Welcome, everyone, to the new year. I hope you’re all finding it to be the cornucopia of possibilities that I do. This year the Voteprime crew found itself once again in Philadelphia. Last year Alisa and I bought a house and so did Alisa’s sister and her husband (our good friend) Brian. Our houses are within about four blocks of each other, so Philly was the obvious choice.

Much fun was had, as you can see in Adam’s photos. Many firsts occurred that year (all photos taken by Adam):

I just heard today from a friend that Nate Wiley died. This is a real loss to Philly, its culture, and its music scene. I didn’t know him, but next time I’m at Bob and Barbara’s, I’ll toast his memory and his drinkin’ music.

I got home late and tired last night, so I belatedly wish you all a happy Halloween. When I arrived at home last night, the porch on our new home (post on that coming soon) was swarming with kids and their parents, all decked out in costumes. What a great way to come home from a long day in New York.

This year, Alisa worked the door in my absence. She strung our porch with pumpkin and ghost lights, which actually looked quite cool. But next year, we will be taking it up a notch. That I can promise.

My sister-in-law just found out that she passed the Pennsylvania Bar today. Knowing what I know now about the Bar Exam process, I realize that most people would be worn to a raw emotional and mental nub, somewhere around the level of a wet cat. Well, that appeared to have happened to Rebecca*, but she was still able to show up, take the Bar, and kick its ass.

That is some very, very impressive stuff right there. Congrats, Becca.

*Oh, I kid.

I'm posting late about this important day, but it shouldn't be taken as a diminished view of those it is meant to commemorate. War is a dark and shifting mire, but the actions of scores of men and women on the field and elsewhere show that sacrifice and valor can rise to its inky surface. We must not lose the memory of these deeds and these individuals in our despair because they give hope and strength to the belief that even in our darkest times, a greater good can prevail.

"It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain..."

— Abraham Lincoln, 1863

Perhaps I sound a bit melodramatic, but it's hard not to when speaking about the near-hyperbole of war.