Spellbound by Siouxsie Sioux: Part II...

Our new cat, Siouxsie Sioux, can be a bit of a fussy eater. She will eat normal cat food of the pricey variety. But in an effort to win her heart, we have spoilt her a bit. So cat food in the morning, then cooked chicken and expensive treats in the evening.

She is also partial to Lick Licks, which are like yogurt tubes for children but chicken flavour for cats. In the house, I refer to them as 'Cat lick-licks' or 'Pussy lick-licks' and I will wander around the house asking the cat if she would like 'a cat lick-lick' or 'a pussy lick-lick'. 

The Missus has, obviously, banned me from saying the second phrase out loud. Because we may have guests that I haven't registered. Or 'because a fucking child of nine would realise why that is an entirely inappropriate thing to say. Anywhere.'

Spellbound by Siouxsie Sioux: Part I...

We have a new cat. She is called Siouxsie Sioux in honour of the punk icon beloved by The Missus. We were looking for a five-year-old feline who was a bit nervous and had no interest in going outside. Instead, following a microchip mix-up, we got a 15-year-old who may have some underlying medical conditions. 

But she's utterly beautiful and she's happily settling in at Brooks Towers. I'd forgotten how relaxing it is to have a cat in the house. She'll just come into the living room and flonk on my lap or on the lap of the Missus. She'll jump up on my desk if I'm working and just lounge.

It's been a busy four of five months at work. Other stuff hasn't been easy in the last year either. But having a new cat makes life seem so much better.

Holiday Reading...

In 2024, I read very few books. Mainly because I was busy trying to become a better brown belt at BJJ. And also because I wanted to prove my worth in a new job.

Courtesy of a much-needed two-week in the Dominican Republic, I have started 2025 strong on the reading front. So here are some potted reviews:

The Elephant of Surprise by Joe R Lansdale

Book 12, plus several novellas, in the Hap and Leonard series by the award-winning thriller writer from Texas. Like its whip-smart and hugely entertaining predecessors, unlikely best pals and full-time shit magnets Hap and Leonard again see a good deed land them in all sorts of trouble. This time, it's a gang of hired killers on their tails during one of the worst floods LaBorde and the surrounding area has ever seen. Reading this makes me feel like I'm back with old friends. But old friends who'd probably get me killed...

Medieval Wrestling by Jessica Finley

A beautifully researched and presented book that translates a 15th-century wrestling manual from Germany. One of my favourite foot sweeps and a defence against a rear hold I first learnt in hapkido 20 years ago are both included. Very little is new in martial arts. It's just rediscovered. Although the foot sweep also adds in a throat strike variation. Which is quite nifty...

Origins by Neil Degrasse Tyson

As a novice (like shiny new white belt two classes in) astronomer, I'm still embarrassingly late to the Degrasse Tyson party. But he's a thoroughly captivating guide when it comes to navigating the astonishing world of cosmic discovery. Understanding how the Universe evolved and why we are where we are in it, and discussing the best theories science has to explain this, is mind-blowing at the best of times. Degrasse is the constantly engaging tutor who entertains and informs in equal measure, making the complex seem much more digestible. He's basically the science teacher I needed as a teenager. But probably wouldn't have appreciated at the time.

Revenge of the Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell

Have loved his previous books and also adored this one. A sequel of sorts to 2000's The Tipping Point, it's a hugely entertaining and thought-provoking read that analyses drug scandals, robberies, teen suicides and many other phenomena as social epidemics. Wonderful stuff.

The Rise and Evolution of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: From Vale-Tudo to Carlson Gracie to its Democratization by Robert Drysdale

Fascinating and incredibly well researched book on the growth of BJJ from a niche fighting art in Brazil to its global adoption. It makes a hugely convincing argument to reposition Carlson Gracie as the key figure who opened up the practice and drove its development long before Royce Gracie fought in the UFC or the birth of the IBJJF. Loads of interviews with lots of key people, too. Will now read his other book, Opening Closed Guard: The Origins of Jiu-Jitsu in Brazil. A very worthwhile read if you roll with folk.