Nov. 10, 2008
The Works
I was fairly impressed with this little science and history museum in Newark. That sounds kinda boring but it's actually like COSI only more intimate. Kids can run wild experimenting with hands-on displays that are as fun as they are informative. They can even sit down with a busted up computer and try to put the thing back together. Nice. I'll definitely head back with the kid to play with all their expensive... to, uh, brush up on my physics.

Nov. 6, 2008
The Arts Castle in Delaware
I've seen this place before. I just assumed it was a part of Ohio Wesleyan. Not sure why exactly. It looks... academic, I guess. But you can take all manner of arts and crafts classes here, from jewelry making to puppetry. They also feature the works of area artists and craftspeople. The next time you're in Delaware or your stop by for a bite at Bun's, just walk up the street and eyeball the place. You just might end up making some earrings. Or a puppet. Or some earrings for a puppet.

Nov. 5, 2008
Post-election Feedback
We staked out Tommy's Diner downtown where the regulars represent a diverse political cross-section of Columbusites. Columbusonians. People who live in Columbus. True to form, some folks were clearly jazzed about the results; others not so much. Having said that, there wasn't a defining mood one way or the other. The cinammon roll though (made by Tommy's wife) speaks for itself. It could win an election on its own.

Nov. 4, 2008
Election Day
I was diddybopping around from polling place to polling place. Usually, it's all old(er) people working on election day, but that's changing. This program Youth at the Booth places the seniors alongside of high school seniors who earn some credit for helping out. Both the kids and the adults enjoy the opportunity to work together. Talk about bridging the generation gap. Too bad there aren't more ways to regularly get older and younger people together. Maybe if Wii came up with a knitting game.

Nov. 3, 2008
Wilson Football
We got to check out the place where the NFL gets all their footballs. They make every single one of them in a small factory in Ada Ohio. I'd say there are about 50 or so people working on the balls -- cutting out the patterns, sewing them, softening them up, filling them and lacing them. All of it is done by hand. All of it. Truly a hands-on operation. Funny, I never stopped to ask why they call them pigskins if they only use cowhides. But just so you know, yes, it's only cowhides.