What I Learnt from the Arlo Guthrie Concert

At the recent Arlo Guthrie concert I had an ahha! moment.  In 2015 it will be 50 years since his iconic anti-war song, 'Alice's Restaurant' as written. It became a hit some 3-4 years later. By deduction that means I was about 12-13 when I first heard it, was introduced to Woody Guthrie, the legendary American songwriter and singer, Arlo's Dad, and started to read John Steinbeck. On stage at the concert were 2 generations of the Guthrie clan and one of the Steinbeck family, representatives of a dynasty which has played a significant role in my growing up.

For more on this go to http://bit.ly/15vOwGg

Rhinoceritis - Thomas Merton on Being Human

It seems a little ironic that I will be presenting my paper on "Rhinoceritis - Thomas Merton on Being Human" at the Newcastle University tomorrow and it hasn't stopped raining since I arrived!

In Merton' article, "Rain and the Rhinoceros", he is suggesting we are unable to control or own the rain. After 6+weeks of rain at home, I get it!  The rain is, simply rain. As rain, it is the subject of it's own existence and can not be objectified and owned by another.  He compares that to people who, if seen as objects, can and are owned, controlled and consumed by others. You and I are objects to those who benefit from our consumer society, for example. And more.

For more on Merton's thought and my paper insert this link in your browser http://bit.ly/VWBgYp