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Bad Infinity [5 minutes ago from web]

From First Thoughts

Thru Andrew, the latest attempt to supply the Twitter phenomenon (and Twitter, along the way) with meaning: As the physical world takes on more of the characteristics of a simulation, we seek reality in the simulated world. At least there we can be confident that the simulation is real. At least . . . . Continue Reading »

Of Energy and Optimism

From First Thoughts

As many friends of Pomocon have observed, the cult of optimism involves some pretty serious pathologies and distorting effects on individual and social life. But one way of thinking about optimism begins with the suggestion that the optimist’s basic concern is with energy. We will, says the . . . . Continue Reading »

The Trial of the Moment

From First Thoughts

There’s something uncanny about a lawsuit in which Woody Allen pillories the defendant as “sleazy” and “infantile,” prompting said defendant to argue “that it can’t have damaged his reputation by using his image because the film director has already ruined . . . . Continue Reading »

Varieties of Social Scruffiness

From First Thoughts

Peggy Noonan is speculatin’ : The baby boomers who for 40 years, from 1968 through 2008, did the grunt work of the great abundance—work was always a long-haul trip for them, they were the first in the office in 1975 and are the last to leave the office to this day—know the era they . . . . Continue Reading »

Affectation, Authenticity, Authority

From First Thoughts

Once, our own Jim Ceaser summoned forth an evocative dialogue between Con and Pomocon . The drama hinged on how compatible were the two concerning those Three A’s — affectation, authenticity, and authority. Though their subtle advances and defenses could never be mistaken for the likes . . . . Continue Reading »

Welcome (Back)

From First Thoughts

As any blogger can tell you, it’s good to be on hiatus — but it’s better to be back. Especially when being back means settling into new digs with the same crew. (You can, however, expect some new faces — or ‘voices’, in the parlance of our times.) Thanks to Jody . . . . Continue Reading »