John - the idea of borders and boundaries is one that has been a topic of conversation in our home frequently over the years. It is fascinating to me the depth of the topic ranging from international borders (national security issues) to states borders to the borders of my yard to personal boundaries both physical and psychological. Cormac McCarthy's Border Trilogy is on my list to read soon as much of his works focuses on the Texas/Mexico border region but also about the borders between individuals. Whether they be geographical or psychological, boundaries are normally established for protection but they can also cause great harm.
Yes, we should be launching next week. We will be using it to highlight departmental events and to showcase some faculty and grad student writing. And hopefully to do some recruiting...
Borders are so complex. Many thoughts go through my mind - too much turmoil in the world over borders. But I'm reassured by your lovely doggie pics and your typewriters. The oddness of it all is quite comforting.
I have little idea what I'm asking here in terms of work for you so feel free to disregard. But any possibility of a YouTube Music version of the Rotation . . . ?
John - the idea of borders and boundaries is one that has been a topic of conversation in our home frequently over the years. It is fascinating to me the depth of the topic ranging from international borders (national security issues) to states borders to the borders of my yard to personal boundaries both physical and psychological. Cormac McCarthy's Border Trilogy is on my list to read soon as much of his works focuses on the Texas/Mexico border region but also about the borders between individuals. Whether they be geographical or psychological, boundaries are normally established for protection but they can also cause great harm.
Yes, McCarthy shows us borders at their most stark. I’m reminded of Robert Frost: “Something there is that doesn’t love a wall.”
The Border Trilogy is superb in every way. I have it in my All Time Top Ten collection of reading.
Thank you for a great post. Happy to join you at Personal Canon Formation!
Very happy to have you here, Victoria!
An apt reflection on the border, a concept dear to my own investigations. Always a pleasure to read your roundup of ideas and recommendations, John.
PS I’ve just noticed your forthcoming departmental Stack. Fantastic. You’ve also given me an idea!
Yes, we should be launching next week. We will be using it to highlight departmental events and to showcase some faculty and grad student writing. And hopefully to do some recruiting...
Totally random question: Do you actually have your own fancy typewriter? I need to write a piece on my typewriters. Not on my typewriter, though.
Yes, I do. You can see it at the bottom of this post: https://open.substack.com/pub/johnhalbrooks/p/once-again-why-personal-canon-formation?r=kyg3a&utm_medium=ios&utm_campaign=post
Looking forward to your typewriter piece, Zina.
Borders are so complex. Many thoughts go through my mind - too much turmoil in the world over borders. But I'm reassured by your lovely doggie pics and your typewriters. The oddness of it all is quite comforting.
We must take our comforts where we can get them. I’m glad to provide one or two when I can.
Susan Bordo is great!
I have little idea what I'm asking here in terms of work for you so feel free to disregard. But any possibility of a YouTube Music version of the Rotation . . . ?
Hmm... let me look into it. I’m not averse to it, but I just haven’t tried it before. Will get back to you.
I’m agape at the smooth shimmy from mearcstapa to BordoLines. That was positively jazzy!
Ha! I promise, there’s nothing up my sleeve.
Thank you for sharing the playlist to Spotify!
You’re welcome! I hope you enjoy it.