Well, the computer I work on is once again down for the count. Dr. W came over to try to help, but alas, he just looked at me and said, "So, what programs do you really need on this?" which has a metamessage of "When I wipe this out completely, what software to we have to load up again?" ARGH. Have I mentioned that I hate computers?

So this leaves me back here again with the wonderful fragrance of the kitty litter box. whew. When the breeze from the window blows in just the right direction ... let's just say it is time to change the box. (And here's the rub: I freshen it up with new litter, Mojo christens the new litter. It's a game we play.)

When we get a home, it is mandatory that there is a finished basement so that we can have all my dreams come true ... extra fridge, washer/dryer, kitty box way in the corner ...

Don't get me wrong ... I really like MSNBC and watch it regularly—almost every day, in fact. But lately I've been noticing that many updates to regular stories are being listed as BREAKING NEWS with its bright red label to bring me over to the TV, interrupting my work. Of course, I assume that there is something urgent happening. That's a logical interpretation. Yesterday, one of the pieces of BREAKING NEWS was that Michael Vick would need to put in a plea by the end of the day. Now, perhaps I'm not up on modern journalism, but this is not my idea of something that warrants a BREAKING NEWS label, causing me to get whiplash as I crane from the other side of the room. In fact, as the months of being home have gone on, I find myself looking less at these BREAKING NEWS pop-ups, assuming it will be a Lindsay or Paris or Britney update. So I am asking MSNBC to start using the BREAKING NEWS pop-up carefully. Tragic miner loss, okay. Peruvian earthquake just happened, certainly. But undeservingly rich animal killer update, not so much.

WAS POINTED in the direction of this video of "The Impotence of Proofreading" by Taylor Mali. Many sections made me smile. Rather clever at times. Would have enjoyed more if a shorter piece, I think. But be warned ... the language is a bit raw.

AH, classic cartoons. This one is a favorite.

So great. Just like the cat, I also have a love/hate relationship with people!

And this one is even better.

Hey! Whatdaya all know? Old Billy's back!

I read this today and it reminded me that I really like what I do and, damn it, it is important. If I can prevent one character from magically and mistakenly going from jeans to shorts in the same scene or another character from changing eye color without having inserted those scary contacts, I'm a happy camper. Of course, I did talk with a fellow freelancer today about how I often appreciate the dry facts of academic nonfiction, where you don't have to keep that long style sheet of who is who and what is what, where style application and proper grammar and matching cites and references reign. A fiction editor is very different from a nonfiction editor, and sometimes for me it's hard to do both in one day. It takes a real mental switch. Or a decent break for chocolate between gigs. ...

My friends and I love to shop at Fishs Eddy, but we especially love their Pantone Collection!! How perfect for those of us who are publishing, design, and type geeks!!