Burning House
This song was playing on my clock radio the other day to wake me up. I’d never heard it before, but it certainly brought me to attention–haunting voice and lyric:
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Fall interlude
In the past couple of days I’ve taken some time to drive around New England photographing the fall. I had thought this would be a less colorful fall than usual because of the dry weather we’ve had. But when it … Continue reading →
After apple picking
I went apple-picking this weekend. It’s easy to do—just drive about 15 minutes, go to the pick-your-own orchard, buy one of their little bags, walk out on a lovely fall day to where the trees are, and begin. The trees … Continue reading →
The very extraordinary Anthony Dowell
Anthony Dowell was a British dancer of rare qualities. I write “was” because, although he’s still alive, he’s in his seventies. But those who saw him in his heyday—and that includes me—remember. Dowell wasn’t known for bravura technique, although his … Continue reading →
“Improving” the King James Bible
[NOTE: This is a post that originally appeared in 2008. I came across it today while responding to a comment, and I thought it worth repeating.] As a child who loved poetry, I memorized it almost without intending to. Just … Continue reading →
More From F. L. Lucas: on style in writing
[NOTE: I wrote previously about Lucas here and here.] Here’s a quote from F. L. Lucas that remains all too true. In fact, I believe it’s only become more true since he wrote it. Although I’m not sure when that … Continue reading →
On being prolix
I like that word, “prolix.” I first learned it in high school, probably on some vocabulary list meant to prepare me for the SATs. Or maybe it was in studying The Scarlet Letter during my sophomore year. That book had … Continue reading →
Emmys’ fashion
I watch so little TV that I’ve never heard of 99% of the stars at the 2015 Emmys. But of course I have to take a look at the women’s dresses. As Tolstoi said, all happy families are alike, but … Continue reading →
Sex, drugs, and rock and roll
I’m a little late to this party, but I wanted to say a few words about the Chrissie Hynde brouhaha: …Chrissie Hynde has waded into another contentious area ”“ the overly sexualised nature of modern pop music. In an obvious … Continue reading →
“Truth”: the press, the movies, and the present-day Minitrue
The title of this post is taken from George Orwell’s dystopian masterpiece Nineteen Eighty-Four. The book’s genius is in part its nomenclature, and most definitely its insight into the political propaganda process. Thus, the Ministry of Truth, or “Minitrue” for … Continue reading →
Tonight: the second debate
I suppose I’ll bite the bullet and watch tonight’s Republican debate, which looks to have some verbal fireworks and a huge listening audience. I may even live-blog it, if I can stomach it. Those of you who read this blog … Continue reading →
The real life case of Beauty and the Beast
This is a case of deception, love, and sex (not an unusual trio) that has caused a lot of startled and skeptical reactions. You may have to concentrate a bit to follow it at first: A woman accused of pretending … Continue reading →