Then came the Witch’s voice, cooing softly like the voice of a wood-pigeon from the high elms in an old garden at three o’clock in the middle of a sleepy, summer afternoon; and it said: “What is this sun that you all speak of? Do you mean anything by the word?… Can you tell me … Continue reading Eclipse
Analysis
This weekend, I went to see a performance of the ancient Greek tragedy, Euripedes’ Iphigenia in Aulis. During the drive back, I talked the performance over with my friends. We came to conclusions about what was distracting, what worked well, and what was inspiring. These decisions were reached through a process called “analysis”. I believe … Continue reading Analysis
The Historical Sense
The historical sense involves a perception, not only of the pastness of the past, but of its presence… "Tradition and the Individual Talent" by T.S. Eliot ____________ This “Multangular Tower” stands outside the Yorkshire Museum in York, England. Nearby is a plaque stating the tower’s history. It was built in the 300’s as a corner … Continue reading The Historical Sense
The Ben Franklin Effect
“This is another instance of the truth of an old maxim I had learned, which says, He that has once done you a kindness will be more ready to do you another than he whom you yourself have obliged.” Benjamin Franklin’s Autobiography ____________ The Ben Franklin Effect Humility Benjamin Franklin’s maxim above speaks of the … Continue reading The Ben Franklin Effect
Thought and Language
This is a relatively tentative post. I’d welcome your thoughts on it. ____________ Thought and Language Sexism? My sophomore year of college, a friend, who was a senior at the time, posed an interesting question. Being the graceful person she is, she laid a hand across her bed and sighed. “Does it seem to you … Continue reading Thought and Language
The Curse of the Scottish Play
Good to be back in the saddle! Last weekend was our performance of Macbeth. We spent all summer working on it. The road was hard, especially the last two weeks. My job was to pull together props, costumes, makeup, backdrops and a few last-minute casting decisions… I lived a few days of dread, and a … Continue reading The Curse of the Scottish Play
Florence
Capitignano: we stayed in la Stalla (the stall), which is the building to the left. The chapel within walking distance, dedicated to the local martyrs, San Cresci and companions. I believe this was the view from the swimming pool... You can tell I was happy, because I was looking for cool angles. … Continue reading Florence
Italy
Sorry my posts have been spotty the past week. I was in Italy! Here are some of the things I saw: The Bernini baldachinum over the main altar in St. Peter's Basilica The Gallery of Maps in the Vatican Museums Bernini's David in the Borghese Gallery The Tiber River The chains … Continue reading Italy
Crisis
Crisis comes from the Greek word “krisis” meaning “decision”. It came to be used in medieval medicine for the turning-point in a disease; the moment when either the patient or the illness gains the upper hand. In modern English, a crisis is a moment that demands decisive action. ____________ Crisis Moments of crisis are brought … Continue reading Crisis
Declaration Part III
On the Fourth of July, my family continued a long-standing American tradition; we celebrated our country’s Independence Day by reading aloud the document we honor that day: The Declaration of Independence. I believe that looking carefully at this document helps us understand our history and the purpose for which this nation was founded. During the … Continue reading Declaration Part III
A Grain of Salt 