## In reply to christyotwisty's 5 Qs for Oct 2025 - alfred's Gemini capsule


I hereby break my 100-word rule (er, guideline) to participate. However, I'll try to stick to that spirit of "no treatises, just conversation starters" - which I suppose is what christyotwisty's questions are. 

### What's your favourite item to cook in October?

I'm more of a baker than cook, and here, it's seldom even cool in October anymore, save at night. So I'll just say apple pie. You can enjoy it hot or cold, with or without ice cream. 


### What films have you watched over and over again?

Groundhog Day, naturally. Plus: Office Space, His Girl Friday, The Game, Linklater's "Before" trilogy. But I seldom re-watch movies intentionally. 


### Have you ever meditated for spiritual purposes? If yes, describe your experience.

Not for spiritual purposes, but I have tried meditation. I once heard Stephen Fry talk about attempting mediation, and my experience mirrored his. I wish it did something for me, but it just doesn't. 

But playing classical guitar does something that might be similar. It takes my mind to a non-verbal world of emotions that the instrumental music evokes. 


### What objects from your childhood have you saved? Explain why.

Coins - I was a young numismatist. My dad often traveled for work, and would give me his un-exchanged foreign pocket change upon his return. We lived in Europe for a couple years in the 70s, and I marveled at all the different coinage designs. It's a form of industrial art, but also a projection of a country's values and self-image. I suspect >99% of my coins have no significant market value. 


### When you feel sad, what do you do to find comfort?

What will eventually bring me out of it is to stop navel-gazing and find a purpose outside of myself. 


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Last edited: 2025-10-08