Yesterday, recurring references occurred. This was about the nuking of an American city.

I read this article: http://www.ken-welch.com/ sent to me via an e-mail newsletter. The author uses the dubious technique of "Reverse Speech" as the basis for his assertations. I don't believe that Houston will get nuked on Easter weekend. The writer admits that he was not predicting anything. In fact, since the story was published and thousands have read it, the dark forces in our government will go to "Plan B". Clever way of avoiding verification.

The other reference was from a different newsletter that simply describes what might happen to the US economy in case one city was hit by a small nuclear device.

This kind of recurring reference happens all the time with trivial stuff. Scott Adams theorized that the cause of it is a form of observer bias. The first reference causes the mind to focus on the thing being referenced therefore you become more aware when it is referenced again.

I would like to test that theory.

Linda Lavin, a singer and actress. Her claim to fame is playing the title role in the TV sitcom, "Alice." The show was cancelled in the late 1980's so there really is no reason for her name to come up. I will call this the first reference to Linda Lavin. There is a date on this post.

The audience (both of you) participation part of this: Count how many mentions of Linda Lavin occur from today (March 29) to April 5. The mentions can be media or personal conversations. List any Linda Lavin references in the comments.

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I'm trying to read the Canterbury Tales for enjoyment rather than as a school assignment. I studied a part of them in high school. I was assigned The Pardoner's Tale. It was not at all memorable, mostly because the act of analysis sucked the joy out of reading. School in general had a way with sucking the joy out of a lot of things. I enjoy learning but hated school - except college - I liked that. I could have lived without the "socialization" that school is supposed to provide.

If you are in school and get to choose a part of the Canterbury Tales to read and study, pick the Miller's Tale. Assuming that your school is not uptight or dumbed down. Don't let the archaic language hold you back. It is a fun read.

Currently, I'm reading the Reeve's Tale.