Four weeks into the new academic year, and we’re already in a groove despite a plethora of special schedules for events and masses. I’ve gotten into a nice rhythm with the freshmen, who are proving to be a delight, each in their own energetic ways.
The sophomores continue to vex me with their casual attitude towards their learning and their work. When we were discussing current events, most had a headline-only understanding of the facts. So, when all three classes brought up Charlie Kirk, I decided to delve a little deeper. I provided them with two columns on the topic drawn from Heather Cox Richardson’s excellent Substack. I devised a three-step analysis that was to result in a one-page reflection. There was a lot of scrolling without reading and a lot of complaints at the 18-page length without focusing on the content. They had the previous night to read and one class period to write, although I had to extend the deadline by a day to ensure I received something to read.
MICA’s students are a loud bunch. When they peer review, it gets noisy with a lot of commentary and ideas going back and forth, something I am unaccustomed to. It’s a great bunch of students with some wonderfully creative and diverse content, which is fun to see come to life.
Beyond that, the only other thing of note has been our whirlwind trip to Chicago for my niece’s wedding. It allowed us to take in the Cubs-Rays game on Friday before the distractions, allowing Deb, Kate, and Mike their first Wrigley Field experience. There was an excellent, festive feel before we entered the friendly confines. It was a well-played game that resulted in a win, giving us a chance to witness their upbeat customs.
The wedding itself was a terrific experience with a fun ceremony and a joyous gathering of my niece’s friends and many of their parents, who have also become close friends with my sister. Corinne and Chuck are incredibly well-matched, and I look forward to seeing the life they make together. It was also a rare opportunity for my mother to have all three children in one place.
While I didn’t get much written in the summer, I did have many other works finally see print, which warmed my heart. On my desk are notes for an essay that needs to be written, followed by the Thrilling Adventure Yarns 2026 campaign, which should be launching by November 1. I also have to do my panel prep for the upcoming Baltimore Comic-Con.
What We’re Watching
We have completed season two of the gripping Lioness, which was a strong story on multiple levels, and didn’t go where I expected. We also finished season one of Never Have I Ever, which remains funny and warm. We tried The Hunting Wives, but it might be too broad for us and began the first season of Bosch: Legacy. On my own, I finished the wildly uneven and far from satisfying third season of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.
What I’m Reading
On the flights, I began The Accidental Empress, the novel that was adapted into one of the two contemporary TV series about Sisi of Austria. It’s breezily written and I wish it brought the country a bit more to life, but my oh my, how rigid their court customs were. I also deviated from books to return to the excellent Empire podcast to hear some more on the Ottoman Empire and the first eight parts of their coverage of the American Revolution, which helped me freshen my comments on the Declaration of Independence, which the sophomores were analyzing last week.
On my night table is a fun book about life lessons that can be drawn from the life of Edgar Allan Poe.
#Tags: Bosch: Legacy, Charlie Kirk, Chicago Cubs, Heather Cox Richardson, Lionesss, MICA, Never Have I Ever, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, The Accidental Empress, The Hunting Wives, Wrigley Field