My granddaughter Violet in a pumpkin patch in Maryland. I’m very excited about her first Halloween, since that holiday is very important to me, but I’m going to miss it. As I write this, it’s already Halloween night in Kowloon, China. I’m getting on a plane soon; by the time I land in L.A., it’ll [...]
It’s “Thriller” Time!
Halloween’s coming up and I’m out of the country. But, I’m with you in spirit, so here are two timely videos for the season. Shades of Petra Haden, François Macré performs the Michael Jackson classic “Thriller” a capella on 64 tracks. The crazy story behind the Filipino prisoners re-enacting the music video “Thriller” make this [...]
A matter of tone
Well, I’m kinda on a political roll… What can I tell you? At least I’m posting, right? I’ve never said anything about Keith Olbermann and his program Countdown. I was a fan of his old program The Big Show and found him to be a witty and erudite host. So I enjoyed Countdown and found [...]
Palin Cops Out
Like a lot of you, I’ve been following the political skits on SNL (see previous comments here). And so I was quite interested in Sarah Palin’s appearance this past weekend; it’s not often that the subject of political satire chooses to participate. Once can think of John McCain’s appearance on SNL back in 2002, but [...]
Do not worship false dichotomies
I’ve mentioned many times before of my keen interest in the culture wars (e.g. see here). But something has changed. For example, in the Fifties, the lines were clear. Rock ‘n’ roll was the devil’s music and a tool of anti-American forces. Patti Page and Perry Como were on the side of goodness and patriotism. [...]
What are expectations after an Obama win?
You may recall this post from three months ago, which concerned someone unexpectedly performing “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing” to the tune of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” in place of a tradition version of the National Anthem. In light of this more recent news from Virginia (via Matt Yglesias), it’s good to revisit the issue. Bobby [...]
Debate Coverage via The West Wing
Tonight is the VP debate. Those of us who have been big fans of the hilarity that has been the Sarah Palin Media Tour are longing for more of the same. Unfortunately, I think we’re unlikely to get it. Footage of her 2006 debates in the Alaska gubernatorial race has emerged and she was sharp. [...]