I'll have my trashy novel with a side of sacrilege

The following is a quote from a New Yorker story about Sony's marketing of the film "The Da Vinci Code":

Brown’s puzzler plot proceeded from a thesis that Christianity as we know it is history’s greatest scam, perpetrated by a malignant, misogynist, and, when necessary, murderous Catholic Church.

Hyperbole? Yes. Grain (or maybe an entire grain elevator, depending on whom you ask and when you ask her) of truth? Certainly.

Which is not to say that I buy into the plot of The Da Vinci Code. It's fluff. Candy, to be consumed quickly and enjoyed. Which I did.

You should too.

Staring contest

There was a boy, eight years-old or thereabout, on the train today. He leaned into his grandmother, who wrapped her arm around him, and he stared at me in the seat across the aisle, struggling with my coffee, my newspapers, my backpack, my umbrella. He was serious, direct, world-weary even. I looked right at him, and still he stared. And I stared. And he stared. I looked away and thought: how strange.

I read my paper: American Idol rocker kicked off last night, abortion pill may not be cause of killer bacteria, U.S. on the outs with Russia, it seems. I looked up again. He stared. I stared. He stared. I read my paper. United flying out of town? Woman falls seven floors hours after released by Chi police, commissioner investigating claims of parents who say they asked police to hold her until someone could meet the emotionally unstable woman.

The grandmother got up, tugging the boy with her. I looked at him. He looked at me. I smiled. He smiled. One small gray glove emblazoned with the word "basketball" clutched the grandmother's hand. The other he half-raised and he waved.

Love of my life

I went to hear David Remnick, editor of the New Yorker, speak today on campus, and I was reinvigorated. The New Yorker is why I'm here, why I'm in J-school. I let my subscription lapse because of the hassle of changing my address. I'm in Chicago now, then in D.C., then I'll be overseas...also, I have more than enough to read - WSJ and Tribune every day. I love the WSJ, I have to say, but I do get tired of newspapers and the daily news mill. It was so nice to get back in touch with this magazine that has meant so much to me...which is cheesy, but true. Needless to say, I'm renewing my subscription...after I move to D.C.

Veni, vidi, non vici

Went to Arlington Park Saturday to watch live racing and the Derby on simulcast. Seven of my comrades joined me.

The words to "My Old Kentucky Home" were printed on the bottom of the screen like some kind of freakish karaoke selection and my friends decided to mock me by singing along. I asked them nicely to be quiet. When that didn't work, I moved far enough away so that I couldn't hear them. It's a special song and a poignant moment for a Kentuckian, particularly one who has the misfortune of being away from the Bluegrass on Derby Day.

I didn't win any money, but a good time was had by all.

Here are my photos from our day-o-fun. Here are the photos of another girl in our entourage. And here is what Barrett had to say about the day.

Derby Fun

I've been looking for a Derby hat to wear to Arlington Park today. Yesterday I found it at T.J. Maxx. $144 on clearance. I was standing in front of a mirror admiring the creme creation - the feathers and all the gobbledy-goop - when a woman in the aisle behind me said, "Girl, that hat looks good on you."

Needless to say, I didn't buy it. Now I don't even want to wear a hat.

I found some pretty funny ones online, though. Check 'em out above.