Category Archives: Commentary

Opinion or analysis concerning whatever’s on my mind.

Wordsong

Posted on November 1, 2018 by JMN

Kakistocracy. Kleptocratic kakistocracy. Kleptocratic kakistocracy of pettifoggers. Kleptocratic kakistocracy of pettifoggIng snollygosters. (c) 2018 JMN.

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Marmite versus Vegemite

Posted on October 27, 2018 by JMN

Faced with delay in receiving my mail-order Marmite, I recently ordered for the first time a supply of Vegemite as backup. They were, I assumed, essentially the same product under different labeling. Far from it! Here’s what I discovered. Consistency: … Continue reading →

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A little twirly birdie?

Posted on October 27, 2018 by JMN

I stream my music from Spotify and Pandora, resorting to radio only when I’m in the car. My local station is Jack Radio. Its jaunty slogan, We play what we want, belies the wretched predictability of its fare, a trait … Continue reading →

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How I Roll

Posted on October 25, 2018 by JMN

For a time I lunched once or twice a week with two other coltish scapegraces. One was a professional poet fellowshipping in the public schools under an arts grant. The other was the executive director of the local arts council … Continue reading →

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To the Hubbard Group

Posted on October 24, 2018 by JMN

I apologize for leaning on this group. I follow in Martha’s footprints insofar as craving an outlet for my thoughts. It’s odd to me that I feel more affinity with Hubbard than with where I live now. Hence this misuse. … Continue reading →

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Understanding Lyrics

Posted on October 23, 2018 by JMN

My sister told me I had to listen to “One Headlight” by Jakob Dylan and The Wallflowers. A friend had introduced her to the song. “Before you hear it,” she said, “I just want to say, you’re going to find … Continue reading →

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Hooray! An Adjective with All the Vowels!

Posted on October 21, 2018 by JMN

“… A darkened Rousseauian worldview.” (David Brooks, “The Rich White Civil War,” NYTimes, 10-16-18)

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RIP, My Dear. Sadness, Please Get Gone.

Posted on October 21, 2018 by JMN

On day 3 of Bess’s absence I wake up with and go to sleep with a dogged downness that I want to surmount as soon as possible. Wine numbs but doesn’t fix it. I hate grieving because of how my … Continue reading →

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Bess Has Died Suddenly on 10-19-18

Posted on October 20, 2018 by JMN

Out of the blue, she foamed and slobbered at the mouth. She then threw up copiously and walked around groaning in obvious distress, apparently abdominal, for several minutes. I realized after several moments that she had defecated nearby. I followed … Continue reading →

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Old Mother Goose

Posted on October 1, 2018 by JMN

This is a painting based on a badly faded image in an old children’s book I possess. The image is an illustration by Anne Anderson, a Scottish illustrator (1874-1952). It’s intriguing in various ways, prominent of which for me is … Continue reading →

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