Nom de Plume

Every time I see that one photo of Saddam Hussein in the papers, all I can think is that he looks like someone’s grandfather.

The Calligrapher–Edward Docx
Funny and erudite. Womanizing Jasper Jackson has been commissioned to do the calligraphy for 30 of Donne’s poems. The poetry–and analysis thereof–provide the one thread of constancy throughout a book of inconstancy. Complete with labrythine surprises. Recommend highly.

Brick Lane–Monica Ali
The last few lines made me teary. Very funny and wry, lots of heartbreak. One of the better diaspora-themed books I’ve read.

Growing Up Hard in Harlan County–G.C. Jones
Not bad for what it was: this book gave lots of details about how hard life was in Harlan County. Had a bit of a hard time following some of the story since he jumped around a lotLots of bragging too, but hey, if I came out of a background like that and did as well as he did, I’d be bragging too. The main reason I read this, of course, was to glean anything I could from my grandfather’s life. There was a Sailor, presumably a descendent of the Sallier/Saylor/Sailor tribe (from which I am descended); however, I would prefer not to claim kinship as he was a corrupt judge around the time of the Harlan riots.

The Time Traveler’s Wife–Audrey Niffenegger
What a great idea. Henry has Chrono Displacement Disorder, popping into different times–usually in the past, sometimes in the future–at times of extreme stress. He meets Clare when he is 28; she meets him when she is six. Not a bad book, although there were some unpolished edges, way too much detail about unimportant things at times. All in all, it was nicely executed.

Oh the excitement of putting in an offer on a house.

You go, Gore!

Alas, the people who really need to read this won’t understand a word of it.

These are all statements from the White House:

1) The Administration has eliminated regulatory and policy barriers that have kept faith-based organizations from partnering with the Federal government to help Americans in need. It has also worked to put into place regulations to ensure that faith-based organizations are able to compete on an equal footing for Federal funding within constitutional guidelines, without impairing the religious character of such organizations and without diminishing the religious freedom of beneficiaries.

2) President Bush understands the importance of conveying America’s message to the world. The Office of Global Communications (OGC) was formed in 2002 to coordinate strategic communications overseas that integrate the President’s themes and truthfully depict America and Administration policies … Countering propaganda and disinformation is an important role for the OGC.

3) The PATRIOT Act has played a vital role in protecting the homeland, enabling the Federal government to better track terrorists, disrupt their cells, and seize their assets. By breaking down unnecessary barriers between intelligence and law enforcement officers, the PATRIOT Act is helping to ensure that the best available information about terrorist threats is provided to the people who need it most.

4) America is safer today because of the decisive action and leadership of President Bush. The President will not allow the nation to return to a sense of false security and complacency.

5) The challenge of harmonizing our economic, environmental and social aspirations has put the national Environmental Protection Act at the forefront of our nation’s efforts to protect the environment.

6) [picture] President George W. Bush takes a working tour of The Adirondack Park near Wilmington, NY, Monday, April 22. “We had a great time in the Park, and I want to thank you all very much for giving me the opportunity to hammer and stack, place gravel — (laughter) — in a beautiful part of the world. This is quite a sight for a fellow from Texas,” said the President in his remarks about Earth Day at Whiteface Mountain Lodge. “We have a duty in our country to make sure our land is preserved, our air is clean, our water is pure, our parks are accessible and open and well- preserved.”

7) “One thing we’ve got to do as we think about how to make sure America stays on the cutting edge of technology is always remember good tax policy helps innovation. See, if we want to be a nation of innovators, we don’t want to over-tax industry and commerce and the entrepreneurial spirit …

“Secondly, if we’re going to have an innovative society, we’ve got to have good legal policy. Frivolous and junk lawsuits make it awfully hard for people to feel comfortable risking capital … We need tort reform. And Washington, D.C. is a good place to start with tort reform. We need class-action reform, asbestos reform, and medical liability reform now.”

From the inbox

How many members of the Bush Administration does it take to change a light bulb?

The answer is seven:

1. One to deny that any light bulb needs to be replaced.

2. One to attack the patriotism of anyone who has questions about the light bulb.

3. One to blame the previous administration for the need of a new light bulb.

4. One to arrange the invasion of any country rumored to have a secret stockpile of light bulbs.

5. One to get together with Dick Cheney and figure out how to pay Halliburton Industries $1 million for the new light bulb.

6. One to arrange a photo op showing Bush changing the light bulb while dressed in an electrician’s uniform.

7. And finally, one to explain to George W. Bush the difference between screwing a light bulb and screwing the country.

“I didn’t have sex with that woman.”
“I never approved torture.”

I think Bush needs a little couch time.

Mother’s tickled pink because I’ve registered her domain name and will be getting her tours for the intrepid, courageous and just plain insane site up there.

Well, eventually. It’s all eventually.

Couple of decent-looking houses, keep your fingers crossed.

I want to stay here.