Megabytes

Back in August, I told you about the Build Program that I signed up for at Free Geek. So once a week since then, I have gone into the Free Geek building and worked a 3-4 hour shift, learning about PCI vs AGP cards, testing processors, learning the Linux system and putting together boxes for the Free Geek store, grant recipients, and volunteers. Volunteers who put in 24 hours (not all at once) get to take home a ‘Freek Box.’
I am almost finished all my tasks to take home my own box. I need to build two more computers to get to six. The sixth one is mine to take home! It’ll be a 733 mhz box with 192 MB of RAM, 15 GB hard drive, 17″ monitor, keyboard, mouse and speakers. I’ve got a 17″ monitor and keyboard from my old Mac G3 box that I am going to use. Since I don’t need a monitor and keyboard, maybe they’ll let me build a slightly faster machine in exchange…
I was thinking just last night that I’ll probably setup this Linux box for Matey to send and rec’v email and write her text documents.. It has been enjoyable and edifying. I’ve met some fascinating characters. You know who you are…

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Tuesday, I served on the jury of a criminal case. It was interesting - sort of. I realized I know a fair amount about the law and trials, having defended myself a couple of times. But this time, I became aware of how difficult it is to sit in judgment of another. I did not like it.
Some folks joke about getting out of jury service by walking into the courtroom saying things like, “Hang ‘em. Hang ‘em all!” I, on the other hand, may well walk into the courtroom next time and say, “Let ‘em go. Let ‘em all go!”
I know there are some true criminals out there. And some of them even get arrested. But after this case was decided (10-2 guilty. I was one of the 2.), I felt sad for the young man that was tried. The charge was Theft in the 1st degree, a felony. He had a poor defense lawyer, probably someone appointed by the court. Inexperienced, especially compared to the state attorney. And no one came to his trial. The courtroom was empty save for jury, attys, judge and defendant.
Oh, and by the way, the defendant was the only black person in the room.

I was called to perform my civic duty today as a member a jury pool. The county called a group of 160 of us to come to the Courthouse at 8am. I had done this once before, about 6 years ago. That time, I was called up to a courtroom, but didn’t make the cut for that jury. Instead, I spent most of the day, sitting in the large jury room, calling customers on my cell phone, making appointments. Later, I alternated between playing solitaire and reading a novel.
Today was different. I brought plenty of work to do and even a deck of cards. But at mid-morning, I was among a group of 30 to go up to a courtroom for a jury selection. The two attorneys asked their questions of us to determine who they would want on the jury. Voir Dire, they call it; french for ‘to speak the truth.’
Almost an hour and a half later, a jury of twelve was selected. I was juror #10.
It was a little after noon and we got an hour and a half lunch break. The trial began just before 2pm. I was nervous that it would go into the next day. However, both attorneys assured us it would be done by 5pm; 6pm at the latest.
Well, it was a fairly quick criminal trial. I was surprised when the State rested after just three witnesses. And further surprised when the Defense rested without bringing any witnesses at all! Of course, the State has the burden of proof, not the Defense. If the State doesn’t prove the alleged crime ‘beyond a reasonable doubt,’ then the defendant retains his or her innocence. After all, the accused are innocent unless or until proven guilty.
What a fascinating experience and weighty role. I was keenly aware that my deliberation on this case would seriously affect the defendant’s life and future. This person was on the young side, with, hopefully, much living ahead. I think all twelve of us took our job seriously.
We were a randomly selected group of people, with diverse backgrounds. And we came together; putting aside any personal feelings about the defendant, the attorneys, the judge, the bailiff, and each other; to sit in judgment on the facts of the case.
We turned in our verdict before 5pm and were excused from any further service — until the next time.

Wow! My students performed Baroque music in recital today and they were fabulous. I assigned them music that they practiced alone and with me in their lessons. But until today, before the recital, was the first time many of them had a chance to perform together. I am very proud of what they were able to accomplish.
Elena battled a congested cough to make the recital today. She pumped herself full of cough syrup and was able to play. She and Kendra did a two-voiced fugue by Bach that was electrifying.
Kendra, Elena and Molly played a gavotte in good, steady tempo. Jacob, Kendra, Molly and I played a sweet arrangement of Simple Gifts, a Shaker dance tune. Jacob had had some dental work on Thursday and was able to overcome the pain of having his braces add to. Clarinet requires a very firm embouchure. Imagine playing a clarinet with a couple of marbles in your mouth! Not easy.
Jacy did a Telemann duet with me in his first Grace Notes recital. His execution of trills and sxiteenth note rhythms was right on the money. Joellen picked up the tenor sax in August and performed a presto-tempo’d Bach duet with me, playing with a light and crisp sound. Jacy, Joellen and I also did a Bach chorale, Be Joyful, Ye Christians.
As is my custom, I invited the audience to join in a jam session after the recital. I bring music and we read through some tunes. Those who can’t read music shake a mean rattle and keep a good beat on hand drums.
Thanks to Mary and Kathy for coming early to help setup. Thanks to all the parents for bringing goodies for the reception. I’ll have the photos posted to my website shortly. If you have any photos to share, send them along. Right now, I’m off to a rehearsal with the Rose City Gay Freedom Band for our Nov. 19 concert.

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