A Post-Easter Post

Mike Wallace passed away this weekend. I liked that guy. He was a hardass. I've seen quite a few of his interviews. He once asked the Ayatollah if he was crazy. He'll be missed.

Thomas Kinkade passed away too. I liked some of his stuff, it was kind of warm and cozy. But I agree with an something I read this morning: his cottages look as though they're on fire inside. I think that's what's made me ever so slightly uncomfortable with his art all these years.

A few things:

Mark 'Marty' Rathbun was a long time senior member of the Church of Scientology, not to mention a trusted insider and advisor to many of the organization's high profile members. Not long ago he made the decision to leave the church. They've been harassing him ever since. As a follower of Scientology hijinx for quite some time, I find this article particularly engaging: Marty hasn't left his beliefs behind, just the money-grubbing and haranguing of the organization. The separation of Scientology beliefs from the 'church' should be possible, shouldn't it? Marty says it is, and that Scientology without the corporation is a lot like Zen Buddhism. I have my doubts that such a separation is possible given some of the principles on which it was founded (not to mention what kind of person the founder was widely reputed - and proven - to be), but this article is an intriguing read anyway.

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American parents want to ban The Hunger Games trilogy. Aren't parents of children in the trilogy's target demographic are former Generation Xers? Weren't we all about Nirvana and Bikini Kill and Pulp Fiction and riot grrls? You've changed, parents.

But go ahead. Ban the books, buy your kid a computer, and put it in his or her room. Don't forget to shut the door so your angel has his or her privacy. Or just send your kid to bed with their iPhone next to their bed. You can sit up and watch Real Housewives and drink your Chablis and pat yourself on the back: your kid is safely at home with you and not reading that nasty stuff. You're a fucking idiot and you're making more fucking idiots. Good for you. Romney for President!

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Ashley Judd, please forgive me. I get angry with other women, I forget myself and I become one of them. You are bright and beautiful and your face is like a sweet lollipop.

I might be in love with you, actually. You're my kind o' woman.

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I love flowcharts and Venn diagrams. Mental Floss (Miss Cellania, in particular) loves 'em too. :)

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Why hasn't Rush been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? Has anyone ever started a petition?

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I think that's it for now.