On the third night of a three-day weekend, enjoying a Havana Sidecar.

Rum, Cointreau, and lemon juice. So, pretty much just a rung above sailors’ grog to prevent scurvy.

Happy Sunday, everyone.

Out of idle curiosity, I just took a sample online U.S. citizenship test.

50 questions. Scored 100%. Ridiculously easy test. I don't think that it necessarily would be for a new immigrant American. But you hear all the time about these right-wing armchair patriots who are unable to pass the standard citizenship test. And more than ever, I feel justified in my contempt for them. I'll take an immigrant American any day over some flag-flailing, chest-thumping, rah-rah meathead from Squalor Holler or someplace who can't pass a criminally easy citizenship test.

I'm a little annoyed with one of the front desk guys at my new clinic.

He was briefing one of my colleagues on a patient who had come in for evaluation. I didn't hear the beginning of the briefing, having just come in from finishing up with a patient of my own. But the receptionist told my colleague "Be prepared. It smells pretty bad in there."

I thought maybe the patient was coming in for a wound evaluation or dressing change.

My colleague asked me to switch with her because the patient stated he felt more comfortable with a male provider. I went into the exam room, and it turned out he was a homeless person. I barely noticed any smell at all. I know I'm more used to visiting with homeless people than the staff at my new clinic. But I was really offended that the receptionist made a big deal out of how my patient smelled. He's a human being! He didn't deserve that!

I realize that not everyone views the homeless the way I do, or loves them the way I have grown to. But the receptionist is a medical professional. He should have been more compassionate.

Enjoying a Beachcomber tonight. Never made one before. It's nice.

Rum, cherry brandy, Cointreau, grenadine, and lime juice. Very tropical.

Not the most sophisticated cocktail in the world. But pleasant to drink. And shouldn't that be the standard by which we judge a cocktail?

Hope everyone is enjoying a nice three-day weekend...

Friday Night Vodka Buzz. Ask me anything.

After a spectacularly busy day in clinic, I’m enjoying a Vesper; James Bond’s contribution to cocktail culture. Vodka, gin, Lillet Blanc, shaken, not stirred.

Criminally understaffed urgent care clinic today. Two providers having to wrangle forty-three patients. Somehow, we did it.

Looking forward to a relaxing three day weekend.

I love you all…

"I've seen things you people wouldn't believe..."

How would you complete this soliloquy in order to tell people the things you’ve done in life?

Me: “I’ve seen things you people wouldn’t believe. The full moon over the Arabian desert. The Aurora Borealis in northern Alberta. I watched lightning storms on the Caribbean west of Jamaica…”

Your turn…

No Friday Night Buzz Thread tomorrow night.

The sun is over the yardarm, and I am enjoying a Manhattan.

The referral coordinator at my clinic, a very sweet lady who unfortunately looks like Jeanne Pirro (very much NOT a sweet lady), calls me “Manhattan”, the coolest nickname I’ve ever had.

Having a nice weekend away from the tussle of office politics.

I’d like to propose a toast: To absent DU friends…

Friday Night Vodka Buzz. Ask me anything.

Sorry this is so late getting started. Mrs. Aristus’ train back from Seattle was delayed for over an hour. Something or someone on the tracks.

I really need a drink.

Supremely awful week. Office politics at my new organization really sucks. It’s starting to feel like the lack of overwork was not a fair trade off.

I promise not to complain too much. Y’all have always been there for me.

I love you all…

Friday Night Buzz Thread will be briefly delayed this evening.

We are currently awaiting the loading of our complement of small, lemon-soaked paper napkins for your refreshment and hygiene while on the buzz thread. Until then, there will be a short delay.

Actually, Mrs. Aristus took the train to Seattle today for a conference, and I'll have to pick her up at the train station here when she gets back. No drinking until the driving is safely done for the night. Until then, there will be a short delay. Please return to your seats.