Monthly Archives: August 2023

When Bicycling, Marvels Coast By

By Robin Bates | Published: August 10, 2023

Two weeks of cycling in Madison have brought me to this William Stafford poem.

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Florida’s Latest Author Ban: The Bard

By Robin Bates | Published: August 9, 2023

Some Florida schools are now censoring Shakespeare, taking out the racy parts and offering only excerpts.

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The Joys of August Blackberries

By Robin Bates | Published: August 8, 2023

In an essay written 12 years ago, I announce a special event with a backdrop of Mary Oliver’s blackberries.

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Lear, Trump Rage Against Their Enemies

By Robin Bates | Published: August 7, 2023

Lear and Trump are two narcissists who resort to bombastic threats when backed into a corner.

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Is Jack Smith a Javert?

By Robin Bates | Published: August 6, 2023

A Trump co-conspirator is complaining that special counsel Jack Smith is like Javert. I explore the comparison.

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Kiss the Joy as It Flies

By Robin Bates | Published: August 5, 2023

William Blake captures the true spirit of the Transfiguration in “Eternity.”

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Into the Woods with Blake and Sondheim

By Robin Bates | Published: August 3, 2023

Blake and Sondheim both respect children’s need to explore far more than various book banners.

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Smith vs. Trump, Macduff vs. Macbeth

By Robin Bates | Published: August 2, 2023

The Trump indictment brings to mind Macbeth’s rise and fall.

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Rumpelstiltskin, the GOP’s Dark Side

By Robin Bates | Published: August 1, 2023

“Rumpelstiltskin,” cited by a judge turning down a Trump request, is only too applicable, both to Trump and to the GOP.

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