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Spies, Spies, and Divorce

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Since people have more time at home these days, they are also looking for more ways to amuse themselves indoors. Sex is one option, although in some places, restrictions apply if the parties are from different homes. In the UK , for example, people from different households are not allowed to have sex unless they are in an exclusive relationship, aka "support bubble." Switching or having multiple bubbles are frowned upon. Watching TV and reading books are superior choices, I reckon. Sure, TV and books may cost a little money, but they can be free or nearly free. Most libraries lend e-books. Many streaming services, such as Netflix, Hulu, and HBO, are packed with so much excellent content that the price is an amazing value. You’d be hard pressed to find, um, more bang for the buck. Finally, no matter how promiscuous you are with shows or books, you will never catch Covid. The spy thriller is one of my top genres. Three recommendations: Credit: Showtime Homeland . ...
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Melancholy, the Flame to My Moth

#463914045 / gettyimages.com A while back, I read a blog  post  on divorce by Anna Spargo-Ryan. Raw. Powerful. Relentless. That's how I would describe her writing. It has such feels. I saw the silhouettes. I heard the shouts, as well as the sighs. Most of all, I felt the sad. It’s easy to pound on the table but hard to whisper heaviness. Most writers rely on the meaning of their words to create atmosphere. Anna also sets the mood through the cadence of her words. It sprints, halts, then barrels forward again. You can’t really teach that stuff. Haruki Murakami's novel Norwegian Wood is a story of quiet but deep hurt. He once  said , "No matter how much enthusiasm and effort you put into writing, if you totally lack literary talent you can forget about being a novelist." Well, Anna certainly need not worry about the talent part. Her writing reminds me of a manuscript I betaed a while back. It was a coming-of-age story. A young dad, t...
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The Night of the Living Dog

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Halloween is my favorite holiday. This past Sunday we volunteered for The Night of the Living Dog , a Halloween zombie party benefiting the Amanda Foundation (the rescue shelter we walk dogs for). Music played, cocktails flowed, and dogs preened for the costume contest. Fun, though I hurt my back again from lifting stuff. Me as a zombie soldier, gnawing the skull of one of my victims. I did my own makeup, which some thought was too blue. Wouldn't zombies be oxygen-deprived from all that death? The event's makeup artist redid my makeup to make it whiter with dark eye circles. The volunteers' jobs were to set up the party, staff the tables for the silent auctions, and clean up. Ours had several signed scripts from TV shows like Dexter and CSI. Here's my partner, a dodgeball zombie with her arm lopped off. She put in a bid for a restaurant but was outbid by several others. Bummer for us, but better for the Foundation. Me next to Oscar. The crowd was too o...
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Malala Yousafzai Doesn't Back Down

#456998110 / gettyimages.com At age 15, Malala Yousafzai was shot in the face by the Taliban while riding the bus from school. All because she was an activist for the education of girls in her native Pakistan. She didn't give up. At age 16, she  addressed  the United Nations. Her poise, articulateness, and charisma would be impressive for anyone, but especially remarkable for someone that young. The entire speech is inspiring, but I especially love the force of her closing, which starts at the 16:27 mark in the video. At age 17, she is the youngest winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. Her acceptance speech is  here . Congratulations, Malala. (Cue the Tom Petty song.)
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Clyde and Lisi, Professional Lickers

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Clyde (left) and Lisi (right). Let them close to your face, and they'll lick it like it's candy. This photo was taken right before my face was massively molested by their tongues. At first, Lisi was tentative going up and down steps, so my partner had to carry her. Eventually the dog adjusted. Soon Lisi was hopping on and off ledges taller than herself. Showoff. Both Clyde and Lisi are available to good homes!
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Woof and Meow at the Amanda Foundation

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The  Amanda Foundation  is a dog and cat rescue nearby. They even have a spaymobile that drives out to provide free spay and neuter services. Last weekend we attended the orientation for volunteers. We got to walk three dogs and visit the cats, including a three-legged one who's afraid of people. Igor (left) and Ingrid (right). Ingrid is the mom, who gave birth to three boys. She only looks deceivingly ferocious here. During our walk, she was nothing but calm and friendly. Igor was rambunctious but cared a lot about mom. Whenever he walked in front, he kept glancing back to check on her. Now that's a good kid.  Kayley. She was supposedly high energy but turned out to be quite mellow. More into sniffing everything than walking. As of last Saturday, all three dogs were available for adoption. Woof.
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Goodbye, Mr. Williams

#453499832 / gettyimages.com What always impressed me the most about Robin Williams was his quickness. Few people are funny. And extremely few have his instantaneous reaction time. He was a talent unmatched by others. I am sad and will miss him.
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No Emmy nomination for Tatiana Maslany (again)?!

Grrr ... *sighs* The only plausible theory I can think of is that the votes were split among all the clones. Well, there's one good news: BBC America just picked up the third season of Orphan Black .
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