Does TRP mail among us?

[Robin Landseadel]

On Jun 30, 2009, at 8:17 AM, Johnny Marr wrote:

> More of a tongue in cheek question/jeu d'esprit which has probably  
> been asked or touched upon before, but does anyone think Pynchon  
> might be part of this mailing list under an alias, deliberately  
> trying to lead us astray or highlight overlooked aspects of his  
> works, a la TS Eliot's footnotes for the Wasteland or Our  
> Examination Round His Factification for Incamination of Work in  
> Progress?
> It would fit in with Pynchon's mischievous personality/tone. Any  
> suggestions on who it might be?
>
> Cue "I'm Spartacus!"

 From "Friend Tom":

On 12/21/06, robinlandseadel at comcast.net <robinlandseadel at comcast.net>  
wrote:

My understanding is that Thomas Pynchon's family tree is full of  
heretics.
My reading of the author's writings indicates that Mr. Pynchon's
literary output is profoundly heretical, and requires understanding
of some rather occult goings on. Some of the pages of GR are
either quotes from or magical actions derived from A.E. Waite's
book of black magic. My advice is that you should proceed with
extreme caution

"Friend Tom" responds:

I take your advice to heart. Thank you so much for the reminder. I  
will make sure to have a copy of the Bible with me whenever I dare  
touch the Gravity book or any of Mr. Pynchon's works for that matter.

As for the other responders to my introduction, I thank you for your  
well-intentioned but sometimes harsh words. I will make a special  
place for you in my prayers tonight:

* Why did I pick Mr. Pynchon's list? Because our pastor mentioned him  
as a beacon luring unsuspecting college students onto the rocks. If  
any of you are in school, please examine your consciences and pray for  
guidance. I will do likewise.

* Why Howard Stern? Everyone knows he is, well, just the most  
terrible, corrupting, decadent influence on radio. Look at what he  
did: slithered out to satellite range where the FCC couldn't get at  
him. He thought he could go out there and spread his nastiness and  
decadence without any interference from the good people of this  
country? Oh no, not so. We are keeping track of him and praying for  
his salvation.

* I don't count things on The Simpsons so I can't help the person who  
asked. I only mention the show because it is actually a Christian- 
friendly message, and Mr. Pynchon knew it full well when he made his  
appearance in 2004. Everyone would agree that he's pretty smart, yes?  
Do any of you doubt for a nanosecond that he failed to understand the  
Christian interpretation of the show on which his bagged head  
appeared? Not a chance.

* I mentioned that I know a lot because I've been studying this  
Pynchon Phenomenon for many days now, even a week or longer if the  
truth be told. Someone responded that that was like saying a few days  
of study would make him a Bible scholar. Thank you for pointing that  
out. I am ashamed of myself for my lack of humility. You see, yes, I  
am a sinner. I need the Lord's forgiveness as much as any of you,  
probably more. I can only try to be good but I know I will fail again  
and again. It is a constant struggle.

* Remember that God loves you and He wants you to have a Merry  
Christmas. And a Happy New Year.