Marguerite Duras published her autobiographical novel The Lover in 1984. Though she was already an accomplished novelist and filmmaker, it is that book in which she spoke of her childhood in Vietnam that made her a global figure. Having grown up in Vietnam, Duras spoke Vietnamese. She left Vietnam in 1932 and never returned. In France she obtained a law degree. She was active in the Resistance during the German occupation.
The US hasn’t invaded Venezuela but crowed about destroying a fast boat that may or may not have been carrying drugs, that may or may not have been affiliated with Tren de Aragua and now we’ll never know. We do know that there were eleven people on board. The federal courts teach us that “a prudent drug smuggler does not tolerate the presence of innocent bystanders.” Which means they were all in on it, but wait: you only need one or two to drive the boat, why carry an additional nine people and so greatly reduce your product-carrying capacity?
The idea of full-time adult education caught my attention some time ago. Inexpensive student housing, world-class athletic facilities, no lines at Student Health, lectures on almost every conceivable subject and wine and cheese parties: what’s not to like? I did my research and was drawn to the idea of becoming a non-degree seeking “returning scholar” for $70 per semester at Southern Illinois University based on my onetime connection to the State and an accent that marks me distintively as a native.
The UFO community is excited by reports of several anomalies attendant to what is probably an eccentric comet but which might be technological. The absence of iron in the chemical make up of its tail, its almost planned trajectory through our solar system and other un-comet-like behavior. Trump hasn’t been seen for several days, helicopter Marine 1 flew from the White House to Walter Reed hospital, the National Guard is in the streets, vice-president JD.
James Brooks James Brooks was a carnie, a worker at a traveling carnival that moved from one Southern State to another. Carnivals often winter in Florida, which was fine with Brooks, who was on the run from some unpleasantness in New Jersey. Brooks had a fake driver’s license, a steady job and a part-time hustle for the Drug Enforcement Administration. He was far from a top producer for the DEA, but regularly reported to his DEA special agent handler who was able to turn Brooks’ leads into arrests.
I have been thinking a lot about “what if”’ scenarios. I also have been thinking about how precarious things are at the moment. The last time I felt this way was August, 2001. I had just started a new job in Riyadh. All my financial problems were over. I knew something was going to happen. I didn’t know what. I thought that maybe Saudi Arabia might reset or even break off diplomatic relations.
I have been thinking a lot about “what if”’ scenarios. I also have been thinking about how precarious things are at the moment. The last time I felt this way was August, 2001. I had just started a new job in Riyadh. All my financial problems were over. I knew something was going to happen. I didn’t know what. I thought that maybe Saudi Arabia might reset or even break off diplomatic relations.
Law school will not teach you how to survive an assassination attempt. That is a skill you will have to learn on your own.
In travel news, Trump wants to send Abrego Garcia to Uganda and federal troops to Chicago. Anna Delvey (Inventing Anna) remains in the US because the Nine Sages of the Supreme Court haven’t dealt with the appeal of her criminal case. With so much Trump-related litigation taking up the court’s attention on both its regular and “shadow” dockets, perhaps there is little time to devote to Anna’s case. It shouldn’t take long for the Nine Sages to issue their “cert.
I spent the better part of the day trying to get access to a Windows 11 laptop. I hadn’t used the laptop for two months. There is a Windows setting that forces you to change your password periodically. I don’t know where this setting is found. I don’t even want a password; it’s an unnecessary inconvenience. If Iranian Intelligence steals the laptop, I have no doubt they will know how to get in, password or not.