They're from the government, and they did help us!

Just back from my appointment with Social Security. After getting through Security Theater - I'm using a cane, and have an air tank on a wheeled cart.. do they think "maybe we need to wand this guy because he obviously has some physical issues?" Of course not! Since most of the people in line were heading to the SSA office, there was a high proportion of elderly and disabled folks. Adjust and accommodate!

But once in the office, everyone was helpful. Security confirmed our appointment and then we waited. Once called back, our rep explained that they were short-handed that day, and apologized for the delay. Then we dove into the meat of explaining the procedure, pulling up previous data, and filling in the blanks. The rep was extremely helpful and explained everything clearly. Made dealing with a huge bureaucracy a far better experience.

Next up, we get me set up for applying for MediCal.

But first, the Giants' home opener... where we hoist the World Series Championship Banner!

A couple of reviews.

A Talent For War - Jack McDevitt

A couple of years ago I picked up Seeker, which is the third Alex Benedict novel. Really enjoyed that one, and was pleased to learn it was a series. A Talent For War is the first book in the series, and is a joy to read. Alex, the protagonist, is an antiquities dealer living about 9,000 years from now in a galaxy of loosely-allied human worlds. When he learns that his uncle has perished in the disappearance of an interstellar liner, he is charged with finishing his uncles last archaeological quest.. What makes this book great is it takes a very human approach to investigating a mystery. Alex doesn't even know what he's looking for, and has to piece together his uncle's actions, do research, quiz people, and all along you are drawn into the action. A parallel story is that of Christopher Sims, legendary leader of the Resistance during a war 200 years ago. His story is revealed through Alex's investigations, and it becomes clear that whatever Alex is after, it has to do with the near-myth of Christopher Sims and his ship. To say more would spoil things. This isn't so much a science-fiction novel but a mystery novel in a SF setting. Excellent, engaging, and the revelations at the end are satisfying. This is a book for people who enjoy heroes who solve problems with brain power and methodical work and preparations, rather than their fists. Five penguins.

Cyber Clean Electronics Cleaning Putty

If you're like me, you live in front of a computer. Especially now that I'm on disability, I tend to spend a lot of time camped out in the Command Papasan. I eat here, scratch my beard here, sneeze and cough here.. which means my keyboard is a mess a lot of the time. Compressed air and wipes work OK, but I wanted something to really get the crap out from between the keys. Order thi9s stuff from ThinkGeek. Out of the jar, it looks like it should be starring in a 50s SciFi shlock monster movie. But it works wonders. Press it into the keyboard, pull it up, and all the crap comes right off with no residue. The surface doesn't even feel damp or tacky. I've used it to get the last bits of dust off the monitor as well. Very useful, and worth the price. Especially if you use your GeekPoints to get it. Four penguins

Glee!

Here's what preceded that moment.

1. Representing the last Giants team to win the Series, Willie Mays carries the flag out of the dugout and hands it to manager Bruce Bochy near home plate. The park's PA system is playing that annoying music from The Natural

2. Bochy passes the banner to the line of Giants standing along the third base line. Included in this line is legendary clubhouse manager Mike Murphy, who was hired by the team in 1958.

2. The players each pass the banner along until it reaches Sergio Romo, who turns, drops to one knee, and presents the flag to Brian Wilson.

3. Wilson runs across the outfield towards Triples Alley. The music changes to Jump Around, his warm up music. 49,000 people begin dancing. Out in the corner, right where the Willie Mays Wall meets the real cheap seats, there's a mobile staircase set up.

4. Wilson climbs those stairs, and runs past extremely happy fans, past the cable car to a platform set up by the flagpole that normally flies the California state flag. That's when the music changes to We Are The Champions and the video picks up.