Less Free Time

The past eight months I've had a lot of free time.

I've used this time wisely. I've watched every episode of Scrubs, seasons 1-4 (a highly underrated show, but not for everyone). I became an avid listener of audiobooks. I set up a modest basement gym and actually used it once in a while (while watching Runnin' Down a Dream on DVD, which I highly recommend). I even went on a game show, where I won $8000 and learned that the almond is in the same botanical family as the peach.

And I started this blog. Most of my posts are the sort of things I might prattle on about from a bar stool. When you're on a bar stool, you can be a little sloppy in your use of facts. But when you're publishing it on the world wide interwebnet, where literally dozens of people might read it, well, you gotta check your facts.

So I've learned a lot while writing this thing. I learned that five actors not yet in their teens have been nominated for Academy Awards. I learned the 1963 Giants are among the greatest offensive teams in NFL history. I learned James Buchanan had more experience than Lincoln, Washington, and FDR combined, for all the good it did him.

I learned that the European Union recognizes 23 languages and that Dan Quisenberry had a better career than Goose Gossage, even if Cooperstown disagrees. I learned that George Clooney's career accomplishments are roughly similar to Greg Kinnear's.

And most importantly, I loudly and proudly defended Eli Manning, on record, when just about every other Giant fan on God's good earth wanted him run out of town.

But alas, I'm about to have less free time. I start a new job next week and I don't think I'll be permitted to spend my work day researching the Presidency of Warren Harding.

I'm not sure what effect this will have on FreeTime. Fewer longer pieces, at least in the beginning. Maybe a few guest writers. And almost certainly, sloppier fact checking.

I hope to get a few pieces in this week, but after that things should slow down. But who knows? Check in once in a while if you have some free time.

And thank you to my loyal readers. You've both been wonderful.