What’s going on here?

This is a little disconcerting. The London Sunday Times claims that the FBI denied the existence of a document whose existence the Times later claims to have confirmed. The document in question allegedly regards an investigation of a Turkish and Israeli nuclear-secrets smuggling scheme: one in which American officials are alleged to have taken part.

So far there has been no mention of this in the American press, from what I can see. Not sure what’s going on here, but I think the activities involved are serious enough to warrant further investigation.

Staying put

Well, in spite of our near-herculean efforts we couldn’t come to terms for that downtown house so we’ve withdrawn our offer and are staying put for now. Its a bummer but sometimes you can’t work things out. We were really excited about the house, but these things take some measure of flexibility and unfortunately flexibility wasn’t in abundance here.

We’re not giving up on living downtown, though. I’m sure we’ll find something soon.

Pandora threatens my wallet

Have I mentioned how much I like Pandora? I’ll be working away and listening to my R.E.M. Channel (and Cake Channel, and many others) when some amazing song will begin playing and I’ll drop whatever I’m doing to see whose song it is so I can go out and buy it. So far, Pandora’s turned me on to Muse, The Killers, Kings of Leon, We Are Scientists, The Shins, Jude, Miracle Legion, Sam Prekop, The Redwalls, Pete Yorn, Bishop Allen, Broadcast Debut, Keane, The La’s, Pernice Brothers, and Kashmir, to name a few. Out of those I like The La’s, Pernice Brothers, Keane, and Kashmir the best, I think.

In short, I am hopelessly, irresistibly hooked on Pandora. Its introduced me to more music in two weeks than the month I’ve had Sirius radio, or the years I’ve listened to WKNC, or anything else I can think of, for that matter. I feel compelled to buy music again – something that I more or less swore off a while ago as a waste of my money. I actually feel hip again, believe it or not.

Pandora’s gotten me excited about music again. I’m loving it, baby!

Birthday recap

Oh yeah. Scott reminded me that today is my birthday.

I woke up to a birthday breakfast cooked by my lovely wife and son. Then I opened my cards and presents and shared my lap with my beautiful daughter.

After that, it was off to see the real estate attorney to go over the offer we made on the house today. This was followed by a work conference call, after which the family took me out to lunch at “Backpack Yogurt,” as our kids dubbed it long ago. My cheeseburger left a lot to be desired but the company couldn’t be beat!

Around 3PM I hit the road for Annapolis, happy that the traffic was light due to the federal holiday. I arrived at my hotel around 9 and was promptly upgraded to a luxurious, 600sf junior suite on account of my birthday.

Now I’m gonna sneak out to the neighboring Irish pub for a pint before chatting with Kelly one more time and retiring for the evening. Maybe next year I’ll take my birthday off and stick with just the fun stuff!

Househunting

Kelly and I made an offer today on a house in Raleigh’s Historic Oakwood. We’re hoping to buy a hundred-year-old house within a stone’s throw of the guv’nor’s mansion. Getting Hallie and Travis closer to their school, Conn, was one big reason we looked in Oakwood. We’ve also always wanted to live in that area and circumstances have now made that possible.

We’ve got a lot to do between now and then to actually complete the move. An offer is a long way from a closing, though. Hopefully things will go smoothly for the transition.

If you know anyone who would like a great home with a phenomenal yard in a vibrant North Raleigh community and within walking distance of Durant Nature Park, let me know (Geez, do I sound like a real estate agent or what?)

Once more to Annapolis

I’m mid-trip on my way to Annapolis to conduct two days of training. I’m hoping the weather makes it a pleasant stay, but freezing rain and snow/sleet is predicted for tomorrow. Since I won’t be driving for the next two days, all I hope is that everything’s melted by the time I head home Wednesday evening.

Freezy stuff tomorrow. This time they mean it

Looks like the “weather event” that didn’t take place earlier this week may take place tomorrow. The question is exactly where it will take place, but then again, that’s always the real question about forecasts, isn’t it?

For the record, too, MT.Net recorded .51 inches of rain yesterday. That was good for adding 130 gallons to my rainwater tank before it was full. I probably could’ve collected another 150 gallons if I’d had the storage capacity. I’m a water-collecting fool.