Hi Paula, and thanks for the invite.

I've always thought Marlowe a much happier man than Spade, too. Far nicer in my opinion.

While I'm waiting for Tom's 'Dan Brown' joke, I'll check out your web site...

Hi Tom,

Any joke at the expense of Dan Brown is fine by me.

Hi Dave,

Funnily enough, I'm watching The Maltese Falcon now on TCM (they had Gilda before that). As it turns out, TMF has a Templar-related back story (though the group they refer to were actually called the Hospitallers).

They had The Big Sleep the other day and I was noting how well Bogart really got across what different characters Spade and Marlowe actually are, even though he appears to play them the same on the surface. Marlowe is a lot more laid back and funny than Spade and not nearly as mean. I got the impression that Marlowe was a much happier man than Spade, but maybe that had something to do with Bogart's own life during the filming of each film.

Hi James. Can't really recommend any of the ones I've read recently. Eco's tome is too hefty and anything post-Brown is infected with his mediocre cynicism. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and National Treasure are decent movies in the genre, though.

Thanks, Sunflowercat. I like your handle, too.

You're welcome, Tess!

Hi Harley,

Thanks! It's good to be here.

Hi Suzi,

Thanks! Yep. Snow leopards are definitely classy. The most mysterious of the big cats.

Hi Paula ... Thanks for asking me to join your list. I was going to make a joke about Templars and Dan Brown but then I thought, no, why risk offending a snow leopard ... they may be beautiful and endangered .. but they've still got powerful claws!

Hi Paula, thanks for the invite. Like you, Hammett is one of my favorites, and Maltese Falcon one of my favorite movies.--Dave

Hi Paula: Thanks for the invite; query on the Templars. Have you read the recent rash of Templar novels and is there one among them you'd recommend?

Hi, Paula. What a beautiful snow leopard!

Thanks for the add.

thanks, Paula! Lovely to be your friend.