Quite a few people here have recommended reading this piece by University of Pennsylvania professor Randall Collins on the psychology of rampage killers. Written before the Newtown murders, it says a lot that seems correct in describing the inner life … Continue reading →
[NOTE: I’ve decided to every now and then republish an old post, especially one involving the arts rather than politics. Here’s one that first appeared in August of 2008.] You may recall my disastrous efforts to learn to tango, chronicled … Continue reading →
Yikes.
Continue reading →You know, the one about the Jewish mother and the ties? It goes like this: a Jewish mother gives her son two ties for his birthday. He goes upstairs, gets dressed, puts one on, and comes down, beaming, to show … Continue reading →
So folks, is it “while away the time” or “wile away the time”? I had to look it up, and when I did I was surprised to find that although both are used, the more proper spelling is “while” (even … Continue reading →
I’ve never understood the point of gun-free zones, and of advertising them too. What are they other than an invitation to a shooter to take aim at a bunch of sitting ducks—or in the case of children, sitting ducklings? I’m … Continue reading →
Enough of this sorrow and pain—now for something completely different, something for the holidays. Those of you who’ve read this blog for a long time are probably familiar with the following old family recipe, which I’ve posted here before. But … Continue reading →
At Sandy Hook Elementary, did actions such as those of Mary Ann Jacob prevent even more deaths from occurring? Within seconds, a school secretary warned [library clerk] Jacob there was a killing machine in their midst. Then she heard the … Continue reading →
…that we’ve reached a turning point? Even though the shortest day of the year isn’t for almost another week, sunset is already getting later. Good.
Continue reading →When I was a kid I was fascinated by Isadora Duncan. What was her dancing really like? How could simple movements entrance an audience so, all around the world? There are no movies of her (despite a YouTube few seconds … Continue reading →
Recently commenter “Christopher” recommended this 2004 article by the Claremont Institute. It’s about allegations that the GOP purposely appeals to racism, and that racism is somehow inherent in conservatism. Well worth reading.
Continue reading →As could be very reliably predicted, the forces of gun control have now fastened on the Newtown school shooting and bent it to their purpose, despite the fact that the details as we know them so far argue against it. … Continue reading →