I've been out to get groceries, and having fun with the guest, so the New Year is starting out nicely. Also the snow was easy to brush off the car, and the roads were already melted clear, while the snow is still clinging to twigs and roofs and so on, for maximum wintry wonderlandness.

My parents' computer is all fucked up, and I want to fix it so bad, but I know that's a huge faux pas, like rearranging someone's furniture when they're out.

I don't know. I always fix my sister's computer when I go home. Computers are such a mystery to her that she never notices the difference.

Hivemind question: My aunt had a stroke and she's having trouble holding a book. Since being stuck in a nursing home without being able to read is my idea of the lowest levels of hell, I'm trying to find a solution. She does sit up most of the day and has an adjustable table. I saw this [link] at Levenger's, but I was wondering if anyone had any actual experience with a book stand for reading.

eta: She's left-handed and the stroke affected her left side, so it needs to be something she can easily use with one hand.

I'm awake. Party was fun. Drank too much. Afraid to download the pictures off my camera, though I only seem to recall saying embarassing things rather than doing. Attendence was much lower than I expected, with half the people who said they were going to make it not showing, but two people who hadn't responded at all did show up, so it kind of balanced out.

I don't, Ginger, but it seems like it would be a good thing.

I do, however, have my own question, for glamoristas: I was considering going to the guy who cut my hair on TV for another cut, but now I'm afriad. It turns out, he's the Style Director of the salon, and cuts there START at $125. What kind of money do you think it would be for him to cut? And now I do realize why that was the best haircut I've ever had in my life.

I often use book stands because of my RSI. The wire ones are nearly useless. I have a Book Mate like this: [link]

It does require some use of hands because you have to adjust the little page keepers with each page turn. If she has less control of her hands than needed for that, have you considered audiobooks?

Sorry to hear about your aunt, Ginger. The book stand sounds like a great idea, but I've never used one.

ION, I have a party to clean up after. Don't wanna.

Pet Peeve #826: When I say I live in LA and love it to death, it's kinda rude to respond, "OMIGOD WHY??? IT SUCKS SO MUCH!!!"

Kristen, my biggest reaction to watching The Italian Job last night was a fierce missing of LA. LA is the opposite of suck.

I have decided to get married in the US, hopefully this year. This way my sister will have to choose between my wedding and her ban on US travel. It would be convenient if I could have a boyfriend before March, for unrelated reasons.

So get on that, will you, Buffistas?

Ginger, Spidra's suggestion sounds good.

So get on that, will you, Buffistas?

There's a hot young barista at the Northgate Starbucks drive through that I've considered kidnapping and shipping to you... (Last time we ordered there, I looked through the window and said to Paul, "Damn, can we get him for ita?")

Great voice, too.

My grandfather used a similar book holder when he read at the table, but turning pages one-handed took some dexterity, and it didn't work well with paperbacks or books with short bottom margins.

My grandmother used a lap desk on a bean bag when she read in her easy chair, something like this: [link]