The tragic misadventures of an American English teacher in England
It has been established that if I could have any power in the world I would want the power over language, that is to say, the ability to speak and understand any language — ancient, modern, Klingon even — just by hearing it or seeing it once.
However, I think Jacob’s friend may even have a better power: The Power of Montage.
Freaking brilliant!
There’s something heartwrenching about knowing there’s only one season of Firefly. We finally got to introduce Mike to the ‘Verse last night, and yeah, he fell in love with it.
There’s something gratifying about spreading the genius that is Joss Whedon unto others.
As we were watching “The Train Job”, Jacob put his hand on Mike’s shoulder and told him very soberly that watching this show would break his heart.
The rest of us mutely agreed.
Jacob said to me that the only time he’s ever seen me remotely “religious” about anything is when I’m talking about the Jossverse or Eliza Dushku.
Damn, he’s right.
…Illinois, Illinois,
O’er thy prairies verdant growing, Illinois, Illinois,
Comes an echo on the breeze.
Rustling through the leafy trees, and its mellow tones are these, Illinois, Illinois,
And its mellow tones are these, Illinois.
From a wilderness of prairies, Illinois, Illinois,
Straight thy way and never varies, Illinois, Illinois,
Till upon the inland sea,
Stands thy great commerical tree, turning all the world to thee, Illinois, Illinois,
Turning all the world to thee, Illinois.
When you heard your country calling, Illinois, Illinois,
Where the shot and shell were falling, Illinois, Illinois,
When the Southern host withdrew,
Pitting Gray against the Blue, There were none more brave than you, Illinois, Illinois,
There were none more brave than you, Illinois.
Not without thy wondrous story, Illinois, Illinois,
Can be writ the nation’s glory, Illinois, Illinois,
On the record of thy years,
Abraham Lincoln’s name appears, Grant and Logan, and our tears, Illinois, Illinois,
Grant and Logan, and our tears, Illinois.
******
Virginia may be sweet, but it ain’t quite home.
Al’s coming home! Al’s coming home!!
Damn, I just wish I was there for the hijinx and tom foolery. Saa ne….
Can’t wait for you to get home, Al! Hope you have a grand summer!
I was lying in bed the other night desperately hoping that I would soon be visited by Morpheus or some other such form when I suddenly decided that I really like that Chris and Mark are married.
Funny the things you think about when you’re trying to sleep.
Just thought I would share.
“The Red Wheel Barrow”
by William Carlos Williams
so much depends
upon
a red wheel
barrow
glazed with rain
water
beside the white
chickens.
**********
“This is Just to Say”
by William Carlos Williams
I have eaten
the plums
that were in
the icebox
and which
you were probably
saving
for breakfast
Forgive me
they were delicious
so sweet
and so cold
***********
“Variations on a Theme by William Carlos Williams”
by Kenneth Koch
1
I chopped down the house that you had been saving to live in next summer.
I am sorry, but it was morning, and I had nothing to do
and its wooden beams were so inviting.
2
We laughed at the hollyhocks together
and then I sprayed them with lye.
Forgive me. I simply do not know what I am doing.
3
I gave away the money that you had been saving to live on for the
next ten years.
The man who asked for it was shabby
and the firm March wind on the porch was so juicy and cold.
4
Last evening we went dancing and I broke your leg.
Forgive me. I was clumsy and
I wanted you here in the wards, where I am the doctor!
***********
Ender’s Shadow (Shadow Saga) by Orson Scott Card
Could Do Better!: Help Your Kid Shine at School by Phil Beadle
Frankenstein (Barnes by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley