow, the security perimeter and the temporary public bike racks will be installed.

On Saturday, we will drive to police headquarters, park the car, and then bike about a mile to the security area around the Excel Energy Center. We'll have to walk within the security perimeter.

Rice Park: MSNBC cable TV will broadcast from the park. Maybe I'll meet Pat Buchanan, a commenter, who was President Reagan's speech writer.

It will just be a day of exploration and planning (and people watching) for the convention which begins on Monday.

REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION

Today I spoke with Sgt. Serier of the police department. He informed that the Secret Service was not permitting any bicycles within the security perimeter.

I informed him that I was primarily interested in getting access to two venues: Rice Park, where MSNBC will broadcast from; and Cleveland Center, where the city will station a portable sound stage upon which protesters can give a 50 minute harangue or oration, as the case may be.

He then gave me advice and directions and a suggestion on where I should park my bike before I enter the perimeter on foot with my camera, chair, and Jack.

REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION

On the bike trail this morning, I stopped a beautiful young bicyclist and asked that she take some photographs of Jack and me in my Reagan t-shirt. When she inquired, I informed her that during the convention I would roam the streets serving as a reporter/analyst for http://forum.philosophynow.org/ (see the "Political Philosophy" section under under the topic "REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION") through this blog.

She then informed me that she was Tony Randolph, a reporter for Minnesota Public Radio, http://www.minnesotapublicradio.org/ , and she asked for my email address.

Being a lout, I failed to take her photograph. Sorry.

P.S. Late last night Tony, not having a photo of her on her bike that I asked for, did direct me to her photo on http://minnesotapublicradio.org/about/people/mpr_people_display_php?aut_id=85 I hereby express my gratitude to her for her assistance.

REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION

My Jack is in the rear basket; Charlie, my son's dog watched for the hated squirrels as we rode. But, alas, last Tuesday Charlie flew to Switzerland to live with his family.

Axiom: A boy should rarely leave home without his dog.

REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION

Today I spoke with Sgt. Serier of the St. Paul Police Department about my application for permission to enter the security zone on my bike with Jack. (vehicles and bikes are generally prohibited). He is the Homeland Security Officer in the department.

He said that he has to check with THE SECRET SERVICE!

This is really exciting!

Stay tuned.

REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION

On Sept. 1-4, 2008, the Republican National Convention will be held at the Excel Energy Center in my city, St. Paul, Minnesota.

There is a security perimeter around the Excel where no vehicles or bikes are allowed, except upon special permission. I bike with my dog, Jack.

Yesterday I went to police headquarters and submitted my request for special permission to enter the security perimeter on my bike with Jack. The designated officer was not in at the time so I left my letter/application with the desk officer. I now await the officer's decision.

During the convention, I want to roam, take photographs, and listen to the protesters. I plan to post my thoughts and photographs on this blog.

Happily, I discovered that I'll be able to park my car at police headquarters (safe from the rioting anarchists, communists, Democrats, and nihilists) and bike a short distance to where the action will be.