You know I hate meta, but every once in a while, it helps to lighten the mood.

Your friends on Open Salon are Canadian.  Sure, I know you thought they were all from Indiana or Missouri.  They're not.  They know the prairies and the provinces like the backs of their hands.

Your friends on Open Salon are female.  Not only that, their cycles are all in sync.

Your friends on Open Salon are Jewish.  And you thought they all went to Catholic school.  Not so.

Your friends on Open Salon love oldies music.  Joni particularly.

Your friends on Open Salon know their way around YouTube.  Most can find a rickroll blindfolded.

Your friends on Open Salon survived Catholic school or know someone who did.  And lived to tell the tale.

Your friends on Open Salon are politically liberal.  Without apologies.  Not only that, they're politically engaged.

Your friends on Open Salon are generally spiritual but secular, and not religious.  Generally respectful of each other's differences, each other's angels, each other's needs.

Your friends on Open Salon are great photographers.  In their gardens, on their road trips, around the world, from hydrangeas to high mountain deserts.

Your friends on Open Salon are gardeners.  And love to share their bounty. 

Your friends on Open Salon are full- or part-time caregivers.  And write to stay afloat.

Your friends on Open Salon have a close family member who is autistic/has Asperger's, or know someone who does.  Generally up to speed on the latest research and passionate advocates.

Your friends on Open Salon like road trips.  Especially if there's good munchies and local color along the way.

Your friends on Open Salon know that when they say they're 'taking their relationship to the next level' on TV, they're just being cute.  *wink*   And they know the significance of a foothole.

Your friends on Open Salon watch The Real Housewives of New York.  If they can sing all the released singles from each franchise, be afraid. . .be very afraid.

Your friends on Open Salon hate Twitter, but have a love-hate relationship with Facebook.  If you're looking for one of them, it's a sure bet you'll find them on the latter before the former.

Your friends on Open Salon watch Joan Walsh whenever she's on MSNBC, and love Rachel Maddow.   They know where their bread is buttered.

Your friends on Open Salon have been homeless, jobless, or lost a loved one in the past year.  The compassion they've shared with others in the same position is unmistakable.

Your friends on Open Salon enjoy a good joke.  And frequently, they need one.

Your friends on Open Salon post in the nude.  Fortunately, they don't yet have an iPhone 4.  Unfortunately, they don't all look like Megan Fox.

Your friends on Open Salon have pets.  And love them, except when they pee on their carpets or have big vet bills.  Well, even then.  And their hearts break into a million pieces when they have to say goodbye.

Your friends on Open Salon love food.  Especially cake.

Your friends on Open Salon are avid readers.   They have less time to do it now that they're on Open Salon because they're reading your posts first, but they know their way around a library, online or otherwise.

Your friends on Open Salon have published a book, or aspire to publish one.  From Columbine to 9/11, snowmen to solo travel, you might find your OS neighbor at a book signing.

Your friends on Open Salon wish they had more Editors Picks.  Everyone wants to be appreciated. 

Your friends on Open Salon think the editors are doing a great job.  As long as they're getting editors picks.  When they're not, then they think the editors are crap, or spending too much time on Zerry's boat.

Your friends on Open Salon believe in equality for all.  No exceptions.  Except maybe in draft picks.  And Steve Blevins.

Based on all these statistics, it's been determined that the representative Open Salon-er is the love child of John Blumenthal and Juliet Waters,

( Photo of Freaky Troll's foothole used with respect. Cartoon from Toothpaste for Dinner.)