My mom got laid off on Sept. 11. Yes, the Big One, Elizabeth.

We had a big meeting where they—to my surprise—read out the names of the people in our part of the organization who'd been let go, which I really respected.

Then we had a little meeting with our group. The head of our group assured me that my co-worker's health had no part in the decision, and I believe him, especially because he was surprised that my co-worker appeared to kind of expect it, and he didn't understand why. Luckily, she got a very generous severance package, so she'll be okay for now.

I don't quite know how I feel about this:

America's Missing Top Model

Eight beautiful disabled models, seven tough assignments, and one incredible prize; is the modeling world ready for them?

Eight young women compete to break down barriers and overcome prejudices in the exclusive modeling industry. One will win her dream of a photo shoot in Marie Claire magazine. The women will participate in challenges that range from modeling for popular British retailers to mastering the catwalk. Britain’s Missing Top Model sets out to challenge the fashion industry's boundaries and redefine society's concept of the ideal woman.

On the one hand, I think that we should encourage people to widen their ideas of "beauty" and not look for perfection. On the other hand, I feel like it's even more exploitative than "regular" modeling shows.

My first fear about that show would be that it would get into "Even disabled women can be conventionally beautiful!" which would present issues both with the "Even disabled women" part and with the not at all questioning conventional beauty standards.

that's my issue, Hil. That seems to be the focus. If you look at the website, it's women in traditional model/cheescake poses, but just in wheelchairs or coyly hiding a missing limb.

coyly hiding a missing limb.

If we just can't see the entire reason we cast her on this show, she might win!

They need to have the woman who dressed as a real life Cherry Darling from Planet Terror. She wasn't coy about nuthin'.

I also have some issues with including deaf or hard of hearing models.

I don't think Top Model shows (if they're anything like the American one) have any interest in broadening anything. It's just not what they do. Even the "petite cycle" wound up with a winner taller than a past winner. Eh.

I went to the oral surgeon, who said that one of my wisdom teeth needs to come out now, and two others might cause problems later and he left it up to me whether to take them out now or wait and see. I took the wait and see option. Now I've got to decide whether I want nitrous oxide plus novocaine or just novocaine. I think I'm leaning toward the nitrous oxide. Tooth is coming out tomorrow morning.