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
Friday Flotsam: Mostly School and Language Matters
1. School still going okay. Started getting into the weeds of the Revolution with my Government class; they were surprised to learn of some of my clarifications (i.e. that the amount of taxes weren't the issue, but rather the question of jurisdiction). Actually, the idea that the British government had a case at all seemed … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: Mostly School and Language Matters
September 12, 1683: The Lifting of the Second Siege of Vienna
We remember In September... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxlRJsQ7p2k "Don't worry, everyone; I'm here to save the world. Again."-State motto of Poland
Poem – “The Beleaguered City”
I have read, in some old, marvellous tale, Some legend strange and vague,That a midnight host of spectres pale Beleaguered the walls of Prague. Beside the Moldau's rushing stream, With the wan moon overhead,There stood, as in an awful dream, The army of the dead. White as a sea-fog, landward bound, The spectral camp was seen,And, with a sorrowful, deep … Continue reading Poem – “The Beleaguered City”
Serpent's Den 