I’ve been doing some research about George Gershwin (this is an especially wonderful biography), and I’ve been surprised to learn that, in addition to his formidable musical talent, Gershwin was a major collector of modern art and a credible painter … Continue reading →
I thought you might like to read some quotes from philosopher of science Karl Popper: You can choose whatever name you like for the two types of government. I personally call the type of government which can be removed without … Continue reading →
I happened to catch about fifteen minutes of NJ Governor Christie’s address to the American Enterprise Institute this afternoon. I haven’t seen any articles reporting on it yet, just advance notice such as this, saying that the title of his … Continue reading →
Stephen F. Hayes calls Marco Rubio “the most important freshman senator” in this Weekly Standard article. Rubio not only won handily in Florida, he also gave a great and widely-admired acceptance speech. He’s one of the rising stars of the … Continue reading →
Did Michelle Obama really tell Carla Bruni that being First Lady is hell, and that she can’t stand it? Who knows? It makes a big splash, though, and that’s what Bruni is all about. But just in case it’s true, … Continue reading →
The late, great British dancer Stanley Holden was a dance teacher of mine. One doesn’t ordinarily think of comedy in connection with ballet dancers, but Holden was a master of it, best known for originating the en travesti character Widow … Continue reading →
Robert Byrd of West Virginia has died at the age of 92. Most of the articles about his death point out two of his most salient characteristics: he was the longest-serving senator in American history, and in his early days … Continue reading →
The recent news that the federal government is planning to mount a legal challenge to the state of Arizona’s new immigration law is just another outrage in a long series of outrages by the Obama administration. Even though the state … Continue reading →
Some of you may recall a post I wrote in 2005 about Clive Wearing, the man with such profound memory loss that he lived in a single repeating and ever-changing present moment disconnected from those that had gone before. To … Continue reading →
It’s so refreshing to hear this guy speak: Christie has a quality rare in politicians, that of a smart guy telling the truth and speaking from the heart. It’s a quality many thought they saw in Barack Obama, but from … Continue reading →
Now that Al and Tipper have split, the inevitable rumor of an affair is going round. But the most interesting thing to me is not the possibility of Al’s cheating. I’ve learned that a person who ends a long-term marriage … Continue reading →
He’s pretty sure you do. This article from NY Magazine makes it clear that Madoff’s arrogance remains undiminished, even (or perhaps especially) in prison. It contains some fascinating nuggets, such as a purported conversation between Madoff and convicted spy for … Continue reading →