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James's avatar

If you're ever in Asheville, NC (and it's still operating+) there is (or was) a tour that everybody knew by the name "The Purple Bus Tour" (not its actual name, as far as I can recall but it's been 15 years or so), that took a lighter approach to the usual bus tour thing, and one of the features of the tour guides schtick was pointing out all the houses that "Thomas Wolfe did not live in". But apparently he *did* in fact live in *a* house in Asheville, which means he was probably cool, and definitely weird.

+No idea if the tour is still in operation; it might have fallen victim to Helene -- a lot of things did.

cmd Human Scum's avatar

I had forgotten all about Savonarola.

tehbaddr's avatar

I've seen that Beatnik beauty make over before. She was way hotter as a Beatnik!

tehbaddr's avatar

"The church, however, did take notice and ended up setting dude on fire anyway."

Classic Old World religious hi-jinx!

Jamoche's avatar

There was a Medici series on Netflix a while back, now available on Tubi or Hulu. Sean Bean is in it, and if you’re wondering if he dies, he’s the leader of the Pazzi conspiracy. IYKYK.

James's avatar

If Sean Bean is in it, he dies. It's probably in his contracts. Like Christopher Walken's contract always specifies that he has to be in a dance scene*.

*Not actually true, but widely rumored.

Zyxomma's avatar

Haven't seen that, but The Medicis: Godfathers of the Renaissance was one of my very favorite miniseries on PBS.

The Blessed Reverend's avatar

I think Savaonarola wanted to burn all of Leonardo's paintings because woke, but I think they got to him first and made him stop

Sister Artemis's avatar

I read "Bonfire of the Vanities" and remember very little of it. Everytime I hear "bonfire of the vanities" I think of a big pile of dressers stacked up and set on fire. Sometimes my brain comes up with very literal associations.

vorpal 🚫♔'s avatar

published overseas as 'A Conflagration of Semainiers'

Tetman Callis's avatar

I didn't wave my fingers at my neighbors today, but I did get out to the market. There was an icy patch on the sidewalk that a passing stranger helped me negotiate. Kudos to Chicago's helpful strangers!

I don't get out so much when there's snow and ice on the ways, as I am mobility challenged and must walk with a cane. But today, despite the cold, the weather was fine and I wanted to get out and stock up on some delectables for the festival.

The festival? Stranger, had you not heard? Tomorrow is the worship of the Superb Owl. The demidios known as Malo Conejito will be leading the faithful in celebratory song, in a language only those who are initiated into the mysteries may understand.

I will not be observing the worship of the Superb Owl, as that is not my church, but I will be celebrating the days-long event which culminates in Fat Tuesday, when the plumpest are sacrificed to the lesser god Twiggy and his consort, Twicks.

All are invited! (But not to my place! Shoo! Shoo! Get along! Party's over there!)

James's avatar

Brother, the Festival is many weeks hence for our Church of the Sacred Chalice of the Lord of Preston.

Jesus Saves.

*But Staal scores on the rebound!*

marydn's avatar

What a pair of cutie pie cats are Gremlin and Monkey. Keep warm by the fire, little ones.

Zyxomma's avatar

Ta, Robyn. Savonarola did not act alone. He recruited a cadre of disaffected young men, dressed them in white, called them God's Angels or some such twaddle, and sent them door to door to the wealthiest homes in Florence to find fuel for the fire. Of course, not all these kids were on the up and up, and pocketed jewels and other valuables. That sounds all too familiar! Meanwhile, rich Florentines hid their most valuable art, shipping it elsewhere or burying books in boxes. Dearest darling husband Meccalopolis informed me it's -2º F outside. I served us luscious fruit bowls (the fresh fruit augmented with frozen cherries and wild blueberries) and flowery green tea. I'm about to start making second breakfast. Good day, beloved Wonketteers. We love and appreciate you all and we bless us all with love, health, peace, and grace.

Please, please stay safe. Wear a mask or two, wash your hands, sanitize when you cannot wash and let the sanitizer dry completely, stop touching your face, take Vitamin D, get a booster shot six months after your last, catch up on any other vaccines you need, and if there are kids in your family, make sure they've had all their puppy shots also, too. Avoid indoor and crowded outdoor gatherings and when you must meet, remove masks only to eat, drink, and take quick photos, and stay the fuck away from us and everyone with whom you do not share a roof. Do this because you love yourself, and because we love you, too. Do this in memory of dear departed friends like 27 Club member Treg and heroic Tony, Holly's pilot friend, as well as nearly eight million dead worldwide. Do this to honor the nurses and other frontline medical personnel (we love and appreciate you, medicos of Wonkette), especially ICU Hera Mrs Land Shark RN. Stay safe.

Slava Ukraini. 🌻🇺🇦💙💛

Opalescent Riddles's avatar

I gotta say that I far preferred Beatnik Girl to the pseudoposh stepfordesque "after" look.

RandomNameAllocated's avatar

Yes, she aged 30 years!

SethTriggs's avatar

I did not know this was a real event!

Always learning something from Wonkette and its amazing writers.

Sister Artemis's avatar

I also learned a new word! (I often learn new words here)

𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘆: the buying or selling of ecclesiastical offices, sacraments, spiritual privileges, or sacred items.

The G-7 Experience's avatar

Not an everyday word

calliecallie, aka pollyanna's avatar

This crazy rich guy named Perry Johnson is running for governor of Michigan - again. I have been getting youtube ads from him touting the TPUSA alternative half time show and claiming he was friends with Charlie Kirk. WTF? Algorithm, you do not know me at all, it turns out. I haz disappoint.

James's avatar

I'm so hoping Kid Rock will do "Cool, Daddy Cool" for their show. Somebody just needs to tell him that'd be gangsta AF and I bet he'd do it.

cmd Human Scum's avatar

Driving north in Florida today I saw a billboard with a billboard of Charlie Kirk - photo with DOB- 2025. There’s a waste of money

Miss Grundy's avatar

Happy Caturday and laundry day, Wonketariat! From "Girl with the Dogs", Vanessa gives Willow, a very opinionated Border Collie, a spa day:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUJN_UOKwH8

2Cats2Furious's avatar

It’s Axl!

https://substack.com/@2cats2furious/note/c-211295782?r=2knok4&utm_source=notes-share-action&utm_medium=web

I should add that my nail polish is chipped because it’s 3 weeks old, but don’t worry, I’m getting a manicure tomorrow. 😺😺