Liquid Money

Our recent travels left me with a mental picture in my mind in which an airport bigwig is directing his subordinate. Bigwig: “We have a new rule.  No more liquids carried on to flights.” Peon: “Yes, sir.  Does that include water?” Bigwig: “Absolutely.  Water represents a grave threat to our national security.” Peon: “Even newly purchased, still sealed

Are We Done with the Oscars Yet?

Am I the only one who doesn’t care a twit about the Oscars?  I’ve never watched them yet, and don’t plan to unless someone I know personally is nominated–so I’m pretty safe.  And while I did have an interest in movies/actors who won awards during the years that the LOTR movies were in the running,

Shortcut Angst

Why do shortcuts never work out?  I don’t normally even attempt them–my track record is so bad. But this morning I caved to temptation. I was running a minute or two late in dropping my daughter off at preschool and hitting all the lights red.  I came to another red light, from which my usual route went straight.  To my right

Mopping Up the Milky Way

This morning, five minutes after I’m supposed to have taken the kids to school, the fridge had an emotional collapse.  Maybe it was the thought of all those Thanksgiving leftovers.  Maybe it just felt under-appreciated.  Whatever the cause, it decided that was a good time to drop a shelf–the one holding the milk jug, of

Within Walking Distance

One of the most misapplied statments in the English language.  ‘. . . a cozy little bed and breakfast within walking distance of downtown shops . . .’ Think: A three mile hike over back fields with rabid dogs chasing at your heels. ‘ . . . just a short walk from the metro station . . .’ Think: toiling

Singing the Soccer Blues

Both the kids had games this morning.  The daughter’s at 9:00am, the son’s at 10:00, so both of them needed to be ready to roll by 8:30ish, and if it was up to me they’d have been practicing as well.  But these are kids we’re talking about, and not terribly ambitious kids, either.  I put thoughts

Mathematician Conspiracy

I started my college math class today, and learned something, too:  There is a great math conspiracy bent on making the rest of us look like snivelling fools. Math really isn’t that complicated, so long as you stay in the reasonable levels of practical application.  Even beyond that I’ve heard it’s not so bad, and hey–how