The year to come
My main resolution for 2026 is to continue to advance the three projects I had set out for myself in 2024: writing, language, and saving the world. So what is called for now is a progress report. But first, an explanation. 1) “Saving the world” in the face of wars and genocide, rapid climate change … read more »
The Black Power Mixtape
The following is a message I sent recently to a group of my college classmates on The Black Power Mixtape, a film that I’m sure they will all want to see. Our group meets weekly on Zoom to discuss current issues, including frequently issues of race relations and conflict in the United States. We just … read more »
“Rabble!” and related books
Just published on shepherd.com For authors, shepherd.com is a great way to put your work in the context of other writing you admire. Here, on my page, you will see some description of each recommended book and why I chose it. To continue my larger theme of the eternal struggle of people seeking to create … read more »
Politics and personalities, war and suffrage
To End All Wars: A Story of Loyalty and Rebellion, 1914-1918 by Adam Hochschild My rating: 5 of 5 stars This is brilliant reporting of the British side of the Great European War of 1914 to 1918, “World War I” as we now know it. The focus is not on the big strategic decisions, the … read more »
Days of struggle in Chicago: the Rainbow Coaltion
Thanks to my good friend, novelist Pete de Lissovoy, for pointing me to this very very good documentary! The First Rainbow Coalition (55 minutes) Yes, I was there then, and as involved as I could be, given who I was: a grad student, white, at nearby (to Chicago) Northwestern University. I got to know Cha … read more »