Spontaneous Musings

Not been sleeping well - last night was a combination of digestive issues and a weird vibrating noise. The apartment complex next door - from as well as I can figure - had turned on some sort of ice melt machine or generator that was generating a high pitched vibrating hum. At first I thought it was my window air conditioning unit - it wasn't. Took me a while to figure it out - the Super's wife coming outside into the courtyard in her winter coat, cloves and boots - shouting at the folks in the complex next door went a long ways towards explaining it. (This was at midnight. And they had the light on for a bit.) It didn't stop. So, I put on my noise cancelling headphones and some music, and that helped for a while. Finally around 6 or 7 am, I think, it stopped. It had been going on since 8pm last night. Was making me crazy and from the Super's response, not to mention the lit windows across the way - I'm guessing I wasn't the only one? The noise cancelling headphones were the only thing that helped. Earplugs weren't enough. The multitude of things people do on a daily or hourly basis to benefit themselves that unwittingly injure or hurt others is mind blowing.
Anyhow, I'm grateful for the noise cancelling headphones - they aren't cheap but worth every penny. I have to update every three or four years.

Took a personal day or snow day - today. And since I slept abysmally due to the above, I'm grateful for it. Accomplished a few items - I did laundry, including a comforter sitting at the foot of my bed (and no one was down there until I'd finished my last load - the comforter). Also got the blood sugar doctor's visit out of the way. Wants to see me again in May - via video chat. We spend five to six minutes chatting - so it really makes no sense not to do it virtually.

Came home - watched more Buffy S7 and Angel S4, and even with lowered expectations, Buffy S7 is so much better than Angel S4. (It's the Cordelia arc - the actress isn't selling it. ( Read more... )

Buffy S7 works better when the potential slayers aren't on screen. I think it suffered from the same issues that S6, and to a degree S3 did. Too many characters, and group scenes. S4 also had that problem. Some television writers/directors can do group scenes well - the Mutant Enemy writers weren't among them. And S7 had the same problem with extraneous characters that S6 does, which is they aren't well developed, with a few possible exceptions. The potential slayers - I don't care about, with the exception of Kennedy. They are more annoying than interesting. S7 has one too many annoying characters for its own good. And at this point? I'm about ready to send Dawn, Andrew, and Anya off together with the potentials.

I did notice something this time around that I hadn't previously - which is that Giles actually does touch things. ( Read more... )

With lowered expectations and anticipation - the series is more enjoyable. (Also helps if you are no longer invested in any of the romantic entanglements and just enjoying them while they last and how they further the story-thread. This is not a good show to become invested in romantic relationships - the writers are kind of brutal to them?) The difficulty with becoming overly obsessed with a television series - to the extent of writing essays, meta, or fanfic about it - is wanting it to play out the way it is in your head? Or have high expectations regarding it. Or getting to caught up in minor details. And forgetting at the end of the day, it's a television serial with a limited budget, produced/acted/and written in an abbreviated amount of time, and writers who may have a different story in mind. After all, it's their story not ours? They are just sharing it with us.

That said? The Killer in Me, Buffy S7 - is a really interesting and good episode. Much better than I remembered. And I actually really like the Kennedy/Willow pairing (better actually than her previous pairings, just because it feels like the characters are on equal footing, and Kennedy isn't judging Willow) and I like Kennedy, who is the only potential who has a personality and has been rounded out as a character. (I think the fandom hated the character because they were too invested in the Oz/Willow and Willow/Tara pairings - again this is not a good show to get invested in romantic pairings.) ( thoughts on Killer in Me )

Another takeaway from this episode and the season? The writers go out of their way to make it clear that Willow is "Gay" not "bisexual". ( Read more... )

***

Also watched Supersymmetry through Awakening. There's some good episodes in Angel S4. ( Read more... )


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Question a Day Meme

24. Have you ever knitted a garment or had one knitted for you?

Yes. My mother knitted me a vest once - it was ugly. But I wore it for a while anyhow. I've also knitted hats (poorly), scarves (okay) and two blankets (expensive).

