Where does thunder come from? (Part Two)

Last week Thursday I posted a blurb about where thunder comes from. I mentioned that the full scientific explanation would be too much for my girls. Well…

I was tucking Clara in on Friday night after even heavier thunderstorms had passed through. She said in a timid voice, “Daddy, I’m scared of the thunder.”

I replied, “Do you know what thunder is? It’s angels playing the drums.”

She laughed, rolled over, and went to sleep. Mission accomplished, until she’s old enough for the real story.

(Why weren’t the angels bowling? Forgive me; I am not a big fan of bowling. Besides, I thought the idea of bowling in heaven a bit incongruous. Sorry mom.)

A bike at your beck and call

Here’s an interesting idea: automated bike rental in a large urban area. Washington D.C. is the first US city to have this, but it’s been done in Europe. As a cyclist and quasi-tree hugger, I like this one. Why?

• Cycling is fun, and good exercise
• Cycling is much faster than walking
• This program is privately funded. (I find it amazing that we keep looking to the government instead of ourselves/private industry to fix our ills.)