The places where I get stuck are when somebody says something, in a situation where I do actually know more, for whatever reason(I end up ceding a lot of economic arguments, because I'm not confident enough to argue them unless I have back-up) but sometimes I pass on my info that pretty much says they're wrong, but they stick to their dumb theory(Most recently, the absence of tests revealing date-rape drugs proves that Bill Cosby is being hassled by The Man..)

I thought I would kill that guy or myself before that "conversation" was finished, just because I couldn't believe someone could live as such a numbnuts(And then, I chuckled and thought "This must be what Keith Olbermann feels every day." Seriously, I have seen people put in less work defending their own fathers than this guy because of the Dr. Huxtable thing...it's hard not to say "you know, he's not really your dad, right?"

"you know, he's not really your dad, right?"

Once humans become emotionally invested in something, you can't wrestle it away from them with a bear.

I'm not sure the dcra will condemn the building because, honestly, in terms of slums, it could be much worse. Uncomfortable doesn't equal inhabitable.

bonny, when I was in a similar situation in Michigan, where they did wall repairs in my bathroom but never repainted made my apartment uninhabitable. You'd be surprised what may qualify.

That much water could certainly lead to worries about mold.

A student emailed me wanting to know if he could take the midterm on a different date, because he's in pain from epididymitis. That's really far more information than I needed.

You guys, I only had one person express an interest in going to see Eddie Izzard with me when he's in town - and it turns out she's out of town on the date in question. Can I get an infusion of Buffista to San Diego, STAT?

Goodness, it's been exciting around here. That flooding apartment is a definite health hazard.

Does Maria have a banner that reads "Problem Slayer?" Look at you bring on all the logic fu!

There is much to report about hummingbirds but I need to actually write a lot of notes about my observations.

The GOOD news is that we still have a juvenile hummingbird hanging around near me. Today I saw it go from maximum feather fluff to suddenly sucking all the feathers flat against its body. Looked like it lost three sizes! It is almost as big as its mother but has no bright throat patch as yet. It makes a pitiful feed-me chirp and sometimes mother obliges, but she will sit next to baby for awhile and think about what she's going to do instead of getting down to business right away.

The BAD news is that the favorite low pine branch and the cat's attention was a Very Bad Combination. Heard the crunching of branches as Pearlie came down from her leap and I knew what had happened. My worst fears were realized when I saw the little green body in her mouth. I released an agonized shriek and the cat dropped her head and opened her mouth - and the baby bird went screaming away for a high branch just as fast as it could go.

A few hours later, I found my little friend apparently none the worse for having been caught by a cat. Sadly it had learned no lesson and had returned to the dangerous perch.I hated to take down the feeder and run up shouting “Break it up!” next time I caught mother and baby on the same dangerous low branch with two cats in attendance, but it was necessary for their survival. We can’t blame Pearl for acting on her instinct. That was just too much temptation right within reach. Thank goodness for the gentle golden retriever mouth grip she’s got. This hummer is not the first bird to fly away with a little cat spit on its feathers.

I think I may be about to volunteer to speak before the state legislature's "Long Term Care Commitee" on Friday. We're once again trying to convince them to increase funding for staff/caregiver compensation. Regional Director asked me to think about doing so. She suggested that a personal story would make our point most vividly. But I don't know exactly what kind of story she means. I know I want the 5% increase not because I need a raise (I want one, sure...), but because I need my coworkers to feel valued and respected. I don't think state legislators want to hear about my coworkers whining to me. I can make that point better just by saying it.

Go, you! Protip: they probably don't really know what you do all day, not really. Admittedly, I live in the stupidest state in America, but mostly what they see is that number looking pretty big on the budget...put some verbs and a face on those issues. Think of msbelle's cheer for ita and "Be specific!" Don't be afraid to yank heartstrings if you think you can stand it.(Also, be prepared for lame leg anecdotes about a neighbor boy who wasn't right, or the like.)