RattleBag and Rhubarb

The Corner That Held Them

On 14 June 1940, Paris fell to the German Army. The British author Sylvia Townsend Warner wrote in her diary.…

2 years ago

The Channel 4 Video “Gender Wars”

Here is the video that caused all the discussion: What do you think?

2 years ago

When DEI means Deny, Exclude, Intrude

The daily stroll last week took us down Claremont Avenue where large picture window affords a passing glimpse into a…

2 years ago

Conversations Through the Rabbit Glass

“But I don’t want to go among mad people,” Alice remarked. “Oh, you can’t help that,” said the Cat: “we’re…

2 years ago

When Milton met Galileo

I chanced upon this painting of the meeting between Galileo and John Milton and had a flashback to undergraduate days…

2 years ago

A Scream in Soho

It's London in wartime, in the blackout before the Blitz and the streets of Soho are full of characters straight…

2 years ago

Coronation Toad-in-the-Hole

With May being coronation month and all, the NYTimes Cooking section has a selection of dishes it deems British, and…

2 years ago

Progress is a Myth: We Live in Regressive Times

I've chuntered about progress as a myth for years now. Mostly - it has to be said - out of…

2 years ago

Art and the Garden

If you are in New York City and looking for a outing here's a suggestion: Wave Hill Garden in the…

2 years ago

Lying to the Young is Wrong

In his day, the Soviet poet Yevgeny Yevtushenko' was something of an international rock star whose readings could fill sports…

2 years ago