Enough gloom: the wonderful spy novelist Alan Furst, who has no competitors since John Le Carre turned into Michael Moore, has a new book out. He deals with the period before World War II. Think “Casablanca” (yes, he’s that good, that romantic, and the dialog is also that good). Think, as Libby says, “rain at …
Some Gloom from Mary
Prarie Mary writes with her usual elegance of being poor and no longer young, and of some problems of the west and of rural life today. “The message is that life for humans on this planet is becoming increasingly dependent on individual prosperity. If one is old, weak, troublesome, ill, or simply not like everyone …
An Interview with Bob Kane
Here, fighting AR loonies for us everywhere. Support him!
.. And One Last Note…
Again from Patrick: are “we” our own worst enemies? This is an actual exchange from a UK hunting discussion group: “EAGLE OWL OK guys, Thanks to some good pals on this site it looks as if yours truly is going to acquire one of the above. I have (jointly) a pack of mink hounds, so …
More on the Hunting Conviction in England
I bogged here recently on the conviction of a huntsman in England. Patrick, the Terrierman, had a lot to say, both in his blog (scroll down past the plug for Matt to “a slightly troubling note”) and in person. He wrote to me: “The professional houndsmen, kennel men and terriermen are a breed apart, and …
Flee England?
Lots of “Doom and Gloom” and “Decline and Fall” before we get to good things today.. A 64- year- old grandmother was arrested for standing up to two thugs that were tormenting her. “After months of being taunted by a gang of yobs, grandmother Diane Bond finally stood up to them when she was abused …
Why I Can’t Stop Starting Books
The title of Joe Queenan’s piece in the New York Times Book Review says it all. He says he is simultaneously reading about 25 books. Steve and I both feel the same way.
Preserving Traditions
Reid sent this recent feature by Russ Parsons at L.A. Times on a California peach farmer who boasts a cult following among the foodies: “‘Mas’ Masumoto, a short, square 52-year-old with a quick smile and work-hardened hands, is probably the most famous fruit farmer in America.” “…Over the years, Masumoto has become a charismatic public …
Doom and Gloom..
NOT from Derb!– and two other good columns from Patrick. The Doom one is Ozymandias. Traitors, Spies, and Beagles contains some mysteries. And Paving Paradise contains some non- partisan political wisdom. (Required reading for Crunchies).
Death of Childhood?
From Derb: three English children were jailed and DNA tested for playing in a tree and breaking some branches. “To the 12-year-old friends planning to build themselves a den, the cherry tree seemed an inviting source of material. “But the afternoon adventure turned into a frightening ordeal for Sam Cannon, Amy Higgins and Katy Smith …