Seán Nestor
@seannestor.bsky.social
Writer and occasional activist in Toledo, Ohio, USA
Creator of This Week in Toledo (https://toledo.substack.com/)
Father to a beautiful Russian Blue named Ophelia
Support the Toledo Free Press! (https://www.patreon.com/ToledoFreePress)
Creator of This Week in Toledo (https://toledo.substack.com/)
Father to a beautiful Russian Blue named Ophelia
Support the Toledo Free Press! (https://www.patreon.com/ToledoFreePress)
Finished reading: A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin
I've been wanting to explore Le Guin more and found this handy collection. The first book, A Wizard of Earthsea, did not disappoint, as I found myself immersed in the universe and drawn to the characters. Looking forward to the rest!
I've been wanting to explore Le Guin more and found this handy collection. The first book, A Wizard of Earthsea, did not disappoint, as I found myself immersed in the universe and drawn to the characters. Looking forward to the rest!
May 12, 2025 at 1:38 PM
Finished reading: A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin
I've been wanting to explore Le Guin more and found this handy collection. The first book, A Wizard of Earthsea, did not disappoint, as I found myself immersed in the universe and drawn to the characters. Looking forward to the rest!
I've been wanting to explore Le Guin more and found this handy collection. The first book, A Wizard of Earthsea, did not disappoint, as I found myself immersed in the universe and drawn to the characters. Looking forward to the rest!
Finished reading: A Very Short History of the Israel-Palestine Conflict by Ilan Pappe
An excellent high-level overview in accessible language, I highly recommend this for people who want to understand the conflict but aren't sure where to start. A new release, this book also covers recent events.
An excellent high-level overview in accessible language, I highly recommend this for people who want to understand the conflict but aren't sure where to start. A new release, this book also covers recent events.
May 9, 2025 at 4:03 AM
Finished reading: A Very Short History of the Israel-Palestine Conflict by Ilan Pappe
An excellent high-level overview in accessible language, I highly recommend this for people who want to understand the conflict but aren't sure where to start. A new release, this book also covers recent events.
An excellent high-level overview in accessible language, I highly recommend this for people who want to understand the conflict but aren't sure where to start. A new release, this book also covers recent events.
Finished reading: Civic Self-Respect by Ralph Nader
Nader's new book sadly lacks the wisdom exhibited in his recent Internet essays. I learned about some interesting efforts, but also read some out-of-touch suggestions. I also noticed some typos and repetitive anecdotes.
Nader's new book sadly lacks the wisdom exhibited in his recent Internet essays. I learned about some interesting efforts, but also read some out-of-touch suggestions. I also noticed some typos and repetitive anecdotes.
May 9, 2025 at 3:51 AM
Finished reading: Civic Self-Respect by Ralph Nader
Nader's new book sadly lacks the wisdom exhibited in his recent Internet essays. I learned about some interesting efforts, but also read some out-of-touch suggestions. I also noticed some typos and repetitive anecdotes.
Nader's new book sadly lacks the wisdom exhibited in his recent Internet essays. I learned about some interesting efforts, but also read some out-of-touch suggestions. I also noticed some typos and repetitive anecdotes.
Finished reading: The Double by Fyodor Dostoevsky, translated by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky
Continuing my exploration of Russian literature with another short novel by Dostoevsky, I'm noting that as in Notes From Underground, the protagonist is a painfully insecure social outcast.
Continuing my exploration of Russian literature with another short novel by Dostoevsky, I'm noting that as in Notes From Underground, the protagonist is a painfully insecure social outcast.
May 9, 2025 at 3:32 AM
Finished reading: The Double by Fyodor Dostoevsky, translated by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky
Continuing my exploration of Russian literature with another short novel by Dostoevsky, I'm noting that as in Notes From Underground, the protagonist is a painfully insecure social outcast.
Continuing my exploration of Russian literature with another short novel by Dostoevsky, I'm noting that as in Notes From Underground, the protagonist is a painfully insecure social outcast.
Finished reading: The Flowers of Buffoonery by Osamu Dazai
Another compelling Dazai read filled with many of his hallmarks - blurring of fiction and biography, insecure musings about his talent as a writer and worth as a person, and characters enduring shameful situations with little or no grace.
Another compelling Dazai read filled with many of his hallmarks - blurring of fiction and biography, insecure musings about his talent as a writer and worth as a person, and characters enduring shameful situations with little or no grace.
April 21, 2025 at 11:23 AM
Finished reading: The Flowers of Buffoonery by Osamu Dazai
Another compelling Dazai read filled with many of his hallmarks - blurring of fiction and biography, insecure musings about his talent as a writer and worth as a person, and characters enduring shameful situations with little or no grace.
