Mass trial for 486 alleged gang members begins in El Salvador
Apr. 21st, 2026 05:45 pm![[syndicated profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/feed.png){kind=small}
bbcnewsworld_feedFootage released by the attorney general's office shows large groups of men in prison attending the trial via video link.
bbcnewsworld_feed
should I recommend someone who I was told something very bad about?
Apr. 21st, 2026 05:59 pmaskamanager_feedA reader writes:
Years ago, I got to know Fergus, the head of a local organization I worked with through my previous job. Fergus eventually left the organization to pursue other opportunities, and shortly afterward, I had a meeting with other members of the team, including the person who had succeeded him. At one point in the conversation, I asked if they knew how Fergus was doing and received a fairly non-committal answer.
A couple days later, I received an email from the new manager that had very clearly been written by lawyers, informing me that after Fergus’ departure they had discovered financial improprieties during his time running the organization and had severed all ties with him. This was surprising to me because, while I had never worked closely with Fergus, he had never given me any reason to question his integrity.
A few months after that, the CEO of my organization mentioned to me that he had had conversations with Fergus about joining our team. I felt duty-bound to tell him about the email I had received. I’m not sure how much of an impact that had, but in any event he never came to work for us.
Fast forward to last week when Fergus, with whom I’ve stayed in touch with over the years, asked me for an introduction to the CEO of a company where he is applying for a job. My instinct is to let bygones be bygones and make the introduction. It’s been five years and I don’t even know the details of what he was alleged to have done, much less whether it’s true. And as I said, other than this one incident, I’ve never had any reason to doubt Fergus’ integrity.
Still, I’ve found myself wondering, if I felt an obligation to tell my boss about the email five years ago, why wouldn’t the same obligation extend to my professional contacts at this other company? (I know the CEO, but not particularly well, and he’s certainly not someone I would consider a friend.)
There’s also the question of, if I do make the referral, whether I should give Fergus an enthusiastic recommendation or simply pass along his resume without comment. Given how difficult it is for job candidates to stand out these days, I almost feel as if the latter action would be equivalent to not making the intro at all.
Ugh, this is hard. The fact that Fergus had never given you reason to question his integrity doesn’t mean that he wasn’t involved in financial improprieties; in fact, the way many successful embezzlers (to use one example) are able to get away with it for a long time is that they come across as friendly and trustworthy.
On the other hand, it’s a little odd that the other organization felt the need to send you that letter. Was there any reason for them to spill Fergus’s business like that, other than sullying his name? Maybe there was! Depending on the work Fergus did, there could be reasons that you/your organization needed to know what happened. But if there weren’t, I’d be uncomfortable with that and trying to figure out why I was being informed.
In any case, when your CEO mentioned he was considering hiring him, you were right to share what you’d been told with him. You had relevant info that he had the right to consider.
It’s different in this latest situation, where you don’t work for the person he’s applying with, so there’s not as clear an imperative. But Fergus is asking you to use your reputation to vouch for him. Before you can do that, I think you’ve got to know more. Would you be willing to ask Fergus point-blank about what happened with the old job? You could say, “Before I contact Joe, can I ask about what happened when you left OldOrg? My sense was that there might have been some issues there, and candidly I feel like I’ve got to ask you that first. I’m sorry if I’m putting you in an awkward position.”
This won’t necessarily clarify things for you, but it might. Or it might further muddy them! But I don’t see how you can vouch for him — which is what you’d be doing — without at least asking him about it. If you don’t want to do that, I don’t think you can ethically refer him, given the info you do have. And so if he didn’t do anything wrong, it’s actually fairer to give him a chance to clear things up.
The post should I recommend someone who I was told something very bad about? appeared first on Ask a Manager.
TV Tuesday: Long Term Preservation
Apr. 21st, 2026 12:41 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
yourlibrarian posting in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
tv_talk
aurumcalendula reported last month that a set of Wiseguy DVDs had a non-working disc. And apparently Warner Bros DVDs made in 2006-2008 will all stop working. Earlier laser disc recordings also had similar issues.Do you have a lot of DVDs? How long have you been collecting them? Have you run into problems with them? Is it important for you to preserve particular shows?
(no subject)
Apr. 21st, 2026 01:42 pmmajuFrom seaivy
1. Bagels or donuts? Bagels are more satisfying but donuts are delicious. (I'm going to miss the bagels from the New York Bagels place near my old house.)
