All academics know that October, not April, is the cruellest month. Every grant, promotion, tenure, and job application deadline seems to press in October. It is one of my favorite months, for the weather, and the deadlines can be energizing and exhilarating. We polish up our plans, we look at past accomplishments, and we review … More All Hallows, All Saints, Day of the Dead

I. Another early Almodóvar film is La ley del deseo. One thing I do not like about some of the institutions for which I have worked is, they do as they wish; that is to say, they follow the law as they do or do not desire. They follow the law of their desire, or … More Law of Desire

Here is the IMDB’s synopsis of Pedro Almodóvar‘s ¿Qué he hecho yo para merecer esto!! (1984), a film I have always wanted to see but never have. A dysfunctional family in Madrid: Gloria is a cleaning lady, hooked on No-Doze, living in a crowded flat with Antonio, her surly husband, a cabby who adores an … More Early Almodóvar

It is Columbus Day. Mamita Mala has written a poem about it. Her site has been brought to my attention by Kactus. Kara has an excellent post on the recent counterinsurgency legislation, in which she reminds us that Halliburton subsidiary KBR has been awarded a large, no-bid contract for the construction of detention camps within … More Signs and Symptoms

Everyone should be aware that Article III, section 3, clause 1 of the United States Constitution reads: Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses … More Atención compañeros