You wouldn’t think it would be controversial to praise Western Civilization. Even among liberals. After all, liberalism itself, and the principles of liberty, protection of the underdog, celebration of diversity, the scientific method, and a host of other things that … Continue reading →
[BUMPED UP: scroll down for today’s new posts.] Actually, today is the real Fourth of July. The holiday has two names: Independence Day and Fourth of July. The latter designates a specific date for the occasion, which keeps it from … Continue reading →
[NOTE: This is a repeat of a previous post. It was written in the springtime quite few years ago, during a visit to New York.] I’ve been visiting New York City, the place where I grew up. I decide to … Continue reading →
I spend a lot of time on computers and I’ve developed many pet peeves about them. One concerns a phenomenon that’s grown more and more frequent over time: the stupendously annoying coercive forced-choice. It is presented by the pop-up window … Continue reading →
For the last decade or more, when I fly cross-country I’ve flown Jet Blue almost exclusively. I’ve nearly always had an excellent experience with it: comfortable seats, efficient service, and a tremendous on-time record. But on a recent trip to … Continue reading →
[NOTE: The following is a re-edited and updated version of a post that has appeared previously on this blog.] Unbelievable that it’s been eight years since commenter FredHJr died suddenly and tragically. As time passes, the number of readers here … Continue reading →
I recently was on a trip to Fort Bragg, California, as part of a visit to friends and family in that state. “Fort Bragg” doesn’t sound like a lovely spot, unless you’re fond of ammunition. But the town long ago … Continue reading →
An update is supposed to make things better, right? But it seems to me that a great many of them (you can’t predict which ones—or at least I can’t) will throw a monkey wrench into the works instead. After several … Continue reading →
As I get older, I have lost more and more people I love and care about to cancer—one of them very very recently. Others I’m very close to have had the disease and are (knock wood) okay so far. Anyone … Continue reading →
Seven percent of American adults believe chocolate milk comes from brown cows, according to an online survey commissioned by the Innovation Center of U.S. Dairy. I’m not sure whether I’m more surprised that the number is so low, that it … Continue reading →
No, the new theme for the blog is nowhere near ready. But in response to all your comments on the previous thread on this topic, I wanted to announce that: (1) I can’t stand nested comments either. They make a … Continue reading →
Tiger Woods is facing a new scandal: a DUI charge based on the fact that he was found passed out on the side of the road with his lights on, and was somewhat disoriented. He has claimed that the problem … Continue reading →