Toronto Star reviews ALL THE SEAS OF THE WORLD:
'develops with the creeping intensity of an avalanche: an action here, an assignation there, and before you know it, all hell has broken loose. It’s a thrilling and exciting reading experience…'
If media runs with fully vaxxed Powell died of Covid and allows 'see, vaccines don’t work!' without reporting he had multiple myeloma and a compromised immune system and so ability to develop antibodies was a concern, then they are doing dangerously compromised work themselves.
Please
@CNN
, please everyone, enough with "meddling!" What will make you stop? Russia putting malware in your power grid is a hostile act by a foreign power. And if your story says WH not taking midterm threats seriously, don’t use an unserious word *yourselves* on the screen!
I feel it is entirely fair to contrast
@waltshaub
, who resigned his leadership of the Office of Government Ethics when he saw — early — that the Former Guy and his team of grifters would ignore their duties, with Deborah Birx who saw same and stayed right there, praising away.
Why do we grieve for ruins destroyed (by ISIS) or for fires like Notre Dame, sometimes seemingly more than for human deaths? In part because we know we only have decades, each of us, but these things MAY last to say 'We were here and with all the evil we did, we also did this.'
Following
@AuschwitzMuseum
here feels necessary. As the years pass and the last survivors also pass, the admonition to 'never forget' can start to feel hopeless. We forget so much. All we can do is try not to forget this, and those murdered, and urge others to try to remember.
Never allowed a life. Murdered at 3 years of age.
#AuschwitzMuseum
performs, quietly, the necessary task of reminding us of the Holocaust, by way of birthdays, usually.
10 May 1939 | A French Jewish girl, Monique Cofman, was born in Mont-Saint-Aignan.
She arrived at
#Auschwitz
on 8 November 1942 in a transport of 1,000 Jews deported from Drancy. She was among 773 of them murdered in gas chambers after the selection.
For some time, whenever Gordon Lightfoot was trending, I feared it was because he’d died.
Tonight, sadly, it is for that reason.
RIP. A genuine legend, for Canada, and far beyond. But especially here.
On the White House lawn a golden palomino is led out. The fabled Orange Desperado strides forth, bone spurs a-jangling. He mounts up to ride to her rescue. Mike Pence, bearing the burden of His Leader, trots fiercely forth. The horse placidly grazes. Buzzards continue to circle.
The Four Seasons Total Landscape story would be killingly funny even WITHOUT Rudy.
With him? Well, probably going to fall asleep later tonight still laughing about it. Will likely wake in the morning and think of it and laugh. Before coffee!
I need the hoodie and the cap.
OK, pause jokes and politics for a sec. Here's a Breaking News thing. Short version: The really impressive team that did "Orphan Black" are developing The Fionavar Tapestry for television.
I posted press release here. More to come.
The idea that one must not act lest the Bad People get even more mad is a recipe for paralysis, moral emptiness, AND, as
@waltshaub
says, an invitation to them (and him) to carry on, since there seems no reason not to.
Twitter is generally about banter and up to the moment news (and raised blood pressure, yes) but
@AuschwitzMuseum
does important, necessary work here, and I urge people to follow them.
23 October 1944 | A Czech Jewish girl Eva Redischova was murdered in a gas chamber of
#Auschwitz
.
Eva was born on 6 August 1931 in Prague to Arnost & Elsa. On 12 September 1942 she was transferred to Theresienstadt Ghetto.
She was 13 years old.
This answered a question that was nagging at me.
@JoyceWhiteVance
is very sharp, enormously worth following as the legal aspects of these matters ramp up. And see how concisely she one-tweets it!
Why didn’t Mueller charge Stone with conspiracy? The rules in federal cases require that prosecutors provide defendants with broad discovery. By indicting Stone on a fairly narrow set of charges, Mueller limits what has to be disclosed & can protect ongoing investigation.
Because it was the same day, and because John Lewis was such a giant, the loss of C.T. Vivian will be underreported, I fear. As was his life, perhaps. Maybe those of us who didn’t know enough now make a point of learning what we can about him.
R.I.P.
The Indian film “RRR,” which is based very loosely on the real-life stories of two Indian revolutionaries of the early 20th century, turns history into legend by way of heightened visual rhetoric.
'The Kurds didn’t help us in Normandy' is a line so stupid, so morally repugnant, and so REVEALING, it ought to sear the soul of any man or woman who supports him as President. You shame yourself if you still do.
