So, my immediate reaction is "Go see this film. It's only getting a limited release in the US, but this deserves all the support it can get." Wow, it's been a long time since I've seen a film this good in a theater (that wasn't a re-release or special showing). I'm trying to make a … Continue reading Immediate Reaction to Seeing ‘Godzilla: Minus One’
Author: DBreitenbeck
Poem – “Sonnet 30”
When to the sessions of sweet silent thoughtI summon up remembrance of things past,I sigh the lack of many a thing I sought,And with old woes new wail my dear time's waste:Then can I drown an eye, unus'd to flow,For precious friends hid in death's dateless night,And weep afresh love's long since cancell'd woe,And moan … Continue reading Poem – “Sonnet 30”
Friday Flotsam: Thoughts On Turning 35
1. Today is my 35th birthday. If our allotment of years is three-score and ten, I'm halfway done. 2. I'm obliged to face up to the fact that I am not happy with the man I've become or with what I have to show for my years. If you'd asked me ten or five or … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: Thoughts On Turning 35
Wednesday Political Thoughts
I've decided to try to restrict my political musings to Wednesday, that being a day well-suited for such a woeful child as this. "We the People...." I happen this morning to have thought of that famous John Adams quote: "Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to … Continue reading Wednesday Political Thoughts
Quick Thoughts on ‘The Last Unicorn’
I'm up in Maine visiting the niece and nephew this week, and for movie night tonight we watched The Last Unicorn. The film has a very high reputation, but honestly, I wasn't impressed by it. Oh, it's interesting, and I think I'm glad I saw it, there are a lot of good ideas in it, … Continue reading Quick Thoughts on ‘The Last Unicorn’
Poetry – The Nightmare Song (from ‘Iolanthe’)
When you're lying awakeWith a dismal headache,And repose is taboo'd by anxiety,I conceive you may useAny language you chooseTo indulge in, without impropriety; For your brain is on fireThe bedclothes conspireOf usual slumber to plunder you:First your counterpane goes,And uncovers your toes,And your sheet slips demurely from under you; Then the blanketing tickles—You feel like … Continue reading Poetry – The Nightmare Song (from ‘Iolanthe’)
Friday Flotsam: Federalist Papers Again (Sorry)
1. The past few months have felt strangely repetitive and empty. I seem to have fallen onto a psychological cycle wherein little is done, but the same patterns repeat. I haven't written much lately, though constantly intending to. I find myself unable to relax into any kind of work, that is, to let go of … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: Federalist Papers Again (Sorry)
Poem – “Brown Bess”
In the days of lace-ruffles, perukes and brocadeBrown Bess was a partner whom none could despise –An out-spoken, flinty-lipped, brazen-faced jade,With a habit of looking men straight in the eyes –At Blenheim and Ramillies fops would confessThey were pierced to the heart by the charms of Brown Bess. Though her sight was not long and … Continue reading Poem – “Brown Bess”
In Flanders Fields
For Armistice Day / Veterans Day https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQmMqZlLFVc
Friday Flotsam: Teaching Stuff and a Couple Federalist Papers
1. I'm generally not very fond of the lesson plans I'm given, or the readings. That is, a lot of the readings are fine in themselves, but odd choices for the subject. In US History and Literature class, for instance, my students are reading a book about the Carmelite martyrs of Compiegne, written by a … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: Teaching Stuff and a Couple Federalist Papers
Serpent's Den 