House Smokemonster! We should get t-shirts or something.

Amen. As a veteran migraineur with a history of (mercifully) minor seizures, I’m all to familiar with the crazy shit our internal software can generate. As you say — it’s not ideal, but it will do in a pinch.

我的英雄！

I used to buy lunchtime steamed buns from this stand on the corner of the Third Ring Road and Xinjiekou in Beijing. (This was a long time ago; the Third Ring was pretty far out and the Fourth Ring was still under construction.) The buns were so delicious, I used to buy them every chance I got. One morning I was in the…

How soon can I move in?

Right?

This sounds like really good advice. Of course, I might be prejudiced, because it’s pretty much the same advice I give myself whenever I feel one of those useless, energy-sapping emotional maelstroms begin to gather force. It doesn’t always help, but it can do so. And it can also make weathering the gale a bit more…

So true.

Can’t agree. I wouldn’t call that kind of response a passive aggressive apology; I’d say it was an appropriately scaled rebuke to clearly inappropriate behavior. Then again, I’ve never worked as a barista. I have no trouble believing that the endless hordes of stupid, rude customers are enough to make anyone lose…

Wish I’d had this advice 20 years ago! :) I’m not going through a breakup now, but I sure do remember how badly they can hurt. At least now people can find support on the internet.

Type 2 diabetes is not 100% preventable. Of course, you’re absolutely right that there is a correlation between excess weight and disease (including type 2 diabetes), but it’s important to remember that lifestyle choices are just one factor in a complex nexus of conditions.

Exactly.

Oh, honey. 20 years of prednisone here, feeling your pain!

Of course you won’t! It sounds like you have a difficult journey to navigate. That sucks. But you will find a way. Make sure to take extra-good care of yourself while you get through this rough patch.

You can do it. I believe in you!

You’re going to be okay. Really. I know it sucks right now. But it will stop sucking. Then think how glad you’ll be that you didn’t have your brain removed!

The whole situation is horrifying on so many levels. Maybe someday future transgender people will be able to count on the protection they deserve. In the meantime, take care of yourself and stay safe!

I want to give this more stars!

How about you make a contribution in her name to some worthwhile organization? Heifer International provides a card you can email or print out. But if you want to go with an organization that doesn’t, you could just write a message in a blank card. Something like, “Happy Mother’s Day, Operation Smile says Thank You.”…

My rule is, “You want it, you make it.” I find it way easier to avoid over-indulging my sweet tooth if I have to 1) go out and buy the ingredients, 2) make the treat, 3) clean up the kitchen.