Author Archives: JMN

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About JMN

I live in Texas and devote much of my time to easel painting on an amateur basis. I stream a lot of music, mostly jazz, throughout the day. I like to read and memorize poetry.

Disordered Stick Bombs

Posted on March 17, 2020 by JMN

“… A steady state hysteresis caused by reversible slippage”: There are passages in this article about the study of bird nests that read for me like poetry written in the language of physics. One effort to disentangle the structural dynamics … Continue reading →

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Artyfacts, Booze Nicked from Posh Uni

Posted on March 16, 2020 by JMN

[Blotter summary courtesy of Nick Mansfield Branded Fictions and Hand-Me-Down Press] Break-in at purpose-built, Queen-opened Christ Church college netted burglars three high-value old pix described as “important cultural artefacts.” It’s a fresh-dealt blow to Oxford college already reeling from mysterious … Continue reading →

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For Núria

Posted on March 16, 2020 by JMN

Te pongo aquí un cuadro reciente, tonto y burlón, mal logrado por supuesto, de ejecución turbia, hiciera lo que hiciera. Está pintado sobre otro cuadro que hizo tu abuelo, mi papá. El suyo fue un desnudo masculino sentado, visto de … Continue reading →

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For Nuria

Posted on March 15, 2020 by JMN

En tu casa te esperan una gata, una guitarra, y un avi que te quiere mucho. JMN 15 de marzo 2020

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Assume the Position

Posted on March 14, 2020 by JMN

[Illustration from Bret Stephens, “Trump Meets Nemesis, Punisher of Hubris,” NYTimes, 3-13-20] (c) 2020 JMN

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Tummlers

Posted on March 13, 2020 by JMN

Yes, it saw the invention of cars, airplanes, and computers, but the 20th century will be remembered most for its chronic wars. However, a sweet vestige to preserve from then is what’s known as the “tummler,” a term introduced to … Continue reading →

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All Hail the Mighty State

Posted on March 12, 2020 by JMN

“Texas, our Texas, so wonderful and great…” goes the song. “Texas is one of the most prepared states for public health disasters in the U.S.” (Tweet by Governor Greg Abbott on March 9, 2020) State with highest number of people … Continue reading →

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Davy’s Grey

Posted on March 9, 2020 by JMN

“Boston’s Apollo” celebrates McKeller’s role in Sargent’s work but does not hide the artist’s racism. In her essay for the exhibition’s catalog, Professor Greene cites racial slurs Sargent used. “He’s an amazing painter — that doesn’t go away,” she said. … Continue reading →

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Gerhard Richter Voiced

Posted on March 8, 2020 by JMN

For 60 years, he has treated uncertainty as an ethical duty. … That is the priceless example he offers today’s young artists, whose every mistake or hesitation gets pounced on by digital Savonarolas. So much dogmatism out there, so much … Continue reading →

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Tenseness Sought in Firm Times

Posted on March 8, 2020 by JMN

But the president can still be reasonably held responsible for the urgency with which [etc.]… the speed at which [etc.]… the pressure brought to bear [etc.]… and the use of presidential rhetoric [etc.]…. Is it still necessary to point out … Continue reading →

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