From the “Life and You!” advice column by Leonora Eyles in the March 16, 1935 edition of Woman’s Own Magazine:

A Torpid Condition

“I always seem very dumb and listless in company, and look sleepy and stupid. What is the matter with me?”

Possibly constipation. It is the cause of much listlessness and stupidity in young girls, because it poisons the blood and prevents them from being healthy and active. Take elixir of senna twice a week and Kellogg’s All-bran every morning at breakfast-time. This will soon put some vim and sparkle into you.

October 1 is Ivan’s birthday. Fitting, for a black cat, to be born during Halloween season. Even more important is this year’s particular birthday. It’s his thirteenth.

As Matt said, “This is a significant milestone for a black cat.”

(We’ll be having a party. Don’t tell Ivan.)

Animal lovers, Isabella Rossellini made eight short films on insect (and arachnid and oligochaeta) mating, starring herself as all the slimy romeos. The earthworm one was very educational. See the films here. Thank you, Maikopunk, for sending them my way.

(Note: Unless you are a European parent, you probably won’t allow your kids to check them out.)