I have already packed my brain...

I've been running around like a chicken with my head cut off for the past few days -- thus the lack of pontification. Packing to spend four and a half months in a foreign country is exhausting (and I'm trying to pack in one checked bag, one carry-on, and a backpack -- I need to work on being an ascetic -- it would be much simpler).

And, any preaching points were used this morning to compose a letter to the editor of the local paper regarding adding sexual orientation and gender identity the hate crimes legislation. (There was an opinion piece which caused Metra's blood to boil, but she made the sister read the letter to filter the snark.) Cross your fingers, and it might get in. Which would be -- interesting -- to say the least.