There's something called the Chicken Soup Index. It measures upper respiratory illnesses by how brisk are the sales of ... chicken soup, natch. Your grandmother would be so proud, and say, "I told you so!"

Recipients of federal government benefits are being urged to get their money via direct deposit into a bank account or refillable cash card, accepted wherever MasterCard is good [call (800)333-1795]. Turns out that the government could save $1B over the next 10 years if they could convince everyone to make the switch. No more misplaced/stolen checks by mail.

The weather here has switched from winter to spring, thanks to the Santa Ana winds. The birds are all in a tizzy, swooping around the bird feeders and searching the ground for scattered seeds. Damn squirrels just chewed through the rope holding one feeder. Guess we'll have to get a lightweight chain for it.

T.S. reports that his cacti needed to be covered during the latest cold snap, so he gave them hats (sombreros?) to wear. Isn't that cool?

Life is good.