The usual Random Thoughts item is on a brief break because of the impact of the winter ailment season on the writer. It should return on Friday, January 16, as this week looks potentially funnier. How long is a hiatus, anyway? What's half a hiatus? My cousin once took a hiatus and got 30 days for it, but we don't talk about him at family gatherings. If I show you my hiatus, will you show me yours? If it hiatuses or hiati? Never mind, next week.