coldhearted scientist وداد

My post entitled Henry Miller generated about 400 hits, twice as high as my usual average and almost my “best” day ever. I wondered whether people clicked on it expecting pornography and Geoffrey Philp thought they might have. He suggested I might follow up with a post entitled Anaïs Nin, so I am. If I … More Anaïs Nin

Reading for Pleasure Wednesday: Jack Spicer

04/02/2009

I always think I ought to read fiction – novels, plays – but I like history, letters, essays, and poems. Now I am reading Jack Spicer’s After Lorca, in his collected poetry. In the same volume is a letter describing the house I wanted to live in as a child: Their house is built mainly … More Reading for Pleasure Wednesday: Jack Spicer

Lagniappe

03/02/2009

I missed this video and song before the election, so I now serve it as lagniappe. Obama: let’s stop bombing Afghanistan and Pakistan. Everyone: we need a truth and reconciliation commission, and Bush and Cheney must be prosecuted for war crimes. YES, WE CAN! These videos are charming, but do not be blinded by Obamamania. … More Lagniappe

Henry Miller

02/02/2009

1. Work on one thing at a time until finished. 2. Start no more new books, add no more new material to “Black Spring.” 3. Don’t be nervous. Work calmly, joyously, recklessly on whatever is in hand. 4. Work according to Program and not according to mood. Stop at the appointed time! 5. When you … More Henry Miller

Accomplishments of George W. Bush

01/02/2009

Ding-dong, the wicked warlock is dead (well, at least gone), suggests Patricia J. Williams – whose piece I recommend. Here are some of the things we have to roll back post Bush: Pax Americana and the aspiration to consolidate a global American empire. The Bush Doctrine of pre-emptive warfare. Hurricane Katrina and “heckuva job, Brownie.” … More Accomplishments of George W. Bush

On Budget Cuts and Usury

01/02/2009

I may like the changed times for many reasons, and I may even like the recession for its wake up call qualities, but the university is being asked to imagine how it would handle a 28% budget cut in fiscal 2009. I myself have a 28% budget cut this very semester due to my sabbatical, … More On Budget Cuts and Usury

The Times They Are A-Changing

31/01/2009

It is the weekend, and this is what we are singing! Axé.

Culinary Friday: Beans, Pu-erh Tea, Rabbits, and Cats

30/01/2009

BEANS For the recession I am cooking more than ever. I will learn to use my grandmother’s meat grinder as a Cuisinart. In the meantime I have finally learned to make a pot of beans correctly. Until 2009 only vegetarian black beans ever worked reliably for me. But now I have invented all the tricks. … More Culinary Friday: Beans, Pu-erh Tea, Rabbits, and Cats

From the File

30/01/2009

Student I Insisted Go To A Larger Graduate Program Than Ours: Dear Professor Zero, This is just to say my new university is not as scary as I thought it would be. My students listen to me! My professors know you! I find I am already familiar with the books and reading lists! I guess … More From the File