Monthly Archives: April 2017

In Which the Prof Salutes the Grand Master

The Mystery Writers of America celebrated some of 2016’s best work last night at the Edgars banquet, and I’m pleased to report that Lawrence Block went home with the field’s most coveted ceramic figure in the category of Best Short … Continue reading

Posted in Culture, Literature | Leave a comment

Mid-Gradeapalooza Potpourri

I have a stack of papers waiting for my attention this afternoon, but I thought I could procrastinate drop a line or two before then, so why not do that now? *** The Spawn’s sorority formal was Friday night, and … Continue reading

Posted in Education, Family, Literature, Music | Leave a comment

A Somewhat Delayed Gig Report

… and the title works either way you read it. It was time for observable Berries activity last night at Art Bar, as we were third on the bill for a rare Friday night show at the venue. (It was supposed … Continue reading

Posted in Music | 2 Comments

A Basket of Easter Potpourri

I understand that, as Heinlein said, one man’s theology is another man’s belly laugh. So while I know that not everyone shares my confidence in the Resurrection, I wish my cobelievers a happy Easter, and rejoice in the promise that … Continue reading

Posted in Culture, Education, Faith, Family, Literature, Music | 2 Comments

So Long, Mr. Geils

Guitarist John “J.” Geils has joined the band invisible, dying at the age of 71. It’s odd that a guy can have a band named after him and still be an overlooked member of that group, but Geils somehow managed, … Continue reading

Posted in Music | Leave a comment

A Little Saturday Potpourri

We’re heading into the home stretch of the semester. Gradeapalooza hasn’t arrived quite yet, but I can see it in the middle distance — indeed, I have some grading to do this afternoon, as well as some work on the … Continue reading

Posted in Culture, Education, Faith, Literature, Music | Leave a comment

Lenten Devotional — 7 April 17

Here is the second of my contributions to this year’s series of the college’s Lenten devotionals. As usual, there is a passage from Scripture, a reflection, and a prayer. I hope they prove useful. John 11:38-44 King James Version (KJV) … Continue reading

Posted in Education, Faith | Leave a comment

In Which the Prof Feels His Existence Is Somewhat Justified

Trung Duong is a student of mine, a double major in English and graphic design. He’s also an All-American wrestler and a terrific kid, and he’s in my poetry workshop this term. In any case, Trung stopped by my office … Continue reading

Posted in Culture, Education, Literature, Why I Do What I Do | 2 Comments