No Sympathy for the Devil

So you're thinking of a career in magic?  Better read first what yesterday's Gulf Times has to say about what it takes to sell your soul to Satan.   

And if that didn't persuade you, read the rest here.

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"How cool would it be to gain 'trusted user' status on a CIA blog?"

Pretty cool, I'd say.  During the Cold War, American intelligence agencies subsidized works by writers, poets and artists that advanced for a world audience such democratic values as freedom of expression.  I've never understood the scandal this government funding caused when it came to light during the 1960s, and why the artists and periodicals which received it were so stigmatized.  What's wrong with using art to help topple dictatorships?

Well, maybe the notion of the government enlisting the aid of creative types is beginning to revive, at least among certain internet-savvy segments of the public.  This essay from Wired makes a good pitch for "spy blogs."  Not only that, but I never thought I'd see the post-COINTELPRO day when working for the CIA would once again be considered "cool."  Times they certainly are a-changin'...

(Thanks to reader Ron G.)