25. It’s Burn’s Night – a night to celebrate Robert Burns and all things Scottish. Do you like Scotch whisky or do you prefer Irish Whiskey?

No. I don't drink or like Whiskey. It plays havoc with my body. I'm gluten intolerant/ceiliac - and can't drink anything made with wheat, rye, or barely, apparently the glutens are still a problem - even if they are fermented.

26. It’s Australia Day! What do you think of when you think of Australia?

I love Australia. I visited Australia for about a month around Christmas and New Years in 1990. ( Read more... )

January Question a Day Meme

15. If you could, would you like to be a little bit taller or a little bit shorter?

I'm okay with my height. But if I could get rid of the slight curvature of the spine, and the rounded shoulders - I'd be happy. Genetic curse.

I'm 5'11 and 44 inches or 6 foot, when I can stand up fully straight. Most of it is in my legs, I'm all limbs.

16. Do you have a favourite genre of music?

Not really? My taste in music as in all things is wildly eclectic and moody? And changes at will. It's easier to list the genres I'm less fond of? Anything high pitched, with a lot of amp feedback - doesn't work for me. Also, I need to understand the lyrics? So most opera doesn't tend to work for me either - I don't like high soprano. Nor do I like to be punched in the face with music? So a lot of rap and heavy metal tends to give me a headache, I do like some of it though. (I like Nine Inch Nails for example).

17. The US celebrates Hot Buttered Rum Day today! Have you ever tried it?

Yes, not a fan. Too sweet.

18. It’s Sunday – what was the best part of last week?

Saturday. I'm a fan of Saturdays. Today, I felt guilty for not doing anything. Saturday? I never feel guilty for not doing anything. I think it's the pseudo-religious upbringing? Or that usually I go back to work on Monday and get the Sunday scaries.

***

As mentioned in the last post, I finished the much-maligned Buffy S6, which is still among my favorite of the seasons. ( Read more... )

Almost done with Angel S3 rewatch - and this season is actually much tighter plot wise than Buffy S6. Like Buffy S6, it does have a handful of weak episodes (mainly featuring the Grooslaug). But overall - it's better than I remembered it. It does help that I don't remember most of it at all.
I really have forgotten most of both series.

What's interesting in Angel - is how everyone enables Angel. ( Read more... )

Television

Started watching Pluribus on Apple + finally. This is the latest television series written and created by Vince Gillian (Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, Terriers, and writer on the X-Files). And it is a satirical and subversively funny take on a viral zombie apocalypse. Imagine if an alien virus were to wipe out a third of the global population and turn the rest into a happy peace-loving hive mind that's sole purpose is to make everybody and everything happy? No pollution, no violence, no crime, no fighting, no killing, etc. Except for about eleven to twelve people who were immune around the globe - that the rest are trying to figure out how to save and incorporate into the happy and connected hive mind that shares everything. It's hilarious in places. Say what you will about Vince Gillian - but he's great at dialogue.

Example?

Carol (who is immune to the virus): Why would you give me a frigging grenade? (Frigging is my word not Carol's.)
Guy at hospital and part of the Hive Mind: Because you wanted one.
Carol: Why not make it fake grenade?
Guy: Did you want a fake grenade?
Carol: Would you give me a bazooka and the rocket it fires if I asked for it?
Guy: Yes.
Carol: Would you give me a ...tank?
Guy: Yes, if you wanted a tank...

I have seen every iteration on the zombie and alien invasion theme - but I gotta to say this is innovative and a new one. It's not clear that the hive mind is bad or good idea? We're in Carol's point of view - and Carol was unhappy to begin with.

Also? As an aside? Vince Gillian apparently has issues with Rick Stevens, the vacation/travel guru. Carol keeps making fun of him.

Will give Gillian credit - I like his satire. Satire is hard to do well. And Gillian pulls it off without hammering me too hard over the head with it.

***

Angel S3 Rewatch. Yup, I prefer Buffy S6. Angel S3 is unfortunately weighed down by the irritating love triangles and the Grooslaug. ( Read more... )

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Question a Day Mememage - January

8. Do you look back on your school days with fondness? What was your favourite subject to learn?

Not really? Most of it has blurred together and I can't say I liked school that much? Favorite subject was Social Studies or History. I was usually in Honors Social Studies. I found it to be the most challenging, and least disruptive. Also the most interesting. I was fascinated by world history, politics, and culture.

