Afgan attacks
Yesterday, Taliban elements attacked Ghazni. Several defenders were killed and others captured. In a separate incident in Pul-e-Alam, 30 people were killed by explosions. What makes these attacks ominous is that they occurred on the…
Year: 2021
Grumpy review: Perdido Street Station
I'll cut to the chase: Perdido Street Station by China Mieville is one of the worst books I've ever actually finished. Perdido Street Station is a fantasy novel that also straddles the sci-fi and steampunk…
Afghanistan forever and ever
I was too optimistic when I recently applauded President Biden's Afghanistan withdrawal announcement. I failed to mention that President Trump had scheduled the withdrawal from Afganistan for May. Biden actually is delaying the final withdrawal…
Sable brushes
Sable brushes are the best. There's no debate about this. Sure, there are some use cases where the benefits of sable are irrelevant. The fine control provided by sables is lost on large-format oil paintings,…
Is the US backing down in Ukraine?
As a sign of escalating tensions, US President Biden announced sanctions against Russia and expelled several Russian diplomats today. Both sides are talking tough and hurling threats at each other. Putin, of course, promises retaliation.…
Dark clouds gather in Ukraine
Since I wrote about my fears of a US-encouraged war between Russia and Ukraine, the news has gotten darker, Russia sent troops to the Russian-Ukraine border. Many are now echoing my warning about war. Both…
Come Spring
The backyard trees are in bloom. Soon, their bones will be hidden beneath their green plumage. Although it can still snow in NE Ohio in early April, this photo from my kitchen against the background…
Almost ready
I put the final toned ground on the linen-cotton blend canvas that I recently wrote about. The canvas is dry, indeed, it was dry the same day I applied the ground, but it still needs…