Monthly Archives: July 2019

Saturday Afternoon Potpourri: Ticking Clock Edition

The Spawn moves to Terpville this week. She begins classes late in August, but has an interview for an assistantship at the end of this week. Landing it would make a very big difference in her grad school experience (and … Continue reading

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Doing Better When You Can…

Thirty-two years ago, I was not quite 22 years old, and was about to become the first member of my family to go to grad school, at the U of Kentucky. I drove a 1972 Chevy I called the Monte … Continue reading

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How Twigs Get Bent: A Late Night and A Long Trip

Originally posted on Professor Mondo:
Forty-one years ago today, I was almost four years old, and men walked on the moon. I had gone to bed already, but my parents woke me up for the occasion. It was nearly ten…

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Awkward, but Amusing

My phone rang about 20 minutes ago from an unknown number. I’m not usually in the habit of answering those calls, but we’re in the process of finding a car for the Spawn to take to Maryland, so I thought … Continue reading

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Farewell, Mr. Clegg

Johnny Clegg, a one-time anthropology prof turned world music pioneer, has died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 66. His South African bands Juluka (with creative partner Sipho Mchunu) and Savuka were among the first to merge Zulu and … Continue reading

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Meanwhile, at the Corner of Harris and Slade…

The Spawn and I were chatting earlier this afternoon, and as often happens, the talk turned to writing and reading. Specifically, we were talking about genre fiction, and the considerable blurring that takes place. She mentioned one of her favorite … Continue reading

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A Couple of Academic Quick Takes

Down in Real City, there’s a flap about the presidency of Flagship U. The Governor has apparently attempted to intervene in the process to select the new prez, and that’s a pretty serious party foul in this world. Although the … Continue reading

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Sub Conscious

I stopped by the supermarket a little while ago, after spending the afternoon at my office. As I walked toward the entrance, an older fellow crouched near the door, and called, “Excuse me, sir?” I knew what was coming. For … Continue reading

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Sunday Potpourri: Daydreaming Edition

Happy Ringo’s Birthday, everyone! Meanwhile… *** Last night, as I sometimes tend to do, I was noodling through cars for sale on Ebay and various other online locations. I’ve made no secret of my love for convertibles, so that’s usually … Continue reading

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Happy Independence Day!

When I lost my scholarship at Transylvania U, a member of the faculty urged me against bitterness. “Remember that the University is not the administration.” I try to keep that in mind when I think of my nation this Independence … Continue reading

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