I love this story about getting sick in France. Those anti-health care reform people keep talking about the evils of socialized medicine and how long the waiting list is in places like France. Well, this woman came down with a sinus infection a few months after she moved to Paris, looked up a doctor in the phone book, and was able to see her within about two hours on a Saturday. Total bill for the half-hour checkup and diagnosis--20 euros. Total bill for the four different types of meds at the pharmacy--20 euros. The doctor apologized to the American for the delay in seeing her and the fact that her American insurance wouldn't pick up the tab.

So, when you open a locked door, do you ever just turn the key and then use the key to pull the door open (if you, say, are holding something with your other hand)?

Apparently that's not good for the lock. Also, possibly I broke our front door at work.

So, when you open a locked door, do you ever just turn the key and then use the key to pull the door open (if you, say, are holding something with your other hand)?

Not since I saw someone break a key in the lock doing that. Before that, occasionally.

I love this story about getting sick in France.

While the presentation of the French system is a far cry from the rose-colored glasses vision provided by Michael Moore, I will say that I miss going to the doctor there, because it is just so darn civilized (despite their tendency to prescribe suppositories for almost any ailment).

Quiz o' the day: U.S. Military Operation or Brand of Cat Litter?

Damn. I got 5 out of 10.

Insent to your yahoo (do you use hotmail anymore?)

...I never used hotmail. And thanks! You are hooking me up with the mp3s!

I have learned there is no easy way to pick up coins except one by one.

This almost sounds like a zen koan. I once spent three days very carefully picking staples out of a wood floor - it was quite meditative.

Total bill for the half-hour checkup and diagnosis--20 euros. Total bill for the four different types of meds at the pharmacy--20 euros.

When I got sick in France 14 years ago as an exchange student, I had a similar experience. I don't even remember being charged for the visit, just 20 bucks for 3 kinds of medicine. And, also similar to her experience, the doctor was just a two-block walk from my apartment (which was a good thing, b/c I could *not* have dealt with a long walk or a bus in my state).

In light of Kathy's impending career change, I give you Librarian Rules (posted by a friend on another thread)

Never share a patron's food without asking.

Never take sides in a fistfight between colleagues.

Never accept food stamps for library fines. Lottery tickets are okay.

Don't gloat if you win the office betting pool. Especially if you run the thing.

Look all patrons in the eye when speaking. Except psychotics, who may take offense.

When you help foreigners, talk louder, make faces and gesture. They expect this and if you don't do it they will be disappointed.

Remember that you work for the public. And that they voted down the last library bond three to one.

Always be pleasant to children. That noisy kid you tossed out last week could come back and slash your tires.

Just because your patron can't understand the OPAC doesn't mean he's stupid. It means you've got a job forever.

As you move on into management, don't forget that the patron comes first. At least for the folks down at the desk--you work for the mayor.

There is no such thing as a stupid question. There are however stupid aphorisms, and that is a fine example.

If you have to put on rubber gloves to pick up something, it probably shouldn't be returned to the collection.

Don't wait for somebody to ask the question. Tell them all about your grandkids right away.

Whenever you feel poorly paid, remember: 1. You are. 2. Beer in quart bottles is half the price. 3. Cheap shoes are more comfortable. 4. Nobody has ever robbed a library. 5. All those books are yours. 6. Your sister the doctor has to touch icky things all day long. 7. If you had gone to law school you'd be a lawyer today. 8. Nobody hates a librarian.

and my favorite:

There are many reasons why people choose to work in a library. Some of these can be helped with medication.

Damn. I got 5 out of 10.

I got 7.

I got 7.

I got 6. Which makes me sad.

Damn. I got 5 out of 10.

4. I thought I was doing well!

I got 7.

You have an advantage, though.