Way Back in 84'

This past Friday a group of us found Theater Royal tickets to a local youth theater production of Orwell's 1984. To my surprise, however, I wasn't aware of the shows' status as a youth theater production until about a third of the way through. I began wondering where the adults had gone. I then expressed my concern to Ryan whereupon I was told that, indeed, I would not be seeing any adults the entire evening.

The production was quite enjoyable, nonetheless. I found myself engaging quite well with the cast. Their adaptation ended up following the book quite well as I left the theater feeling satisfied with what had transpired.

Then, Saturday morning, the entire group arose early and hopped on a chartered bus to perhaps the most glorious portion of English countryside I've yet experienced. Our destination was Fountains Abbey, Britain's largest monastic ruin, which was founded in 1132 by 13 Benedictine monks seeking, what they called, "a simpler life." The countryside and compound (in pristine condition thanks to the National Trust) was positively enchanting. Amidst the flocks of sheep (yes, real flocks!) and green rolling hills, lurk gorgeous Medieval ruins that hearken back to an entirely different era. Our tour guide, a History professor here at the University, led us around the now defunct abbey with rather confident determination. I'm glad a "professional" was with us. It helps when proficient people guide such outings as the day feels more productive as a result.

On another note, if anyone is interested, I am providing a link to a lecture Judith Jarvis Thomson gave at U.C. Berkeley on "Normativity." I watched it last night and concluded that it's a bit of a snoozer; but like I said, if you feel remotely interested, check it out. More importantly, the lecture addresses some pertinent issues in the Meta-Ethical field that Thomson articulates cogently.

Be well.

JS