2. Bar soap or body wash? Bar soap. I use it very sparingly.
3. Being afraid or being embarrassed? Neither is any fun.
4. Big bash or intimate gathering? Intimate gathering
5. Board games or video games? Board games.
6. Bridgerton or The Crown? The Crown. I've never watched Bridgerton and somehow it's never appealed to me.
7. Cardio or weights? Cardio
8. Carpet or hardwood? Hardwood with area rungs.
9. Clue/Cluedo or Monopoly? Cluedo. Monopoly goes on for too long.
10. Cook or do the dishes? Do the dishes.
11. Damp socks or a pebble in your shoe? Damp socks.
12. Dragons or unicorns? Neither
13. Family vacation or solo trip? Both have their place.
14. Fork or spoon? Both are necessary at different times. Try eating soup with a fork!
15. General admission or assigned seats? Assigned seats.
16. Give or receive? Both.
17. Hot cocoa or hot cider? Hot cocoa
18. Iced tea or hot tea? Hot tea
19. Italian food or Mexican food? Italian
20. Long car ride or short plane trip? Long car rides can be a lot of fun with the right companions. Short plane trips are for when you're in a hurry.
21. Mountains or beach? Mountain, but beaches can be beautiful.
22. Movie candy or popcorn? Neither, but I'd always choose candy over popcorn.
23. Musical theater or concert? Neither.
24. Nightlight or no light? No light.
25. Ninja attack or pirate attack? I don't want to be attacked by anyone or anything.
26. Outer space or bottom of the ocean? There are some absolutely incredible things at the bottom of the ocean which I'd rather see than go to outer space.
27. Painful truth or comforting lie? Sometimes you need one, sometimes you need the other.
28. Pancakes or waffles? Pancakes.
29. Passion or friendship? Both.
30. Phone call or text? Text
31. Pizza or tacos? Pizza (isn't this basically the same as question 19?)
32. Play or concert? Neither.
33. Playlists or podcasts? PLaylists
34. Puzzles or coloring books? Puzzles
35. Rain or snow? Snow.
36. Ramen or pho? Ramen
37. River or lake? A river flowing into a lake
38. Roller coaster or Ferris wheel? Ferris wheel. I love those things.
39. Roller skates or ice skates? Ice skates
40. Salt or pepper? Just a tiny pinch of salt.
41. Singing in the shower or singing in the car? Singing in the car.
42. Skinny fries or thick cut? Thick cut
43. Sneezing or coughing? Sneezing. It's usually over quickly, wheras coughing can go on for a long time.
44. Snowboarding or skateboarding? Neither. I'm too old.
45. Snowmen or sandcastles? Snowmen
46. Spicy or mild? Mild
47. Street food or fine dining? Street food.
48. Subtitles or dubbed? Subtitles, but I'll take dubbed if I have to - with subtitles as well.
49. Wine or beer? Neither.
50. Zoo or aquarium? Aquarium
seaivy1. Bagels or donuts? Bagels are more satisfying but donuts are delicious. (I'm going to miss the bagels from the New York Bagels place near my old house.)
2. Bar soap or body wash? Bar soap. I use it very sparingly.
3. Being afraid or being embarrassed? Neither is any fun.
4. Big bash or intimate gathering? Intimate gathering
5. Board games or video games? Board games.
6. Bridgerton or The Crown? The Crown. I've never watched Bridgerton and somehow it's never appealed to me.
7. Cardio or weights? Cardio
8. Carpet or hardwood? Hardwood with area rungs.
9. Clue/Cluedo or Monopoly? Cluedo. Monopoly goes on for too long.
10. Cook or do the dishes? Do the dishes.
11. Damp socks or a pebble in your shoe? Damp socks.
12. Dragons or unicorns? Neither
13. Family vacation or solo trip? Both have their place.
14. Fork or spoon? Both are necessary at different times. Try eating soup with a fork!
15. General admission or assigned seats? Assigned seats.
16. Give or receive? Both.
17. Hot cocoa or hot cider? Hot cocoa
18. Iced tea or hot tea? Hot tea
19. Italian food or Mexican food? Italian
20. Long car ride or short plane trip? Long car rides can be a lot of fun with the right companions. Short plane trips are for when you're in a hurry.
21. Mountains or beach? Mountain, but beaches can be beautiful.
22. Movie candy or popcorn? Neither, but I'd always choose candy over popcorn.
23. Musical theater or concert? Neither.
24. Nightlight or no light? No light.
25. Ninja attack or pirate attack? I don't want to be attacked by anyone or anything.
26. Outer space or bottom of the ocean? There are some absolutely incredible things at the bottom of the ocean which I'd rather see than go to outer space.
