On patriotism

This is a response to Undine’s post — which is quite thought provoking and thus, good — and yes, I do respond to that scene from Casablanca but in the end, I do not trust any form of patriotism or nationalism because I am American and we know patriotism means bombs bursting in air. This … More On patriotism

“America”

From a conversation I heard, there was this: referring to people killed in alcohol related car accidents, “that is just how we die here,” someone said. This was not a good Fourth of July because of the hot, rainy weather, because my car will not start, and because the one invitation I had was cancelled … More “America”

Nos visages

In Mexico, as an experiment, I had a lifting facial, costing me $60, and everyone is shocked and says I look nearly 10 years younger. This is in part due to my having gotten a lot of exercise and eaten and slept well, but it is true that the facial got rid of my wrinkles. … More Nos visages

U.S. Imperialism

There were the coups in Honduras and Paraguay, and now Obama’s phone call to Enrique Peña Nieto. The reason I would not vote for Hillary Clinton in the 2008 primary was foreign policy; I was betting Obama might be 1% better than she; both are worse than I realized. From John Ackerman: But President Obama … More U.S. Imperialism

Un jour

I So today I: – Got up at 8 – Was in the office at 8:45; made a quiz, updated course websites, and made lesson plans – Taught from 10:20 to 12:30 – Went to lunch until 1:30 — spending $14; this was because of tipping but technically a fancy lunch, which is what I … More Un jour

Sticker Shock

The food in the United States is bad. You have to, or would have to search far and spend a great deal in order to match the freshness and purity of the groceries you can get at your local feria in Mexico. And the restaurant food here is bad, too; it is fatty and overcooked … More Sticker Shock