"’American’ is less a nationality than a diagnosis." – Ludwig Bemelmans Bumper sticker: IF YOU LIKE CHENEY SO MUCH, GO HUNTING WITH HIM! A Letter Dear "Bird Is the Word," Rock music no longer rocks. At best, it slightly rolls. "Indie rock" should be known as "Indie roll." J. R. Did you see the cloud […]
Citizen Journalists Discuss Press Freedom at UN
Representatives from international blogs and journalism groups gathered today at United Nations headquarters in New York City to participate in a public panel discussion on freedom of expression. The US State Department organized the event to mark the 17th annual World Press Freedom Day, and invited speakers included the NY Director of Reporters Without Borders, […]
Heard by a Bird
"High school is just college for virgins." – Booth Tarkington Did you see the cloud shaped like gold bullion over Allaben last Wednesday? My friends are listening to the Prog-ballet band Swimming In Threes. A Letter Dear Sparrow: The biggest obstacle to human progress is the phrase "No Problem." People wear it on T-shirts, and […]
Heard by a Bird
"I became a novelist because I hated the smell of paint." – Herman Wouk Did you see the cloud shaped like a truncated dodecahedron over Shandaken last Wednesday? Bumper sticker: I WILL MAKE PEACE MY WAR AND I SHALL FIGHT IT A Letter Dear Sparrow: Yesterday I explained to my son: "You used to see […]
Cook Inlet Beluga Needs Your Help
The Cook Inlet is a place in Anchorage Alaska. That’s not what this story is about. There are some beluga whales in that inlet that are on its way to becoming endangered. And you could help get the Cook Inlet beluga on the endangered species list by writing a letter to the Bush Administration supporting […]
Another Boring Budget Cycle
Everyone likes to complain about taxes. It is one of the great underrated spectator sports. But few people do anything about taxes. Very, very few people take the time to study a budget. Budgets are dull, confusing and require a couple of hours to understand. Those who read a budget figure out pretty quickly that there is not much discretionary […]