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Two Christmas stocking, one with just an "S" on it and another that says "Sam" hung from what's obviously a bookshelf. Steinbeck's Grapes of Wrath peaks out from behind.

My 2025 Christmas Gift to Myself (It Ain't a Stocking)

My wife bought me a Christmas stocking with my name embroidered on it this year. She ordered it from Land's End and chose the one with a pile of penguins in the needlepoint design. I like to think that she chose this design because I'm a

What I'm Reading in December 2025

Margaret Atwood

What I'm Reading in December 2025

Updated 10 December 2025. Books * A Voyage for Madmen by Peter Nichols - Thanks again for letting me borrow this book, Grant! This is a super slow burn of a read for me, mostly because I know jack about sailing and can 't make it through a single chapter

I've Just Read The Shining

I've Just Read The Shining

This is not a review of Stephen King's The Shining. It's 2025. The Shining was originally published in 1977. It's been adapted to film and to a television miniseries. It's seen a sequel and a film adaptation of that sequel. No one

Margaret Atwood's Memoir (Of Sorts) Came Today

Margaret Atwood

Margaret Atwood's Memoir (Of Sorts) Came Today

Having watched–and been delighted by–Margaret Atwood's MasterClass, I'm excited to dig into her memoir (of sorts). But I refuse to start reading the new Atwood book until I can read it steadily, so I have to finish reading Stephen King's The Shining

What I'm Reading in November 2025

What I'm Reading

What I'm Reading in November 2025

Updated 28 November 2025. Books * The Shining by Stephen King - alternating between e-book and audio book. As I read and/or listen, I'm picturing Steven Weber as Jack Torrance–except for those brief moments when Brent Spiner creeps into narrator Campbell Scott's voice. * A Voyage

Josh Malerman's Incidents Around the House

I started listening to the audio book for Josh Malerman's Incidents Around the House on the 11th of August. I finished it yesterday: the 19th. Eight days may sound like a long time to finish an audio book, but: 1. 1. I (usually) only listen to audio books

Is Parking Legal When the Sign's Obscured?

Is Parking Legal When the Sign's Obscured?

That really could explain the motivation!

"Guests" by Florin at Fables

This is just a very short, cute but creepy, illustrated story I came across because its creator shared it on Dreadit. There was one section that I found confusing, but I'm certain that I'll want to read this vampire comic again: "Guests" by Florin

New Blu-Ray Release for Joe Bob Briggs' The Last Drive-in Due in October

According to Blu-Ray.com, horror streamer Shudder has plans for a Blu-ray release of Joe Bob Briggs' The Last Drive-in on October 14th of this year (2025). But that post is remarkably thin on details. I mean, I enjoy listening to Joe Bob go on about whatever film he&

Major League Rugby

2031 Men's and 2033 Women's Rugby World Cup Championships to Be Held in the United States

Assuming that the United States still exists at that point. Los Angeles and San Diego have both been shortlisted for the 2031 men's championship and have expressed interest in hosting the 2033 women's championship. Either city would be a fortunate placement for Linda and me, since

Tariff Toll Predicted at Mazda

Tariff Toll Predicted at Mazda

Reuters: Mazda forecasts nearly $1 billion profit hit from U.S. tariffs The number quoted in the article is 145.2 billion yen, or (at the time of the article, I guess) $987.02 million, a number predicted to grow to 233.5 billion yen if the company takes no