Oh, I wanted to mention: I don't know if anyone remembers my parents' housecleaner's niece who had been kidnapped and held for ransom down in Juarez, but $300K and 2 months and 20 days, she's been returned. A very unusual outcome (often the ransom is paid and a body turns up, if they are lucky.)

She's now living with the housecleaner here in the US, but is really fucked up. They've got her in counseling. She wasn't physically assaulted, per se beaten or raped (she says and it appears,) but they played a lot of fucked up mind games on her (she was handcuffed to one of her kidnappers the whole time, and crew would get high at put a gun to her head.)

I just hope they are able to help her get back closer to normal.

Yes, they always tell me to have the card for the driver.

I'm so sorry Scrappy.

Cool pictures of models, actresses, etc. from the '60s: Lovely Ladies of Yesteryear, Part 2

Is there a word like 'phallic' that applies to representations of the balls as well? [link] Also, I think when I was really young I must have had a crush on Hayley Mills: [link]

And what was this '60s trend for women to go floating about in the air encases in big transparent spheres?

Holy shit, Sara. That's so fucked up.

Sadly, it is really common (well, the kidnapping) down in Juarez these days. It's a bit of an industry. Oh & it is pointless to go to the police down there.

My dad says they are actively discouraging people from crossing into Mexico these days. Which is scary considering how high schoolers in my area regularly went down to Juarez to drink.

Well, we'll send the ma~~ her way Sara.

I have returned from Michigan. It snowed 14 inches, I had to try on bridesmaids dresses, my mother made me listen to the new Celine Dion, and on the way back, my train was delayed in Indiana for over an hour and I was stuck in the vicinity of someone who was, shall we say, having some smelly gastrointestinal problems.

On the brighter side, I ordered a dress, ate tons of good food, got presents, and I'm going to be an aunt this fall. (I should probably clarify that the pregnant sibling is the one who is already married.)

Jesus, Sara, that's so freaky. Best wishes for her.

Oh, poor girl! I am glad she is here and will get help.