RSI

My wrist is going to break if I am asked to fix fonts figures that are already in TIFF...a word of advice - if you aren't sure whether the editor will accept your manuscript, PLEASE keep the original file, for chrissake...

drip-drip

Did you know that memories are water-soluble? This is why you cry.

Hey, I thought it was a good advice!

A co-worker's wife was pregnant with a girl.

Co-worker: "So, we're thinking of Fatima as her name."

Me: "Hmm, I don't know. I wouldn't name my kid with word 'fat' in it."

He hasn't spoken to me since.

Meridian

About sisters:

• Eldest: Gregarious but overbearing
• Middle: Well-adjusted, responsible, and tolerant.
• Youngest: Spoiled and fun.
  

Motherhood

To the lady with her baby (hey, that rhymes!) in the coffee shop:

You think you own the world 'cuz you managed to get knocked up!? Damn you!

Ambition and Friendship

I've heard this story once:

There were two young boys who were close friends in ancient China. They did everything together. One day, the boys were studying in a hut, sitting on the same rag. A parade passed in front of the hut. One of the boys looked out the window to watch the processions pass. The other boy has cut the rag in half, and never talked to his friend again. He kept studying and became a high-ranking government official.

This anecdote was told to encourage young children to study hard and become successful, even if it comes at a personal cost.

My reaction to this story is this:

1. The guy who cut his friend off is an asshole.
   
2. Couldn't he help his friend concentrate? The guy was just curious, you know...
   
3. I don't think being a loner guarantees studiousness.
4. Although he attained high status, I doubt that he would have made much of a leader.

Unless I'm missing the point, I feel that this story is likely to encourage pathological behavior in children who follow this boy's example. What the hell are people teaching children nowadays??

Literature

I am standing in the checkout lane of local supermarket.

Older bearded man with glasses: ...he is a pretty popular Norwegian writer. I highly recommend the book. So, what do you read?
Younger woman: (pauses) I liked reading "The Kite Runner"...

I roll my eyes.