Maiduguri, Nigeria: The Steeple Bumpleigh Horror II

While a lot of attention these days has been given to the violence in northern Nigeria fomented by a group that goes by the name of Boko Haram, little light has been shed on its seminal antipathy for the fictional character Boko Fittleworth developed by the English novelist P.G. Wodehouse.

Haram is an Arabic term meaning "forbidden," a sentiment that would find a ready ally in none other than Jeeves himself. After Jeeves had met Boko for the first time, Bertie observed that his normally unflappable gentleman's gentleman "winced visibly and tottered off to the kitchen, no doubt to pull himself together with cooking sherry". Bertie once admitted that he wouldn't wholeheartedly recommend meeting Boko, describing him as "an acquired taste...at least that's what his mother says."

But patched trousers notwithstanding, Mr. Fittleworth has never before been known to provoke violence among his detractors. In an effort to staunch a broadening of the movement, the UN Security Council has urged Gutenberg.org, which publishes more than 30,000 free online books, not to release the 1946 novel "Joy in the Morning" and to redact passages in other Wodehouse novels that have already been published on it's website. Gutenberg could not be reached for comment at this time.

Gates v Crowley

Our fair city, Cambridge. This week I have watched with concern and feeling as the arrest of a Harvard professor for disorderly conduct at his own home spiraled into a national debate.

For my part, I agree with Mayor Simmons that Professor Gates and Officer Crowley need to sit down together and diffuse this racially charged situation. Mr. Gates should explain to Mr. Crowley just why the situation touched a nerve. Mr. Crowley should explain his behavior as well. I have my doubts that it will happen though.

It really depends on how other public figures conduct themselves. Will they weigh in on one side or the other, or will they call for dialogue?