Missive #783 Published 31 Aug 2026
This is the second book in a trilogy with an author that is a cultural critic, historian and professor of English and American Studies. So, what you get is an academic's book written in the academic style with a profusion of quotes making it a long read. I read the last one in the series when I get around to it since the first two have been interesting although not easy reads.
Missive #782 Published 30 Aug 2026
Continuing The Anti-Federalist Papers
Federal Farmer XIV
by Federal Farmer
Missive #781 Published 28 Aug 2026
154. Nasruddin Needs New Shoes
Nasruddin wasn’t a wealthy man. His clothes were threadbare, and his shoes were even worse, much to Nasruddin’s shame. He wanted to buy new shoes, but he couldn’t even afford to pay the shoemaker to repair his old shoes.
A friend sought to console him. “Don’t worry, Nasruddin,” he said. “Your shoes may be shabby now, but God has promised that anyone suffering from need and want in this world will be rewarded in Paradise.”
“I was thinking about that,” replied Nasruddin, “and I realized there must be a lot of angels who are working as shoemakers there in Paradise.”
Missive #780 Published 25 Aug 2026
The big news is that we did NOT get any rain yesterday and my walking routes were mostly dry this morning. I went to the Adobe Bakery and Café yesterday morning and then stopped in Reserve to pick up some groceries at Jake's. Even more important was a package at the post office that had coffee and chicory in it. This is a new to me coffee roaster that also provides roasted ground chicory.
Missive #779 Published 24 Aug 2026
Despite the book’s immensity, Mumford’s discussion of actual cities is restricted to a rather narrow range. He concentrates on the ancient (mostly Mediterranean) world and then on Europe. He mentions that “I have confined myself as far as possible to cities and regions I am acquainted with at first hand, and to data in which I have long been immersed.” This is his preferred method, which obviously has its pluses and minuses; it does diminish the most obvious drawback of an enormous survey work by a single author, namely the attempt to cover subjects of which one’s knowledge is hazy or speculative in the interests of completeness. It’s somewhat surprising, though, that this lifelong New Yorker says relatively little about New York, or about American cities generally.
Missive #778 Published 23 Aug 2026
Continuing The Federalist Papers
Federalist No. 80
The Powers of the Judiciary
Author: Alexander Hamilton
To the People of the State of New York:
Missive #777 Published 21 Aug 2026
153. Nasruddin’s Hurried Prayers
Nasruddin was in a hurry when he went into the mosque to say his prayers.
When the imam saw how quickly Nasruddin was praying, he hit Nasruddin on the head. “Say your prayers again!” he commanded. “And show some respect this time.”
Nasruddin said his prayers again, more slowly.
“That was better!” said the imam. “I’m sure God was more pleased with your prayers the second time than the first time.”
“I’m not so sure,” said Nasruddin. “The first time I said my prayers in obedience to God, but the second time I said my prayers in obedience to you.”
Missive #776 Published 17 Aug 2026
Master Hugh won the Black Prince's favour when he helped to ease the Prince's illness.
Now, in the autumn of 1372, the prince is suffering a relapse and sends to Bampton for Master Hugh to attend him. While at dinner in Kennington Palace, Sir Giles, the knight who escorted Hugh to London, is stricken and dies. Poison!
Despite caring little for Sir Giles, Master Hugh must once again place himself in jeopardy and seek to uncover the perpetrator of the crime...
Missive #775 Published 16 Aug 2026
Continuing The Anti-Federalist Papers
Federal Farmer XIII
by Federal Farmer
Missive #774 Published 14 Aug 2026
152. Nasruddin and the Ship’s Passengers
Nasruddin was working on a ship, but he still made sure to say his daily prayers. The passengers all laughed at him, though, and they did not say their prayers.
Then, a sudden storm blew up and the ship was in danger of sinking. All the passengers began to pray loudly to God.
“O God,” each passenger shouted, “you are great and merciful! Spare us! Please! I’ll be a good Muslim! I’ll dedicate my life to your service!”
After a while, Nasruddin shouted, “I see land ahead. We’re saved!” And then he added, “You can stop your pretended devotions now.”