Erik Larson’s The Devil in the White City is a remarkable piece of pop history. Larson takes two very different historical narratives–one bringing pride and hope to a city, the other leaving shame and fear –and sews them into one fascinating garment. I expected the serial killer to keep my interest, but I was pleasantly … Continue reading In Review: The Devil in the White City and The Fountainhead
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2017: Second Quarter Note
Since my First Quarter Note I have diligently, doggedly, at times reluctantly, maintained a rigorous schedule of listening to a new album of music each week. There have been difficult dry spells when I felt burned out (See Weeks 17-19) and times of glorious abundance when I had the world on a string (See Week … Continue reading 2017: Second Quarter Note
Inventory of a Stolen Purse
Black leather purse. Portable battery charger. 4" lightning cable. Small, rectangular, metal plate stamped with La Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre. Recovered from my grandmother's home in Miami after her death. Magnet spelling out "DENVER," decorated with the “C” of the Colorado flag. Airport souvenir for my Dad. Plastic pill container with emergency stores … Continue reading Inventory of a Stolen Purse
In Review: Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel
I ought to warn you that this essay will contain spoilers for Wolf Hall (and lots of them), but I am not sure that this book can be spoiled. Wolf Hall is historical fiction, based on the actions of Henry VIII and his councilors surrounding the English Reformation. In addition to the king, the three … Continue reading In Review: Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel
2017: First Quarter Note
The first fourth of 2017 is mercifully behind us. Thanks to the recommendations of friends, strangers, and society-at-large, my weeks have been full of new music of all shapes and sizes. Every Sunday I choose an album to which I've never listened, and throughout the week I listen to it at least five times (to … Continue reading 2017: First Quarter Note
Queen Harvest’s Top Five (5) Albums of 2016
This year was not my most musically adventurous. I spent a lot of listening time on podcasts (SSDGM), lecture series (Russia, Ulysses, Ireland), and Hamilton (again), and made minimal efforts seek out new music. I have decided to take action against musical malaise next year. I will listen to a new album every week, at … Continue reading Queen Harvest’s Top Five (5) Albums of 2016
Queen Harvest’s 2016 Reading Recap
I'm now in my second year of prioritizing reading as an adult, and I don't know how I let all those years before slip past. I used to have four or five TV shows in regular rotation, but I have spent the last three months just slowly rewatching Mad Men because TV isn't as important … Continue reading Queen Harvest’s 2016 Reading Recap
Smile and Safety Pins
Some months back I read an article about how the AmazonSmile program can have a suppression effect on users’ charitable giving. Essentially, with every purchase through AmazonSmile the user gets the good feelings that come with donating money to charity, and this satisfaction relieves the user of any obligation he or she may feel to … Continue reading Smile and Safety Pins
Bob Dylan Wrote a Protest Album for 2016
He just released it in 1964. With its black-and-white cover, solo acoustic guitar, and old school folky title, The Times They Are A-Changin’ seems like an album stuck in the music and history of fifty years ago. Nevertheless, Dylan’s songs of anger and despair each point a finger at social, economic, and political issues that … Continue reading Bob Dylan Wrote a Protest Album for 2016
In Review: The Ulysses List
The Ulysstes? The Ulistes? No. What better day than Bloomsday to revisit my plan and preparations to read Ulysses. Right on schedule, I started Ulysses January 1, and I was able to finish on February 1. I am not foolish enough to make any attempts toward analysis, but I am comfortable saying that Ulysses is … Continue reading In Review: The Ulysses List
Put It In Your Hat 