Random Thoughts #1

Barack Obama Sworn In
I spent the inauguration with some neighbors, and we celebrated the return to sanity in our country’s leadership. I was a big Obama supporter during the campaign, and was very excited to watch his historic inauguration ceremony. There were applause, laughter, even some tears - one of my neighbors was a local Obama organizer, and had really put a lot of money and effort into the campaign and she was very emotional.

Most important to me, the Obama presidency signifies two major paradigm shifts. First, a return to aggressive diplomacy and a realization that the US should not act unilaterally unless absolutely necessary. This is essential to restore our standing and regain the respect of our allies. Second, a return to health care, environmental, and educational policy shaped by real science, not just by religious conviction.

Winter Blues - Part 1
OK, not the seasonal affective disorder / depression type of blues…I’m talking about about “frozen-pipes-that-burst-causing-a-huge-mess” blues. I forgot to winterize my front hose bib, and during our recent bout of sub-freezing weather, the water left in the line froze and split the pipe in my basement. Fortunately it was noticed very quickly, and I was able to keep the damage to a minimum. I still had to rip down some drywall and remove some framing studs to get to the pipe, but it should only cost me about $400 to get everything fixed up.

Winter Blues - Part 2
The dreaded “Wintry Mix” - that’s what we just got here in the mid-atlantic. Snow, to sleet, to freezing rain. Ugh. Why can’t we just have a good ol’ fashioned snow storm? Several weeks ago, the meteorologists over at The Capital Weather Gang wrote a lengthy essay on the changing climatology of this region - it’s very interesting stuff. Well, whatever the cause of the scarcity of snow around here, I believe we are due for a big one.