Category Archives: Commentary

Opinion or analysis concerning whatever’s on my mind.

Latinx Redux

Posted on March 19, 2020 by JMN

Dr. García Peña has been involved in… the Department of Romance Languages and Literatures’ program in Latinx studies [my bolding]. (Latinx is a gender-neutral term for people of Latin American heritage, used commonly in academia.) (Kate Taylor, “Denying a Professor … Continue reading →

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Note to Self: Research This Mindset

Posted on March 18, 2020 by JMN

Britain is a rich country and may fare better than others. But the N.H.S. is creaking at the seams after years of underfunding [my bolding]. A decade of cuts by successive Conservative governments has stripped the service of resources. Staff … Continue reading →

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Dispatch from the Charwoman

Posted on March 17, 2020 by JMN

I’ve received from a political entity email that closes as follows: James, it’s never been more clear that the work we do at the HDCC matters a great deal. Our Democratic candidates are continuing to fight for health care coverage … Continue reading →

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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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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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