Last week I read a relatively new version of Homer's Ulysses and the Cyclops in a book of stories about giants. I love the image of Ulysses and his men escaping the blinded Cyclops cave by holding onto the bellies of his sheep and riding out. I remembered that we had a copy of the Odyssey recently translated by Fagels. So to further my understanding of the story I read Chapter 9 out loud to Jim. It was fantastic to hear the vigorous poetry with its vivid descriptions of the island, the cave, the boastful Ulysses and vicious Cyclops dining on the soldiers. Telling the story brings the story to life.
Samantha Smith - remember her - the young girl who wrote to the Russian Premier in the 1980s and asked why they wanted war not peace? Alan has a wonderful blogpost today that tells her story. Don't miss it.
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