1 Step Forward 2 Steps Back

Today I decided to exercise my civil duty and vote. Wanting to beat the crowds this upcoming Tuesday I read up on the candidates and the new voting system. Might I say this city seems to always be taking the wrong steps. Its like we take one step forward and two big steps backwards. 

1. We're back to bubbling in our vote. Problem: I know that some individuals will check mark the vote or "X" the spot.
2. We're adding more paper into the mix. Problem: What happened to our city becoming green.
3. The is an added process/step in order to vote. Problem: each machine cost thousands of dollars for a wasted system. 
4. In order to make a correction you must get a new ballot. Problem: First that means wasting more paper and second there was nothing wrong with the finger touch system we used before. You were able to preview your vote on the screen and correct the mistake before pushing the big red vote button.
5. The last step is scanning your bubbled ballot. Problem: You have to type in a code given (extra step) then wait for the machine to say that everything is ok. If not you can either leave it as is or get a new ballot thus more paper. 

Our county has spent tons of money on a system that can be far more confusing than the old one,  less environmentally friendly, and not time efficient. I think it would of been better if we came up with a system that used our old electronic one with a paper trail added feature. Next thing you know we will have new voting system come this presidential election.

Tracking of the Heron

How often do we focus on the negatives of a natural disaster. Today I was enlighten by the beauty that comes with such disasters. To my surprise a white Heron flew into my front yard. Never have I  had a chance to get up close and personal with a heron or any other bird of that matter. I was able to walk behind him and finally get close enough to see him snap a lizard off a tree and eat it. The heron wasn't even shocked how close I was. We exchanged glances or what I would call a slight nod. It was nice to see God's creation in the midst of a storm.

 

Blockbuster's Feable Attempts to Increase Business

Yesterday while in line at blockbuster Merari and I came across the candy isle. Of course the put the overly priced candy right next you while waiting patiently (aka forever) in line. Apparently, that tactic hasn't been working well enough, so they decided that Cocoa Pete's chocolate would be the solution. I'm wondering, do the university marketing departments teach that moan inducing chocolate would be the answer to plummeting sales?

Slava's Snow Show

The Alves-Daily Family and the De Armas Family experienced Slava's Snow Show this past weekend. My mother happened to catch a glimpse of it on on Globo and thought it would be neat if both our families went to it. So we all ventured out expecting something along the lines of  Cirque du Soleil, but instead we got something completely different.  The show is a mix of clowns focusing on pantomime, crowd involvement, and human reaction. It is a must see event, and experience unlike no other. Rey could not stop laughing at the simplicities of clowns falling out of a chair. Slava has a way of triggering your inner childhood yet adding a feel modernness.