Another compelling Dazai read filled with many of his hallmarks - blurring of fiction and biography, insecure musings about his talent as a writer and worth as a person, and characters enduring shameful situations with little or no grace.
Finished reading: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and Other Stories by Robert Louis Stevenson
I've always known the Jekyll and Hyde story, but never actually read it until now. Beautiful writing full of atmosphere and moral conflict, as are the other two great stories, The Body Snatcher and The Bottle Imp.
I've always known the Jekyll and Hyde story, but never actually read it until now. Beautiful writing full of atmosphere and moral conflict, as are the other two great stories, The Body Snatcher and The Bottle Imp.
April 20, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Finished reading: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and Other Stories by Robert Louis Stevenson
I've always known the Jekyll and Hyde story, but never actually read it until now. Beautiful writing full of atmosphere and moral conflict, as are the other two great stories, The Body Snatcher and The Bottle Imp.
I've always known the Jekyll and Hyde story, but never actually read it until now. Beautiful writing full of atmosphere and moral conflict, as are the other two great stories, The Body Snatcher and The Bottle Imp.
Finished reading: The Man Who Was Thursday by G. K. Chesterton
I've enjoyed many Chesterton quotes over the years and finally found a novel of his to try. While not as compelling as I hoped, I still found it a good read with some clever (and odd) quotes and colorful descriptions.
I've enjoyed many Chesterton quotes over the years and finally found a novel of his to try. While not as compelling as I hoped, I still found it a good read with some clever (and odd) quotes and colorful descriptions.
April 18, 2025 at 3:38 AM
Finished reading: The Man Who Was Thursday by G. K. Chesterton
I've enjoyed many Chesterton quotes over the years and finally found a novel of his to try. While not as compelling as I hoped, I still found it a good read with some clever (and odd) quotes and colorful descriptions.
I've enjoyed many Chesterton quotes over the years and finally found a novel of his to try. While not as compelling as I hoped, I still found it a good read with some clever (and odd) quotes and colorful descriptions.
Finished reading: Trouble Is My Business, by Raymond Chandler
I've wanted to check out Chandler since hearing that the Coen Brothers used his style to shape The Big Lebowski. My first venture into hardboiled detective novels, I found these four short stories enjoyable and plan to read more.
I've wanted to check out Chandler since hearing that the Coen Brothers used his style to shape The Big Lebowski. My first venture into hardboiled detective novels, I found these four short stories enjoyable and plan to read more.
April 17, 2025 at 12:01 PM
Finished reading: Trouble Is My Business, by Raymond Chandler
I've wanted to check out Chandler since hearing that the Coen Brothers used his style to shape The Big Lebowski. My first venture into hardboiled detective novels, I found these four short stories enjoyable and plan to read more.
I've wanted to check out Chandler since hearing that the Coen Brothers used his style to shape The Big Lebowski. My first venture into hardboiled detective novels, I found these four short stories enjoyable and plan to read more.
Finished reading: The Sword of the Dawn, by Michael Moorcock
I read the first two books in this series last year and found them immediately captivating, even as someone who doesn't normally read fantasy novels. Looking forward to reading the rest of the Dorian Hawkmoon novels by Moorcock.
I read the first two books in this series last year and found them immediately captivating, even as someone who doesn't normally read fantasy novels. Looking forward to reading the rest of the Dorian Hawkmoon novels by Moorcock.
April 2, 2025 at 12:52 AM
Finished reading: The Sword of the Dawn, by Michael Moorcock
I read the first two books in this series last year and found them immediately captivating, even as someone who doesn't normally read fantasy novels. Looking forward to reading the rest of the Dorian Hawkmoon novels by Moorcock.
I read the first two books in this series last year and found them immediately captivating, even as someone who doesn't normally read fantasy novels. Looking forward to reading the rest of the Dorian Hawkmoon novels by Moorcock.
Finished reading: "They Take Our Jobs!" and 20 Other Myths About Immigration (Expanded Edition) by Aviva Chomsky
Excellent, well-researched leftist responses to common talking points against immigrants which explains the history of racism underlying our current immigration policies.
Excellent, well-researched leftist responses to common talking points against immigrants which explains the history of racism underlying our current immigration policies.
March 30, 2025 at 7:36 PM
Finished reading: "They Take Our Jobs!" and 20 Other Myths About Immigration (Expanded Edition) by Aviva Chomsky
Excellent, well-researched leftist responses to common talking points against immigrants which explains the history of racism underlying our current immigration policies.
Excellent, well-researched leftist responses to common talking points against immigrants which explains the history of racism underlying our current immigration policies.
