It don't come easy

Yesterday I did something I should have done almost two years ago: I got my learner's permit. So did my sister. I thought we'd run into trouble because she had made an appointment and I hadn't. It turns out that you don't absolutely need to make an appointment, and I think we hit the place at a convenient time.

Having passed the requisite courses, all I needed to do was get my hearing and vision checked at the DMV office. It turns out that they don't really do that much to check your vision -- they just have you read a line from a chart. They don't check your hearing at all. I guess if you don't shout "Huh?" a million times while they're talking to you, you pass.

So I presented all the information, including my birth certificate, social security card, permission forms, and proof that I had passed the tests. After asking a few questions and posing for the photo, I received in my hand a new learner's permit, hot off the presses. We were in and out of there in less than an hour.

I'm really glad I got my permit before my 17th birthday. Now that would have been really embarrassing. It's good to know that I can say I got it when I was 16. So, all I have to do is spend the next year learning how to drive, and hopefully I'll be able to get my license before I'm 18. That would also be pretty embarrassing also.

Today is another exciting day: my friend Nick and I are going to see Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band in concert at the Mizner Park Amphitheater in Boca Raton. His band includes Billy Squier, Edgar Winter, Richard Marx, and Rod Argent. I've heard of Rod Argent. He was in The Zombies. You've heard of them, even if you think you haven't.

Nick and I have long been Beatles fans, so this should be really exciting. Actually, he's been listening to The Beatles since he was a little one, so he beats me by quite a while. Being able to see and hear your favorite musicians in concert is pretty much the most that a fan can ask for, and I'm glad that we can go. But it would be even better if we could actually meet them in person.

My plan is for us to try to catch Ringo & Co. at the stage door when they're leaving. It's worked for me before, so the only thing stopping us is the security personnel. Hopefully they'll understand that we're just harmless young autograph seekers and not, say, aspiring assassins.

Actually, another force we'll have to contend with is the weather. Darn that summer South Florida weather. It's not too bad right now, but this concert will be outdoors, and the forecast for tonight isn't looking very good. However, it doesn't seem that any large thunderstorms are heading directly toward Boca Raton at this time. So let's hope for nice weather, friendly security guards, and a good show!

Here's everything you ever wanted to know about William Shakespeare. You're welcome!

Here are some works of art that have to be seen to be believed; when viewed properly, they challenge the very concept of perspective. It's hard to describe, but check it out.

One year ago: "You've probably seen these, but hey. It's those pavement drawings that appear lifelike when viewed from the correct angle."
Two years ago: "I'm wearing a Beatles t-shirt and listening to Beatles music as I type this. I just finished watching one of the Beatles Anthology DVDs."