Category Archives: Commentary

Opinion or analysis concerning whatever’s on my mind.

Let’s help the monarchs

Posted on September 3, 2018 by JMN

nyti.ms/2NFOh7r

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Correctness: The Cee Without the Pee

Posted on September 3, 2018 by JMN

I’ve thought about my understanding of the phrase “politically correct” and concluded that fathoming its semantic range is above my pay grade. My way forward is to drop “politically” and fasten myself to the “correct” part. The Golden Rule is … Continue reading →

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Over and Off

Posted on August 31, 2018 by JMN

This tag line follows an article appearing on one of the online news aggregator sites: To jack in to my brain and get more on the latest in science, tech and innovation, follow me here on *** as well as … Continue reading →

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“In this world in which we live in” (Beatles)

Posted on August 31, 2018 by JMN

He added, “Look to whom the government is reportedly giving immunity to.” (NYTimes) [Copyright (c) 2018 James Mansfield Nichols. All rights reserved.]

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Monkey THIS Up

Posted on August 31, 2018 by JMN

A Florida white man running for office against a black man has said voters shouldn’t “monkey this up.” I’ve been listening nonstop to Wayne Shorter for three days. Mr. Shorter doesn’t monkey up the music scene. He towers among his … Continue reading →

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Good Pipes, Bad Vibes

Posted on August 28, 2018 by JMN

I experience a jolt of sad satisfaction in catching myself being two-faced about something. I’ve listened to many of the classic crooners at one time, but not much to Frank Sinatra now. I think it’s because I stumble a bit … Continue reading →

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Classroom Follies

Posted on August 28, 2018 by JMN

In my high school Spanish classes I tried to prepare my students to be aware of stressed syllables. They knew about haiku — more than I did — from their English teachers. They knew of its 5-7-5 syllable count. I … Continue reading →

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Ear Fatigue Syndrome and Recovery

Posted on August 25, 2018 by JMN

The wireless speakers strewn about The Shed burble from their niches most of the day. Some days I think I’ve divined the secret of much jazz that I listen to: Play only the notes that are not hummable. I say … Continue reading →

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Reflection on Popular Entertainment

Posted on August 24, 2018 by JMN

I’ve never snorted cocaine or been present when someone else did. But I would know exactly how to do it because I’ve seen it five thousand times in movies and TV. I’ve never held a handgun with that cupped, two-handed, … Continue reading →

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Adverbs Beware

Posted on August 23, 2018 by JMN

I read somewhere today that someone said that something “almost ought to be illegal.” A statement like that always reminds me of how terrified I am, as a stylist, of adverbs. I estimate that at least half the time I … Continue reading →

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