Happy Thanksgiving everybody! Hopefully, you're spending time with your family & friends today instead of hacking on stuff. Even better, hacking on stuff with your family & friends =].
I know this is a joke but if a Brit told HN "Happy Guy Fawkes Day" Americans would probably say, "cheers." It's a holiday, give thanks, don't be cynical for 24 hours :)
Yes, the events of terrorism in South Asia were/are terrible and I suspect we will continue to find out how bad it was/is, but I don't think that means that there is nothing to be happy about. Even if your perspective is purely the negative, things could be far far worse. I think it is easy in our pursuit of the ideal to tend to see things as what is wrong rather than how much is right. I think focusing primarily on the defects deprives one of the joy of realizing all the things there are to appreciate.
This is a good point. I find it important to think about how there has always been and always will be death and despair. It is, for better or worse, the natural balance to things.
It's important to note that throughout all time there has been tragedy, it is only now that we have super-mass-media and perpetual-second-by-second reporting that we are aware of it all.
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Its like Christmas but without the gift-giving. Spending time with those you love while enjoying amazing food and each others company--just the way a holiday should be. Seems to me Christmas would be a lot better without the gifts.
I am thankful for the improved health of my family, my obscenely wonderful girlfriend, the business taking off, and being in the best shape since my university days.
She who must be obeyed and I just wrapped up our Thanksgiving dinner - tough day when your family is 10000 miles away. Anyhow, happy Thanksgiving to all.
Google says Earth's diameter at the equator is 7926.28 miles (12756.1 km). So you may be certain that your family is always less than 10000 miles away. :)