June 29, 2006
Riding with the hellequin
“And now,” he changed into execrable Latin, “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, I absolve you.” He made the sign of the cross. “Don't waste your life, Tom.”
“I think I already have, father.”
“You're just young. It seems like that when you're young. Life's nothing but joy or misery when you're young.” He helped Thomas up from his knees. “You're not hanging from a gibbet, are you? You're alive, Tom, and there's a deal of life in you yet.” He smiled. “I have a feeling we shall meet again.”
Nah, I'm not pointing this at anyone in particular — or, well, maybe I did think of several people when I read it, including myself. And that was just halfway through the first part of Harlequin — the first book of Bernard Cornwell's Grail Quest trilogy. The rest of Harlequin (almost through with the second part now) promises to be just as good, and full of sayings to remember.
June 23, 2006
Music for the masses
But I promise you, my judge and jurors,
My intentions couldn't have been purer —
My case is easy to see…
…………
We're flying high
We're watching the world pass us by
Never want to come down
Never want to put my feet back down
On the ground
…………
They didn't play “Somebody” — which was actually quite all right for that particular night… though I still nurse a dream that I will hear it played live some day.
They didn't play “Nothing”, either, which might have been just right.
…………
Well, maybe this wasn't quite what y'all expected to see… yet it is all that I am going to write about this concert, this performance, this experience. And yet again, as usual, it isn't just about the music — and yet again, as usual, it isn't just about the games Fate plays with us all — and yet again, as usual, it isn't just about the way sometimes everything seems to happen at once…
And after all:
Words are very unnecessary,
They can only do harm…
June 12, 2006
“Mrrrrowwwrrrr” — and proud of it!
The Great Panther of the House strikes again!
Jack the cat chases black bear up tree
WEST MILFORD, N.J. - A black bear picked the wrong yard for a jaunt, running into a territorial tabby who ran the furry beast up a tree — twice.
Jack, a 15-pound orange and white cat, keeps a close vigil on his property, often chasing small animals, but his owners and neighbors say his latest escapade was surprising.
…
Neighbor Suzanne Giovanetti first spotted Jack's accomplishment after her husband saw a bear climb a tree on the edge of their northern New Jersey property on Sunday. Giovanetti thought Jack was simply looking up at the bear, but soon realized the much larger animal was afraid of the hissing cat.
After about 15 minutes, the bear descended and tried to run away, but Jack chased it up another tree.
Well then… the next time you hear a soft purring — it will have taken a couple of new tones, won't it now? :)
June 09, 2006
Equilibrium
Wait! Wait! Look at me. Look at me. I'm life. I live… I, I breathe… I feel.
I only have one thing to say about this movie. After the closing credits, when Velin arose with a heavy sigh, my comment — through pretty much clenched teeth — went something like:
Now I'll make an effort and I'll get up. Yes, I'll get up — because I've only felt this way once before in my life. Just after watching Blade Runner. Yes, the director's cut, of course. I didn't get up then — I picked up the remote, thought I'd just watch a couple of scenes — and an hour or two later I realized I'd seen the whole movie, all over again. This time… this time I'll make an effort and I'll get up.
So I got up. Velin laughed.
And just in case you're wondering — no, his laugh did not destroy the atmosphere and the feeling.