27. Painful truth or comforting lie? Sometimes you need one, sometimes you need the other.
28. Pancakes or waffles? Pancakes.
29. Passion or friendship? Both.
30. Phone call or text? Text
31. Pizza or tacos? Pizza (isn't this basically the same as question 19?)
32. Play or concert? Neither.
33. Playlists or podcasts? PLaylists
34. Puzzles or coloring books? Puzzles
35. Rain or snow? Snow.
36. Ramen or pho? Ramen
37. River or lake? A river flowing into a lake
38. Roller coaster or Ferris wheel? Ferris wheel. I love those things.
39. Roller skates or ice skates? Ice skates
40. Salt or pepper? Just a tiny pinch of salt.
41. Singing in the shower or singing in the car? Singing in the car.
42. Skinny fries or thick cut? Thick cut
43. Sneezing or coughing? Sneezing. It's usually over quickly, wheras coughing can go on for a long time.
44. Snowboarding or skateboarding? Neither. I'm too old.
45. Snowmen or sandcastles? Snowmen
46. Spicy or mild? Mild
47. Street food or fine dining? Street food.
48. Subtitles or dubbed? Subtitles, but I'll take dubbed if I have to - with subtitles as well.
49. Wine or beer? Neither.
50. Zoo or aquarium? Aquarium
(no subject)
Apr. 21st, 2026 01:17 pmmajuThe first graders at the girls' school are putting on a performance called "Springing Up" on Friday this week. My son in law can't go because he has to go to the office that day (and hasn't been at his new job long enough to have any accrued time off), and my daughter now has a meeting at the exact time of the performance. I was hoping to go with my daughter but I don't think Aria knew that. A couple of days ago she came down to the basement all excited, asking me if I was going to the performance, and of course I said yes. Then it came out that because neither of her parents could be there, I would be the family representative. Now Aria keeps reminding me about the event, and having me read and reread the instructions from the school about how it's organised and when to be there. I'm very touched that she is so excited that I'll be there.
On the instruction sheet it says her class is to wear orange, so my daughter had to forage through some stuff to find an orange garment - it's not a colour that anybody in this family wears regularly. She found a skirt but it was way too big in the waist so Aria asked me if I could put some elastic in the waist. I wasn't able to do that because of the way the skirt is constructed so instead, I sewed in lots of darts. The skirt is a size 7-8 and Aria is 6 ½ but she is very slim. I think I had to make the waist about 4 or 5 inches smaller, but anyway, the skirt fits now and doesn't just fall down or threaten to fall down.
I feel kind of tired and headachey today, and I wonder if it's because of the Covid vaccination yesterday. I felt ok first thing this morning and went for another early walk even though it felt colder than yesterday (there was a breeze so there was some wind chill factor), and the headache came on after breakfast.
On the instruction sheet it says her class is to wear orange, so my daughter had to forage through some stuff to find an orange garment - it's not a colour that anybody in this family wears regularly. She found a skirt but it was way too big in the waist so Aria asked me if I could put some elastic in the waist. I wasn't able to do that because of the way the skirt is constructed so instead, I sewed in lots of darts. The skirt is a size 7-8 and Aria is 6 ½ but she is very slim. I think I had to make the waist about 4 or 5 inches smaller, but anyway, the skirt fits now and doesn't just fall down or threaten to fall down.
I feel kind of tired and headachey today, and I wonder if it's because of the Covid vaccination yesterday. I felt ok first thing this morning and went for another early walk even though it felt colder than yesterday (there was a breeze so there was some wind chill factor), and the headache came on after breakfast.
candidate read all his interview answers from a script
Apr. 21st, 2026 04:29 pmaskamanager_feedA reader writes:
Last month I had a video interview with a candidate that caught me off guard. It was a second round interview, and I was tasked with asking some deeper questions and providing some more technical context to the role.
It became clear quite quickly, since we were on video, that the candidate was reading from prepared notes on his screen. And not just quick references to projects or previous work, but actually reading it like a script. Even when I tried to ask some follow-up questions that he could not have prepared for, he gave a brief answer before reverting back to the script.
I’ve experienced this with candidates before but never to this extent; it felt less like a conversational interview and more like a performance! I was tempted to interrupt and ask him to ditch the notes, but second-guessed myself. He was clearly nervous, and I didn’t want to make it worse. But should I have said something?
