1. One of the great, underappreciated benefits of having clearly defined roles for men and women is that they prevent direct competition between the sexes. Less competition means less resentment and less animosity 2. Equality naturally creates resentment, because one who values equality will always be on the look out for signs that someone somewhere … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: Corporal Punishment and Anne Shirley
Devil Stories
My sixth graders recently read through The Devil and Daniel Webster, which they enjoyed. For my own part, it struck me that the devil in that story is really less of the devil of Christianity than he is a fairy. He takes the role of Rumpelstiltskin, offering gifts, but at an unacceptable price, accepting the … Continue reading Devil Stories
Poem – “To Imagination”
When weary with the long day's care,And earthly change from pain to pain,And lost, and ready to despair,Thy kind voice calls me back againO my true friend, I am not loneWhile thou canst speak with such a tone! So hopeless is the world without,The world within I doubly prize;Thy world where guile and hate and … Continue reading Poem – “To Imagination”
Ides of March (A Little Late)
"The ides of March are come.""Aye, Caesar, but not gone." A day to remember the fine republican tradition of disposing of an excellent leader who knows how to serve the common good on the grounds that you need to preserve the procedures that no one really follows anyway.
Saturday Flotsam: Random
1. I’ve introduced my seventh graders to Sabaton, with satisfactory results. As in, after the first day they asked for a song every class. Now that we’re done with World War One, they’ll have to wait until World War Two. 2. Seventh graders also got introduced to Ray Bradbury via A Sound of Thunder, which … Continue reading Saturday Flotsam: Random
Poem – “Sir Galahad”
i. My good blade carves the casques of men,My tough lance thrusteth sure,My strength is as the strength of ten,Because my heart is pure.The shattering trumpet shrilleth high,The hard brands shiver on the steel,The splinter'd spear-shafts crack and fly,The horse and rider reel:They reel, they roll in clanging lists,And when the tide of combat stands,Perfume … Continue reading Poem – “Sir Galahad”
Friday Flotsam: Classic Films and Some State of the Union
1. We’re approaching the part of the year where I start shifting from thinking how I can make this year better to thinking how I can make next year better. 2. Last week’s movie night, courtesy of one of my co-workers, was Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. To say “they don’t make them like this … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: Classic Films and Some State of the Union
Poem – “The White Man’s Burden”
1 Take up the White Man's burden—Send forth the best ye breed—Go bind your sons to exileTo serve your captives' need;To wait in heavy harnessOn fluttered folk and wild—Your new-caught sullen peoples,Half devil and half child. 2 Take up the White Man's burden—In patience to abideTo veil the threat of terrorAnd check the show of … Continue reading Poem – “The White Man’s Burden”
Saturday Flotsam: Prayers for the Pope and Tycoons
1. I think I crushed one of my students' spirit a little bit when I told the class that Braveheart was mostly made up. 2. Prayers for the Holy Father, who sounds like he's on his way out. Whether immediately or in another year, all accounts are that he won't be here much longer. Now, … Continue reading Saturday Flotsam: Prayers for the Pope and Tycoons
Poetry – “She Was a Phantom of Delight”
She was a Phantom of delightWhen first she gleamed upon my sight;A lovely Apparition, sentTo be a moment's ornament;Her eyes as stars of Twilight fair;Like Twilight's, too, her dusky hair;But all things else about her drawnFrom May-time and the cheerful Dawn;A dancing Shape, an Image gay,To haunt, to startle, and way-lay. I saw her upon … Continue reading Poetry – “She Was a Phantom of Delight”
Serpent's Den 