from the mixed-up files of a middle-aged mind

The other day at work an urgent and highly contestable question occupied our minds for most of the day. Passion was palpable. Tempers flared. In fact, I would say that some individuals became quite animated over the debate. Based on the answers of the boys in comparison to the responses of the girls, I began to formulate an interesting theory or two. But additional scientific research is needed. And, dear blog friends, I need votes from more than just the female sector and my handful (on a good day) of male readers. So query your husbands. Your boyfriends. The dishwasher repairman, too. And tell me... "Who's your favorite Disney Princess?" (If you're so inclined, you can tell me why , too. Your reason may (or may not) help support my theory.)

5-year-olds in fish nets

There was hardly time for debate about this or this before Texas jumped on board. It could be coming soon to a state near you. What do you think? For more info visit the CDC's FAQ page .

I really wanted to write something pithy about an upcoming anniversary we'd all rather never happened. But due to my palpable fear of flying and the fact I'm taking a rather long flight in just a few short days, I'm working really hard to avoid thinking about it. Wish me luck with that ... So--in an all-out honest effort at distraction--here's my trivia question of the day: Would you rather be a genius or be beautiful? (I don't mean the we're-all-beautiful-people kind of beautiful--I mean the drop-dead gorgeous-stoppin'-traffic kind of beautiful.) Lorien can't play because she's both already all right. Not that they have to be mutually exclusive. Well, only sometimes . But, you know, if you could pick between one or the other which would you choose? And why?