Hypocrisy,

Hypocrisy - I have never considered Stephen King to be a great author. He has certainly attained mass popularity, but I do not consider popularity to be a determinant by which literature, music, or food should be judged. Were it so, a pimple-faced teen flipping patties at the local Burger King would easily outpace Wolfgang Puck as a paradigm of epicurean artistry.

Regardless of Stephen King's lack of achievement with concern to the characteristics of literature or scholarly writing, one pronouncement regarding King's writing must be given him: He is generally accepted as the modern-day master of horror.

Eschewing the parallel drawn by critics of questionable merit between the writings of Stephen King and those of Edgar Allan Poe—truly a masterful author and literary genius—as common sense and a concern for maintaining the integrity of Poe's legacy demand, one must nonetheless accept that King's writings have certainly earned their classification in the "horror" genre.

I admit to having read several of King's books and short stories. I found them entertaining—albeit pedestrian—and agree quickly that his introduction and development of horror themes in his works is that for which he is best known. Although I would not go so far as to consider myself a "fan," I have enjoyed many of his tales.

From this date forward, however, I shall never read anything he produces; nor shall I view any movie based upon his writing.

King is himself a gun owner. He owns several handguns and rifles at his suburban Maine home.

In an essay/rant he recently published, however, his hypocrisy is astounding:

"One only wishes Wayne LaPierre and his NRA board of directors could be drafted to some of these scenes, where they would be required to put on booties and rubber gloves and help clean up the blood, the brains, and the chunks of intestine still containing the poor wads of half-digested food that were some innocent bystander's last meal."

This is an hypocrisy that is mirrored by many of the entertainment industry. It is an hypocrisy founded solely upon the most basic "do as I say—not as I do" ethic that is, unfortunately, rampant currently among those who are purveyors of horror and gore—by which they approach, attract, and entertain their fan base—all the while moronically supporting an anti-gun platform that runs fully counterpoint to their professional lives.

Goodbye Hollywood, Stop Thief!, -and- Hot Air

Goodbye Hollywood - Wal-Mart abandons online movie downloads
Stop Thief! - grocery worker fired for nabbing shoplifter
Hot Air - French scientist calls Gore a "crook"

On this day in history: December 28, 1991 - Jack Ruby's pistol, used to kill Lee Harvey Oswald, sells at auction at Christie's for $220,000.

Born on this day in history: December 28, 1954 - Denzel Washington (1954– )
Born in Mount Vernon, New York, actor Denzel Washington appeared in off-Broadway productions and TV movies, gaining a starring role in TV drama "St. Elsewhere" (1982?8). He went on to films such as "Malcolm X" (1992), and won Oscars for "Glory" (1989) and "Training Day" (2001).

Scripture of the Day: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)

Video of the Day: The Man of Another 100 Voices - submitted by Amber

This is the smallest baby of 2007! Actually, it is the smallest baby ever born! Actually, it is smaller than Tom Thumb was at birth! Click to enlarge.

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Nikon Photographer Forum - a free forum for photography enthusiasts
Corning California Message Board - a free message board for Corning
Olive Hut Blog - specials, olive news, recipes, and more

Happy New Year! I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Happy New Year! The next blog entry will be Wednesday, January 2, 2008. Until that time, have a great New Year's weekend, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day!