We Defy Augury

Thoughts inspired by Steve Brusatte's book The Rise and Reign of Mammals: A New History from the Shadow of the Dinosaurs to Us.

Cameo appearances: Dorothy (and the gang) and a hunting expo auctioneer.

Thoughts inspired by Cal Newport's book Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World and Scott Galloway's book Adrift: America in 100 Charts.

Cameo appearances: Bill Maher, Tristan Harris, Alexander Supertramp, and Wayne Westerberg.

Thoughts inspired by Taylor Jenkins Reid's inane novel "Carrie Soto is Back."

Cameo appearances: John McEnroe, Helen Keller, and Clubber Lang.

Thoughts inspired by the writing of George Saunders, particularly his short story "Sticks" and his new collection "Liberation Day."

Cameo appearances: George and Frank Costanza, Neo, and Lloyd Dobbler.

Thoughts inspired by the S.A. Cosby novels Blacktop Wasteland and Razorblade Tears.

Cameo appearances: Will Munny, Ned Logan, Zman, Alex, Susan Faludi, and James M. McPherson.

Thoughts inspired by A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller Jr.

Cameo appearances: Cosmo Kramer, Jerry Seinfeld, Elaine Benes, David Bowie, Johnny Cash, Rick Grimes, Sookie Stackhouse, Bill Compton, Tyler Durden, Dr. Strangelove, and General "Buck" Turgidson.

Thoughts inspired by Jaimy Gordon's novel Lord of Misrule.

Cameo appearances: Michael Scott, Seabiscuit, and Mike, the glue factory guy.

Thoughts inspired by Sudhir Venkatesh's book The Tomorrow Game: Rival Teenagers, Their Race for a Gun, and a Community United to Save Them.

Cameo appearances: Ransom Stoddard, Tom Doniphon, and the gang from Cobra Kai.

Thoughts inspired by Dave Grohl's memoir "The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music" and "Salvation" by Langston Hughes.

Cameo appearances: Elaine Benes, Becky Fischer (Jesus Camp), Robert Duvall (The Apostle), Michael Azerrad (Our Band Could Be Your Life), and Borat.

Thoughts inspired by Steven Johnson's book "Enemy of All Mankind."

Cameo appearances from The Beastie Boys, Brave Sir Robin, and the Dread Pirate Roberts.