On Education

The following is a comment from this thread. It makes several important points so I am reposting it. I don’t understand the American context as I am not there. I do think it is a shame that teaching cannot take place. There is a kind of global infection of self-indulgence nowadays, based on the philosophy … More On Education

Les Frères Jacques

My appointment is split between two departments and I would be delighted to have formal affiliations with two others. None of these departments speak French but I now see I have been affiliated with one which does. In a parallel event I was elected to Academic Senate, although I did not run. I am not … More Les Frères Jacques

Pick a Bale a Day

From nine to five my student worker and I updated the websites for both my departments. This involved checking facts, rethinking information architecture, writing prose, deciphering handwriting in several languages, resizing pictures and finally sweeping code, much of it by hand. While doing this we listened to old time work songs. We decided Leadbelly might … More Pick a Bale a Day

The Outsourced Brain

This is an October 26, 2007 NYT Op-Ed piece by David Brooks. One has every reason to dislike the author, but I do like this piece. The gurus seek bliss amidst mountaintop solitude and serenity in the meditative trance, but I, grasshopper, have achieved the oneness with the universe that is known as pure externalization. … More The Outsourced Brain

Stalking the Soul

I am reading this book on the recommendation of Liz. It is smart. If I had not investigated its subject matter quite thoroughly before reading it, I might find it yet more epoch-making. On the other hand, I might not understand it so well. It has given me another insight on Reeducation. I have had … More Stalking the Soul

S. 1668

I took this picture in the Bywater sometime last year. Tonight’s featured post, on Katrina recovery, is by the Changeseeker. Read it, then act. There is further information on S. 1668 and Gulf Coast disaster recovery generally at Equity and Inclusion. See also Redstar‘s comprehensive post on this matter. Axé.

W. B. Yeats

The Rose of the World Who dreamed that beauty passes like a dream? For these red lips, with all their mournful pride, Mournful that no new wonder may betide, Troy passed away in one high funeral gleam, And Usna’s children died. We and the labouring world are passing by: Amid men’s souls, that waver and … More W. B. Yeats