Sex in the 21st century is scary...

...and monogamous (or, at least, dedicated polygamous) relationships are looking pretty good. (I'm pleased with mine for so many reasons. He's a pretty cool cookie, my sponogamous mouse.)

Besides AIDs, Herpes, and the usual, we now have a new-old STD to add to the mix: antibiotic resistant gonorrhea has made its way to N. America. The documented strain, seen in patients in Canada, resists all effective oral antibiotics.

The 9 cases were treated effectively with an injected antibiotic, but clinicians warn that resistance to *that* is *also* increasing.

Gonorrhea is the second most common STD globally, with more than 700,000 Americans infected annually. One of the most common effects of the disease is infertility. So, while gonorrhea isn't usually fatal (except for very rare strains) to the person with the disease, it can be for a possible next generation.

The last s/u/p/p/e/r/ luncheon

Today, right now, even as I type (and chew), the last meal is being consumed at our kitchen table. It's a McDonalds' salad, a little sandwich from the dollar menu, and a cherry (yeah! it's cherrrrry season!) pie.

And then, no more. ( Here's the saga of the kitchen table, 2013 edition... )

Solid table and chairs now in place

The set includes a large bench, which will also provide seating for two (so we can seat 6 at the table with a bit of re-configuring). There's no separate leaf for the table - it has a hidden spring leaf, so we don't have to run the risk of whacking our dining room table leaves (which are a much better grade of wood) with this one.

And it is much (much much) darker than the old table and chairs. (The seats aren't as soft as the old ones, but they'll be fine for a long sitting. No worries.)

Gearing up for next month

I'd never seen these LotR-themed valentines before.

But I'm reminded of the Very Secret Diaries every time I read about "blowing the horn of Gondor."

Read on the Interwebs

"Uniqueness: Just because you are different, it doesn't mean you are useful."

Possibly the most disturbing video you will see all day

Because there is something deeply troubling in watching chocolate Easter bunnies melt. Also vaguely sensual.

And did I mention funny?