I wonder if people named Curtis get this (got this in more literate times?) regularly. I got Chuck McCann exclaiming ‘Hi, guy!’ through the shared bathroom cabinet with apartments on either side of the mirror. Still do, from ‘certain sorts.’ People’s face lit up with glee as the idea smote them!

I resist ‘the lights are starting to go out’ metaphors, but if a generation becomes unable to learn things…

Less than six hours of summer left, people, gotta finish War and Peace, as vowed, pronto! Equinoxes do not delay for anyone.

The last of these four lines is one of my answers to ‘what’s your favourite line in Shakespeare?’ (Um, ‘Never, never, never, never, never.’ is another.)

One of his best!

Stick to land fishing!

John Coltrane, Cannonball Adderley, Miles Davis & Bill Evans recording Kind of Blue 📷 Don Hunstein, 1958 youtube.com/watch?v=kgRc...

The Ambodia-Carmenian war is such an intractable conflict!

Canadian request? Slow DOWN with your winter months approaching, ‘k? Not even autumn till tomorrow!

21 September 1930 | A German Jewish boy, Robert Kahn, was born in Voelklingen. He emigrated to France. He arrived at #Auschwitz on 13 February 1944 in a transport of 1,500 Jews deported from #Drancy. He was among 1,229 of them murdered in gas chambers after the selection.

There is no world in which it is normal for the president to publicly call upon his attorney general to hurry up and prosecute his political foes. It’s like the Watergate tapes but posted on social media. Let’s get a grip on what’s happening here.

Can we coin Deranged Trump Syndrome? Seriously, this is batshit crazy, as the phrase goes.

Why would anyone now talk to or listen to Homan? Until this case is reopened and innocence or guilt are weighed.

The idea of ethics—free speech, standing up to a vengeful would-be autocrat—that sneaks into the VERY last bit of the article… “All of this will have to be carefully weighed, in addition to the ethical considerations of taking a stand against censorship,” he said. “I don’t envy Bob his decision.”

Clayton Kershaw faced his last batter… and struck him out. And so a truly brilliant career ends. It is one of the most poignant things about sports fandom: we watch a stellar athlete arrive, see them in their flowering, then watch them grow old — see it many times, and over 15 years or so, maybe.

Always miss her, some days intensely.

Different age, not a vengeful sociopath.

If you are at all baseballian, this is such a fun/excruciating (NOT a contradiction!) time of year. Seattle vs Houston this weekend for … many of the marbles.

*Trails off in contemplation of how bullshit the charges have to be for even Pam Bondi to defend Siebert*

There are times when the idiocies encountered in a day do more than suggest a martini at cocktail hour, they essentially compel one. This, this has been such a day. Cheers, good people.

Commentator: ‘It is an incredible day for rugby in Canada’ Pelletier, Player of the Match: Three years of hard work in the dark and now we’re in the light.’ Canada will play England or France for the World Championship next Saturday.

Impressed by NZ power and push in 2nd half, by Canadians’ grit and discipline in holding on, after their high scoring first half. I assume @cherylmorgan.bsky.social that England are to be favoured in a final?

THIS. 👉

One can hope. Indeed, one MUST hope.

Very much looking forward to sharing the stage with @guygavrielkay.bsky.social at this year's Toronto International Festival of Authors - Saturday, November 1st at 5:30 pm - come join us if you're in the neighbourhood!

This is an utterly delightful rugby interlude! IF you are Canadian. Currently 31-7 Canada over defending women’s champions, NZ.

US friend, law-trained: ‘This is what you get if you are pro se [means acting for yourself], not if you theoretically have access to the best lawyers in the country!’

Briefed by @cherylmorgan.bsky.social, I am now watching Canada vs NZ in the women’s rugby championship semi-finals. As one does! And should!

Here’s the thing: if a man has gotten away with crime and corruption (and racism) all his life, he is not going to stop by choice. He must BE stopped, by law, or political will he can’t suppress or intimidate.

NYT Bee is clearly handled by vampires, for it to refuse heliophile. I am shook!

Don’t you people GET it?? You are NOT allowed to criticize the Mad King!

They have literally no values, no commitments, no underlying philosophy. They're just grifters and opportunists.

18 September 1932 | A French Jewish girl, Rosa Farber, was born in Paris. On her 10th birthday, she was deported from #Drancy to #Auschwitz. She was murdered in a gas chamber after the selection. --- The first two gas chambers of Birkenau - Bunkers I & II: https://youtu.be/Rr6lF75fDmU

I strongly endorse this @gregsargent.bsky.social suggestion newrepublic.com/article/2006...

It may then be, since the Governor’s first statement is true, that America is not now ‘a free and democratic society?’

Just got a text from a friend in Kyiv, a bookstore spotting. This is their edition of A Brightness Long Ago. I am touched, and honoured, that they are translating and reading my work right now.

If you’re on academia dot edu, let me suggest that you strongly consider deleting your account.

Why, pray tell, is it a good thing if people cannot safely fish for their livelihood or to feed their families? Why, further, is it worthy of puerile snark from the Vice President of the United States?

Sometimes it's nice to remember that even Marcus Aurelius was like "you don't have to comment on everything bro"

In a kinder, gentler time, Marilyn Hagerty’s very earnest review of the Olive Garden was an internet sensation. The internet used to bring us joy. RIP to one of the greats: www.grandforksherald.com/news/marilyi...

Baseball is a ridiculous game. A 10-1 lead in the 4th became a 10-9 bleed-your-fingernails Yankees win in the Twin Cities Last night. Would have entered lore for Minnesota if they’d pulled that win out. Blue Jays are home and dry for 1st place but my Jays fan friends turn pale when I say that.

Seeing and reading the graceful tributes to Robert Redford from people who worked with him, briefly or for many decades. Thinking that some of the true worth of a life lies in being remembered this way by people who knew you, in an industry where such affection and respect is not always present.

Tattler-in-Chief?

Sigh. Robert Redford has died. Almost defined ‘movie star’ but grew into much more, in the industry and outside of it. He also outgrew being ‘only’ utterly gorgeous, attained widespread respect beyond that. This is a loss. A drink later for him, and maybe a rewatch of Butch Cassidy… RIP, sir.

This was an encore 4th whisky our host chased down for last night. Got last bottle as it has just won ‘best whisky under 20 years old’ in one of the competitions. It’s delicious, pretty much all of us really liked it. Very good value for an award-winning 18 year old if you can find.

For me this was the (generous) prize of last night’s whisky group. 22 year old overproof Caol Ila special release. But it was controversial … a majority found it too ferocious, even with a bit of water. Bourbon cask, peaty, with sweetness revealed. Really distinctive.