I want to have Robert Adams internet babies.
He just totally rocks.
http://www.tvo.org/TVOsites/WebObjects/TvoMicrosite.woa?bigideas_robertadams
I found the delightful and eloquent Mr. Adams via TVO's Big Ideas, (www.tvo.org)
A great little show featuring taped ramblings of some of the best lecturers around.
If you like books, and you like intelligent, articulate thoughts on some of the best books out there, then Robert Adams is your 'go to' guy.
Follow the link to hear/see Mr Adams.
And be prepared to fall in love...
*****
For more info check out his book:
A Love of Reading
ABOUT ROBERT ADAMS
Every year, Robert Adams prepares a series of five reviews of contemporary novels, to be delivered alone on a theatre stage to sold-out audiences in Toronto and Montreal. In A Love of Reading Adams has now gathered 18 of his most brilliant reviews, from Jack Maggs by Peter Carey and The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver, to A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry and Barney’s Version by Mordecai Richler. In them he skillfully interweaves a nimble and entertaining discussion of plot, theme, and characterization with fascinating historical, biographical, and literary context. He is repeatedly drawn to the spectacle of less-than-perfect humans making their way in a hostile world, and as a result a review by Robert Adams is almost always a hugely satisfying mix of rich pathos and abundant humour.
Famously, Adams reads a book a day, from which he selects only those novels that are truly extraordinary, that have made him see some part of the world or some aspect of the human condition in a new light – because for Adams, the best books always take the reader on a journey, with a destination very distant from the point of departure. It should be not only a journey of discovery – an exploration of the author’s vision – but also of risk. By matching one’s own vision to that of the author, says Adams, the reader enters an exciting negotiation to produce a new vision of his own. This joint enterprise between reader and writer, the shared risk and the wonder of discovery, is the foundation of A Love of Reading.
• Quill & Quire, noting the jump in sales of any book reviewed by Adams, has called the phenomenon “The Adams Effect”
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Saturday, December 12, 2009
A buddy of mine, Natalie, has written a great response to an irate letterwriter in the Las Vegas Sun, which is to be published this sunday in her local paper, and I have reprinted this with her permission.
Her reply struck a nerve with me since I do have friends and family members of many faiths and cultures. I have also recieved many chain emails from the "Keep Christ in Christmas" camp, which I generally do not past on, for the reasons Natalie has so elequently expressed below.
(link to the letter mentioned below:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/dec/10/parent-should-not-bow-political-correctness/
I would like to reply to the letter published December 10, 2009 regarding elimination of Christmas activities in public institutions.
I am a rather devout Catholic; I would like nothing better than for everyone to believe as I do, but the simple fact is they do not. Some have no spiritual beliefs at all. I certainly believe in freedom of religion, but I also believe in freedom from religion.
My view of this type of thing is to put ourselves into the shoes of others. Suppose the Taliban got their wish and conquered this country? Would we like to be forced to wear burkas, among other dogma of the Muslim faith? My guess would be no. Ms. Goodin says this country was founded on Christian values. That may have been the original plan, but it became a country that conquered its native citizens, and forced them to either conform or live separately from the general population. How Christian is that? Not very.
I don't need to see schools, courtrooms, etc. decorated for Christian holidays. The malls and such do more than enough of that, anyway. I wear my crucifix and medals, which indicate my faith, but I respect the faith (or lack thereof) of other people.
I don't believe any taxpayer should have to pay for decorations, celebrations, etc. of something they do not even support. I firmly believe church and state simply must be separate, and the situation in Afghanistan is a shining example of why.
So yes, I say "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas" to strangers, because I think to assume they share my faith is arrogant and rude. There are quite a few Jewish folks as well. Anyone can see my religious jewelry, and often reply "Merry Christmas" to me. As much as some would like to think so, Christianity is not the center of everyone's universe; I wish that it were, but it isn't, so I accept that others have the freedom to believe as they see fit.
Nobody can take Christ out of your life but the individual him/herself. However, we have no right to force Him into the lives of others. Christ always practiced what He preached. Remember that He consorted with the poor, the filthy and the faithless, without judgment, without proselytizing. He reached others by example, and they made their choices accordingly. So "showing" that you're Christian isn't only wearing the symbols, and trying to push your beliefs on everyone else verbally, or with public displays. It's doing good things for others; it's behaving as Christ would, and I feel certain that He wouldn't mind our not doing Christmas pageants, putting garland on the capitol buildings, or nativity scenes in the park. He would rather see you, me, and everyone treating each other with respect and kindness.
THAT is the very best Christmas display.
Natalie Cantrell Larkowski
Her reply struck a nerve with me since I do have friends and family members of many faiths and cultures. I have also recieved many chain emails from the "Keep Christ in Christmas" camp, which I generally do not past on, for the reasons Natalie has so elequently expressed below.
(link to the letter mentioned below:
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/dec/10/parent-should-not-bow-political-correctness/
I would like to reply to the letter published December 10, 2009 regarding elimination of Christmas activities in public institutions.
I am a rather devout Catholic; I would like nothing better than for everyone to believe as I do, but the simple fact is they do not. Some have no spiritual beliefs at all. I certainly believe in freedom of religion, but I also believe in freedom from religion.
My view of this type of thing is to put ourselves into the shoes of others. Suppose the Taliban got their wish and conquered this country? Would we like to be forced to wear burkas, among other dogma of the Muslim faith? My guess would be no. Ms. Goodin says this country was founded on Christian values. That may have been the original plan, but it became a country that conquered its native citizens, and forced them to either conform or live separately from the general population. How Christian is that? Not very.
I don't need to see schools, courtrooms, etc. decorated for Christian holidays. The malls and such do more than enough of that, anyway. I wear my crucifix and medals, which indicate my faith, but I respect the faith (or lack thereof) of other people.
I don't believe any taxpayer should have to pay for decorations, celebrations, etc. of something they do not even support. I firmly believe church and state simply must be separate, and the situation in Afghanistan is a shining example of why.
So yes, I say "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas" to strangers, because I think to assume they share my faith is arrogant and rude. There are quite a few Jewish folks as well. Anyone can see my religious jewelry, and often reply "Merry Christmas" to me. As much as some would like to think so, Christianity is not the center of everyone's universe; I wish that it were, but it isn't, so I accept that others have the freedom to believe as they see fit.
Nobody can take Christ out of your life but the individual him/herself. However, we have no right to force Him into the lives of others. Christ always practiced what He preached. Remember that He consorted with the poor, the filthy and the faithless, without judgment, without proselytizing. He reached others by example, and they made their choices accordingly. So "showing" that you're Christian isn't only wearing the symbols, and trying to push your beliefs on everyone else verbally, or with public displays. It's doing good things for others; it's behaving as Christ would, and I feel certain that He wouldn't mind our not doing Christmas pageants, putting garland on the capitol buildings, or nativity scenes in the park. He would rather see you, me, and everyone treating each other with respect and kindness.
THAT is the very best Christmas display.
Natalie Cantrell Larkowski
Thursday, December 03, 2009
Helga Bitter has asked me to proxy her blog.
Feel free to check her blog out via my profile.
As her ghostwriter, I suppose I have to do my bit.
http://helgabitter.blogspot.com/
**Sigh**
Feel free to check her blog out via my profile.
As her ghostwriter, I suppose I have to do my bit.
http://helgabitter.blogspot.com/
**Sigh**
Come early. Come often.
www.literaryreview.co.uk/badsexpassages
Yup.
Writing a good sex scene is hard.
Pun Intended.
www.literaryreview.co.uk/badsexpassages
Yup.
Writing a good sex scene is hard.
Pun Intended.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Oh Deer! That time of year again...
MEMO TO: S. Claus, Santa Enterprises CEO
CC: Santa Enterprises HR
From: Rudolf Reindeer (Logistics Div.)
Dec. 12, 4:45 pm
Further to the phone discussion we had last week regarding personal issues with some of the other reindeer, I must say things have not improved. In fact, the situation has deteriorated even further. Not only are the other reindeer laughing and calling me names, but lately I have been excluded from or uninformed about: company sporting events, social occasions and most disturbing- important company memos.
Look, I can take a bit of teasing as much as the next guy, but I am finding it increasingly difficult to work under these conditions. Donner and Blitzen are particularly offensive and have been spreading the rumour I have a serious drinking problem. As I (once again) explained to Mrs. Claus, the redness of my nose is merely a birth mark and I have the photos from my youth to prove it. I remind you the recent drug tests and my initial medical were passed with flying colours, so such gossip is not only unprofessional, it is also libellous.
I would really like to resolve this, as I enjoy working here and I’m sure a firm word from you would do the trick.
Yours,
Rudolf Reindeer
+++++
MEMO TO: S. Claus, Santa Enterprises CEO
CC: Santa Enterprises HR
From: Rudolf Reindeer (Logistics Div.)
Dec. 16, 9:16 am
Sir, I do realise you are particularly busy right now, but I regret to tell you that Cupid continues to be extremely confrontational , bordering on physically abusive. And just yesterday, Dasher incited the elves to flush my sleigh bells down the toilet, which completely bunged up the staff washroom for hours during takeoff practice. So you see, this nonsense isn’t just affecting me anymore. Frankly, it’s gotten right out of hand.
This sort of rude and insensitive behavior is unbecoming and sets a poor example to the younger reindeer. I hope you will have another talk with those concerned. I realise you have asked them to ‘knock it off’ already and I truly appreciate that, but perhaps your choice of words was, unintentionally, a bit poor. Vixen (twice!) tried to take your suggestion rather too literally.
As Mrs. Claus quite rightly pointed out at the staff meeting, such continued disrespect to me is also a sign of disrespect to you.
Please find enclosed my request for a new set of bells, and a medical insurance quote for a nose job. I hope you will approve them both quickly, as I am reaching rapidly the end of my patience with this situation.
Yours,
Rudolf Reindeer.
+++++
MEMO TO: S. Claus, Santa Enterprises CEO
CC: Santa Enterprises HR
From: Rudolf Reindeer (Logistics Div.)
Dec. 22, 12:16 pm
Santa,
I regret to inform you that I am now seeking legal counsel regarding what has become a very hostile work environment. I do appreciate and acknowledge Mrs. Claus’ many and sincere attempts to resolve this, but the harassment continues and I am putting myself on stress leave from now until after New Years Day.
Prancer’s drunken pranks at the Office Christmas party were simply intolerable. Worse, your lack of intervention and obvious enjoyment of my latest humiliation has caused me great emotional distress. While the clinic assures me the substance Prancer used is not radioactive, my now very shiny nose half-blinds anyone withinin a 20 km radius with the red glow. While I can fly wearing protective goggles, I have became a nervous wreck and simply cannot continue to do my job properly while enduring such verbal, physical and mental abuse by the other reindeer (and those old enough to know better - including yourself, sir! )
It saddens me greatly that I must resort to a lawsuit to get this awful treatment to stop.
I have enclosed various EAP insurance claims which I hope will be immediately approved by you ASAP, and cc’d copies to my both Lawyer and HR to avoid further delay.
Rudolf Reindeer
+++++
MEMO TO: PRANCER, Head Reindeer, Logistics
CC: S. Claus, Santa Enterprises CEO
CC: Santa Enterprises HR
From Rudolf Reindeer (Logistics Div.)
Dec. 23, 8:32 p.m.
Prancer,
RE: Your fauxpology.
So... the fog is rolling in over North America and suddenly you all love me and want me to be Santa’s shiny new guidance system? Forget it! If you think I’m falling for that load of BS, then you must think I’m some kind of idiot. What do you and your cronies have planned for me now? I shudder to imagine!
Do you really think I’m that gullible? Remember that stunt you pulled during the simulated landing sequence a week ago? I’m still having nightmares about squashing little Tommy! All that spurting blood nearly gave me cardiac arrest!