“When we talk about democracy, we have to remember that the presence of elections is not enough to say, ‘We have democracy,’” Mr. Nestor said. “Democracy has always been about the quality of your politics and the ability for those who are elected to represent, to actually represent, people.”
Toledo City Council celebrates annual Democracy Day
About 50 people filed into Toledo City Council chambers in One Government Center to voice concerns about the current political climate, ask questions about ...
www.toledoblade.com
March 27, 2025 at 1:58 PM
“When we talk about democracy, we have to remember that the presence of elections is not enough to say, ‘We have democracy,’” Mr. Nestor said. “Democracy has always been about the quality of your politics and the ability for those who are elected to represent, to actually represent, people.”
Finished reading: The Secret Diary of Laura Palmer, by Jennifer Lynch
Knowing that this was published between seasons 1 and 2 of Twin Peaks tells me that Jennifer Lynch either knew about the backstory that would become Fire Walk With Me, or essentially created it herself with this book.
Knowing that this was published between seasons 1 and 2 of Twin Peaks tells me that Jennifer Lynch either knew about the backstory that would become Fire Walk With Me, or essentially created it herself with this book.
March 23, 2025 at 9:31 PM
Finished reading: The Secret Diary of Laura Palmer, by Jennifer Lynch
Knowing that this was published between seasons 1 and 2 of Twin Peaks tells me that Jennifer Lynch either knew about the backstory that would become Fire Walk With Me, or essentially created it herself with this book.
Knowing that this was published between seasons 1 and 2 of Twin Peaks tells me that Jennifer Lynch either knew about the backstory that would become Fire Walk With Me, or essentially created it herself with this book.
Student debt officially paid off.
March 21, 2025 at 8:04 PM
Student debt officially paid off.
This morning at the Blarney Irish Pub here in Toledo
March 17, 2025 at 12:26 PM
This morning at the Blarney Irish Pub here in Toledo
Passed my amateur ("ham") radio technician license exam today
March 15, 2025 at 11:49 PM
Passed my amateur ("ham") radio technician license exam today
Finished reading: The Coming Insurrection by the Invisible Committee
A radical analysis and set of strategies by French activists - a good counter to the political optimism of Piketty. Many incisive observations about modernity expressed in a captivating, articulate philosophical prose. Good read.
A radical analysis and set of strategies by French activists - a good counter to the political optimism of Piketty. Many incisive observations about modernity expressed in a captivating, articulate philosophical prose. Good read.
March 11, 2025 at 3:22 AM
Finished reading: The Coming Insurrection by the Invisible Committee
A radical analysis and set of strategies by French activists - a good counter to the political optimism of Piketty. Many incisive observations about modernity expressed in a captivating, articulate philosophical prose. Good read.
A radical analysis and set of strategies by French activists - a good counter to the political optimism of Piketty. Many incisive observations about modernity expressed in a captivating, articulate philosophical prose. Good read.
"In the velvet darkness
Of the blackest night
Burning bright
There's a guiding star
No matter what or who you are"
Of the blackest night
Burning bright
There's a guiding star
No matter what or who you are"
RASPUTINA - 02 Over at the Frankenstein Place
YouTube video by Dig it! Dusty Grooves
www.youtube.com
March 10, 2025 at 1:56 PM
"In the velvet darkness
Of the blackest night
Burning bright
There's a guiding star
No matter what or who you are"
Of the blackest night
Burning bright
There's a guiding star
No matter what or who you are"
Finished reading: Capital & Ideology: A Graphic Novel Adaptation by Claire Alet and Benjamin Adam (based on the book by Thomas Piketty)
Loved, loved, LOVED this exploration of economic & political ideas from the last few centuries as seen through the lens of several generations of a French family.
Loved, loved, LOVED this exploration of economic & political ideas from the last few centuries as seen through the lens of several generations of a French family.
March 8, 2025 at 6:13 PM
Finished reading: Capital & Ideology: A Graphic Novel Adaptation by Claire Alet and Benjamin Adam (based on the book by Thomas Piketty)
Loved, loved, LOVED this exploration of economic & political ideas from the last few centuries as seen through the lens of several generations of a French family.
Loved, loved, LOVED this exploration of economic & political ideas from the last few centuries as seen through the lens of several generations of a French family.
Finished reading: No One Knows, by Osamu Dazai
A collection of short stories by Dazai with women narrators. As always with Dazai, I like the realism and honesty of his characters, who are often quick to admit their flaws and acknowledge their failings in a way you rarely see in literature.
A collection of short stories by Dazai with women narrators. As always with Dazai, I like the realism and honesty of his characters, who are often quick to admit their flaws and acknowledge their failings in a way you rarely see in literature.
