Great map on Wikipedia showing where people are originally from in the US, by county. Some notes:
(HT: Electoral Vote)
One of the little legends of American politics is the Tale of Carter’s Sweater, being an allegory for things that might be a good idea, but are too trivial for politicians to be seen to be dealing with. Well in the UK we now have the Legend of Brown’s Lunchbox.* The PM has decided to remind us not to throw out too much food, because it’s like throwing away money I guess. Just as with Carter he’s right, and just as with Carter if our leader is worried about the masses letting yoghurt go out of date then either he’s an imbecile or we’re all screwed. Or both, I guess.
*No, not that one.
One of the fashion items of the moment among young women in the UK is the white trouser. Being male I’m all for this innovation, though I might advocate certain restrictions (the 60-something woman I saw at the beech with a too-small hipster pair and a boob tube, for example). It struck me that this trend is a direct result of cheap overseas labour. If trousers cost £50 per pair you’re unlikely to get anything as impractical as white, because they’re not going to last more than a few months without becoming bra-strap gray. But if the trousers cost a tenner and you can get a season out of them before they fall apart anyway, why not?*
*Obviously there are ethical reasons why not, as well as ethical reasons why. My point is that it’s interesting to see such an impact, not whether it’s right or wrong.
I’ve been having problems with my front derailleur over the last few days, and last night I spent 10 minutes by the side of the road making adjustments. Unfortunately I’ve never quite got round to buying a multi-tool, so instead I was using the back cover of a Motorola Razr (surprisingly effective). Once I got home I overhauled the system (so expect bits to start dropping off within 2 days), and a tool will be ordered today.
This is one of the most terrifying images I’ve ever seen.
This might provide some protection.
