(no subject)

I find myself spending too much time and effort keeping up with stuff online. I have a three step program. Step one is to step away from Facebook. My experience with it is that it seems to be Twitter with Applications and Fan Pages. Step two is to step away from OKCupid. The time investment is significant, especially given the minimal results. I'll be back later, when my life is less demanding, and if somebody contacts me directly I'll get email. Step three, if it needs, is a pruning of LJ.

Also, I'm certain I must have a Springsteen fan out there. If you wanted to put together a collection of "My Must-Hear Songs From The Boss" I'd love that.

(no subject)

I suppose it says something about the ways I'm broken that Giles Corey is one of my heroes. Neither of these are mine, and I discovered them through Will Shetterly's "It's All One Thing".

THE MAN OF IRON

Giles Corey was a wizard strong, a stubborn wretch was he;
And fit was he to hang on high upon the locust tree.

So, when before the Magistrates for trial he did come,
He would no true confession make, but was completely dumb.

“Giles Corey,” said the Magistrate, “What hast thou here to plead
To those who now accuse thy sould of crime and horrid deed?”

Giles Corey he said not a word, no single word spoke he.
“Giles Corey,” said the Magistrate, “We’ll press it out of thee.”

They got them then a heavy beam, then laid it on his breast;
They loaded it with heavy stones, and hard upon him pressed.

“More weight,” now said this wretched man. “More weight!” again he cried;
And he did no confession make, but wickedly he died.

–Anonymous (early 18th century)

I will not plead
If I deny, I am condemned already,
In courts where ghosts appear as witnesses
And swear men’s lives away. If I confess,
Then I confess a lie, to buy a life,
Which is not life, but only death in life.
I will not bear false witness against any,
Not even against myself, whom I count least.

–Henry Wadsworth Longfellow