Bill
@ucsu94.bsky.social
I hear this is a cool place to hang out and cool people hang out here. I’m partial to the smart and funny ones.
Sometimes I write things. Here they are. https://billswritingplace.wordpress.com
Sometimes I write things. Here they are. https://billswritingplace.wordpress.com
Happy New Year, everyone. #newyearsday
We begin again
Happy New Year. Welcome to 2026. If 2025 was a good one, I’m pleased for you, but I’m perfectly happy to put last year in the rear-view mirror.
billswritingplace.wordpress.com
January 1, 2026 at 1:53 PM
Happy New Year, everyone. #newyearsday
Have anything relatively low-stakes thar you’d like to do in 2026? Today is Endivus, and the day we declare what those things are! billswritingplace.wordpress.com/2025/12/30/t...
Three times the Endivus
We start with big news on the Endivus front, which is that by virtue of it being in its third year, it is now officially an “annual” event! So remember, when you’re sharing stories about this glori…
billswritingplace.wordpress.com
December 30, 2025 at 1:04 PM
Have anything relatively low-stakes thar you’d like to do in 2026? Today is Endivus, and the day we declare what those things are! billswritingplace.wordpress.com/2025/12/30/t...
Reposted by Bill
three years ago today, @natsparaccio.bsky.social left home for california. here's the letter i wrote to her upon leaving, with an update at the end michelecatblog.wordpress.com/2025/12/28/g...
going to california
on the third anniversary of my daughter leaving home Three years ago today, my daughter Natalie left Long Island to move to California, which was always her dream. This is the letter I wrote to her…
michelecatblog.wordpress.com
December 28, 2025 at 12:40 PM
three years ago today, @natsparaccio.bsky.social left home for california. here's the letter i wrote to her upon leaving, with an update at the end michelecatblog.wordpress.com/2025/12/28/g...
Thanks to a little help, we have a Christmas kitty under the tree.
Wonderful Christmas, Dec. 23 — Santa’s little helper
Wonderful Christmas has not always been especially festive this year. It’s nobody’s fault, just … things happen sometimes … but a lot of our usual fare fell by the wayside.
billswritingplace.wordpress.com
December 24, 2025 at 9:46 PM
Thanks to a little help, we have a Christmas kitty under the tree.
Reposted by Bill
Still Day 17, but think of this as your Christmas Bonus.
A Very British Christmas: Holy Shit, What a Bad Film That Was.
www.whingewhingewine.co.uk/a-very-briti...
A Very British Christmas: Holy Shit, What a Bad Film That Was.
www.whingewhingewine.co.uk/a-very-briti...
A Very British Christmas review: I watched it so you don’t have to
A Very British Christmas review: I watched it so you don’t have to. A frankly terrible and very confusing film set in Yorkshire.
www.whingewhingewine.co.uk
December 24, 2025 at 6:43 PM
Still Day 17, but think of this as your Christmas Bonus.
A Very British Christmas: Holy Shit, What a Bad Film That Was.
www.whingewhingewine.co.uk/a-very-briti...
A Very British Christmas: Holy Shit, What a Bad Film That Was.
www.whingewhingewine.co.uk/a-very-briti...
Reposted by Bill
here's my story about spending a christmas in florida in the 70s, and how toto's "hold the line" figured prominently in my christmastime break up ihavethatonvinyl.com/liner-notes/...
Hold the Line: a breakup story starring Toto
Everyone was singing it. The old, the young, the toothless, the drunk, the surfing Santa. It was almost robotic, in a sense..
ihavethatonvinyl.com
December 24, 2025 at 11:14 AM
here's my story about spending a christmas in florida in the 70s, and how toto's "hold the line" figured prominently in my christmastime break up ihavethatonvinyl.com/liner-notes/...
Reposted by Bill
If this is the only bit of advice you receive about navigating Christmas in New York … you should probably get more advice.
Wonderful Christmas, Dec. 19 — The Tree
Now, I know the secret. Show up late morning on a Friday. Even better, show up late morning on a Friday when it’s cloudy and has rained most of the morning.
billswritingplace.wordpress.com
December 21, 2025 at 3:58 PM
If this is the only bit of advice you receive about navigating Christmas in New York … you should probably get more advice.
If this is the only bit of advice you receive about navigating Christmas in New York … you should probably get more advice.
