January book notes

One thing I’ve wanted to do here is review books that I’ve read and enjoyed.  I haven’t done it yet and I don’t think I will, for the simple reason that it’s too much like work.  You have two options when reviewing a book.  You can take notes as you’re reading, which ruins the enjoyment.  Or you can read the book once for pleasure and then turn around and read it again to find the passages you need for the review.  Neither choice appeals to me, so occasionally (aiming for once per month) I’ll just cite a few books that I’ve recently read, enjoyed, and would recommend.

Much better, now

Sorry I haven’t posted anything in a while, but then I haven’t done much of anything this past week except work, eat and sleep (poorly).

My friends and family have been great.  Thanks for the e-mails, phone calls and cards–they helped.

I buried Grumble last week at my sister’s place.  There was no ceremony, because I have no idea what faith he was.  I suspect he was a Buddhist, and that he hopes he’ll come back as a housecat.

Afterwards, my other sister came over and we had an “Irish wake.”  Or I did.  But with scotch.

I wasn’t sure if I was going to play darts last Tuesday, but I decided it would be better for me to go out and see my friends, and I had a good time, even though I left right after the match.  I think I had my best match of the year, actually.  If we make it to the playoffs, my loved ones had better watch out.  My team thinks grief sharpens my game…

My buddy died today

He showed up one day over thirteen years ago, sitting on the back stairs of my apartment building.  He meowed at me as I went in, and I felt sorry for him, but I wasn’t allowed to keep a pet, and I was sure someone else would take him in.  He was there again the next day, and the day after that, getting skinnier and skinnier.  I smuggled him in until I could find him a good home.

Christopher Dodd: Hail to the Creep?

So now you’ve thrown your hat into the ring, declaring your intention to run for President of the United States.  I really don’t need to rain on your parade, because it will be cut short without my help.  (Hint: Limousine liberals from New England don’t do well as national candidates in general elections.  Kerry’s defeat wasn’t due to the swiftboating so much as the windsurfing.)  No, I won’t rain on your parade, just dash a little cold water in your face.

Senator, have you forgotten that incident at La Brasserie in 1985?  When you and your pal Senator Kennedy got drunk and, while your dates were in the restroom, you sexually assaulted a waitress?

The final weekly quiz

What Star Wars Character Are You?
Darth Vader Your anger at the world has made you become one of the most feared beings in the galaxy.
Take The Quiz Now!	Quizzes by myYearbook.com

There are literally millions of quizzes out there, and I’ve posted all five decent ones.  I saved this one for last because I feel it really captures my personality.

And no, I haven’t posted this already!  That was a completely different quiz.

Terrell Owens’ Top Ten Excuses for the Cowboys’ Loss

1. Bill Parcells got blotto during halftime
2. No one got him the damn ball
3. Middle-East tensions distracting him
4. George Bush hates black people
5. Was afraid to unleash the full measure of his divine power lest a national audience be struck blind by his radiance

Steve Martin on Saddam Hussein

I would normally never link to the Huffington Post, but then again, they would normally never post anything critical of Saddam Hussein.  And from a likeable celebrity no less.

Reading some of the comments, I get the feeling the HuffPo readers would just love to unload on the author.  But how can they?  It’s Steve Martin!

Happy New Year!

My New Year’s resolution this year is to do all my laundry.  It’s been a grueling four loads, but I should be done by about 8:30!

Tomorrow I’ll start thinking about what I’ll give up for Lent.  Or Ash Wednesday, for sure.

That ends at sunset, right?

Rather interviews Hussein again

Freelance journalist Dan Rather has just scooped the competition with an exclusive interview with the corpse of the recently executed dictator.  Here are some excerpts:

Rather: Mr. President, I do appreciate your agreeing to spend an hour, because I want to ask questions in two categories, please.

Hussein:

Rather: Mr. President, I have all night. (LAUGHTER)

Hussein: