Good freaking grief. So instead of asking the man about the significance of the flag, many of you are content to assume he’s a Christian Nationalist racist? Because you just knoooowwww what that flag reaaalllly means to white guys like him? OP, your husband is right: you’re stereotyping.

I’m going to answer the question you asked about the man with the mug, but I’m guessing this thread is going to focus on your first paragraph as that seems more significant. Would you be willing to engage the man in conversation? “I noticed your mug and I’m curious what that flag means to you?” The Gadsden flag is not a symbol of racism. Neither is a room full of white people.

I don’t know what the issues are, but counseling can be helpful in terms of learning how to communicate, better understanding the other person, re-framing expectations…that kind of thing. It isn’t a “he gives his side, I give my side, and the counselor tells us to compromise” kind of thing.

I finished Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt last week and just picked up his next memoir ‘Tis. Tough subject matter (extreme poverty, alcoholism) but told so, so well.

That sounds awesome.

Thanks for responding! Yes, I can see how the footage may appear staged or off in some way. If you don’t mind my asking—and please, people, let’s not turn this into a pile-on—can you explain some of your thinking on this? What about the dozens, hundreds, maybe thousands of people at NASA who were involved? Were so many of them in the dark themselves and only a handful knew the truth? Or were there not that many people in the first place? Were Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin in on the fake? For what reason was this elaborate ruse perpetrated? International prestige? I understand if you don’t want to answer. I could just go to my friend who instigated this whole thread 🙂. But I’d love to hear your thoughts as well.

I mean seemingly normal, intelligent people? Someone I know well believes it was all fake. Sent me a couple links that “prove” it was a hoax. I’m not engaging with this person on the topic. I left it at “Huh, interesting theory” and we moved on. But now I’m wondering…is this a widespread belief these days? Years ago a co-worker told me that when the moon landing was televised she thought it was a hoax. She said she was a hippie flower child who didn’t trust the government to tell the truth. And this was a common stance among her peers. Years later she was convinced by the evidence. So I knew there was skepticism “back then.” But today? Is this common?

I’m part of a ministry that helps people transition out of prison with job skills and mentoring. One of the things they do is match people with pen pals. It’s low commitment, can be done from home, and—from all reports—very meaningful for everyone involved. Perhaps there’s a similar ministry near you? It won’t solve your loneliness issue, but it could help someone else’s a little bit.

I want to invest in high-quality sheets for our bed. I usually buy basic, run-of-the-mill, on-sale sheets at Target or wherever. We stayed at an Airbnb recently and, OH MY, the difference was very noticeable! I asked the owner about the sheets but he didn’t know details. So I come to the hive. What should I look for in good sheets? Is it thread count? Fabric? Brand? I don’t want anything slippery or hot. Thanks!

All of this is gold!

I’d like to pick a brain or two if possible. 🙂

Please do not quote. Dh (64) had a TIA a few weeks ago. Symptoms resolved quickly. At the follow up appt with his GP, he was prescribed a statin. His cholesterol numbers are all well within normal ranges, so this took us by surprise. GP said statins can reduce the risk of another cardiovascular event regardless of cholesterol. Due to reports of side effects (liver damage, muscle fatigue, mental fog), dh is hesitant to take the statin. I don’t blame him. I know this is a decision the Hive cannot make for him 🙃, but it’s 4:00 in the morning, my brain won’t shut down, and I’m asking for BTDT insights. Anyone care to share their statin stories? FWIW, dh works full-time, is very active (hikes every weekend, runs 4-5 miles three times a week), doesn’t smoke, and eats generally well.

As I understand it, a “bad fit for hours” should not be a consideration for independent contractors. If you’re being told what hours to work, you should be classified as an employee. As others have pointed out, though, this liability lies with the company, not you.

Another vote for flexibility being a priority! I work FT remotely and while I have some time-restricted obligations with Teams meetings and such, the fact that I don’t have to rush around in the morning to get ready, don’t have to wear shoes, don’t have to deal with traffic….and that I CAN stop and chat with my neighbor when I see her outside, can putter in my garden for a few minutes each day, can take a walk when it’s nice, can manage the doctor appointments/grocery shopping/household stuff that comes up….it’s EVERYTHING to me. Is there a downside to taking this job? At least as a “for now” option?

I’m sorry for your loss, Dawn. Thank you for sharing this journey with us.

Does dh have any job leads? How is his resume? I’m happy to take a look and offer suggestions if you’re open to that. I’m a professional resume writer 🙂 Is it against board rules to post the gofundme page here?

Wow, the Hive delivers again! Thanks everyone!

I want to give a classic novel for Christmas, and I need help choosing one. If I tell you a bit about the recipient, can you suggest a title or two? I don’t know her well, but I know the following: She’s 16, a senior in high school, and extremely bright. She participates in theater (both acting and producing). She intends to double major in film production and linguistics. Her recent reads have included a few Shakespeare plays (I’m not sure which ones), Dorian Gray, and Frankenstein. In past years, I’ve sent Stephen King’s On Writing and Winnie the Pooh in Latin. She loves languages and dialects. For fun she’s been teaching herself Danish. She went to Ireland and Scotland last year. I’m unsure of any future travel plans I was thinking a novel with a strong dialect. Google tells me Trainspotting is an option, but I know nothing about that book. Opinions? Maybe Huckleberry Finn? The Commitments? Something by Toni Morrison? Wide open to other options. Thanks, Hive!

That was a lovely post! I don’t understand the people saying it’s illegal or muddy in a legal sense. She didn’t ASK for donations. She didn’t set up a 501c charity to raise funds. The givers aren’t asking for tax deductions. They’re not even asking for an update on how she spends the money. They’re giving of their own free will because it makes them feel good. That said, I do understand feeling kind of squicky about it. I like the idea of posting an update. “My prayer for ice cream went viral. Here’s what happened next.” And you can share how the post still inspires generosity from strangers and, while you’ve never asked for the donations—on the contrary, your original post was about how your needs, and even a couple wants, are being met—you’re touched by the spirit of giving. And then maybe add a link or two to a nonprofit you trust so people can give there instead of to you. There’s no guarantee this one will go viral, of course, but I can see one of those Inspirational Content sites eating up this kind of update. And people who are bent on researching you will find it, too.

Thanks, everyone! The event is a wedding and the venue is a barn, so cowboy boots might be just the thing. And I love the idea of comfy socks! I’ve completely lost any sense of “dressing up” I might’ve once had.

If so, what style?

Thank you, Farrar. Not every question is an attempt at “misinformation” and not every voiced doubt is the result of conspiracy.

She sounds like a good reference to me! You could ask her if she’s comfortable providing a reference given the amount of time you worked with her.

I’d be miffed at their hiding behind “the institution.” They didn’t even ask? Just “nah, this is the best we can probably do.” I might try Quill’s wording with an extra bit about taking it up with “the institution” yourself. “Thank you for your response. Surely my increase should be at least 8%, as any less is not even balanced against inflation. I understand if this amount is beyond your authority to grant, but I would appreciate further consideration. Would it be appropriate for me to talk to [Mr/Mrs Boss] myself?” Then be ready with a short list of reasons (behind inflation) you deserve that raise.

Raised Baptist. Attended nondenominational churches (basically Baptist with better websites 😉). Now attend an Anglican Church in the ACNA denomination. Love it!