Well, there's stuff like a gap in the plaster between the ceiling and the wall of the living room - that I didn't create but has been building for years. But is that really something that they can fix?

If you think you'll have time to go through stuff tonight after they show up for their inspection, you can always do what I usually do in such circumstances--take everything off of the floor and pile it on top of my (made) bed, and then go through the pile before going to sleep. It concentrates all the mess to one area, making the rest of the apartment look great, and gives the impression that you've at least made progress on the "cleaning stuff out" front.

Underwear protest at India attack

Indians outraged at an attack on women for drinking in a bar have gathered together to send a provocative gift of underwear to right-wing activists.

More than 5,000 people, including men, have joined the Facebook group, which calls itself the Consortium of Pub-going, Loose and Forward Women.

The group says it will give the pink underwear to Sri Ram Sena (Army of Lord Ram) on Valentine's Day on Saturday.

It was blamed for the bar attack in the southern city of Mangalore last month.

Pramod Mutalik, who heads the little known Ram Sena and is now on bail after he was held following the attack, has said it is "not acceptable" for women to go to bars in India.

He has also said his men will protest against Valentine's Day on Saturday.

The Consortium of Pub-going, Loose and Forward Women, which was formed on Facebook last Thursday, has also exhorted women to "walk to the nearest pub and buy a drink" on Valentine's Day.

Okay, my co-workers need to shut-up. Their voices are even cutting through my earphones. This place is nearly always quiet, except when I am on a deadline!

ugh best friend had to take her dog to the ER vet this morning because she couldn't get up. Thinks she had a stroke. She's stabilized but still can't support herself on her back legs. She'd had a seizure last year that the vet said was probably caused by an untreatable brain tumour (that's usually the cause of such seizures in dogs her age). She's been on anti-seizure meds and hasn't had any problems since then. I wonder if this is related though and signals some kind of change in her condition. She's a very good dog and a great companion for my friend so some good thoughts in their direction would be appreciated.

Pets are hard.

Pet~ma for your friend, lisah.

My landlord generally gives a heads up on any visits because he doesn't want to accidentally lose someone's cats. But he doesn't care about housekeeping unless it's to the point where it might affect the apartment, such as liquids and food left to molder on, and ruin, the carpet.

Aw, poor dog and friend.

"They are part of programs designed to help people with need, and she does not see that as welfare."

Seriously, my head just exploded.

Lisah, that's so tough. Best of luck to them.

My landlord generally gives a heads up on any visits because he doesn't want to accidentally lose someone's cats.

Not that it's not great of him to think of that, but giving a heads-up isn't actually optional unless it's an emergency.

giving a heads-up isn't actually optional unless it's an emergency.

I know that Illinois requires 24-hour notice in a non-emergency situation before the landlord is allowed to enter a rented unit. I think most states have similar laws.

Sweet Jesus. I just got into the office after a breakfast thing, and people are already making me nuts. The same people, about an issue we've ALREADY DISCUSSED. I have ALREADY TOLD YOU why your "concerns" are unfounded! STOP IT STOP IT STOP IT.