I am not...I am not the damsel in distress. I am not some case. I have to work this. I've lived in a cave for 5 years in a world where they killed my kind like cattle. I am not going to be cut down by some monster flu. I am better than that. What a wonder...how very scared I am.

Fred ,'A Hole in the World'


Natter 78: I might need to watch some Buffy for inspiration

Off-topic discussion. Wanna talk about corsets, duct tape, butt kicking, or physics? This is the place. Detailed discussion of any current-season TV must be whitefonted.


lisah - Feb 28, 2026 9:51:20 am PST #11764 of 12320
Punishingly Intricate

Sending you love, Shir. You’ve been on my mind since I heard the news early this morning.


DavidS - Feb 28, 2026 9:53:35 am PST #11765 of 12320
"Look, son, if it's good enough for Shirley Bassey, it's good enough for you."

I would definitely like to see the Islamic Republic of Iran toppled, but, (as with most things Trump does) there doesn't seem to be a plan, or an endgame that could possibly work.

We deposed the leadership in Afghanistan, and now it's run by the Taliban.

We had the Iraq war and now it's a failed state.

Trump won't commit ground troops in Iran.

He can launch missiles at the Iranian military and knock out bases and nuclear facilities and missile sites, but he's not going to be able to kill the Revolutionary Guard in total.

It looks like the only thought is that if the US weakens Iran enough a popular uprising will depose the Islamic Regime.

The Revolutionary Guard killed 30,000 people after the recent uprising this winter.

The only thing for certain is that thousands of Iranians are going to die. Probably hundreds of thousands.

Again, I'm boggled by people who voted for Trump on his promise that he wouldn't start foreign wars.


chrismg - Feb 28, 2026 10:10:52 am PST #11766 of 12320
"...and then Legolas and the Hulk destroy the entire Greek army." - Penny Arcade

Well, this isn't good. Thanks for letting us know you're OK, Shir; good luck to you and Nilly's family.


askye - Feb 28, 2026 10:23:00 am PST #11767 of 12320
Thrive to spite them

I read some opinion piece or article or I don't know where the writer said it seems like Trump was trying to do in Iran what he did in Venezuela and put in someone friendly to him. . Or friendlier. I'm not sure. I honestly am not sure there is much of a plan in ace for anything.

Oh and I guess yesterday Trump made some comment about having a friendly take over of Cuba..

The measles outbreak in SC hit 985. People were exposed at the Costco in Spartanburg County.

Spartanburg County is the epicenter of the outbreak. There are 928 cases. The vaccination rate is around 90% and the first big outbreak is traced to a charter school where less than 20% of the students were fully vaccinated. And SC doesn't require hospitals to report measles cases so no one knows exactly how many people have been hospitalized

Nothing really interesting is happening in my life. Worked turned stressful because Regional managers have been here (the hierarchy is Store-Market-Regonal). And either market or regional has made us change how we do certain things that contradicts how the rest of the company does them. And two of the best overnight people are on leave and so overnight is barely getting anything done and during the day we are barely playing catch-up.

E is doing well in school. He said most of his classes are boring except Ceramics. He is also in the Spring musical , he was Lurch when they did The Addams Family and this spring they are doing Suesical and he is the Grinch and two or three other characters. This from a kid who hated getting in front of people in elementary school.

He also showed me the DnD figs he has been painting . One of them he did in art class. I didn't get the story of how that happened. He is a junior . I can't believe it!


Shir - Feb 28, 2026 10:33:40 am PST #11768 of 12320
"And that's why God Almighty gave us fire insurance and the public defender".

Just talked with Nilly. She and her family are OK as well.


DavidS - Feb 28, 2026 10:49:57 am PST #11769 of 12320
"Look, son, if it's good enough for Shirley Bassey, it's good enough for you."

Just talked with Nilly. She and her family are OK as well.

Thanks for the update, Shir. You are in our thoughts and hearts.


Atropa - Feb 28, 2026 1:26:14 pm PST #11770 of 12320
The artist formerly associated with cupcakes.

Just talked with Nilly. She and her family are OK as well.

Thank you for the update, Shir. May all of you stay safe.


aurelia - Feb 28, 2026 1:47:24 pm PST #11771 of 12320
All sorrows can be borne if you put them into a story. Tell me a story.

Thank you, Shir. Echoing what Hec and Atropa said.


Matt the Bruins fan - Feb 28, 2026 2:01:28 pm PST #11772 of 12320
You have to remember that being a 5-time Olympic medalist means Hilary Knight has been playing hockey at an elite level at least 16 years. It's impossible for her to be a teenage girl less than 16 years old, thus the President's complete lack of interest.

Wishing safety your way as well, Shir.


askye - Feb 28, 2026 2:33:18 pm PST #11773 of 12320
Thrive to spite them

Shir. I'm glad you and Nilly are safe. I hope you stay that way..