This is about what I was expecting: What American accent do you have? Your Result: The Inland North You may think you speak "Standard English straight out of the dictionary" but when you step away from the Great Lakes you get asked annoying questions like "Are you from Wisconsin?" or "Are you from Chicago?" Chances are you call carbonated drinks "pop."Philadelphia The … [Read more...] about What American accent do you have?
Garden Swans
Hostage Down
While most of us were enjoying Thanksgiving dinner with our families, Chicago police were dealing with a hostage situation that did not end well. The standoff began early Thanksgiving morning after an armed man took what was then believed to be two young women hostage inside their apartment building. The gunman opened fire on authorities who responded to the … [Read more...] about Hostage Down
Drinking and Driving
Just to let you all know, I'm planning to do some drinking and driving this holiday weekend. Not drunk driving, mind you—that would be illegal—just some drinking and then some driving. I'm very nearly a teetotaller by inclination. I think I've had four, maybe even five drinks so far this year. No reason for it, I just rarely ever get that "I'd like to have a … [Read more...] about Drinking and Driving
A Personal Astronomical Crisis
I was driving home from dinner with the parents when suddenly it hit me: I don't know how many planets there are! The IAU met to decide on it a few months ago, but the rule they settled on was not the rule everybody thought they'd settle on. I can't remember what they decided, so I have no clue how many planets there are. I think that means I get to make up my own rules. … [Read more...] about A Personal Astronomical Crisis