Polling Place Photo Project

Thanks to my trusty VSL newsletter, I was informed about the NYT Polling Place Photo Project in time to play an active role in history. I had planned on attending the caucus tonight anyway, so it didn't take a whole lot of convincing to bring along my camera.

The idea behind the polling project is fairly simple:

The Polling Place Photo Project is a nationwide experiment in citizen journalism that encourages voters to capture, post and share photographs of this year’s primaries, caucuses and general election. By documenting local voting experiences, participants can contribute to an archive of photographs that captures the richness and complexity of voting in America.

This was my first caucus, and although I didn't stay till the end, I did linger long enough to soak up the energy in the room. There was definitely a buzz in the air, and you could get a genuine sense that this is what the U.S. is all about -- every age, race, and socioeconomic status coming together to make their voices heard. It's a brilliant idea.

I snapped a few photos for the project, but didn't want to be overly obtrusive since voting can be a very private experience for some people.

Two highlights from the night:
1. Seeing Al Franken
2. Overhearing a teenager whine, "Mommy, I want to go vote now."

Brains of Steel

Want a rockin' noggin? Go for a run.

Love and Marriage

I just read an interesting article from The New York Times regarding the current state of marriage in America. It's worth a read, but if you can't spare the 5 minutes, here is a brief recap of quotes:

In the past 20 years, there has been "a marked decline in the number of people with whom they discussed meaningful matters. People reported fewer close relationships with co-workers, extended family members, neighbors, and friends."

"As Americans lose the wider face-to-face ties that build social trust, they become more dependent on romantic relationships for intimacy and deep communication, and more vulnerable to isolation if a relationship breaks down. In some cases we even cause the breakdown by loading the relationship with too many expectations."

"...we should raise our expectations for, and commitment to, other relationships...we can strengthen our marriages the most by not expecting them to be our sole refuge from the pressures of the modern work force."