Thank you very much for the latest cat science from the Economist. We'll look into it. However: Most NYC house cats never see a mouse. That is VT you are thinking of. The anti-cat fervor in NYC these days is perpetrated by the almost 1:2 male minority, who are holding the much more numerous women there hostage to a truckload of il/(de)lusions, of which the cat divide is just one example. A younger relative of mine yearns for a cat but told me it's too much of a deal-breaker: With a cat, she says she can never get married. I thought it was probably just a Wall Street phenomenon. But now it's gotten to the point where even hip young writer Sloan Crosley feels marginalized by having a cat. You keep that cat, Sloane! Also please reconsider bi-yearly whether NYC deserves to kick you around.

Just read this. I'm glad he remained hopeful, and that you sound more or less positive, as well.

I'm so sorry, Curlysalamander! Would you like to write about what happened to him? May his memory live on in your heart. He sounds like a truly great dad to remind you to enjoy life. My dad also said it is a great pleasure to be alive.

I've been reading your whole blog, Curly. It's great. The Buddhism's very inspiring and love the wedding story with pix and trip to NYC. Thanks, z.