I answer this question — and two others — over at Inc. today, where I’m revisiting letters that have been buried in the archives here from years ago (and sometimes updating/expanding my answers to them). You can read it here.
Other questions I’m answering there today include:
- How much should I tell my employee about why I’m rejecting his significant other?
- Employee’s clinking spoon is setting off my misophonia
The post candidate read all his interview answers from a script appeared first on Ask a Manager.
Iran sees mass redundancies from war with US and Israel
Apr. 21st, 2026 04:05 pmbbcnewsworld_feedThe impact is being felt by manufacturers, retailers and the digital sector, amid warnings it could get worse if the war resumes.
Witches, a Historical Mystery, & More
Apr. 21st, 2026 03:30 pmsmartbitches_feedI Got Abducted by Aliens and Now I’m Trapped in a Rom-Com
I Got Abducted by Aliens and Now I’m Trapped in a Rom-Com by Kimberly Lemming is $4.99! This is book one in the Comic Chaos series and came out last February. Book two is due out in August of this year.
A hilarious and sexy romance about a woman who gets dropped on a strange planet only to fall for not one, but two, aliens, from the author of I Got Drunk and Yeeted a Love Potion at a Werewolf.
Dorothy Valentine is close to getting her PhD in wildlife biology when she’s attacked by a lion. On the bright side, she’s saved! On the not-so-bright side, it’s because they’re abducted by aliens. In her scramble to escape, Dory and the lion commandeer an escape pod and crash-land on an alien planet that has…dinosaurs?
Dory and her new lion bestie, Toto, are saved in the nick of time by a mysterious and sexy alien, Sol. On their new adventure, they team up with the equally hot, equally dangerous Lok, who may or may not be a war criminal. Whether it be trauma, fate, or intrigue, Dory can’t resist the attraction that’s developing in their trio….
As this ragtag group of misfits explore their new planet, Dory learns more about how and why they’ve all ended up together, battles more prehistoric creatures than she imagined (she imagined…zero), and questions if she even wants to go back home to Earth in this hilarious and steamy alien romance adventure comedy romp.
The Once and Future Witches
RECOMMENDED: The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow is $1.99! Carrie reviewed this one and gave it a B+:
Overall I loved reading this book. I literally gasped and clapped my hands over my mouth periodically, like a silent movie star. It’s so gripping, so beautifully written, and such a powerful homage to women’s voices and the need to unify against a common enemy.
In 1893, there’s no such thing as witches. There used to be, in the wild, dark days before the burnings began, but now witching is nothing but tidy charms and nursery rhymes. If the modern woman wants any measure of power, she must find it at the ballot box.
But when the Eastwood sisters–James Juniper, Agnes Amaranth, and Beatrice Belladonna–join the suffragists of New Salem, they begin to pursue the forgotten words and ways that might turn the women’s movement into the witch’s movement. Stalked by shadows and sickness, hunted by forces who will not suffer a witch to vote-and perhaps not even to live-the sisters will need to delve into the oldest magics, draw new alliances, and heal the bond between them if they want to survive.
There’s no such thing as witches. But there will be.
Silent in the Grave
RECOMMENDED: Silent in the Grave by Deanna Raybourn is $1.99! This book and series has been mentioned quite a bit on the site. Elyse recommended it if you like historical mysteries. Reader StacieH4 mentioned it for those who prefer their romance light on sex, and Reader Tina Chaney said on a podcast that the book has one of her favorite opening lines. Have you read it?
“Let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave.”
These ominous words, slashed from the pages of a book of Psalms, are the last threat that the darling of London society, Sir Edward Grey, receives from his killer. Before he can show them to Nicholas Brisbane, the private inquiry agent he has retained for his protection, Sir Edward collapses and dies at his London home, in the presence of his wife, Julia, and a roomful of dinner guests.
Prepared to accept that Edward’s death was due to a long-standing physical infirmity, Julia is outraged when Brisbane visits and suggests that Sir Edward has been murdered. It is a reaction she comes to regret when she discovers the damning paper for herself, and realizes the truth.
Determined to bring her husband’s murderer to justice, Julia engages the enigmatic Brisbane to help her investigate Edward’s demise. Dismissing his warnings that the investigation will be difficult, if not impossible, Julia presses forward, following a trail of clues that lead her to even more unpleasant truths, and ever closer to a killer who waits expectantly for her arrival.
A Fine Scottish Time
A Fine Scottish Time by Maeve Greyson is $2.99 at Amazon! This is time travel romance and it’s the first book in the The Magical Matchmakers of Seven Cairns series.
