I have purchased exactly one slogan t-shirt since I passed from pre-pubescence into adulthood. I rarely wear it, although I find it amusing (one of those happy bunny characters, pink on black, with the slogan "It's all about me, deal with it").

The reason? Boobies. Big ones.

Personally, and without desiring to make judgements on others, I dislike inviting further stares by splashing news items across them. I come by this innocently enough. When someone else is wearing a t-shirt with something written on it, I look until I can figure out what it says. Add some boobies into the mix and certain letters become distorted and difficult to read. I want to know who to give dirty looks to for staring at my chest. I can hardly do so while inviting these looks.

So I feel, in a way, that women who wear these shirts are inviting (perhaps unwanted) sexual attention, as would attire that is very short or has very plunging necklines. Yes, we are all free to wear what we want outside of work, and mr. dirty mind not-with-standing, there is an inherent invitation in splashing colorful slogans across a woman's chest. It says "feel free to linger a glance at my chest."

Apparently that is exactly what LW did and he did not feel comfortable with what he saw. Once he made his opinion known to both the woman and her supervisor, he should have stopped there.

Oh - and this? This just cracked me up - what a perfect response!

"...but there was an obvious double-entendre (double meaning). She responded by telling me that I was really sexy when I spoke French."

Mind your own beeswax, LW. Avoid her when she is wearing the shirt.

I get the double entendre. I think it's in poor taste, though. Just as some people can't help but think of the mechanics of two men having sex when they hear the term "gay marriage" I can't help but think of what that hanger is meant to do when I see it in conjunction with a right to choose statement.

I'm certainly too sensitive to work in NY advertising. I'm sort of glad about that.

I wonder what would happen if a society not as racially homogenous as modern day Poland were to be studied (not that 49 people is a big study - is it even scientifically significant in any way)?

I recall, when I was a wee girl, that my father was large and towering and protective. The man I ended up selecting as my life partner is also large and towering and protective. I find that attractive.

Other than that - no match. Different colors, different features, different personalities.

I don't see why the LW can't say everything that she said in the letter, in almost exactly the same manner (leave some of the meaner comments out).

Why can't you just say, "Assistant, you seem very talented and a wonderful person -- hardworking, eager, attentive - but sometimes you are too quick to giggle. It makes me think you are not taking your job seriously. I realize it may be nervous laughter, but if I've noticed it, others have and it may reflect poorly on both of us. Please try to be more aware of it."

Why all the need for subterfuge and obfuscation? I have a nervous laugh that pops up at the most inopportune times and in my early career, I would have appreciated an honest and respectful conversation about how it reflected upon my diligence in my work.

Speak to her about it, informally, with some comeraderie. If she continues acting crazy, then you can re-evaluate.

Very interesting term. This book made me think of it:

Orthorexia - obsession with healthy or righteous eating.

http://www.eatingdisordershelpguide.com/orthorexia.html

The fact that Clinton gave an exceptionally graceful and inspiring speech is not all that surprising to me. I saw her speak almost 10 years ago and even then was moved by her words and her style.

I have always been impressed by and supported Clinton, but have also always expressed that I am just as willing to vote for Obama.

Watching MSNBC and am completely unsurprised by the conciliatory and somber tone adopted by Olbermann and Matthews, now serious journalists in pursuit of real news, now that their preferred candidate has won.

I am also grateful for the incredible view I have received into the true heart of American broadcast journalism and many of the self-identified progressive voters. The verdict? Surprised and disappointed.

However, even disappointment brings knowledge. I used to love Keith Olbermann and now I can barely stand to watch him. There are others I used to respect who have also now lost their credibility.

I have been belittled, talked down to, and my opinions marginalized as those of an "older white woman" (which I am not, but does it matter?). I have been much more careful, much more circumspect and respectful in my support and arguments than in the treatment I received from Obama supporters.

Knowledge is powerful. I won't soon forget the lessons I've re-learned during this campaign (and those who taught them to me). I know I'm not alone. It's also not a malaise that solely affects women. That should be remembered.

Love mini-profiles like these...keep 'em coming!