Random thoughts this morning:

America has had at least 7 recessions. The ones fought with tax cuts have been shorter than the ones fought with government spending. The most massive government spending of all time (until now) turned a recession into a major depression.

People are still spending money. I bought a $5.25 8oz glass of bourbon-barrel aged honey mead (beer, more or less) last night. Cumberland Brews was doing land-office business. I had a fantastic time, but only got a table due to my excessive good looks and wonderful timing. It was standing room only for the two hours I was there, and everyone was spending money. Later, up and down Bardstown road there seemed to be more business going on than at the Temple when Jesus ran out all the money changers.

I finally found some scotch glasses last week. I ordered them. Glencairn glasses, from "The Wine Glass Guys". These glasses sell for up to $30 for a set of two on the Internet, and I got two sets of four for under $30 including shipping. I thought it was a typo and wasn't sure what I'd get, but they sent the whole deal. (revision--it was a typo, they just honored it...4 packs are now listed as $38.99 each.) That's a stand up company, and since I'm in the market for new stemware fairly often thanks to clumsy friends and children, I'll remember them.

I was shopping for stemware a couple weeks ago and found some wine and martini glasses that had hollow stems filled with Swarovski crystals for $390 a pair. They are selling. That gives me hope.

I met with my dissertation advisor yesterday, and we discussed what I should be doing right now and the world is a much clearer place. That makes me happy. Hopefully it will also make me productive.

I'm going home early this weekend, leaving in a few hours as a matter of fact, because my ex father in law fears that he's dying. I don't want him to, but he has been unhappy for years. Now he is unhappy and weak and he can't stand it. I've seen him this bad before, but that is no guarantee that he will pull out this time.

I just got in a pretty big order from Amazon, the second one in a week. The first was all research methods books. This one is for entertainment as well as education. I'll be reading Celebutards (which is hilarious by the way) this weekend. Then I'll pick between Sophie's World and Ishmael. I also got a book called ancient secret of the fountain of youth on the recommendation of my Turkish friend Baykal. It is thin, so it won't take much to read. Whether I can *do* what's inside is another matter.

I've wasted enough of my time (and yours) here. Take care,