Eccentric Flower:199808/notes from the world outside

sixteen august ninety eight one a m

notes from the world outside

On Friday, I took half the day off, put a small pad in my back pocket to work on a cartoon idea, and went out into the wide world. This turned out to be a very smart thing to do.

For at least four days prior to that, the only times I was not seated in front of a computer were when I was eating, sleeping, or travelling from one computer to another. Literally.

Lo and behold, not only did the headache which had steadily been getting worse for several days magically disappear within the first five minutes of sunlight, but I got the first story idea I've had in weeks. (Nothing came of the cartoon - I still can't draw, and no amount of sunlight will change that.)

So the motto is: Remember to go outside.

August is prime tourist season in Boston, especially tourists from overseas (August being the national vacation month of nearly all Europe.) It's always been something of a running joke how people tend to ask me for directions - apparently I look like I know what I'm doing, or maybe I just look like I'm not likely to pull a knife on them. Tourist season adds an extra layer to the joke in that I have occasionally been asked for directions in languages other than English. I really don't know how I send out these vibes ....

The advantage of carrying a pad is that I can write down little random observations. In winter this is easier - coats have pockets - but in summer it's hard. I can't carry a purse, of course, or I would, and my shoulder bag is a little too bulky for a relaxed stroll. Fortunately these little tablets (which say "Massachusetts Turnpike Authority" on them, but that's another story) fit into the back pocket of my jeans, which means they're dandy as long as I don't sit down.

But I digress.

The Old South Church, a Historic Site ("Oh, look, dear") has its August choral music schedule out front, for all to see. First week: Fauré Requiem. Second week: Mozart Requiem. Third week: Brahms Requiem. Fourth week: Verdi Requiem. I am not making this up. If I were the parishoners, I'd rebel.

For several weeks now, the red scrolling LED sign at the Park Street subway station - the one they use to flash "important messages" - has been showing the message

TEXT TOO LONG

One wonders if the subway employees don't know how to reprogram the sign, or if they've even noticed. 2600 once gave instructions for hacking those things so you could change the message ... not that I'd advocate anything like that ....

Speaking of LEDs, I saw a child with those shoes that have LEDs built in so the soles light up every time you step down on them. Blink blink blink. I can see where this would be the height of coolness if you were eight. I really had to restrain myself from leaning down to him and saying, "Hey, those are some flashy shoes you've got there!"

He might not have gotten it, but his mother would have. I lack the courage to be a true smart-ass, thank heavens.

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