I may never see the Vatican or Troy
but only let me sit in a car somewhere
I recognize home by the hand
of the one I love in mine--

just once--O universe-- one more time.

(Fanny Howe)

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Since the storm, we walk city streets in black wool like a funeral procession or communist Europe. Baudelaire on this phenomenon: 'The dress-coat and the frock-coat not only posses their political beauty, which is an expression of universal equality, but also their poetic beauty- which is an expression of the public soul-- an immense cortège of ( Read more... )

Nothing is more satisfying than taking a nap for no reason, especially if its snowing outside and especially if its your first week back at school after two blissful weeks out west. I woke to Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelujah' and took a short run, dusk in Toronto and the streets electric. When I was home again, I tore lettuce into pieces, chopped ( Read more... )

I write tonight from Ireland where the countryside sprawls out across the horizon and I realize how long its been since I've seen anything substantially green. Cork is a quaint little southern city where a river tumbles through two lovely streets lined with tiny shops. Everything here is simple and wonderful, as Europe always is, and I have also ( Read more... )

And then, Mona called me from Algeria and for a moment we were together again in Switzerland drinking tea on the terrace in the sun. It gives me hope that I will heal and get well.

She is going to Gaza on Christmas, because there is a war going on, because it is home.

Dear Santa,

For Christmas this year I'd like one of these:


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'There is an amazing shyness in much of the anti-globalization movement, particularly in North America, about using the term capitalism. Perhaps fearing they will be seen as crazy radicals, or identified in with the legacy of authoritarian Communist Party regimes, many global justice advocates finger ideological beliefs such as 'neo-liberalism' or ( Read more... )

Two out of ten professors on the list of 'Canada's Nuttiest Professors' were from my department. More than anything, this signifies the ruthless and relentless trashing of left intellectuals ( Read more... )

Last night was so brilliant, hadn't been out in awhile, great friends, dark beer, blew off steam. Went to the Socialist Register launch panel, got to see my profs Greg Albo and Leo Panitch speak then had a drink with them. Stood outside in the freezing night, fire escape, Maita smoking cloves and J.D. gazing through foggy window. Came home ( Read more... )