Category Archives: Arts

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

Let the Music Play

Posted on September 6, 2019 by admin

Several years ago, Mississippi Public Broadcasting changed its formatting from being music based–with predominately classical music–to talk. This was a move that most in the media applauded. I’m just not sure I can listen anymore. I have nothing against the … Continue reading →

Posted in Arts | 12 Comments

And the Winner Is…

Posted on February 7, 2019 by Thomas_Easterling

Below please find the nominees for Best Picture. Who’s going to win? Black PantherBlacKkKlansmanBohemian RhapsodyThe FavouriteGreen BookRomaA Star Is BornVice On a related note, the oldest film festival in Mississippi, the Magnolia Film Festival, takes place in Starkville February 28-March … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Posted in Arts | 16 Comments