In college? Favorites were Folklore/Myth courses, Ancient Religions, trip to Britain to study theater, Creative Writing Course, and a Poetry Course, also I rather liked extracurricular pottery courses.

9. What time do you usually get up and go to bed each day?

Get up at 6 AM during the weekdays and between 9:45-10PM at night, if possible. To average between 6-8 hours a sleep. Weekends or days off, between 10-11:30pm, and get up between 8-8:30 AM. I usually can't sleep past 8-8:30 no matter what I do. I am a night owl - and tend to get a burst of energy at night. But alas, my work hours are 8-4pm. With a 30-45 minute commute.

10. Are you impulsive, or do you take time to make decisions?

It depends? I'm impulsive about some things. Not others. Trips - no. Anything logistic related - definitely not. When it comes to buying books, television shows, movies, theater, music, writing posts in my journal or what to have for dinner - I'm impulsive. Also clothing and shoes apparently - due to online shopping. So, it depends? I do a lot of things innately or with my gut - or intuitively.

***

Oh and below is my finished water color - cartoon of the nasty woman yelling at me when I was stumbling across a street on Christmas Eve. (While I don't own a purple coat or a cane, the woman did look EXACTLY like that.)

I like how the car and the woman calling me "bitch" came out - but not myself. It was harder to draw and paint a woman walking across the street, carrying bags, than it was a woman driving a black van for some reasons.
But I was going for a cartoon - so I think that worked.

( Woman flipping me off for stumbling across the street on Christmas Eve )

Question a Day Meme:

4. Do you have any travel plans arranged for this year?

Well, kind of? But nothing really planned or definite at the moment - due to continuing health issues from 2025 - specifically my cranky knees (which aren't cooperating with me and deteriorating at the ripe old age of 58). My plan was to go to Chicago in the Spring with Mother, maybe a train trip in the fall, and possibly a short excursion to see her in Hilton Head. Now, not sure what I'm doing.

5. Are you looking forward to any TV shows this year?

* The Pitt S2 - HBO
* Diplomat S4 or is it 5 - Netflix
* Lanterns - HBO
* Slow Horses S5 (I think - the next season in any event) - Apple +
* Second Season of Dept Q - Netflix
* Buffy the Vampire Slayer: New Sunnydale (assuming of course Hulu shows the pilot and any new episodes post-pilot) - Hulu

***

Oh, Angel/Buffy rewatch?

The Angel/Cordelia and Buffy/Spike romances are ...frustrating? In many respects I prefer them to Buffy/Angel, but they are still frustrating to watch?

Neither Angel nor Buffy know how to communicate, while Spike and Cordelia are kind of no-nonsense, and say it like it is.

Also, the writers don't appear to know what to do with Xander and Gunn. They are in holding pattern with Xander/Anya. Poor Anya appears to be stuck in the Magic Shop either planning her wedding, working, or researching with Xander at night. Xander and Gunn are similar characters - "dudes" - and the writers have no idea what to do with them.

Buffy and Spike - need to talk more? I actually feel more for Spike than Buffy this season - mainly because he just wants to talk it out. And she refuses to. She likes to talk at him - basically complain about her life, or lack thereof, but not discuss their relationship, or his role in her life. It's hard not to identify with Spike in this situation. Which while insanely interesting and rather innovative from an overall narrative/ story-telling perspective, it's also a touch messy from a plot perspective? Because I know where this is headed? And I'm not sure it works - if I'm rooting for Spike? Worse - I'm rooting for Spike to be redeemed without a soul and get Buffy. And that's against the story-thread and the canon. We're supposed to rooting for Buffy to get away from Spike, to see he can't change, and be shocked that he goes and gets a soul - and think, but of course, and then realize no he still can't have her - but at least he gets it now, and finally can be redeemed? But it's not quite being written that way entirely - because I think the writers being rather existentialist were on the fence about it? (I mean let's face it - where's the fun in writing this sort of thing, if you can't break your own rules?) Also the story-thread is kind of predictable and boring, so the writers decided to be a bit more ambiguous about it, and let both Spike and Buffy think, well, maybe, he can be? That's great - but it can prove to be problematic.

