dual personalities

Recently, I’ve spent a lot of time searching the internet for cool animated maps in order to teach students how to read such things critically. In the process I came across some wonderful sites that I didn’t use but enjoyed exploring. This one maps winds, currents, and waves around the globe. If you click on the word ‘earth’ in the lower left, you can change the settings. If you’re in the mood to watch animals frolic, check out this Bear Cam; it’s great, and if you get tired of watching bears, you can switch to all sorts of different animals. If you are feeling brave, look at all flights, a site that tracks all the planes currently in the air. But be careful — the internet is a black hole that will suck you in. Before you know it, more of your precious time will be gone.

I’ve also been re-reading Alan Furst’s Kingdom of Shadows, an atmospheric tale set in 1938 Paris. Our hero, forty-four year old Hungarian aristocrat Nicholas Morath, starts running covert missions for his uncle who is a diplomat in the Hungarian embassy. Nerve-wracking adventures ensue. But this is no 007; the body count is low and there are no fistfights. Rather, there is suave and mysterious Morath, a veteran of WWI who is “doomed to live with a certain heaviness of soul, not despair, but the weight of pushing back against it.” I’m beginning to feel a little bit like that myself. Anyway, the book is full of nightclubs, trains and interesting characters that make the reader feel somehow present. Although the author has obviously done his homework, there is one glaring omission: the soccer World Cup that took place in Paris in 1938!

Even worse, Hungary lost to Italy in the final. Quelle missed opportunity! I guess Mr. Furst isn’t a soccer fan.

Thanksgiving is upon us! Son #1 is coming home for a few days so the old people will not be alone (which we truly appreciate!), but we have decided to forego the turkey and trimmings and go for feasty bits and pie. Then we’ll probably make stew on Black Friday and start putting up Christmas decorations over the weekend. Despite the state of the world, there is much to be grateful for this year: wonderful children who love their parents and each other (ditto for other relatives); good health; small joys like a hot meal, a warm bed, and good coffee; a walk in the great outdoors; good books, good music and old movies; a crackling fire, and elastic waists!

Have a blessed Thanksgiving!