Preface One of the assignments I give my humanities students is a Landmark Journal – short free-writing exercises about seven landmarks from the various historical periods or cultural themes we explore as a group. I’ve decided – based on a… more ›

Madonna Before going to bed every night I scan the entertainment headlines of the BBC, ITN, and Reuters. I used to read the “real” news, but it became unbearable. My favorite headline last night was “Rome unites to condemn Madonna.”… more ›

I am already so excited – in that hyper-nerdy, über-intellectual sort of way – about my trip next week to Houston. First on the list of things to hit is the “Royal Tombs of Ur” exhibit at the Houston Museum… more ›

When I was a kid I used to spend my summers searching for the abandoned cicada shells left around the huge oak tree in front of my grandma’s house. Painting them with nail polish and marching them in the sand… more ›

In the old days of Madagascar it is told that the Great Spirit created the heavens and the earth, the stars and the beasts, the seas and great desert. And he also created the banana tree. He gave to each… more ›

This morning I returned my students’ first exams. It amazes me still how lost the art of composing even the most simple of sentences is. I scolded them for “random acts of capitalization,” and told them that, for the most… more ›

A state of terror exists in the Middle East. It’s name is Israel. If we believe that Israel “has a right to defend itself,” then certainly we must also believe (if we are sensible people) that civilians have a right… more ›

Yeah, that’s right: I’ve been atypically irritable lately. I think it’s definitely related to the heat wave. Being out all day – another “new” development since the summer term began – especially in the heat, is a contributing factor. I’m… more ›

Despite having my 8:00am class cancelled Friday afternoon, I’ve enjoyed meeting with my 10:10am Intro. to Humanities students this week–all seven of them. It’s nice to get paid no matter how many students actually enroll. It certainly makes up for… more ›

A Recent Conversation: Shayne: Whatcha doing?Skajlab: Watchin’ the game.Shayne: The Crying Game? Apparently I am not someone known for watching sports. That’s because I hate most sports. Remember, I grew up as a “sensitive” boy in Texas: high school gym… more ›