Winter 2014 January 10 Friday

46  degrees this morning.  Seemed cooler than that.  Walked, but drove to ATC rather than biked since streets were still wet.

 I am always surprised at who the minor events in life are so important.  This morning my newspaper delivery was late (but came right as I was leaving for the the gym), but, more important, the carrier accidentally gave m a USA Today instead of the Wall Street Journal.  While I am on the stationary bike, I normally read the Memphis Commerical Appeal, then the Wall Street Journal and then the New York Time.  So all morning, it just seemed like something was out of place!  Add in the fact I drove (rather than  cycled to the  gym.

As I have mentioned previously,  the Wall Street Journal has the worst on-line newspaper, so I am always disappointed when it does't arrive. For some reason the on-line version is very difficult for me to read, just the way it is organized (or not organized).

Today is Friday.  I still am surprised that the week goes fast, even when "every day is a Saturday except for Sunday")  There is a definite difference between the weekdays, and especially between the workdays and weekends that are more defined than I expected. 

Speaking of the Book Club I noted yesterday, I enjoy it a lot more than I thought I would.  It is interesting to be around intelligent people who like to read and have read the same book and take the time to discuss it.  We know we have an hour and we know we are there to discuss a specific book, so there is no hurry and it gives a chance to really discuss it.

I can remember reading "Catcher in the Rye" when I was a kid (probably about 14) and thinking that there are other people out there who have weird thoughts also!  (Not exactly the same, but not the standard either.)  I read a lot of books when I was a kid.  When I was in the 7th Grade (and later) I read any book I could sneak past my Mom, although I continued to read a lot of standard library books.  We would go to the Library (in Holton, Kansas when I lived n the farm and in Russell when I was in the 8th through 12th grade.

Watch the "Frontline" report on the fraud at the SAC Capital Fund.  It was somewhat discouraging to see the large scale cheating, especially when I remember 2008 and how none of the individuals actually were punished in any way, especially for the mortgage fraud.

I have been reading about the CES show.  It is amazing (and sometimes disturbing, but always amazing)

Winter 2014 January 8 Thursday

34 degrees this morning, light misting rain.

Sobering thought:  "In 1970, less than 1% of taxi drivers had college degrees.  Four decades later, more than 15% do".  (Wall Street Journal, Thursday, February 9, 2014, page A13)

Not that taxi drivers have an easy job.  I tried to do it in graduate school (in Wichita) as a part time job and, believe me, it is a tough job.  I admire taxi drivers and always try to add an extra dollar or two to the tip, especially the good ones.  It it not an easy way to make a living.  All the more that the figure is scary for college students find it as the only way they can make a living.  If they enjoy it, great, but I doubt if that is the case.

I am backing off a little about the Logictech "ultra thin" keyboard.  I still don't like it, but I don't like the standard cases even less.  At least I can separate this.  I'm looking for one like I had before, if I can't find one, I may need to make do with this.  I can't understand why, when they can make something wonderful like the iPad, they can't make a decent case or keyboard.  Apple does make some great products (and some real duds).  Two of my iPod shuffles (at least 6 years old) are still going strong, as is my original 6 year old iPod.  My "3" iPhone is still be used as a iPod touch and it has to be at least 5 years old.  And, my "original iPad", although woefully obsolete works so well I can't bring myself to give it away.  I don't use it for much, but is still is great as a somewhat giant iPod Touch I can use for music and audiobooks.  (It is a little slow for e-books).

I used to make 8 cups of coffee in the morning, I am now making 10 cups due to the extended morning.  Coffee is may last vice, and a good one I enjoy!  

Speaking of e-books, as much as I hate to admit it, e-newspapers e-magazines and e-books are getting better, or at least I am getting used to them.  The Commercial Appeal actually has the best e-newspaper, and the New York Times has made some major improvements.  I prefer the printed edition, but it makes it nice when I am traveling for need to check on something to have the New York Times and Commerical Appeal have such nice e-newspapers.  Strangely enough, the Wall Street Journal e-addition is very hard to read and I usually simply avoid it if i can't buy or snag a copy.

Discussed "Catcher in the Rye" at our book club yesterday.  It is so nice to be around other people who love to read and want to discuss what they have read!

I see signs that the light of day is lasting longer!  Spring will be here shortly!  (Maybe in more ways than one!)