Time Travel, Tarot, and Fated Love in the Highlands
Jessa Tamson desperately needs a win. Her three-year relationship ended in heartbreak, her dream job evaporated, her car was stolen, and her rent just skyrocketed. She’s about ready to tell the universe exactly where to go—until a strange tarot card dating app starts popping up on her phone. It’s persistent, mysterious, and downright annoying, but when it promises an escape from her current mess of a life, she decides to take a leap of faith—and a flight to Scotland.
Grant MacAlester has no time for love—or meddling witches. It’s been forty years since his clan barely survived the Jacobite uprising in 1746, and between smuggling runs and keeping the peace, he’s got his hands full. The last thing he needs is old Mairwen and her apprentice scheming to marry him off again. His first marriage taught him one women bring trouble.
But when Jessa suddenly lands in Grant’s 18th-century Highlands—quite literally—everything changes. Their meeting isn’t just a coincidence; it’s the work of the immortals of Seven Cairns, who have declared them fated mates. Together, they hold the key to strengthening the Highland Veil, a mystical barrier protecting all creation from chaos.
—Magic, time travel, and destiny can lead to wonderful things—if a person’s brave enough to embrace them.
New AddMe for Spring 2026!
Apr. 21st, 2026 11:28 amspringsodas posting in addmeName: Soda (she/her)
Age: Late 20s
I mostly post about: Artwork, writing, character design and development, whatever shows and/or games I'm currently invested in, the various happenings in my life, any thoughts, feelings, and other ramblings that come to mind
My hobbies are: Illustration, writing, gaming, streaming, collecting comics, merchandise, plushies (I have too many), and stationary
My fandoms are: Main is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2003, IDW, and Splintered Fate), casual enjoyer of Pokemon and Sonic the Hedgehog; I also enjoy a number of various anime, cartoons, comics/manga, and video games that I may mention from time to time.
I'm looking to meet people who: While no specific person comes to mind, as long you're kind and considerate, I'm happy to chat even if our interests don't line up.
My posting schedule tends to be: A bit sporadic, but I usually manage to get one or two posts in a week
When I add people, my dealbreakers are: I prefer to interact with users who are at least 20 or older and will avoid interacting with minors. Not tolerant of bigotry in any form (racism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, etc.) I do, unfortunately, have quite a few major squicks on the fannish front, so if you're posting things like adult/minor pairings and/or incest, I'm going to politely keep my distance.
Before adding me, you should know: I prefer to keep my journal SFW out of personal preference. Neurodivergent (autistic), highly anxious to the point I sometimes delete posts for whatever reason, although I'm trying to be braver about posting my opinions even if they lean more towards the negative and come off as a bit whiny/complainy.
Role of US officials killed in crash in Mexico under scrutiny
Apr. 21st, 2026 05:35 pmbbcnewsworld_feedTwo Americans who reportedly worked for the CIA died in a car crash after a Mexican-led operation to destroy a drug lab.
Israeli soldiers punished over vandalism of Jesus statue in Lebanon
Apr. 21st, 2026 04:13 pmbbcnewsworld_feedTwo soldiers will be removed from combat duty and receive 30 days of military detention, Israel's military says.
Mass trial for 486 alleged MS-13 gang members begins in El Salvador
Apr. 21st, 2026 12:48 pmbbcnewsworld_feedThe group are collectively accused of committing more than 47,000 crimes, including murder.
Madonna offers reward for return of missing Coachella costume
Apr. 21st, 2026 10:29 ambbcnewsworld_feedThe items, which she says are "part of my history", disappeared after her slot with Sabrina Carpenter.
my interviewer was an AI agent
Apr. 21st, 2026 02:59 pmaskamanager_feedA reader writes:
After being laid off, I was aggressively applying to everything even remotely in my industry. I landed an interview with a company I recognized and a role I was fully qualified for. In order to move forward in the process, however, they said I needed to “complete an AI screening.”
What? I was expecting a phone call with the hiring manager as a first step, but this is the future I guess. So I went with it. Well, it was — perhaps predictably — absolutely awful. Not only did the AI ask me confusing, irrelevant questions about hyper specific bullet points on my resume, but it frequently interrupted my responses and even lost connection three times, forcing me to repeat myself. All this happened while I was being video recorded, so I’m sure some of my answers likely came off a bit clipped and tired.
I have no idea how I should have handled that, and I dread having to do it again for some other company. Do you have any advice?