This thread is horrifying and heartbreaking. Those tasked with protecting these buildings (all around the world) are charged with preserving the past. It NEEDS to be seen as a profoundly serious responsibility.
The National Museum of Rio is currently being consumed by flames. Over 20 million historical items are being lost before our eyes. I am so sad that I'm crying while I watch this.
I had a brilliant Hungarian friend, escaped in ‘56 as a teen, who said under Communism the weakness or absurdity of a state lie as to a crime they committed was the whole POINT. So much power, no need to come up with a good lie.
@sarahkendzior
makes same points now.
If we hurl those Glenlivet marketing things into the sea, as far as we can, will that be ...
a podcast?
(Understand that I’m shaken, we all react in various ways. Mind you, I pun when calm, too.)
It needs to be said. The suffering of Prometheus, chained to his rock as the eagle tears out and devours his liver each and every day, is as nothing, NOTHING I say, to the suffering the FBI visited upon Roger Stone.
@TheRickWilson
will understand, and bow his head in sorrow.
If you accept that twitter is not just about funny memes and the Outrage of the Hour, this is a important follow. We live our lives as children if we know nothing of the past. And this is not the distant past, either.
The engagement & support of so many people has been really moving and overwhelming. We got over 50,000 new followers in the last 24 hours.
Reaching 750,000 for the 75th anniversary of liberation seems possible.
Thank you all for helping us to preserve the memory of Auschwitz.
It is stunning, really. A man is being accused with “100%” certainty by a powerful, courageous witness, of a sexual assault — one for which he could be criminally charged TODAY. NOW. And the GOP and their President hope and intend to, instead, ram him onto the Supreme Court.
Can confirm: not a mirage.
Page proofs arrived today. Will be read for errors by two (2) keen-eyed proofreaders now, and one (1) author. But this exists. Out in May 2022.
A cocktail seems warranted. Join me?
In the dreams of Statler the Bat
He's soaring. Yes, like that!
May we all, when we're older,
And nights have turned colder,
Have someone beside
To lift up and glide-guide,
Then say, at our end,
'I know my dear friend,
You flew like a lord of the sky.
Rest easy now, and goodbye.'
My mother, first call, says she’s proud of me.
New book is drafted, as of today. Much left to do, as always, but...
Am exhausted and content, and looking back at so many years, this moment with other books. Some vivid memories, where I was. Many journeys.
Cheers, all.
I was just reminded of how old I am and how lucky I’ve been with books enduring. This year is the 30th anniversary of *Tigana* and the 25th of The Lions of Al-Rassan.
Long time gone. But not gone. Genuinely grateful.
This really feels transformational, now that it has happened. Good for Harris, good for Biden, good for America, if it can overcome a desperate, terrified conman's cheating.
We’ve all been discussing this for so long, but I feel genuinely moved right now.
Dear
@waltshaub
,
I had every intention of making our date to watch a classic film, but indicators of random wall construction across the country and attendant construction debris have us worried. We may have to postpone. You be careful there!
GGK
#NotesFromNationalEmergency
I don't really do fanfares and hautboys, but I know a few people have been awaiting word of this.
My publishers have just announced: ALL THE SEAS OF THE WORLD is the new novel, and it is now 'official' for next spring.
A long effort, as usual for me. I'll hope you enjoy.
Some years later, Silmarillion-editing me was working through the vast piles of papers he’d kept (it mattered in the work) and ... I found the scribbled note I'd sent up via the Porter. He’d kept it.
One of the more eerie moments in my life.
I’ll toast him tonight. /
#SCOTUS
will issue opinions tomorrow -- Wednesday, July 8. There are 5 remaining, including the battle over Trump's tax returns, although we may not get them all tomorrow. A list of the remaining cases is available here:
No puns, no politics ... BOOK NEWS. My new novel has been announced today, for spring. Thanks for patiently waiting. I know I'm not fast.
@bookriot
got the reveal scoop this morning:
And here is the US/CDN cover + animation! (UK cover to come soon.)
Of course he kept one. Michael Cohen is a person we NEED to deal with Trump's lifelong criminality, and the odiousness of others around him, but he’s no hero.
Heroes are hard to find, and "unhappy is the land" that needs them, as Brecht put it.
That lawyer, one might surmise, is in a spot of trouble, and will be subpoenaed. I wish someone like
@TheRickWilson
had come with a good phrase for Trump's impact on everyone near him.
