A cellist friend of mine used to complain bitterly that kids trained in high schools and so on were never taught to hold the bow correctly, as this means a whole lot of difference in tone and loudness, as well as avoiding RSIs.

Ooh, that's perfect--nice and simple. Thanks!

if my checking starts charging fees my plan is to move all checking to my insurance and mortgage company all online bank - which would limit my monthly ATM use and would be slower, but I do not think they were hit by subprime-a-dodo, so at least they will be fee free.

sara's experiences in Prague = way more valid. But in my limited experience of a week in Prague, it was the perfect place to avoid vegetables! Ditto some of the other Eastern Bloc countries and most of the former Soviet Union.

Bastages.

fees I will start charging:

• the not having to open the door for me fee. From - banks, mortgage companies, real estate offices... you who are receiving a benefit from storing or managing my property/funds. In exchange for the $1 per use fee, I will open the door to your offices myself.

• the not having to wait for my payment fee. From - all credit card companies. As I plan to pay your bill on time, and/or schedule that payment ahead of time, the savings you receive by my actions is in effect additional earnings. Because I am in effect making you money by paying on time, I feel well within my rights to charge you $.50 each time I do so.

• the direct-mail fee. From Chase and Bank of America. Despite my request, you continue to spam my mailbox with items that I do not want or have already requested that you cease-and-desist with. Each envelope that passes through my house will now be assessed a penalty fee of $25.

• the no-asshat fee. I continue to be nice, peaceful, and helpful in my phone exchanges with your company. Your customer service personnel deserve no less. However, your corporate policies may not. This service will now cost you $1 per minute.

eta:

• the sorry you got caught with your hand in the cookie jar fee. Yes, you. The ones who got us into this financial mess in the first place. For causing us ongoing strain, worry, and distress - $2 per day until you fire your crazy lenders and clean up your own mess.

I think that family should vacation in Alaska in January. Way less in the way of fresh fruits and vegetables there! Also no pollen. Or leaves.

Prague, it was the perfect place to avoid vegetables!

Hah! Yes. True. And I really fail to get those parents' logic with regards to locations. Barcelona is really a food-y place. Prague? Well, if you like pork and dumplings.

Actually, I'm sure it is more varied now. When I was there there were only a couple restaurants that even comprehended the term vegetarian. And one french grocery which was the only place we could find fresh herbs. The produce departments in even a place like Julius Meinl were sad, sad places.

Prague is great for mushy, flavorless food. Like goulash without paprika. Without any further context, switching cities because of overly flavored food sounds fishy.

Running of the Reindeer in Anchorage last weekend: [link]

Prague is great for mushy, flavorless food.

Food with flavor would only distract from the beer.

I was in North Beach yesterday and decided that you, me, Juliana, Matilda and JZ need to go to this place called Melt.

Oh, yes. Also, we need to go to Cafe Jaqueline, where all they do is souffles. But we need about 4 hours for dinner. At least.

Allyson, I'm so glad you're okay.