Black humor

I am writing a novel about the Ukrainian famine. Its current working title is “Accidental Saint,” though I’m not sure if that’s going to stick.
As you might imagine, that statement is a conversation killer.
“So, what are you working on?”
“A novel about the man-made Ukrainian famine.”
“Ah.”
It only gets better when I say: “It’s a comedy.” Which […]

Arr, Broadswords

I’ve heard of Lincoln-Douglas debates. I think I might have accidentally had one. But Lincoln-Shields duel?

Lincoln stated that the weapons he wished to use would be “Cavalry Broadswords of the largest size”. He figured that he could easily disarm Shields using the swords, whereas pistols would most likely lead to one of their deaths, […]