Yeah, it’s a terrible practice for exactly the reasons you encountered: nonsensical questions, technical issues, and the expectation that you’ll invest your time in a call to answer questions without getting any of your own questions answered in return so you can determine if you’re even interested in moving forward.
Up until now, the social contract between employers and job-seekers has been that once your resume passes an initial screening, the next step (whether it’s a phone screen or a more in-depth interview) will give you the chance to talk to the employer to ask questions of your own so that you can figure out if you want to invest any more of your time afterwards, since it doesn’t make sense to do that if the role doesn’t fit what you’re looking for. That’s why employer demands like “write multiple essays before we’ll interview you” or “do a lengthy work simulation before you can even apply” have always seemed out-of-touch.
It was bad enough when some employers started requiring one-way video interviews before they’d talk to you (where you have to record yourself answering specific questions, again without the opportunity to ask your own in return). This is that taken to new heights, and with even less respect for you and your time.
But AI interviews are probably sticking around for at least a while, if not long-term, so job-seekers will have to figure out whether they’re willing to play along or not. If you have other options, you can always decline. But like most terrible hiring practices, this one will most affect the people with the fewest options. If you’re at a certain level in your field and have in-demand skills, you can say, “I’d be happy to talk with a human who can answer my questions in return; if that’s not possible, I’ll need to withdraw from consideration.” If you’re not in that position and just need a job, you probably need to roll your eyes and do it.
The post my interviewer was an AI agent appeared first on Ask a Manager.
Making friends with alpacas
Apr. 21st, 2026 07:27 amsusandennisHere at the cult, there is great emphasis on socializing. Meeting people. Making friends. I don't mind getting together with people now and again. I'm not opposed to meeting people and I'm mostly ok with making friends but not as items on an agenda. I'm perfectly fine here in my own apartment with my two cats and visits from Martha or Bonny. When I need to people, I go out to the elbow and work on the puzzle and visit with whoever wanders by.
Timber Ridge and the various resident led committees are always planning shit. Music programs, group stuff, outings. There's a puzzle group and art group, a million grief groups, low vision, hard of hearing, spousal support groups. My neighbor down the hall is trying to get a singles group going. Not a couples match up but more like people who want to do stuff with other people but don't have people to do it with. A laudable idea if that's what you want.
I almost never sign up for or attend any of it. The first year I was here, I went to a lot because I made friends with Myrna and Myrna's middle name was JOINER! So at least I've tried stuff. She and Martha and a couple of others were the social committee for the 3rd floor. They planned twice yearly get togethers. (All the floors have them.) I've been to every one since I moved here and they are dreadful. The last time, I went and decided it was the last time. Now Myrna's dead and Martha is over the whole planning process so they are looking for a new social committee. No one is volunteering. I suggested that we abandon the floor socials. What???? We can't do that!!! Why don't?? Because! Ok. Fine. Whatever.
BUT this morning I signed up for a thing. A kind of social thing. A social thing outside. Yeah, it's not me except it's a tour of an alpaca farm. May 7. It's about 30 minutes from here. It's advertised as rough ground so no one with walkers or mobility issues is encouraged. So far the list of people who have signed up is an ok list. I can still bail. It's a small group and there will be a long waiting list so we'll see.
Erica sent out an email yesterday saying that the pool will be closed for volleyball and aqua fit this morning but will likely open up some time today. So yeah!
The Mariners continue to lose. No real injuries or obvious issues like other teams. We have good, talented guys who are just playing shit. Oh well. It's not like we don't have 50 years of experience with losing.
I put Biggie's pill issues to Gemini and Gemini suggested a pill pistol. I ordered 2. One came yesterday. Fail. The pill is too big. One is coming today BUT Gemini may have solved the problem. In explaining how to use the pill pistol with a cat, it said to shoot the pill in the side of the mouth instead of straight down. I usually tilt his head back and aim for the middle of the back of the tongue. This morning, I tilted his head back and sent it down the side and got it in one! So... maybe...
Yesterday, somehow, a moth got in here and both cats just went nuts. They had a ball chasing it around for the longest time. I need to find a moth source. It would be a great and cheap cat gift!
I just got an email that someone 'friended' me on Live Journal. Interesting since my last post there was announcing that I'd be leaving and never posting again and that was 4 years ago...
Timber Ridge and the various resident led committees are always planning shit. Music programs, group stuff, outings. There's a puzzle group and art group, a million grief groups, low vision, hard of hearing, spousal support groups. My neighbor down the hall is trying to get a singles group going. Not a couples match up but more like people who want to do stuff with other people but don't have people to do it with. A laudable idea if that's what you want.
