Writer's block...

Or specific-kind-of-writing block, at least... I have a simple, three-page drilling proposal facing me which I should be able to write in a few hours. It has been there for 11 days. Granted, I was in DC for three days of that, but still... I can't... get... the... words... to... flow... there. Haven't written much here in my journal, either.

And my four-month-overdue journal article for Meteoritics, on the Haughton Crater aeromagnetic images... sigh. It doesn't help that I type with one finger, 5-7wpm. A 3000-word article, even if I could dictate it in my sleep in ten minutes, requires at least 12-15 hours of patient right-index-finger-pounding. Low bandwidth. No distractions of any sort. Same writer's block issues. (shakes head) Must focus, not answer email, leave cellphone at home, not skim LJ, not let JL know I'm still alive...

Vote of no confidence

Effective today, I have moved the bulk of my retirement savings (401k-equivalent) out of blue-chip US equity index funds into European and Asian index funds (like Barclay's EAFE index). I'm leaving some amounts in Treasuries and small-cap US index funds, as a buffer and for balance.

This isn't just putting my money where my mouth is -- I believe that the US dollar will continue to weaken against other currencies, given the policies of the current administration. And if other countries grow tired of financing our deficits, the dollar will drop even further, possibly leading to a fiscal crisis over the next few years. All the foreign markets have to do is not sink far, and I'll still profit from them (in dollar terms).

Not that my paltry $200K will make any difference, but it is effectively a vote of no confidence in the Bush administration's economic and fiscal management...

Skating party!

The leading poll choice (from 11/10) was easily January 9... so we'll host a party at the Winter Lodge, http://www.winterlodge.com, that Sunday from 5:30-8pm. Admission free for those who RSVP by the end of 2004, $7 otherwise. The rink is outdoors, but part is covered (in case of rain).

[Poll #391376]