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OTHER VOICES
In this week's Pub Notes, I want to share space with several
prominent Athenians. Distinguished UGA history prof Jim Cobb
(well, okay, he lives in Hart County) has kindly allowed us to pick
up the latest entry on his blog (http://cobbloviate.com—take a
look: you'll be edified and entertained). Also. Sue Roalman writes
about Coleman Barks' gracious sharing of the proceeds from his
Rumi performance CD to benefit the orphanage in India champi
oned by Athenian-about-town Charlie Gard'ner.
Pete McCommons Editor & Publisher editor@flagpole com
DANIEL V. MOHAMMED
I can certainly understand why many Americans are shaking
their heads at the storm of controversy that erupted in the Muslim
world when several European newspapers ran cartoons depicting
the prophet Mohammed wearing a turban that doubles as a bomb.
While the cartoons were deliberately and heavy-handedly provoca
tive. the fanatically violent response and the resulting loss of life
stretches even my rather elastic respect for legitimate cultural and
religious differences very nearly to the snapping point.
Before we go overboard in congratulating oursetves on our own
vaunted reputation for religious tolerance, however, we might note
the storm of self-righteous zealotry that cowed NBC into pulling its
controversial series, "The Book of Daniel,'' after just three episodes.
So far as I know, this conflict did not result in bloodshed, although
it did produce death threats against some station managers who
aired the show over the strenuous protests of some local viewers.
Although some objected to “Daniel” because of its portrayal
of a severely flawed -Episcopal priest and his equally flawed family
and flock, the show's most egregious offense was its characteriza
tion of Jesus Christ as a decidedly laid-back but constant and car
ing presence in the everyday lives of even the sinful and whacked-
out. Such sacrilege! The producers might as well have depicted the
focal figure of the Christian faith as a terrorist.
James C. Cobb cobby@cobbloviate com I
RUMINATIONS
Every spring for the last three years, an eclectic circus has
rolled into town, setting up tent under the graceful canopy of the
Seney-Stovall chapel. Among those participating in the Seney-
Stovall event each year is our own Coleman Barks, retired emeritus
professor of literature and pre-eminent translator of the poetry of
13th century mystic Jalaluddin Rumi.
A CD of last year's poetry reading and musical event, titled
Back from Afghanistan, is available for the nostalgic, the socially-
minded and the curious. The title refers to a trip by Barks in March
of 2005, at the invitation of the State Department. He traveled as
a cultural ambassador to that war-torn land, sharing his transla
tions of Rumi in venues throughout the country.
"One reason I went to Afghanistan, the main one maybe, was
curiosity,” comments Barks. “I love the Silk Road mixing of cul
tures there. Rumi, born in the northern city of Balkh, is known
as the dissolver of religious boundaries.” Barks admits that his
Afghani audience was initially skeptical of a white guy with a beard
doing justice to the official poet laureate of their country. They
were concerned about the nuance and subtlety of Barks' transla-^ _
tions. They came away appeased, even jubilant.
Much of that same jubilation comes through on the CD.
Accompanied by the down-home banjo picking of Art Rosenbaum
and other Appalachian-style pickers and strummers, interspersed
with humorous anecdotes, and graced with a couple of poems by
Barks' granddaughter Briny, this CD is a small treasure.
The entire proceeds from the sale of this CD, plus all monies
raised from the past three poetry readings, are earmarked to ben
efit, the Pumpkin House project, which supports the education and
welfare of orphans in the Meherabad region of India. This project
is dear to the heart of Charlie Gard'ner, who travels frequently to
the region.
"The money that Pumpkin House sends to India, and the work
that we are able to do there, is just a few drops in a very big buck
et,” Charlie says. "The problems facing the poor in India, and also
in many other parts of.the world, are incredible in magnitude..."
"Charlie is such a great, good heart, and I'm honored to help
him [with the Pumpkin House project] whenever I can." says
Barks. "Tell people to buy this CD."
Details of the Pumpkin House project, along with ordering in
formation for the CD Back from Afghanistan, can be accessed via
www.pumpkinhouse.org. Single copies of the CD cost $12. or $50
for orders of five. Copies can also be ordered and picked up directly
from Charlie, by calling him at 706-546-6492.
Sue Roalman su2annrcalman@earth1ink.net
I The picture aren’t quite \
[ up to muff this week because
I was without my helper,
Quinton Phillips, who has
hithluSy and very pabendy helped
e to photograph dogs and cats
RlHPl Me
ACC ANIMAL CONTROL 45 Beaverdam Road 613-3540
This photo does no justice to this beautiful, fluffy, black Shepherd/Lab mix. Only a young adult,
he is an impressive-toeing dog, large with a lush healthy coat He is sweet and friendly to dogs
and humans, though he was completely
befuddled by a live chicken, and again titer
by a mop. Don't think he gets out much but
he’d sure like to.
nearly every!
yean. Hel be back on the j
Below are two well-mannered small dogs. The golden adult male looks like a
Peke crossed with something caller. Long legs, fluffy coat, quiet and serious
as he waits for help to arrive • as is the small black and white girl on the
She has a very Intelligent look and beautiful almond shaped eyes,
and friendly with a sleek, shiny coat
21492
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The tiny Terrier mix above was shivering sn Sis kennel
made nervous by the noise and his current lonely
situation. Sweet older dog. Quiet and good on a leash
21499
Wonderful
Mysteries
Proven &
Discovered
PicseiiH'd by
Patrick Dean
IViii uarv lHill. -OOi)
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NEWS + CULTURE
LETTERS 4
CITY PAGES 6
COMMENT 8
BOOK REVIEW 9
PETE McBRAYER 13
GRUB NOTES 14
A MILLION MONKEYS 15
MOVIE PICK 17
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COMICS 34
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VOLUME 20
ISSUE NUMBER 7
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