Monthly Archives: December 2017

A Semi-Local Institution

Posted on December 29, 2017 by profmondo

One of the greatest one-hit wonders of the 60s was the frat-rock classic “Double Shot (of My Baby’s Love)” by the Swingin’ Medallions. Yeah, you know you want to sing along. (By the way, if anyone wants to give me … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Music | Leave a comment

Looking for Legs

Posted on December 28, 2017 by profmondo

As I continue adjusting to the notion of being a writer, I’ve become a little stressed of late. In particular, I find myself intimidated by distance. I’ve published a number of short stories in recent years, and I’m proud to … Continue reading →

Posted in Broken Glass Waltzes, Literature, Pixel-stained Wretchery, Why I Do What I Do | 2 Comments

Potpourri: Boxing Day, 2017 Edition

Posted on December 26, 2017 by profmondo

I’ve been up for about an hour, just long enough to see Mrs. M off to the Y, check the Book of Faces, and listen to a little music. Meanwhile… *** In my years in the magazine biz, I typically … Continue reading →

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Merry Christmas, 2017

Posted on December 25, 2017 by profmondo

The weather for Christmas is cooperative by Mondoville standards — near 40 degrees, with a bit of windchill, but none of us are likely to leave the house, so that’s OK. I’m downstairs with Mrs. M and the Hound of … Continue reading →

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In Which the Prof Overthinks Still Another Thing

Posted on December 22, 2017 by profmondo

For no readily apparent reason, an old Rod Stewart hit popped into my head last night: Now the song in question is the outline of a planned seduction, a theme with considerable heritage, perhaps most memorably executed in Donne’s “The … Continue reading →

Posted in Music | 2 Comments

Choking Up

Posted on December 21, 2017 by profmondo

A friend of mine in the primary ed racket mentioned today that she was reading a story to some second graders, and had to call on kids to read it at a couple of points, because she had to stop … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Education, Literature, Medievalia | Leave a comment

Advent Devotional: 20 Dec 17

Posted on December 20, 2017 by profmondo

As in past years, members of the Newberry College community have composed devotionals for this Advent season. (For this year’s previous entries, you may look here.) Here’s mine:   Titus 2:11-14 (KJV) 11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation … Continue reading →

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Saturday Potpourri: 16 Dec 17

Posted on December 16, 2017 by profmondo

Woke up to some hard news about half an hour ago, when I learned that one of my first students died last night. I taught Joey Couch at the University of Kentucky, and I wasn’t much older than my students … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Education, Family, Music | 1 Comment

In Which the Prof Confesses a Dirty Yuletide Secret

Posted on December 14, 2017 by profmondo

Given that we’re well into Advent (and yes, there will be an Advent devotional coming next week — in the meantime, you can check out this year’s Mondoville crop here), it’s no surprise that I’m hearing both a lot of … Continue reading →

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

So Long, Pat DiNizio

Posted on December 13, 2017 by profmondo

I’ve mentioned my fondness for New Jersey power popsters the Smithereens on several occasions over the years, but I learned just a few minutes ago that the band’s vocalist and songwriter, Pat DiNizio, has died of unspecified causes. He was … Continue reading →

Posted in Music | 2 Comments