Amish in the News: Raymond the Amish Comic Interview, Simply Amish, Choice Books, Amish Play, and Bizarre Incident...

Got some interesting Amish-related stories in the news today.  Not sure where to start.  Let's start with the bizarre first:  A man loiters near an Amish school for 45 minutes. The he dashes into the schoolyard's outhouse closes himself in, and starts calling for children to come.  I'm sorry, this is CREEPY...the man's explanation that he ate something that didn't agree with him and so on just doesn't wash. Sorry. Click here to read the full story.

THE AMISH PROJECT:  I've seen this in various cities.  It is playing in Milwaukee now, a play called The Amish Project that explores the aftermath of the 2005 Nickle Mines school shooting in Pennsylvania.  Read more about the Milwaukee version here.  I would like to see the play sometime just to see the different permutations.  In some cases I think the penchant for forgiveness among the Amish is overplayed by the media but, yes, in the case of Nickle Mines it was touching and generous.

CHOICE BOOKS:  This is a great Mennonite-affiliated business.  Chances are at some point or another, whether it's an airport, gift shop, or truck stop you've seen a "Choice Books" rack.  Maybe you've even bought one.  The Williams Guide to Amish Country is distributed by Choice Books, so I can attest that they are a wonderful company!

Raymond the Amish comic leverages his roots for laughs!

AMISH COMIC:  Raymond the Amish comic came to Rochester over the weekend and stopped in at the local news station for an interview. He does seem like a funny guy who leverages his Amish roots for laughs.  Click here to read more and watch a quick fun video interview with him.  I am a tough, tough audience for this type of comedy, but if he ever comes to Cincinnati, I would like to see his act.

SIMPLY AMISH:  This is a lovely, twice weekly column by Amish woman Arlene Schmidt who has roots in the Berne, Indiana settlement. There are many really good Plain writers out there and Arlene is one such example. The column doesn't include a recipe, but it's very diary like and welcoming.  Click here to read.
http://www.thecouriertimes.com/neighbors/article_b7c304e2-ab11-11e4-bcf4-3be840f8e2c8.html