So in Chicago, over the last 141 years there have only been 10 March days where the temperature reached 80 degrees. That's not counting this March. This March we've already had three days where it reached 80 degrees, and we'll probably have four more.

So, last 141 years? 10 days. This year? Seven more.

Record March warmth showing no sign of letting-up through Tuesday; there's been nothing like it here in over 141-years of weather observations

Saturday Silliness: Mobius bagel. Apparently you can take any whole bagel and turn it into a mobius strip. Bonus: room for more cream cheese. [link]

Plus you only have to put cream cheese on one side.

There are even people getting drunk for St. Paddy's in Granada. Crazy.

So we went for Lebanese, which was yummy. No museums today, just window shopping &wandering. Fun!

But I have been out drinking by 10am before

Only in college, once. Since St. Patrick's Day always fell while we were on spring break, the Thursday *before* spring break was Green Beer Day, and the bars started serving nasty-ass green beer at 5 a.m. I got up at 4 a.m. to drink green beer. And while we were waiting in line, in the dark, outside the bar, it started snowing.

And wow, was it surreal to go into the bar while it was dark and come out into daylight.

I also took an exam that day (drunk) and aced it. I don't know what that says about me.

Hil, sorry, but you mean the second and third.

The third will probably be tomorrow. I read fast, but I'm not sure I read quite fast enough to get through both books in one day. (I bought them both yesterday, though. I've been warned by, well, everybody.)

The former NSA official held his thumb and forefinger close together: “We are that far from a turnkey totalitarian state.”

Yeah, very interesting. As long as no one abuses that power, we'll be fine. Which means we're probably doomed.

The last few years Gary and I have gone downtown to a dive-ish bar(Madam's Organ, for those who know DC) to watch a friend play. This year the bar didn't get things together in time, so no gig for our friend.

For St. Pat day, a woman I know wears a leprechaun hat with a felt 4-leaf clover and the inscription, "no self-respecting Irish person would wear this hat." My leprechaun hat inscription says "I'm not Irish, but once a year I perpetuate a stereotype. "

I do have a distant cousin for whom St. Patrick's is her favorite holiday -- that's when she sends out holiday cards, etc. I wouldn't be surprised if she doesn't drink at all, and I'm not sure she has any Irish ancestry, so it just makes me laugh. I think it's charming.

I bought a bunch of stuff at TJ's and learned that the gift card was only $10, which is still better than a kick in the head, but I'm glad I didn't make a special trip.