A. J. Alexander

We’re currently waiting for Judge Araceli Martinez-Olguin to issue final approval of the historic settlement in the Bartz v, Anthropic copyright infringement lawsuit. (If you need a refresher, my past blog posts include a general overview of the settlement and an April update.) One of the interesting outcomes–so far–has been that while participation by class members has been extraordinarily…

It’s INTERNATIONAL CAT DAY today, August 8, 2026! Every cat fan will celebrate this day, and everyone with their feline, probably celebrates it in a different way – or for a different reason. But let’s have a look at the history of the International Cat Day: ***** Cats are carnivorous small furry mammals — for the most part — with four legs, a tail, and claws, that humans have domesticated as…

Konrad sighed. “Sometimes doing the right thing is worth a risk.” Gottfried quickly looked around and reminded them, “Please, comrades. Keep thoughts like that to yourselves until we are alone. Only the suspicion of us changing sides could cause an investigation and our death. Shut up, for God’s sake.” Theodor looked at him. “You know something we don’t, right?” Gottfried mumbled, “I have no…

Red is the most powerful color in the sartorial lexicon, yet it is also the most frequently abused. In literature, a “red dress” is often thrown onto a character to signal passion, danger, or visibility, but without nuance, the description remains flat. If you describe a gown as “traffic red” when you intend to evoke the somber, regal atmosphere of a formal gala, you have destroyed the elegance…

The book starts off in a calm, relaxed way, with a couple of other stories from Sharon Buchbinder; however, you will find you’re already feeling an underlying tension. Three sentences, and the author has you, because you know there will be something interesting, thrilling, and, in particular, unexpected coming up very soon – and you will be right! Hayil Rufus Rose is a werewolf. She has never…

735 years ago, on August 1, 1291, in a top-secret conference, Fuerst, from Uri, Stauffacher from Schwyz, and von Melchtal, representing Unterwalden, held up their left hands for an oath; their right hands were placed on their hearts. “… We swear, in good faith, to…” This oath, ever since, has been known as the ‘Ruetli Oath’ and formed the Confoederatio Helvetica,, the ‘Helvetic Confederation’,…

Bringing a new baby home is supposed to be the happiest time of your life, right? At least, that’s what the movies, social media, and well-meaning relatives tell us. But for millions of new mothers, the reality looks a lot different. Instead of instant bliss, they are met with overwhelming exhaustion, sudden crying spells, and a deep, confusing sense of sadness. If you are feeling this way, the…

(Published for the first time 9/4/2020 on the Vampire Maman’s Blog) A while ago, back in Europe, while I was traveling with a friend, I had dinner at a restaurant owned by a very nice Italian couple. It was in Rome. You know, when you go to European restaurants, there are these eight-to-ten-person tables for tourists, where they place you on, and unless the table is filled up, you won’t get…

In the hierarchy of colors, blue is often mistaken for the safe, default choice. Yet, in fashion and literature, it is arguably the most complex to describe accurately. The difference between a “sky blue” summer sundress and the profound, authoritative depth of a midnight gala gown is the difference between casual indifference and true, piercing elegance. To elevate your writing, we must move…

Uriel, the Fire Angel… an Archangel of incomparable beauty, with jet-black hair and bronze colored eyes. His body was well-built and well-trained, and he was an excellent swordsman. His wings were black, but compared to a crow’s, his were dull… they didn’t shine, they didn’t sparkle, there was no shimmer whatsoever. They absorbed light. But they showed veins of purest fire and flames. Uriel’s…

Eavan brought this particular dessert to one of the Council Consort’s meetings, and they all were enthusiastic about it. They swore they would prepare it together for the next family gathering, and that’s what they did. Generally, this is a Southern dish, often prepared for the 4th of July family barbecue, but it is definitely a keeper, and absolutely appropriate for any other occasion! They…

The Great Veranda Debate: Why Are We Still Jogging in Our Seventies? I’ve been doing a lot of people-watching lately, and I have a bone to pick with the “jogging” demographic. Specifically, the gentlemen in their early-to-mid-seventies who have decided that the asphalt of our neighborhood is their personal battlefield. Now, don’t get me wrong. I am all for health. If you want to do yoga in your…

Yellow is perhaps the most misunderstood color in the sartorial world. While emerald green carries the weight of authority and luxury, yellow is often treated with apprehension. Too often, descriptions of yellow in literature fall into the trap of “sunshine” or “daffodil,” which sounds pleasant in a garden but often translates to a garish, unwearable shade when draped across a gown. To describe…