-Jan 24th. Last night President Bush gave his State of the Union address greeted here largely by jeers and disgust. However, I`ve noticed that much criticism of the US as a whole is constructive, not simple bashing. The address came at a critical time here in Iceland the day before yesterday Iceland beat top-ranked France at handball and moves up to another level. This sport is followed passionately in Iceland, and each neighborhood has its own team. Second in popularity is basketball, both being indoor sports.

-The business/political summit has gotten underway in Davos, Switzerland, on the news here through BBC and CNN. First impression I got was the lack of religious representation even though I was aware fully that Davos has nothing to do with religion. In a lively conversation three days ago several of us were discussing how religion has become marginalized in Western society. Paradox is that religiously motivated actions (violence) makes the news regularly. Although this discussion had to be terminated earlier than expected, we did agree that engaging in religiously motivated violence imparts a unique harmony, even peace, that is available readily for those less reflectively motivated (which unfortunately includes a lot of people).

-The rain which began yesterday continued throughout the night: not strong but intermittent and has washed much of the snow away. Temp at 6am was 5C.