Monthly Archives: November 2006

JOURNALISTS AND SOURCE-GREASERS

Posted on November 30, 2006 by Philip

JOURNALISTS AND SOURCE-GREASERS. I had not seen in discussions of journalistic ethics any acknowledgment of the conflict of interest inherent in the use of anonymous sources. It certainly does not seem to be a major worry for journalists. But the … Continue reading →

Posted in Journalism | 5 Comments

THE STARS AFFECT US IN THEIR BIRTHS

Posted on November 29, 2006 by Philip

THE STARS AFFECT US IN THEIR BIRTHS. I began this blog with a remarkable article which pointed out that the radiation from the Big Bang still affects our radio reception. Now this study says that life on Earth has been … Continue reading →

Posted in Science | Leave a comment

UNFASHIONABLE VIEWS ON DRUG PRICES AND THE PUBLIC GOOD

Posted on November 28, 2006 by Philip

UNFASHIONABLE VIEWS ON DRUG PRICES AND THE PUBLIC GOOD. My first postings have taken strong stands against corruption and political assassination. Now I reveal some unfashionable views. I am for personal reasons very much in favor of the traditional patent … Continue reading →

Posted in Economics | 1 Comment

CONTEMPT FOR THE BOURGEOIS

Posted on November 27, 2006 by Philip

CONTEMPT FOR THE BOURGEOIS. When I was first retired, I asked a friend who had been retired—and therefore reading—for several years to recommend one book. He very enthusiastically said, “THE SPORTSWRITER. Read THE SPORTSWRITER.” I loved THE SPORTSWRITER. Richard Ford’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Literature | 1 Comment

WHAT IS A DIPLOMATIC INCIDENT?

Posted on November 26, 2006 by Philip

WHAT IS A DIPLOMATIC INCIDENT? An attempt at linking. Yesterday’s New York Times carried an article on the poisoning of the Russian dissident which contained the sentence: “All the while, diplomats scurried to prevent the case from becoming an international … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics | 6 Comments

HOT STOVE LEAGUE–FREE AGENTS

Posted on November 25, 2006 by Philip

HOT STOVE LEAGUE—FREE AGENTS. I should note that after I said yesterday that the Bulls were unusually unbalanced toward defense, they went out and lost to Philadelphia, 123 to 108. Well, Charles Barkley also thinks they’re unbalanced toward defense. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Sports | Leave a comment

BASKETBALL–HOW IMPORTANT IS DEFENSE?

Posted on November 24, 2006 by Philip

BASKETBALL—HOW IMPORTANT IS DEFENSE?. The Bulls are running an experiment this year which should provide data on what for me is one of the great questions in basketball. The question is: Why don’t basketball journalists and fans give equal weight … Continue reading →

Posted in Basketball, Sports | 2 Comments

THANKSGIVING

Posted on November 23, 2006 by Philip

THANKSGIVING. I had the good fortune to know retired General John Lawlor. Years ago, after a local Memorial Day celebration, celebrated on the village green, I asked him what book I should read to find out more about World War … Continue reading →

Posted in History | 8 Comments

RESTAURANT CRITICS AND THEATER CRITICS

Posted on November 22, 2006 by Philip

RESTAURANT CRITICS AND THEATER CRITICS. Yesterday, I quoted a theater critic criticizing LES MISERABLES because he got bored with the turntable that was changing the scenery. He also proudly announced that he had never gone to see the show in … Continue reading →

Posted in Theater | 1 Comment

THEATER CRITICS

Posted on November 21, 2006 by Philip

THEATER CRITICS. One of my hobby horses is that theater critics, especially in New York, too often fail to allow for the imagination that a theater audience must use. Thus, John Simon always insisted that if the script said that … Continue reading →

Posted in Theater | 1 Comment