(no subject)

I really like being in one train as it's passing another heading the same direction. I guess it has something to do with moving past something slowly, yet knowing that you're going much faster than it seems. That and the give and take, sometimes you're going faster than the other train, sometimes they're going faster than you, and sometimes you're going the same speed. It makes me think of the NYC subway, because that's really the only 4-track I rode when I was younger and more impressionable. The effect just isn't the same between the El and the subway surface, and there just isn't enough train density on the Main Line to see it often (but I did today - at one point the local was going faster than the express...sigh).

In other news, I now have business cards.

(no subject)

The data is weak, but...

On each of the Eagles' first two drives, there were 2 running plays. Answering each of those drives, the Chargers could not manage a first down. Drives 3-6 had one run each (6 also had a McNabb scramble) - the Chargers managed just three first downs and threw an interception. The Eagles had the last drive of the half and there were no runs. The Chargers went 3 and out to start the second half. The Eagles had six more drives in the half (not counting running out the clock at the end) and ran the ball just three times. The Chargers, meanwhile, scored two touchdowns, a field goal, threw one interception, went three and out once, and had another field goal blocked. One wonders what would have happened had the Eagles kept running the ball in the second half - I think the defense tired out a bit, and even just one prolonged drive (which isn't possible when you've gone completely pass-wacky) might have let them rest up a bit and shut down the Chargers, rather than rely on some last-second heroics. The Eagles defense will not survive the Denver run offense if they don't get longer breathers between drives, which means the offense has to stay on the field. Alternatively, they need to score a lot of points early and force the Broncos to throw more, but they are yet to demonstrate an ability to do this (well, against any team other than the 49ers).

(no subject)

I have finisihed the Baroque Cycle. Generally didn't like it as much as Cryptonomicron, I thought the characters were slightly less interesting - in Cryptonomicron the characters all had quirks, the Baroque Cycle characters were less quirky and instead they were Isaac Newton, or Louis XIV. I was very pleased by the appearance of GFH, though I don't agree with the way he was characterized. Early in my reading, I found myself hoping that JSB would show up, but I checked the timelines and it just wasn't going to work out. But I knew that GFH was a possibility, and then it happened.

I will again need something to read on the train, but I'm planning to catch up on SWAPA first. Then maybe I'll get a book, or I'll just start in on crossword puzzles or something.

When I returned System of the World, I picked up CDs from the library. Corelli, Gabrieli, & Telemann. I find myself listening to my MP3 player on shuffle lately - I'm generally not wont to do that, but it's nice for a change to not have to think about what to listen to. That and I check WRTI's schedule in advance (which is nice - listened to Beethoven's Magic Flute variations today (nothing special)) and the World Cafe.