A Classical-Music Philistine Experiences Richard Wagner’s Ring Cycle for the First Time
On listening to Wagner’s Ring Cycle for the first time as a classical-music amateur.
Pokémon Addiction Claims More Victims
A California court ruled that two LAPD police officers were justly fired for playing Pokémon Go on the job.
Lincoln the Constitutionalist
If Lincoln was giving up on the Constitution and on the spirit of compromise that undergirded it . . . well, why didn’t he?
Gates of Hell to Close?
The president of Turkmenistan wants to extinguish a long-burning natural-gas fire in the Karakum Desert that can be seen for miles in every direction.
It’s a Wonderful Festival, Too
The It’s a Wonderful Life Festival in Seneca Falls, N.Y. is a must for anyone interested in Frank Capra’s movie and its message.
George Bailey’s America
A visit to the almost–Bedford Falls and its wonderful festival.
Saruman the Demagogue
Saruman, the fallen wizard in Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, displays some remarkably modern vices for a high-fantasy novel written decades ago.
Another Important Task for the Secretary of State
Americans are still in Afghanistan. But Secretary of State Antony Blinken has a Spotify playlist.
CDC Confirms What We Already Knew: Obesity Makes Coronavirus Worse
The CDC confirms: Generally speaking, for kids — and really, for everyone — Covid is worse for the obese.
More Misplaced Big-City Priorities
In the face of the first snowfall of 2022, D.C. has done basically nothing. But its Covid restrictions will be vigorously enforced.