Emmett's discovered a new app for his iPhone (APOD: Astronomical Picture of the Day. Lots of Hubble awesomeness).

He's wondering what other free apps for the iPhone are similarly fun and awesome?

I presume googlesky has an app? (Hi, I don't use my cell, but I am a total astropimp.)

Packing is becoming more problematic since a) I have no idea what to take and b) my sister has my suitcase.

I will note that Emmett has mastered the rare bubble-inside-a-bubble trick which Matilda (and I) find fascinating.

It's a rare trick? Really? Huh.

It's a rare trick? Really? Huh.

I don't know, really. I can't do it. So it's impressive in our family.

I know that one argument that can always be made for increases of more than 10% is that your current salary is "under market". Of course the argument alone (even with evidence) does not win you much, but if you can persuade a boss to want to give you a raise of more than that, this can be legit reason he or she can use to sell it to higher ups. As you say, probably not in this economy.

I could never master it.

Of course the argument alone (even with evidence) does not win you much, but if you can persuade a boss to want to give you a raise of more than that, this can be legit reason he or she can use to sell it to higher ups. As you say, probably not in this economy.

Yeah, that's a tough one even if you've got a history someplace. And while it's a completely true argument for someone like Vortex (or me at the time) my hunch is that when people see an under market salary they assume you're lower level than you're claiming.

FWIW, I've been involved in some dozen or so interviews in the past year and we never asked about current salary. Requirements/expectations yes.

Gah. Just paid nearly $400 to get my sister's phone turned back on. She didn't ask me to. She didn't tell me it was turned off. But she's been completely screwed by the Republicans fucking around with unemployment extensions. And I can guess her password. ("What don't I know about that kid?"). But I'm saving some money on this weekend due to some good things (guy who prepaid his hotel room and has to leave early) and bad (SIL too afraid to come to Arizona so no wedding celebratory dinner) so I guess it all washes out the same. I've thought of more painting/home projects for her to do for me so hopefully she won't feel too shitty about it.

Brenda, you are a lovely person and sister.

I made good progress on food tonight. de-frosted a package pf chicken and got 3 different marinades on individual servings. That finished off one bottle of marinade and made dents in 2 more. Then I had some soup and a sandwich for dinner. Clearing out one can and some perishables. Also had a beer which finished those off.

Since I am staying home tomorrow, I am going to try to make slaw (use up some mayo and vinegar), muffins (can of pumpkin and baking supplies), jello, and probably get some beans going. I think I have a good shot of getting through the canned goods and most in the fridge/freezer, but there is stuff in the pantry that there is no way I will get through, like unopened bottles of syrup and unopened boxes of hot cereal. I am going to bag stuff up in triple ziplocks, not tell the movers, pack it myself and hope for the best.