Alphonse Picou

I have finally cracked the mystery of my paper – released it from the wicked spell that burdened it, perhaps. It has turned into mere work rather than spiritual toil. Therefore we will sing. This is Alphonse Picou (1878-1961) on his famous clarinet part in “High Society,” recorded with the Paul Barbarin band in New … More Alphonse Picou

Portrait of a Cardinal

This is El Greco’s Portrait of a Cardinal. It is at the Metropolitan Museum but the largest collection of El Greco’s work outside Spain is at the National Gallery. The Counter-Reformation raged, and he painted its spirit. The cardinal in question is believed to be Fernando Niño de Guevera (1541-1609), Grand Inquisitor and, from 1601, … More Portrait of a Cardinal

Trinity Sunday

One of the prisoners I know was diagnosed with Hepatitis C in 1999 but not told until last week. No treatment for this disease is given in prison until acute liver failure sets in. Why he was not told is my question. Still, summer has begun. I can tell, because I am refreshed. * If … More Trinity Sunday

Poems at Angel Island

By Karen Polster, via Zuky: The poems at Angel Island are among the most dramatic finds in American literature. The crumbling buildings of the former immigration station in San Francisco were scheduled to be demolished, when bits and pieces of Chinese writing were glimpsed behind the peeling paint. These characters turned out to be poetry, … More Poems at Angel Island

Kalfou Danjere

This is Boukman Eksperyans on their classic Jou Nou Revolte. We are playing it in honor of tonight’s blue moon. Work your magic and look up these names: Mackandal, Boukman, Bois Caiman, and kalfou or crossroads. Axé.

Martial Law

Dambala calls our attention to the National Security and Homeland Security Presidential Directive, which appears to have been made law May 9 essentially by decree. Dambala says it “supercedes the National Emergency Act and re-constitutes the mandates of martial law.” In the event of a ‘national emergency’ . . . defined by the executive branch … More Martial Law