Two items: (1) I've finished the new Harry Potter book, and I have to admit that I think it's the best so far. I won't give anything away (that spoiler I mentioned was ridiculously off the mark), but let's just say the critics are finally right when they say this installment's "darker." "Darker" has been the common description of every HP release; this time, though, Rowling clearly was deliberate in injecting a little injustice and despair into the story, making Order of the Phoenix somewhat akin to the downbeat Empire Strikes Back provides for Star Wars. She's getting better as she grows as a writer. I only hope she's able to come up with a story that can top her efforts in the Harry Potter series. She's young; time is on her side.

(2) And for your dose of daily randomness, I've found there's another human on this planet with my first name; of course, he's Italian, but he's also a tennis player, so maybe there's some strange synchronicity working behind the genetic scene. Either way, take a gander at the fellow here.

  posted by S. Parker @ 12:55 AM