And NO! I won’t “just get over it”! I am not “guiding Santa’s Sleigh tonight”, but by now I am sure you’ve heard that I am shoving a massive lawsuit so far up your fat, hairy asses that Santa, yourself and ALL of the other reindeer won’t be able to fart for a century!
Go soak your heads!
Rudolf.
+++++
TEXT MESSAGE TO: Mrs. Claus, Santa Enterprises,CEO
From: Rudolf Reindeer (Logistics Div.)
Dec. 25, 12:16 pm
OMGWTF!! Truly devastated to hear Santa & team lost over North Atlantic in fog. You have my deepest and most sincere sympathies.
New head of sleigh team? Me? Absolutely!!11!1 I am so there for U! Get spare sleigh ready. I’ll totally guide you + new team & get presents to good girls/boys . This day = HISTORIC!
Can be there in 15 mins. Must ‘powder nose’ first. LOL!
Wait for me, my sweet darling girl!
It’s a “new reign dear”, indeed! You rock!
<3 X O X O X O X <3 11!!11
BFF!
Rudolf.
Sent from my Blackberry!
Originally posted at somethingfell.blogspot.com
By E. A. Bardawill
MEMO TO: S. Claus, Santa Enterprises CEO
CC: Santa Enterprises HR
From: Rudolf Reindeer (Logistics Div.)
Dec. 12, 4:45 pm
Further to the phone discussion we had last week regarding personal issues with some of the other reindeer, I must say things have not improved. In fact, the situation has deteriorated even further. Not only are the other reindeer laughing and calling me names, but lately I have been excluded from or uninformed about: company sporting events, social occasions and most disturbing- important company memos.
Look, I can take a bit of teasing as much as the next guy, but I am finding it increasingly difficult to work under these conditions. Donner and Blitzen are particularly offensive and have been spreading the rumour I have a serious drinking problem. As I (once again) explained to Mrs. Claus, the redness of my nose is merely a birth mark and I have the photos from my youth to prove it. I remind you the recent drug tests and my initial medical were passed with flying colours, so such gossip is not only unprofessional, it is also libellous.
I would really like to resolve this, as I enjoy working here and I’m sure a firm word from you would do the trick.
Yours,
Rudolf Reindeer
+++++
MEMO TO: S. Claus, Santa Enterprises CEO
CC: Santa Enterprises HR
From: Rudolf Reindeer (Logistics Div.)
Dec. 16, 9:16 am
Sir, I do realise you are particularly busy right now, but I regret to tell you that Cupid continues to be extremely confrontational , bordering on physically abusive. And just yesterday, Dasher incited the elves to flush my sleigh bells down the toilet, which completely bunged up the staff washroom for hours during takeoff practice. So you see, this nonsense isn’t just affecting me anymore. Frankly, it’s gotten right out of hand.
This sort of rude and insensitive behavior is unbecoming and sets a poor example to the younger reindeer. I hope you will have another talk with those concerned. I realise you have asked them to ‘knock it off’ already and I truly appreciate that, but perhaps your choice of words was, unintentionally, a bit poor. Vixen (twice!) tried to take your suggestion rather too literally.
As Mrs. Claus quite rightly pointed out at the staff meeting, such continued disrespect to me is also a sign of disrespect to you.
Please find enclosed my request for a new set of bells, and a medical insurance quote for a nose job. I hope you will approve them both quickly, as I am reaching rapidly the end of my patience with this situation.
Yours,
Rudolf Reindeer.
+++++
MEMO TO: S. Claus, Santa Enterprises CEO
CC: Santa Enterprises HR
From: Rudolf Reindeer (Logistics Div.)
Dec. 22, 12:16 pm
Santa,
I regret to inform you that I am now seeking legal counsel regarding what has become a very hostile work environment. I do appreciate and acknowledge Mrs. Claus’ many and sincere attempts to resolve this, but the harassment continues and I am putting myself on stress leave from now until after New Years Day.
