On Finals

Teaching these required freshmen courses is really depressing because people have such a punkish attitude and have clearly had such bad situations all their lives. At this university I was raised to feel sorry for these students, but I am no longer able to do so. I think the only answer is to make these … More On Finals

LCS Corrections

We also have in Louisiana several privatized prisons. At one of them, in the parish where my ancestor had some of his cotton land, there was a strike recently and I would like to know what happened. The Changeseeker offers some context. Axé.

My Letter to Barack

I am not convinced it matters any more that politicians have our support, so my correspondence with Presidents is now utterly postmodern. Dear Mr. President, Due to your plans for Afghanistan and renewal of the Patriot Act, I have removed all remnants of November 2008 materials from all of my premises. I have disassociated myself … More My Letter to Barack

Ponto de Iansã

It is the weekend, so we will sing! I am singing that it was the last day of classes and that this has been one of the most interesting and by far the least terrible of all semesters I have been at my present institution. I am singing that next Friday I will be packing, … More Ponto de Iansã

Arte poética

What is poetry, and who is the poet, in this text?    Que el verso sea como una llave Que abra mil puertas. Una hoja cae; algo pasa volando; Cuanto miren los ojos creado sea, Y el alma del oyente quede temblando.    Inventa mundos nuevos y cuida tu palabra; El adjetivo, cuando no da … More Arte poética

Reading for Pleasure Wednesday: United Native Americans of New England

Education is also pleasurable. “The Pilgrims (who did not even call themselves pilgrims) did not come here seeking religious freedom; they already had that in Holland. They came here as part of a commercial venture. They introduced sexism, racism, anti-lesbian and gay bigotry, jails, and the class system to these shores. One of the very … More Reading for Pleasure Wednesday: United Native Americans of New England

Never Placate

There is an abusive situation to which I never pay attention for reasons of rank: how could this person touch me? Yet they can. I have not realized until now what the complete dynamic was. I have been trying to negotiate and placate. Thus I play into this person’s hands. Never placate. Learn to notice … More Never Placate