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Why History is Not a Good Excuse for a Bad Idea

Adding a law to the state books every so often that puts a new twist on old time religion by Louisiana’s congresspersons is always considered in good form by them, as doing so publicly affirms their loyalty and reverence to the gods in the Bible, and encourages, by the force of law, Louisiana citizens to do the same. Since the early 1980s, one fundamentalist Christian-based law after another has been heaped on the Louisiana statutes, and most of them remain. […]

Onward, To the Past

Last August I received an invitation to attend the inaugural meeting of La Nouvelle Vendée (LNV) , to be held in a low slung metal community building in Arnaudville, a village a few miles north of Lafayette, and on the western reach of the Atchafalaya Swamp. The promoters had gotten my email address from somewhere—probably from my searching for information about “the other” Christian theocratic movement: the Catholic version. So much has been written about the political aspirations of so […]

My Thoughts on Machiavelli

Dr. Martyn Thompson (pictured left with NOSHA member Lucy Wells Tierney, the author) described Machiavelli at NOSHA in May. My take: The end justifies the means; it’s in a cycle. Here are my rough and ignorant notes, only for you few: Machiavelli on the Use and Purpose of Political Violence M (Machiavelli) told his readers he travels a road no one has travelled before me, abandoning commonplace morality for the truth about political reality. What does he mean by […]

Farewell Fellow Traveler

Dean Bedekar joined the NOSHA board of directors and soon took on the position of treasurer. His education and work background were more than adequate for our not-too-complicated financial affairs. His business savvy soon became apparent when he suggested that from time to time we should organize fundraising campaigns to give us the wherewithal to attract well-known speakers, along with buying advertising, which in turn would increase interest in our programs, attract more members, and perpetuate and grow the organization. […]

Paradise Lost

Several months ago I made a resolution to break out of the echo chamber that all of us get into–and some never leave. Just being honest with oneself you have to admit getting into a bubble is a way to learn and appreciate the thoughts and beliefs of those in your tribe—up to a point, at which it then starts repeating itself, offering nothing new. My project is to seek out the literature of public theologians, clergy, and even a […]

On Moving Out and Moving Up

Probably many of us that have been with NOSHA for a while are living the curious wisdom of the unforgettable and more counterintuitive of Shakespeare’s quotations: Parting is such sweet sorrow. William Gautreaux’ friendship with NOSHA began in the mid-2000s, and evolved into a relationship of dedicated participation in all things NOSHA, including writing articles for this blog, volunteering for any project that needed bodies (and minds!), including the planning and organization of social events and banquets, leading the discussion […]

New Book from our NOSHA Friend in Brazil!

Hugo Dart, NOSHA’s longtime friend in Rio de Janeiro, has just published the book Making Connections: A Practical Guide to Online Intercultural Exchanges, based on an ongoing project he coordinates. Here’s a short description: Online collaboration can be a powerful means of encouraging language learners to make connections between their local community and people from other cultural backgrounds. In doing so, learners develop their language skills while exploring different attitudes, values and beliefs. The authors of this book draw on […]

The Unexpected Mexico: The Status of Women

We have a new dispatch from NOSHA friend, Bob Patience, who resides in Mexico. He offers a highlight of what he thinks are important changes to Mexico’s society. A liberal, progressive Mexico may be counterintuitive. Crime and corruption get the headlines and there is homophobia and misogyny in rural areas. However, Mexico is more progressive than I ever realized. I live in a city of 5.4 million people, Guadalajara. It is a prosperous, modern and progressive city with deep […]

Dear Mr. Speaker

…….An open letter to The Speaker of the U. S. House of Representatives Dear Mr. Speaker, Your recent election to Speaker of the House of Representatives can and probably should stir a sense of modest pride and gratitude among our fellow Louisianans, and deserves the sincerest offerings of congratulations. Your hard work and dedication has been well rewarded with this honor. I am sure that you are prepared in every way to take on the challenges this job will present, […]

Pot, Meet Kettle. And Play Nice

The Castine Center is one of the largest indoor event centers in St. Tammany Parish, located a couple of miles east of Mandeville and directly across Hwy 190 from Fontainebleau State Park. During the weekend of September 29-October 1, it will be showcasing the first annual FearFest 2023 New Orleans. This latest version of fear festing includes booths, demonstrations, and other presentations by a host of “paranormal luminaries, cosplay competitions, paranormal investigators, demonologists, automatic writers, authors, […]