They're baaaack

It's been move-in time all over the neighborhood as the students return to campus. Rental trucks have been showing up every day. Today was the most intense: A huge apartment block between here and the UT campus opened for move-ins, and when I rode by on my bike this afternoon I lost count of the U-Hauls when I reached 20. Traffic on Nueces Street was severely backed up into the evening.

I've been grousing about all the big new buildings in the neighborhood, but the new housing stock already seems to be exerting downward pressure on rents. The three-bedroom unit downstairs from me, which I think is a bit overpriced, is still vacant a week before classes start, and a house down the street has lowered its advertised rent by more than 10% (it was way overpriced and probably still is). I don't like seeing empty apartments, but as a tenant I like it when prices stay reasonable.

And until the landlord finds someone to move in downstairs, it's always quiet. And I can be noisy if I want.

Not the future yet

I'm at the annual convention of the Assn. for Education in Journalism and Mass Comm. A leading topic of discussion is dealing with digital media and the online world, from a lot of perspectives. We find that we must be not just aware of but conversant with digital tech and applications.

There is no Wi-Fi in the meeting areas.

What year is it again?

I guess I'm now a triple threat

After last week's kayaking foray, I realized that I enjoyed getting the upper-body exercise from paddling around the lake. I sometimes ride my bike to the lake, jog on the nice hike 'n' bike path they have there, then ride home. Today I decided to add some arm work, and I rented a kayak for an hour or so before heading home.

Fun! I enjoyed paddling about. The west part of the lake has some nice scenery, including high rock cliffs. Toward the end of the lake is an island with a dog park; I saw lots of dogs and their people there.

I was quite tired on the bike ride home. And now I'm sunburnt; I should have brought some extra sunscreen. But overall it was a good workout. The rental fee is high enough that I won't be doing this every week, but it's good for an occasional change.

Get your animation on

My fave Webcomic, Get Your War On, the animated version!