Happy state vs. Red state vs. Blue state – and NY as the least happy state

I am always suspicious of social scientists with an evident axe to grind, but this is still a bit interesting. Except for Hawaii — presumably blissful for its island breezes, yearlong flora, and an prevalent pineapples — all of the top five happiness states are located in the South or desert Southwest. In fact, of … Read more

Brigid’s birthday today

Tim’s birthday Tim turns 13 was three days ago – December the 9th – which also happens to be the feast of St. Juan Diego. Juan Diego (you will recall) was the Mexican Indian who in 1531 had the BVM (Blessed Virgin Mary) appear to him. Now, that appearance has led to the cult of Our Lady … Read more

Tim turns 13

Wednesday was Tim’s 13th birthday, joining Joe (16) as a teenager(!). For the historic occasion, we got some pictures. As many are aware, it’s no fun trying to get pictures of your kids when they’re in their teens. Here’s Tim, messing with his big birthday present, which is an iTouch. Here he is wearing his … Read more

Better to exercise in the morning, or later in the day?

Personal Best – To Exercise Early or Late, Now There’s a Question – NYTimes.com Greg Atkinson, also at Liverpool John Moores University, said that some researchers, noticing that heart rates during exercise were lower in the morning, reasoned the way I did — that people must be more efficient in the morning. It would mean … Read more

2nd day of the Appalachian Trail overnighter

Posted about the first day here. My solo overnighter on the Appalachian Trail, when I was out the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving. The second day was an 8.7 mile hike. Miles five through seven, from Rte 52 going south and west, were unexpectedly tough. Narrow, rocky, up and down, the trail totally covered with leaves. I actually … Read more

My solo overnighter on the Appalachian Trail

Last Friday and Saturday, as previously mentioned here Off on a 24 hour adventure & Back from my 25 hour solo Appalachian Trail overnighter .  I made three short videos, as well as took a bunch of photos. Here’s the longest vid – only about a minute and a half. Note I called the shelter the “Morgan Stanley” … Read more