why?

Why JK Rowling just isn't a great writer:

She breaks the first rule of creative writing: Show, don't tell. Note the repeated word here:

"Vot about him?" asked Krum suspiciously.
"He's a wandmaker!"
"I know that," said Krum.
"He made your wand! That's why I thought --Quidditch --"
Krum was looking more and more suspicious...


Why I am emotionally ready to begin thinking about wanting to have a baby:
Two reasons: First, Jack's kids are bound to be really cool, and second, I just like family. Mine isn't here anymore so might as well start a new one.

Why Joanna Newsom's Ys is the best album of the millenium so far:
The musicianship, Van Dyke Park's arrangements, and lyrics like

let us go! though we know it's a hopeless endeavor
the ties that bind, they are barbed and spined and hold us close forever
though there is nothing would help me come to grips with a sky that is gaping and yawning
there is a song I woke with on my lips as you sailed your great ship towards the morning

We got to see the whole album performed live with a 39 piece orchestra last night.

Why the new study by the Pew Charitable Trust shows that, internationally, religiousity (of all kinds) decreases as GDP increases:
Because money has many of the same properties as god. "It gives us security, can induce guilt, gives us freedom, gives us power, and seems to be omnipresent" (Foster).

Why I am excited about Thanksgiving:
Because my sister is coming to Seattle.

Why "Dan in Real Life" isn't really worth seeing, but what is enjoyable about it:
It's completely formulaic. Not a single break from the romantic comedy convention. And there's not much chemistry between the leads. But the whole movie is set during a family reunion/vacation, and the family does great activities: boys vs. girls race to finish the crossword puzzles, aerobics lessons in the front yard, big family dinners, a talent show, a touch football game...
And isn't that the best possible week: to have a big ranch house where Jack's family and mine could come and stay and have crossword puzzles races and talent shows and family dinners...

Which reminds me, why do we watch tv?
Oftener than not, because we long for community, and we find a false sense of community with the people on the show. This is why Pam and Jim have shown up in my dreams (and even, inadvertently, in the prayers of a friend of mine!). The Office, Friends, Seinfeld...all little perfect communities. And so much easier than real community.