Kris Howard

Patrick O’Brian books - I figured since I’m eight books into the Aubrey-Maturin series now and I’m really enjoying them, I might as well commit to the whole series. I had a look at Ebay and found someone selling the complete* paperback series at a price that’s less than $10 AUD per book. Score! I know the real fanatics obsess over particular editions with nice cover art, but these will do fine for me.

* Purists will note that my lot did not include the unfinished 21st novel. I’ll have to keep an eye out for that one!

Of course, I will have to lug them back to Australia but I only brought one checked bag with me on this trip so I’ll find a cheap suitcase somewhere and divide my stuff up amongst both.

https://www.web-goddess.org/archive/93748

TIL that when the tornado sirens go off, they move hospital patients’ beds into the hallways to keep them away from the windows. NOT KNOWLEDGE I EVER WANTED TO HAVE FIRSTHAND EXPERIENCE OF. (We’re fine.) 🌪️ 🌩️

Congressional Quilt Show Resolution of 2026 - A couple US representatives have introduced a resolution to establish an annual Congressional Quilt Show (https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-resolution/1161/text), to foster cultural pride and “a deeper appreciation for quilting,” as well as “affirm the value of craftsmanship as a national asset.” That’s pretty cool. Winning a ribbon from a county fair would make you eligible to have your work displayed. I know it’s hardly the burning issue of our times, but Leslie Knope would tell you that this small stuff is important too.

https://www.web-goddess.org/archive/93744

Your what now? - My baby deer plushie told me that Mitski’s dad was a CIA operative (https://www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/910008/fawn-friends-ai-companion) – This article wins the award for the weirdest headline and weirdest consumer product I’ve ever seen. It’s like something from a surreal modern novel. (AI Burt Reynolds?!?!)

https://www.web-goddess.org/archive/93742

Another non-scale victory 👖 - I know clothing sizes are bullshit and they get bigger every year, but my Mom set aside a pile of size 12 jeans that were too big for her in January, and they didn’t quite fit me then, but today every single pair does.

I haven’t worn a size 12 since high school.

https://www.web-goddess.org/archive/93741

Is that… Debi Mazar in Madonna’s “True Blue” video?! According to Wikipedia, it is! Well spotted, self.

In related news, it’s a relaxed Sunday morning.

Anderson Cooper: “There’s nothing AI about this… gas-powered helicopters winching people out of the sea!” A-fucking-men.

Integrity splashdown - That was amazing. I decided it was the perfect occasion for the last of my beers.

https://www.web-goddess.org/archive/93739

LOL at Neil Degrasse Tyson: "The fact that the sun has set here in New York and it's still sunny in San Diego is proof that the Earth is round. You know, just incidentally." 😂

CNN has Anderson Cooper asking the important questions: "What does space smell like? It is like B.O.?"

Shatner is really milking this whole thing. 😂 I mean, love the guy, but put the real astronauts back on!

Hey Sydney folks. I'm selling two unique signed prints from Todd Klein / Neil Gaiman / Alan Moore. They're beautiful artworks; I just don't need to have those two authors in my house anymore. Both purchased from Klein in 2007/2008 as part of first printings, featuring hand-painted elements and signed by him and the relevant author. They have been kept in relatively cheap frames but are otherwise like new. $40 for the pair. Details on FB Marketplace, or DM me directly if you prefer. https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/3380077235475367