In the immortal words of Dwight Schrute: "It is your birthday." I'm spending part of it with you fine folk, giving your brains something that I hope will be worthy of celebrating.
GREAT Post, and happy birthday. I love the idea of "stripes on side recognition software" and wait for police departments in cities with zoos with inadequate anti-escape mechanisms to use them.
The two best cards I've ever received were both from my (younger) brother. The first was a picture of a redwood grove with a suitably anodyne thought on the front about grandeur and deep thoughts. Inside it said "Thank you for planting them."
The other was a picture of a woman in a dress sitting on a sofa, legs crossed, holding a piece of birthday cake on her lap. Beside her was a dachshund looking in the direction of the cake with eager eyes. Inside it said:
Happy! Happy! I hope it is as exciting as pre-revisionist Raphael's and your great writing continues. I love the path you take my brain on, and yes, I plan to read about Korean birthday rituals and terror management theory. Who knew?!? :0)
I would like to compliment you on the very fine index at the back of Fluke, in regular sized font, no less! That’s an academic for you. I was, however, disappointed in the index that accompanied Longitude by Dava Sobel. All too short, it is primarily a list of proper names, which is a concordance, not an index.
Thank you! Well, I can only speak for Fluke, but it’s important to me that everything is rigorously documented. And I was influenced by the work of lots of very clever people, many of whom deserve much greater public recognition.
Happy Birthday. Your pieces , especially about the nature of political power and how it makes people crazy have been been extremely helpful in my attempts to understand the present age, help others to do likewise, or at least irritate the crap out of them.
But I, a paying customer, don't know to how to access old "Garden of Forking Path"s as well as your other writings. When you and Zorro get done celebrating, I'd appreciate any relevant information, if possible.
Thank you! Everything is on the website, or through the Substack app. The website is www.forkingpaths.co You have access to everything — 130 articles in total - as a paying subscriber!
omg brian! you are shameless what with using your b'day to write a pitch-piece for the $4. i thought it was $5 but what does it matter? or wait, maybe it does! reading this piece had me grinning and smirking, even snorting with amusement. your footnotes are a scream! oh, and happy b'day, brian! we're still here. living. oh good. now, i'm rambling. thanks and keep going. ur fan, j.
Happy birthday to you and your alter ego, and please don't die.
Thank you! I’ll do my best, I promise.
Something fun to read about. Sigh (of relief), especially just a month and a few days before my 83rd — even older than Biden.
Many French sing the English language birthday song with the English words to celebrate.
Merci et bonne anniversaire!
GREAT Post, and happy birthday. I love the idea of "stripes on side recognition software" and wait for police departments in cities with zoos with inadequate anti-escape mechanisms to use them.
The two best cards I've ever received were both from my (younger) brother. The first was a picture of a redwood grove with a suitably anodyne thought on the front about grandeur and deep thoughts. Inside it said "Thank you for planting them."
The other was a picture of a woman in a dress sitting on a sofa, legs crossed, holding a piece of birthday cake on her lap. Beside her was a dachshund looking in the direction of the cake with eager eyes. Inside it said:
"Grab the cake or hump the leg?"
Happy! Happy! I hope it is as exciting as pre-revisionist Raphael's and your great writing continues. I love the path you take my brain on, and yes, I plan to read about Korean birthday rituals and terror management theory. Who knew?!? :0)
Happy 37th, Brian!
0.000617856--I now know what $4. translates into, in bitcoin.
I shall enjoy Highland Park later, in your honour.
No, not an Austen novel.
Machine Gun Kelly, Merle Haggard, Ingrid Bergman....possibly Shakespeare... are noteable others who died on their brithdays.
Be extra careful walking that dog today.
A very happy birthday to you, Brian! And many more!
Happy 🍞 🔥 👹 📅 ♋️ 🎂 🎈🥳 !
Happy Birthday, Brian!
Thank you!
Happy birthday!!
Happy Birthday!! And just love when technology is used for good, like with the zebras. Fabulous idea!
I would like to compliment you on the very fine index at the back of Fluke, in regular sized font, no less! That’s an academic for you. I was, however, disappointed in the index that accompanied Longitude by Dava Sobel. All too short, it is primarily a list of proper names, which is a concordance, not an index.
Thank you! Well, I can only speak for Fluke, but it’s important to me that everything is rigorously documented. And I was influenced by the work of lots of very clever people, many of whom deserve much greater public recognition.
Happy birthday and scratches for Zorro!
Thank you! He will be very pleased.
Happy birthday! It’s my birthday too. If I die today, I hope it’s after birthday dinner (and dessert).
Happy birthday, Jane! Fingers crossed we both make it through!
Happy birthday, Brian! Hope you continue writing for us, for many more trips around the sun.
Happy Birthday. Your pieces , especially about the nature of political power and how it makes people crazy have been been extremely helpful in my attempts to understand the present age, help others to do likewise, or at least irritate the crap out of them.
But I, a paying customer, don't know to how to access old "Garden of Forking Path"s as well as your other writings. When you and Zorro get done celebrating, I'd appreciate any relevant information, if possible.
Thank you! Everything is on the website, or through the Substack app. The website is www.forkingpaths.co You have access to everything — 130 articles in total - as a paying subscriber!
omg brian! you are shameless what with using your b'day to write a pitch-piece for the $4. i thought it was $5 but what does it matter? or wait, maybe it does! reading this piece had me grinning and smirking, even snorting with amusement. your footnotes are a scream! oh, and happy b'day, brian! we're still here. living. oh good. now, i'm rambling. thanks and keep going. ur fan, j.