A new start

OK--I've been away from this blog for a really, really long time--since almost the end of my fall semester. I was wrapping up my grades, then hurrying to prepare for Christmas, then enjoying time with my mother, and, finally, ramping up the research project I'm working on this term.

I've decided that, with the new start provided by the Obama inauguration, I can honorably grant myself a new start as a responsible and sociable blogger. Here goes!