A Gentleman of Brave Metal

In what probably will be our last post for 2012 we note that one of Hamish Runcet’s prophecies has gotten a makeover. Or something like that.

First Runcet. Chapter 10 of Saint Fidgeta and Other Parodies discusses a number of “Devotions, Causes and Societies to which the Catholic May Safely Adhere” following the reforms of the Second Vatican Council (1962-65). One such organization was the Devotion of the Vestal Verger, a group that followed the prophecies of Hamish Runcet, and one such prediction was that:

President Johnson will turn out to be a brass automaton with clockwork insides, operated from the planet Buggog [Saint Fidgeta and Other Parodies; 104].

 Now the makeover. In 1997 an audio-animatronic “robot” version of President Lyndon B. Johnson (1908-73) was installed at the LBJ Presidential Library in Austin, Texas. It featured LBJ decked out in how he’d be dressed at his Johnson City ranch, leaning against a split-log fence, and spun five yarns in LBJ’s own voice. The museum recently reopened following extensive renovations and one of its most visible changes is the automaton. Gone is the western garb and fence; LBJ, now dressed in a suit, stands at a podium and is surrounded by political cartoons of the former president.

No word on Buggog, however. We’ll get back to you on that and an update on the remainder of Runcet’s forecasts just as soon as we can. Don’t hold your breath, though. Long live, Runcet, however.

And for that matter, long live, John and all things Bellairsian, to boot.

Happy New Year, all.