Discussion time!

In the last week or so, I have read at least three news pieces about police using tasers to subdue children. In the following two exhibits, the children in question are 10 years old. For the sake of this post, I am considering anyone under the age of 13 a child. (Although, if you want to weigh in on the 13-17 crowd, by all means, go for it.)

Exhibit A
Exhibit B

Is tasering a child ever acceptable? Is tasering really necessary or are the officers being lazy (meaning, tasering is a quick way to get the kid under control)?

Discuss!

Are any of you traders on HSX.com?

(Photo by littledan77 on Flickr.)

December is AIDS awareness month.

If you go to Starbucks tomorrow, December 1, they will donate 5 cents of every drink made to the Global Fund to help fight AIDS.

From the Starbucks & (red) Facebook event page:
Turn any purchase (RED)™ this holiday season by spending $15U.S. or more at participating Starbucks in the U.S. and Canada and receive a limited-time offer Love CD brought to you by Starbucks and (RED)™. The Love CD features exclusive recordings from U2, Dave Matthews Band, John Legend and Playing for Change. And, with each Love CD distributed, we'll contribute $1U.S to the Global Fund.

If you're already going to Starbucks tomorrow, thank you.
If you're not planning on going to Starbucks tomorrow, can I twist your arm just a little? You get caffeine, AIDS research gets a little more money. Put aside your "Starbucks is eeeevil!" for a day and get a peppermint mocha.

And please don't forget that it is never shameful to get tested for AIDS (or any STD). Do it for your partner. Do it for your child(ren). Do it for yourself.

I have far too many hooks for my own good.

I have far too many Susan Bates hooks and I hate, hate, hate Susan Bates hooks.

I have a set of these:

Just like that - in the case, all pretty and plastic.

I also have some of these:

In sizes F through K. (I have two of the size I ones, actually. I have about 50 size I hooks between these and the Boye ones. Because I is the most common hook size or something, IDK.)
(Amazon has a set but I bought mine 1-by-1. Of course I did! Because I'm SMRT.)

Do any of you want some freakin' crochet hooks? You know you do. Please, please, please take them from me. And if I ever buy a Susan Bates hook again, you have permission to smack me. There's nothing wrong with this style of hook, it's just not one that I work well with.

I was wondering if maybe, just maybe, the dumbutts* in TQC could just play nice for 45 minutes while I go take a nice bubble bath? Kthanx.

*as trademarked by suzermagoozer

As I am sure you are aware, we are about 6 weeks out from Christmas. This here is your first opportunity to get in on the action.

Poll #1482642 Holiday Poll 2009
Open to: All, detailed results viewable to: All, participants: 19

Do you want a Christmas card from me this year?

If your name is **NOT** on the list below, are you going to PM/email/etc your address to me?

There's a plate of cookies on the table. Which one do you take?

People I have addresses for already (and thusly do not need to PM/email/etc their address to me):
aerynmoo, annaonthemoon, aub39, blueashke, gardenofevils, ghost_poop, gifgal, gratefuladdict, itsjustaphase, jacktripper, kliqueman, l_a_d_y_l_o_v_e, latenightdrives, laura_kathleen, lostin_thestars, mollywog, moonelement, moongirli, mr_sadhead, mumblestutter, naughtydolphin, nightshade_7976, noodle_nose, pseudicide, qlarue, ruadhbanrigh, suzermagoozer, themarshal, tynkerbelle, wenelda

(Surprisingly, I have most of your addresses still. MOST. Some of you have recently moved *coughdanokecough* or something, so you know, updates appreciated.)

Comments are NOT screened, so don't leave your address in the comments.

I feel like it has been far too long since we have experienced the We Like The Moon song.



You're welcome.