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
Poetry – “An American”
Sing of my ancestors!Sing of them with pride!Sing of fair America,Green prairies and blue tide!One was born in County Cork!Hail the shamrock green!(One was named AbrahamSimeon Levine.)One held rule in Dundee,Friend of the Montrose.(One sold nuts and applesWhere the river Tiber flows.)One drank ale in Devonshire,One scaled Lomond's crags.(One grew up in WarsawAnd peddled clothes … Continue reading Poetry – “An American”
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’
Thought of the Day: A Just Society
If we're going to be honest, a really just society would be so unlike what we've been used to or educated to expect that probably most of us wouldn't like it very much. Making ourselves the kind of people suited for such a society would probably be a good first step.
Poem – “Ode on Solitude”
Happy the man, whose wish and care,A few paternal acres bound,Content to breathe his native airIn his own ground. Whose herds with milk, whose fields with bread,Whose flocks supply him with attire;Whose trees in summer yield him shade,In winter fire. Blest who can unconcernedly findHorn's, days, and years slide soft away10In health of body peace … Continue reading Poem – “Ode on Solitude”
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
Poem – “Why, Why Repine?”
Why, why repine, my pensive friendAt pleasures slipped away?Some the stern Fates will never lend,And all refuse to stay. I see the rainbow in the sky,The dew upon the grass,I see them, and I ask not whyThey glimmer or they pass. With folded arms I linger notTo call them back; 'twere vain;In this, or in … Continue reading Poem – “Why, Why Repine?”
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
Poem – “On the Lake of Brientz”
"What know we of the Blest aboveBut that they sing and that they love?"Yet, if they ever did inspireA mortal hymn, or shaped the choir,Now, where those harvest Damsels floatHomeward in their rugged Boat,(While all the ruffling winds are fled,Each slumbering on some mountain's head,)Now, surely, hath that gracious aidBeen felt, that influence is displayed.Pupils … Continue reading Poem – “On the Lake of Brientz”
Serpent's Den 