Wow, you guys are deep. Lots of fascinating discussion goings-on. I have nothing to add, except maybe Nora, does it have to be oval? Because Overstock has something similar with a heart . Or, if you could settle for the toggle-type bracelet, they have bajillions.

Hec, want me to kick her butt? It won't be as definitive as an ita asskick, but quite memorable, nonetheless.

Yes, please. Preferably when she's at the top of a stairway.

Preferably when she's at the top of a stairway.

Oh lord. We're having even more than our usual to-do around here because our biannual big ass client conference is coming up this weekend and Friday night's blacktie dinner speaker fell down the stairs at his home and punctured a lung.

Damn. Lungs are pretty high on the "things to not puncture" list....

Oh brenda. How awful.

I think a Cultural [whatever religion] is probably best spoken of in terms of identity. If a person identifies as Religion X in a default sort of way, rather than a religious-understanding sort of way, s/he's still a Cultural [whatever]. What the person does with that identification, such as attending religious services only on major holy days, or keeping up traditional celebrations despite not attending services (and everything in between) is probably too it-depends-on-the-individual to define.

My sister just sent me another email.

I wonder if it's too late to get a valium prescription in time for the holidays.

My sister just sent me another email.

Reply that you bought the diamond necklace you wanted her to get you for xmas and she should just make the check out to you.

I wonder if it's too late to get a valium prescription in time for the holidays.

For the kids? Well, it's an interesting approach.

Cripes.

LAWRENCE - A professor whose planned course on creationism and intelligent design was canceled after he sent e-mails deriding Christian conservatives was hospitalized Monday after what appeared to be a roadside beating.

University of Kansas religious studies professor Paul Mirecki said that the two men who beat him made references to the class that was to be offered for the first time this spring.

Originally called "Special Topics in Religion: Intelligent Design, Creationism and other Religious Mythologies," the course was canceled last week at Mirecki's request.

[link]

At least this one is less present oriented. It seems last year's Christmas dinner, cooked by my mother, was not up to snuff, so this year Carol and BiL will be cooking. Now, both of them are probably better cooks than my mother at this point, so that is good, but
a) Let's just say cooking, especially together, does not bring out their good sides, and
b) They are still going to let my mother do all the shopping for the meal, which means the first day or so will be filled with bitching about all the ways she did it wrong.

(Paulie Walnuts) Hecubus, I would be honored to handle this thing for you. Consider it done.(/Paulie Walnuts) On my honor as one of the Effulgent ones. Of course were I really like Mr. Walnuts, I'd meet your boss as she came up to the stairway and talk to her in a very friendly way about how stress? Causes accidents, and how incredibly likely a fall can be if you are not paying attention because you are piling on unreasonable obligations on your staff, and who should know better than I how much restricted mobility sucks? Just, you know...friendly reminders.