Walked through the Orthodox Jewish part of Hackney on my way back from the disappointing Uprise and Punch and Judy festivals. (Uprise referred to was not, sadly, Judy's revenge against the abusive Punch.) Musta been evening prayer time, as the men were in their black finery, with beards and hats at peak of perfection.

Every so often, I would find a clump of Muslim men instead, congregating outside their houses of worship in finest whites, with beards and caps at peak of their perfection.

Due to the stark monochrome iconography, yet fundamental similarity, walking this Godly gauntlet was like being inside a devout version of Spy vs. Spy (from MAD magazine, silly). But then I saw a group of not-yet-bearded older boys in their finery and was momentarily unable to determine if they were Muslims or Jews.

Apparently, they had not yet fully differentiated. (It's science!)

Be that as it may, I'm still not in love. But I was probably close to several Yiddishe matchmakers. And some Muslim fathers willing to sell their daughters for a goat.

Unfortunately, I cannot afford a goat.

If I had that kind of cash, I wouldn't be lonely.

Still, perhaps I should return to the neighborhood soon.

I just gotta get me some goat money.