I pledge allegiance

I'm reading "The Devil in the White City" right now, and in addition to learning all about the intense planning and preparation that went into the world's fair held in Chicago in 1893, and the Jack-the-Ripper-like cruelty of Dr. Holmes, one fascinating thing I learned today from the book was the origin of the pledge of allegiance. Francis Bellamy, an editor of the magazine, Youth's Companion, thought of the idea to have school children all across the country recite the pledge in honor of the dedication of the fair grounds and the quadricentenial celebration of Columbus Day in October of 1892. I for one had no idea the pledge started all because of the fair in Chicago.

weekend of snowshoeing

with the 2+ feet of snow still on the ground, I figured it would be a great weekend for snowshoeing, especially since the forecast was for warmer and sunnier weather! Lo and behold the forecasters were spot on, and it was a brilliant weekend indeed, with the temp hitting over 30 on Saturday for the first time in two weeks! woohoo.

Keith, Allison, Cathie and I hit Wompatuck state park in Hingham on saturday for a great 2 hour trek around the park.
Then on Sunday I did a little 1 hour jaunt around the Mystic Lakes, with the highlight c0ming when I spotted one of the bald eagles that winters at the lakes. I had seen them a couple years ago, but seeing one again was truly magnificent! I had almost given up hope of seeing them this time around, when out of the corner of my eye I spotted it gliding across the lake toward me. It flew by me about 30 yards away, and then around the corner. Words can't fully describe the beauty of the bird soaring over the frozen water so gracefully, coming to rest on an outstretched branch. The eagle must have been at least 2-3 feet tall when perched on the branch. Unfortunately I wasn't quick enough to get a good picture, but i do have pictures from Wompatuck and other shots at the Mystic Lakes.

hand-foot coordination

This is mind-boggling...

While sitting in a chair, lift your right foot off the floor and make clockwise circles with your foot.
Now, while doing this, draw the number "6" in the air with your right hand.
Notice how your foot will change direction! crazy!

Super Buffaloes Bowl

I could really care less who wins Super Bowl XXXIX next week. I don't particularly like either team, save the fact that the college with the most players playing in the game this year will be none other than...
The Colorado Buffaloes!!!

Go CU!

let it snow

As another 6 inches of snow fell today, i figured i'd finally get around to posting some pictures from the so called "Blizzard of 2005"
Not really unlike any other large snowstorm that happens in Boston about once a winter, the news manages to dramatize every inch that falls, and make it out to be the biggest storm ever. not quite, although it did prove to be a chore shoveling the 30 inches or so that covered the cars. too bad i'm not up skiing in it...

head in the game

now here's a crafty idea... A man in Omaha is putting ads on his forehead and being paid for it. Heck, I'd even consider it for the kind of money he's getting for just a month of wearing an ad on his forehead. he must have a big forehead.