1. We've been having torrential rainstorms here in Arizona. I technically shouldn't have tried to drive home on Friday, but I only noticed the "do not travel" warning after I arrived (I don't check my phone all that often). I made it home alive, in case you were wondering. The last few months have been … Continue reading Sunday Sundry: Miscellaneous, Including Talleyrand and Slavery
Poem – “The Rainy Day”
The day is cold, and dark, and dreary;It rains, and the wind is never weary;The vine still clings to the mouldering wall,But at every gust the dead leaves fall,And the day is dark and dreary. My life is cold, and dark, and dreary;It rains, and the wind is never weary;My thoughts still cling to the … Continue reading Poem – “The Rainy Day”
Friday Flotsam: More Revolution Thoughts
1. It's that time of year again; time to teach about the lead-up to the American Revolution and do my best to make it look as non-ridiculous as possible. My philosophy, as a teacher, is that my job is not to teach them my opinions, but to teach them what happened and let them decide … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: More Revolution Thoughts
The Pre-Boston Massacre
To my mind, the main takeaway from the so-called ‘Boston Massacre’ is that martyrs to British tyranny were so thin on the ground in New England that the Sons of Liberty were reduced to using five morons who thought it was a good idea to goad and attack a group of armed soldiers. A lesser … Continue reading The Pre-Boston Massacre
Poem – “The Hollow Men”
Mistah Kurtz-he dead A penny for the Old Guy I We are the hollow men We are the stuffed men Leaning together Headpiece filled with straw. Alas! Our dried voices, when … Continue reading Poem – “The Hollow Men”
Sunday Sundry: Politics and Some ‘Pride and Prejudice’
1. It has been that kind of week: the ones where you wonder if you will be telling young people some day "I remember when that happened." Things seem to be escalating, and though I pray I'm wrong, I suspect they'll get worse before they get better. 2. All states have factions. States tend to … Continue reading Sunday Sundry: Politics and Some ‘Pride and Prejudice’
US Colonial History Meme!
Poem – “The American Rebellion”
BEFORE 'Twas not while England's sword unsheathedPut half a world to flight,Nor while their new-built cities breathedSecure behind her might;Not while she poured from Pole to LineTreasure and ships and men—These worshippers at Freedoms shrineThey did not quit her then! Not till their foes were driven forthBy England o'er the main—Not till the Frenchman from … Continue reading Poem – “The American Rebellion”
Talking Gun Rights on the Everyman
In response to the Annunciation school shooting, I wrote an essay for The Everyman looking into the issue of gun rights in a society where such things happen: First, these sorts of events always see politicians talking about the need for stricter ‘gun safety.’ Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey was parroting this line even before bodies … Continue reading Talking Gun Rights on the Everyman
Friday Flotsam: Last Fortnight’s Post
1. This post was originally going to come out a couple weeks ago, before the shadow intervened. So, back-date every reference by a couple weeks. Only update is that I'm back in Arizona and back to work. The main persistent after effect is that I'm very tired most of the time. 2. Movie night the … Continue reading Friday Flotsam: Last Fortnight’s Post
Serpent's Den 