>> Chinese New Year. Today marks the beginning of the Year of the Rat, which is the “first” animal in the Chinese zodiac (”first” points are difficult to identify in circles). To commemorate this Asian holiday (yellow power and whatnot), today I wore most of the red clothes I own (which doesn’t amount to much), as the color red both encourages good fortune/chases away bad fortune. Upon seeing me, one of my patients remarked, “Wow—you’re not wearing dark colors!” I didn’t realize that my wardrobe consistently absorbed so much light.

>> Nice and Normal Ringtones. Verizon Wireless, in my opinion, does not provide a great variety of ringtones. Sometimes, you just want a simple, unique ringtone that will distinguish your phone from the population of cell phones out in the world. I particularly appreciate the “text alert” ringtones (short and sweet—and thus serve as the standard ring to my phone).

>> United States Running Streak Association. “USRSA RUNNING STREAK DEFINITION: A running streak is defined by USRSA as running at least one continuous mile within each calendar day under one’s own body power (without the utilization of any type of health or mechanical aid other than prosthetic devices).” I do not qualify for the USRSA. However, I am trailing just behind a pace bunny and have run over 58 miles in 2008.

>> French Quarter Phantoms. I have the good fortune of going to New Orleans in March. I’ve never been to the South. I have also never eaten beignets or jambalaya, tasted coffee with chicory, or visited a mausoleum. In a city that is renowned for jazz music, there is indeed a lindy hop scene, though I am doubtful that I shall have the opportunity step onto a dance floor during my visit.