Terror threat 

It's both scary and reassuring that the NYC subway threat is so specific, isn't it? When you hear that the feds were surprised that New York officials chose to make it public, it makes you wonder about earlier threat alerts, and how much we are not told.

When Bush, ironically, told earlier in the day about thwarted attempts, it made me think of a remark made by a London terror expert around the time of the tube bombings. Something like, "A terrorist only has to get lucky once; defenders against terrorism have to be lucky every time." That's what makes it so scary. It's a little like political assassinations in that way, which I suppose are terrorist acts, aren't they? We've had a history of those so maybe we shouldn't say that 9/11 is our first experience with terrorism.

Dixie bound 

Dave shows the route to Greensboro as the car flies. I've actually done almost that same drive, all by myself. Only difference is that the route would bend up around Chattanooga to Bloomington. I like the northern route better. I'd like to do that trip on the train sometime. Or the "Empire Builder" (what a name!) goes way up north.

Have fun, Dave. I hope you are able to stay right away from politics.

Later: Whoa! He won't have time to mix it up with the rebs. Just read about the weblogs.com sale. He'll be busy answering questions and enjoying the buzz.

How nice 

Thanks, Hil. The feeling is mutual. I wish you could have seen the look of love for the drawing, on John Laz's face, when he bent (way!) over my monitor and discovered the limestone basketball. "Ohhhhh.... it's a basketball."