One More Epicycle

In the genre of true crime, the facts always seem to have a strange, half-religious light cast on them, as though, in the end, original sin alone provides much explanation of crime. If fiction is the great humanistic endeavor, seeking human reasons for human behavior, then true crime is not an art form but a sort of low-rent theology. In its American form, at least, it offers little more than a Christian worldview—or what the Christian worldview would be without the possibility of Christ: sin without redemption; the Fall without the Resurrection; justice, sometimes, but never mercy.

Ain’t nothing, really, but a meanness in this world.

RJN

He who’s tired of Weird Al is tired of life.

(Yes, now that you mention it, lately I am finding enlightenment through meditating on random quotes as if they were Zen koans.)

“Excuse me, sirs– if he is to be sacrificed before the Dread Kaili, why is he not painted red?”

“That’s a question I’ve never been able to pluck up the courage to ask him.”

In most people the line between romance and grammar isn’t a fine one.

“Order right away, [and] you’ll get this convenient on/off switch.”

Steyn, (mostly) quoting Michael Ignatieff:

O Canada!
The place on earth that, if I needed one, I would call home!

The scandal of particularity: it’s not just for theologians.

Today’s example (hat-tip LGF) of a catchy turn of phrase from a surprising source comes to us compliments of terrorist group Fatah leader Mahmoud Abbas. Referring to the rival terrorist group Hamas, he said

“Even the devil cannot match their lies.”

which is admirably concise, pointed, and memorable.

That said, am I the only one who’s sensing a little buyer’s remorse on his part?

File this in the “you know you’re in a sketchy part of town when” folder:

“Persons banned under the previous management remain banned.”

Remember that it is nothing to do your duty, that is demanded of you and is no more meritorious than to wash your hands when they are dirty; the only thing that counts is the love of duty; when love and duty are one, then grace is in you and you will enjoy a happiness which passes all understanding.

W. Somerset Maugham, The Painted Veil

After the distinguished speaker explained a particular construction for terraces (number sequences with particular properties) to the audience, and admired its simplicity:

“Yes. You can all make terraces. Why do sudoku?”

“But, in truth, she was a combat waitress from the future.”

“They’re called Quilty, as any Scandinavian Irish trad group should be.”

“I do not understand women’s minds.”

I considered introducing a new category merely for this sentence, Understatement of All Recorded Time, but I think it stands on its own.

Day’s barely begun, and I already know what the quote of the day is:

“I shot a Marlin with Bogart then kissed Bacall when he wasn’t looking. And she liked it.”

“I hope I never get bleach as a gift, oriental or not.”

Some people are very difficult to buy for.