My father was an adjunct professor for over two decades and enjoyed learning from his students as much as he enjoyed teaching them. One of his students shared his cultural/religious/scientific view with my father via a report — interesting to think about as we debate military action in and around Syria:
[One more break before the story recommences]
A nod to the family of Flo Trotter, a dear friend who corresponded with me years ago, sharing her strong belief in the Christian Bible by writing letters to me containing Bible verses upon which she expanded her lifeview — Flo, you will be missed greatly.
Sitting with three cigars in front of me and a 1pint-6oz bottle of brown ale by Legend Brewing Co. of Richmond, VA, I nod, also, to the ball coach of a little university in the state of Pennsylvania, who died of lung cancer — may your children and grandchildren outlive the highs and lows of your reputation.
A little while ago, I finished listening to a live performance by the organist Gail Archer, as part of Covenant Presbyterian Church’s Covenant Concerts, in concert with the Greater Huntsville Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. The program included pieces by Buxtehude, Bach, Schumann, Hensel, Tower and Liszt.
I took notes during the concert but left them in another room of the house where my wife sleeps.
Summary: Archer provided the right articulation and emotional input to make every piece of music a joy in itself. I thank her for promoting the art of organ playing — I’ve waited 25 years to hear an organ concert in the Covenant Presbyterian church sanctuary and it was well worth the wait.
I listen to her An American Idyll CD while composing this journalistic blog entry.
Meanwhile, bulky guys with uniforms bounce off each other during an NFL playoff game of little to no interest to me (Ravens and Patriots). I’ll wait until this evening’s game to sit and eat chips, drink beer and veg out during the Giants-49ers game.
Is public education ever going to keep up with the changing economy?
Or do children, like always, find a way to make a living despite an incomplete/inappropriate childhood education?
What is Russia doing to prevent meaningful military intervention in Syria’s internal strife/killing spree between two equally brutal forces? Better yet, why, Russia, why? Putin, I think better of you than this. You, too, Medvedev.
Well, commercialised football viewing calls my name. Talk with you tomorrow, when the hesitant leader of the Committee picks up the pace of making sure the scheduled event taking place 13,984 days from now goes off without a hitch.
Like the label says, “FRESH BEER – KEEP COOL”!
So, how do we solve the Syrian crisis? How do we send in people from other countries who will be welcomed by both pro- and anti-Assad Syrian citizens to prevent more killing?
A friend asked why poetry is not as popular as other written art forms (non/fiction novels, for instance).
My response:
In general, books can put us into the complete narrative of other people’s lives — fictional and nonfictional — with excruciatingly drawnout detail, which some crave for its complete escapist fantasy (pick your favourite genre), while poetry is often a snapshot or sketch of a single moment or idea, requiring the reader to use imagination to fill in the blanks.
In my youth, a pop poet named Rod McKuen both attracted people to the power of poetry and alienated those who consider poetry a higher art form.
Most people, if they think of poetry at all, hear what you call “does so much more, it says so much more, it’s so much cleverer, it requires so much more, it’s simply brilliant,” in song lyrics, which is not such a bad thing.
Another friend explains why it’s more fun in the Philippines.
DARPA wants to know your biometric habits.
And finally, have you ever wanted your personal bobblehead nodding back to you every day?
BONUS: Where’s Emma Peel when you need an appealing car model named PEEL?
treetrunkdings 