Are there still states where insurance isn't required? I remember when my aunt got hit by an uninsured driver and got totally screwed, but I didn't think you could do that any more.

I'd have to check with DH but I'm pretty sure it's required by law in every state. At least collision insurance. But loads of people still drive without it.

My niece was hit by a driver who paid her premiums but whose insurance company had gone bankrupt and my niece got screwed over after the accident.

All states have an insurance commission (the industry is very well regulated) to try to insure that all companies stay solvent and they even have a fund you can apply to if your company goes belly up and you have an accident. But the funds are usually depleted pretty quickly and the payouts are very small.

DH is pretty soured on marketing for insurance companies. After working in that department, he still didn't get why so much money is spent on it because, as he says, "we are selling something that you are required, by law, to have!" The rest is just smoke and mirrors.

forgien languages seem to do it for me. I did not like the woman petting the camera

But I have used the bob the painter guy to relax.

not tingley , but trance is a good word

Is that what y'all mean by a trance?

Well, for me, it is a tingling sensation, but one kind of inside my brain. It very relaxing and pleasant. The camera-lady video weirds me out. I respond to quiet accents or whispering, but the role-play does nothing for me.

Yeah, it's like the slow spreading feeling of a strong drink. Less so loss of time.

-t, I understand what you're talking about. I remember a Momix dance piece that did that for me. Time did not exist during that dance. The tingly brain thing sounds very odd.

I no longer smell like burning, but I am officially up too late after showering. I hope my coat doesn't still smell in the morning.

Aimee!! Are you aware there are THERAPY LLAMAS?!??!

[link]

Aimee!! Are you aware there are THERAPY LLAMAS?!??!

I have a picture of a llama clutching a pen and notebook and asking, "And how did that make you feel? BRAAAAAP!"

I think we need to make sure that we have therapy llamas and calming manatees on Buffista Island.

Admin lunch today, a mini celebration of my new job. whee. 4 of my 6 bosses are out of the office today, so my goal is to clean off my desk and maybe type up a few more process documents.

The story about the woman who ended up singing "We Are The World" reminded me of a time at a previous job.

They'd installed a "panic button" at the receptionist desk. It was located under the desktop so, in the event of a problem visitor, she could press it with her knee. Nice concept, but - bet you can see this coming - anyone sitting at the desk would it it by accident. After a bunch of false alarms, with people running out to rescue the receptionist who was just find thank you very much, when we DID have someone alarming (yes, you can see this one coming) she pressed it on purpose ... and no one came.