we are experiencing technical difficulties - i'm having lots of trouble posting new entries to my blog. my laptop is about to die, and whenever i try to publish lengthly blog entries (especially those with links), the computer locks up and it's time to reboot. the good news is that i have a job interview in a couple of weeks, and i plan on getting a new laptop if i get the job. i'll keep you all posted with succinct messages these next few weeks. costco is selling laptops for 700 dollars.