The NRA disgraced itself this morning with a self-serving press event in which they demonized the media and the entertainment industry for gun violence in America, and advocated a national data base for all mentally ill persons. They apparently want armed guards in all American schools, and it seems, armed volunteers as well. Shocking.

Life itself must be founded upon the infinite possibility for choice and accident. And if we cannot prove that it is, we must believe that it is. We must believe that we can change, that we can control, that we can direct our own destinies.

The library furnished our dreams, helped us shape our ambitions, made up people of books and ideas and grand designs.

I claim Dickens as a mentor. He's my teacher. He's one of my driving forces.

I left Christianity because I wanted to be a moral person. That is why I left. I no longer believed in its lies.

Our language needs endless synonyms for beautiful; the eyes could see what the tongue cannot possibly describe.

I am in love with you', I responded. He laughed the most beguiling and gentle laugh. 'Of course you are,' he replied. 'I understand perfectly because I'm in love with myself. The fact that I'm not transfixed in front of the nearest mirror takes a great deal of self-control.' It was my turn to laugh.