News and Views

From my kids accomplishments, to my heretical perspective of the world

News and Views header image 4

Entries from August 2010

A Depressing Poll

August 26th, 2010 · 4 Comments

The Economist published a poll a couple of days ago that asked (among other things): “Do you think that Muslims have a constitutional right to build a mosque … near the World Trade Center site?” The question wasn’t “Is it wise?” or “Does it make you uncomfortable?”, or “Do you hate the idea, and hate […]

[Read more →]

Tags: Opinion

Buyer’s Remorse

August 25th, 2010 · 7 Comments

Yep, on that brand new Acura Crossover SUV. Not that it isn’t a wonderful vehicle, but I keep looking at my old Odyssey and think about all the things I can’t do with the new one: Carry 7 people comfortably (it happens more than you might guess), throw dirty stuff in the back (would never […]

[Read more →]

Tags: Family Updates

Finally Dry

August 23rd, 2010 · 2 Comments

They had 23 fans and 5 dehumidifiers in the house for 4 days. What a racket! They finally judged the house dry, and took the equipment away last night, so at least it’s peaceful again. The insurance adjuster was here this morning, and estimated about $7000 just to repair the damage to the walls. That […]

[Read more →]

Tags: Family Updates

An Indulgence

August 19th, 2010 · 10 Comments

After driving my Honda Odyssey for 10 years and 145,000 miles, I decided it was time for a new car. When you live many years with a car, you’re not aware of the gradual change as it ages — it still seems about like it did when it was new. But it’s not the car […]

[Read more →]

Tags: Computers, Tech & Science · Family Updates

Water, water everywhere

August 18th, 2010 · 12 Comments

We had a nice rain storm last night, but that’s not what this is about. The connection to the downstairs toilet broke some time in the night, and we woke to standing water all over the lowest level of the house. The water is not above the top of the carpet, but walking on carpets […]

[Read more →]

Tags: Family Updates

Cornell Deferred

August 11th, 2010 · 3 Comments

You may remember that Devon was accepted into the Cornell University Graduate Physics program. He wanted to spend the summer in Taiwan, studying Mandarin and immersing himself into another culture. Well, he’s having so much fun that he doesn’t want to come back. He contacted Cornell, and told them he was enrolled in the University […]

[Read more →]

Tags: Family Updates

Aquagenic Pruritis

August 8th, 2010 · 14 Comments

I know that self-diagnosing by browsing the internet is often a bad idea. But in this case I think I got it right. For months, every time after I get out of the shower, my legs would start itching. At times it is almost unbearable, and I sit there scratching away. It peaks about 5 […]

[Read more →]

Tags: Family Updates