A couple of weeks ago, I told you of the untimely passing of Septimus, my Crowntail Betta fish. His death was tragic, but we – and life – soldier on. So, after an appropriate time of mourning, we finally chose a worthy heir to Septimus’s estate. My current tradition of fish naming is linked to … Continue reading
Category Archives: Books
The Everchanging Spectrum of a Pie
A curious absence! A silent protagonist! A bewildered public, hungry for answers! Titties! Needless to say, the last few days have seen a dearth of posts from yours truly, and the reason is that my Prettybird kinda, sorta flew the coop. Not as in “we broke up and all the world will feel my … Continue reading
The Doctor, The Detective
Last Sunday, the magnificent Sherlock, BBC’s modern take on the storied detective, aired its last episode of the season stateside. The next day,House, M.D. concluded its eighth and final season. And much like the characters, the shows are now inextricably linked. When Sir Arthur Conan Doyle sought inspiration for his soon-to-be-legendary sleuth Sherlock Holmes, he … Continue reading
Blood in the Foundations
Before June 17th, 1933, two things were true. Criminals like “Machine Gun” Kelly and Bonnie and Clyde had the upper hand on law enforcement, both in firepower and in the hearts of a Depression-wracked Midwest where they were seen almost as Robin Hood figures. And an insecure, hot-tempered lawyer named John Edgar Hoover led a … Continue reading
A Haze of Blue
“Indigo is love,” author Catherine E. McKinley asserts near the end of her memoir/history book simply titled Indigo. Though by that point, I had long felt that it was more the color of obsession, narcissism, and rationalization. Indigo was a shot in the dark for me. Spotting the attractive cover design on the shelves of … Continue reading
Killing Them Softly
I’ve been on a bit of a Kansas City history kick lately. Not too long ago I read The Brookside Story, a thin volume about the creation, development, and evolution of a neighborhood I work in and live near. Designed by the legendary J.C. Nichols, more famous for developing the renowned Country Club Plaza, Brookside … Continue reading
Not Sated, Not Starved
So have you heard of this trilogy of books called The Hunger Games? I understand it’s got a small following. Or it could be a massive hit which has spawned an upcoming summer blockbuster movie. Actually, I’m pretty sure it’s the latter, which is kind of surprising after reading through the trilogy. I mean, these … Continue reading