I don't always carry a credit card with me, especially if I'm going to a bar.

You're afraid you might do some drunk charging?

I didn't realize so many people split bills evenly. Usually when I go out with friends we'll all ask for separate checks. If the waiter can't handle separate, then we chip in our fair share. Makes me wonder if it's a regional influence.

You're afraid you might do some drunk charging?

That, and I try to avoid hangovers. It seems to work out better if sober-me decides how drinking I should do, or can afford to do, and only takes that much cash. That way drunk-me cannot pretend that she isn't really drunk and there's no way another beer or two will interfere with getting to work on time tomorrow.

My friends and I almost always just split the bill, but I find that we usually are pretty even in terms of what we eat/drink. If it's a small group (three or less), then one person usually pays for all. We eat out a lot, so it pretty much comes out in the wash.

The only time it gets wonky is going out with work friends. We are a fairly small staff in my program and we like each other. But some of us are bosses and some are . . . not bosses. The bosses always wind up kicking in more, which is fine, but a little weird.

And I missed Kat. So sad for me. Hi, Kat!

Announcement: Big Band and Swing music was created in the 1950's.

Analysis: My Younger Boss needs an education on music that came before 1982.

Announcement: Big Band and Swing music was created in the 1950's.

Analysis: My Younger Boss needs an education on music that came before 1982.

Additional Analysis: Your younger boss makes the baby Satchmo cry.

Let's say you're walking down the sidewalk, minding your own business, when a guy in a chicken suit waves a sign in your face. Is it OK to punch him in the beak?

How about if he gives you a bad coupon?

(The second scenario is only hypothetical.)

Let's say you're walking down the sidewalk, minding your own business, when a guy in a chicken suit waves a sign in your face. Is it OK to punch him in the beak?

Punch in the beak, taser, it's all good.

I was so drunk one time I tried to leave a cute waiter a $30 tip. He prevented me. I now drink on a cash basis. It's better this way.

DH HATES sharing tabs for precisely the reasons listed above. It's impossible to do it fairly when some people drink, others don't, as well as to take into account the differences in entrees versus salads, etc. We always try to get separate checks but if we can't do that, we add up our bill, tax and a hefty tip and always, always settle before we leave. To do otherwise is just plain rude.

Today, I adore bi-lingual childrens' programming. Owen's started answering his play cell phone with "Hola!"

This sounds nummy:

Jellied Gin and Tonic:

1 frozen lime

2 oz simple syrup

1-1/4 tsp citric acid

1/4 tsp bicarbonate of soda

1/4 tsp confectioner's sugar

1-1/2 sheets of sheet gelatin

1 oz gin

2 oz tonic water

Freeze lime and cut into thin chips (even infinitisemally smaller and smaller chips if you want to be all calculus-like about it). Coat slices in syrup and 1 tsp citric acid, then bake at 150 degrees until crisp. Mix bicarbonate of soda, sugar, and remaining citric acid. Soften sheet gelatin in cold water for two minutes. Warm gin and add gelatin. Pour into shallow baking pan lined with plastic wrap, add tonic, and refrigerate for two hours. Cut into 1/2 inch cubes. Put cube onto lime chip, sprinkle on sugar-soda-acid mixture, and serve.

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