File under “things we don’t understand”: Astronomers have discovered an entirely new ring system within the solar system, and it’s located at such a great distance from its dwarf planet parent that it should be impossible. The ring surrounds Quaoar, … Continue reading →
At 94. That’s a pretty good run. My favorite Bachrach songs were the rhythmically-interesting ones he made for Dionne Warwick, who tossed them off with her characteristic light touch:
Continue reading →Sam Smith went Satanic at the Grammys. But that’s probably not going to shock most people’s actual Grammy and Grampy: I regret to inform you that singing in a devil costume may not have the intended shock value on your … Continue reading →
[NOTE: First published here in June of 2006.] I try to do about three miles of brisk walking every day for exercise. On rainy or snowy days, I’m off to the gym and its treadmill, which feels like–well, like being … Continue reading →
This is what he had to say: I think you’re gonna find there’s nothing there. I have no regrets. I’m following what the lawyers have told me they want me to do. That’s exactly what we’re doing. There’s no there … Continue reading →
[NOTE: This is a slightly edited version of a previous post.] This is the seventh night of Chanukah, and I wish everyone a happy one. Chanukah is about a successful revolt and a miracle of light: The miracle of the … Continue reading →
I once read that people either love Bob Dylan or hate him (kind of like pecan pie, only different). If that really is a Bob Dylan rule, then I’m an exception to it because I kind of like him, or … Continue reading →
Phil Ochs was a singer/songwriter, and a leftist of the old sort. Later in his career, he was plagued by mental illness and had a tragic end. But what a beautiful and distinctive voice he had, instantly recognizable. Some of … Continue reading →
When I was a child of around ten, one semi-bored day I came across the light-verse poem “Evolution” in a book on a shelf in my house. Even at the age of ten it amused me and also moved me, … Continue reading →
Country singer Loretta Lynn has died at 90: Just about all the obituaries have the words “coal miner’s daughter” in the headline or prominent in the body of the text, and that’s my impulse, too. Not only was it the … Continue reading →
Being an Everly Brothers fan even as a child and seeing these two names – Felice and Boudleaux Bryant – on so many of their songs, I wondered about them for a long time. Who were they? It’s quite a … Continue reading →
Which reminds me of this, by Tom Lehrer:
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