My history textbook - Christ and the Americas - has many virtues, but it's at its worst when the authoress tries to pontificate. Take the following passage (which comes out of a kind of mini-essay on the subject in the section on the Constitutional Convention): "If our Constitution has failed in any way, it is … Continue reading Thought of the Day: ‘Don’t Blame the Constitution’
Author: DBreitenbeck
Poem – “October” (Repost)
Note: I posted this one about this time last year, but it is so fitting for the month that I think I'll make it an annual thing. Mellow-faced, with eyes of faery, wistful clad in tinted leaves,See the brown October tarry by the golden rows of sheaves;Oak & acorn in his garland, fruit & wineskin … Continue reading Poem – “October” (Repost)
The Last Harvest
After missing a few weeks (sorry; life is not orderly), my next piece of short fiction is up at Noble Cobra Magazine. Like The Old Man in the Sky, this was intended for the Planetary Anthology series - in this case Saturn - but turned down, so I offer it now for your reading pleasure: … Continue reading The Last Harvest
Musical Interlude: ‘To Anacreon in Heaven’
Here's a jolly old song that was quite popular in its day. You may or may not recognize the title, and probably don't know the lyrics, but I'm almost sure you'll recognize the tune: it was adopted for another little song, which has enjoyed a broader popularity. Enjoy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PUFUCTXwfc
Friday Flotsam: Mostly Political History
1. We're still reading Thomas Paine in my American Government course (I'm going to be looking ahead this weekend, but I may have to go off-script because there doesn't seem much else being discussed in the coming weeks), along with his chosen opponent, Rev. Charles Inglis (later the first Anglican Bishop in the New World). … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: Mostly Political History
Quote of the Day: President Fillmore
“May God save the country, for it is evident the people will not.”-Millard Fillmore
Poem – “The Man in the Moon Came Down Too Soon”
There is an inn, a merry old inn beneath an old grey hill,And there they brew a beer so brownThat the Man in the Moon himself came down one night to drink his fill. The ostler has a tipsy cat that plays a five-stringed fiddle;And up and down he saws his bowNow squeaking high, now … Continue reading Poem – “The Man in the Moon Came Down Too Soon”
Friday Flotsam: School and ‘One Piece’
1. At school I've more or less defaulted to lecturing, as trying to get the kids to engage hasn't been too profitable for most of the classes. Though oddly enough, turning to lecturing interspersed with questions has gotten a lot more interaction going, so perhaps it works out. 2. I ended up correcting the history … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: School and ‘One Piece’
Poem – “Epigram for Wall Street”
I'll tell you a plan for gaining wealth,Better than banking, trade or leases —Take a bank note and fold it up,And then you will find your money in creases!This wonderful plan, without danger or loss,Keeps your cash in your hands, where nothing can trouble it;And every time that you fold it across,'Tis as plain as … Continue reading Poem – “Epigram for Wall Street”
“The Devil Went Down to Georgia” – Alternate Ending
The Devil went down to GeorgiaHe was lookin' for a soul to stealHe was in a bind 'cause he was way behindAnd he was willin' to make a dealWhen he came across this young manSawin' on a fiddle and playin' it hotAnd the Devil jumped upon a hickory stumpAnd said, "Boy, let me tell you … Continue reading “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” – Alternate Ending
Serpent's Den 