Writer's Block: Raining cats or dogs?

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If you don't know the answer to THIS one, then you haven't been paying attention. ;-)

Here's the answer:


Just look at that pretty smile!

So why do I prefer dogs to cats? I guess part of it was my growing up with dogs. I'm familiar with dogs, they were always around. But it's more than that because I had friends with cats and I never felt drawn to them. Dogs, on the other hand, would follow me home all the time.

I like dogs because they want to be with you. They like belly rubs and are very social creatures. I like that you can DO things with them, like going out for a long walk or a hike, or agility or obedience training. I also like that they don't have sharp claws and seem to scratch you for no reason. ;-) My dogs have never dug up my potted plants or scratched me when they no longer wanted to be petted.

Would I date someone who was the opposite? I doubt it. I don't want to live with cats. I'm fine with visiting other people's but even those I sometimes give a wide berth to in case they decide they want to claw me. I also want to be able to enjoy my dog(s) and not have to listen to someone's complaints about what dogs are like. Luckily I have someone who loves dogs as much as I do!

EDITED TO ADD: Reading through people's descriptions of what they hate about dogs is pretty amusing. No, my dog doesn't smell. And no, she doesn't bark either.

Music post: Ludovico Einaudi

I discovered the music of Einaudi through a sort of chance happening. I came across a video in a dog community that I found so amazing, so striking, so beautiful, that I watched it over and over again. Eventually, after seeing it several times, I started to focus on the music and came to wonder exactly who the composer was.

Well, as it turned out, many other people had asked. The work was entitled I Giorni and was by Italian composer Ludovico Einaudi.

I know I've mentioned him here before, but mostly in connection with that video. According to his website, his music has been alternately described as "minimalist, classical, ambient, contemporary and deeply touching, the welcome sound of stillness in a hectic world." I think all of these are fairly accurate in description. His music almost defies description. Or, perhaps to put it a better way, it could fit any number of descriptions.

Interestingly enough, he began his career as a truly classical composer, studying at the Milan Conservatory under such greats as Luciano Berio.

I think, after the horror of the recent Andrew Lloyd Webber music that I have spent the last few days focusing on, this is a welcome respite.

First I present the video that first brought his music to my attention. It contains all of piece called I Giorni off the album of the same name. I really do think this is one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. In a way it corresponds to my last post. THIS is why I love dogs so much.

And now for a few more of my favourites:

Uno

Divenire

In Principio