"Despite new European Union sanctions on Iranian oil that went into effect this week (July 1), the Islamic Republic has the experience and capabilities to survive and even prevail in the nuclear standoff because its adversaries are running out of new economic “bullets” to target the regime." - Bill Mason from Bookmarklet

B.S - Myri∂m

Good morning, O forthright one. Thanks for making me laugh with that, Myriam. :) - Bill Mason

your welcome :D how's Miriam? any changes? - Myri∂m

The muscles are probably 80% or more OK. She can just about close the eye. But the pain is off the scales...she slept half the day away. So far the doctor's only advice is to double up on one of the painkillers she's on. So...I don't know. Some good news, some bad I guess. - Bill Mason

There's a certain level of frustration that while the muscle symptoms are falling away, the pain is escalating instead of improving. And I'm getting shorter fused after 3 weeks of this, which I'm trying like hell to keep control over. The nonstopness of every day is getting to me a bit. - Bill Mason

I know. it must be really hard on you :/ but i hope the pain is a sign that muscles are getting back on track... this marathon of complications really needs to end. for both of us. - Myri∂m

Thanks for hearing me Myriam. {} Makes it feel a little less hard to talk about it. I hope it's a sign like that too, but right now I just have no idea. Uncertainty is not helping....nor the fireworks. ::shaking fist at sky:: Hopefully things do some to a happy resolution all around for us all...sooner, not later. - Bill Mason

I hope things are OK for you. Or at least no more complicated than usual. Everything OK this morning? - Bill Mason

uncertainty is my life's middle name these days. and yeah everything seems ok. but then the day has just begun :D I'm telling you, its the curse of 2012. or maybe blessing in disguise? - Myri∂m

I don't know...when *2011* was over I thought this would be the year of renewal. And look at us now! :) If it's a blessing, it's the Best Disguise Ever. - Bill Mason

well its my best attempt at being optimistic :D - Myri∂m

You do good, Myriam. :) Miriam says hello and gives thanks for checking on her. And me! - Bill Mason

Oh, and she said to tell you she wishes we had better news about her condition to report today. - Bill Mason

First double dose of painkillers: taken. Getting ready for bed slowly. Hopefully it does some good. - Bill Mason

The double dose seems to be helping. We'll see how sleeping through the night goes. ::wishing for luck:: - Bill Mason