Kurt says not to use semicolons

But I was told that avoids comma splices... I kept watching for one in the
new book...

He mentions Twain's Mysterious Stranger. Anyone read it? Apparently, there
is Twain Library edition (that is watered down), and a manuscript edition
(that is not watered down).

And somewhat related, was KV in the Ken Burns PBS special on Twain?. I've
not seen it yet, but my library has it on DVD.

Dave Adalian wrote:

> "Alric Knebel" <alric@[cableone.net]> wrote in message
> news:11qaccikueica78@corp.supernews.com...
>
>>Why the hell would you give a damn about Indiana, and this idea that
>>knowledge about it was an intellectual fulfillment?
>
>
> Why isn't knowledge of any kind make a contribution to "intellectual
> fulfillment," even knowledge about Indiana? And, what does the term
> "intellectual fulfillment" mean? Sounds like an arbitrary demarcation
> intended to separate those who agree with you from those who don't for the
> purpose of belittling those who don't. When one reaches "intellectual
> fulfillment" does one have whiter whites, cleaner-smelling breath and a deep
> sense of inner peace?
>
> Also, why not give a damn about Indiana?

That's not what I said. I was wondering why you'd like an author based
on the fact that he enlightened you about Indiana. And if I have to
explain to you what "intellectual fulfillment" is, there's no sense in
me explaining it. Now, about Indiana, when I approach literature, I'm
expecting something else from it besides a quaint history lesson. For
tidbits about a place, I can write for a pamphlet from the Chamber of
Commerce.

Let me tell you what's going on here (and this WILL be a demarcation).
You putzes are pissed because I had the audacity to take a critical,
less-fawning view of your your beloved writer. I've liked Vonnegut for
thirty years. But I see him as someone you can't take seriously. He
says some really silly stuff and you guys, taken by his celebrity status
and the fact that you like his quirky books so much, act like he's
bringing down the tablets. Some of it is just so saccharine, it's
embarrassing. Like all that stuff about having an extended family, and
his maudlin view of Laurel and Hardy, and his silly impression of modern
life, his Luddite grumblings. It's just silly. Stand back and take a
look at it. Be objective. If a guy on the street said some of that
stuff, you'd laugh at him, and not because it's genuinely funny, but
because it's stupid. That comment about the use of semicolons is a
prime example. It's a silly thing to say.


Yes, that seems like a harsh thing to say, and how dare a mere mortal
reader say such a thing about someone you consider an intellectual
giant? You'll interpret through your shock my incisive criticism as a
complete dismissal of Vonnegut. Let me make it plain: I love Vonnegut's
stand on things like labor and the poor, and I share all of his
political leanings, while I recognize that he's not the best spokesman
for these issues. His voice works in a supportive role, not as a
leader. You guys mistake him as a leader, as this great thinker. He's
got a vivid writing style, and back in the day, he had an astonishingly
fresh imagination. That's his contribution. Put it in the context of
reality.
--
Alric Knebel