Loan rates are really, really low right now. So we applied for a refinance about three weeks ago. Had the appraisal done two or three days later. Since then, haven't heard a peep from the lender or loan officer. They told us up front the process would take about 45 to 60 days, but shouldn't we be getting some feedback by now? Maybe instructions regarding more forms to fill out, or potential closing dates so we can schedule time away from work? At what point should I start bugging the loan officer -- or should I be patient a little longer?

Any thoughts appreciated.

Just saw the news that comedian/actor Dom DeLuise passed away yesterday. He was 75 years old. :(

WTOP article

I seem to recall an article a few years ago. Scientists created some sort of plasma cloud of metal atoms, or some such, and light travelled much faster through this cloud than it does in a vacuum. Can anybody shed some light on this?

Thanks!

It's them, I tell you! They're coming for me!

Apparently, last night's sky was full of fiery streaks of light, sometimes with thunder. Did anyone see this phenomenon?

WTOP news article

More information: It was likely the remains of a rocket booster from a recent space launch: WTOP follow up article

Is there a name for the following transformation?

y = x/(C-x)


(I realize it's a translation of a simple inverse, but I'm looking for a name of it in this configuration)

You may have heard about Verizon Wireless' new policy. They are going to make your privacy information available to their associates (whatever that means), unless you opt out. Apparently they've made opting out based on their instructions extremely difficult.

More information is available at the following links:

Verizon Wireless website

Detailed instructions from Boing Boing

Dogbert is giving a seminar, and says, "First, review this list of your priorities."

Family
Job
Exercise
Vacation
Must-Dos
Medical
Eating
Hygiene
Sleep
Romance
Holidays

"You have time for three things. Work and Holidays are two. You get to pick the third."

From yesterday's Dilbert page-a-day calendar:

Dilbert and Dogbert, taking a walk.

Dilbert: I'm thinking about buying a more fuel efficient car.
Dogbert: Why?

Dilbert: It's my patriotic duty to reduce this country's dependence on foreign sources of oil.
Dogbert: Why?

Dilbert: Because then the countries that hate us will have less money to fund terrorists.
Dogbert: Actually, developing countries would buy the oil you saved, thus adequately funding those same terrorists.

Dilbert: At least I wouldn't be funding them myself.
Dogbert: Oil is a fungible commodity. the capitalist system virtually guarantees that you'll end up buying the lowest cost oil from sources unknown to you.

Dilbert: Well, maybe, but I want my car to make a statement.
Dogbert: And the statement would be "hey, everyone, I don't understand what fungible means!"

( definition )

I've only been to Panera for lunch once before today, and it has been a while. My memory said, good food, seemed healthy. Today a group from work went, and I had a half sandwich (turkey on foccacia) with onion soup in a bread bowl. Sounds okay until you realize the bread bowl added nearly 600 calories to the meal. My lunch today had more calories than everything I ate yesterday. Sigh. Next time, no bread bowl. And no dressing on the sandwich. Or maybe I'll just go to California Tortilla (regular sized bean and cheese burrito in a bowl, no sour cream, only 290 calories! And don't forget the hot sauce!)

You live you learn, eh?

Today's xkcd suggests that love is fractal -- no matter how closely you examine love, it's just as complicated, just as mystifying, just as beautiful.