A sad day. I am glad I had a chance to attend the online symposium honoring Dr. Slater, and to see and hear him read. Rest in peace.

“What IS the spike that intervenes, and who has set it up?”

-Charles Dickens, The Mystery of Edwin Drood

(However, AI did much better fudging than I ever could back in middle school, I’ll give it that.)

(I know this because, back in middle school, I once fudged a book report in front of my class.)

Our bougainvilleas are in bloom here in Florida.

Did Dickens initially have Charles Collins draw Rosa looking back at Mr Tope and his spike, then thought it too obvious, so brought on Luke Fildes to correct “the tell.” The new placement still toys with readers by having the figure on top of the stairwell pointing to Mr Tope and his mace.

Again (again), for this reason I believe Dickens threw his illustrator Luke Fildes a red herring. Had Fildes known the scarf represented something good, not evil, the entire mystery would have been compromised.

Again, why does that “great black scarf” have to be something evil and murderous that suddenly appears hanging about Jasper’s neck like a noose? Why can’t the greatness of the scarf on Christmas Eve be something… good?

Boys had them in the 80s too. Unfortunately, I got mine just before my senior grad picture, which still provides much humour to this day. (I have to admit, I miss stepping out of the shower, towel drying my head, giving it a few shakes like a wet dog, then being done with it.)

I didn’t notice Dickens’ handwritten folio in the carpet until someone brought to my attention that I was standing on it. 🤣

youtu.be/QGZ6jigic_I?...

Much safer to view those beautiful scenes of club cars and observation decks via old movies.
:::cough:::