The number of laypeople I've run into (on multiple sides of science/religion arguments) who have no freakin' clue what science really is boggles the mind, truly.

Yes. And this one isn't even a science/religion argument. It's a science/bad science argument. (Or, rather, bad science reporting, since we're arguing about a study that hasn't even been published yet.) And once it is published, peer review is not an ultimate designation of truth! Peer review is a designation of "this is not utter crap," and "someone else might be interested in this."

Oh, look, someone let idiots onto the internet. Poor Hil that you have to run into them like that.

{{{{vw&Toto}}}}

Whew, Askye, I'm glad you didn't get mowed down on your quest for dinner.

Aimee, your hair is very sexy.

I'm reading an article about Universal Design in the Home and Garden section of the Times, and I so want so many of these things, especially the kitchen ones. Combination of being short and having frequently limited arm movement makes my kitchen only about half usable. There are cabinets on top of my fridge that I have never once opened, and my counters seem to have been designed for people six feet tall.

I'm somewhat skeptical, though, of this "chromatherapy" bathtub, which uses colored lights to change the color of the water, which is supposed to be "healing." [link]

Step away from the crazies, Hil.

Ick. I've been feeling hungover and headachy and nauseated all day because I made the mistake of having a glass of red wine last night. I guess red wine is officially off my list. I keep wanting to curl up in a ball and go back to sleep, but instead I keep drifting back to the bathroom hoping I'm not going to get sick. I think maybe I'll take a bath. A friend gave me Lush for my birthday, so might as well take advantage of wanting to be in the bathroom.

My new hair. [link]

GAW-JUS!

As befits an Empress.

I just ordered a new backpack. One of these, just goes over one shoulder and is supposed to be more ergonomic. [link] I went with the blue polka dot print. There was another one that looked a bit sturdier, but it was also just so completely not my style that I knew I'd hate using it.

And poor Pix-- sorry about red wine being on The List.

Just got back from unholy good dinner- highlights included the goat cheese flatbread with balsamic reduction, diced tomatoes, and arugula. The filet was PERFECTLY medium-rare and dessert was sex on a plate. A banana-cheesecake empanada with caramel, whipped cream and the most decadently ripe strawberries ever.

Practically had to smoke a cigarette afterwards.

I think it's illegal in several states.

Oooo! Aims! What did you use?

The hair (and you) looks great, Aims.

Poor Toto. Poor VW's bank account.

I have fluid in my ear that's not draining. I waited three hours at urgent care to find that out. Also to find out that there is nothing I can do about it except wait until it turns into an infection in a week or so.

That reminds me of my trip to the doctor this week. I went because there's something wrong with my tongue. Anything that's hot, sour or even slightly spicy makes it feel like I'm swishing my mouth out with sulfuric acid. He prescribed a mouthwash that numbs whatever it touches, but doesn't actually fix anything. Then he said "Don't eat hot and spicy things," which is practically the joke: "Doctor, it hurts when I do this." "Don't do that."

That sort of medical response makes me nuts.

I'm sharing yuor pain on two fronts. Not only is the antibiotic the vet gave Bartleby seeming to make the problem WORSE. But the great new filling I got in the weirdly fell-apart tooth I got fixed two freakin' weeks ago, just fell out again.

What the everlovingfrak is up with all of this?!