Readings of the day

Two fine works of literature that I have read today which deserve commendation:

- Joseph Mitchell's "The Downfall of Fascism in Black Ankle County" - I am slowly reading through a book of American short stories, and this one had me laughing pretty hard. If I hadn't been in a restaurant eating supper when I read it, I would have laughed even harder... as it is I tried to restrain myself. It'd make good family reading if you like... the description of the explosions and their results are classic. But I shall leave you with that.

- Mehmet Ali Birand's article "The fight over the fine-turning of democracy" in todays edition of Turkish Daily News was very insightful on the current problems facing Turkey political structure and people. For a bit of background to the article, you can read here.