1. Well, this was certainly a week. For those who are just joining us, last weekend I moved cross-country, from Michigan to Arizona to take up a teaching post. It was three days' driving, and a chance to see more of the country than I yet have. The route took us, among other things, right … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: Moving Cross Country, History in the Making, and Dickens
Author: DBreitenbeck
Bonus Thought of the Day: Science Says
My typical reaction to talk of, shall we say, socio-politically-relevant scientific findings - e.g. 'studies' related to modernist sexual practices, or race, or atmospheric alteration or the like - is as follows: "It's not so much that I think you're wrong or lying or that your data is false or anything of the sort. It's … Continue reading Bonus Thought of the Day: Science Says
Thursday Flotsam: Moving, Politics, and Bueller
1. Tomorrow I leave for the desert of 48, so this week's flotsam comes a day early. 2. Yesterday was moving (out) day, when men came to cart all my worldly goods off into a truck. It also just so happened to be the day that Michigan was hit by the tail-end of a hurricane. … Continue reading Thursday Flotsam: Moving, Politics, and Bueller
Poetry – “An American”
Sing of my ancestors!Sing of them with pride!Sing of fair America,Green prairies and blue tide!One was born in County Cork!Hail the shamrock green!(One was named AbrahamSimeon Levine.)One held rule in Dundee,Friend of the Montrose.(One sold nuts and applesWhere the river Tiber flows.)One drank ale in Devonshire,One scaled Lomond's crags.(One grew up in WarsawAnd peddled clothes … Continue reading Poetry – “An American”
Saturday Flotsam: Various and Fourth of July
1. I really wanted this to be a Friday Flotsam again, but again didn't get around to it. 2. It's a mark of how busy I've been that the Fourth of July came and went and it didn't even occur to me to write sarcastic comments about the Revolution. Not that I wouldn't have tried … Continue reading Saturday Flotsam: Various and Fourth of July
Annual Praise for ‘Independence Day’
For newcomers, I watch 'Independence Day' every year on the Fourth of July: the following is (mostly) an old post on my great fondness for the film. When Independence Day came out, it was a huge hit, but ever since then it’s kind of become the poster-child for the big, dumb, CGI-fueled blockbusters of … Continue reading Annual Praise for ‘Independence Day’
Thought of the Day: A Just Society
If we're going to be honest, a really just society would be so unlike what we've been used to or educated to expect that probably most of us wouldn't like it very much. Making ourselves the kind of people suited for such a society would probably be a good first step.
Poem – “Ode on Solitude”
Happy the man, whose wish and care,A few paternal acres bound,Content to breathe his native airIn his own ground. Whose herds with milk, whose fields with bread,Whose flocks supply him with attire;Whose trees in summer yield him shade,In winter fire. Blest who can unconcernedly findHorn's, days, and years slide soft away10In health of body peace … Continue reading Poem – “Ode on Solitude”
Saturday Flotsam: Moving, A Book, A Film, and Economics
1. Was packing yesterday and lost track of the time, so this is Saturday Flotsam again. 2. As of this writing, I still haven't gotten final confirmation on my apartment. Last time I spoke to them the application is in the final stages, but that was a day or so ago. I don't anticipate it … Continue reading Saturday Flotsam: Moving, A Book, A Film, and Economics
Poem – “Why, Why Repine?”
Why, why repine, my pensive friendAt pleasures slipped away?Some the stern Fates will never lend,And all refuse to stay. I see the rainbow in the sky,The dew upon the grass,I see them, and I ask not whyThey glimmer or they pass. With folded arms I linger notTo call them back; 'twere vain;In this, or in … Continue reading Poem – “Why, Why Repine?”
Serpent's Den 