Askye, I think you have a right to a home that’s not in danger of blowing up.

Or being filled with smoke regardless!!

That is so wonderful to hear, Sophia!

Brenda, that is so rough. Your people no doubt appreciate your message.

Brenda, I know I would appreciate that. We are hanging out here in the wind saying "business as usual". I am on the Council for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and we don't even know if we can say our name.

In the meantime, the AMA is almost aggressively publishing as many articles as they can about racial differences in various health issues, along with articles about transgender medical issues. Just in the past month, out of 15 total articles, I've edited 3 about race and 2 about trans people. The AMA is ready to cut any bitch who has a problem with DEI.

It’s those kinds of things that keep me sane.

That’s good to hear, Tep

I’m sorry you’re in that situation, brenda

I am so relieved that I work for a Catholic organization, so we're 'safe' until they decide to come for the Catholics. (Oh, they'll get around to it, if they keep going, but the Holy Roman Church is way down on the list of priorities.)

Never thought I'd write the first sentence above, but here we are.

Sophia, that sounds like the way yearly reviews are supposed to be (supportive, recognizing your past accomplishments and helping you build towards future goals), but so rarely are. I like the sound of your manager. (Also, I think we have similar jobs.)

I’m at a private university, and my unit still has an active DEIA group. Right now we’re more concerned about NIH funding than anything, but I expect the Eye of Orange Sauron will eventually turn there.

I have to go get an EMG this morning for what is 99% likely to be carpal tunnel syndrome in my right hand (numbness, tingling). I just hope it can be treated with something easy like a cortisone shot rather than surgery (although I know carpal tunnel surgery is pretty simple). And honestly, I can't see my insurance approving surgery without a cortisone shot being tried first.

Maintenance on this crumbling human shell is a pain in the butt, man.

Sophia! So lovely to read about your recognition and improved work comfort. Work takes up so much of our lives that appreciation is vital.

Brenda, it is walking a tightrope you shouldn't have to navigate, and I am sure your team appreciates your efforts.

Good to hear, Teppy. Go, AMA! eta: I hope your crumbling shell is easily fixed.

I am so relieved that I work for a Catholic organization, so we're 'safe' until they decide to come for the Catholics.

My Mom was Catholic and my step-dad converted for her so she would marry him. His born-again sister considered Catholics as only Christian-adjacent or something.

Last night at book club we got to what one of my fellows calls the 'organ section' where groups of an age start talking about their various procedures and conditions. It was pretty funny. One of the guys, who is in pretty remarkable shape and jogs multiple miles a day and stuff, was telling us about his routines. He lost 90 pounds doing a one meal a day, massive amounts of fiber, type diet. Over 100mg per day. He absolutely agrees that diets are what works for the person deals, but he swore his energy, vitality and lack of joint pain was due to Niagen. There was also massive agreement that Ozempic is a damn miracle and insurance companies should embrace it for all the preventative value. It was interesting. They didn't talk me into the Ozempic, but I did order the Niagen, because I could use some of that vitality stuff.