Wonderful Christmas, Dec. 19 — The Tree
Now, I know the secret. Show up late morning on a Friday. Even better, show up late morning on a Friday when it’s cloudy and has rained most of the morning.
billswritingplace.wordpress.com
December 21, 2025 at 3:58 PM
If this is the only bit of advice you receive about navigating Christmas in New York … you should probably get more advice.
Reposted by Bill
A question I’ve had since I first saw it — “Why did no one tell me about the ‘Ted Lasso’ Christmas episode?
I forgive you all, but I’m disappointed in you.
I forgive you all, but I’m disappointed in you.
Wonderful Christmas, Dec. 18 — Christmas with Ted
Since I remember the NBC Premier League promos that started the whole thing, plus saw many people praising it from the beginning, I’m willing to accept the blame for not watching “Ted Lasso” until …
billswritingplace.wordpress.com
December 19, 2025 at 1:25 PM
A question I’ve had since I first saw it — “Why did no one tell me about the ‘Ted Lasso’ Christmas episode?
I forgive you all, but I’m disappointed in you.
I forgive you all, but I’m disappointed in you.
A question I’ve had since I first saw it — “Why did no one tell me about the ‘Ted Lasso’ Christmas episode?
I forgive you all, but I’m disappointed in you.
I forgive you all, but I’m disappointed in you.
Wonderful Christmas, Dec. 18 — Christmas with Ted
Since I remember the NBC Premier League promos that started the whole thing, plus saw many people praising it from the beginning, I’m willing to accept the blame for not watching “Ted Lasso” until …
billswritingplace.wordpress.com
December 19, 2025 at 1:25 PM
A question I’ve had since I first saw it — “Why did no one tell me about the ‘Ted Lasso’ Christmas episode?
I forgive you all, but I’m disappointed in you.
I forgive you all, but I’m disappointed in you.
Reposted by Bill
I’ve never seen the kind of behavior they warn you about at an office holiday party, but I did once see someone completely take over a room just by walking in the door.
Wonderful Christmas, Dec. 11 — Party time
I went with Suzi to her office holiday party. I got to meet some more of her coworkers, and we mostly hung out with the crowd from the movie trivia night and a couple others, all of whom were excel…
billswritingplace.wordpress.com
December 13, 2025 at 12:35 PM
I’ve never seen the kind of behavior they warn you about at an office holiday party, but I did once see someone completely take over a room just by walking in the door.
I’ve never seen the kind of behavior they warn you about at an office holiday party, but I did once see someone completely take over a room just by walking in the door.
Wonderful Christmas, Dec. 11 — Party time
I went with Suzi to her office holiday party. I got to meet some more of her coworkers, and we mostly hung out with the crowd from the movie trivia night and a couple others, all of whom were excel…
billswritingplace.wordpress.com
December 13, 2025 at 12:35 PM
I’ve never seen the kind of behavior they warn you about at an office holiday party, but I did once see someone completely take over a room just by walking in the door.
Reposted by Bill
Day number four of reviewing Christmas films 🎄🍷
This time we have 'Champagne Problems', whose USP is that it's set in France.
I didn't hate it.
Nb. It's much easier to write a scathing review than it is to write one for a film that was ok.
www.whingewhingewine.co.uk/champagne-pr...
This time we have 'Champagne Problems', whose USP is that it's set in France.
I didn't hate it.
Nb. It's much easier to write a scathing review than it is to write one for a film that was ok.
www.whingewhingewine.co.uk/champagne-pr...
Champagne Problems review: Light, bubbly, easily digestible
Champagne Problems review: a Christmas film I didn't absolutely hate! Although it did make me reach for the bubbles
www.whingewhingewine.co.uk
December 11, 2025 at 8:13 AM
Day number four of reviewing Christmas films 🎄🍷
This time we have 'Champagne Problems', whose USP is that it's set in France.
I didn't hate it.
Nb. It's much easier to write a scathing review than it is to write one for a film that was ok.
www.whingewhingewine.co.uk/champagne-pr...
This time we have 'Champagne Problems', whose USP is that it's set in France.
I didn't hate it.
Nb. It's much easier to write a scathing review than it is to write one for a film that was ok.
www.whingewhingewine.co.uk/champagne-pr...
Reposted by Bill
Today's shit Christmas film review is 'The Merry Gentleman'. If you're thinking that sounds like the name of a male strip troupe, then you are correct.