I think S6 fascinates me - because it's so subversive, and indecisive, and filled with risks. Honestly, it and S4 - they writers had a lot of fun breaking a ton of television writing and trope rules. And I had a blast watching them do it. They did manage to change the medium in the process - because other writers, actors, creative types saw it - and got excited, and decided to do it too. I'm not sure we'd have BSG, RT Davies Doctor Who/Torchwood, Lost, Vampire Diaries, Interview with a Vampire, Veronica Mars, Grey's Anatomy, Bridgerton, etc without Buffy. Whedon had fun breaking rules, and god bless them, the network let him do it.

I'd say Hasta La Vista - but that actually means goodbye and see you later, and I really have no interest in revisiting this nasty tediously painful extraordinarily long seemingly endless year. I plan on forgetting most of it. People wondered in person and online where the year had gone to, and how fast it sped by...not me, folks. I was aware of every stinking hour of it. It drug. And if felt mean.

Bye Bye 2025. Don't let the door smack you on the way out. With any luck 2026 will be more memorable and at the very least? Less painful.

Hopefully your mileage varied in far more positive ways.

***

In 2026, I turn 59, an inch closer to 60, and a couple inches closer to retirement. With any luck it will bring peace and prosperity in its wake.

***

End of the Year Memage:

1. Memorable Television Series of 2025 (I'd say favorite - but it's kind of a moving target at the moment, I'm going with memorable).

( memorable television series )

2. Memorable Films of 2025 (see above)

( memorable films of 2025 )

3. Fandom that you miss

The Buffy/Angel fandom, I'll always miss it.

4. Memorable Books of 2025 (well that I read or listened to in 2025 at any rate, they weren't necessarily published in 2025).

( memorable books of 2025 )

5. Memorable Music of 2025 (not necessarily written in 2025)

* Huddled Masses

* What is the Reason for it by David Byrne from his album Who is the Sky?.

* Just Like That by Bonnie Raitt

* Something Wicked (this way comes) by Siouxie and the Banshees

* Say a Little Word by Ellen McIlwaine


Question a Day Memeage - End of December

28. How much exercise have you had over the last few days?

Bad knee. Been doing knee exercises. Walking a lot - because it's my main mode of transportation outside of subways. I go up and down a lot of subway steps. Averaging 4,000-8,000 steps a day. Today just did knee exercises and a little walking.

29. In 1886, the dishwasher was patented. It was invented by Josephine Cochran, who lived in Shelbyville, Illinois. She constructed the first one and won a prize at the Chicago World Fair (and was used by the restaurant industry). Do you own a dishwasher or wash your dishes by hand?

No. Wash dishes by hand. I rent an apartment and it's not cleared for a dishwasher. Also I'm single - so not an issue.

30. It’s National Bacon Day! What’s your favourite way to eat bacon? Have you ever tried vegan ‘bacon’?

With eggs or with pancakes or waffles. I don't eat it now - it doesn't digest well and it tends to go bad before I eat all of it.

No, never had vegan bacon. Artificial yes - bacon bits. Won't do it again.

31. It’s New Year’s Eve – how would you sum up 2025 on a scale of one to ten? Let’s stay positive - what was the best thing that happened to you this year?

1, maybe 2. No definitely 1. Assuming of course 10 (is best) on this scale.

Moved my work place from Jamaica, Queens to Lower Manhattan, Battery Park, Tribeca/Financial District. Shorter Commute, and nicer area all around. Also have a window. And peace and quiet for the most part.


Happy New Year, hopefully regardless of how you ranked 2025 - 2026 will be a better or more positive year for us all around the globe.

I don't know what it is like elsewhere? But this is turning out to be a bitterly cold December in the Northeastern US, specifically New York. It felt like 18 degrees F or -7 C with windchill today, in actuality 34 degrees F or 1 degrees C. Bitter, bitter wind. But sunny and pretty outside with a blue sky and scattered white puffy clouds.

