dennis scharnberg

The world fails to exist.

Godfrey Tooke,  Collected Aphorisms.

“Six Slain in Dayton,” read the headline.  And, as always, Terence was uncertain about pursuing the thing any further.

Jason Starling, ed.,  Adventures in Narrative Parsimony.

“I want to be told what to do,” proclaimed Emily.  “And when and where to do it.”

Corliss Archer,  Boarding the Crazy Train.

How sophisticated are you?

Godfrey Tooke,  Collected Aphorisms.

“I had no idea writing was so easy,” he said.  “The stuff just comes pouring out.”

“Are you sure it doesn’t come oozing out?” muttered Harry.

Philip Cavendish,  Tilly’s Treasury of Colloquial Bits.

“You must never attribute substance to actors or artists or the like.  Try to bear in mind, Thomas, that they are just throwing it at you.  Always.”

Will Bestwyck,  Letters From Mr. Palindrome.

“Avoid being a fool about half the time,” he said, in a theatrical voice.  “That’s my motto, Julie.”

Pryce Cummings,  Rattle Box.

“At this stage, it resembles an elaborate roller coaster,” said Mr. Gundry.  “But it could end up an art museum.”

Ralston Dowd,  A Spot of Bother.

If it is not explicitly permitted, then it is banned.

Godfrey Tooke,  Collected Aphorisms.

This much, at least, must be understood:  There exists a subset of humans who experience an irremediable need to make others uncomfortable.

Roger Sensabaugh,  A Short History of Boredom.