I thought they were fluffy families, and they are! 5 year old me still needs to run away and join a wolfpack!

The two more formal methods of learning I know of (for features) are via one of the big MFA programs or the DGA Assistant Director Training Program.

Producing more so.

A good film would be amazing!

I'm afraid I must credit Patricia C. Wrede for that. Hello, Mairelon!*

They get better. You could also try Mercedes Lackey's books, which tend to be first read at a similar age by the same crowd. I also really loved Diana Wynne Jones's books. Miyazaki's "Howl's Moving Castle" was based on her book of the same name.

I don't trust anyone to do it justice....

sneakyninjacat has probably failed to reply to you due to swooning and hitting her head. I believe I speak for all of us when I say: Huzzah! We are very much looking forward to the books!

Women sometimes have pockets large enough for a hairtie!

Moleskin plus Tombow Onbook for me.

I missed that. I am very sorry for your loss. She sounds like she was an amazing—and strong—woman.

If you guys ever try and fulfill that dog rescue dream, I bet they would be good to consult for advice. :)

There's a documentary about a program where prisoners in CA training service dogs, (perhaps PTSD dogs for veterans? I can't remember all the details.) and it is amazing! I also know that prisoners in Louisiana helped care for and rehabilitate rescued dogs after Katrina.

Muttville in San Francisco is a senior dog rescue. (Senior dogs have very high euthanasia rates.) They also have a "seniors for seniors" program which matches senior humans with the perfect senior dog for them and gives them the dog for free along with all necessary doggy accessories (including home modifications) and…

I've been looking to get my dog registered as a therapy dog. He loves people, doesn't get to interact with enough different ones in his daily life as he would like, he doesn't jump on people, and he is very calm. He is unphased by wheelchairs, walkers, and sudden sounds. He's also a belly-rub slut whose humans' arms…

So gross, but they love them so. (Plus, the jokes you can make at your dog's expense! Amiright?)

Don't you know stem cells are magic?

When you're Michiel Huisman, you're required to take all pictures with your shirt off. Duh.

Weren't there some vague references to the military being involved with the project this week?

The military group DYAD could be (could have been) partnered with? Fits with his drones and issues with the military cover story.