Mememage - Question a Day (because I'm slightly behind, too busy writing about Buffy for the upteenth time. You'd think I'd get bored of it eventually, but apparently not? I can't remember where I left off? I had to go back and check - can't have any repetition, can we? I might contradict myself.)

8. Today is Green Monday: the most lucrative shopping day of the year. This is usually the last day that people can shop online so that the purchases can still arrive in time for the holidays. What’s the last thing you bought from an online retailer?

Sudoko Book and Calendar for my mother, and I did on Thursday (as in today), but it can still arrive in time for the holidays.

9. If you have a battery smoke alarm in your home, do you check the batteries regularly?

No, it's one of those newfangled ones that has batteries which last ten years. Combo smoke/carbon dioxide detector. Although, now that I no longer have a gas stove/oven, less chance of carbon dioxide poisoning.

10. Do you have a blanket you can snuggle under on your couch/sofa?

Yes, but I don't own a couch or sofa. I own armchairs. And an ottoman/coffee table.
( Read more... )

11. How often do you chew gum (or bubble gum)?

I no longer do. I can't - high in sugar. Also it sticks to my teeth, and loses it's taste too quickly.

***

Knee was hurting last night, but it's better today. I've also been off of it more, giving it a rest. Did some exercises, but once it began to ache, pulled back a bit. Iced it as well.

***

Making headway through the Paul Newman Memoir - which is a lot better than the Ethan Hawk documentary, also a lot kinder to Newman. Making me think Hawk is a bit of a judgemental prick? ( Read more... )

Also making headway through "Lady's Guide to Mischief and Mayhem" which is more romance than mystery, and there's no mischief or mayhem. It's okay. I'll most likely finish it? But I wouldn't rec it to anyone?

***

Me: So where did you get that strap that we're using for the exercises?
PT: Amazon.
Me: What do you call it?
PT: Stretch Strap for exercises or stretching strap.

Sure enough that's what it is. Stretching Yoga Straps for Physical Therapy

I've noticed a pattern of late? I see something I want, I ask people where they got it, and they state: From Amazon.

Damn. Amazon is doing well.

I also bought humidifiers. My skin is drying out, I have a dry cough, and my lips are chapped. Time for humidifiers.

***

Saw a stray cat (at least I think it is - might not be) on the way home. It's fairly healthy for a stray, so may be just out and about. But thought, it's awfully cold for a cat. Granted they have fur but still.

Leg and knee didn't hurt as much today as they did on Saturday, making me think arthritis may be a factor, and sigh shifts in the weather.

The Super decorated the lobby of the apartment in style - we have poinsettias, a tree, a mechanical elf climbing a ladder to decorate the tree, and a carousel on top of the mail boxes, among other things. It's quite festive. Never thought I'd say this?? But I actually prefer a pre-war building of 77 units to a brownstone. Also the building is older - it's 100 years old, and quite sturdy all things considered.

And Momma got a Xmas present for me - today - I know what it is - she got it on Cyber Monday before it went up in price. ( kitchen appliances and where to put them )

I did partake of Cyber Monday. Got shoes for $22 on Lands End, and a pair of pants fo $21. And some underwear via Amazon. Yesterday at Walgreens I bought a cup warmer for work - worked like a dream. Plugged it in and it kept the cups warm. My tea, decafe coffee, and matcha lattes kept getting cold fast. Now they stay warm. It was only $5.

I'm embracing my love of my city and neighborhood. I love NYC. I was talking to Breaking Bad today, and describing how my entire family is spread around the US and lives in suburban and rural areas (ie. you need a plane and car, or in the case of my brother, a train and car to get to them).

Breaking Bad: So you're the sole urbanite?
Me (I think about it): Yup pretty much. I like cities.

I read on Calm or somewhere recently that anxious folks tend to prefer walk in city streets or places where they know all the threats instantly than a nature walk outside of the city. They feel safer. ( Read more... )

***

December Memage:

1. Do you use serviettes/napkins when you eat, or are they just for fancy meals/when you have guests?

When have guests or fancy. I rarely use them other than that. Don't have that many, and I can't find them?

