The Trickle - Feb. 9

Trickle of information

"The Trickle" (copyright pending) was not so named because it was intended to contain only a tiny bit of information. However, I admit to being a little short in the production department. I generally get my info from evening meetings. I haven't been going to many (which is fine, working at night isn't that great). For all my loyal readers (what, 4 of you?), I'll try to pick it up.

Long delay

I read a funny piece by Dave Barry recently (in the Times Observer, of course). I immediately went to our stack of recent papers to see if the Erie Times-News article he was talking about was there. It wasn't. Actually, I would have needed a little bit more than the past week's worth of papers. He was talking about a May 2004 article. I guess I got one of the last laughs out of that story. He who laughs last laughs best?

Interest in science?

In the midst of the brutal cold spell we had, I found myself in the situation of looking for something entertaining to do in cold weather. I had read (surprise, surprise, in the Times Observer) that throwing a cup full of water into the air would result in a frozen spray when the temperature is cold enough. I decided that was cool. One night, I saw the thermometer was reading -4 degrees. I believe that was the temperature Butch quoted. So, I wandered outside with a cup. I carefully tossed the water up. I didn't see anything fascinating in the sky. Then I heard the water falling into the snow. I was disappointed. After a few minutes, I decided I had done something wrong. I ran the water for a while to make sure it was as cold as possible. I wandered into a bigger area so I could throw the water higher without hitting anything. I launched it as high as I could. I waited. Then the water started hitting me on the head. Oh well.