Although I gave it a 4/10, I absolutely hated the ending.
Please do not show this to your daughters.
www.whingewhingewine.co.uk/the-merry-ge...
Although I gave it a 4/10, I absolutely hated the ending.
Please do not show this to your daughters.
www.whingewhingewine.co.uk/the-merry-ge...
The Merry Gentlemen review: Feminism? What?
The Merry Gentlemen: A film about male strippers where feminism has gone to die. I am quite mad that this was ever made. How DARE he?!
www.whingewhingewine.co.uk
December 10, 2025 at 8:53 AM
Today's shit Christmas film review is 'The Merry Gentleman'. If you're thinking that sounds like the name of a male strip troupe, then you are correct.
Although I gave it a 4/10, I absolutely hated the ending.
Please do not show this to your daughters.
www.whingewhingewine.co.uk/the-merry-ge...
Although I gave it a 4/10, I absolutely hated the ending.
Please do not show this to your daughters.
www.whingewhingewine.co.uk/the-merry-ge...
Our first outing of the Christmas season was relaxed and peaceful. It was very nice.
Wonderful Christmas, Dec. 6 — To the village
Our first Wonderful Christmas activity that didn’t involve watching a Christmas special or baking — thumbs-up to Suzi’s gingerbread cake — was a roughly hour’s drive to Old Sturbridge Village. We d…
billswritingplace.wordpress.com
December 7, 2025 at 3:56 PM
Our first outing of the Christmas season was relaxed and peaceful. It was very nice.
Reposted by Bill
today on the blog:
i wrote about faith, karma, death, hope, and waiting for a final moment's peace michelecatblog.wordpress.com/2025/12/06/y...
i wrote about faith, karma, death, hope, and waiting for a final moment's peace michelecatblog.wordpress.com/2025/12/06/y...
you gotta have faith
or something resembling it (i wrote this a year ago on my defunct newsletter) I’ve written extensively about death and faith here and other places. I’ve written about my relationship with both thos…
michelecatblog.wordpress.com
December 6, 2025 at 9:53 AM
today on the blog:
i wrote about faith, karma, death, hope, and waiting for a final moment's peace michelecatblog.wordpress.com/2025/12/06/y...
i wrote about faith, karma, death, hope, and waiting for a final moment's peace michelecatblog.wordpress.com/2025/12/06/y...
Reposted by Bill
I HAVE WRITTEN ABOUT “LOVE ACTUALLY”!
No, not the discourse about it … already did that. This is about something from the movie that may no longer be true, if it ever was.
No, not the discourse about it … already did that. This is about something from the movie that may no longer be true, if it ever was.
Wonderful Christmas, Dec. 3 — Arrivals
We watched “Love Actually.” Even though I only watch it this time of year — and not every year, as it has bounced off and back on the schedule — I’ve probably seen it more than any movie other than…
billswritingplace.wordpress.com
December 4, 2025 at 5:08 PM
I HAVE WRITTEN ABOUT “LOVE ACTUALLY”!
No, not the discourse about it … already did that. This is about something from the movie that may no longer be true, if it ever was.
No, not the discourse about it … already did that. This is about something from the movie that may no longer be true, if it ever was.
I HAVE WRITTEN ABOUT “LOVE ACTUALLY”!
No, not the discourse about it … already did that. This is about something from the movie that may no longer be true, if it ever was.
No, not the discourse about it … already did that. This is about something from the movie that may no longer be true, if it ever was.
Wonderful Christmas, Dec. 3 — Arrivals
We watched “Love Actually.” Even though I only watch it this time of year — and not every year, as it has bounced off and back on the schedule — I’ve probably seen it more than any movie other than…
billswritingplace.wordpress.com
December 4, 2025 at 5:08 PM
I HAVE WRITTEN ABOUT “LOVE ACTUALLY”!
No, not the discourse about it … already did that. This is about something from the movie that may no longer be true, if it ever was.
No, not the discourse about it … already did that. This is about something from the movie that may no longer be true, if it ever was.
