NEA releases information about artists in the work force

Kes: This has lots of intriguing data, but perhaps most interesting is how it contradicts the stereotype of the artist as living alone and existing outside the world of everyday business
http://www.arts.gov/news/news11/Research-Note-105.html

My list of the best Halloween books

This list is going up on Green Man Review later, but I wanted to get it out in case anyone is looking for some Halloween books to read on what should be a cold and stormy New England night. At the end is a short list of free audiobooks.

Here is my list of the best Halloween stories ever. My requirements were that the story be set on Halloween or, alternatively, at harvest time, and that the story be worth rereading numerous times.

1. _The Halloween Tree_ by Ray Bradbury (1972)
Ray Bradbury is widely considered to be the master of Halloween stories, and has been writing stories set on or around Halloween since his story "Homecoming" was published in 1946. Since then, Bradbury has created a literal host of characters which he refers to as "the autumn people." Although many readers might recommend the more nostalgic _Something Wicked This Way Comes_ (1962) or the more horrofic "The October Game" (1948), I consider _The Halloween Tree_ to be the perfect Halloween book. Not only is the story set on Halloween, but it offers an overview of Halloween traditions through the centuries. Most of all, however, this book is the perfect blend of childhood wonder and shivery spookiness, all wrapped up in Bradbury's exquisite poetic prose, making it a wonderful read aloud book, whether the setting is a children's party or a get-togethre with friends.

2. _The Best Halloween Ever_ by Barbara Robinson (2004)
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