How long will it be before all the ash trees in southeastern Michigan die out? I heard a figure on the radio just now of 6 million ash decimated by the emerald ash borer and almost did a double take. Unbelievable.

A howling wind tore through the boulevards of the southeastern Michigan town, stirring up dust motes, leaves, beetles, and memories of regret, pathos, and anomie.

This year’s Lyttle Lytton Prizes (a spinoff from the better-known Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest, sponsored every year by San Jose State University) have been announced. The winner:

This is the story of your mom’s life.

Runners-up:

I am pleased to announce that, although attitudes have improved immensely, the beatings will continue.

And:

While a hellish yowl tore my throat, the panicked kitten—in fact me—leapt crying for the throat of Julia, there seeking comfort—and revenge.

And:

Juicy, their love was like forbidden fruit: tasty.

My favorite, though, is this one:

I know who the murderer is, Kevin blogged.

[Link courtesy Metafilter.]

Tornado weather, says Hillary ….. great!

The one that passed through the day we arrived last August was enough for me, but I suppose that’s wishful thinking.

(On another subject, Hillary has a great post about John Negroponte, Bush’s new “ambassador” to Iraq.)

Let’s see. Prediction from the National Weather Service: possibility of thunderstorms 20%; temperature will rise to 76 by noon then fall to 67; and the winds will be between 25-30 mph, with gusts as high as 49 mph.

Great. I don’t know whether to dress for wind and rain or for a luau.