One doesn't really review Charles Dickens, any more than one 'reviews' a waterfall. Dickens has achieved a status beyond mere likes or dislikes, critique and praise. It is not a question of whether Dickens is any good, so much as it is a question of how he strikes you. As for Oliver Twist, I would … Continue reading Some Further Thoughts on ‘Oliver Twist’
Thoughts
Friday Flotsam: Moving Cross Country, History in the Making, and Dickens
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
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
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’
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
Friday Flotsam: ‘Narbonic’, Trope Humor, and the Penguin
1. Much of this week was spent wrestling with the apartment people over the phone to clear up one snag or another. Nothing is settled yet, as of this writing, but I'm hopeful it will be soon. All indications are that it'll go through fine, but who knows? 2. In spare time this week I've … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: ‘Narbonic’, Trope Humor, and the Penguin
Saturday Flotsam: Arizona, Anne, and a Shooting
1. Started working on this yesterday, then completely forgot about it. 2. This week I went out to Arizona to shop for apartments. My biggest thrill is that there are actual mountains visible from where I'm going to be living (at least from the city: not sure about the apartment itself). We don't have any … Continue reading Saturday Flotsam: Arizona, Anne, and a Shooting
Friday Flotsam: Sacred Heart, Fr. Kapaun, More Japan
1. A blessed Feast of the Sacred Heart, and month of the Sacred Heart! This is one of my favorite devotions, partly on its own merits, partly because of its associations (though of course, these are not unrelated). What is the heart? It is the core of a man, the source of life, the seat … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: Sacred Heart, Fr. Kapaun, More Japan
Friday Flotsam: Fruit of Wisdom, Some (General) Political Thoughts
1. Still in Maine, though the siblings have all gone home, save for the ones who are home here. I'm staying on until next week, since who knows when I'll be up here next? 2. One common thread in all the wisest men I've read is this: you should not allow yourself to worry over … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: Fruit of Wisdom, Some (General) Political Thoughts
Serpent's Den 