| checks and balances |

Perhaps the most surprising part of the Holy Bible is just how much it needs a good editor.

So in an effort to help clear things up, I’ve written a letter to the author.

Eternal damnation likely to follow. But worth it, no? Besides, I’m pretty sure the big G has a sense of humor—just look at the Book of Job.

| poe-stuff |

First, a relevant film scene (Quicktime).

Last month, I mentioned that I might enter the 2007 Discovery/Nation poetry contest. Well, in the end, I didn’t bother. There were several reasons, but the biggest was my interest in producing new writing and less concern about what I published or where I published it. However, just as I was making this rather pretentious artist’s statement, international literary journal Arabesques Review notified me that they were publishing several of my poems in an upcoming issue. (So much for principles.) Now, to be fair, I had originally submitted some work to them last summer and thought it had been summarily rejected. Turns out they’re just really bad about getting back to their writers. Can’t say I’m not thrilled to see my work appear in an international publication though. I’ll update again when the issue is published.

When I was offered the chance to speak with Van Morrison’s daughter, the lovely Shana Morrison, my main concern was getting her name right. It’s pronounced to rhyme with Hannah and I kept worrying I’d merge her name with her father’s and end up calling her Vanna. Wouldn’t that have been a fantabulous start to an interview? Fortunately, disaster was avoided, and she was a belle to talk to. You can read the interview here.

Also, take a few to watch her snazzy cover of “Moondance” (courtesy YouTube and Toe Knee Stenger).

| the prose grows |

As promised, I’ve updated the prose section of this site to include a slew of essays, interviews, and reviews. The opening page of the section now gives you a selection of sub-headings to find whatever you might be interested in reading. So you’ll no longer have to scour the news archives in search of my Bob Dylan review or my essay on the iPod infatuation. There are even a few new pieces, including some work from Skope Magazine and an unpublished review I wrote for the movie Game 6.

| the chips in ‘08 |

Joe Biden just made it official. It may be a bit early (isn’t it always?), but I’m putting my bid behind Biden for President in 2008. I haven’t been swooned by Madame Clinton or Obama’s mamas into thinking either would make a better Commandante than Delaware’s finest. I’ll admit I’m not in love with his plan to divide Iraq along ethnic borders, but then, he’s got more experience in international affairs than, well, anyone so maybe he knows something I don’t. Anyone think a Biden/Edwards ticket could make it to the final race?