Category Archives: Culture (popular and otherwise)

Grinchiness.

I have a sore throat, so according to household protocol I am stuck in my rooms until it goes away or we find it’s not contagious. It’s not COVID — I have passed a Binex test this morning. But it … Continue reading

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A couple of odd thoughts about music.

October (and the beginning of November) have been a bitch. December may not be all that much better, sadly. I’m resorting to the nuclear option: I’ve started listening to holiday music. That’s right: nearly two weeks away from Thanksgiving, and … Continue reading

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Today’s topic: science. I watch The Voice, quasi-religiously. And, so doing I have to suffer through commercials, including those for other NBC programs. On one the newest is a science-fiction thriller called La Brea. In La Brea, a group of … Continue reading

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Options

I am stuck in my room today. The rest of the family are moving furniture, so I am trapped watching the cat.  I could be viewing the defense speak in Donald Trump’s impeachment trial, but instead I opted not to. … Continue reading

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Have yourself a movie little Christmas.

Two days before Christmas, I developed a sore throat and congestion. In prior years, I would have taken some DayQuil and returned to cooking cornbread. (It really feels like a sinus infection.) In these times, though, I arranged for a … Continue reading

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Vincent

During quarantine, I have started an “Art of the Day” project on my Facebook. I think people enjoy it, and it makes me happy. I find myself spending a lot of time trawling through museum websites to get art. My … Continue reading

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That time of year, and the music thereof.

I love Christmas music. I guess I should say I love “holiday music,” but that’s not really accurate. Other people in my house don’t, however, so I suspect I will be spending the next month wearing headphones much of the … Continue reading

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Movie Reviews.

It’s December, which means we’re into post-blockbuster season. Over the past four weeks, I have seen five new movies, two in the theatre, two on streaming services. Herewith my (mostly spoiler-free) impressions: Parasite: Oof. Described to me as a “dark … Continue reading

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I’ve made such progress.

Before I start, I just want to say that this is NOT a sob story. I don’t want sympathy, let alone pity. I have spent most of my life defining myself by my intellect. I went to one of the … Continue reading

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Strange.

So, I am taking this online course through edx.com about Superheroes and Their Influence on Pop Culture. I was creating my own superhero, but decided to opt instead to discuss possible influences and origins for my favorite superhero… Dr. Strange. … Continue reading

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Thirty-second movie review.

If you love Bruce Springsteen… If you like Bruce Springsteen… If you even tolerate Bruce Springsteen… If you like coming of age stories… If you are moved by compelling stories about immigrants dealing with racism… If you find movies about … Continue reading

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A superhero for our age.

I am taking a edx.com course on “Superheroes and Their Impact on Pop Culture.” Part of the “creative track” is to create your own superhero. I have. Her name is Cassandra.* Like her mythical namesake, she sees the future. Unlike … Continue reading

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Voicing my opinions

The Voice finale was Monday, and the winner was crowned Tuesday. Fortunately, the right person won. And by the right person, I mean someone with an angelic voice who was not a) a country singer, b) a hot looking young … Continue reading

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In Jeopardy.

Several people have  asked me what I think of the current Jeopardy! champion, James Holzhauer. After all, I  got run over by the great Ken  Jennings, so I should have some perspective, right? I usually compared Jennings to the 1927 Yankees. This … Continue reading

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Why the MCU movies are so good (no spoilers)

I keep thinking that I have posted this before, but I can’t seem to find it (maybe on Facebook?), so… The reason that the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) movies are so good is the acting. Exhibit 1: Robert Downey, Jr., … Continue reading

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