Things are presently subpar around here on many levels, from simple things like the latest version of Semagic not installing properly (I've downloaded it four times from different servers and gotten the same error about a specific file not extracting every time) to more serious stuff some of you have already heard about. I'm going to keep my mouth shut about it from here on out and hope it gets better.

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Now that our Arrow of Light/Cub Scout graduation ceremony plans are more concrete, the den I work with is getting ready to enjoy our pack's Blue & Gold banquet later this month and they'll be going to the Scouting Museum next month.

Scouting for Food bags were distributed yesterday, so please fill them with canned items and put them out on your doorstep next Saturday for pickup! If your bag isn't picked up then, you can take it to any Tom Thumb store and deposit it in the Scouting For Food barrels that are in their stores this month.

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Some other good things:

I got a new (remanufactured) toner cartridge for my printer last week. It's really nice to skip removing and gently shaking the cartridge from side-to-side every time I want to print something. Thank you, Vogon!

It's not too late to get your sweetie a Bowling For Jesus Black & Red Swingmaster (item no. SMSBRBFJ) from BowlingShirt.com for Valentine's Day... or you can get ready for St. Patrick's Day now with an Irish Drinking Team Green & White Classic or O'Malley's Alley Green & White Classic.

Over a week later, I'm still giggling at spasmsproject's short story "Thanks" and these 2003 Messages by Carl Kasell.

If you're looking forward to Valentine's Day as much as Laurel, you'll probably also enjoy these Countdown to Valentine's Day printables from Family Fun magazine.