Prancer’s drunken pranks at the Office Christmas party were simply intolerable. Worse, your lack of intervention and obvious enjoyment of my latest humiliation has caused me great emotional distress. While the clinic assures me the substance Prancer used is not radioactive, my now very shiny nose half-blinds anyone withinin a 20 km radius with the red glow. While I can fly wearing protective goggles, I have became a nervous wreck and simply cannot continue to do my job properly while enduring such verbal, physical and mental abuse by the other reindeer (and those old enough to know better - including yourself, sir! )
It saddens me greatly that I must resort to a lawsuit to get this awful treatment to stop.
I have enclosed various EAP insurance claims which I hope will be immediately approved by you ASAP, and cc’d copies to my both Lawyer and HR to avoid further delay.
Rudolf Reindeer
+++++
MEMO TO: PRANCER, Head Reindeer, Logistics
CC: S. Claus, Santa Enterprises CEO
CC: Santa Enterprises HR
From Rudolf Reindeer (Logistics Div.)
Dec. 23, 8:32 p.m.
Prancer,
RE: Your fauxpology.
So... the fog is rolling in over North America and suddenly you all love me and want me to be Santa’s shiny new guidance system? Forget it! If you think I’m falling for that load of BS, then you must think I’m some kind of idiot. What do you and your cronies have planned for me now? I shudder to imagine!
Do you really think I’m that gullible? Remember that stunt you pulled during the simulated landing sequence a week ago? I’m still having nightmares about squashing little Tommy! All that spurting blood nearly gave me cardiac arrest!
And NO! I won’t “just get over it”! I am not “guiding Santa’s Sleigh tonight”, but by now I am sure you’ve heard that I am shoving a massive lawsuit so far up your fat, hairy asses that Santa, yourself and ALL of the other reindeer won’t be able to fart for a century!
Go soak your heads!
Rudolf.
+++++
TEXT MESSAGE TO: Mrs. Claus, Santa Enterprises,CEO
From: Rudolf Reindeer (Logistics Div.)
Dec. 25, 12:16 pm
OMGWTF!! Truly devastated to hear Santa & team lost over North Atlantic in fog. You have my deepest and most sincere sympathies.
New head of sleigh team? Me? Absolutely!!11!1 I am so there for U! Get spare sleigh ready. I’ll totally guide you + new team & get presents to good girls/boys . This day = HISTORIC!
Can be there in 15 mins. Must ‘powder nose’ first. LOL!
Wait for me, my sweet darling girl!
It’s a “new reign dear”, indeed! You rock!
<3 X O X O X O X <3 11!!11
BFF!
Rudolf.
Sent from my Blackberry!
Originally posted at somethingfell.blogspot.com
By E. A. Bardawill
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
Flash Fiction:
The only extraordinary event in Gerald’s life besides his birth, was his mysterious death.
His mother unexpectedly gave birth to him in a taxi. As the driver radioed for help, she cut the cord with a ragged key edge and abandoned her newborn on the seat.
Gerald left the orphanage at 14, performed unskilled labour for 44 years, and never married or fathered a child. He paid bills, played ponies and wondered occasionally about his mother.
Pulled dead and naked from Lake Erie, someone had written in brown mascara on his back: ‘Poena damni’.
Latin for ‘Pain of the damned’.
E. Ann Bardawill, 2009
The only extraordinary event in Gerald’s life besides his birth, was his mysterious death.
His mother unexpectedly gave birth to him in a taxi. As the driver radioed for help, she cut the cord with a ragged key edge and abandoned her newborn on the seat.
Gerald left the orphanage at 14, performed unskilled labour for 44 years, and never married or fathered a child. He paid bills, played ponies and wondered occasionally about his mother.
Pulled dead and naked from Lake Erie, someone had written in brown mascara on his back: ‘Poena damni’.
Latin for ‘Pain of the damned’.
E. Ann Bardawill, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Who is Edith Prickley???
AH!! You HEATHENS!! My beloved leopard spotted minx/TV Station manager was played by Andrea Martin of SCTV fame:
See above for visual.
Edith, in short, was my hero.
BTW... Wear Animal Print day is the new and more fashionable 'Talk like a Pirate Day'
First Wednesday in November folks. You heard it here first!
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