Quotes
“We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be.” ― Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
"We must mend what has been torn apart, make justice imaginable again in a world so obviously unjust, give happiness a meaning once more.” - Albert Camus
"What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us." - Helen Keller
"Give every day of your life the chance to become the most beautiful day of your life." - Mark Twain
Music
Link to Winter 2026 Music Page
Seven tunes take you through the season from the Winter Solstice to St. Patrick's Day. YouTube videos from Quantum Harmonies, Leslie Odom Jr, Band-Aid, The Tenors, Pete Seeger, Sweet Emma and Her Preservation Hall Band, and The Irish Rovers.
If you have time to watch only one of these videos, check out Leslie Odom Jr and the PS 22 Chorus's rendition of "The First Noel."
Posts and Links
New Posts
Keeping the Republic - From attacking First Amendment Rights to rigging elections, an out-of-control president has put the nation on notice that Democracy as we have known it may become a thing of the past.
The Music of Arvo Pärt - the minimalist composer is among the most widely performed living composers of this century
Wonders of the Oceans - Creatures - Covering 70% of the Earth's surface, oceans are home to more life than anywhere else. A look at a few of the fascinating creatures that dwell there - the living fossils and alien intelligences.
From the Archives
Winter - Winter has many faces. Artists, composers, and writers through the ages have explored it and celebrated it. Here are a few of their works and thoughts. (2020)
The Season of Hope (2023)
Hygge - the perfect philosophy for winter (2019)
It's 2020. Where are all the self-driving cars? (2020)
The Voyage of the HMS Beagle: homeward bound via the Pacific and Indian Oceans (2024)
From the Web
The Medical Case for Self-Driving Cars - The New York Times
After 50 million miles, Waymos crash a lot less than human drivers - Ars Technica
An Introduction to Louise Penny's Inspector Gamache Novels - an excellent intro to Penny's marvelous Three Pines novels.
Here’s how to learn absolutely anything, according to a world expert - Quartz
Readings (Last updated Dec 16, 2025)