Jay Rubenstein

Chapter 42 will be called "Widespread Panic," a sort of oblique double reference to "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy," 42 being a key number, obviously, and "Don't panic" being a key phrase (also a reassurance that the book is not as complicated as it seems).

"Babylon Rising" seems to be a sort of spin-off of the "Left Behind" series, which I don't really want to reference. Right now the chapter is titled, "Babylon Awakens," though I'm not really satisfied.

A very rough draft of Chapter 41 is in the bag. I wanted to title it "Babylon Rising," in reference to one of the books in the Expanse series by James S. A. Corey (viz @abraham.bsky.social ), but I was mashing up "Babylon's Ashes" (vol 6) and "Persepolis Rising" (vol 7).

My cat, always ready for her closeup.

My cat, always ready for her closeup.

I can see the Adams-Dawkins connection. They were both sort of witty atheists. But an odd circle of acquaintances and friends nonetheless

I remember my back porch. This photo was taken in February

I’m not gonna lie. As I walk the water logged Heath beneath these morbidly heavy gray skies, I’m starting to miss California

You can still visit the house.

“The work had reached a point where the almost incessant blows of the hammer permitted those inside no rest.” A description of a 12th-century siege or of life in my London apartment?

It was a privilege for @cmrsedinburgh.bsky.social to have @medievaljay.bsky.social in town yesterday - thanks Jay for such a terrific paper.

Paris and San Francisco

Unlike, say, me, this city can’t take a bad picture

Looking down from Edinburgh Castle

I do love Edinburgh. Even blanketed in intense gloom, which is the only way I have ever seen it. One of three cities in the world I’d move to in a heartbeat.

My cat Lizzie, at the window, welcomes me home after my morning walk

How did I forget the link to this? youtu.be/-dtr4Z0PllI?...

My cat Lizzie, at the window, welcomes me home after my morning walk

The rainy weather is producing epically good views from the Heath.

Some of the best dialogue ever written in this film

A rapscallion.

Never off topic!

“A small vice-like object.” For me, one of the funniest lines ever delivered. I do love Catherine O’Hara

YouTube video by TVOR - The Voice of Reason SCTV - HIGH Q with ALEX TREBEL (St. Anthony’s Collegiate vs. Parkdale High)

SCTV was the funniest ensemble comedy show ever. Its cast included the great Catherine O’Hara. As sad as I am, this one still makes me laugh. m.youtube.com/watch?v=TFDX...

Dammit.

Killer In The Code Killer In The Code: Solving The Black Dahlia & Zodiac Cases. A podcast from Michael Connelly. Has Alex Baber closed the cases that have baffled law enforcement?

Brian Di Palma’s “Black Dahlia” came out in 2006 and David Fincher’s “Zodiac” came out in 2007. Who knew they had a recurring character? killerinthecode.com

I was saying, "Shop Around the Corner."Lubitsch directing Margaret Sullivan and holy shit can you believe how young he is Jimmy Stewart.

Everyone should know Ernst Lubitsch. On a related note, it's almost never mentioned during the annual holiday debate, but the answer to the question of greatest X-Mas movie ever is, without question, "Shop Around the Corner."

Lalla Ward as Romana, in front of an explosion that seems a visual echo of my periodic surprise at the turns lives can take)

And, by the way, I’m still stunned every time I recall that Romana #2 (Lalla Ward) used to be married to Richard Dawkins (after being married to Tom Baker).

My first thought every time I see the cover for the book Romanas. I’m not proud.

For those members of Jay's loyal army of followers south of the border, I'll making the pilgrimage from @durhammemsa.bsky.social to @cmrsedinburgh.bsky.social next week. You should join, if only for the plot twists, which from experience, will be excellent. #DeusVult