First, Observer.com notes that the NYT and the Boston Globe (because they are the same company) have, as an option in their XMS online expense reporting tool, a line for money spent on “Gunmen,” right after “Facilitators” and before “Internet.” Apparently they’re removing that, presumably replacing it with “Bodyguards.” My company uses XMS as well, but we don’t get those options in our expense list. Hotel, Internet, Meals, Travel… that’s about it, really. I guess there’s “Other” but you really have to explain that one. Putting in “I had to hire a bodyguard to protect me from the software pirates” just wouldn’t cut it. Still, I think I’d look cool surrounded by a dark-suited entourage.
Brilliant article in Slate about racism, which you should just read.
Apparently, innovative punishments for children are considered a “bizarre practice.” I wasn’t smacked around as a child, but I got spanked more than once, and as I recall, I deserved the heck out of it. Putting a drop or two of hot sauce on the tongue doesn’t seem to be that bad a punishment for, say, swearing. Probably better for them than soap. I’d be afraid of turning them into picky eaters, though, which in my opinion is far worse than sassing.
Secretly Ironic 