Love thy neighbor.

Even if they've been running a Shop Vac in their backyard for at least two hours. My ears are ringing, and another neighbor's dog is yowling endless protest. I can't figure out what could take over two hours to vacuum. The lawn? Days like this, I thank heaven for the (now 25 year old) WalkMan... (lordie, I'm old)

Anyway, I'm still technically on holiday schedule. So I'll just say I hope this is true, that Cpl Hassoun is still alive.

And I'll also point you to this nifty feature of the New York Times: they're posting the first chapters of numerous newish books. A way to "try before you buy," or to study - as I like to - how writers start their books!