@AndrewDesiderio
Vindman, who says he isn't the whistleblower, was so concerned by the call that he reported its contents to the NSC's top lawyer, he plans to tell lawmakers Tuesday.
He's the first official who listened in on the call slated to talk to Congress.
Some book news I can now share. Ace Books in the US has a Classics series (I blurbed Once And Future King for it awhile back) and they are making FIONAVAR part of it, starting in January, then April, then June. Here are the brilliant new covers. Yes, this makes me very happy.
17 today. A bit hard to believe. Happy birthday to a dear companion. No longer climbing the fence or onto the garage roof, but I’m not either…
She’ll get extra dried chicken treats today.
Watching the skyrocketing positivity rates, and utter indifference from Trump, WH, GOP, the urgent need for planning to happen is so vivid.
So this is not an overstatement from
@waltshaub
.
@GSAEmily
is killing people by delaying the Biden team's access to data. Deadly as that.
There are moments, as a new book makes its way, that really resonate for a writer. This is one. First advance review copies just arrived today. Starts feeling more real all the time.
@rodblackhurst
@maggieNYT
"And one day, which may never come, I may need a favour from you, but in the meantime, enjoy this."
And then he boarded his flight.
@waltshaub
Dear
@waltshaub
,
Now my mother is worried about you, too! A light coat? You KNOW emergencies require pockets! Let the youngsters hunt for that definite article. You make sure not to step on discarded nails! And no sandals, Walt! WE TALKED ABOUT THAT. Godspeed.
Faithfully,
GGK
I am now realizing that, with Amazon's massive budget series now upcoming, there are going to be a LOT of bold and silly statements on The Silmarillion. I just CAN'T with a lot of it. I'll only ask that people please TRY be sure of your accuracy before holding forth?
Thank you.
J.R.R. Tolkien was born on this day in 1892.
Lived a life and engaged in work that brought enormous pleasure (and some important scholarship) to so many.
It is personal for me. Tonight’s drink, as always on this day, in his honour.
I have just been checkmark stripped. I am an unchecked force here now.
I will join others in treating it as an Unbadge of Honour. (I’m Canadian, allow me the spelling, please.)
I do hope the Muskth throttling threatened still allows my followers to see puns and limericks.
Tomorrow is my splendid mother’s 92nd birthday. She’s still making art, reading voraciously, cursing Trumpsters, waiting for baseball in April. If you wish her a happy birthday, I’ll show it to her. Here’s a photo of a long-ago photo. So much reflection, but I love it anyhow.
I have news, again, that some here might want to know. The year starts for me with ... delivering the manuscript of the new novel this morning to my editors and agents. Always such a complex set of emotions when I do that.
My understanding is that some saw Stefanik as a rational GOP actor, someone prepared to be thoughtful for her country.
They appear to have been wrong.
@TheRickWilson
has a phrase for this, of course.
Strange, complex, hard day in my mom's house, starting the process of going through her things. I know people do this, it is necessary, a part of the loss. But intensely emotional. Belongings — art, books, photographs — are not the person, but they evoke such memories of them.
JRRT was born on this day. One day in May, 18 year old me went to meet him (with an introduction) in Oxford. I sent up a note with the Porter. (He was living at his college then.) A reply came down that he was unwell that day, could not meet, wished me good luck on my travels. +
Can now share, happily. Hope this pleases people.
Publishers posted and it is on the online retailer sites. My new novel is called WRITTEN ON THE DARK and will be out May 25th. Can be pre-ordered at all the usual places. Here’s Cdn, is on US site too.
I do not wish an evil COVID outcome on Trump or his circle. I want him annihilated in the election, then criminally prosecuted and jailed, with his fraudulently obtained debts called in while he’s being civilly sued all over.
Too much to ask?
It is increasingly evident that 'Chief Twit' is accurate, or an understatement, not ironic or wry.
Advertisers will have decisions to make. So will people here.
@elonmusk
@HillaryClinton
Weird that you’re using a Santa Monica Observer article to respond to Hillary Clinton, who the Santa Monica Observer told us died six years ago.
Good luck hanging on to your advertisers, and watch out for the wallet inspector too
It's sweet to see it described as "Neil Gaiman's Lord of the Rings" but I really & truly cross my heart word of honour don't have anything to do with it. Sandman, yes. Good Omens yes. Anansi Boys yes. Lucifer and Dead Boy Detectives, kind of. LoTR nope.
