July 25th, 2011 → 7:36 am
“Vaulting ambition, which o’erleaps itself.” – Macbeth
I keep reading news reports comparing the Rupert Murdoch phone hacking scandal to a Shakespearean tragedy. Actually, some say it IS like a Shakespearean tragedy because it involves both familial and political interconnections, while others say it is NOT like a Shakespearean tragedy because Murdoch isn’t sympathetic at all, and some even say the scandal is like Shakespeare, Harry Potter, Charles Dickens, and J.R. Tolkien all at once! Phew! I’ve included some of the links so you can decide for yourself.
Filed under: Blog & Stupid/Evil People
July 24th, 2011 → 7:33 am
“Distribution should undo excess, and each man have enough.” – King Lear
I’m not a socialist. For god’s sake, I’m a professor of economics at the University of Missouri, but I am starting to worry about inequality in the U.S. We haven’t had such skewed levels of wealth distribution since the 1920s. And skewed levels of wealth don’t just seem unfair, they are actually harmful by exhibiting downward pressure on consumer demand, which hurts the economy for everyone. Those who are worried about the tax aspects of the current budget negotiations shouldn’t be; redistribution to maintain a basic quality of life for the majority of the population is not just decent, it’s good economics.
Filed under: Blog & Economics/Money
July 23rd, 2011 → 7:08 am
“Why, this is very midsummer madness.” – Twelfth Night
I couldn’t decide this morning whether I wanted to write about the Midwest’s record-breaking heat wave, or the incomprehensible budget talks in Washington. And then, I came across this quote that applied equally well to both! I can’t believe this unyielding 100+ degree heat, and as well, I can’t believe the infantile behavior of our politicians in Washington. Sigh. I pray both trends break soon…
Filed under: Blog & Other & Politics/Politicians
July 22nd, 2011 → 7:38 am
“We’ll live,
And pray, and sing, and tell old tales, and laugh
At gilded butterflies.” – King Lear
I just found out that Transformers movie star Megan Fox has this Shakespeare quote on her right shoulder. Actually, she has “We will all laugh at gilded butterflies” tattoed on her shoulder, which is a bit different, but still. Apparently it is to remind her not to become caught up in the Hollywood scene, not to become a “gilded butterfly,” pretty, but weighed down and unable to fly. Not a bad tattoo!
July 20th, 2011 → 7:23 am
“The true beginning of our end.” – Midsummer Night’s Dream
Borders has announced that it is going out of business and liquidating all its stores. I feel as though this is the beginning of the end of the hard-copy book. I know there are e-books and kindles and nooks and what-not, but I’m a bit old fashioned when it comes to sitting down and reading a fresh novel. I just like having the feel of it in my hands. I know e-books are the wave of the future, and I’m sure I’ll adjust, but I am just a little sad that the traditional hard-copy book seems to be losing its place at the pinnacle of a well-stocked library.
Filed under: Blog & Literature/Theatre/Art
July 18th, 2011 → 8:11 am
“To business that we love we rise betime, And go to’t with delight.” – Antony & Cleopatra
It’s Monday. I’m tired from the weekend. I’d rather turn around and crawl back into bed. If you feel like I do, here’s hoping you at least like your job, so rising on Monday morning and getting to it, if not a “delight,” at least isn’t half bad. 😉
July 17th, 2011 → 7:22 am
“This royal infant (heaven still move about her)
Though in her cradle, yet now promises
Upon this land a thousand blessings,
Which time shall bring to ripeness…” – Henry VIII
Shakespeare wrote this about Elizabeth I, but I hold the same sentiment for my baby, whose first birthday party is today. Happy First Birthday Party Vincent! I hope all the decorations, people, laughter and noise aren’t too much for you. Mummy loves you…
Filed under: Blog & Self/My Life
July 15th, 2011 → 6:43 am
“Now stand you on the top of happy hours.” – Sonnet
My friend from out of town is here, my baby’s first birthday party is this weekend, there are dinners planned and parties to attend. As I’ve been telling my husband, now begins the Weekend of Fun!
Filed under: Blog & Self/My Life
July 14th, 2011 → 6:54 am
“Small cheer and great welcome makes a merry feast.” – Comedy of Errors
An old friend of mine from my Michigan days is flying in today for a visit. Yeah to old friends, great welcomes, and merry feasts all weekend long!!
Filed under: Blog & Self/My Life
July 12th, 2011 → 7:16 am
“Talkers are no good doers.” – Richard III
Last night I watched a great documentary by Al Pacino on playing Shakespeare’s Richard III. It was great fun watching him dissect some of the famous lines and scenes, as well as try to get teenagers in Central Park to go and see a Shakespeare play. I was watching it, thinking, what quote could I use for today’s blog post? And then, lo and behold, this one came up, which also perfectly described the posturing budget talks currently taking place in Washington, D.C. If all the craziness on Capitol Hill is driving you insane, rent Pacino’s movie, it’ll at least take your mind off things for a little while…
Filed under: Blog & Literature/Theatre/Art & Politics/Politicians