Zacatecas

The character in this novel my class is reading is a composer of narcocorridos, which is one reason why I have so many corridos on this blog lately — I find them as I am looking for examples for the students. Now I have found this, on the Battle of Zacatecas, Zacatecas being one of … More Zacatecas

The Savage Detectives

Here is an excerpt from the English translation of Roberto Bolaño’s novel. NOVEMBER 2 I’ve been cordially invited to join the visceral realists. I accepted, of course. There was no initiation ceremony. It was better that way. NOVEMBER 3 I’m not really sure what visceral realism is. I’m seventeen years old, my name is Juan … More The Savage Detectives

Bluerunners

Ghost of a GirlT I have become addicted to this song, Ghost of a Girl, because it seems summery and relaxed and we are having summerlike days. Summery days in January are my favorites. I have nothing to say and so I keep posting songs. I am running Ubuntu Linux 11.10 now, on a really … More Bluerunners

Ann Beattie

Beattie’s stories are a master class in narrative technique. First person or third; present tense or past; one story line or several; intercutting time frames or A-to-Z chronology; single scenes, impressionistic fragments, long unfoldings. The effects are precise, understated. Have you read Ann Beattie? I have not and I am interested in her early – … More Ann Beattie

Final Exam

Among vidéos reçus, I have this as a sample final examination format. I did spend a certain amount of time before the PhD examination, practicing ways of summarizing Proust. Axé.

La femme d’Althusser

Había pertenecido a la Resistencia y jugado un papel relevante en Lyon, el territorio del carnicero Klaus Barbie, donde la pequeña judía había tenido responsabilidades militares. Ella encarnaba en buena medida ese vínculo transformador del mundo, el contacto con lo verdaderamente real, el vivir de acuerdo con los principios —como le dirá en una carta—, … More La femme d’Althusser

Rainbow Sign

I am overworked and I know it is a crime, but that has not been the point of the last two months of posts. My small point is, do not overdramatize because I can show you overwork and this person can show you still more. My larger and real point, and this is an individual’s … More Rainbow Sign

On Intertextuality

Troya, picaza parlera. El mal que aqueja la sección de Español es el chisme. ¡Qué bien sé yo la fonte que mana y corre, aunque es de noche! There are four total points in this test and if you win three, you pass. Which three major authors have I cited? What are the texts? BONUS: What … More On Intertextuality