TAPPER: DeSantis said on day 1 as POTUS he would consider pardoning people convicted of crimes in connection with January 6. Is that disqualifying?
SUNUNU: No, it's not disqualifying ... I think in this day and age there's nothing disqualifying for any candidate, unfortunately
This is what happens when people don’t understand the purpose of 'allegedly' with respect to criminal allegations as opposed to reporting factual actions.
It’s more than a bit embarrassing for her, really. Or should be.
One can fiercely deplore political violence, including the attempt on the life of Donald Trump, and also fiercely deplore Donald Trump: his character, dishonesty, policies, ignorance, vengefulness … and incitements to violence.
Not hard to hold both views.
Concur, as I’ve said before. In one way, urging this, and doing it, are easy. A sentence or two, a click. In another way, following really is a way to do the important thing we need to do: never forget.
@AuschwitzMuseum
offers us steady reminders, with names and faces.
Tomorrow is Canada Day. It is very Canadian (and proper, too) to note 'we are not perfect' (of course we aren't) and 'we have major problems' (duh!) but I continue to believe those who live here are deeply fortunate to do so, and I'm grateful for this country.
Ok, toasting all sane and sentient isolation people, aware of how this distancing protects them, their loved ones, and the vulnerable, drinking these days and evenings with commendable restraint. Here's this Saturday's (got the day right!) cocktail hour. Cheers to all of us!
To paraphrase, when the facts are in your favour argue the facts, when the law is in your favor argue the law, when you got nothing, find a bank of microphones outside the courthouse and complain the judge yelled at you.
Trump's -- and his attorneys' -- court theatrics are exactly why DOJ doesn't want his federal trials to be televised...they would be even more outrageous and performative
Ursula Le Guin is such an enormous loss. Won't be summarized in a few words, or even many. One aspect: she was, right to the end - to NOW - vital, engaged, necessary, contributing so much. This is an en evening to mourn a giant.
As the always-observant
@waltshaub
notes, there is ZERO need to buy John Bolton's book to get the interesting factoids. They WILL be reported. Buying it just supports a cowardly, greedy, vain, unpatriotic set of actions on his part, regarding the House and Impeachment.
The texts to Meadows from the Ingrahams, Kilmeades, and Don Jrs of the world reveal that Trumpworld figures fully understood how terrible the insurrection was while it was unfolding, but ultimately made the decision that it was in their interest to downplay it
Big book news day.
@PenguinCanada
and
@BerkleyPub
have just unveiled the North American cover for my new novel.
It's (another) gorgeous Lisa Jager design. Out May 17, pre-orders up now, at usual suspects, indies, or directly: , .
The one who Matt Gaetz really hertz
Is the suffering journo Matt Gertz!
'Their names are too near!!'
‘Type slower, my dear,
And hope Gaetz gets his proper desertz.'
Dedicated, as it must be, to
@MattGertz
If you are unruffled by something you are unfazed by it. Not unphased.
If you type 'Awe, isn’t that sweet!' you meant 'Aww, isn’t that sweet!'
Thank u for coming to my Tedd Talk.
(Next week, 'poring over maps!')
My mom passed away at 92 three years ago today. Ongoing sense of loss, ongoing feeling of having been blessed. Memories vivid and enduring. Here’s a photo I’ve always loved.
NO question the public, the world, needed a trial, exposure, under-oath testimony. But this is also why criminal cases serve a different role than civil. Dominion didn’t have a duty to us, frustrating as this is. They DID get a lot of lies exposed. Too many won’t look.
I learn, belatedly, that there is a book called *Here's Looking at Euclid* and I am moved, even on a Monday morning, to applause for that title. Classic pun.
This is self-indulgent but I really did wake thinking of words I wrote in a novel more than twenty years ago...
"Eventually, morning came. Morning always comes. There are always losses in the night, a price paid for light.”
Celebrate the morning. Mourn and remember the losses.
As far as birthdays go, shall we share a toast, with love and admiration, to Joni Mitchell, who turns 80 today? Another Canadian prairie kid born on this day. I’m legit pleased to share the day with her.
You will be seeing a lot of the authors you follow talk about how important pre-orders are. It is, put simply, true. They affect visibility algorithms for online retailers, orders from indie bookstores, and print runs for publishers. They matter a lot in the new book world.