Sinister: critics whistle in the blue sky

[William Harris]

Comrades. Since I've been on this list (admittedly a very short period of 
time) I've been pleased to see all the links to Belle and Sebastian related 
articles and criticism (thanks to all who take the time to find and then 
post them--lord knows I'm too lazy...).

The link that was posted the other day by (oops...can't remember 
who...sorry) seemed to ruffle some feathers. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to 
get the link (I'm not so computer savvy so I didn't know any "tricks" to 
getting there after my initial attempt was refused). Anyway, I ran across 
this quote while reading the other day that might just hearten those who 
find the band (or themselves) criticized for any artistic endevour...

"Note just what it is about your work that critics don't like--then 
cultivate it. That's the part of your work that's individual and worth 
keeping."--Jean Cocteau.

Admittedly, Cocteau wasn't talking specifically about music, but anyway...

Religion: It doesn't seem anyone has really found an answer to this question 
for thousands of years. This doesn't mean, of course, that one should not 
try. I'm reminded of a story about a Buddist monk who was teaching/training 
his "disciples" (for lack of a better word) and who was attempting to get 
his students to throw away *all* previous belief systems. One young student 
finally got fed up with all this and went to the teacher/monk and told him, 
"Listen, I just can't do this. I'm only human and I need something to 
believe in. I need some firm ground to stand on." (Obviously, I'm 
paraphrasing here). The monk/teacher asked his student in return, 
"Precisely. But *who* are you?" (BTW--the monk was not just trying to 
indoctrinate the students with Buddist dogma, but rather trying to help them 
grasp a firmer understanding of themselves--which, I guess, is Buddist 
dogma--ahhhhh!)

I guess what I get from this little anecdote is that religion/belief should 
be found through intense examination of the self and what seems right for 
you. If one finds out who one is, then one finds out what one believes. This 
is simplistic, I know, but really seems to be the only way to achieve any 
kind of spiritual/religious belief. Ideally, all paths lead to the same 
place and different people find different ways to get there. The problems 
arise when one person or group of people feel that their way is the *only* 
way and therefore must convert others to that belief system (esp. by 
intimidating people literally and with threats of "burning in hell"). 
Perhaps I've over stayed my welcome on this thread...

Enjoy the weekend and hugs all around,

Bill

Always remember: "It's a short walk from the hallelujah to the 
hoot."--Nabokov
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