Liberalism illustrated. Of course, by liberalism, I mean american political philosophy generally, not the thinking of those designated "liberals". Sometimes I think the story of my post colege education has been to learn the flaws, weaknesses and problems with the ideas presented in that file.

One of the best, simple and original ideas to hit the internet.

Hmm, I can't figure out which of these circles is moving.

In other news, I was wandering in a field and stumbled over a treasure of great worth, so I took a small amount of money from my wallet and bought the field, and the treasure therein. Actually what happened was that I was browsing the local used book store, looking to find some Graham Greene novels on the cheap. As I looked at one of them I noticed something stuck inside. As I pulled the object out, I discovered it to be a Barnes & Noble gift certificate, still in a sealed envelope. I showed it to the store clerk, who said, "Well, I suppose it's finders keepers . . . if you buy the book." So I did. I have been making a slight effort to contact the person named on the certificate, but if he doesn't respond soon, I'm calling it mine.

I'm sure you need some good cheer this weekend, so if you haven't already (or lately), go over to www.poetry.com, and search for the first name "Freemont". Just make sure that your own mother is wearing heavy boots or steel socks or some other adequate protection.

Received yet another letter from one of my Ukrainian students today. Now I have to write back though. Also I received an email from the organization we were serving in Ukraine with some of the student feedback comments. Thought you might enjoy reading it. None of these were my students though.

Alexander: "I enjoyed this opportunity to communicat with English
speakers.
The teachers were very professional in their teaching methods of
English"
Tomila: "These classes were very helpful for me. I learned a lot of new
words, imporved my pronunciation. I liked that the groups were small
enough
for everybody to particiapte in discussions> The atmosphere was open
and we
could express our points of view freely without being afraid to be
misunderstood."
Sergei: "It was a surprise for me that these Americans would come to
our
country and do something good for us for free. It seems that these days
nobody does anything without wanting to get something out of it for
himself.
WE felt that these people came here really to help us. That made me
think
that maybe I should explore closer Christian ideas that they were
presenting."
Irina: "I was concerned that they would impose their Christian views
when I
found out that we would be studying the Bible. But I didnt' feel any
pressure and I could openly disagree and I could make my own
conclusions.
This experience changed my attitude to Christians".
Andrei: "I liked learning more about American life style. I was kind of
surprised that people there have problems too. I thought American is
like a
Paradise. I was surprised that even though these Americans were
University
educated people they believed in God. I thought only uneducated weak
people
can believe in that kind of stuff".

Interesting new review of a fairly old game here. If any of you try this, let me know, cuz I might be interested in trying it myself.

Infrequently asked questions
Q1 So, why haven't you been blogging much lately?

A. Dunno. Just don't feel talkative maybe. Doing lots o' reading and stuff.

Q2 Have you received any letters yet from any of your students in Kiev?

A. Why yes I have. Funny you should ask!

Q3 How was the grammar in this letter?

A. Atrocious. Plus she told me that all of her family members were "high" raher than "tall". I might need to explain the difference when I write back.

Q4 What else have you been wasting time on, since you haven't been blogging?

A. Excuse me? Wasting time? Me? Well, we watched all the episodes of Fawlty Towers this week. Plus I've gotten into a neat board game turned into internet game called Cosmic Encounter.

Q5 If we were interested, could we play with you for free?

A. Yes you can.

Q6 How will we know who you are in the game?

A. I use the name "deacon".

Q7 Have you had any recent encounters with poison ivy?

A. Do you mean the character from the Batman movie or the actual plant?

Q8 Who's asking the questions here?

A You are.

Q9 Alright then, just answer me, and no more lip.

A. Ok.

Q10 Well?

A What?

Q11 What's your answer?

A Could you repeat the question again?

Q12 Be glad I'm patient. have you, or have you not had any encounters with poison ivy lately?

A Do you mean the . . . [SMACK!!!] . . . OWWW! Ok, ok. Yes, I've gotten it all over one knee, which is now twice the size of the other knee and is now dripping with a nasty goo on what seems to be a permanent basis.

Q13 And how long do you expect this condition to continue?

A How should I know. Am I a doctor?

Q14 Didn't I warn you about asking questions?

A Yes . . . sir.




I apologize for the lack of any substantive comment on this blog, both now and at all times future and past. If you want something informative and entertaining, I suggest you try somewhere else.

Looks like fun for the whole family. Or some of the family at least. I won't point out that the wife in question doesn't have to be one's own wife.

My young old friend Daniel Vos has just reminded me that this year is the 200th anniversary of the death of Caleb Adams. Perhaos you are wondering who Caleb Adams was. Perhaps you should be wondering how and why he died. Read it all here. BTW, Daniel first published this story when he was 13, iirc.