A small diversion

Two sites that may tickle your fancy in these tough times; both allow you to contribute, so you can feel you’re doing something about the situation.

Failblog is a collection of, well, things that fail the “huh?” test. If you’re stuck in a meeting you might just surf on over here to amuse yourself. Probably not a good idea to watch the videos at the meeting; but a lot of the pix are quite uplifting.

The one I really get a kick out of is graphjam. Finally—a legitimate use for Excel graphs. The one on who benefits most from the bailout is, alas, way more accurate than anything you’ll get out of the government.

But the graphs cover all manner of subjects. This one resonated with me immediately.

Look—we’re not talking high art, here. But see above about tough times. Take ‘em as you can.

'Tis the season...apparently

So, I was in my local Home Depot Saturday--that would be 27 September--when what to my wondering eyes should appear but...

Christmas decorations.

Yes, children, light strings, light ropes, light nets, light deer, light Christmas packages, lighted hot-air Santas--the whole megillah. Mostly exterior stuff, although there was some indoor decor. It was only about 300 square feet of display, but I'm sure that'll soon seek lebensraum & roll over the garden display like Panzers through Poland.

I'm not sure if this is the earliest I've ever seen holiday merchandise out, but it's creeping up there. Of course, it's not officially the season until you've seen your first Salad Shooter commercial...