That sucks, Barb.

Also, I'm very glad I wasn't trying to drink anything when I read erika's comment.

Inner Ari shows up at all the wrong times, Windsparrow...those scenes with Bob-the-retired agent...bwah! "Could you just die, Bob?" Huh...Mom and I say that all the time now and Robert Novak dies...maybe I should feel drunk with power now.

Sorry, Barb.

some how today isn't working as wellas it should.

Aw crap, Barb. Sorry to hear that. It sounds like something I'd read. Stoopid publishers.

Thanks guys-- like I said, it's almost to the ridiculous, game-playing sort of point. What can I do, you know?

And because it deserves its own post, yay Sean for snuggling and back rubs and really nice progression with Date Girl.

Honorary Buffista?

Punctuation Hero Branded A Vandal For Inserting Apostrophes On Street Signs

eta my favorite political comment

Standards in grammar have slipped considerably over the years, and particularly during Labour's tenure, in order to not offend people who are too lazy to learn to speak and write English properly. We now frequently have to adopt a lowest common denominator approach to language and culture so as not to offend anyone. Personally, I am absolutely delighted that this gentleman is gently rebelling against this societal slide. Well done Sir.

Yay snuggling! (Also, we told you you were lovable. So there.)

Boo publisher! I believe that a number of the 26+ rejections of A Wrinkle in Time were complimentary.

I just sent a comment to the NY Times. Now I'm nervous. Of course, they probably won't even use it.

It was about yesterday's article and blog [link] about a study on exercise and lymphedema. This is what I said:

I had a mastectomy and removal of 17 lymph nodes almost six years ago. Fifteen of the 17 were cancerous, so I also underwent an aggressive chemo and radiation program. My arm lymphedema began almost immediately. I've had two rounds of compression and MLD treatment and wear compression garments pretty much 24/7. The good news is that there’s been no cancer recurrence. The bad news is that lymphedema is painful, aggravating, time consuming and hell on fashion choices.

I'm certainly glad to see more scientific studies being done on lymphedema. If you look closely at many of the recommendations for lymphedema, particularly those involved with exercise, it's obvious that they're based on anecdote, and the plural of anecdote is not data.

I do, however, wish you would rethink your decision to limit information about the exercise program used in this study. Recommendations to consult your medical professional and to exercise under a qualified trainer are at odds with reality. None of my medical professionals have known much about lymphedema. There are very few certified lymphedema therapists in the Atlanta area. My insurance will only pay for so much therapy, even with a ruinous co-pay. There is only one cancer-exercise-certified trainer in Georgia listed on the American College of Sports Medicine site. The Live Strong program is not currently available at area YMCAs. I plan to nag my local YMCA, but thousands of women live in rural areas without even the limited resources I’ve found in a metropolitan area.

(Thanks to Teppy for "the plural of anecdote..." Nothing sums up the current state of lymphedema knowledge better.)

Thanks to Teppy for "the plural of anecdote..."

I got it from somewhere else -- possibly the Bitch PhD blog, but I don't remember for sure.

Anything I say that sounds cool probably came from somewhere else.

Dear God, I'm getting the full rundown of my father's last days and memorial service from last Sunday.

Kill me now.