Reading about reading
OK, it’s book meme time. I figured it would get around to me sooner or later, like the flu–and, sure enough, it has. The gracious and sagacious Dymphna of Gates of Vienna has passed me the baton, and who am … Continue reading →
neo
Reuters says “Yes, but…”
I know it’s tiresome to keep pointing this stuff out, but this was what met my eyes when I looked at my computer today, “US launches 2nd Iraq operation; 50 rebels dead.” Oh, that Reuters; oh, those “rebels”! Despite the … Continue reading →
PC medicine?
It’s a well-documented fact that Afro-Americans in this country suffer disproportionately from cardiovascular illness, and that when they do they are often less responsive to medication and other standard treatments. There have been many studies that attempt to determine why … Continue reading →
Where have all the flowers gone?
One of my readers, and Michael Totten, have called my attention to this interesting interview with the always witty, sometimes spot on, sometimes infuriating Christopher Hitchens (well, at least I can be thankful I’m not his brother). Hitchens was asked … Continue reading →
Neo-neocon’s handy guide to northern New Englanders
Here are some lesser-known facts about folks who live in New England. And by “New England,” I mean the part I know best, northern New England–that is, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Maine. Actually, I’m not so sure about Vermont … Continue reading →
Coming home: Vietnam (and other) vets
“Coming Home”–it was the title of a 1978 movie about returning Vietnam vets, starring (of all people, adding insult to injury) Jane Fonda. I saw it and don’t remember it very well, but I thought of it when I heard … Continue reading →
More from Radical Son
I’ve just finished Radical Son. Those who recommended it to me were correct; it’s a fascinating account of one of the biggest political “changers” of recent times. David Horowitz was way to the left of me in his “before” shot, … Continue reading →
Flag Day–long may it wave
I wrote the following on Memorial Day, but I thought I’d post it again today, since it seems even more appropriate for Flag Day. Flag Day is one of those lost holidays. It was easy to ignore even when I … Continue reading →
Niger and fistulas and hope
I don’t ordinarily read the Wall Street Journal. It’s one of the periodicals that isn’t available for free online, and I’ve never felt such a deep need to read it that it seemed worth the price to me. But I’m … Continue reading →
You’re next in line, Saudi Arabia: votes for women
When I was in second grade, my class gave an assembly presentation in which each of us read a little speech about some figure in US history, pretending to be that character. I was Susan B. Anthony. Although I no … Continue reading →
Gestating change
It’s been almost exactly a month since my most recent post in the “A mind is a difficult thing to change” series. Some of you may be wondering–well, where’s the next one? It seems these things are so intense to … Continue reading →
The Cats in the Fax
I seem to be on a roll with animal stories. And no, I’m not a fanatical PETA-type person. But even the Cat in the Hat had nothing on these Cats in the Fax when it comes to making serious mischief. … Continue reading →