I know it when I see it

So, members of the Dewey Committee is even as we speak meeting with the leading lights of a niche publishing industry in order to resolve one of the great questions of our time:

Comic book or Graphic novel?

I found this out from my boss, who serves on the Committee. She had with her copies of Akira and The League of Extraordinary Gentleman and was vainly struggling to determine which category each belonged to.

I gave her my two cents, which is that this a Pornography vs. Erotica debate. (That raised her eyebrows a tad!) That is, if I think it's good, it's a graphic novel, otherwise it's just a comic book. I did tentatively suggest some other (arbitrary, inconsistently-applied) criteria, but before I mention these, I'd like to hear a few reactions. After all, this is an issue that's near and dear to many of you overgrown kimature consumers of quality illustrated literature, isn't it?

Fortunately, for some weighty questions, there are definitive answers. If you don't believe me, type "answer to life the universe and everything" into Google.

Night on the town

Last night, I was up around Lincoln Square running an errand--a stupid, nagging, irritating errand that I never should've had to run in the first place. I don't want to bitch about it more than I already have, so here's the two-cent summary: After a month of coverage, Farmers cancelled my condo insurance for no better reason than that my building--not even my unit!--had experienced water damage over a year ago. As a result, I had to scramble to find another policy before I left for vacation. It's was comforting to see how, when I told this story to my new agent, she reacted with disbelief and told me that if she ever had trouble with her underwriter, she'd get in touch and work with me instead of letting matters reach the point where I'm getting an ultimatum in the mail. Really, is that so much to ask?

We actually had a good time, chatting enjoyably while still covering all the details. Afterwards, I was sorely tempted to dine out, despite my resolve to eat at home for once. Both niemandsrose and grunter live nearby, and it might've been possible to get welcomerain or bunj to join me if I had just tried. There was a clutch of Thai restaurants near the el stop, surprising even for a town with more Thai eateries than ice cream parlours. (Oh, there was also an ice cream parlour.)

But I was good, I walked up to Lawrence to catch the bus, knocking out another errand or two along the way, and got home in time to chat with monshu before heading off to bed. On the way, two signs caught my eye:

1. "October is Spinal Health Month!"
2. "Feliz Dia de Brujas"

The last one in particular caught my eye. How long has this term been in use for "Halloween"? Is it just an USAmerican usage?

On the way back to my dwelling (and, yes, it did feel remarkably good to step over my own threshold), I ran into a neighbour who was going to be watching the Cubs game in the unit below me. He's the first so far to extend his hand and introduce himself and he answered a nagging question we had about the elevator--namely, that is has no memory. He also said that our building dates back to 1913 rather than 1939 and was one of if not the first all-electric building in town. I look forward to chatting with him again.

He apologised in advance for his yells, which--as it turned out--were rather muted last night. Thanks to him and his buddies, I haven't yet needed to turn on the radio to be kept updated on how the Cubbies are doing. Right now, I'm feeling seriously torn. If they win, it would undercut my years of naysaying. However, it would mean so much to Nuphy, who has little keeping him going right now besides his t.v. addiction.

Still, I agree with what Billy Crystal said: If the Cubs do face the Sox, it would make history--as the first time that nobody won the World Series. He's convinced that "something Biblical" would occur in the seventh game to destroy the stadium. Let's hope it doesn't come to that.