I almost never sign up for or attend any of it. The first year I was here, I went to a lot because I made friends with Myrna and Myrna's middle name was JOINER! So at least I've tried stuff. She and Martha and a couple of others were the social committee for the 3rd floor. They planned twice yearly get togethers. (All the floors have them.) I've been to every one since I moved here and they are dreadful. The last time, I went and decided it was the last time. Now Myrna's dead and Martha is over the whole planning process so they are looking for a new social committee. No one is volunteering. I suggested that we abandon the floor socials. What???? We can't do that!!! Why don't?? Because! Ok. Fine. Whatever.
BUT this morning I signed up for a thing. A kind of social thing. A social thing outside. Yeah, it's not me except it's a tour of an alpaca farm. May 7. It's about 30 minutes from here. It's advertised as rough ground so no one with walkers or mobility issues is encouraged. So far the list of people who have signed up is an ok list. I can still bail. It's a small group and there will be a long waiting list so we'll see.
Erica sent out an email yesterday saying that the pool will be closed for volleyball and aqua fit this morning but will likely open up some time today. So yeah!
The Mariners continue to lose. No real injuries or obvious issues like other teams. We have good, talented guys who are just playing shit. Oh well. It's not like we don't have 50 years of experience with losing.
I put Biggie's pill issues to Gemini and Gemini suggested a pill pistol. I ordered 2. One came yesterday. Fail. The pill is too big. One is coming today BUT Gemini may have solved the problem. In explaining how to use the pill pistol with a cat, it said to shoot the pill in the side of the mouth instead of straight down. I usually tilt his head back and aim for the middle of the back of the tongue. This morning, I tilted his head back and sent it down the side and got it in one! So... maybe...
Yesterday, somehow, a moth got in here and both cats just went nuts. They had a ball chasing it around for the longest time. I need to find a moth source. It would be a great and cheap cat gift!
I just got an email that someone 'friended' me on Live Journal. Interesting since my last post there was announcing that I'd be leaving and never posting again and that was 4 years ago...
HaBO: The Ol’ Charlotte/Charlie Mix Up
Apr. 21st, 2026 02:00 pmsmartbitches_feedThis HaBO is from Christelle, who wants to find this romance:
I’m looking for the title of a book, the second in a series.
The story takes place in a small town. A military hero returns home with a back injruy. A night in a bar, he meet a beautiful woman named Charlotte but refuses to go home with her.
Later, he meets his nurse Charlie, assumes she’s a man, but her real name is Charlotte and she is the woman from the bar.
He is a grumpy hero and I don’t remember much else…I hope someone can help…
Let’s HaBO!
Hide Your Wallet: April 21st Release Week
Apr. 21st, 2026 08:00 amsmartbitches_feed
Happy Tuesday!
We’re quickly approaching the end of the month. Can you believe it? Most of the titles on our TBR piles this week have some sort of fantasy element.
Which new releases are you anticipating this week? Let us know in the comments!
The Antiquarian’s Object of Desire
Author: India Holton
Released: April 21, 2026 by Berkley
Genre: Fantasy/Fairy Tale Romance, Historical: European, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
Series: Love's Academic #3
When two history professors and best friends are forced to fake hate to protect their reputations, chaos ensues, in the next rollicking historical-fantasy rom-com from beloved author India Holton.
Magical-antique experts Amelia Tarrant and Caleb Sterling have been best friends forever, although lately each has begun secretly wishing for more than friendship. But when rumors about their relationship spread, they’re forced to fake being enemies to protect their reputations and keep their jobs.
The resulting arguments spark havoc across Oxford University, and when they cause an explosion while fighting over a magical antique, it’s the final straw for their exasperated faculty head. He dispatches them to a job in Cumbria where even they can’t get into trouble.…
Which proves just how wrong one man can be. In a stormbound old manor house, Amelia and Caleb face magical mayhem and rampaging ghosts that make the previous havoc look mild in comparison. Most troublesome of all, though, is the secret of how they feel about each other. When it comes to tackling deadly antiques, hiding the truth in their hearts could destroy them for real.
New India Holton!
Thistlemarsh
Author: Moorea Corrigan
Released: April 21, 2026 by Berkley
Genre: Historical: European, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
Faeries disappeared over one hundred years ago, as suddenly as slipping through a doorway. It was only the very foolish, or the very determined, who held out hope for their return.
