That really sucks, Allyson. And yeah, waiting for a plumber until Wednesday seems like it ought to be illegal.

Week one of my summer job is over. I'm really enjoying it -- it's almost making me want to consider teaching as a regular career. Or possibly some kind of research in gifted education.

This is an interesting article (NYT, needs login) about shrinking social networks that takes the internet into consideration. Except they obviously don't know our special brand of internet closeness: [link]

Hippo Birdies, Frank, wherever you are!

I didn't plan on going shoe shopping last night, but a Famous Footwear store leaped on me as I was accidentally walking along. I escaped with my life and a pair each of Keds and Aerosoles.

Happy Birthday Frank!

Yay for new shoes, and escaping with your life Theodosia!

Is it tacky to serve popsicles at a brunch?

Not if they're grape flavoured, no.

Huh. Suddenly I want mimosa popsicles. This is going to end in privation.

I have some grape flavored.

Whew!

Okay, bagels, popsicles, and peach nectar have been bought. I have about 2 hours of last minute stuff to do, and 3.5 or 4 hours before anyone will show up. I think I can do this.

It's such a good thing that the MicroCenter across from Trader Joes wasn't open when I was doing my bi-monthly foodshopping, because in the mood I'm in, I might have walked in and bought a new MacBook, what with the mood I'm in. ("Shiny!") I'll just have to lust in my heart for a while longer.

From the article flea linked to:

Dr. Horrigan said there was anecdotal evidence that some members of a community use e-mail and the Internet "to keep up with people very close by." The Internet can help expand social networks, although the ties it creates are not as strong as those the Duke researchers are concerned with. Yet they can be useful.

His group's research has shown that the Internet is increasingly being used during life's "major moments" — to gather information or advice when making a big financial investment, deciding where to live, or choosing a college for a child. The research has shown that "people were more likely to get help through their social network" for those kinds of decisions.

Still, Dr. Putnam said, "The real interesting future is how can we use the Net to strengthen and deepen relationships that we have offline."

And in the end, she and others pointed out, e-mail or instant messaging is no substitute for face-to-face contact. "E-mailing somebody far way is not the same as them going to pick up your child at daycare or bringing you chicken soup," she said.

Someone oughtta write a book disputing this.

Allyson, I was going to ping you to make sure you saw it.

My mother is recovering from knee replacement surgery. I cannot imagine what it would be like encountering such pain so late. I already know how that goes. I took her on a mental walkthrough of the house and explained to her how to elevate in every room.