Etcetera

Birth and Death

1. Yesterday was JOHN PRESNALL’s birthday! 2. And today I said more stuff about DEATH , always a popular subject. . . . . Continue Reading »

18 Jul 2011

1. So welcome back JWC! Everything you say about the admirable uniqueness of the TEA PARTY movement is right. I just don’t know how popular it is, finally. The most prudent of Americans regard the necessary entitlement cuts—including inevitable big cuts in Social Security and . . . . Continue Reading »

17 Jul 2011

Blaming it all on the Tea Party

by James Ceaser

I am reemerging from the depths and am posting a blog done last night for Commentary (with John York). Blaming It All On the Tea Party James W. Ceaser and John York 07.15.2011 - 5:30 PM With the breakdown of negotiations on a so-called grand bargain on the debt limit demanded by President Obama, . . . . Continue Reading »

16 Jul 2011

The Last FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

by Peter Lawler

1. Was all about the primacy of family—both natural families and those formed by necessity and circumstances. 2. Was very hard on Dillon—the small town, the place. The evil oligarchs who really run the town decided to consolidate the two football teams (of the two high schools) into one . . . . Continue Reading »

16 Jul 2011

Bachmann Studies: Palin Shots and Preparation

by Pete Spiliakos

I’ve been away, 1. How come this hasn’t gotten more play? In an interview where Palin was asked who she would support for President she said: You know, if there are those who are out there willing to serve, with good executive experience, who have that servant’s heart . . . . Continue Reading »

15 Jul 2011

Death and Debt

by Peter Lawler

David Brooks has a very thoughtful column on the fact that a lot of soaring health care costs have to do using all means available to keep very sick people alive just a little bit longer. Following Daniel Callahan, Brooks notices that the progress toward indefinite longevity encouraged particularly . . . . Continue Reading »

15 Jul 2011

TV and ME

by Peter Lawler

Inspired by John below, here are some shows I like. If I had more time, I would add COMMUNITY and PARENTHOOD. I do finally talk about FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS, suggesting that it’s both an affirmation of and criticism of PORCHERISM. . . . . Continue Reading »

15 Jul 2011

Community on Television

by John Presnall

So we should talk about important things. One of these important things has to do with the television show Community not receiving any Emmy nominations. Here is a show about a diverse group of students nay friends who make their way through Spanish and anthropology courses in terms of relying on . . . . Continue Reading »

15 Jul 2011

I’m Coming Virginia

by Carl Scott

This last year I’ve been living in upstate New York, and the people have been great. Delightful students at Skidmore College, for one. But now, largely thanks to Lucas Morel , author of one of our better books on Lincoln, I’m returning to what’s become my home away from home, the . . . . Continue Reading »

14 Jul 2011