Welcome to Thistlemarsh—a ramshackle estate where an impoverished orphan and a beguiling Faerie collide in an enchanting novel of love, revenge, and ruin.
In the wake of The Great War, the world is a decidedly unmagical place for Mouse Dunne. She once dreamed of becoming a Faerie anthropologist, but with one telegram, her world shattered. At the Battle of the Somme, her cousin’s body disappeared into the mud, and her brother was left with debilitating shell shock. It was time, she knew, to put aside childish dreams.
When Mouse receives news that her uncle has left her the Faerie-blessed Thistlemarsh Hall, a dilapidated manor in the English countryside, she must leave her brother’s side and return to her childhood home to claim her birthright. But there is a catch in her uncle’s If Mouse does not rehabilitate the crumbling house in one month’s time, she will forfeit her inheritance and any hope of caring for her brother.
It quickly becomes clear it’s impossible to repair the manor in the allotted time, until a mysterious Faerie appears with a proposition. He offers to restore Thistlemarsh…for a price. Mouse knows better than to trust a Faerie—especially one so insufferably handsome and arrogant—but she is out of options. There are dark and magical forces at work in the house, and Mouse must confront the ghosts of her past and the secrets of her heart or lose Thistlemarsh, and herself, in the process.
Amanda: The dreaminess of this is getting me.
Lara: I’m incredibly picky about books featuring the fae, but I’m hopeful that this one will scratch that itch.
Witch Queen Rising
Author: Savannah Stephens
Released: April 21, 2026 by Ace
Genre: Urban Fantasy
A reclusive witch who fled the burden of her bloodline rises to be the greatest among them in this lush and haunting fantasy debut.
For New Orleans witchkin, there is no greater honor than to become the Prime—chosen to rule. But the title is meant to pass between two rival Houses of magic, not to the wayward daughter of the former Prime who died under mysterious circumstances.
As a girl, Seraphine Barreau was dubbed the Tick Witch for her ability to feed on magic and make it her own. Even among those who alter fate and manipulate reality, she was a powerful outcast feared and misunderstood by her people. Now dragged back to continue the legacy that nearly destroyed her, Phine has her work cut out for her. She must earn the respect of her people, navigate the politics of the paranormal communities residing in her city, and heal a broken heart, all the while battling a parasitic curse poisoning witchkin. Between her werewolf ex, power-hungry vampires, and the skeletons in her family’s closet, Phine must learn to make peace with her past to save her—and all of witchkin’s—future.
Amanda: Can we get a round of applause for this cover?
Mermaid in Manhattan
Author: Jessica Gadziala
Released: April 23, 2026 by Avon
Genre: Paranormal, Romance
Iris loves being a mermaid. So, when her Mom, Queen of the Ocean, declares that she’s to be wed to a human, she’s furious.
Finn wants to be the first human mayor of magical New York. He needs a magical wife as part of his PR strategy to win over his constituents, and he’s fine with a loveless marriage.
But after his reluctant fiancé Iris douses him with seawater at their first meeting, Finn finds himself wanting this romance to be more than a business arrangement.
Iris can’t stand Finn on principle, but no matter how far she pushes him, Finn just won’t break off their engagement. In fact, he keeps going out of his way to make her life easier. And soon, this mermaid is left wondering if life might be better in Manhattan than under the sea…
Amanda: This sounds silly in a delightful way.
Prompt: #491 - Pun
Apr. 21st, 2026 10:30 amsweettartheart posting in 100wordsThis week's prompt is pun.
Your response should be exactly 100 words long. You do not have to include the prompt in your response -- it is meant as inspiration only.
Please use the tag "prompt: #491 - pun" with your response.
Please put your drabble under a cut tag if it contains potential triggers, mature or explicit content, or spoilers for media released in the last month.
If you would like a template for the header information you may use this:
Subject: Original - Title (or) Fandom - Title
Post:
Title:
Original (or) Fandom:
Rating:
Notes:
If you are a member of AO3 there is a 100 Words Collection!
Your response should be exactly 100 words long. You do not have to include the prompt in your response -- it is meant as inspiration only.
Please use the tag "prompt: #491 - pun" with your response.
Please put your drabble under a cut tag if it contains potential triggers, mature or explicit content, or spoilers for media released in the last month.
If you would like a template for the header information you may use this:
Subject: Original - Title (or) Fandom - Title
Post:
Title:
Original (or) Fandom:
Rating:
Notes:
If you are a member of AO3 there is a 100 Words Collection!