We walk a pretty fine line between keeping our information in front of people and annoying the hell out of these communities. So it's not a little annoying when someone takes it upon themselves to call police departments and or spam the listservs.

So, a woman has a sex toy in her checked bag and a TSA agent leaves a note saying "get your freak on girl" in the bag. I think that is fucking creepy.

Later on (in comments) the author said that

an agent in Cameroon pulled a tampon out of my bag and manhandled it for a while before smelling it and then asking me what it was. A male colleague had to explain, in French, and it was bad for all involved)."

Helpful tips: pandagon recommends putting sex toys in carryon and/or disguising the item in checked bags.

Reminds me of the "Louie" episode where he was trying to fly with "lube."

So it's not a little annoying when someone takes it upon themselves to call police departments and or spam the listservs.

Wow, yeah, no kidding. I'd probably just say that directly to her, well, rephrased.

"We walk a pretty fine line between keeping our information in front of people and annoying the hell out of these communities. It can do more harm than good when someone, well-meaning though it might be, communicates directly and outside of our planned communication schedule," or something. Worded better, though, like by flea!

Very cool!

Here is a remarkable company called sOccket, started by young women from Harvard, that is trying to light up the world -- literally -- using specially equipped soccer balls. They generate and store electricity while moving, which can then be tapped for low-voltage LED lamps, water sterilization devices and mini refrigerators.

Ack, Sparky. That has to be tough to navigate.

I need a pair of magic shoes. Black, and comfortable, but with a small heel. Shoes that are casual enough to be casual but would look dressier paired with slightly dressier clothes. Oh, and would work with a slightly cropped pant as well as other stuff.

Help.

Character shoes? But you have to get them soled. And I'm not sure about the slightly cropped pant. Those make me think of capris and I can't think clearly then.

The shoes I have that garner the most "Where can I get me a pair?" attention are my steel toed Doc Marten Mary Janes. They don't make it all the way to dressy, but I do wear them with most any skirt I'll wear to work, as well as jeans.

Hmmm. No. But maybe something like a Mary Jane.

Zappo's is being overly helpful.

an agent in Cameroon pulled a tampon out of my bag and manhandled it for a while before smelling it and then asking me what it was. A male colleague had to explain, in French, and it was bad for all involved)."

That happened to my mom many, many moons ago when she traveled to Europe after college. I believe they inspected her bags when she arrived in France, but my memory is a bit fuzzy.

You don't wear ballet flats, do you, Amy? Otherwise I'd totally suggest those.

Man, should I volunteer to go across the way and buy lunch for my co-worker who's stuck on a call, even though I don't want lunch from there myself? Am I that nice? I don't remember.

I would volunteer to get a co-worker lunch from the place I was going to anyway, but I don't think I'd make a separate lunch run. Which I guess means *I'm* not that nice?