Volume I, Number VI: 1993
The Settling in to Seattle Edition
Christmas in Latteland
SEATTLE -- A city that rarely sees snow, and whose residents have never heard of a toque, has to do something for Christmas.
In 1992, Seattle’s heavy metal community put out a Grunge Christmas music CD. This year, the other export (aircraft and computer software don’t count) is taking on a Yuletide flavour. The hundreds of specialty coffee carts that jockey for position on the street corners have added Eggnog Latte to the menu. Commuters happily slurp this mixture of steamed eggnog and a shot of espresso, allowing the foam to stay on their upper lip as a point of pride.
Next year, there is some expectation to see cutting edge shopping malls dress Santa Clause in plaid.
Reflections from the Puget Sound: An Editorial
The eccentricities of this self-described Latteland seems increasingly normal as we anticipate our second Christmas in Seattle. That’s probably a good thing.
We are feeling increasing comfortable here.
Although, during the holiday season, we are all too aware that Manitoba is 29 hours away by car (that assumes you only stop when the car need fuel). Elaine’s work schedule keeps us from traveling this Christmas but our new friends have been generous in their offers for holiday get togethers.
Those who remember our run of “Charlie Brown” style Christmas trees would barely recognize our apartment this year. Call it over compensation but Paul searched out a Scotch Pine to dominate (no, take over) the living room.
We’re on page three of our new Seattle guest book – your name could be next.
We have been blessed again this year, as the news briefs below suggest. We wish you a wonderful Christmas and the very best in 1994.
On a Clear Day, You Can See Rainier
Mt. Rainier is part of most good days. Elaine see it on her way from the hospital in the morning and Paul sees it from a vantage point on campus. (We sent to see it up close one weekend last summer but it was fogged in.)
Elaine is enjoying an expanded job function at Haborview Medical Center where she has become the resource person on the EMTEK computer charting system. She ran training workshops for night shift nurses and is part of the assessment group for the developers, Motorola. The US experience gave her an interesting perspective when she attended a national Canadian Critical Care conference in Vancouver in September.
Paul will finish his formal course work in the Ph.D. program by March, 1994. He then prepares for comprehensive examinations and, ultimately, his dissertation. He crossed the firs t major hurdle in October when the Graduate Committee approved his Program of Study (POS), the blueprint for finishing his degree.
Still on the academic front, one of Paul’s articles is being published on the Canadian Journal of Communications (CJC) in early 1994, Vol 18, No. 4.
Making a Life
Like the Canadian geese who call nearby Husky field “home” during the winter, we made it back to Canada this summer – a number of times.
We were in Manitoba to help throw a surprise 65th birthday party for Elaine’s mom in August followed by nice, unhurried visits with family and friends.
On Canada Day, we made a quick trip to Vancouver and ended up watching fireworks form the same pier as former Prime Minister Kim Campbell. Kim Who?
Still earlier in the year, Paul was in Ottawa and Toronto for a conference, some research and the chance to see some friends.
Seen Off Shore
Paul was part of a three-person delegation from the UW School of Communications to the conference of the International Association of Mass Communication Research (IAMCR) in Dublin, Ireland. He delivered a paper on International Co-productions of television programs and met some intriguing people.
His study of cultural industries also included cheap seats to Miss Siagon in London. Where was Elaine in all this? She asked that question too! A number of times!! There is the distinct possibility of making it up to her in 1994. . . but that’s something for next year’s Taylorgram.