I'm a waxy-ear girl too. I get them cleaned out at the doctor, or the ENT clinic if I have an appt at the right time. In between, I recommend Audiclean (if it's sold in the States) - it's just purified water that you can direct into the right part of your ear, but it works really well.

smonster, how's the trapped nerve?

Dihydrocodeine was a good idea. Should have taken it earlier. Actually managing to do some reading now. Note to self: painkillers exist for a reason.

I would love to do my civic duty. I have an idealistic streak. But it's just so much of a pain in the ass for me as a (primarily) freelance worker.

Yeah, the freelance/contractor thing definitely makes for a huge hassle and risk financially.

I know some people who bitch about jury duty even when their company covers it (thus not losing out on money, and not having to work double-shifts). I do not understand it.

Some other countries have professional jurors, right? How does that compare to our system?

The Boy (I'm not confusing Buffista's spouses, am I?)

That's the one! (Boyfriend, not husband, but since we live together, he really is a spousal equivalent.)

I'm a waxy-ear girl too.

I should probably confess that it was caused (or at least compounded) by Q-tip use, for which the doctor chastised me. Well, rolled his eyes.

Dr.: [looks in ear, moment of silence passes] "Do you use Q-tips?"

Me: "...no?"

Dr.: "Yeah, THAT was convincing."

The only reason I bitch about it is when I have to go downtown to fulfill my jury duty obligations. It's a pain to get there from the far suburbs on public transportation, and driving means you have to pay up to $25-30 to park for the day. Now, if they'd tell me to report to one of the northern suburban courthouses with free parking lots, no problem!!

In the UK you can claim financial compensation for the time you spend on jury service. I don't think it's very much, but it's something.

I know some people who bitch about jury duty even when their company covers it (thus not losing out on money, and not having to work double-shifts). I do not understand it.

Jury duty always seems to come during the crunchiest of crunch times in our fiscal year, so even though technically I don't have to make up the lost hours, it still winds up creating a mountain of extra work when I get back.

I'm pretty sure "my dad's a judge"

That wouldn't get you off the hook in most US jurisdictions, I think, since "I'm an attorney" hasn't worked for me.

My mother once sat on a jury for a trial that lasted 9 months. She was a teacher, so she did receive her full salary, and her job was protected. However, there were no family vacations, etc., during those months (which covered a summer - the only summer we didn't go to Maine).

Jessica, how flexible is NY in terms of jury duty deferments?

Wow, Sparky, what kind of case was it?

I'd really feel for someone who has to be sequestered.