Thoreau blog for Weds, November 2nd

You know you're relevant to the American literary tradition, especially in terms of ecological literature, when you are being quoted on shopping bags for sale at zazzle.

For Wednesday, please write a 200-250 word blog on 2 of Thoreau's life-prescriptions. Choose one of his recommendations with which you agree and explain why using text bits and your own thinking; then, choose one of his recommendations with which you do not agree and explain using text bits and your own thinking.

Please post to your blogs by 10am Wednesday.

The Raven, Simpsonized

A Halloween Birthday poem

The British poet John Keats was born on October 31st.
Here is what I consider one of the creepiest poems in English literature:

"This Living Hand"

This living hand, now warm and capable
Of earnest grasping, would, if it were cold
And in the icy silence of the tomb,
So haunt thy days and chill thy dreaming nights
That thou would wish thine own heart dry of blood
So in my veins red life might stream again,
And thou be conscience-calm’d–see here it is–
I hold it towards you.

Bond meets Voodoo

Here's a little clip that begs for analysis of its performative Voodoo as well as cultural encounter...From Live and Let Die to Angelheart and more contemporary films and literature, Voodoo has a strong presence in the U.S. social imaginary--a nice prospect for a senior project.

a dictionary day

Happy birthday to Noah Webster, the dictionary dude.

Charlotte's Web, 1952

Fifty-nine years ago today, that favorite of so many kids, Charlotte's Web, was published.

Blog Writing Due Friday, October 14th, by 10am

250-300 words.
Sex, Voodoo.
Write.