Our Big Announcement

Laura Jean and I are expecting our first child. The due date is November 10, so in less than six months we'll be promoted into parenthood. Obviously we're extremely excited about this, and more than a little bit terrified.

We've known for several months now, but have waited to make the general announcement until we had the chance to tell my two grandmothers in person, which we did this weekend. So the cat is out of the bag and the party has begun...

Stay tuned for updates.

To the Potomac!

I got in a nice long run today.

(Map courtesy gmap-pedometer.com; click for more)

Five miles to the Key Bridge and then took the Metro back. I wasn't feeling too speedy today since I've been lazy about running lately, but I got there eventually. And it was definitely a great day for a run: sunny and not too hot. Yay spring.

And now I shall collapse into bed.

the Closing of Tabs

I've had absolutely no time to blog lately, but here are a fistful of interesting things written by other people.

• Johann Hari outlines the real reasons why we should distrust the World Bank (and it's not because of Paul Wolfowitz). See also: Naomi Klein.

• Zadie Smith goes to Liberia. (via ILRF).
  

• A real-live economist questions the economic dogma of unlimited growth from an environmental perspective. (via Grist).
  

• A long (and, truth be told, fairly depressing) expose of the high rate of job deaths in the oil and gas industries. (via the Pump Handle).

• A gorgeous photo collection illustrating the evolution of life on earth.

• And lastly, two absolutely fabulous NY Times articles by Michael Pollan about nutrition and the consequences of our farm subsidies.