One of the first publishing gigs I had made loud politically correct noises. Everything very progressive and superior to the wicked past. The funny thing was, it came out that in hiring a new supervisor the most politically correct of all indiscreetly said to a chatty kathy manager that they should hire another woman because “women fit in better.” Sub-intelligent didn’t figure out that this kind of thing is: illegal! and repeated it. (Chatty kathy was a moron. She quickly issued a denial after Her Most PC-ness found out, but everyone knew.)

Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.

Bongo, that was a clever way to tell me. Am I sworn to secrecy?

Yes. The real Mr. Hand does do a fair bit of pecking — kind of tickle pecks.

Hey! Cool new “custom image”. Are those things your sweetie made?

Thinking about this again makes me really glad I work where I work. There’s been very little of that kind of psychosis lately and I’ve been well protected from the bits there have been.

Very appropos.

Although, has anyone told you it looks like of like a bird head and beak?

(Gobble, gobble.)

And, yes. But, of course it was better for you in the long run. Doing things that are best in the long run takes wisdom and self-control. And, my comment was intended as a short-winded compliment indicating that I think you have those properties. By saying “thanks,” I was (again in a short-winded fashion that is completely unlike this more typical comment that I’m writing right now) attempting to indicate that I think by telling this tale, you have done a service to humanity by reminding them that thinking long term really works in the long term.

Amuirin, I didn’t even include some of the particulars that were even creepier, because they were tanjents, distractions from the story.

Steve, I know. It occurred to me, I’ll admit. But I didn’t know how bad it was going to get until she was back.

Yb, you’ve got it. It is everywhere. Easier for me, as the years go by, to remember I’m just responsible for myself. (Their angry energy doesn’t have to become mine.)

Truce, you work in publishing, yes? Before I started in publishing I was told it could be a “snakepit” by a former boss and friend.

Man, I thought of her saying that often. I don’t know what it’s like for you, but the workplaces tended to be more “high energy” when I worked in publishing. and sometimes neurotic and compulsive and … wacky.

Plus, by then she had all the toxic dangers of the fridge to concern herself with.