March 7, 2025 at 4:18 AM
Finished reading: No One Knows, by Osamu Dazai
A collection of short stories by Dazai with women narrators. As always with Dazai, I like the realism and honesty of his characters, who are often quick to admit their flaws and acknowledge their failings in a way you rarely see in literature.
A collection of short stories by Dazai with women narrators. As always with Dazai, I like the realism and honesty of his characters, who are often quick to admit their flaws and acknowledge their failings in a way you rarely see in literature.
Current mood
Dmitri Shostakovich - Waltz No. 2
YouTube video by The Wicked North
youtu.be
March 3, 2025 at 1:39 AM
Current mood
Watched The Substance tonight. Excellent body horror with poignant social commentary. A wonderful mix of Picture of Dorian Gray, Death Becomes Her, and some Carrie for good measure.
I agree with the reviews - one of the best films of recent years, up there with Everything Everywhere All At Once.
I agree with the reviews - one of the best films of recent years, up there with Everything Everywhere All At Once.
March 2, 2025 at 3:00 AM
Watched The Substance tonight. Excellent body horror with poignant social commentary. A wonderful mix of Picture of Dorian Gray, Death Becomes Her, and some Carrie for good measure.
I agree with the reviews - one of the best films of recent years, up there with Everything Everywhere All At Once.
I agree with the reviews - one of the best films of recent years, up there with Everything Everywhere All At Once.
Finished reading: Tears and Laughter by Khalil Gibran
Beautiful and healing poetry. I love the way Gibran thinks and speaks here, writing with celestial words fit for scripture yet perfect for the troubles of the modern world. It's also a fairly quick read at under 100 pages.
Beautiful and healing poetry. I love the way Gibran thinks and speaks here, writing with celestial words fit for scripture yet perfect for the troubles of the modern world. It's also a fairly quick read at under 100 pages.
March 1, 2025 at 8:03 PM
Finished reading: Tears and Laughter by Khalil Gibran
Beautiful and healing poetry. I love the way Gibran thinks and speaks here, writing with celestial words fit for scripture yet perfect for the troubles of the modern world. It's also a fairly quick read at under 100 pages.
Beautiful and healing poetry. I love the way Gibran thinks and speaks here, writing with celestial words fit for scripture yet perfect for the troubles of the modern world. It's also a fairly quick read at under 100 pages.
"...an independent audit commissioned by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio says Toledo Edison’s revenue should decrease by about $27 million, not increase by $8 million. The staff’s recommendation, if implemented, would reduce the average consumer’s electric bill by $5.17."
Utility regulator's staff recommends FirstEnergy rate decrease
COLUMBUS — Independent auditors are recommending a decrease in FirstEnergy’s electric distribution rates, saying the proposed rate increase filed by Toledo ...
www.toledoblade.com
March 1, 2025 at 2:39 AM
"...an independent audit commissioned by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio says Toledo Edison’s revenue should decrease by about $27 million, not increase by $8 million. The staff’s recommendation, if implemented, would reduce the average consumer’s electric bill by $5.17."
Finished reading: Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse, translated by Rika Lesser
The title character searches for true enlightenment, taking many different paths in life and coming up short (until the end). A short, compelling, and thought-provoking read for those of us who wrestle with existential dread.
The title character searches for true enlightenment, taking many different paths in life and coming up short (until the end). A short, compelling, and thought-provoking read for those of us who wrestle with existential dread.
February 23, 2025 at 11:37 PM
Finished reading: Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse, translated by Rika Lesser
The title character searches for true enlightenment, taking many different paths in life and coming up short (until the end). A short, compelling, and thought-provoking read for those of us who wrestle with existential dread.
The title character searches for true enlightenment, taking many different paths in life and coming up short (until the end). A short, compelling, and thought-provoking read for those of us who wrestle with existential dread.
Finished reading: Faust (Part I) by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, translated by Alice Raphael and illustrated by Eugene Delacroix
Finally reading the original story. I was inspired to read it after remembering that Spengler characterized "Western" society as Faustian in nature, which is so true.
Finally reading the original story. I was inspired to read it after remembering that Spengler characterized "Western" society as Faustian in nature, which is so true.
February 23, 2025 at 3:52 AM
Finished reading: Faust (Part I) by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, translated by Alice Raphael and illustrated by Eugene Delacroix
Finally reading the original story. I was inspired to read it after remembering that Spengler characterized "Western" society as Faustian in nature, which is so true.
Finally reading the original story. I was inspired to read it after remembering that Spengler characterized "Western" society as Faustian in nature, which is so true.