I barely know what time it is.

I'm not allowed to blog about work, but I think I can blog about the time difference. And while I did get myself on this time zone after a long day's work, the disconnect of having your family and culture three hours ahead remains unsettling. Naturally, I can't talk to my family during the normal hours, because my new temporary normal is not theirs. And, I had this weird time warp last night when, during an idle moment, I started reading tweets about the opening ceremonies, and then hours later got back to my hotel room and had a sense of what they were talking about. Kind of like taping a big game and watching it after you've read the score.

It does kind of remind me about the weeks I worked in London, February of 1990. One of the British TV channels was running SEC football, cutting out the huddle time, chain measurements, and so on; more or less like a one hour, relentless, non-stop video game. So not realizing at all what it was going to be like, I saw in the schedule that that night they were going to show the Florida-Georgia game. Wow: what more could I ask for? Here I am in England, a Saturday night, and they're showing the Florida-Georgia game! Time difference seemed about right, 9 PM in the UK would be 4 PM in EST. Very cool! Gators! Live! And then I remembered it was February, the game is played in November. This was a bit more than a five hour difference.

I'm quite happy that Up With Chris Hayes has been preempted by the Olympics. Otherwise I'd be tempted to get up at an even more ungodly, uncivilized hour in order to see it here. I am relieved that I am not tempted.

Now for a bit of politics before I retire to a book. Romney's indelicate behavior in London was absolutely wonderful (as best I could tell); it was like a new category of Beverly Hillbillies, a completely new variety of nouveau riche, wasn't it? Cameron's reframing that the London Olympics are not "in the middle of nowhere" has to be one for the ages; while I disagree with his policies, surely there is room to recognize a graceful bit of piano wire around the neck, isn't there?

And extending it all, the Four Weddings and a Funeral use of the Partidge Family moment calls to mind Rowan Atkinson doesn't it? And his bumbling ceremony? It is my recollection that "bumbling" is not a desireable adjective for those who seek the presidency. Your mileage may vary.

I have so far kept my promise that postings will be even more irregular than usual on this trip. I do hope you haven't been disappointed that I bothered to check in.

Home | | 9:30 PM (Pacific)
(DISCLOSURE: I work for Abt SRBI. My company does polling. My opinions should not be construed as representing those of my employer.)