See Ravi Rau’s letter to the Baton Rouge Advocate. See also WRKF’s interviews with van Heerden. Part 1 (April 20): “As MRGO trial starts, LSU professor finds himself jobless.” Part 2 (April 21): “Ousted LSU professor speaks out: an interview with Ivor van Heerden.” Part 3 (April 22): “Academic Freedom and Law: an expert opinion … More Ivor van Heerden
The first prison I ever visited was in Rio de Janeiro. It was after the dictatorship, in freedom now. A friend wanted to see a relative and asked me to go along as a kind of support team. Due to an old accident the prisoner had a metal plate in his leg, which had caused … More Cálice
This afternoon in Lima, former President Alberto Fujimori was convicted of crimes against humanity and sentenced to 25 years. It is a major event. We are playing James Booker, who has no known connection to Peru, but whose celebration music is some of the best we have. It is another truly beautiful day, and all … More Alberto Fujimori
The Anxious Black Woman has given me a Splash Award. I am honored to be included among the illustrious and fascinating blogs she lists! The Splash award is given to alluring, amusing, bewitching, impressive, and inspiring blogs. When you receive this award, you get to: 1. Put the logo on your blog/post. 2. Nominate up … More The SPLASH Awards
April Fool! I am not really in Haiti, but I am dreaming of it and of the Faroes. In Haiti one speaks Kreyòl, and in the Faroes, Faroese. I can partly understand both of these languages, which makes the islands upon which they are spoken very tantalizing. And I have no serious interest in Sweden, … More Faroese
I am in Haiti, having flown here from New Orleans this morning. I left at 8:30, I arrived at 12:30, and I paid $432. It is less beautiful than this film, which makes me wonder — has it deteriorated to so great a degree, or does the film idealize? Did they clean the streets before … More En Haiti
Here again is the great and heroic Faubourg Tremé — the kind of place Jindal and Nagin, as well as the technically whiter suspects, have been doing their best to kill, and using hurricane recovery as an excuse. Meanwhile, here is the trailer for this same documentary. The trailer is much livelier than the exerpts … More Faubourg Tremé 4
It was another stunningly beautiful day, transfiguring the garden. I am also transfigured, although not by the weather. And Carldyke is the latest person to join the 25 writers meme. His list is fascinating. One of the authors he lists is his father. I did not list the Emeritus Professor although I perhaps should have, … More Hico, caballito
The ocean is large and full of currents. You wade in slowly and then strike out swimming as the sea floor falls beyond your depth. You tread water, breaking through waves to open water where you can steer your course. The first island stands on the horizon, partly shielded from view by spray and rocking … More Starting to Write is Like Swimming
I think I finally see what it is to be a professor. It means you have a project that is yours. You see where it extends and begins to take shape through mist. It is all outside you but it flows to and from you. I always said this was the project I must undertake … More The Contours
coldhearted scientist وداد 