It's World Teachers Day: who changed your life?
It’s World Teachers Day. And I’m a little distressed by how little mention I have seen of it flying around on my Facebook feed. But then, what do I expect? Once upon a time we celebrated teachers for their wisdom and commitment to making their communities better places. Now, in addition, we celebrate them for their superhuman perseverance in the
Read moreChelsea Clinton and "anecdotal evidence"
The once and future first daughter’s bout of reefer madness notwithstanding, please remember: “anecdotal evidence” is another way of saying “no evidence”… Chelsea Clinton, who has been out on the stump a bit lately “helping” her mother’s campaign, recently dove face first into the muck by saying that pot can be fatal. “…we also have anecdotal evidence now from Colorado
Read moreIt's official: Tom Brady just isn't that good a quarterback
No, Pats fans, Tom Terrific doesn’t belong in the Hall of Fame. Not unless he’s sweeping up. For years we Denver Broncos fans, who feel like former superstar running back Terrell Davis belongs in the NFL Hall of Fame, have heard a variety of arguments against his candidacy. One that has always struck me goes like this. Yes, Davis gained
Read moreHappy Equinox: Highway 119, Gilpin County CO
Democracy in America: a bad idea
It’s now clear that democracy, as practiced in an anti-intellectual society like ours, doesn’t work. Let’s give elitism (properly understood) a try. Many of you probably read Andrew Sullivan’s New York Magazine piece back in April. If not, you should do so as soon as possible – it’s among the most important and insightful political essays we have seen in a generation and
Read moreMonorail to the Future: reasserting the American Dream for #HopeTuesday
With the 1962 World’s Fair, Seattle asserted itself as the city that invented the future. Seattle Center, home to the Space Needle, Key Arena, the Pacific Science Center and other Jetsonesque architectural wonders, gave us a stunning Mid-Century Modern vision of our presumed technotopian future. In 2000 the EMP Museum opened, inserting a postmodern generational overlay in the form of Frank Gehry’s gripping postmodern
Read moreMe, Albee and the Butterfly Effect: Scholars & Rogues Honors
An icon of the American theatre, Edward Albee, died this week. Scholars & Rogues honors him and notes the small ways that the influence of great artists can affect our lives for years to come. We read The Zoo Story in one of my classes at Wake Forest – maybe freshman or sophomore year. I absolutely loved it. I think Jerry
Read moreHappy Birthday to Jeffrey Dean Foster (Saturday Video Roundup)
We live in an era, sadly, where all too often our greatest talents never find the sort of broad audience their genius deserves. Once upon a time, back in the age of mass media and record labels committed to artist development, back before the Internet nichified music almost to death, back then Jeffrey Dean Foster would have been a massive star.
Read moreExamining a cynical, fake-patriotic Facebook meme
Instead of making yourself a tool for those whose agendas run counter to the best interests of the nation that flag represents, how about stepping back and asking who’s playing you, and why? This meme came across my Facebook feed earlier today. Obviously somebody has an issue with Colin Kaepernick (and other black athletes) protesting injustice in America by refusing
Read moreWhy are Alaskan Malamutes on my new apartment’s restricted breed list?
Malamutes are about the least dangerous breed I can think of. ‘Splain to me something, doggie people. My new apartment has a list of restricted breeds. Here it is: Pit Bull Terriers/Staffordshire Terriers Rottweilers Doberman Pinschers Chows Presa Canarios Akitas Alaskan Malamutes Wolf Hybrids I’m not going to get into a defense of these breeds, not am I going to
Read moreNCAA decision on HB2: hey NC, stupid and hateful ain't cheap
At some point the North Carolina legislature is going to capitulate on its “bathroom” law. Will the NCAA’s latest move be the tipping point? Much has been written and said about NC’s discriminatory “bathroom” law. And now even more is going to be written and said, thanks to the NCAA’s decision to yank seven college sports championship events from the
Read moreDid ANYBODY in the Libertarian Party graduate from high school?
The GOP and the Dems don’t have the market on staggering stupidity cornered. Check out the Libertarians. Jesus Pole-dancing Christ. How are you not prepared for a question you know is coming? You might remember earlier this week when Libertarian candidate for Leader of the Free World® Gary Johnson didn’t know what “Aleppo” was. “What is Aleppo?” Mr. Johnson said when asked on
Read moreBonnie Brae Neon: Denver CO
I took a little trip down to the Bonnie Brae neighborhood recently to photograph some neon signs. Because I love Denver and I love neon.
Read moreShaun King is right. White America doesn’t approve of ANY form of black protest.
If you have an issue with what Colin Kaepernick is saying and doing, you’re defending racism and police brutality. Period. Shaun King has a pointed question for all of you Colin Kaepernick critics: which form of protest do you actually prefer? It’s such a great question because when you think back on it, there has never been a black protest that America’s “reasonable” and
Read more
lullaby pit 