Some Completely Random Thoughts

Sorry for not posting yesterday, but work got a bit hectic. Since I'm taking tomorrow off as a vacation day, I may not post then either. In the meantime, two random thoughts.

Random Thought the First

So, various commentators have been seen on the TV machine yelling that Obama needs to "do something" or "do more" about the oil spill in the Gulf. Then I read this report, which basically says, "do more what?" Key takeaways:

1) BP is not going it alone in the Gulf - they have an number of other oil companies working with them on the problem.
2) There are at least five (5) ROVs (Remote Operated Vehicles) at the wellhead. This is actually a problem, because each ROV is trailing a mile of cable, and so usually operate alone. Just preventing the control cables from getting tangled up is somebody's full-time job.

In short, Obama can make a stem-winder of a speech if he wants to, but it ain't gonna plug the damn hole any faster or better.

Random Thought the Second

With my work schedule, if I don't plan vacations, they don't happen. So, I'm looking to plan my next vacation. I'd love to go to World Con, but it's in Australia this year. Two problems:
1) It's not at a convenient date for my work schedule.
2) if I'm going to pay the bucks to go to Australia it will be for more than four days in a hotel (time which I don't have this year).

So I'm looking at NASFIC, which is in Raleigh, NC August 5-8. Questions for the Great Internet OverMind:

1) What (if any) special activities go on at NASFIC?
2) Is there any tourist stuff in the Raleigh area? I'm thinking of driving down and back.

Any thoughts would be welcome.