Kristof on "Coming Apart"

Nicholas Kristof takes on Charles Murray's latest molotov cocktail thrown into the discussion of American class stratification, his book "Coming Apart". It is kind of hard to develop a good work ethic and to fall in love and get married and raise a family when the top ten-percent suck up all the wealth. Though, at least we all agree, conservatives and liberals alike, that we have a seriously dysfunctional class divide in this country. Alas, we are still worlds apart on identifying the nature of the problem and what to do about it.

( Read more... )

Kristof on "Coming Apart"

Nicholas Kristof takes on Charles Murray's latest molotov cocktail thrown into the discussion of American class stratification, his book "Coming Apart". It is kind of hard to develop a good work ethic and to fall in love and get married and raise a family when the top ten-percent suck up all the wealth. Though, at least we all agree, conservatives and liberals alike, that we have a seriously dysfunctional class divide in this country. Alas, we are still worlds apart on identifying the nature of the problem and what to do about it.

( Read more... )

Neighbor Dog

Feeling sorry for Neighbor Dog, seeing that they have forgotten to feed him, I looked for something different than cheese to snack him with. We don't keep sandwich meat, but I microwaved a strip of Pop's bacon, and I don't suppose it will suprise anyone that the dog rather liked it. He probably also would have liked a couple of eggs to go with it, but what is life without a few unattainable dreams.

Neighbor Dog

Feeling sorry for Neighbor Dog, seeing that they have forgotten to feed him, I looked for something different than cheese to snack him with. We don't keep sandwich meat, but I microwaved a strip of Pop's bacon, and I don't suppose it will suprise anyone that the dog rather liked it. He probably also would have liked a couple of eggs to go with it, but what is life without a few unattainable dreams.

Hamlet (2,2) Rosencrantz and Guildenstern

As Polonius makes his way to speak to the king about the drama between his daughter Gertrude and Hamlet, the king and queen are receiving the gentle Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, two boyhood chums of the melancholy prince. They are given the mission to learn what is so gravely troubling the son and kin who sits so near the throne.

_ _ _

KING CLAUDIUS

Welcome, dear Rosencrantz and Guildenstern!
Moreover that we much did long to see you,
The need we have to use you did provoke
Our hasty sending. Something have you heard
Of Hamlet's transformation; so call it,
Sith nor the exterior nor the inward man
Resembles that it was. What it should be,
More than his father's death, that thus hath put him
So much from the understanding of himself,
I cannot dream of: I entreat you both,
That, being of so young days brought up with him,
And sith so neighbour'd to his youth and havior,
That you vouchsafe your rest here in our court
Some little time: so by your companies
To draw him on to pleasures, and to gather,
So much as from occasion you may glean,
Whether aught, to us unknown, afflicts him thus,
That, open'd, lies within our remedy.

QUEEN GERTRUDE

Good gentlemen, he hath much talk'd of you;
And sure I am two men there are not living
To whom he more adheres. If it will please you
To show us so much gentry and good will
As to expend your time with us awhile,
For the supply and profit of our hope,
Your visitation shall receive such thanks
As fits a king's remembrance.

ROSENCRANTZ

Both your majesties
Might, by the sovereign power you have of us,
Put your dread pleasures more into command
Than to entreaty.

GUILDENSTERN

But we both obey,
And here give up ourselves, in the full bent
To lay our service freely at your feet,
To be commanded.

-- Hamlet

_ _ _

I count it one of the many tragedies of the play that childish games can grow into something so deadly serious, and friends become enemies. Bang, bang, you’re dead!

Hamlet (2,2) Rosencrantz and Guildenstern

As Polonius makes his way to speak to the king about the drama between his daughter Gertrude and Hamlet, the king and queen are receiving the gentle Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, two boyhood chums of the melancholy prince. They are given the mission to learn what is so gravely troubling the son and kin who sits so near the throne.

_ _ _

KING CLAUDIUS

Welcome, dear Rosencrantz and Guildenstern!
Moreover that we much did long to see you,
The need we have to use you did provoke
Our hasty sending. Something have you heard
Of Hamlet's transformation; so call it,
Sith nor the exterior nor the inward man
Resembles that it was. What it should be,
More than his father's death, that thus hath put him
So much from the understanding of himself,
I cannot dream of: I entreat you both,
That, being of so young days brought up with him,
And sith so neighbour'd to his youth and havior,
That you vouchsafe your rest here in our court
Some little time: so by your companies
To draw him on to pleasures, and to gather,
So much as from occasion you may glean,
Whether aught, to us unknown, afflicts him thus,
That, open'd, lies within our remedy.

QUEEN GERTRUDE

Good gentlemen, he hath much talk'd of you;
And sure I am two men there are not living
To whom he more adheres. If it will please you
To show us so much gentry and good will
As to expend your time with us awhile,
For the supply and profit of our hope,
Your visitation shall receive such thanks
As fits a king's remembrance.

ROSENCRANTZ

Both your majesties
Might, by the sovereign power you have of us,
Put your dread pleasures more into command
Than to entreaty.

GUILDENSTERN

But we both obey,
And here give up ourselves, in the full bent
To lay our service freely at your feet,
To be commanded.

-- Hamlet

_ _ _

I count it one of the many tragedies of the play that childish games can grow into something so deadly serious, and friends become enemies. Bang, bang, you’re dead!

Project Unbreakable

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Project Unbreakable

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