Elia Kazan was a great director, especially according to many of the actors who worked with him and from whom he coaxed (or tricked, or bullied, or squeezed) their best performances. But he was an exceptionally polarizing figure in Hollywood … Continue reading →
The behavior of Brandeis’ administration in withdrawing its honorary degree invitation from Hirsi Ali has drawn a great many accusations of cowardice. The word “craven” (which I used yesterday) comes to mind, and not just to my mind. Witness Bill … Continue reading →
A nugget of Obama wisdom today on Russia [emphasis mine]: Russia is a regional power that is threatening some of its immediate neighbors, not out of strength but out of weakness,” Obama asserted, as though he was talking about the … Continue reading →
The results: Fireworks exploded and Russian flags fluttered above jubilant crowds Sunday after residents in Crimea voted overwhelmingly to secede from Ukraine and join Russia. The United States and Europe condemned the ballot as illegal and destabilizing and were expected … Continue reading →
What a sad and terrifying story of another political changer: Dmitri Volkogonov. Ultimately it’s also a story of great courage and integrity, although that courage and integrity came late in the game: Volkogonov entered the military at the age of … Continue reading →
This exactly coincides with my own opinion about the main motive behind Obama’s desire to drastically slash the military: Limiting the power his successors can wield is, for Obama, not just an unalloyed good idea but an imperative. Call it … Continue reading →
Reading the administration’s announcements about how many people have signed up for Obamacare so far*, I realize that not only do I not trust the figures to tell the whole story, but I don’t trust them to have any relation … Continue reading →
In a controversial letter published in the WSJ today, Tom Perkins compares the war on the 1% to the escalation of hate propaganda in Germany that led to Kristallnacht: I perceive a rising tide of hatred of the successful one … Continue reading →
Commenter “Ymarsakar” made an interesting observation two days ago. The subject: When the world declares Jews, Republicans, and whites to be non humans that need to be exterminated to get rid of a threat to humanity, most people will Obey. … Continue reading →
Last night by chance I came across the story of the French village of Le Chambon during WWII. I’d never heard it before, but it’s one of the most fascinating stories of rescuers during the Holocaust. I’ve written about rescuers … Continue reading →
With its usual respect for details and logic (which means, “very little”), the New York Times says Edward Snowden should be given clemency and allowed back into the country. The title of the editorial, “Edward Snowden, Whistle-Blower,” sets the tone … Continue reading →
We all know those Roman aqueducts, the arched wonders of the ancient world. But did you ever wonder what happened afterward, on the way to Rome (where all roads led, as well)? For example, I had not known until I … Continue reading →