For the first time since I started putting out mouse traps I caught one that survived the experience. Not sure how, but it somehow got wedged between the side of the trap (it’s a small contained box-like device) and the swing arm that comes down to break their little necks. I took pity on the little vermin and carried the trap outside and set him loose. Hopefully he stays away and tells all his little mouse friends not to come sniffing around my apartment. If it happens again, Mickey will be sleeping with the fishes.

One of my authors has found some photos he’d like to use in a book that were donated by the Bundesarchiv (German Federal Archives) to Wikimedia. What I can’t tell is whether or not one needs to seek express permission to use the photos. Does anyone know just how the CC copyright works?

Cheers,

Chris

Spent a leisurely hour or so at the Gracie Mews this morning drinking coffee and taking notes. Hit the gym then went for a walk before the rain came. Some reading, some writing, and a half-hearted attempt to clean the kitchen counter. I’m not sure why, but my counter fights order and slips into chaos at every opportunity. Books piled on manuscripts mixed in with junk mail with pens and notepads scattered throughout the strata. If I ever get married I’ll need to clean up my act or have a very understanding wife…

I walked to the park this morning and set up shop on a bench overlooking the Great Lawn. The sun was shining, the shade was cool, and a soft breeze was gently furling the papers of my notepad. I sat there for an hour and a half writing, people watching, contemplating life, and wishing I’d brought a snack. All in all a very enjoyable way to spend my morning. It was amazing how fast and easy the ideas flowed. Maybe I was just ready for a breakthrough, but I think the setting had a lot to do with it. Weather permitting I plan to make the trek to the park as often as I can from now on.

I’d heard great things about it so walked across Central Park to the Lincoln Center near Columbus Circle as that is the only theater in NYC that’s playing it. Oh, here’s a link to an overview of the movie: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1483831/

I won’t reveal any spoilers, but I will say it wasn’t quite what I was expecting. It was clear what the director was going for, but the execution didn’t quite pull it off. It’s been described as Das Boat in a tank, and that’s fairly accurate except Das Boat is a superior film. Still, there were elements in the claustrophobic environment of the tank that I thought superb. One of the best was the narrative device of the disembodied voice of a commander heard over the radio. It’s no easy feat to make a movie that takes place almost entirely inside a space about the size of a 10×10 closet. What gripes I have are more with some of the acting. I thought a couple of characters were a bit over-wrought at times.

In the end, I do recommend this film. The banter between the tank crew is quite hilarious at times and there’s one great story told about a teacher and a father’s death that while seemingly out of left field is a fascinating bit of story telling.