Just a few things this evening before I scurry off to watch the Olympic opening ceremonies.
Thought you all might be interested to know that women in the Saudi coastal town of Dammam can now use its library. Previously if they wanted to go to the library they had to be escorted by a male relative. Now the library has a “special area” just for women.
Banned Books Week doesn’t start until September 27th, but it now has its own website. It is never too early to start making plans.
And finally, a photo of Waldo and Dickens helping me blog:
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Oh my goodness, that is so cute. And familiar. I was just in a losing battle with my Tiger Lily trying desperately to sit on my lap as I was trying to write this comment.
I’ll have to make a selection or two for Banned Books Week!
I just watched the close of the ceremonies. Wasn’t it amazing?
WOW!
Those fireworks outside The Chinese Birdsnest reminded me of the time I tried to microwave popcorn in a cast-iron frying pan!
Adorable photo.
As much as my Jacksie© is the mellowest cat this side of the Rio Grande, he would never ever ever lay on my arm like both of those dudes are doing there, on your left and right.
My boy is a bit aloof.
Takes after his daddy!
You’ve got great, well behaved cats, a PERFECT laptop [<-- previous comment paid for by the Society To Elect Steve Jobs as President] and a wonderful-looking peaceful environment on the go…. what more does a girl want?
Oh, that is too adorable!!
I think those Saudi women still need an escort to get there. They can’t drive and they can’t leave the house without a male relative (and they have to be covered from head to foot). And I suppose their special section of the library has only the most approved of approved books. Still, I guess it’s some progress…
Awww…too cute!
Helpful! Hez is in the hugging my arm pose as I type. One handed.
That library information is so depressing. I mean, yes, it’s good but to think that we were there not that long ago and women still are in places in the world……sigh.
The cats are way too cute. Awww….they look so comfortable all curled up like that. Which leads me to ask if your arms are as comfortable though?
I’m peering at the books behind you (and on the floor) in the picture. Also, is that a Dido CD next to the hi-fi?
Waldo and Emerson seem to be much better helpers than Francis, who likes to tap things on my keypad. He also likes to “help” the paper on its way out the printer.
Now, on to decide what to read during Banned Books week.
Please tell Dickens I apologize for calling him “Emerson!”
I can’t see how you get any blogging done at all. My dad used to insist that he was unable to get up from the couch. His only reason: a fuzzy kitty curled up on his chest. My boys are a lot bigger than Waldo and Dickens, so if they were here in Japan, I’m sure I wouldn’t be able to type.
Daphne, thanks. cats are great aren’t they? Can’t wait to hear about your banned book reading plans!
Cip, the ceremonies were amazing. The costumes, those drums, the fireworks. My previous cat, Kamir, was affectionate but aloof. Every now and then though he’d surprised me and curl up on my lap. These guys surprise me by how cuddly they are. And I LOVE my laptop!
Sylvia, thanks. I didn’t think of how they got there but you are very likely right. I’m sure their part of the library is also as you suggest. One small step at a time I guess.
Wil, thanks!
Carrie, sounds like you have a helpful cat too! The library thing is both hopeful and sad. But it is also a beginning of sorts.
Dark Orpheus, the cats are cozy and my arms are ok as long as we are all positioned correctly. That is a Dido CD you spy in the background. Good eye
Emily, Dickens doesn’t mind
Your Francis sounds like a good helper. I print so rarely that when I do it scares my guys and they run the other way, returning to investigate after the noise has stopped.
Bikkuri, I completely understand your dad! I have been known to say similar things
You must miss not having your boys with you in Japan.
That picture is just way too cute. Talk about two contented cats. Mine would never do that! I’ve been watching the Olympics too. I’m not generally big on sports, but I do enjoy watching the Olympics. And I can’t even imagine half the population of a country not being able to use a library. I had no idea that that was the case. Like Sylvia said I bet it’s all approved books. How sad.
The bookstacks look familiar – my office is quite similar. No cats though, how on earth do you type?? I thought I was uncomfortable with my dog curled up at my feet (she’s big, not much legroom left over!). Waldo and Dickens are just as lovely now as they were cute as kittens!
I’ve just showed this to my son who said ‘If only our cats would do cute stuff like that.’ Alas, it is true. My, those cats have grown, though!
We are deep into the Olympics over here, too!
What a great picture. I love your hair – yay curls!
Thank you for the Banned Book Week web site. Gotta start planning which controversial books I should be reading
Danielle, thanks. I love my kitties very much. Because I like watching the Olympics so much I am glad they don’t come around very often. And the even sadder thing about women and libraries is I’ll bet Saudi Arabia isn’t the only country that doesn’t allow women in.
Verbivore, typing is a challenge sometimes. But they don’t seem to mind all that much to be wiggled around as I move my hands. And Dickens, Waldo and I thank you for the compliments
Litlove, my previous cat never did cute stuff–too much dignity or something–these guys have no shame. And they have gotten big. They went from 3.5 pounds when we got them and are now 10.5 pounds!
Iliana, thanks! I have a love/hate relationship with my curls but I can’t imagine having straight hair. When I was a teen my best friend straightened on a lark and it freaked us both out because it looked so wrong. Have fun planning your banned reading!