Happy Winter Solstice!

I may be a day late with this, but happy solstice, everyone -- it's my favorite holiday of the year, secularist that I am. Normally, I'd say something about keeping hope alive through the darkened cold of a Northeast winter, but it's been like 60 degrees here every other day.

Speaking of secular holidays, the one I think we should start celebrating now that we have access to long-term meteorological data is the true midwinter's eve: the point in the calendar where the average temperatures hit their low for the year. It's somewhere around a month from now (just as the high point of summer heat arrives a month after the summer solstice.) Or at least it is for NYC -- I wonder if that pacing varies in different parts of the world. (Presumably landlocked areas might have a slightly different schedule.)

Anyhow, the point is: have a great holiday. Thanks for hanging out here this year.

Comments

[kevin]

happy holidays steve-o

[Rikard Linde]

Thanks for a great 2006 Steven. I'm sure you'll make 2007 even more exciting.
Is it still ok to say Merry Christmas in the US? It's not like I'm a christian or anything but... Christmas is when I get my presents so I think it's worth celebrating. Merry Christmas and Happy Winter Solstice:-)

[Keith Cash]

Happy Winter Solstice! to you to.
May we all reflect on our year of life and prepare for the new year.

Slainte / Cheers 2006

[michael germain]

I am reading ghost maps. on page 103-104 you discuss the genetics of alcohol dehydrogenase in relationship to alcoholism. 1st I don't believe there has been any corroloation between alcoholism and the degree of alcohol dehydrogenase activity in terms of genetic predisposition. alcohol dehydrogenase is upregulated in alcoholics so their acitivity of alcohol dehydrogenase before they became heavey drinkers is hard to determine. furthermore those that can "hold their liquor" may have a tendency to be alcoholics since they can drink more. those that can't, get sick and may not become alcoholics. But mostly I think we can say there is no corrolation either way.
If you have some references to support your statements please send them to me
thanks

[James]

Hi Steven,

Just wanted to let you know about this:

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2006/12/book_review_the_7.php