The United Nations Climate Change Conference began this week in Warsaw, and it’s hard to say what’s more ironic: the devastating events preceding it or the wallowing inaction that is likely to follow. In a sort of perverse opening ceremony, a leaked scientific document on the potential impact of global warming, followed by one of … Continue reading Warsaw and the Philippines give America another chance to show it doesn’t care
Month: November 2013
Amtrekking, Day 4: D.C. to Manhattan and Everything in Between
The last 24 hours have been an absolute whirlwind, which is why I haven't posted anything during that time. In brief... Arrived in Washington DC on Friday afternoon. Train was late arriving, so I didn't get to see half of what I wanted to, but I did feast my eyes on the Washington Union Station … Continue reading Amtrekking, Day 4: D.C. to Manhattan and Everything in Between
Amtrekking, Day 3: Harper’s Ferry, WV
Well, this is pretty cool. Second-to-last stop before DC, and it was the place where John Brown tried to start a revolution. A place synonymous with slavery, abolition, the Civil War. It's funny; back in New Mexico, an Amtrak employee told us the story of an ambush site we were passing, a battle on the … Continue reading Amtrekking, Day 3: Harper’s Ferry, WV
Amtrekking, Day 3: Sunrise on the Monongahela
There are really no words to describe this. I know, I'm a writer; coming up with words to describe things is kind of what I do. But I'm not sure I can. I'm not sure the pictures I took do it justice, either. I'm not sure if there's any way to experience sunrise on the … Continue reading Amtrekking, Day 3: Sunrise on the Monongahela
Amtrekking, Day 2: Indiana, I Presume
Not just day two, but now, train two. I have successfully completed my run on the Southwest Chief and am continuing my journey on the Capitol Limited, which runs from Chicago to Washington, DC. I had a three hour layover in the Windy City, but I figure I'll have more time on the way back … Continue reading Amtrekking, Day 2: Indiana, I Presume
Amtrekking, Day 2: Sweet Home Chicago
Obama’s centrist immigration reform proposals illicit extremist media response
Now that the government has decided to wait until February before coming to terms with its crippling debt addiction, it’s time for some other subjects to dominate the national political conversation. Next on deck: immigration! President Barack Obama, who has been a key supporter of the proposed Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) … Continue reading Obama’s centrist immigration reform proposals illicit extremist media response
Amtrekking, Day 2: Fort Madison, Iowa
Just a few disjointed anecdotes about the train... Walking on the train is, I imagine, like walking on a ship at sea: it takes a while to get your legs. You have to be quick on your feet in case the floor decides to move, and keeping an arm or two out is a good … Continue reading Amtrekking, Day 2: Fort Madison, Iowa
Amtrekking, Day 2: La Plata, Missouri
This morning, I ate breakfast with Willie Nelson. Willie sat to my left, with Nelson across from him. We had just left Kansas City and started making our way across the state of Missouri (which, by the way, is fucking beautiful). Willie is my "seatmate," and I could not have asked for a kinder or … Continue reading Amtrekking, Day 2: La Plata, Missouri
Amtrekking, Day 1: Garden City, KS
Okay, I'll be honest. Even though I love traveling by train, sleeping in coach isn't always the easiest thing to do. That's why I know I'm in Kansas. With any luck, I will be able to fall asleep soon, and when I wake up, I won't be in Kansas anymore.
