A Heads Up

Monday is Edgar Allan Poe's birthday. Were he still living, he'd be 200 years old. It's a landmark day for Poe fans, and there is a lot of celebration planned it cities that Poe lived in, most especially so in Baltimore, where Poe died.

Be watching the news carefully. Start watching Sunday evening, and pay attention to the early morning hours of Monday. That is when the Poe Toaster will make his annual appearance at Poe's grave, if he hasn't been made nervous by the reports of the expected crowds.

This is one of the most wonderful traditions in the US, and I dread it ending in tragedy or farce, with the Poe Toaster killed or injured by a crazed fan or arrested by the police. Leave the poor man alone, let him complete his annual tribute, and let him go his way. That way we can all enjoy the mystery for another year.