I saw the whole thing. I was at a table of six (this is the theater in the Reno Hilton,which is broken up into tables). Everybody at my table was appalled; it was harder to judge the rest of the room.

I've heard that all that kept some people from walking out is they wanted to be there to support friends who were nominated for the awards.

Timelies all!

Well, I'm just about all packed for my trip. All that's left is stuff I need tonight and tomorrow. Eee!

Holy crap, Betsy, that may be the most appalling thing I've heard today.

I'm also biased because Judaism is generally discriminatory when it comes to proselytizing. Jews are fair game, but gentiles are pretty much turned away at the door and have to be pretty persistent to get in.

It's true -- so much easier when the person on the street asks me "Are you Jewish?" and I can just say no. It took me years to stop engaging with people who wanted to talk to me about Jesus.

Hivemind question:

I'm trying to buy a small electrical appliance ($15-$30) that will grate cheese just like a cheese grater. All the little devices I saw in the store will mince and chop stuff. Is that the same thing?

sara, I'll buy you a virtual drink. And the nap is free, too.

I've heard that all that kept some people from walking out is they wanted to be there to support friends who were nominated for the awards.

Yup. Fortunately (she said smugly) two of my friends won Ritas and one won a Golden Heart. Which took all the sting out of the stupidity.

Wolfram, no, chopped cheese is all gritty. You want an actual grater. Hey! A Salad Shooter is finally on-topic!

You know what? Telling/asking someone try not to be too upset? MAKES IT WORSE.

Oh, totally. Annoying!

Wolfram -- I'm pretty sure you can get a grater blade for a food processor, but chopping is not the same as grating IMO.

Who do you know who won?

Is that the same thing?

Sometimes. I know mom has one that also has a grating blade. (Though the mincing blade is really useful with cheese for this canape she makes).

Allyson, is Maya doing Suz Brockmann's next thingy?

Probably. I just got off the phone with Maya. She was there! Not in the audience for that, though. She admonished me for not telling her you were going so she could meet you. I didn't even know she was going.

She said Suz just called her to ask what the hell happened, she missed the awards, too, and was hearing that something terrible occurred. Maya was amused that I knew what had happened before she did. She said she was calling Suz right away with the skinny.