Monthly Archives: August 2004

Uncertain Principles has a good analysis of why the U.S. basketball team is such an underachiever in the Olympics. How can this be, when the other Americans are such overachievers? Who would have thought that Meb Keflezighi (rhymes with “Officer … Continue reading →

Erin O’Connor posted recently about a college that requires its teachers to grade “effort” in the first two years. Commenters quickly voiced their concern about eroding standards in college. Even a couple of Harvard grads pointed out that the best … Continue reading →

This post completes the series inspired by the conservative poll I took the other day. The “poll” asked if I’d like my taxes to stay the same, or if possible be reduced, and my answer was no. Actually, I wouldn’t … Continue reading →

The right to bear arms is one of the more curious provisions of the U.S. Constitution. Why, in heaven’s name, should people in a civilized country have such a right? I’m no historian, but the impression I have is that … Continue reading →

I’m at the point of near paralysis right now because I’m an Olympics junkie. It’s not as bad as it could be — I’m not a “real” blogger, one of those folks who is so connected that they know the … Continue reading →

Yesterday, my kids had their first day at school. Last night, I had mine. Yes, it was the obligatory parents’ introduction to school, where dozens of well-meaning teachers each personally must tell you in great detail the efforts they’re going … Continue reading →

I don’t get paid for this blog. Even Matt Welch barely makes any money from his blog. I know John Scalzi has managed to get a paying blog gig, but he still keeps a much better “free” personal blog as … Continue reading →

When I first started Wordmunger.com a few years ago as a satire Web site, I was surprised to find the most clicked-on story was my own biography. Who cares, I thought to myself — isn’t this site supposed to be … Continue reading →

Over at Critical Mass, they’re discussing “diversity” in higher education. Why is it “okay” to have a women’s college but not a white men’s college? I’ve never quite understood the reasoning behind segregating by gender, race, or anything else in … Continue reading →

The ad on the left has been choking the New York Times Web site for months now, which can only mean one thing: it must be effective. I’m still trying to figure out why. What is it supposed to mean? … Continue reading →

Mephitic is a blog that defies description. Just check it out. For your reading pleasure, I will attempt to duplicate this guy’s writing style, but apply it to my life. My feet are cold but my underarms are sweaty. Damn … Continue reading →