Category Archives: Arts

Happy Thanksgiving

Posted on November 17, 2023 by admin

MSMS faculty do their best not to weigh students down with heavy assignments over Thanksgiving break. Just so I know you’re still using your critical faculties, let me know something about the art you see while you’re away from campus. … Continue reading →

Posted in Arts | 11 Comments

Flyover

Posted on October 21, 2022 by admin

At the beginning of each school year, I ask juniors how many of them plan to stay in state for college. The majority say–emphatically–that they plan to leave, particularly those who consider themselves part of “forgotten” communities. The Dramatic Performance’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Arts, Pop Culture | 13 Comments

Side by Side by Stereotype

Posted on November 29, 2021 by admin

Stephen Sondheim passed away last weekend. He wrote enduring and transformative Broadway musicals, including Sweeny Todd, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Sunday in the Park with George, and Into the Woods. He also wrote lyrics … Continue reading →

Posted in Arts, Politics, Pop Culture | 14 Comments

Top Picks

Posted on September 28, 2021 by admin

As you know, I sponsor the Film Club and teach the school’s film class. Give me some ideas–tell me your two favorite films in each of the categories below. Feel free to explain any of your choices. Best Drama Best … Continue reading →

Posted in Arts | 17 Comments

Literary Challenge

Posted on August 23, 2021 by admin

Find a sentence from a piece of literature where a single, simple word makes all the difference in the world. A lovely example, as noted by Paul Crenshaw, comes from a Robert Hayden poem: “Sundays too my father got father … Continue reading →

Posted in Arts, Books | 10 Comments

Make My Holidays Happier

Posted on December 9, 2020 by admin

As the blog winds down for the holidays–don’t forget! blog before next Wednesday if you’re seeking quiz credit–I have an important media question and could use your expertise. I’ve gotten bored with my current entertainment options, which revolve around Hulu … Continue reading →

Posted in Arts, Pop Culture | 14 Comments

C-19 Soundtrack

Posted on April 2, 2020 by admin

All of us have songs in heavy rotation right now. Some of them might actually imply the need for social distancing. Let’s find some of those! Consider these for starters:

Posted in Arts | 11 Comments

Hype Machine

Posted on March 3, 2020 by admin

Walkout songs–the songs that play while hitters strut from the on-deck circle to the plate–have become part of the entertainment value of baseball. Even pitchers have gotten into the act. They’re having songs piped in while they make it from … Continue reading →

Posted in Arts | 16 Comments

Welcome Back!

Posted on January 7, 2020 by admin

Greetings, all! I hope the blog finds you energized and ready for the spring semester. Entertain me. Tell me the most ridiculous piece of advice you got during the break. If you prefer, take a moment to question something that … Continue reading →

Posted in Arts | 23 Comments

What’s in a Joke?

Posted on October 16, 2019 by admin

While watching last weekend’s cold open for Saturday Night Live, I found myself wondering how funny the show would be if it couldn’t rely on satirizing politicians. The episode provided a running answer to that question. From the “Oscar the … Continue reading →

Posted in Arts, National Politics | 9 Comments