In a strange twist of Fate, it is currently cold as hell and snowing here in Seattle. Kat is busy gloating, since it was 74 degrees (F) and sunny in Indianapolis today. Normally our weather is opposite, but in MY favor. I usually brag to her that it’s nice and balmy here on the west coast while she’s whining about the freezing temps and snow (ice!) in the midwest.

However!

All will be well by the end of the week. I’m told that the midwest will be back to normal for this time of year. It’s reportedly going to be cold and snowy by Friday in Indy. She won’t be able to gloat then, eh?

Have you gotten any snow yet? Are you even a fan of Winter?

Let it Snow in Seattle

The 2010 Winter Olympics is now officially off and running, albeit under a cloud of sadness. While the opening ceremony was indeed a spectacular event, it was also touching to see the support for fallen Georgian athlete, luger Nodar Kumaritashvili. The remaining members of the Georgia delegation waved a flag with a black ribbon attached to the top, as well as wearing black armbands. Athletes from other countries were seen with the armbands in a show of fellowship and support, as well.

Kumaritashvili was killed during a practice run earlier today when he flew off the luge sled and out of the track into a steel beam. At one point during the day, Georgian officials were pondering pulling the remaining team members out of the Olympics. However, they have thankfully decided (as of now) to compete. These people have trained for years, some their entire lives, for this moment. While their hearts are heavy, it would be a shame for them to not have the opportunity to reach their ultimate goal.

Despite the pall cast over the night, the festivities were beautiful, and the crowd of thousands roared their approval throughout the event. Whether or not you’re a sports fan, the Olympics hold special appeal for many. I certainly hope you’ll be watching, and cheering on your home teams!

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2010 Winter Olympics Opening Clouded By Athlete Death

I meet up with many people on a regular basis, thanks to things like Tweetups and conferences. Not everyone is so lucky, though. Often, deep and lasting friendships are formed online, but the people involved never have a chance to meet face-to-face. Many people maintain that it’s easier to make a strong connection with someone online, since you don’t have the fears and anxieties associated with how you look, or how you come across in person. Also, people tend to be more open about themselves when they are behind a computer screen, instead of hiding who they really are – and what they really think.

Have you ever met any of your online friends? How did it go? Was the friendship and connection as strong in person as it was while you were on the Internet? I’d love to hear your experiences and thoughts on this. I know that we have community members who met online, and later ended up engaged or married. I’m interested in seeing how many real friendships have sprung up, as well!

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Have You Met Your Online Friends in Person?

Directly from tonight’s report (Will Technology Save us or Kill us):

CO2 in the atmosphere is off the charts – a logical (not just political) outcome from sloppy and outdated manufacturing processes and the increasing amount of nations reliant on fossil fuels. The more populations we industrialize, the more carbon dioxide we produce – it’s really *THAT* simple. It’s scary simple. “Technology” can save us, but it is likely leading us down the path of our own destruction. What we need to apply now is our knowledge, not just our tools. I don’t care who you are or where you’re from – we’re all in this together. Forget about our petty differences for just a split second and realize that we’re facing something potentially cataclysmic. This isn’t a future generation’s problem – it’s our problem. This isn’t happening in the future – it’s happening today.

I’ve got a bad feeling about this.

Global Warming: Save Us from Ourselves