What am I Doing Here? (More and Less Rhetorical Than it Seems)

Sometimes I feel very much a part of the times - outraged by political indecency, charmed by quirkiness and random kindness, seduced by wit and irony, dazzled by culture.

Other times, I feel disconnected, discomfited and in an overall state of disarray. If it weren't for the fact that I'm rather attached to modern conveniences (and am pretty sure I'd be a servant or a peasant rather than an elegant aristocrat) I'd say I belonged in an earlier time. I certainly spend a lot of time reading, writing and lecturing about the past.

Yet at the same time, I try to give my students - and anyone else who will listen! - a real sense of how the past not only influences the present, but causes it. Ideally, we're all caught between yesterday and today, but if we do it right, it will lead to a better tomorrow.

Anyway, that's what I'll be doing here. Random thoughts about both past and present, with linkage where possible. Rants, romantic riffs... hope someone comes along for the ride...