The Community UU Church of NY's sermon today (which I watched on my television set via Youtube - youtube kindly thrust it at me, as recommended, and I didn't have to look for it and I finally figured out how to watch my community's UU church services via youtube on my television set) - stated that we're all tired because there's so much happening constantly around us, and it's overwhelming.

I thought, okay, that's probably why I've been feeling exhausted lately, sleep deprived, and kind of ill? Too much happening all at once, none of which I have control over.

I've even stopped the good news posts, mainly because I can't seem to get myself to weed through the hundreds of comments and links on the social activist's facebook page or in the Nice News or Waging Non-Violence emails, any longer? I find it all to be overwhelming, even if it is good news? I just want to close off the news media and forget it all exists for a bit.

And, it's getting darker earlier now. Dark at 4:30 pm, and 5:19 feels like 8. Shorter and shorter days. I'm not a fan of darkness, I have a tendency towards seasonal depression and require light. It's why I can't live that far North and have veered away from the North Pacific. NYC is about as far North as I can reasonably get, I think.

Anyhow, the church services on Youtube motivated me to donate to the Food Bank of NYC today. So far, I've donated to Food Bank, ACLU, and National Parks Conservation Service this year.

***

Tomorrow is the doctor's appointment. ( Read more... )

***

Made Chili last night with Chili beans, Classico Marinara Sauce, Jasmine brown rice, red onions, dark chocolate, and chili seasoning. It was smooth and excellent. Served with shredded cheddar cheese, Mary's Gone Crackers, and chopped red onions. Also cheese and crackers on the side. I might do celery and carrots with it tonight.

I don't understand my body? I couldn't handle the idea of putting ground beef in it. The thought turned my stomach, so rice was used instead. I used to love ground beef. Now, I can't stomach it. Instead, I love celery sticks, which I used to hate. Now I eat celery constantly?

Also, I used to hate beans, and avoid them like the plague - because gas pains, now my stomach wants beans but not meat. Somethings happened. Doctors are happy. Cardiologist and Endcrinologist - want me on a plant based mediterrean style diet without red meat at all, and beans instead.
Meat is bad for high blood pressure and diabetes.

After hemming and hawing, over whether to buy a cornish game hen, a duck or a rainbow trout for Thanksgiving or order something premade via Fresh Direct, I finally caved and bought a Rock Cornish Game. ( Read more... )

I did learn that my church, the UUA of Brooklyn, not the Community Church of NYC, has about fifty people signed up for its annual Thanksgiving Gathering, and I thought, nope. ( Read more... )

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I don't know about anyone else? But the period between November 20 and March 20 is tough on me, emotionally and mentally? Between the shortening of the days, the cold, the stripping of the flowers and trees of leaves, and the holidays...I struggle with depression. ( Read more... )

I make little plans to get through it. ( Read more... )

Sometimes life is in the enjoyment and love of small things, small pleasures, small hobbies, completion of small tasks, and small moments.

***

Question a Day Memage:

[Shout out to kazzy_cee who found/came up with all of the questions - I really appreciate it. I can not come up with them well at all. I've tried. It's not as easy as it looks. I appreciate and am grateful for those that do. Thank you.]

21. Do you have lots of layers of bedding on your bed?

Yes. ( Read more... )

22. It’s Jamie Lee Curtis’s birthday! What did you last see her in on TV/film?

The Bear - she's amazing in The Bear. Plays the abusive alcoholic mother of the chef. It's a raw vulnerable no holds barred realistic portrayal of a recovering alcoholic. It's a joy to behold. I've a crush on the actress, who just gets better with age. (The Bear is a hypo-realism series about the running of a Chicago Restaurant, and the lives of all of those involved in running it.)

23. It’s National Cashew Day – do you like cashews? Have you used them in a recipe?

Not really, they are really hard to digest and lead to stomach cramping. Again, not a fan. I tend to use almonds instead.

