Events

Like many Americans, I backpacked through Europe right after graduating from college, in the summer of 1992. I've been scanning all of my slides, gradually, for a couple of years in fact, and I'm now up to that Europe trip. (The trip starts on slide #2362, and I'm just today up to slide #2500.) Here are two. First, Chichester Cathedral, England: Then, from Rolle, Switzerland: I'm glad I took slides—almost all of them on Kodachrome 64. Some of the earliest photos still have perfect color and grain, 27...

Just a few quick things today: The temperature hit 13°C today, not a record but definitely a pleasant day in December. In Chicago. Because, of course, there are parts of the world where that temperature on any day of the year would cause alarm. Matthew Yglesias thinks mutual funds are stupid. I'm linking because of his two clear charts. His recommendations: index funds. (But...is any of this news?) The local pizza place around the corner folded last week. This was Parker's favorite summer hangout. We'll...

Chicago has had the longest streak of above-normal daily temperatures in any November since records have been kept: The last day of November will see Chicago's 27th record-setting consecutive day with above-normal temperatures. Warmer readings are likely Tuesday as southwesterly winds and abundant sunshine allow afternoon high temperatures to approach and even exceed 50 degrees at many observation points around the metro area. A cold front should pass through Chicago early Wednesday, followed by a...

Why it's important to get your scanner settings correct: Duh. Film setting, dude. Film setting.

The bed is just a suggestion, apparently:

I did, in fact, fly yesterday. As usual, here's the Google Earth track.

It looks like I might fly this afternoon: I've had to postpone my annual flight review four times because of weather. Finally, today, the forecast calls for what you see above: clear skies, light winds, cold temperatures. (It's 0°C this morning.)

As usual, the primary color is gray: There's a rumor we will have sunlight tomorrow. Unconfirmed.

Pilot and author James Fallows is thankful for the reasonable and minimal changes to New York City airspace the FAA announced last week: When regulators and security officials address a problem through minimal rather than excessive rule-setting and interference or panicky over-reaction, that is worth our thankfulness too. Building toward a crescendo of things to be thankful for at this time of year. By the way, it's a very fun trip for private pilots: (From a flight I took in March 2000.)

Not Always Right, vigniettes that demonstrate how customer stupidity is an absolute limit on customer service: Me: "Thank you for calling ***. How may I help you today?" Caller: "I'm having problems with my computer and–" (Suddenly, what sounds like an air raid siren sounds off in the background.) Me: "Ma'am, I apologize. I was unable to hear what you said." Caller: "Stupid tornado warnings! They always make it hard to talk on the phone." Me: "Oh...should I let you go?" Caller: "Nah. This happens all of...