My TEFL course had the following as an example of an activity to pose to students. I found it too fascinating not to share. Take a look at those two pictures and really think about what they tell you about the subjects. Then what that tells you about the larger context.
Various and Sundry
No Valentine’s Day Thought
Valentine's Day, so I suppose I should say something about love and romance. Only...well, let's say I don't have much to say on the subject at the moment. So, instead (since jobs are on my mind), here's a Bob Newhart routine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skGxsnXv_84 In my defense, there is a bit of a romance in this one.
Life Update and Blogging Plans
At the moment I am going through bootcamp. Not the military kind, but the purely coding kind. That's to say, I'm in training to be a Java developer, with my eye on acquiring more gainful employment than I have been able to secure thus far with my English degree and freelancer experience. With intense, five-day-a-week … Continue reading Life Update and Blogging Plans
The Coronation of His Imperial Majesty
Supplementing the previous post, below is the full footage of the Coronation of Emperor Naruhito from October 2019. It's quite long, very quiet, and it's entirely raw footage; no subtitles, no commentary, which is frankly how I'd prefer it. The full beauty and austerity of the ceremony can come through without some hack trying to … Continue reading The Coronation of His Imperial Majesty
“Sail On!”
Behind him lay the gray Azores, Behind, the Gates of Hercules; Before him not the ghost of shores; Before him only shoreless seas. The good mate said: “Now must we pray, For lo! the very stars are gone. Brave Adm’r’l, speak: what shall I say?” “Why say: ‘Sail on! sail on! and on!’” “My men … Continue reading “Sail On!”
Trivia Break: Queen of the Monsters
I'd like to introduce you to actress Mie Hama. She's a rather interesting person: born during World War II to blue collar parents, her home was destroyed in a bombing raid and she grew up poor. By the age of sixteen, she was working as a fare collector on the bus, and it was there … Continue reading Trivia Break: Queen of the Monsters
A Housekeeping Note
I've shut down comments for the 'About Me' page because they were becoming a dumping ground for people commenting on the newest 'Federalist' or other external essays. I'm happy to have people comment, but as we were having input relating to multiple unrelated essays I thought it would be best to close things down before … Continue reading A Housekeeping Note
First ‘Godzilla’ Trailer Drops!
After much anticipation, the first trailer for 'Godzilla: King of the Monsters' is finally here! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVDtmouV9kM A few thoughts: -I am very pleased with what I see so far: we get glimpses of all four monsters, and so far they look fantastic. -They really show off Rodan in the second half of the trailer, and it … Continue reading First ‘Godzilla’ Trailer Drops!
In Flanders Fields
Fitting words both for the day and in relation to my last post: In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt … Continue reading In Flanders Fields
Various and Sundry Cartoon Thoughts
Most of my viewing habits lately have been directed towards cartoons. Maybe it's because I find the rest of the entertainment world increasingly hostile, or just because I enjoy the medium, but in any case I've been watching a lot of animated shows lately. Stories, I find, are like relationships: made up of thousands of … Continue reading Various and Sundry Cartoon Thoughts
Serpent's Den 