(The survivors went on to form the Masons?) Huh. Did. Not. Know. That. (and don't actually believe it)

This is the widely-told tale. I don't believe it either, but it's a good origin story.

And now, thanks to Veronica Mars, I get slightly icked whenever I picture Steve Gutenberg

You mean his career prior to VM didn't (Diner excepted)?

More of a party group than their usual drunken tricycle-riding selves?

Hee. That's the Shriners. Their burn institute in Boston has been so good to people I love that I always feel guilty after I've laughed at the little cars and fezzes.

Drew, do you know, do you have to be post-32 or 33 to be a Shriner? I just remember Dad was encouraged to become one, but declined. My uncle, who dad brought in, was a Shriner.

32nd degree is the highest. I know this from many years of writing obituaries.

I'll ask mum, when she drops off Ben. She's been staring at the [thing I don't want to call a diploma, but you know, it's pretty much a diploma] for longer than I have, but seem to recall being corrected by her, when I said he was a 32nd degree, maybe to the undertaker (who was also a Mason, and was concerned that we couldn't find the apron and weren't concerned). The Masons made their presence known at the funeral parlor, which touched me, considering dad probably hadn't been active in 25-30 years. I put a pinch of evergreen in his hand, myself, before they showed up, though, because I'd always seen him do it.

Nora got an A and Gloomcookie got a B (in stats, no less--a class I dropped one week in because I knew I'd never survive it)! Yay! Bitches are very smart.

P.O.E.--Pornographers Organization of Excellence

Or so I've heard.

edit: whups P.E.O.--Pornography Excellence Organization.

I am pretty pleased with myself. I was so worried all through the class and I end up not with a C, but with a B! Go me!

(The survivors went on to form the Masons?) Huh. Did. Not. Know. That. (and don't actually believe it)

This is the widely-told tale. I don't believe it either, but it's a good origin story.

The survivors went on to form the Illuminati.

And now I must kill you all so that you don't share that information.

I am eating a bagel, croissant, and kiwi for lunch. Now, all three are on separate plates because OMG MY FOOD CANNOT TOUCH. But I love to take a bite of all three and let the flavors mix in my mouth. BUT NOT IN MY HAND. Anyone else eat this way?

Teppy, did you hear about the Illuminati at the FAC, or had you known about them, prior? I first heard of them in college, from an American girl who'd been raised in Germany, and whose stories about her mom always made the mom sound like a potential FAC member.

Nora got an A and Gloomcookie got a B

I got a B in my microeconomics class. Quite pleased - had fully expected a C.