As Richard Nixon's 1968 campaign chairman for my eighth grade class, it's amazing to watch the political process unfold in new ways.

As a 1972 phone worker for CREEP -- The Committee To Re-Elect the President -- it's interesting to see how things stay the same.

Although we hear often from candidates for national office, it's even more fun to observe the "retail politics" involved in this year's 44th District legislative race. The fall race promises to be more focused and intense.

They were just dreaming up the Internet in 1968, but I doubt anyone could have predict the impact blogs have had on the process.

Since anyone can create a web log, the competition quickly allows the astute writers and observers to float to the top.

One of my favorites is Leavenworth Street (leavenworthstreet.blogspot.com/) which today is commenting on the "reverse rain" effect which could bring more farmers in from the fields to vote for Heineman -- or Osborne -- in the gubernatorial race.

Another interesting stop on the Internet is StatePaper.com, created before blogs were invented and owned, interestingly enough, by Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Hahn, but kept on track by longtime Lincoln journalist Ed Howard.

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My German-heritage wife was kind enough to accompany me to a Celtic festival near Wakeeny, Kan., last weekend. It was a smaller version of the Long's Peak Festival we have attended in Estes Park, Colo., several years, but with a slightly different flavor.

Th' Gatherin' is in its 10th year, and since it's only a couple of hours away, worth penciling in for next May.

Check it out at www. thgatherin.com/

Scottish festivals have always been frustrating for me, mainly for one reason. Assured by my parents that we were, indeed of Scotch-Irish heritage, I was disappointed to see there were no Crosby clan tents or parade contingents at either festival.

A helpful kilt-clad man at one of the tents, however, found Crosby as one of the "septs" -- relatives or hangers-on -- of a larger clan, one that I had often seen at Estes Park.

The clan Bruce.

It was fate.

Warning to the neighbors: My mother's maiden name was Piper.

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I doubt if I have the bagpipes mastered by this fall, and I certainly won't wear a kilt out in public by myself, but how about a Scottish contingent for this year's Heritage Days parade?

We might even let the Irish join in, if they behave themselves.