After a rainy morning, it appears to be clearing - so I may go grocery shopping later - running low on eggs and salad greens, which are my staples. (Note, I only do greens that are high in protein, not the greens that are basically fiber and water. Mainly because my digestive system doesn't appear to like them, and I don't.)

Sinus congestion appears to be getting slightly better, or the vertigo is lessening. I can't seem to convince the doctors that this is congestion related not vestibular related. But the medicine I was provided, which is an antihistamine, is working.

Question a Day Meme: November and December

16. Are you a fan of ‘fast food’? When was the last time you visited a fast food restaurant?

No. The last one was Chipolte, which is not really a fast food franchise.
And has everything fresh, and separate. It's kind of like a make your own salad kind of place?

I can't eat fast food any longer, even Chipolte - I'm tenuous about, although can do it in a pinch, if required.

Last time I ate from an actual one was sometime prior to 2005. And it was most likely a Wendy's.

17. Do you use placemats when you eat at the dining table?

No. Don't own a dining table. I eat on trays - on a coffee table. (Small one bedroom apartment). I own place mats, but rarely use them on the trays.

18. It’s Margaret Atwood’s birthday (born 1939), the award-winning author of The Handmaiden’s Tale. Have you read the book or seen any onscreen adaptations?

I've read Atwood, but not that book. I've tried to read it, and tried to watch the television adaptation - gave up. I've seen the film adaptation and honestly, that's part of the reason I didn't feel the need to watch the television series or read her book. I'm not a fan of the subject matter, and not really a huge fan of the writer. That said, I've read two of her books and a few of her short stories - she can be a bit...strident about her views, and even though I may agree with her - I don't like being hammered over the head with it?

19. It’s US actor Jodie Foster’s birthday – have you seen any of her films?

Yes, most of them. I have a huge crush on Foster. I think I've seen almost all of her films? I did skip a few (every actor does bad films here and there, it's the law of averages).

One of my favorites of hers is "Silence of the Lambs".

1. My union is odd? We get Election Day off but not Veterans Day, this actually true of the entire Railroad, while Transit and the other agencies due get Veteran's Day off.

I don't care? I'm not a Veteran. And I'd prefer election day? But it's still odd.

2. There's this odd trend in which people bake cakes that look exactly like their pets or a cat, parrot or dog that resembles their pet, or another breed, and they cut into it while their pet is present - and video tape their pet freaking out over them "cutting" into the realistic cake.

I can't decide if it is AI or not? Guessing it is - because I just don't see any animal sitting there while its human cuts into a realistic cake, but what do I know? Whether it is or not - it's sadistic.

Social media has proven to me that there are a lot of sadists on the planet. Who like to torture various living things. Also a lot of folks who should not be allowed to own pets.

Have you seen this trend? The humor is lost on me. I find it anxiety inducing and feel sorry for the pets. They require nicer owners. I want to launch a pet rescue campaign. Rescue the poor animals from sadistic narcissistic owners.

For some reason the dogs seem less phased. But I still don't find this funny? Horrifying, yes. Sadistic, yes. My god. Humans are sadistic.

Aliens: Should we save the human race?
(Watches Youtube and Tiktok Videos of people torturing their pets)
Aliens: Eh, let's not. We'll come back in another few thousand years and see if they've evolved any or better yet, their pets have finally rebelled and killed them all off.

***
Question a Day Memage - November

9. The Austrian-American actress Hedy Lamarr was born today in 1914. She and composer George Antheil invented an early version of Bluetooth technology. Do you have any home accessories that use Bluetooth (earbuds/headphones, speakers, fitness trackers, personal scales)?

Yes. Diabetic sensor, earbuds/headphones, and speaker are all bluetooth. So is FIRE HD.

10. It’s Sesame Street Day! Who is your favourite Sesame Street or Muppet character?

Eh, hard to choose? Fred & Ernie. Big Bird or Kermit. Doc - the head of the band.

11. Do you insist that everyone uses coasters for their drinks?

No, I often forget to use them. As a result, my wooden furniture is a bit worn around the edges.

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Do random snippets of story ever come to you out of the blue and usually when you have no way of writing them down?