I know the law is the law, but the FEC needs to lighten up on Stephen Colbert’s “presidential” run. He’s not really running for the White House. He can’t, because he is America. As can be seen on one of his websites (for the moment), 27% of supporters believe he should be his own running mate. So, I’m going to be disappointed if some lawyer or federal gook roughs him up over this. Now, if he gets his name on the general ballot, he has probably going to far, but until then–he is America, and I can too!
Coffee Quiz
Ok, Denise, how do you score on this coffee quiz? I got 10/10! Of course, I used the hints extensively, but I had a good idea before I clicked on most questions.
You’re No Fun Anymore
Harrison Scott Key complains that novels are boring and short stories are worse. He says, “My general claim is that fiction is in the dumps because fiction isn’t fun like it used to be. Somewhere after Cervantes, novelists forgot that it was okay to be funny.” Woody Allen on the other hand . . .
‘Not At All Cute’
Frank Wilson reviews Charles Williams’ All Hallows’ Eve, written in 1945. He says it focuses on real, cosmic evil in the streets of London. “In Williams’ vision of Halloween,” he says, “we are our own goblins – and not at all cute.”
Gaza’s Only Christian Bookstore Owner Killed
Earlier this month, Rami Khader Ayyad, 32, was abducted and murdered in Gaza City. He ran The Teacher’s Bookshop, the only Christian bookstore in Gaza and part of ministry of the Holy Bible Society. May the Lord deliver the Palestinian people from the hands of murderers.
Quotables from Books, Inq.
Frank Wilson has some good thoughts in these two posts on his blog, Books, Inq.
First, on being Catholic: “One of the benefits of having been raised and educated a Catholic – at least I regard it as a benefit – is the constant awareness of my eventual death that it bestowed upon me and that I have lived with all my life.”
Second, on certain writers: “Most writers and intellectuals hang with other writers and intellectuals and project their parochial outlook onto the rest of society. That explains why so much that is written is such a bummer.” Which means you can drop your New Yorker subscription and pick up some good, non-parochial writing like Relief Journal.
The usefulness of ghosts
After doing my TV review last night, an odd fact occurred to me. My three favorite TV shows just now are “House,” which stars Hugh Laurie (an Englishman doing an American accent), “Pushing Daisies,” which stars Anna Friel (an Englishwoman doing an American accent) and “Chuck,” starring Yvonne Strahovski (an Australian doing an American accent).
I see no significance whatever in this concatenation. But it seems odd.
Speaking of Halloween, I’ve been seeing web posts here and there about ghosts.
I don’t believe in ghosts, but that’s not a disbelief I hold to with the same fervor as I do to the great doctrines of the faith. The only appearance of a ghost in Scripture is in 1 Samuel 28 (the witch of Endor), which has been variously interpreted as a special dispensation from God or a demonic manifestation under God’s control. One way or the other, contacting the dead is unquestionably a forbidden activity.
But I’ve employed ghosts in stories several times. They’re just so darn useful as a plot device. They combine the elements of fear, grief and moral judgment. Shakespeare liked them too, and I’m not sure if he believed in them either.
Anyway, don’t take their use in my books as a statement of belief. I’ve never seen a ghost, or an ancient god, or an elf. I’ve only seen one physical miracle, in fact, and I can explain that one away if I want to. In general I believe in the supernatural in principle, but am skeptical of reported supernatural phenomena in particular cases.
Just for the record.
Great Costume
I’m conflicted about Halloween, probably because I often think of it in these adult terms, but this Japanese skirt looks like a great costume. Of course, some people may ask for candy from you instead of the other way round, but maybe they will offer money in exchange.
Cranach moves
Gene Edward Veith’s Cranach blog has moved out from the World Magazine umbrella, into its own domain, here.
Update your bookmarks.
The Meek, Brown Eyed Maiden
We’ve been talking about women a bit this week, so I submit this Longfellow poem to cap things off. Here’s a portion:
MAIDEN! with the meek, brown eyes,
In whose orbs a shadow lies
Like the dusk in evening skies!
Thou whose locks outshine the sun,
Golden tresses, wreathed in one,
As the braided streamlets run!
…
Bear a lily in thy hand;
Gates of brass cannot withstand
One touch of that magic wand.
from “Maidenhood”