November 3, 2004

I have nothing more to say. Jaded Writings and the Afterthoughts Weblog are officially on hiatus.

November 2, 2004

Tami Silicio, the 50-year-old woman who took the picture of the 20 flag-draped caskets that ran in The Seattle Times last April, has had a rough year. That powerful photo may earn her a Pulitzer Prize, but its publication cost Silicio her job, her husband, her husband's job and her financial security.

Does she regret taking the photo? Hell no. In fact, Silicio recently told the Real Change newspaper that she'd like to dedicate the rest of her life to helping others by becoming a humanitarian aid worker.

Joseph T. Nee, an 18-year-old Massachusetts student, was arrested last week for plotting an attack on Marshfield High School on the anniversary of the Columbine massacre. He was later charged with one count of conspiracy to commit mass murder and one court of promoting anarchy.

Nee is the son of Thomas J. Nee, president of the Boston Police Patrolmen's Association, the city's largest police union.

October 31, 2004

Susanna Clarke, the hot new author known for her weighty historical fantasy debut "Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell," has published a work of Halloween fiction for The New York Times.

* Halloween's origins date back over 3,000 years to the Celtic celebration of Samhain (pronounced Sow-en, not Sam-hain). (Buried.com)

* An estimated 36.8 million trick-or-treaters went looking for candy in 2003. (U.S. Census Bureau)

* A gigantic gourd weighing 1,385 pounds currently holds the world's record for biggest pumpkin. (Ladies' Home Journal)

* There are over 50 different types of pumpkin, including the Spooktacular, the Funny Face and the Munchkin. (The BBC)

* The movie "Halloween" was shot in 21 days on a budget of $300,000. It was the highest-grossing independent movie ever made at that time. (Halloween Facts)

Past Afterthoughts