Category Archives: RagBlog

Margaret Randall :
VERSE | Tango

Thumbs dance a graceful tango as right moves left and left right across keys in deliberate journey. I look at the pianist’s feet upon the pedals, automatic underpinning, cellular memory. I observe the energy rising from his center through perpendicular … Continue reading

Posted in RagBlog | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Elaine J. Cohen :
METRO | The new American ‘internment camps’: A bad idea that doesn’t go away

‘Family detention’ is just a euphemism for ‘prisons incarcerating immigrant women and children.’ By Elaine J. Cohen | The Rag Blog | October 7, 2015 AUSTIN — According to my well-worn Webster’s, a euphemism is “the substitution of an agreeable … Continue reading

Posted in Metro, RagBlog | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Alice Embree :
Democracy and the frog in the well

If our democracy makes your eyes glaze over, Chile offers a refresher course on the possibility of change. By Alice Embree | The Rag Blog | October 1, 2015 A frog in the well knows nothing of the great ocean.  … Continue reading

Posted in RagBlog | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Alan Waldman :
TELEVISION | ‘Last Tango in Halifax’ is Brit series about romance between two 70-year-olds

British national treasure Sir Derek Jacobi and veteran actress Anne Reid shine in this wonderfully written six-episode comedy-drama.  By Alan Waldman | The Rag Blog | September 30, 2015 [In his Rag Blog column, Alan Waldman reviews some of his … Continue reading

Posted in RagBlog | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Rag Blog :
METRO EVENT | ‘De Novo’ is gripping, insightful documentary play on immigration

Event: De Novo: A Documentary Play on Immigration What: Theatrical performance and discussion Date: Friday, October 16, 2015 Time: 7:00 p.m. Where: Utopia Theatre in the School of Social Work, University of Texas at Austin Address: 1925 San Jacinto, Austin … Continue reading

Posted in Metro, RagBlog | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Elaine J. Cohen :
METRO | Vital statistics: Documentation and dignity

It is hard to conceive of dignity if one is stateless or forced to live in poverty, at the edges of abundance. By Elaine J. Cohen | The Rag Blog | September 24, 2015 A few weeks ago The Rag … Continue reading

Posted in Metro, RagBlog | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Ken Wachsberger :
Joe Grant: Happy birthday and goodbye, friend

Joe Grant, the publisher of ‘Prisoners Digest International,’ was one of the unsung legends of the underground press. By Ken Wachsberger | The Rag Blog | September 23, 2015 It’s always jarring to receive Facebook birthday reminders for friends who … Continue reading

Posted in RagBlog | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Kate Braun :
The Fall Equinox celebrates the bounty of Mother Earth

This is a season to focus on balance, harmony, and prosperity in all the areas of life. By Kate Braun | The Rag Blog | September 21, 2015 “…teach the world to sing in perfect harmony…” Wednesday, September 23, 2015, … Continue reading

Posted in RagBlog | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Hugh Grady and Thorne Dreyer :
METRO | Remembering David MacBryde, philosopher, activist, and friend

A sweet man of peace, The Rag Blog’s David MacBryde passed away in Berlin, Wednesday, September 9. AUSTIN — I lost a dear friend last Wednesday and The Rag Blog lost its “man in Berlin.” David MacBryde, a warm and … Continue reading

Posted in Metro, RagBlog | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Michael Simmons :
Steve Earle: ‘Mississippi, It’s Time!’

With this song, son-of-the-South Earle aims to help convince the Magnolia State to eradicate the Confederate symbol from its flag. By Michael Simmons | The Rag Blog | September 16, 2015 “It’s largely about empathy,” says Steve Earle of his … Continue reading

Posted in RagBlog | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Johnny Hazard :
Mexico’s missing students: Report debunks
official account

The report documents local, state, and federal participation in the many hours of violence against the students. By Johnny Hazard | The Rag Blog | September 14, 2015 MEXICO CITY — The long-awaited report of the Grupo Interdisciplinario de Estudios … Continue reading

Posted in RagBlog | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Roger Baker :
METRO | Risky business in Central Texas: The toll road bond gamble

Wall Street won’t insure the new CTRMA toll road debt at an affordable cost because of its high risk. By Roger Baker | The Rag Blog | September 14, 2015 AUSTIN — The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, or CTRMA, … Continue reading

Posted in Metro, RagBlog | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment