Cats and Dogs

The great comedian, George Carlin, once noted that the reason humans think dogs have personalities and cats do not is because dogs have eyebrows while cats don't.  Although it is tempting to equate facial expressions with the possession of a personality, I cannot agree.  Cats have personalities and emotions.  They simply choose not to show them.

Another debate is over which is smarter, cats or dogs.  I don't know who said it, but I think it's true that you will never see eight cats pulling a sled through snow.

I Remember Patricia Neal

I was sad to hear of the passing of actress Patricia Neal (1926-2010). She was a fabulous and courageous lady whom I had the great honor of meeting once, years ago. One of the side benefits of being a published novelist is the chance to meet celebrities. A typical book and author luncheon, for example, will feature four authors: one who has written a non-fiction book; another who has written a children's book or coffee table book; a novelist; and someone (usually famous) who has written an autobiography. At these luncheons, which are usually fund raisers for charitable causes, as many as five hundred guests will come to hear a panel of authors speak, each for about twenty minutes. Over the years I have had the good fortune to attend many such events at which notable celebrities have appeared.