I, Muehlenhaus. U, Riedermaus.

I also received my midterm evaluations for Cartography. They were mostly positive. As is usual, students are asking me to slow down; so I will try my hardest. I just get a little carried away, but they are paying to take notes, so I need to give them a chance. The students seem to be enjoying the class, though, which is good. However, the sample size was a little small, which was disappointing. Still, it was good to get feedback from a class that is going to change dynamically once they hear how their TA died. I have decided to just be open about it; no sense trying to hide any shame. It is just plain sad.

Working on a map of African maize production now for a colleague at Macalester. Luckily I made one of global maize production some time ago, and because the data is vector, I just clipped out the rest of the world and resized Africa. Almost done!

Got three maps coded today for my dissertation, but the good news is that I set up Atlas.t/i with 103 codes and I am now ready to roll. I also met up with a student at Coffee News and chatted about Russia, Hungary, the current election, and extremist liberals. It was a great conversation and felt good to get back to school topics rather than dwell on life and death. I really enjoy chatting with students. It's what makes life worthwhile. Plus, I forgot how much I like dumpy cafes too... free refills!!!

Finally, I spent the late afternoon chatting with Kenny about existential stuff and Obama's incredible speech today. I caught the start of his speech on MPR while on my way home to let the dog out today, and I had to sit in my parked car in the garage and hear it to the end. It was awesome! Likely the best speech I have ever heard delayed one hour... the best in my life? Maybe. It was incredible. I am curious to see how the media can counter his speech -- they always have to look for some type of scoop. It was the most masterful use of rhetoric and argument I have ever witnessed. I highly recommend listening to it on NPR or wherever -- it is everywhere for free. Riveting stuff.

Yes, politics has got me out of my funk -- albeit briefly. Pitiful, I know.

Adam called from Estonia today. I'm happy for him. It was great to hear from him. It really sounds like things are looking up for him there. He even has a job with a California law firm! I wish I could explain, but I can't; let's just say it is quite the resume stuffer!

Enough... back to Africa. Must finish it tonight so I can start my next mapping project. I found the National Potato Council, and you won't believe this (whoever "you" are), but they have global potato yield and export data!!! I am going to make the best potato maps ever! It's the year of the potato after all. Birgit came up with the great idea to put a transparent potato skin in the ocean background. Oh yes!!!!!!!! Just not enough time... must get to work...