Philip Pullman and Merle Haggard

Philip Pullman provides context for statements taken out of context recently: "There are more ways than one of telling the story of Lyra and Will, as anyone knows who's been lucky enough to see Nicholas Hytner's wonderful production at the National Theatre in London. That telling differs from the books in some details, but the script, by Nicholas Wright, is faithful to the spirit of the story as it rethinks it in terms of the stage; and I have every confidence that New Line, and whoever ends up directing the films, will be just as faithful when they rethink it in terms of the screen." (Philip Pullman)

And

Merle Haggard ought to be the new poet laureate of California. (SacBee) I think he'd be a fantastic choice.