Thank you. To clarify, because I realize that I forgot to phrase it clearly: I went through the city center (where the riots are) about 30 minutes before everything started. I saw the police getting ready to separate between the two sides. And some very clueless people who haven't read the news and were heading out to have some fun outside (poor souls).

I'm so sorry that's happening, Shir. Stay safe.

Oof, I'm sorry to hear that, Shir.

Timelies all!

I'm sorry to hear that, Shir.

Shir, that sounds so scary and upsetting.

Askye, that situation also seems scary and upsetting. Hopefully your Uncle Jimmy will be there soon to take some of the pressure off your mom.

I’m sorry, Shir.

Askye, your aunt’s reaction is understandable, but I know it’s hard to watch.

Yikes shir, that sounds unsettling! Glad you’re safe for now at least??

Thanks everyone. I worry about mom too because she just had her stroke not even 2 years ago

I do feel for my aunt but I know when my grandpa was dying from cancer and in pain she kept wanting him to fight and get better.

Shir I'm glad you are safe

Shir, and askye, I'm so sorry for the situations you both find yourselves in. I don't know what to offer except for sympathy and hope the best for all concerned.

Things I miss from my old office: the 24 inch papercutter with the guillotine arm--do 10-12 sheets at once. What a gratifying sound! My Pilot stapler--the one with the flat knob on top? Tremendous feeling of power every time I smashed that knob down. Can't think of much else, actually. The job before that was at the community college, where I was spoiled for paper goods. They taught printing, and had a paper cutter that would cut 6 inches of paper in one cut. And they'd cut it to size, tailored memo pads or sheets. H had a stack that said in elegant script: From the desk of Real First name, Real Last name. That was always a hoot--visitors thought it was a joke until he pointed to the name plate on his desk. My memo pads said, in equally lyric script, "From the desk of Whatsername."

I thrifted a half-ream of really nice paper I had no use for. The shop cut it down and hole-punched it to use in my planner. I miss having access to print shop. I liked having good tools: pens, stapler, etc. People wandered away with stuff from my desk, but they didn't get to keep it. I will track you like a bloodhound and take my pen back, thanks. Get your own.

I could never get a paper cuter to cut straight! I also sometimes have troubles drawing straight lines with rulers. Oddly, I can cut straight by eye?

In ongoing sagas of me half paying attention to people with similar names, I just figured out that Andrew Yang and Bowen Yang are two different people while listening to a podcast talking about preferential voting!