[The first part of this two-part series can be found here. Some of the comments on that thread were so excellent and that I almost jettisoned Part II in favor of advising you all to just read the comments and … Continue reading →
Dr. Sanity has a fine rant up about how the defense mechanism of denial can serve to keep a person’s belief system intact and help avoid the difficult and threatening task of changing one’s mind in the face of evidence … Continue reading →
It’s coming; I can feel it. A week or two ago it suddenly turned quite cold, and the grass, so recently green, is starting to show brown in patches. The autumn colors have become even more autumnal and muted. But … Continue reading →
Ah Blogger! Although I shouldn’t complain; perhaps it’s something about my computer, known for its many glitches. But my site timer is on the fritz, and I can neither see it nor set it properly, because it’s not displaying. I … Continue reading →
[The first part of this series on literary leftists can be found here.] The Spanish Civil War was famous for many things, including attracting the participation of some of the most well-known literary lights of the day. The October 31 … Continue reading →
It isn’t often that a dream comes true, especially at the ripe old age of 77. But that’s what’s happening right now for Ramsey Clark: he’s going to be on Saddam’s defense team. Here’s Clark himself, stating why he wants … Continue reading →
I’ve come to believe that the feeling of shame underlies much of the anger and violence in the world. But why, you may ask, would shame, “a painful emotion caused by a strong sense of guilt, embarrassment, unworthiness, or disgrace,” … Continue reading →
Modern life holds modern terrors–such as, for example, modern weapons in the hands of modern terrorists. But one ancient problem that was thought to have been more-or-less eradicated in this country is making a comeback, to wit: bedbugs. Yes, yes; … Continue reading →
Vermont English teacher Bret Chenkin has a way with words. This Boston Globe article, headlined “Teacher under investigation for alleged liberalism,” brought back unhappy memories of spending stessed-out high school days preparing for the SAT tests. But they also made … Continue reading →
Here’s that rare thing, a case that lives up to its hype. Sam, billed “the world’s ugliest dog,” has died at nearly fifteen years of age. You be the judge. Here’s Sam in his prime: And here, I believe, is … Continue reading →
I’m taking the day off from posting today, except for this note. Black Friday’s shopping malls aren’t for me. This is the day of turkey soup and turkey sandwiches, cold pie for breakfast, and lingering guests lingering over turkey soup … Continue reading →
I happen to like Thanksgiving. Always have. It’s a holiday for anyone and everyone in this country–except, of course, those who hate turkey. There’s quite a few of these curmudgeonly folks, but I’m happy to report I’m not one of … Continue reading →