I walk safe in big blue arms and sleep beneath the missile's charm.

[reddragdiva]

• The business world selects for psychopathy.

• But can you get baby-sized New Rocks?

• The sordid truth about Linux.

• Nerd Attention Deficit Disorder.

• Revealed at last: why Microsoft Word files aren't even compatible with the same version of Word on a different PC, let alone OpenOffice et al.

Two pints at lunch with arkady. In Knightsbridge, but the pub approved the mortgage for my purchase. These brightened my otherwise work-encumbered afternoon.

(We have in fact been sold. Since the customer's contract is with our previous owners, we are being subcontracted back to the outsourcer for continuity and site knowledge. 'Site knowledge' being one of those things that disproves the value of outsourcing, which supposedly works by commodification of function. I'm sure this all makes sense to someone. The office is all aflutter and there's a notable lack of hoots for the giving.)

Then to the Dev with arkady, who bought art fodder from The Works in Camden and had been sitting in the pub for a while drawing mousegirls at war with catgirls, and redcountess, who bought shiny new Sensible Shoes for bouncing at work. Howdy to darkgoblin at the next table. ali_anarres and duranorak showed up, as did erzibet and (I think) spooky_tish out to enjoy an evening of serious alcoholic destruction (and then androktone, teqkiller and muftak - I'm sure I've missed someone). I was reduced to a puddle by redcountess, arkady and duranorak conspiring to discover all the Diva's on-switches. Oh, the angst of the briar patch!

May I just say here that, contrary to erroneous opinion such as her own, duranorak is stunningly, jaw-droppingly beautiful. She'd be beautiful even were she dull and boring, but, being neither, she is dazzling. Tall, stately, proof of the existence of bouncy elegance, eyes glowing with enthusiasm, amazing hair, good hands, a very special smile ... and she squeaks so well. Emily is utterly sweet, and one day she will learn to appreciate herself.

(I'm now imagining Duranorak Barbie: covered in bruises and scratches, but with a big grin.)

What I need to please me is an evening in a nice pub with nice people and something drinkable. Today was a good day.