Some Books

The Internet and the library reserve system only increases my ability to find out about and get books while having less time to read them (imagine the 1990s without hours online daily). I received A History of the World in 21 Women, however, just stopping by the library (to get a DVD, but now NYPL only provide them in "hub" libraries). Pretty interesting, if incomplete (most after 1800). This is also how I got The Dutch Wife, a good fictional account of a political prisoner during WWII who became a camp prostitute (she's Dutch and "Dutch wife" is slang for prostitute) as well as a 1970s man suffering that fate (without the prostitution) in Argentina. More to come -- have a pile and more in reserve.

Religious Freedom Day

Today is Religious Freedom Day and for many that means protecting the rights of various religious believers. This is important and fundamental, but it can be taken too far, resulting in religious favoritism and harm to third parties. As the first link notes, the date is telling: it honors a law passed to protect separation of church and state. "Religious freedom" has various shades. It should cover us all in the process.

Alara Leaves "The Orville" With Her Lipstick Intact

Well, per the most recent episode -- another very good character rich plot from the new season -- she is leaving. Sounds like acting scheduling conflicts. Change is realistic if too bad here since she's a favorite of mine. Due to be replaced by another woman from her planet.

C.B. Strike: The Series [First Three Books]

I enjoyed the books though not being a Harry Potter fan and the t.v. adaption had its good points, especially the actress portraying Robin. Strike had somewhat less of an edge (and was more attractive) than in the book and the episodes as a whole seemed to be missing something. There were many good moments though the last book in particular seemed a bit too compressed here. DVD had three "making of" vignettes, one for each. Worthwhile.

Also: Others are much less gung ho, noting his team's record etc., but here's the argument that the Jets made a good choice for head coach.

New Year, Same Trump ... Will Drips Ever Crack Ceiling?!

Illegitimate "justice" writes a bland first opinion among other SCOTUS actions, released the day of Trump's b.s. speech regarding the wall and the continual shutdown which hurts our country day by day. The same day we learned about big news regarding Trump's campaign manager colluding with the Russians with campaign data used to interfere with our elections. More reason we need to impeach Trump; the alternative is de facto authorization of his actions, making it just politics. Understand the prudential arguments, but opinion holds.

Odds and Ends

The new Cormoran Strike is even longer and as one review notes, tbh, there is "filler" but overall it is an enjoyable read. Perhaps, the fact six hundred plus pages (with a long "talking killer" chapter to explain things) was somewhat quick reading is telling, but there are pleasures to comfort reading too. Giants (Dallas final drive/two point to avoid OT) and Jets (basically no offense; Pats get a bye after Houston choked week before) ended in fairly typical fashion. The Jets QB seems promising though. Browns went from 0 to 7.5 wins. The season premiere of The Orville was cute -- character episode. 2019 is about here and we will soon have the 2020 presidential race. Wish the asshole was gone now. Onward.

Happy Holidays! (Shutdown Edition)