For my Family
For my Home, my Country. A wonderful experiment in self-governance that, despite deep difficulties and irregularities, remains a dream-beacon.
For the Brave: Project Valour-IT.
For Beauty and for Books and for Art:
How delightful it would be to be a governess! To go out into the world; to enter upon a new life; to act for myself; to excercise my unused faculties, to try my unknown powers; to earn my own maintenance, and something to comfort and help my father, mother, and sister, besides exonerating them from the provision of my food and clothing; to show papa what his little Agnes could do; to convince mamma and Mary that I was not quite the helpless, thoughtless being they supposed.
Agnes Grey, Anne Bronte.
My copy of the Bronte book has a cover painting of great quietness, symmetry and mystery: Interior, by Vilhelm Hammershoi.
As long as we are discussing art, the flickr page for iPad created art is here. This wonderful experiment in self-governance frees us to create more and more and more. All hail the creators!
For Humor:
In “Whiter Shades of Pale,” Mr. Lander’s targets are more far-flung, and it’s a treat to watch him take aim. He takes note of the industries, in addition to classical music, that survive solely on white guilt: “Penguin Classics, the S.P.C.A., free-range chicken farms, and the entire rubber bracelet market.” About the chef Anthony Bourdain’s TV show — during which Mr. Bourdain eats arcane dishes and complains about tourists — the author writes, “There hasn’t been a show this reaffirming to white people since ‘Seinfeld.’ ”
Yes, I am aware that I linked a Penguin Classics book above. That’s humor, too :). (Plus, I really love the books.) And for those not familiar with Mr. Lander’s brand of satire, he is making gentle fun of a certain mindset and attitudes, not race.
For Friends. Be well.
Thanks, Madhu!
Happy Thanksgiving, Madhu and all! Wheee! What a terrific post!
I personally am thankful for the rich, creamy irony of the NY Times’ book page covering the latest from the creator of Things White People Like… including that arch phrase about how Landers makes no mention of “whiteness studies.”
The irony is so delicious, my cholesterol just spiked.
I hope everyone else had a wonderful Thanksgiving, too!
Jonathan – no, I should thank you for allowing me to post here and for the wonderful site you started. :)
Charles Cameron – high praise from you, indeed! I’m paying attention to what you are saying about making connections in my own weird way. I’m working on it, anyway.
Percy Dovetonsils – I love that “handle.” I assure you, many such riches await in the NYT art pages. The art itself (which varies in quality, but is usually very good) and the curious commentary that takes place. Much good-natured amusement may be had, let me tell you….
I say read the NYT and leave good, pointed comments when you disagree. It might get edited, but then again, it might not!
– Madhu