The diners where I grew up in upstate New York weren’t 24 hours, but when you’ve been to a proper diner of any kind, nothing else matches up.
today at the blog:
an ode to long island diners, to 4am pancakes and 8am burgers, and hanging out michelecatblog.wordpress.com/2025/12/03/a...
an ode to long island diners, to 4am pancakes and 8am burgers, and hanging out michelecatblog.wordpress.com/2025/12/03/a...
an ode to long island diners
for the love of 4am pancakes It is 3 a.m. and I want a hamburger. Not just any burger. I want a diner burger. Fat and juicy, side of pickles and coleslaw, fries and onion rings. Maybe a side of bro…
michelecatblog.wordpress.com
December 3, 2025 at 11:25 AM
The diners where I grew up in upstate New York weren’t 24 hours, but when you’ve been to a proper diner of any kind, nothing else matches up.
Reposted by Bill
Perhaps you’ll learn how to make a great buche de Noel, and the only way you won’t enjoy saying “kransekake” is if you’re dead inside.
But there’s also a very important life lesson tucked in those Christmas masterclasses.
But there’s also a very important life lesson tucked in those Christmas masterclasses.
Wonderful Christmas, Dec. 1 — To the kitchen
If you watch the four episodes of “The Great British Bake Off” Christmas masterclasses, perhaps you’ll be inspired to try making one of the creations yourself. (I still think Suzi’s buche de Noel w…
billswritingplace.wordpress.com
December 2, 2025 at 5:29 PM
Perhaps you’ll learn how to make a great buche de Noel, and the only way you won’t enjoy saying “kransekake” is if you’re dead inside.
But there’s also a very important life lesson tucked in those Christmas masterclasses.
But there’s also a very important life lesson tucked in those Christmas masterclasses.
Perhaps you’ll learn how to make a great buche de Noel, and the only way you won’t enjoy saying “kransekake” is if you’re dead inside.
But there’s also a very important life lesson tucked in those Christmas masterclasses.
But there’s also a very important life lesson tucked in those Christmas masterclasses.
Wonderful Christmas, Dec. 1 — To the kitchen
If you watch the four episodes of “The Great British Bake Off” Christmas masterclasses, perhaps you’ll be inspired to try making one of the creations yourself. (I still think Suzi’s buche de Noel w…
billswritingplace.wordpress.com
December 2, 2025 at 5:29 PM
Perhaps you’ll learn how to make a great buche de Noel, and the only way you won’t enjoy saying “kransekake” is if you’re dead inside.
But there’s also a very important life lesson tucked in those Christmas masterclasses.
But there’s also a very important life lesson tucked in those Christmas masterclasses.
The tree is up. Let Wonderful Christmas begin! billswritingplace.wordpress.com/2025/12/01/w...
Wonderful Christmas, Nov. 30 — It begins
The tree is up. We always decorate the tree on the first day we’re home after our Thanksgiving travels to Connecticut and New York. After the star, the lights and the beads, the first ornament is a…
billswritingplace.wordpress.com
December 1, 2025 at 1:09 PM
The tree is up. Let Wonderful Christmas begin! billswritingplace.wordpress.com/2025/12/01/w...
Reposted by Bill
I studied an old yearbook photo, gawked at how my school has changed … and did I stumble into a Hallmark Christmas movie?
It was an eventful day visiting my hometown. #Thanksgiving
It was an eventful day visiting my hometown. #Thanksgiving
Third grade
We stayed at my brother’s house when we came to New York for Thanksgiving weekend. It’s about five minutes up the hill from our parents — our grandparents’ old house that he and our father are remo…
billswritingplace.wordpress.com
November 30, 2025 at 2:26 PM
I studied an old yearbook photo, gawked at how my school has changed … and did I stumble into a Hallmark Christmas movie?
It was an eventful day visiting my hometown. #Thanksgiving
It was an eventful day visiting my hometown. #Thanksgiving
I studied an old yearbook photo, gawked at how my school has changed … and did I stumble into a Hallmark Christmas movie?
It was an eventful day visiting my hometown. #Thanksgiving
It was an eventful day visiting my hometown. #Thanksgiving
Third grade
We stayed at my brother’s house when we came to New York for Thanksgiving weekend. It’s about five minutes up the hill from our parents — our grandparents’ old house that he and our father are remo…
billswritingplace.wordpress.com
November 30, 2025 at 2:26 PM
I studied an old yearbook photo, gawked at how my school has changed … and did I stumble into a Hallmark Christmas movie?
It was an eventful day visiting my hometown. #Thanksgiving
It was an eventful day visiting my hometown. #Thanksgiving